6 Ways to Naturally Relieve Stress

This week, I noticed some of my telltale signs of stress - shallow breathing, holding my breath, feeling anxious. Maybe it was that my 14 month old son has started waking up in the middle of the night on a regular basis again (at least once per night, plus waking up earlier in the morning). Maybe it was all of the discussions my husband and I have had over the past 1.5 weeks with relation to family items. Maybe it was the extra strong coffee I made.

I was running around feeling productive because I was getting so much done around the house, yet I could not stop feeling anxious when I sat down for 5 minutes. After a few minutes of reflection on how I arrived at this point, I focused on how to relieve stress at home. Here are the 6 ways to naturally relieve stress that I use on a regular basis.

Running

A good cardio workout helps to get the blood moving through the body, oxygenates the blood and the brain, and gives a rush of energy. Running helps me to reflect, process and clear my mind. Running on a regular basis helps me to stay calmer and be more patient with my toddler.

Going Outside

Breathing fresh air is always good for our bodies! A walk around the walk for 5 minutes has helped me many times to calm down, relax and regroup. There is something about nature that is calming. Going outside can be a walk around the yard, the neighborhood, or running an errand.

Cleaning and Organizing

Organizing clutter, like piles of clothes, toys and other random things lying around, by putting it away in its rightful place is therapeutic. Cleaning out weeds in the garden or the yard helps to focus my mind on one task instead of my mind running in many different directions. Scrubbing dirt helps to get some of the aggression out.

Talking

Keeping emotions bottled up can increase the stress level. A quick call or text message to my husband or a friend to let them know of an aggravating situation eases the tension. No details need to be given, just the point of acknowledging the stressful situation helps my mind to refocus on moving forward.

Prioritizing

Being a full time stay at home mom is a 24x7 (plus more) job. Keeping the toddler changed, fed and happy while keeping the house clean and in order is a monumental task on most days. I constantly have to tell myself that the game has changed and I need to change my expectations by prioritizing. Focusing on one room per day or spending 5-10 minutes cleaning up clutter is more realistic.

Taking a Bath

Taking a bath with calming essential oils like lavender is a great way to unwind the mind and the body. After the running, the cleaning and organizing and carrying around a 24 lb toddler, my body aches. A hot bath is the perfect solution for my achy body. The quiet time helps me to reflect and the hot water relaxes my tired muscles. I am always ready for sleep afterwards.

These are some of the techniques that I use to help myself relieve stress naturally. Though an adults-only all-inclusive beach vacation or a regular massage at a spa sound heavenly, they are not always possible or feasible. Techniques that can be used on a daily basis to keep myself calm and sane work better in the long run. I can assess how stressed I am and if I need to do anything about it. Remembering to focus on myself for a few minutes every day is a great reality check.

>> What are some of the ways that you relieve stress on a daily basis??
  

Winner Announcement

The giveaways for the Eco-Friendly Package and the Milk & Joy Organic Teething Necklace have concluded! Thank you to all those that entered! Winners are listed below and have confirmed.

iPad Mini & Modern Kids $75 GiftCert [Giveaway]

Welcome to the Modern Kids Design Gift Card + iPad Mini Giveaway Event, hosted by Happy Mothering and the Green Moms Network. Can you believe summer is already here? What positive changes are you going to make while the kids are out of school? How about swapping more products in your home for healthier, more natural alternatives? Today, I’m excited to introduce you to Modern Kids Design – a company that offers beautifully designed natural and earth-friendly products you’ll enjoy. They offer a wide range of eco products, including clothing, spa, bedding, decor, dining, gear, furniture, crafts, toys and paper! There is something for every family who is passionate about natural living! If you are the lucky winner of the $75 gift certificate (good towards anything on the Modern Kids Design website), here are a few of the products you could choose!

Petit Collage Prints on Wood – 4 Cities to Choose From ($16.00 each)

SoYoung Grade School Backpack -Dandelion Purple ($49.99)

P'Kolino Book Buggy - Red ($39.99)

Dr. Robin Soothing Set - Body Wash, Cream, and Sunscreen ($44.00)

 

You could also put it toward your choice of new clothing, spa, dining, gear, crafts and more for your little one. The selection at Modern Kids Design is so great that you’ll probably have a hard time narrowing down your choices! Right now they are also hosting a special Half-Year Sales Event to kick off the summer, so you may want to see what’s on sale now. Some items will be up to 50% off. The sale will run for a limited time from Thursday, June 26 through Tuesday, July 1, 2014.

Shop for a Cause

You can also Shop for a Cause with Modern Kids Design. When you shop through their website, you can select the green cause you’d like to support, and 5% of your purchase will go to the nonprofit you chose. Some of the current organizations they support include The Edible Schoolyard Project, Bicycles for Humanity, California Academy of Sciences, Ecotrust, Global Explorers, National Farm to School Network and many more. So go check out the Modern Kids Design website today! You can receive free shipping for orders over $75 (or $7.99 flat rate shipping on everything else)!

Enter the Giveaway

To get you excited to check out their website and support Shop for a Cause, Modern Kids Design is giving away a 16GB WiFi iPad Mini ($299 value) along with a $75 gift certificate for their website to one of our readers! This giveaway is open to US residents only and ends July 26 at 11:59 pm EDT. See terms and conditions for full details. Enter via the Rafflecopter form below and be sure to join their email list at www.modernkidsdesign.com as that is required for entry. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: All Natural Katie was not compensated for this post and is not responsible for prize fulfillment. Please contact Chrystal at Happy Mothering with questions about this giveaway or for help organizing one for your brand.

Lambie and Me Swaddle Blankets [Giveaway]

The beauty and usefulness of swaddle blankets is that they can be used for just about anything. Use it as a blanket to cover the stroller or car seat. Use as a changing mat or nursing cover. Once the baby grows out of the swaddling stage, swaddling blankets can continue to be used. I have been using swaddling blankets as a lap cover for my son when we eat at restaurants. I have even used a swaddle blanket to wipe up a spill. A small investment will guarantee usefulness beyond the baby and toddler years.

Enter to win a 2-pack of Lambie & Me Swaddle Blankets below!

Please use the Rafflecopter entry form below. Open to US only. All entries will be verified. Duplicate and invalid entries will be deleted. 

Giveaway

Lambie & Me Swaddle Blankets - 2 pack ($27 value)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. All opinions are my own.
  

PRO Compression Marathon Socks [Giveaway]

Compression socks are a beneficial accessory for athletes, runners, travelers, and professionals who are on their feet continuously. PRO Compression Marathon socks offer graduated compression to help increase blood flow to the legs. Increased blood flow helps to reduce lactic acid build up and recover faster with less fatigue.

Coupon Code: use COMP40 to receive 40% off marathon socks and sleeves.

Enter to win a pair PRO Compression Marathon Socks of your choice (depending on stock availability) below!

Please use the Rafflecopter entry form below. Open to US only. All entries will be verified. Duplicate and invalid entries will be deleted. 

Giveaway

PRO Compression Marathon Socks ($50 value)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. No compensation was received. All Natural Katie is not responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill prize obligations. All opinions are my own. I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
  

Graindrops Organic Probiotic Beverage [Review]

Probiotic beverages are a great way to get a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals. Fermentation is a great way to access these vitamins and minerals, which is why a lot of probiotic beverages are fermented. Probiotic beverages are also dairy based. For those who are following a vegan diet or cannot consume dairy, Graindrops offers an organic, GMO-free probiotic grain milk to optimize personal health and wellness. Graindrops uses Koji, an Asian fermentation culture that offers more than 40 enzymes to support our body's health.

Graindrops Probiotic Beverage   
   ($5.99)
Rating: total green check marks out of 5.

The Good	The Not So Good
USDA Certified Organic
Naturally fermented
22-24g of whole grains per serving
Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Soy-Free

Graindrops is an organic probiotic non-dairy beverage that is dairy-free and gluten-free (does contain oats). Graindrops adds agave syrup to sweeten the beverage, so I would call it cane sugar-free also. This probiotic beverage is triple cultured to result in a culture grain milk that contains natural probiotics. One of the things I really like about Graindrops is that this vegan beverage contains both prebiotics and probiotics. This combination aid digestion and increase the availability of nutrients for easier digestion. What a great way to boost immunity and maintain immunity.

Graindrops is certified gluten-free. However, it does contain gluten-free oats. Graindrops ensures that the gluten-free oats are not contaminated in the field or during processing. People who are allergic, intolerant or sensitive to gluten can also be allergic, intolerant or sensitive to oats because oats contain a similar protein to gluten. While Graindrops is gluten-free, it might not be completely allergen-free for those who react to oats.

Graindrops is available at my local Whole Foods Market. They used to have a bigger selection with more flavors, but recently reorganized the dairy and non-dairy sections and only have one of the flavors, Original. I have tried the Blueberry flavor in the past and prefer the fruit flavors to the Original flavor.

The Koji culturing method does provide an interesting flavor. Graindrops would describe it as rich, rounded, full flavor with a clean and refreshing taste. I agree! It is unlike anything I have tasted before, but I do like it. The texture is creamy with a clean finish.

For the Original flavor, I would probably add a little bit of honey or homemade fruit puree to round out the flavor. I have been adding Graindrops to smoothies to boost nutrition.

If you are looking for a dairy-free and gluten-free probiotic beverage that is naturally fermented, I recommend that you try Graindrops.

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. All opinions are my own.

Artisoo $25 Gift Certificate (3 Winners) [Giveaway]

The walls of my home are filled with family photographs mixed in with a few pieces of artwork. Wall decor is an easy and quick way to transform a home whether you are looking for an update or would like to change your style. Artisoo.com is a bridge for artists to show their talent and connect with those wanting to purchase art. Worldwide shipping and a vast selection of art (including oil painting and Chinese painting) make Artisoo the one-stop shop for art.

Three people will each win a $25 voucher gift certificate to Artisoo.com. Voucher applies to all paintings on Artisoo.com, including weekly deal special paintings, but excluding custom orders. Vouchers can be used once and cannot be combined with any other coupons.

Please use the Rafflecopter entry form below. Open WORLDWIDE. All entries will be verified. Duplicate and invalid entries will be deleted. 

Giveaway

Artisoo.com $25 Gift Certificate (3 winners)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: This giveaway is brought to you through 4Sponsor. No compensation was received. All Natural Katie is not responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill prize obligations. All opinions are my own. I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
  

SckoonCup Reusable Menstrual Cup [Review]

I remember my first reusable menstrual cup. I had many hesitations and decided to absolutely not mention it to my husband. I had just thrown away all disposable menstrual products (pads and tampons) and armed myself with cloth menstrual pads (mama cloth) and my first menstrual cup. After a few periods, I preferred the menstrual cup to the cloth pads. The cup was low maintenance, only needing to be emptied 2-3 times a day (depending on flow) and very easy to clean. In the past few years, more brands have entered the reusable menstrual products market, offering different and newer designs. SckoonCup menstrual cup offers the most advanced molding technology and design for the ultimate comfort and security during your period.

Sckoon Menstrual Cup    
   ($36.99)
Rating: total green check marks out of 5.

The Good	The Not So Good
High quality, soft, medical silicone
Easy to insert and remove
Easy to clean
Unique contour design

Warning: This post will discuss a medical grade silicone receptacle that is used during menstruation. If you are sensitive to blood or medical talk, feel free not to continue reading.

The SckoonCup came just in time for my period to return post-partum and post breastfeeding. After about 20 months of being period-free, Aunt Flo return the first day of our beach vacation. The baby and I were in the process of weaning off breastfeeding. The telltale signs of a period about the start were showing. The first day I did not breastfeed, the period returned. The SckoonCup reusable menstrual cup welcomed my period back.

SckoonCup is made in the USA from 100% high quality medical grade silicone. The silicone is flexible enough to be folded for insertion, but thick enough that it pops right into place. The outer curve and edges of SckoonCup are a lot smoother than other reusable menstrual cups.

I use the C-fold (squeeze sides together and fold in half vertically). As soon as I insert the cup and let go, it pops right into position. A twist or two (sideways, holding at the base) and I'm ready to go. I love the easy insertion and removal. To remove, you reach in and grab the bottom. Squeeze to break the seal and take out of the body.

Cleaning is also easy. Dump the contents into the toilet. I do not mind getting blood on my hands, but if you do, use a toilet paper or a tissue to hold the cup. During each change, I rinse with warm water. I wash the cup with soap once a day. Every couple of months, I sterilize the cup by boiling it in water for 15 minutes. I have never had any issues with staining, smells, etc. Air dry if you do not need to use immediately, or wipe with a towel/tissue.

Let's talk about the sizing. SckoonCup comes in two sizes (information from Sckoon's website):

Size 1 - Small, for women who have not previously given birth vaginally. Capacity - 23 ml
   Length (no including the stem): 1.75"
   Diameter (top): 1.5"
Size 2 - Large, for women who have given birth vaginally. Capacity - 30 ml

I have given birth vaginally (once). Based on Sckoon's recommendations, I would have to select Size 2 (Large). However, I know that I have a shallow vagina that is somewhat on the smaller size. I know this from using other menstrual cups that are larger in size. Since I have a shallow and smaller vagina, I went with Size 1 (small). The fit is perfect! My recommendation is to get acquainted with the size of your vagina and select the size based on that. Every woman is different, whether she has given birth vaginally or not.

I have two other reusable menstrual cups by two different brands. I love that the SckoonCup has a smaller and slimmer design. I like that I forget that I am wearing the SckoonCup. Sckoon's design fits me very well. SckoonCup has become my favorite reusable menstrual cup because of the slim design and easy insertion/removal. Try this healthier alternative to tampons and disposable pads.

Disclosure: Thank you to SckoonCup for providing samples of the products mentioned in this post. I was selected for this opportunity as a member of the Green Moms Network, and the content and opinions expressed here are 100% my own. I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Organic Skin Care Essentials

Are you tired of the chemicals in your products? Organic skin care can range from makeup with minerals, soaps made of natural ingredients, skin lotions and moisturizers made with plant based ingredients.  Generally manufactured with limited toxins to reduce your exposure and boost your health.  Here are some good ones to try.

Organics Silken Earth Translucent Foundation

Sheer makeup base goes on lightly for even coverage and a soft, natural look. Made with powdered silk to give you a rich, radiant, yet feathery-light glow. Made with 100% natural ingredients.

Organics Silken Earth Translucent Foundation - $20.36, Free shipping - Available at iHerb
(17 reviews)

Honey Girl Organics Super Skin Food -- 1 fl oz

Pure, Natural Honey Girl Organics are Made with the Honey of Bees Fed on the Sun-Kissed Tropical Flowers on the North Shore of Oahu.

This rich and nourishing organic skincare formula is the best available for dry, cracked, and rough skin. This healing formula includes royal jelly and vitamin E to deeply penetrate and nourish worn and damaged areas like elbows and knees.


Honey Girl Organics Super Skin Food -- 1 fl oz - $32.79, 5.48 shipping - Available at Fullfillment By Amazon
(1 reviews)

Dr. Woods Shea Vision Pure Black Soap with Organic Shea Butter

We have combined our original soap products with Organic Shea Butter to create an ultra moisturizing cleanser. Shea Butter is nature's hidden secret for beautiful skin. Once a year in the African Savannah, the Mangifolia tree gives up its fruit known as the karite or the shea nut. After being hand picked, the shea nuts are boiled to extract their treasure, Shea Butter.

Shea Vision Pure Black Soap with Organic Shea Butter -- 32 fl oz - $7.39, 4.99 shipping - Available at Vitacost
(455 reviews)

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links provided by Postpresso. Regardless, I only recommend products that I would myself use.
  

6 Oils to Protect Your Skin

Healthy oils are not just for cooking or to put in your salad. Oils can be used as a natural beauty treatment. They contain high levels of antioxidant vitamins that can soften, hydrate, and protect your skin and nails. Here are six natural oils that make your skin feel great.

Argan Oil

Argan Oil comes from nuts of a tree found in southwestern Morocco.  They are harvested by the Berber community, roasted and pressed to extract the oil. It contains high levels of vitamin E and has 80% unsaturated fatty acids making it more resistant to oxidation. It aids in healing scars, has anti-inflammatory, sun protection and disinfectant properties.

Argan Oil Moroccan Organic Pure 2 fl oz Liquid - $10.99, 3.95 shipping - Available at Piping Rock

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil contains high levels of Omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins C, A and D, it is also rich in unsaturated fats. Recommended for wrinkle reduction, itching, inflammation as well as dry skin.

Pure Avocado Oil -- 16 fl oz - $18.99, 2.99 shipping - Available at Vitamin Shoppe Industries, Inc.

Sweet Almond Oil 16 oz

Between 36-60% of the kernel of an almond is oil.  It is high in omega 6 and omega 9 fatty acids.  It is great for use as a massage oil, for stretch marks and dry skin.

Sweet Almond Oil 16 oz - $12.21, 5.95 shipping - Available at LuckyVitamin.com

Sesame Oil

A very rich oil.  Often used for massages, sesame oil is high in vitamin E and is great for damaged, dry or irritated skin, hair and nails.

Sesame Oil Certified Organic -- 8.5 fl oz - $9.89, 7.07 shipping - Available at iHerb

Essentials Organic Evening Primrose Oil -- 1300 mg - 90 Capsules

Evening Primrose oil comes from the seeds of a wild flower found in the US.  High in Omega 6 fatty acid, its anti-inflammatory properties make it suitable as a treatment for brittle nails, eczema, skin damage or irritation.

Essentials Organic Evening Primrose Oil -- 1300 mg - 90 Capsules - $22.75, 4.99 shipping - Available at evitamins.com

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is from a shrub native to parts of Arizona, California and Mexico. Rich in Vitamin E, it can be used on the skin, hair and for nail care. It is classified as a fungicide and can be used to protect nails against infections.

Jojoba Oil 4 fl oz Oil - $8.49, 3.95 shipping - Available at Piping Rock

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links provided by Postpresso. Regardless, I only recommend products that I would myself use.
  

BioTerra Vision Zoom Herbal Supplement [Review]

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Natural medicine is making a comeback and becoming more common. Herbal supplements and essential oils can be a great way to keep your family healthy, prevent illnesses and help to recover from illnesses. In some situations, modern medicine might still be required. Though you cannot go wrong with pure, natural, herbal supplements as an addition to your healthy diet. BioTerra Herbs Vision Zoom Herbal Supplement promotes eye health and supports visual function.

BioTerra Herbs Vision Zoom    
   ($19.99, 60 capsules)

Rating: total green check marks out of 5.

The Good	The Not So Good
100% pure and natural herbs
No taste/aftertaste
No artificial additives or preservatives
Made in the USA

BioTerra Herbs Vision Zoom contains 100% natural and pure herbs in a vegetarian capsule with rice flour. All ingredients are Vegan, Non-GMO and Gluten-Free. Vision Zoom contains the following ingredients:

Lycium (fruit) - Latin name: Lycium chinese
Chrysanthemum (flower) - Latin name: Dendranthema x grandiflorum.
Jujube (fruit) - Latin name: Ziziphus jujuba
Asian Water Plantain (rhizome) - Latin name: Alisma plantago-aquatica
Astragalus (root) - Latin name: Astragalus mongholicus

This list of ingredients is one of the simplest for supplements. I like that the ingredients are non-GMO, especially since the capsules contain rice flour.

I have been taking two (2) capsules on an almost daily basis after a meal, as recommended. Vision Zoom does not have a taste or aftertaste. Even when smelling the capsules, there was no scent. Unlike some herbal supplements, I love that there is no smell or taste. The capsules are of standard size, soft and easy to swallow for me.

Usually, I do see many, if any, visible effects (positive or negative) from taking herbal supplements. I have been taking this one for a few weeks and did not think I was seeing any noticeable results, until last weekend. I was in a wedding, so after wearing eye make up for a rehearsal dinner and the whole next day, my eyes were itchy and red by the end of the second day. I kept taking Vision Zoom once per day. I noticed that the itching was gone within 24 hours. Great results for someone who does not, anymore, wear makeup every day and gets affected by it when it is worn.

If you experience eye allergies, wear contacts or have sensitive eyes, BioTerra Herbs Vision Zoom herbal supplement is a great addition to your diet.

Disclosure: I am not a medical professional. Information about the product was sourced from the company website. These statements have not be reviewed by the FDA, not intended to treat, cure or diagnose any conditions or diseases. Please consult your physician before starting a new supplement. I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. All opinions are my own.

Winner Announcement

The giveaway for Bebe Lush Organic Argan Oil has concluded! Thank you to all those that entered! Winner is listed below and has confirmed.

Garden: Lots of Rain, Lots of Growth [#CTWW]

Gardening is one of my passions. I love getting outside to find a location for a new plant, to dig the hole for the new plant, and then to water the newly planted plant. I love taking daily garden and yard tours to see how the plants are growing and what flowers are getting ready to bloom. Lots of rain and sunshine lately have resulted in the garden having lots of growth. Read below to find out what I'm growing in the garden, the container garden and some other locations in the flower beds.

This week's challenge:

This week, plant something edible. Plant in a garden, raised bed, a container, etc. If you don't have space outside, consider herbs or lettuce in a small pot placed in a kitchen window. Try placing some seed potatoes in the ground (dig a small hole and drop them in) ... then sit back and watch them grow. If you're moving into autumn, consider planting a fruit tree or perhaps a nut tree. The idea this week is to plant food.

Garden
In previous years, things tended to overgrow and crowd each other. This year, I tried to space out plants farther apart to give them more room to grow. Some plants were started from seed sowed directly in the ground, other were purchased as plants from a local nursery. The salad greens and kale have loved the rain. Looks like I will be cooking with lots of kale in the coming weeks.

Sugar snap peas were sowed about 2 weeks apart and are growing nicely up the back chicken wire fencing.

My husband added our compost to the garden. This means you never know what will reseed itself. I found about 10 small tomato plants growing in the garden. I left them in there (which didn't help the crowding issue) to see how they would do. The black walnut tree next to the garden is supposed to secrete a chemical that is toxic to tomato plants, which is why I have the tomato container garden in front of the house.

Container Garden
Tomatoes! Tomatoes! And basil thrown in for companion planting. I acquired a few more pots to increase the number of plants I can plant.  

Berry Bushes
I have a blackberry bush and a blueberry bush (planted last year). Critters have been munching on the leaves of each, so I am in the process of creating fencing for both. I created an arch/hoop system for the blueberry with 10ft PVC pining, held in place by 2ft rebar, covered with bird netting. 

Edible Garden
One of my goal is to have an edible garden in the front. When I ran out of room in the garden to plant one kale plant, I decided to plant it in the front. It is doing well. Not as good as the kale in the garden, but that is expected since the garden has richer soil. The kale adds a nice touch of color and texture.

(The photo is from about 1+ months ago.)

>> What is growing (or not growing) in your garden??
  

Organic Teething Necklace [Giveaway]

Just this week, I noticed the baby (14 months old) has been chewing on the wooden crib. I have been waiting for it for a long time as I expected it to occur much earlier. When the baby teethes, he chews on everything and anything. If chewing on something will offer relief, he will chew on it. One of my favorite teething products is a teething necklace. Milk and Joy Organic Teething Necklace offers a variety of textures to soothe any baby's teething pain.

Enter to win an organic crocheted teething necklace of your choice (adult or little girl length) below.

Please use the Rafflecopter entry form below. Open to the US only. All entries will be verified. Duplicate and invalid entries will be deleted. 

Giveaway

Organic Crocheted Teething Necklace ($22-35 value)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: All Natural Katie is not responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill prize obligations. All opinions are my own. I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.