Seize The Day Blog

Health & Wellness Articles & Recipes

Epilepsy Insight #21: Indigestion

 

Despite popular belief, I’m happy to inform you that it is possible to find stomach relief without any chemicals or antacids. Check out the video below to learn more about an all natural solution to indigestion that naturally breaks down blockages in your intestines causing constipation. I am a huge fan of this solution because it prevents toxins from accumulating in the human body.

Toxins are notorious for causing and contributing to seizure activity. We live in a world where we are exposed to toxins on a daily basis just from the air we breathe. I like doing what I can to further the removal of these toxins rather than the accumulation. In the scheme of things, an issue such as indigestion might seem minuscule when discussing seizure triggers. However, sometimes it’s the little things that have the biggest impact because, over time, their effects can be more influential than you realize.

 

 

Medical Disclaimer:

The information posted on Seize the Day Blog, including but not limited to, articles, images, recipes, text, and other material are shared for informational purposes only. None of the writings should be looked upon as advice meant to replace that of an actual medical professional. If you suspect you have a serious medical condition you should seek help from a healthcare professional immediately. Please be aware that the author of this website is posting information simply to inform NOT to recommend others about health-related topics. Before following any information (i.e. undertaking a new healthcare or diet routine) found here on Seize the Day Blog, you should always consult a medical professional first. Please be sure to never disregard any medicinal advice because of something you have read on this website.

Epilepsy Insight #20: Sulphur Deficiency

 

Did you know that convulsions are one of the first symptoms of a sulphur deficiency?

Doctors in any field of modern medicine rarely share this piece of information with their patients. I am still yet to meet a neurologist who even considers mineral deficiencies worth discussing as a potential contributing factor toward my seizure activity. I find this subject to be important because for the longest time I simply went along with the recommendations of my doctor. I’d take this medication or that medication and when I went in for my follow-up appointment still struggling with seizure activity the only option was to change medications. It wasn’t until a few years after my diagnosis with epilepsy that I realized there are other options besides medication. It is thanks to this realization that I discovered my own sulphur deficiency. Yet another piece to the puzzle that is leading me to understand exactly why I’m having these seizures and how to fix them. I’ve made this Epilepsy Insight because you have the right to know if you can be doing more to prevent your own seizure activity…starting with sulphur.

 

 

 

 

Medical Disclaimer:

The information posted on Seize the Day Blog, including but not limited to, articles, images, recipes, text, and other material are shared for informational purposes only. None of the writings should be looked upon as advice meant to replace that of an actual medical professional. If you suspect you have a serious medical condition you should seek help from a healthcare professional immediately. Please be aware that the author of this website is posting information simply to inform NOT to recommend others about health-related topics. Before following any information (i.e. undertaking a new healthcare or diet routine) found here on Seize the Day Blog, you should always consult a medical professional first. Please be sure to never disregard any medicinal advice because of something you have read on this website.

Epilepsy Insight #19: Staying Active & Your Seizures

 

This may seems like a pretty obvious tip since staying active is already labeled as healthy. However, it is so much more than that when my seizure activity is also taken into consideration. When I maintain an active lifestyle not only do I notice a huge improvement in how my body feels overall, but I have noticed over the years that my seizure activity seems to decrease as well. I feel stronger and healthier in more ways than one! Even if it’s simply a walk around the block with my pups, the sunshine and fresh air alone are enough to improve my day. It has been my own experience that taking time out of my day for even the simplest form of exercise is always a good idea!

 

 

Medical Disclaimer:

The information posted on Seize the Day Blog, including but not limited to, articles, images, recipes, text, and other material are shared for informational purposes only. None of the writings should be looked upon as advice meant to replace that of an actual medical professional. If you suspect you have a serious medical condition you should seek help from a healthcare professional immediately. Please be aware that the author of this website is posting information simply to inform NOT to recommend others about health-related topics. Before following any information (i.e. undertaking a new healthcare or diet routine) found here on Seize the Day Blog, you should always consult a medical professional first. Please be sure to never disregard any medicinal advice because of something you have read on this website.

 

Epilepsy Insight #16: Nutrient Power by William J. Walsh PhD

 

Nutrient Power by William J. Walsh is exactly what I wished I had access to back in 2009 when I was first diagnosed with epilepsy! Can you believe that twelve years ago not a single search engine could produce an article on the subject??? The only results were medical articles that contained keywords such as epilepsy, hormones, imbalance, menstrual cycle, etc. Many of these only discussed the general subject of epilepsy rather than the particular subject of Catamenial Epilepsy. Every once in a while we found one that seemed promising however it was always restricted to university libraries. Even if we found some information possibly related to Catamenial Epilepsy we could go no further than the synopsis and those aren’t exactly known for containing mind-blowing research. 

Thankfully, times have changed in short of amount of time and information on Catamenial Epilepsy is now readily available. So why Nutrient Power?? Well, Walsh discusses a concept that modern medicine refuses to acknowledge as relevant or true…it is the idea that every human bodily function is intertwined or connected with the other. More specifically, one function directly affects another function. Too often, we are told that two health issues in two separate parts of the body are limited to only the area where they are occurring.

As the patient, it is difficult to think about the possibility of more than one problem existing inside of your body. The truth is that these discoveries do not hinder your ability to function, they are the fuel to your fire of understanding your whole body so that you can truly find healing. I like to say that where health is concerned, ignorance is never bliss. If you are going to form your plan for recovery, I have found it is best to fist understand exactly which areas need my attention the most. 

You are unique, your case of epilepsy is filled with a blend of symptoms that only you can claim. As much as doctors like to make each epileptic seem like the same case of epilepsy, it just isn’t true. Believe it or not, you know better than your neurologist exactly what your first step needs to be on your journey toward healing because you know your body better. 

Nutrient Power has been so amazing for me because it opened my eyes to symptoms that I had previously disregarded. I wasn’t trying to picky about the symptoms I focused on, but when you’re having seizures the simpler symptoms naturally fade to the background of my mind. A good example is white spots on my finger nails. Truthfully, I hadn’t even realized this should be considered as a symptom because I had always assumed this was a consequence of scuffing my nails throughout the day without realizing it. Nope. This is actually a sign of zinc deficiency. Did you know that a zinc deficiency can lead to the manifestation of epileptic seizures??? 

It is such a small detail in the scheme of things, yet it reveals the presence of a problem in your body that can lead to a life altering disease. Could this be one of the reasons behind my own case of epilepsy?? I cannot yet answer this question, but I have added zinc to the list of supplements I am currently incorporating into my daily regimen. What I’m trying to say is, do not be so quick as I was to write off the small details because you never know when those “small” details might reveal to you an area that needs some treatment.

I began Nutrient Power at the recommendation of a friend and I am more aware of my current condition because of it. I recommend reading it with a highlighter and some sticky notes just in case you might want to save those extra special pieces of info for later. Happy Reading!  

Check out my epilepsy insight below for more details on my personal experience with Nutrient Power…

Also, click any of the “Nutrient Power” links in this article to purchase the book for yourself!

 

Medical Disclaimer:

The information posted on Seize the Day Blog, including but not limited to, articles, images, recipes, text, and other material are shared for informational purposes only. None of the writings should be looked upon as advice meant to replace that of an actual medical professional. If you suspect you have a serious medical condition you should seek help from a healthcare professional immediately. Please be aware that the author of this website is posting information simply to inform NOT to recommend others about health-related topics. Before following any information (i.e. undertaking a new healthcare or diet routine) found here on Seize the Day Blog, you should always consult a medical professional first. Please be sure to never disregard any medicinal advice because of something you have read on this website.

*Attention Readers*:

This video is not intended to be a type of promotional content for the Cereset Corporation. I have no connection with Cereset except for my own personal sessions that I have completed with local doctors. My motivation behind creating this video came from my own desire to share this exciting process with others in need.

 

Lemon Baking Soda Water: Natural Remedy for Indigestion

 

Lemon, Baking Soda, and Water. Three simple ingredients is all it takes to create this “healing” water of sorts. I don’t often like to play the skeptic when trying a new remedy, I prefer to be optimistic about the end result. However, I must admit that I was skeptical about three regular ingredients having the ability to spark any kind of reaction from my body. I mean, if such a simple AND effective remedy existed wouldn’t I have heard about it by now??

I am more than happy to admit that I was very wrong! There came a point after my diagnosis with epilepsy when I was forced to rely solely on natural remedies. It was during this lifestyle change when I learned just how society has programmed us to rely on antacid products from the pharmaceutical section in the grocery store to solve our tummy issues. Truthfully, you can find relief just by using the ingredients already in your kitchen! Who knew?!

I didn’t realize just how monumental this fact really is until I stopped to consider the long term effect of antacids on your stomach’s ability to function properly. Thanks to its name, it is pretty obvious that the purpose behind the antacid is to reduce stomach acid. However, have we ever stopped to consider that maybe we need that stomach acid in order to break down particles within the intestines so that we can reduce the ache? We associate acid with things that cause more damage and not less, especially when conditions such as Crohn’s Disease exist. 

Crohn’s Disease is the overabundance of stomach acid in the digestive tract to the point where it actually begins to eat holes into the intestines, hence it’s pseudonym “Leaky Gut Syndrome.”

You can read more about Crohn’s Disease here on Seize the Day Blog and some of the treatment methods. 

However, indigestion can happen regardless of a person’s current stomach acid levels. Take me, for example…I have multiple deficiencies due to an improper diet of processed foods and no vitamin supplements for many years. These lifestyle choices unfortunately took their toll upon my entire body, most especially my digestive system. Basically, I struggle to properly absorb nutrients from the foods I consume.

Because I fed my body synthetic ingredients and zero nutrients for such a long period of time, I actually created a habit of poor absorption without realizing it. Now that I am aware of the problem, I am actively striving to retrain my body to behave as God intended it to once again. However, breaking habits can be difficult and it has been quite the feat trying to make any progress in a positive direction. Don’t get me wrong, I am in no way admitting defeat on my journey toward whole-body health, but my story is a great reminder that every body is unique and therefore needs its own unique care. Reducing stomach acid in my case does not help me, it actually hurts me. It further impairs my ability to properly digest foods, which means my deficiencies are also worsening. So, less stomach acid isn’t always a great idea either. 

This presents quite the dilemma for every human being because now you’re trying to figure out which category you fit into…too much stomach acid or not enough. Don’t worry, I have a solution that bypasses this problem completely! My love for the Lemon-Baking Soda Water stems from both its effectiveness and the fact that it does not tamper with your stomach acid levels. You can drink this remedy without worrying about the long term effect it is going to have on your digestive system. 

When I’m searching for stomach relief, I don’t want my stomach acid reduced, I simply want my stomach ache reduced. Is that too much to ask for?

**Well, if you as pharmaceutical companies, then Yes, yes it is. I have thoroughly researched antacids and I am yet to find such a product that is free of chemical compounds, composed of only real ingredients, and still successfully improves your gut health. Personally, I usually desire immediate relief when I feel the need for an antacid product. It is difficult for me to think ahead during a stomach ache. But, if I do try to consider the consequences of using an antacid I will find that, contrary to popular belief, the relief of a stomach ache by reducing your stomach acid isn’t the best method. 

My stomach is low on stomach acid already due to my multitude of deficiencies so it is particularly detrimental for me. I did some research and I discovered that (like most things) antacids are a fabricated product based upon a remedy made from natural ingredients that history has simply forgotten. 

The baking soda, water, and lemon in this natural remedy work as a team to break down blockages inside your intestines the old fashioned way…detoxification through your stool and urine. No tricks, no gimmicks, and definitely NO chemicals. In addition, this water remedy “cleans” you out so to speak without altering your stomach acid. It is always amazing to me how such a simple recipe can successfully solve a problem that I previously believed was only possible by chemical-based recipes. Before choosing synthetic products, I highly recommend checking your all-natural options first because in my experience there is usually at least one effective option to try.

 

Some tips for this water…

  • Always drink on an empty stomach in the morning before breakfast. I have found that this remedy is most effective when it is drunk before any morning beverages, such as coffee, or food is consumed. I prefer to drink my water and follow it up with breakfast, which is usually oatmeal for me. Something about eating afterward seems to aid the process of pushing the lemon baking soda water through your intestines thereby cleaning out existing blockages. I’m not going to sugar coat it people, the result is going to be some time spent on the toilet. This is why I highly recommend doing this remedy on a day when you can stay at home near a toilet for about the first hour after drinking this remedy. It usually takes about 15-30 minutes before the water takes full effect and once the detoxification process does begin it can take anywhere from 15-30 minutes. Don’t worry, you won’t be pooping all day long. Things vary from person to person, but it’s typically only one round of bowel movements. The state of a person’s digestive system will determine just how much detoxification is necessary to reach a cleansed state. I have found that one round alone is all it takes to feel overall improvement in your stomach. I typically feel “cleaned” out and lighter. 
  • When drinking the Lemon-Baking Soda Water be sure to use a straw so that the acidity from the lemon does not affect the enamel of your teeth. I also rinse with a glass of water after I’ve finished the remedy just in case any residue from the lemon is leftover. 
  • This indigestion remedy is strong so it is best to only do it for three days and then take at least three days off. This gives your intestines and your enamel a rest from the ingredients. Trust me when I say that three days in a row is enough to clean out an impressive amount of blockages and improve the overall state of your digestive system.   

 

Medical Disclaimer:

The information posted on Seize the Day Blog, including but not limited to, articles, images, recipes, text, and other material are shared for informational purposes only. None of the writings should be looked upon as advice meant to replace that of an actual medical professional. If you suspect you have a serious medical condition you should seek help from a healthcare professional immediately. Please be aware that the author of this website is posting information simply to inform NOT to recommend others about health-related topics. Before following any information (i.e. undertaking a new healthcare or diet routine) found here on Seize the Day Blog, you should always consult a medical professional first. Please be sure to never disregard any medicinal advice because of something you have read on this website.

Bach’s Rescue Cream: After-Seizure First Aid

Every once in a while, there comes a magical moment when I stumble upon a product so fabulous that it becomes absolutely necessary to shout it’s name from the rooftops…I guess my blog page will have to suffice in this particular instance…

Bach’s Rescue Cream is the magical product I am referring to and it truly seems to work like magic when it comes to healing the skin. As I’ve mentioned before, after-seizure first aid is part of the whole epileptic lifestyle. An injury may not occur after EVERY seizure, but I like to be prepared for the unexpected especially when the unexpected translates to a great big injury to my face. When the injury is front and center, the world does notice. They may try to look away quickly as if they didn’t see the injury and they may even act like the moment isn’t totally awkward, but let’s be honest…I saw that they saw, I also feel uncomfortable, and I wish with all of my heart that it would just disappear with the snap of my fingers. 

Well, I’m no fairy godmother but I do have a product recommendation for you that works so quickly it truly seems magical. On February 6, 2020, I had a Grand Mal seizure. It was no different than any other Grand Mal I’ve had over my past 12 years with epilepsy. However, in this particular instance my fingernail caught my upper left cheek and left quite a deep scrape. Here is a photo of the actual injury, the day after it occurred…

 

 

As you can see, this was the type of injury that prevented me from going out in public. There was no way I could put my life on pause and wait for it to heal. Honestly, who knows how long that would take? I really wasn’t enjoying the looks I received when I did go out so I decided to follow an age old piece of advice…

“Mother knows best.”

My mom has been using Bach’s Rescue Cream as a topical ointment for a broad range of skincare needs from liver spots to wrinkles to the occasional pimple for years! She swears by it’s healing properties so I decided to give it a try for myself. Since I’m writing an entire article about the product it obviously did the job I was hoping and praying for, but I wanted to give you visual evidence of the healing process so that you can see how magical this cream truly is! Here is a photo of me two months after using Bach’s Rescue Cream on my scrape every day…

 

 

*Side Note: Due to the scrape being an open wound, I chose not to put any makeup on that spot until it completely healed. So, in the first photo as well as this second photo above, although I have makeup on other parts of my face there is no makeup masking the wound from the camera.

The unique healing properties lie within Dr. Bach’s mixture of six flower essential oils including Crab Apple (Malus pumila), Rock Rose (Helianthemum nummularium), Clematis (Clematis vitalba), Impatiens (Impatiens glandulifera), Cherry Plum (Prunus cerasifera), and Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum).

Bach’s incredible Rescue Remedy formula is available in a multitude of forms including drops, spray, topical cream (the product mentioned above), and many more. You can find products for adults, kids and pets by visiting their website.  

The craziness of life has prevented me from sharing this product until now, but here we are a year later and I still love this stuff! Scroll down to see a photo of my healing progress after an entire year…

I don’t know if there will ever come a day when I wake up feeling completely prepared to handle my condition of Catamenial Epilepsy, it is nothing if not eventful! But I can say that products like Bach’s Rescue Cream make me feel capable of getting out of bed and tackling the day ahead of me. It is yet another tool in my arsenal that gets me one step closer to total body healing. I hope that this product recommendation will do the same for each and every one of my readers. 

 

“That’s the thing about magic; you’ve got to know it’s still here, all around us, or it just stays invisible to you.”

– Charles de Lint 

 

 

Sources:

Bach Rescue Cream – https://www.rescueremedy.com/en-us/range/all-products/rescue-cream/

 

Medical Disclaimer:

The information posted on Seize the Day Blog, including but not limited to, articles, images, recipes, text, and other material are shared for informational purposes only. None of the writings should be looked upon as advice meant to replace that of an actual medical professional. If you suspect you have a serious medical condition you should seek help from a healthcare professional immediately. Please be aware that the author of this website is posting information simply to inform NOT to recommend others about health-related topics. Before following any information (i.e. undertaking a new healthcare or diet routine) found here on Seize the Day Blog, you should always consult a medical professional first. Please be sure to never disregard any medicinal advice because of something you have read on this website.

Epilepsy Insight #2: Seizure Triggers

Seizure triggers seemed like a good first step with this series. If you are struggling with epilepsy then you must be familiar with seizure triggers and the great inconvenience these ingredients can cause…

According to the Epilepsy Society, seizure triggers are “situations that can bring on a seizure in some people with epilepsy…Triggers can differ from person to person, but common triggers include tiredness and lack of sleep, stress, alcohol, and not taking medication” (https://www.epilepsysociety.org.uk/seizure-triggers).

Although triggers do differ from person to person, some common triggers do exist that seem to provoke seizure activity in the majority of epileptics.

Personally, I have found the following food ingredients to be seizure triggers: rosemary, cloves, nutmeg, mint (peppermint and spearmint), rosehip, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, monosodium glutamate (MSG), soy, and chili (seasoning). These are only a few of the many seizure triggers that exist. Watch Epilepsy Insight #2 to get my full list and more info on how to avoid these seizure triggers in your daily life. Full Video available in the link above and below.

You can also view Epilepsy Insights on Instagram and Twitter. Please email me via katie@seizethedayblog.com or DM me on Instagram (@seizethedayblog) with any questions about seizure triggers. I’m always happy to help! 🙂

For more information on seizure triggers check out the following articles:

6 Common Seizure Triggers that May Be Lurking in Your Kitchen Cabinet

3 Seizure Triggers Every Epileptic Should Be Aware Of: Caffeine, Alcohol & Processed Sugar

Epilepsy Insight #1 – New Video Series

 

Hello Seize the Day Blog readers!

I recently began a new video series on my Instagram account (@seizethedayblog) called Epilepsy Insights. The series is pretty self-explanatory…I have been living with Catamenial Epilepsy (a form of epilepsy caused by a hormone imbalance) for 11 years now and I wanted to share the insights I have learned from my personal experience with the condition. My hope is that these insights will help others to avoid the same mistakes I have made while on my journey with epilepsy. The trial and error process of learning what to do and what not to do is a tedious one at best so if my knowledge can aid another with their own personal journey with epilepsy then I will be able to consider this series a success.

As per usual, I am no doctor, but I am a Catamenial Epilepsy patient. I know how it feels to hit rock bottom. I know how it feels to want to give up. However, I also know how it feels to have some support during these difficult times. It makes a huge difference to know you are not alone in your battle. So, I am sharing these insights with the hope that they will offer you, my readers, some much-needed support. If you have any questions about any of the content in the videos, please feel free to email me your questions at katie@seizethedayblog.com or DM me on Instagram. These videos are simply my way to offer those of you also struggling with epilepsy a little support. Every insight is simply a suggestion from me to you and you should always consult a doctor before making any changes to your daily routine.

Click here to view Epilepsy Insight #1

My Favorite Method for Effectively Cleaning Makeup Tools

Sensitive skin is an issue many people struggle with worldwide. And if we’re being honest with ourselves this really shouldn’t come as much of a shock. The majority of our makeup and skincare products are filled toxic chemicals that are harmful to the human body; both inside ands out. Naturally, our skin is going to become sensitive to such ingredients with the hope that we avoid “said” products altogether. Though avoiding harmful ingredients would be the ideal lifestyle choice, the unfortunate reality is that this process is a lot easier said than done. 

Check out the ingredient label for any cosmetic or skincare product and you won’t find a short ingredient list…what you’ll find instead could more accurately be described as an essay of words that appear to be written in a foreign language. To make matters worse, the ingredients used in such products consist mostly of chemicals. Seriously, check out the ingredient label on your cosmetic or bath/body product and see just how many ingredients are simple ingredients like water or salt. In my experience, I’m lucky to find one such ingredient and it’s usually “Water.” However, they do not specify the source of their water, therefore it could be water from a contaminated puddle on the street…not exactly the kind of clean source one would hope for in any product let alone a product meant for application on the skin. 

Like I said, these types of ingredients can feel impossible to avoid because practically every product contains them. If you try the more “natural” route, you will find products that claim to be healthier because they use a “plant-based” formula instead of a chemical one. However, did you know that Soy or soy-based ingredients fall under the umbrella of “plant-based” ingredients???

I’ve tried the chemical-based products and I’ve tried the natural products, but I’ve been disappointed by both. This trial and error process did help me to discover one interesting thing about the natural products though…

My seizure activity increased when I used the natural, plant-based products as opposed to the products containing straight-up chemicals. And not just with one single product either. I tried, at the very least, 15 different natural products and I experienced adverse reactions to every single one. It is difficult to chalk it up to coincidence when product after product causes a very obvious increase in my seizure activity. 

Based upon this experience, I now actively avoid natural products where cosmetic and skincare products are concerned. I am also incredibly wary where other natural products are concerned because of the frequent use of soy in such products. These products may be labeled as “natural,” but that in no way makes them healthier for you. 

My search for the perfect formula for both my cosmetic regimen and my skincare regimen continues to be an ongoing process. However, my search for an excellent cosmetic tool cleanser may be over…and this is, after all, just as important as your cosmetic product choices. 

What you use to clean your beauty tools directly affects the state of your skin because these products make direct contact with your face and neck. Plus, if you are using a cleanser that isn’t getting the job done, then these could be causing unnecessary breakouts, as well. And we do NOT want that!

So, what do we do to avoid chemicals in our beauty tools and, therefore, on our skin as well? And how do we get our tools clean in a way that makes them look brand new?

Keep reading to discover a simple, yet effective solution.

Shampoo and colloidal silver. That’s it. This may sound too good to be true, but it isn’t. The shampoo will provide a gentle, yet effective cleanse for your brushes while the colloidal silver will act as the anti-bacterial agent your brushes need in order to kill existing bacteria and prevent future bacteria growth. It’s pretty simple. 

There is no perfect shampoo product for the purpose of this article. I would recommend using the same shampoo product you are currently using for your hair because if you can use this product without any problematic skin reactions then it should be fine when coming into contact with your facial skin. When you think about it, the shampoo rinses down your skin while in the shower so if you were going to have a reaction you would have noticed by now. 

That being said, I will note that I prefer to use the Oribe Gold Lust Shampoo. It is a product my skin is familiar with and it is also a product that I know will not cause an increase in my seizure activity, which is always preferred. This shampoo smells good, it works wonders at cleansing both makeup brush bristles as well as sponges like my BeautyBlender. If you’d like to give it a try, I provided the link above for the Oribe website. If you’d like to sample the product before making a loyal commitment to the product, I recommend purchasing their travel shampoo product (1.7 fl.oz.) for $17. 

Colloidal Silver, on the other hand, is a must buy from Sovereign Silver only. This product is one of the best because the company takes the time to produce and package an excellent quality product. I actually use this Colloidal Silver as an anti-bacterial eye drop as well as an anti-bacterial spray for my hands. Whenever I use the typical anti-bacterial products such as Purell Hand Sanitizer, I always feel like I need to wash my hands afterward because they feel coated in a layer of gel. Colloidal Silver can be used without any of these adverse effects. It is wonderful and most definitely the healthier choice!

The Colloidal Silver comes in a dropper-style glass bottle. I love the glass, but the dropper is not ideal for the purpose of evenly spreading product across all of the bristles on a brush or the entire body of a sponge applicator. Disinfecting the entire area is our goal, therefore, I recommend purchasing spritzer style bottles and transferring the product to that instead. You can find an excellent quality product here.

An additional ingredient option to use for the purpose of cleaning your makeup tools is Avocado Oil. 

The oil is an effective tool for drawing dirt, bacteria, and oils from your makeup brush or sponge thereby giving the applicator a deep clean. A true deep clean is what we’re looking for, after all. So, it is best to mix one drop of shampoo for every three drops of oil. However, if you’re like me and you wash lots of tools at once I like to mix 1 teaspoon of shampoo for every 1 tablespoon of oil. Pour your mixture into a bowl of lukewarm water (start with 1 cup), mix well (until combined), and dip the head of each brush into the bowl. Swish the brush around the bowl in a circular motion while using your hand to thoroughly rub each brush. Gently squeeze the brush head to remove any existing makeup product. 

Yes, there is always the option to use the generic tool cleansers provided by cosmetic companies and maybe my suggested method of cleaning isn’t something that peaks your interest, but it is the healthier option for your skin. Take the BeautyBlender cleansing oil, for example. It is pre-made and pre-packaged in a pretty little bottle. It is made specifically for cleaning your BeautyBlender so that must mean it is the optimal cleansing option, right? 

Honestly, every makeup product contains chemicals as do their partner cleansing products so at this point it isn’t a matter of avoiding chemicals, it is a matter of maintaining your youthful skin. 

If any of my readers has experience with the BeautyBlender applicator sponge and cleansing oil, then you will know that this particular “cleanser” is actually incredibly harsh. The product actually strips the pigment from the sponge after only one cleanse. For those of you without personal experience with a BeautyBlender, here’s a little insight…BeautyBlender sponges are BRIGHT pink therefore removing the pigment is an incredibly difficult feat to accomplish when using any other cleansing products.

In addition, it takes quite a bit of cleanser to fully remove all traces of existing makeup from the sponge when using the BeautyBlender product. The sponge absorbs this cleanser into its fibers during the cleansing process just like it does with your foundation during the application process, which means traces of the cleanser will easily be transferred to your skin whenever you use the sponge. Not exactly ideal for those of us trying to avoid personal contact with such harsh products. So, I figure, why not just avoid it altogether???

I used a tiny bit of shampoo mixed with avocado oil to clean my beauty blender and it took maybe a minute to get ALL product removed from my sponge. It truly looked like a brand new BeautyBlender, bright pink and gorgeous. Absolutely no pigment was removed during the cleaning process, which means this method is A LOT more gentle! Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to cosmetics and if you’re happy with your methods then more power to you! However, I think we can all agree that it is never too soon to begin applying anti-aging methods to your skincare regimen. Youthful skin is always preferred. If you wish to maintain your youthful skin, the more gentle cleansing method is your ticket to achieving this goal. 

***Side Note: When drying your brushes, be sure to set so that the brushes are hanging off the edge of a surface or if you fold a wash cloth in half, set brushes so that the bristles hang off the edge.  You only want the metal base of the bristles and the handle to rest on the washcloth. In this way, you will prevent mold growth inside of your brush and you will allow the brush head to maintain its natural shape. If you lay your brush flush against the wash cloth or any other flat surface of your choice, your brush will be flattened on one side and full on the other. I have made this very mistake before in the past and trust me when I say it is NOT a good look. 

Plus, this method will help to extend your brush’s shelf life by preventing mold growth. If I’m confusing you with my directions for brush placement, check out the pictures above or below and you will see how I arranged my brushes along the folded edge of the washcloth. 

“The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.”

– Audrey Hepburn

 

 

Sources:

Amazon: 

(Sovereign Silver Colloidal Silver Product): https://www.amazon.com/Sovereign-Silver®-Bio-Active-Silver-HydrosolTM/dp/B019ZPNH0A/ref=asc_df_B019ZPNH0A/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=343370342144&hvpos=1o3&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17584857076311449946&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1013549&hvtargid=pla-782188458860&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=68283614599&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=343370342144&hvpos=1o3&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17584857076311449946&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1013549&hvtargid=pla-782188458860

(Spritzer Bottle Product): https://www.amazon.com/Waterproof-Sprayer-Essential-Colognes-Perfumes/dp/B079DXHBDS/ref=sr_1_15?crid=21D6ODJRS140S&keywords=spritzer+bottle&qid=1574287928&sprefix=spritzer+bo%2Caps%2C198&sr=8-15

BeautyBlender Sponge: https://www.sephora.com/product/beautyblender-P228913

Oribe Gold Lust Shampoo & Conditioner: https://www.oribe.com/shop/shampoos-conditioners-treatments/gold-lust-repair-restore-shampoo.html

Rocky Mountain Avocado Oil: https://www.rockymountainoils.com/avocado-oil.html

Medical Disclaimer:

The information posted on Seize the Day Blog, including but not limited to, articles, images, recipes, text and other material are shared for informational purposes only. None of the writings should be looked upon as advice meant to replace that of an actual medical professional. If you suspect you have a serious medical condition you should seek help from a healthcare professional immediately. Please be aware that the author of this website is posting information simply to inform NOT to recommend others about health-related topics. Before following any information (i.e. undertaking a new healthcare or diet routine) found here on Seize the Day Blog, you should always consult a medical professional first. Please be sure to never disregard any medicinal advice because of something you have read on this website. 

From My Recipe Box to Yours: Steak Nachos

One of my favorite things about living in California is the amazing selection of Mexican Food! You can find a different amazing Mexican restaurant on practically every corner. Okay, maybe I’m over exaggerating a tiny bit, but there are lots of options! I am absolutely positive that I will never get tired of nachos, enchiladas, burritos, salsa, or guacamole…if that was going to happen I’m pretty sure it would have already during my 26 years of living in Southern California. To say that I’m grateful for this selection is an understatement. So naturally I also enjoy making lots of my own Mexican-inspired dishes, such as the Steak Nachos you can see pictured above.

This cuisine type is also fantastic for those of you who are gluten-free! They have made amazing strides with corn and seeing as though I was 100% gluten-free for the first half of this year, this was truly a God-send! Corn chips and corn tortillas open up an entire gateway to delicious food options for those trying to avoid gluten. Sometimes a meat and veg dish just doesn’t quite hit the spot…cue the nachos, tacos, and chips and salsa!

Needless to say, I ate A LOT of Mexican food from January through August, but even now I’m still not tired of any of these dishes. I do believe my own experience is worth mentioning for those trying to avoid gluten because it is easy to forget that there are both corn and flour tortillas available. Choose the corn and you’re good to go!

This recipe is fabulous with both chicken or steak so feel free to branch out from the steak. Also, if you like a little extra kick to your nachos, dice a jalapeño and top to taste. Enjoy!

“The only problem is whenever I try to make a taco, I get too excited and crush it.” – Kevin, The Office