Everything you never knew about Dr. Bronners magic soap, thank me later.

Everything you never knew about Dr. Bronners magic soap, thank me later.

by LifeWithAlissa ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Dr.Bronners

Gather ’round friends I’m about to change your life with a little something called Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps.  Alright, it’s not that serious it’s just soap but it is really, really good soap. I will say it does seem to have a unnecesarily long and somewhat confusing name. Is it a magic soap that you can only find in a backdoor alley of some Diagon Alley shop?  Is it a regular old castile soap is it hemp soap? Also wouldn’t the word “pure” sort of just assume that nothing else is in the bottle? I am not here to bother with semantics, just facts so lets move on..

Dr. Bronner’s soap is made with essential oils. This soap is certified organic, vegan, fair trade, cruelty free, and sustainable.  Let your inner peta loving dirty hippie spirit rejoice in all it’s glory. This is one of the most natural soaps I have found outside of Whole Foods and I love it because aside from being good for the environment it is also free of alcohol, preservatives, detergents and foaming agents, making it ideal for my sensitive skin as well as those with common ailments like eczema and psoriasis. The creators suggest using the soap for “just about any cleaning task” including but not limited to hair, face, body, food, dishes, laundry, mopping and pets. The company’s 18 suggested uses are “washing your face, body, hands and hair, for bathing, shaving, brushing your teeth, rinsing fruit, aroma therapy, washing dishes by hand, doing laundry, mopping floors, all-purpose cleaning, washing windows, scrubbing toilets, washing dogs, controlling dust mites, and killing ants and aphids”. I think that list is redundant considering how washing your face and body does also equal bathing. And all-purpose cleaning encompasses all the singular uses they already mention but I’m not going to split hairs here. I don’t recommend this for washing windows because it does get very sudsy when you wipe which is just frustrating. Luckily I don’t have to kill many ants and I can’t remember the last time I saw an aphid but– ew. According to the label you can also brush your teeth with this soap but I don’t think I want to take this train that far. But otherwise I use it for almost all of the things.

The peppermint version is naturally antibacterial so I do prefer it over other cleaners and soaps that might have things like triclosan and triclocarban. According to Mayo Clinic, triclosan and triclocarban alters hormone regulation, contributes to antibiotic-resistant germs and may be harmful for the immune system. A study was conducted to asses the amount of tricolsan, a synthetic broad antibacterial chemical, absorbed by consumers over the age of six. The study found that of the more than 2,500 urine samples collected 75% contained traces of triclosan. So, with that in mind you can assume that whatever personal products or soaps you are using will be absorbed by your body through contact so the least harmful the better. I use Dr. Bronners as a household cleaning agent by adding a few tablespoons to a 1L bottle of water and it works the same as any other house hold cleaner. You will be surprised at how well this cleans. SERIOUSLY TRY IT! This is only cleaner that I have found will wash away old set in makeup stains and as a brown-skinned girl that is important. I have found this soap to also remove grass and wine stains from fabric. It is great for scuff marks as well I use it to clean my baseboards every season. I use a smaller concentration in my Swiffer floor cleaner and it works amazing on hardwood flooring. I use a larger concentration to clean my shower, bathtub and tile flooring in the bathrooms. I have two boys under 10 years old and the germs are EVERYWHERE! I use the bar soaps to make a DIY laundry soap, which smells and works amazingly! I use this undiluted as a shower gel and also as a shampoo. As a shampoo it is amazing! Have I said that word too many times in this post? My bad. My love for this is real. Your scalp gets so clean without feeling stripped and the tingling feeling from the peppermint is so refreshing. I notice shinier and healthier hair after washing  my hair and clearer skin when I use this on my face. And because peppermint essential oil is also anti fungal I use a diluted solution on my younger son if he gets a diaper rash, and on my older son anytime he has a rash or other skin irritations. I don’t like to use the liquid soap to do dishes because it isn’t thick enough and I find I use more way more soap do get through one sink of dishes. I do know you can thicken it with table salt but this a difficult sorcery I have yet to master. I do use it to soak pots and pans because as like cancels like, it cuts through oil and greasy messes really quickly. For research purposes I tried adding half a teaspoon to my dishwasher. I do NOT recommend this! It took me hours to get all the suds out of my dishwasher and when my husband came home to find a floor covered in bubbles I was embarrassed. If your kids like bubbles then go for it, it’s a party. I go through so much of this soap I always have at least two 32 oz bottles on hand. I have tried off brand castile soaps as well as the Burt’s Bee’s brand castile soap and neither of them worked very well. Run to your nearest Target or Whole Foods and give them your money because you need this soap right now. You’re welcome.

 

BONUS:
Wait wait, I’m going to go try brushing my teeth with it, just for research purposes but I am not excited. BRB. Okay I’m not exactly sure how I feel about this. It wasn’t like a paste that I covered my teeth in, its like washing your teeth with soap for sure. I mean because that’s what it is I guess but it wasn’t all bad. there were lots of bubbles and suds which was weird but my teeth look whiter and they feel exceptionally clean. On the other hand I had to rinse them a lot and It was kind of weird. I was expecting an overpowering minty scent/taste but it’s actually really mild. I’m not sure if its strong enough to provide all day freshness but I only used a drop of soap maybe its user error. I was also really worried about swallowing it even though It’s probably healthier than my regular toothpaste. I think i might try it for a week and see how I feel about it after. Check back later if you’re into that.

 

 

 

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Alissa in the Kitchen| Vegan Garden Omelette Recipe.

Alissa in the Kitchen| Vegan Garden Omelette Recipe.

by LifeWithAlissa ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

How to make a delicious cruelty free garden omelette. img_0130

This is an exciting new recipe. While this doesn’t have the stretchy rubbery feeling of actual eggs it does have the same flavor and fluffiness of an omelette. It’s almost like a pancake except it’s not dense, sweet or overly carb like. This is a simple, quick and practically fool proof recipe. Practically.

PREP TIME: 5 minutes| COOK TIME: 7 minutes

1 Cup| Chickpea flour

3 Tbs| Nutritional yeast

2 Tbs| Arrowroot powder

1/2 Tsp| Sea salt

1/2 Tsp| Garlic powder

1/2 Tsp| Onion powder

1/2 Tsp| Pepper

1/4 Tsp| Tumeric power *

1 Cup| Spinach

1/2 Cup| Chopped tomato

2 Tbs| Chopped green onion

* Optional.

 

In a medium sized mixing bowl stir all dry ingredients together. This will yield more omelette batter than we are going to need so measure out 1/3 cup of it and store the rest in an airtight container. Take the 1/3 C of dry omelette batter and add 1/3 cup of water and mix well. Add fresh chopped ingredients: spinach, tomato and green onion and gently fold them into the batter.

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

pour the batter into the skillet and let it cook for about 4 minutes on each side until its cooked through. Cooking times may vary slightly due to stove types and temperates so just watch it closely.

Top with actual salsa and enjoy.

Drop me a line if you tried this and loved it. If you hated it, well, sorry.

 

Whole Foods Haul 10.20.16

Whole Foods Haul 10.20.16

by LifeWithAlissa ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

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I sincerely try not to be a junk food vegan, and I am decently successful. However, every single time I step into a Whole Foods store my core beliefs fly out of the window like an eagle in a Lenny Kravitz music video. I’m just glad I managed to get the stuff that was on my list too, seeing as I got distracted by not one, but three types of overly processed vegan cheeses. Fret not, I will post a review soon enough. If you’re still interested in this, here is what I got.

WHOLE FOODS HAUL |10.20.16

Dr. McDougall’s| noodles, Pad Thai, Miso Ramen, Teriyaki, Thai Peanut.

Dr. Bronner’s |peppermint castille soap.

Lily  of the Desert|  99% aloe vera gel.

Everyday 365| extra virgin olive oil.

Quorn| Chik’n Cutlets.

Whole Foods Market| Fizzing Bath Bombs

Califia Farms| Holiday Nog.

Maria & Ricardo| whole wheat tortillas.

Daiya| cheddar cheese slices.

Lead Cuisine| smoky gouda probiotic cashew spread.

Follow Your Heart| Vegan Gourmet Shreds, mozzarella.

 

There you have it. All the junky overly processed vegan things I bought this week. Check back for more shameful vegan treats.

Be on the lookout for my vegan Thanksgiving dinner ideas.

 

 

 

 

A healthy pregnancy (with baby#2)?

A healthy pregnancy (with baby#2)?

by LifeWithAlissa ♥ 1 Comment

Good morning love, it is 5:33 am and I can’t sleep. I figure I’ve got about half an hour before my husband drags me back to bed so I thought I would share a quick post. It is Thursday after all 🙂

I get a LOT of questions about what I’m eating and if I exercise. I eat a lot and I don’t really exercise. The key is to eat good food.I bike with my husband here and there and we hike all together maybe once a month. In a good month. The biking burns a lot of calories we log around 3 miles per trip, with a toddler in bike trailer attached to one of our bikes. The further along I get the harder it is for me to bike, shocker. I also get winded really easily, I usually have to stop twice before even making to the trail. The last time I went biking was on our anniversary, April 24th so about a month ago. I was all hyped up too because I got an awesome pink mountain bike as a gift! Thanks, Husband. Say what? Yes, it’s a pink Mongoose. It’s very Sex and the City meets Nat-Geo. Anyway, I digress.

What I am eating lately.

BREAKFAST:Blended watermelon, 40 oz 324 calories

I am obsessed with blended watermelon. I just chop it and put it right into the vitamix and puour into my water bottle.

SNACK: Fresh sweet cherries, 2 cups 180 calories & 1 liter of water

Lunch: Salad with fruit or melon.

This varies in calories but it is always large. Red leaf lettuce, 1/2 avocado, 1 c. cherry tomatoes, red onion seasoned with salt & pepper and topped with my homemade balsamic reduction. with an orange on the side. Because I am hungry hungry hippo.

SNACK2: More oranges, probably 2-3 large, approx 207 calories

Dinner: Steamed broccoli/cauliflower (2c. 108 calories), 1 baked potato (129 calories), steamed kale with nutritional yeast (2c. 72 calories).

So this is a basic day. It does not include any random craving I might have. Today I had a craving for tamales and went to Taco El Norte. It was pretty awesome. I don’t stop myself from eating anything but I have a rule that I don’t eat anything I don’t really want, or that isn’t absolutely delicious. Why waste the calories? So example; I ordered a pizza from Lou Malnati’s and it wasn’t the delicious pizza I had imagined, it didn’t hit the spot. So I didn’t eat it, I had 2 bowls of cherries instead. They were super delicious.

The Crunchy Mom Magic Coconut Oil Phenomenon.

The Crunchy Mom Magic Coconut Oil Phenomenon.

by LifeWithAlissa ♥ 1 Comment

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Yeah, that’s it up there, too bad there are no Emojis for wordpress. Surely everyone has heard of the supposedly wonderful awesome amazing coconut oil. Unless you–never mind. Back to the magic fruit oil beloved by hippies and crunchies ’round the globe. So the all mighty Coconut Oil and its antibacterial properties are said to have many healing effects. I took it upon myself to try as many of them as I could find and write an unsolicited unrequested review on my experiences. Below is a list of ways I tried (somewhat successfully) to incorporate it into my daily life.

  • Oil pulling for teeth whitening
  • Hair conditioning/moisturizing
  • Skin conditioning/moisturizing
  • Cooking oil
  • Butter replacement
  • Health supplement
  • Makeup remover
  • Skin protectant

Up first, oil pulling. Because of it’s antibacterial properties and alleged general awesomeness it is said to help whiten teeth and rid you of mouth yuckies. All you have to do is take two tablespoons and swish it in your mouth for 20 minutes. Well I got to say I flat out refused this one.  After my experiance spplementing with coconut oil I knew this would be gross. Its thick, oily and tastes awful. Did I mention I hate the smell of coconut anything? Pass. If you have tried this and it worked it please drop me a line below.

Hair conditioning, well I tried this one. I was hesitant because now that I am pregnant I am especially aware of all coconut scented things within a 30 foot radius of me. But I did it anyway. I washed my hair with my husband’s shampoo and instead of using conditioner I massaged no less than 1/4 C of coconut oil through my hair while still warm and very wet. I know that might sound like a lot but I have very very thick and long hair.  I brushed my hair up into a bun and let it dry for most of the afternoon. Once it was somewhere between dry and damp I brushed my hair into four sections and made two braids in each section. I let the braids finish drying overnight and took them down in the morning. I am impressed. My hair isn’t oily at all and its softer than it is when I use conditioner, it does not smell like coconuts either.  I will definitely be keeping this in the routine.

Skin conditioning, well I tried my best here. I rubbed some on my belly in place of my preventative stretch mark cream. It smelled all day long, even after I washed it off. Let’s call this a fail and move right on.

Cooking oil. Well I swapped my go-to olive oil for coconut oil. I know that it can burn at a higher temp than EVOO but I don’t fry anything so the world may never know if it works or not. I did use it to make stir fry, however and  I didn’t notice any difference at all. While this was a successful swap with the price being double EVOO I wouldn’t swap it daily.

Butter replacement? We don’t eat butter much. The only place I use is in sauces like a roux. My friends would shoot me down in the street if I messed up something like a bechamel, so fail.

Health supplement, if you take two tablespoons by mouth daily you’re supposed to turn into a magical health unicorn and live forever in the commune of other barefoot hippies who are easily influenced by Dr. Oz. But I am WARNING you, it is gross. And very fatty. Ignore your inner Birkenstocks loving free spirit and skip this one. You will be stuck with a thick slimy stinky streak from your tongue down your throat and every time you breathe you will be reminded of your poor life choices. If you’re going to take it, just dump it a green juice and carry on.

Makeup remover, well this one works too if you can get past the smell. If you are prone to breakouts then make sure you wash really well after you’re finished.

Skin protecting Well I’m not sure what I am protecting my skin from.. Maybe skin cancer? Or bug bites? I did read that it can allegedly kill  yeast by applying it directly to the skin.  So if you have those lady problems this might help, buuuut I haven’t a clue.

 

Check it out and let me know how you like it.

I dedicate this to my fellow CD’ing BW’ing BF’ing organic only natural mammas.

Also, ISO SBP RSWC  L.

xA

 

Pregnancy Update

Pregnancy Update

by LifeWithAlissa ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

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That’s right! If you don’t know me personally or follow me on social media, I’M PREGNANT! Finally. I had honestly hoped to be able to have children closer in age and that they would go to school together. I guess that was just not the plan though. I am grateful to be pregnant, not matter how far apart the children will be. We are particularly lucky in this case because I am carrying what the TTC’ers refer to as a Rainbow Baby. A Rainbow Baby is a baby you conceive after a miscarriage. So we are do a lot happy dancing at casa de Lissy.

I found out I was pregnant in February–I think–don’t quote me on that. But It wasn’t a huge surprise as it is for some people. I was testing twice a day, even once I positive I kept testing. I know this probably sounds super cray cray, like “Why you so nuts, Lissa?” well I was worried to death. Pregnancy tests measure a hormone called HGC in your body and the more of the the darker the test line. I was way too early to get a blood test or consult a doctor so I tested and compared the strips, every single day. Like a lunatic. Frantically holding them up to the light, looking at them through the mirror, sending pictures to my TTC friends, forcing my husband to stare at them. And finally after about a week and a half of indiscernible results I got positives! And they got darker and darker each day (insert dancing meme). I went back to my OB, obstetrician and she agreed to see me many weeks earlier than normal because of my risk of complication. So at 5 weeks I went in and had blood work done and there it was, the proof in the delicious chocolate pudding. I did have a lot of blood work and exams at this point which was difficult for my husband and I, but at this point the only thing I feel is grateful.

Today I am 16 weeks and 2 days pregnant, due October 30th. I do not know the gender of the baby, I do not want to know either. I am totally team green this time.. Unfortunately my husband however, is determined and anxious to know the sex. I think I would be happy either way. I would love for B to have a brother to be best pals with, but I would adore a baby girl and the chance to finally gain some gender equality in the house. As it currently stands I am outnumbered in house of boys, and basketball and football and am constantly surrounded by ESPN updates. HELP ME.

What’s new for me? I have an obsession with dill pickles- they have to be whole pickles and not those sliced pickles. An aversion to sweets and pizza, weird right? This is not my body anymore. I’m still drinking plenty of water and veggie juice. I haven’t gained any weight so far but the baby bump is huge. I will add photos later. I’m tired always. I wake up and before even getting dressed I feel like I need a nap to carry on. I am winded just walking up the stairs, and there is only six. I am absolutely crazy and I love it.

50 Random Facts about me blog Tag

50 Random Facts about me blog Tag

by LifeWithAlissa ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

 

 

 

 

Alright, guys here you go. Fifty random facts about Alissa.

1. My favorite colors are Green & pink.

2. My cat’s name is Socks, because she has four white paws and it looks like she’s got socks on her feet.

3. However, I hate the White Sox.

4. I had an appendectomy and now I have no appendix.

5. I found out I was pregnant on my 21st birthday.

6. I don’t put ice in my drinks because it makes my teeth too cold.

7. I took my first plane ride when I was 2.

8. I have lived in Michigan, Washington, Ohio, California, Hawaii and Illinois.

9.  I’m a huge Quinton Tarantino fan, my favorite is Reservoir Dogs.

10. I’m really terrible at painting my nails, yet I continue to try.

11. I’m obsessed with brushing my teeth, I brush my teeth 3 times a day usually and I keep an extra toothbrush and toothpaste in my purse.

12. I prefer cool ranch to nacho cheese in the Doritos department.

13. My favorite flowers are tulips.

14.  I’m an excellent home cook. I know everyone says that but I really mean it. I recently started making fresh pasta from scratch.

15. I hate Miracle Whip, it’s weird and gross and I hope it gets outlawed.

16. I am kind of a tweaker, I always feel like there is a bug on me or near me.

17. I am terrified of bees.

18. I don’t like The Walking Dead.

19.  I love knitting and crocheting, I make hats and scarves and I want to learn to make baby booties.

20. I don’t eat red meat, ever. Or meat off the bone, and I really can’t stand to watch someone shave meat off the bone. It makes me sad for the poor animals who lost their lives.

21. I love trashy reality tv.

22. My favorite subject is history.

23. My favorite artist is Botticelli.

24. I would sell everything I own for a trip to St. Peter’s Basilica.

25. My favorite musician is David Garett.

26. I’m the house barber here at casa Woodall, I bust out the clippers and line up my husband and son every week.

27. I am creeped out by jellyfish.

28. I believe in mermaids. I TRULY BELIEVE THEY ARE OUT THERE.

29. I don’t like warm pretzels.

30. I prefer red wine to white wine.

31. I prefer Doc Martens to Uggs.

32. I read a lot.

33. I watch mostly documentaries.

34. I am a horrible bowler, I think I bowled a 45 the last time I went out on the lanes with my husband (he bowls at least 120).

35. I am really into arts and crafts, because I am cool like that.

36. I’m very entrepreneurial, I believe in working for yourself over working for anyone else.

37. I love calendars, I have a big calendar on my wall in the kitchen, I have a planner calendar, and 7 day chalkboard planner at my makeup station. I recently bought a really cute sea otter calendar.

38. I am an avid upcycler, I salvage and reuse all kinds of things from old furniture to worn out jeans.

39. I am possibly a hoarder. I don’t throw anything of mine or my moms away.

40. I throw everything else away.

41. I wear glasses, if I don’t i get migraines.

42. My husband is 6 foot 6. I know this is about him, but it’s random.

43. I have 3 tattoos, which are like little secrets because they aren’t visible.

44. I have an online shopping problem. I get these emails and they all say buy today or miss out and then I start to panic, so I buy stuff.

45. I love cold weather, I wish I lived in Alaska.

46. I hate coconut water.

47.  I have read all 20 of the Janet Evanovich Stephanie Plum books.

48. In a past life I was probably a handyman. I’m really good with a hammer and nails, I even have my own toolbox.

49. I’m really awful at math, despite all my years at college I cannot do math off-hand at all. Sometimes I try to add simple numbers and I am so far off that I question my education.

50.  I’m really into water bottles. I love the clear plain glass ones. I love buying new cool water bottles, I don’t know why. But I go to sporting goods stores just to buy water bottles.

 

 

& there you have it loves.