The RESET PROGRAM by Yogika

The RESET PROGRAM by Yogika
This was not going to be my first experience with juicing. Suddenly, I found myself committed to a 3-day juice cleanse last week and I was not sure how my body would respond physically, but my mind said YES. Since so many have been asking me about my experience, I wanted to share some of my journey with you.

Please keep in mind that intermittent fasting in the past and eating clean for 90% of my day is not unusual. My body craves healthy food and I can disconnect myself with food when I choose to. I was not hungry over the 3 days, I did find it hard to finish some of the juices especially the afternoon ones, as 2 hours is not long. I was often 30 minutes behind my starting time as I was still finishing the earlier juice.

A week before you begin your cleanse, remember to aim for clean eating, drinking a lot of water, and refraining from what I consider to be essential to avoid; alcohol, caffeine and refined sugar. Other foods to at least decrease if not eliminate include refined dairy, meat, and wheat. If you are a vegetarian or vegan you most likely will find the juice cleanse easier on your body and mind.

Prepping your body will minimize the headaches. I did not experience any headaches, only on the second morning I felt a minor one, but it quickly left after I drank a cup of relax tea. 

Each bottle is 500ml, so that means you are drinking 3 Litres of juice in a day, not including your freedom to drink herbal teas and water throughout the day. You will be running to the toilet often and don't hold back, your body is cleansing and if at any point it feels uncomfortable to release urine, add more water to your day.

Each morning I started with a glass of warmish water and a couple drops of lime essential oil at 7am. If my body was in need of something, I would then have a cup of herbal tea. 
At 9am I drank the first of the 6 juices, which is a sweeter green energetic blend in comparison to the last green juice of the day.

At 12 pm was mainly red beet and carrot juice with orange and apple juice along with a kick of ginger.

At 2pm was a more of a sour light green juice; mint and pineapple being features of this drink.

At 4pm was a darker green juice which included spinach, cucumber, and spirulina along with aloe vera. You get a break from ginger here.

At 6pm was my favourite, more of a meal drink and could almost pass for a delicious chocolatey drink with a hint of cinnamon. Cinnamon is my spice and did you know it is great for blood sugar levels. I so looked forward to this time of the day 

At 8pm was my least favourite drink as it is definitely less sweet and gingery. On my first day, I could not bring myself to finish it. Instead, I drank what I could and then resorted to a relaxing cup of tea. My body was adjusting to a lot of liquid.

Before bedtime treat yourself to a cup of relaxing tea, chamomile was my favourite so have your favourites on hand.

To my surprise, I was excreting every day, not an abundance, but I was releasing toxins from my colon every morning as I usually do. You should be going to the toilet every day typically and if you are not then you should consider enzymes in my opinion or look at doing a colon cleanse before any juicing cleanse. This is important to note. 

The most important part of this journey is will power. It is amazing how much you can say no to when you have a goal. I was cooking every day for my boys during the cleanse and as much as I wanted to test their food I refrained and it reminded me that often I am eating food not because I really want it. Keeping this mindset after the 3-day detox is a great reminder for you, ask yourself before you drink or eat, do I really want this, or am I having it just to have it. 

I had no problem reintroducing food back into my system as I typically have slow starts every day and no problems with uncomfortableness. In fact, I did not rush to have breakfast, instead, I continued with my routine of warm water and lime essential oil and later a cup of tea to help my body continue with the process of detoxing.

As for your emotional state, do the detox when you are in a good mental place. If you are not in a good place, consider postponing the cleanse. The best part is when your physical body feels ENERGIZED. Don't think you can not participate in daily activities; keep active and moving. Be in a state of happiness through the process and allow the juices to serve and nurish your body.

Highly recommend to add in a lymphatic drainage massage and daily skin brushing before your shower to promote circulation and detoxifying along with cellite magic or orthoease massage oil to rehydrate and support the process.  This is also the perfect time to add in an essential oil detox bath with any of these essential oils and Epsom salt; lavender, cypress, tangerine.

If at any time you are feeling tummy upset, don't forget about digize or tummygize which is a great rescuer. If you are feeling emotional, go ahead and release and don't forget that your essential oils are just an arm's reach to help you through. Valor was my go-to keep me grounded emotionally. No one even knew I was doing a cleanse and that is what mattered most to me. And consider a daily journal which may offer a profound emotional release. 

Giving the 3 Day Juicing a Go?
-Your mind is POWERFUL. 
-Drink water or have a cup of tea when you feel HUNGRY.
-Consider a lymphatic drainage massage to help with DETOXING.
-Keep yourself BUSY
-Enjoy walks, yoga and light EXERCISE.
-Be in the state of GRATITUDE.



Eliminate Dryness, The Number 1 Cause of Wrinkles

Winter has brought dryness to our skin and it can affect everyone in the family and let's not forget every part of the body too. Be consistent with daily applications to keep your skin subtle and soft.

Over the last couple of weeks, I have been receiving many messages about what can be used to alleviate dry skin, so here are some tips.

First, I am a believer in using what you already have that is natural and without toxic ingredients, rather than adding more to your bathroom cabinet. The key is to refrain from parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances which are hormone disruptors.

Number 1
Lips- If you haven't tried Young Living's Lavender lip balm it is a thumbs up. It can actually be used for any small dry patch on the body too. It is easy to throw in any bag. If you are a DIYer and have coconut oil, shea butter/cacao butter, and beeswax in your home you can make your own. Equal parts of each in a bain-marie and then add luscious lavender to the mix.

Number 2 
Face- The sandalwood moisturizing cream is luscious and thick and if you are looking for a layer of protection this is a win, but if you happen to have the kid's scent lotion, save your money and use this versatile lotion. It is thick and moisturizing for the season, and you can add any essential oil to help with dryness. Add a drop of any of these essential oils you have on hand to your daily application (add 1-2 drops to 1 tsp unscented kids lotion); geranium, lavender, gentle baby, roman chamomile, myrrh, elemi, davana, jasmine, neroli, patchouli, frankincense, sandalwood. And remember, to use what essential oils you have on hand and resonate with your skin type.

The Bloom Skin Care which includes a brightening cleanser, brightening essence and lotion has my official stamp of approval. I have been using it for almost a year. You can use it through all seasons and incorporate the collagen drinks every year to keep your skin looking juvenile. One set has lasted over 6 months and I have not noticed my skin drying out over this colder month. There has been no need to add additional moisturizers, the daily attention it is receiving is sufficient.

DIYers you can also consider making your own serum with as simple as 2 ingredients: V6 and your favourite skin essential oil. Adding vitamin e will add the additional love needed right now.

Number 3
Hands and Body- V6 is a loved staple and this is when I would say a must-have if you are a lover of essential oils. This 6 vegetable carrier oil is moisturizing and makes it easy to massage over a large area of the body. Again, add one or a combination of the recommended essential oils above to V6 for an all-body hydrating lotion. You may even want to warm this for use as a massage oil by placing it in warm water.

The versatile kid's scents lotion is also a match for the hands and body. I never understood by it was a lotion branded for children because it can certainly be used by anyone in the home. It is fragrance-free and certainly thick enough for winter dryness. Adding essential oils for the skin will provide better moisturizing benefits and help the body to detoxify.  

If you are a DIYer you can enjoy making your own body butter by ordering ingredients from iherb.com and adding your Seed to Seal essential oils. The internet is your oyster for so many beautiful combinations. The fun part is whipping it up and this is the perfect time of the year to make it as you do not need to keep it in the fridge.

A must add, consider making your own liquid foaming hand soap and adding extra vitamin e to the recipe. Oh !!! Hand sanitizers have been a highly overused product since the pandemic, but please consider hand sanitizers that have glycerin, aloe, honey extract, calendula extract, chamomile, or other skin-soothing ingredients.  

Number 4
Rough patches and cuticles- This includes any furry animal in the home. If your cuticles, elbows, knees, heels of feet are feeling a little rough, a protective layer of thick ointment is the way to go. The rose ointment is what you are after, but do not shy away from the economical animal scents ointment which is equally as effective and moisturizing. It is a staple in our home for chaffing too.

Number 5
Nose- Yes, the nose can be a place of dryness and although very little is required to keep this area moist, any of the above ointments are perfect for moisturizing and supporting the respiratory system. I like to mix a small pot of ointment with immune-supporting essential oils such as these ready blends: Thieves, RC, Raven, and Exodus is another favorite. Swab with a clean finger or cotton bud. Even if you do not experience a dry nose, this is one of my favorite applications to use when I know I am going to be wearing a mask for longer periods. A relaxing essential oil such as Lavender is perfect, a replacement for a homemade Aroma Ring.


What are you going to Focus on in 2021?

What are you going to Focus on in 2021?
I think almost all of us can say that 2020 literally transformed some aspect of our life. It has certainly affected travel, time with extended family, work-life, participation in events, and for many has had a real dynamical change for the immediate family.

Our lives have changed and we will either come out of this embracing what we still have in gratitude or finding ourselves having to rediscover a new world. Life has taught me that no matter what comes my way, I will focus on the present with gratitude. I guess I can be grateful that life taught me early on that we can not change the past and worrying about the future struggles to bring true abundance when we can not be truly present in the moment of here and now.

When our family of 4 had to surprisingly cancel our Easter Ski Holiday, we knew that things were going to be uniquely different for the rest of the 2020 Year. I remember the agent on the telephone responding to me like I was crazy when I suggested that there may be a possibility of Whistler Mountain closing. "That will NEVER happen." 

There is so much unknown about what 2021 will bring, but I know that I will focus on each day at hand. The old saying "take one day at a time" really is wise. What I do know is that through all of this, I have trusted my immune system to give me the strength to remain healthy and mentally grounded. Your body is capable of so much when you nourish it. 

If you have not already used 2020 as an opportunity to:

find a passion to enhance your life, find one.

find a physical activity to keep fit, find one.

find a tool to help release stress, find one

find joy in eating something healthier, find one.

find out what your body needs to work better, find one.

find a new author to add to your repertoire, find one.

bond with a friend you connect with on all levels, find one.

volunteer your time somewhere, find one.

do something that will benefit this planet, find one.

try something that you have said, "I CAN'T do this" and say YES.

Wishing you and yours a Happy and Healthy Holiday and NEW YEAR. Make 2021 better because the magic is in YOU.












Natural Cleaning Made Easy

Natural Cleaning Made Easy
1. Create your own Wipes  (pet friendly)
Cut a roll of paper towels in half, find a container to home your paper towels, combine a capful of THC with 1 1/2 cups of distilled water and 5 drops of essential oil (ie purification any of the essential oils that have come with your thieves kit) add to the jar, and shake to mix. 

2. Use in Dishwasher
Use in place of your dishwasher detergent

3. Use in Washing Machine
Add 1 capful of THC to the detergent slot at the start of the wash. This helps to rid of mold build up in your machine and rubber ring for front loaders.

4. Make an All-Purpose Cleaner
Mix 1 capful of THC with 3 cups of distilled water in a spray bottle. If you have a citrus essential oil, add 3 -6 drops to add that little extra boost.

5. All-Purpose for Bathroom Sink, Countertops, Kitchen Sink
Use the recipe above and add 5 drops of purification essential oil. If you already added a citrus oil you are good to go.

6. Floors
Add a capful of THC to a bucket of warm water and mop. This will help keep those little critters away.

7. All-Purpose for Shower
Use the All-Purpose Cleaner recipe above, let stand on tiles and wipe.

8.All Purpose for Travel
Add a tsp of THC to alcohol and put in a small spray bottle.

9. Clean Oven, Racks, and Microwave
Combine 1 capful of THC with 1 cup of distilled hot water.

10. Clean Greasy Stainless Steel Pan
Add 1/2 cup of the above heavy degreaser to the pan. Heat on stove until hot. Allow to cool with scrub and rinse.

11.Make a Glass Cleaner
Mix 1 capful of THC, 5 drops citrus fresh or citrus oil, and 1 tsp of vinegar with a cup of distilled water. This is the best window/glass cleaner I have ever come across.

12. Deep Cleaning Scrub
Mix equal parts THC and baking soda to form a thick paste. Add some liquid soap (Castile) to make it even creamier. This is the perfect 'Jiff; mix.

13. Carpet, Sofa, Laundry Spot Cleaner
Mix 1 capful of THC with 6 cups of water. 

14. Remove Gum and Sticker Residue
With the above recipe, apply to areas and massage to work it free.

15. Mist live Plants
1 capful of THC per quart of water.

16. Santize Rags, Sponges, Kitchen cloths, etc
Soak overnight in 2 capfuls of THC per quart of water.

17. Sanitize Toothbrushes
Soak with a splash of THC and water in a glass overnight. Optional, use a few drops of thieves oil or a splash of thieves mouthwash.

18. Wood Surface Cleaner
Mix 1 capful of THC with 1 cup of olive oil and use it to wipe down wooden items.

19. Safe to Clean Pet Items
Use the spray to clean all pet items such as bowls, toys including aquariums.

20. Deodorize the Home
Combine 1 capful of THC with one 8 oz box of baking soda in a glass jar. Mix thoroughly. Sprinkle over fabric, carpets, or mattresses, and after 15mins vacuum. You are going to love the aroma of your home.


Moving Towards a Chemical Free Home

Moving Towards a Chemical Free Home

Move Towards a Chemical Free Home


Not only what we breathe, drink, and ingest affect our health, but also what we use to clean and beautify ourselves have a significant impact on our health. Our home cleaning products as well as the daily hygiene products that we use affect our bodily systems and ultimately go back into our environmental systems, which ultimately affects us all. Awareness is the first step to turning our bodies, home, and our environment into less toxic places. 


Chemical synthetics are used in mass-produced home products for convenience and affordability. It is important to be informed so that we can protect our family and environment from becoming toxic playgrounds. The chemical synthetics that are easily made available to us are unable to break down naturally or biodegrade which then accumulates in our fatty tissues and creates toxicity. 


Toxic Ingredients can be found in many of the products we find at our friendly grocers. There are very few regulations imposed on companies who produce these products, as to how much toxic ingredients should even be allowed in a bottle. And quite often they should possibly be banned altogether. When purchasing these cleaning products, it is also good to keep in mind that some unethical companies have evolved to advertise “green” which is a concern as it is a huge misrepresentation with products containing suspect ingredients. 


The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has listed some of the more hazardous chemical additives found in common cleaning products. You can check out their App to check up on products you are purchasing on a regular basis. 


Have a look at some of these common ingredients that are added to everyday household cleaning products. What does it look like under your kitchen sink and could your home possibly become a better environment? 


Chemical Additive

Problem with Exposure

Products Found In

Fragrance 

Mild irritants, suspect carcinogens, often extended by the presence of endocrine-disrupting phthalates

Household products

QUATS

Quaternary Ammonium Compounds

Inflammatory reactions and dermatitis breaks down to form formaldehyde (a carcinogen)

Antibacterial Household cleaners

2-Butoxyethanol

Respiratory irritant.. (odor of window cleaners)

Window cleaners and many kitchen and multi-purpose cleaners

Petroleum

Suspected of containing residues of known carcinogens, Benzo A Pyrene and Benzo B Fluoranthene

Common petrochemical additive in household products

Chlorine

Respiratory irritant with exposures through public water supplies, fumes, and cleaning agents. Potential of thyroid disruption

Common in Scouring powders, toilet bowl cleaners, mildew removers, laundry whitener

Why not Do It Yourself (DIY)? DIY puts you in control of a safer home environment and once you get started it really is surprisingly easy and fun to do. Once you have filled your cupboards with vinegar, baking soda, washing soda, castile soap, vegetable glycerin and some pure essential oils you will be ready to take on the dirt in your home. Another gem of combining essential oils into your DIYS is that not only do we reduce risks and exposures to toxins, but they also provide excellent cleaning benefits and support our body systems. 


We officially removed all store-bought cleaners from our home for over 5 years and have been using the Thieves cleaner as the staple, baking soda, and vinegar as the basis for pretty much every corner of the house. The thieves cleaner is a must-have to combat mold in any home and can be used on the floors, walls, countertops, and basins. There is really no need to buy multiple cleaners for every area of your home. There is a lot to be said about keeping your life simple and clean.


We want to help you get started with these easy recipes below. Once you get started you can then you can begin to expand your repertoire. You can contact us at hooplaessentials@gmail.com we would be happy to send you a FREE DIY recipe booklet filled with recipes we have tried and tested, to help you keep your home clean and toxic-free. Additionally, you will find some of our favorite beauty recipes. 


Get Started with a few Simple Home Cleaning Recipes 


Carpet Deodorizer

2 cups baking soda

25 drops of essential oil


Shake well before each use and store in an air-tight container. Sprinkle over carpets and sofas before vacuuming.


Fabric Softener

½ cup white vinegar

2 tablespoons baking soda

25 drops lavender oil or lemon oil


Mix as a paste in a small blow. Transfer to the fabric softener holder of the washing machine. Use during washer’s rinse cycle.


Simple Laundry Powder

4  cups baking soda

3 cups washing soda

2 cups grated castile soap bar (baby mild unscented)

20 drops lavender essential oil

10 drops lemon essential oil

(can change the oil for your preference. You don’t actually smell the oils in the finished wash)


Mix baking soda with essential oils, add washing soda (be careful when mixing, it can be an irritant) then Castile and either mix or shake in a large container. Use a large tablespoon for each regular load. You may choose to add a spoon of borax for whites/towels/really dirty loads.


Bathroom Cream Cleaner 

½ cup baking soda

15 drops essentials oils (lemon, thieves, eucalyptus, tea tree, or substitute with a capful of thieves cleaner)

Liquid castile soap


Mix oils with baking soda and then add Castile gradually until the desired consistency. If you are storing this, you will need to give it a mix before each use. 


 
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