I’ve always said that if I strike it rich, the first thing I would “buy” would be a personal chef. I mean, why does this family of mine need so much food?!?! C’mon! I admit there are times that I’m in it to win it with the meals I feed my family but there’s always a good percentage of the time I’m all “cereal for dinner”.
Y’all I KNOW that isn’t healthy, no matter what brand of cereal you buy so I really strive to up my game in the healthy meal department, even if I “cheat” and grab some on-the-go food. Here’s some simple yet effective tips on how you can make healthier food choices even when you’re .
Know Before You Go Check out what the restaurant serves before you even get in your car. This has never been easier with store apps and websites. Heck, you can even order before you get there to lock in those solid it’s-healthy-for-you choices and not self sabotage at the last minute.
Opt for Healthier Substitutes You don’t have to give up your favorite foods, but you can choose healthier substitutes. For example, replace white rice with quinoa, eat whole-grain bread instead of white bread, use vinaigrette’s instead of creamier dressings and switch to sweet potato instead of traditional French fries. These easy swaps will help you eat healthier without sacrificing taste. Another hot tips is to fill up on veggies before you dive into the carb heavy foods.
Choose Grab-and-Go Healthy Options Convenience is key when you’re all meal planned out, so look for healthier options that are easy to grab and eat. Choose pre-cut veggies, rotisserie chickens, pre-made salads, whole-grain crackers & hummus cups, hard-boiled eggs, low sugar jerky, protein bars or shakes, fruit cups, nuts/trail mixes, nitrate and low sodium deli meats and cheese sticks. Thankfully bento boxes are still all the rage so call it a Lunchable and make the kids happy.
Remember we aren’t super mom’s, we are just regular mom’s doing our best. We don’t need to place a 5 course gourmet meal on the table every night, just food that’s as nutrient dense as we can possibly get our families to eat. And if that just so happens to come from Chick-Fil-A tonight, just make them grilled nuggets instead of breaded.
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Y’all, of course I might be little biased buuuuut, there is no job as tough as being a mama. We are the prize fighters, the heavyweight champions of the all the jobs out there in the universe.
We mama’s come in so many forms: working full time then coming home to the monumental task of being a mama and wife. A stay at home mama that includes being caregiver, educator, babysitter, boo boo kisser, referree, maid, chef and so much more. And single mama’s that are the breadwinner, mama and daddy all rolled into one. And what about us special needs mamas.… oy. Y’all I’m just exhausted typing this!
We are exhausted. We are tired. And it’s not hard to see why.
And even though we are stretched thin, we are wracked with guilt because we see that Influencer mama with the perfectly clean house, getting her perfectly clean kids to eat a perfectly clean, organic diet and we want more. We want to be the mama that tries to incorporate healthier foods, or start a healthier style of living. But we have nothing left in the gas tank so how can we possibly start something new?!?!?!
Take Care of Yourself Mama s HEAR ME when I say you have to put yourself first every dang day. Not just self care Sunday’s. Everyday. Damn. Day. Check out this blog post on why it’s so important. How? Nurture your own wellbeing. Make sure you’re getting that good sleep, eat well, take time out of your day for you time, whenever you need it.
Embrace Imperfection If you’re anything like me, you need someone to say this to you: YOU HAVE PERMISSION TO BE IMPERFECT. Live your life like it belongs in the out-takes baby and not a perfectly edited movie. Outakes are way funnier than the actual movie anyway!
We can yada, yada about creating goals and hitting them but, at least to me, that’s just more striving to be perfect that I know I can’t handle when I start something new. Like dudes…I’m just trying to get in the habit. I don’t need any extra goal hitting I-did-it-perfect pressure. That ish is for the birds.
Stay Motivated Staying motivated is seriously the hardest part of starting something new. I do bang all awesome for the first little bit then I’m like ‘whatever” and ghost it. #thestruggleisreal Because staying motivated can be a struggle, I found it’s best to stay engaged and interested in my new pursuit by immersing myself in a community of like minded mamas. Which is why I created The Scrunchy Mama Club. By keeping engaged with my people, I keep myself motivated to stick with my new venture. You can check out and join The Scrunchy Mama Club here.
Lean on Your Support System Trying to start something new can feel daunting, but you don’t have to go it alone. If The Scrunch Mama Club isn’t your thing, then look to your support system whether that’s your spouse, a family member, or friend, to help you through the initial stages. They can offer encouragement, hold you accountable, and provide help when you need it.
And listen Linda, for the love of allllllll that is holy, don’t be afraid to be vulnerable and ask for help when you need it. That’s when you get the most “bang for your buck” and see things in a perspective that you’ve never seen before.
Mama’s, starting something new can be soooo challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Whatever you are looking to pursue, remember that it’s never too late to begin and it’s okay to not be damn perfect. By prioritizing YOURSELF, embracing imperfection, staying motivated, and leaning on your support system, you can do anything! Don’t be afraid to take that first step – the only thing standing between you and your dreams is the courage to begin.
If you’re ready to gain energy to help you feel like a new mama, join The Energy Challenge here. Not only will you get amazing energy but you’ll sleep better and feel amazing too!
xoxo,
PS – if you’re ready to get “scrunchy” grab my free guide and start changing your life for the better!
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I might love me some sweet summertime but I think it’s fairly safe to say that we luuuuuurrrrve Fall and everything that comes with it. The foods (pumpkin pie, I’m lookin at you!), the cozy blankets and sweaters, and the delicious SMELLS!
Here’s some yummy essential oil blends that will be sure to give you all the cozy Fall vibes. These blends are based on a 2 ounce bottle but you can increase to fill any size bottle!
Y’all…I’m still trying to figure out how to get the dang Pinterest pin on my website so pardon the newbie move but here’s the Pinterest link so you can Pin for later: https://pin.it/3nzyfJg
PRO TIP
You can easily turn this into a diffuser blend by reducing the total drops to a maximum of 20 drops. I personally reduce the recipe into thirds. For example the Orange Spice diffuser blend would be 4 drops orange, 4 drops cinnamon and 2 drops cardamom.
For the mamas out there who are looking for natural and low toxin remedies for their family’s health and wellness, essential oils could be the answer. Essential oils have been used for many centuries to support physical and emotional health. They are derived from plants and contain natural compounds that can help alleviate various ailments.
I started using essential oils for the purpose of ditching chemicals and being more self reliant with our “medicine”. The more I learned, the more I realized that they had so many other benefits! If you are a mom who is looking to live a low-tox lifestyle and is considering essential oils as an alternative to traditional, over-the-counter medicine, then this post is for you.
Essential Oils as Medicine Essential oils contain potent and highly concentrated plant extracts that have been used for centuries as a form of traditional medicine. I like to think of essential oils as the “life blood” of the plant. Each oil has its own unique set of therapeutic benefits, which range from pain relief and immune system support to reducing anxiety, promoting sleep and releasing stored emotions.
Essential Oils vs Traditional Medicine Traditional medicine definitely has it’s place in today’s world and I am in no means saying essential oils can replace all modern medicine, but rather essential oils can enhance your health and overall well-being. In the Morse house we reach for essential oils for things like headaches, relief from minor burns, help getting “regular”, help relieving coughs and immune support before we go to the doctor or pharmacy. How to Use Essential Oils for Medicine When used properly, essential oils can provide relief for a range of ailments. Oils can be applied topically on the skin, with a carrier oil like coconut oil for example, or inhaled using a diffuser. You can also add a drop or two of essential oil to your bath or mix it with your favorite beauty or hair product. When it comes to ingesting essential oils, it’s extremely important to trust your essential oil source. I trust my families health with these oils to be pure enough for my family to ingest.
Sometimes it can seem overwhelming because there are many oils to choose from. While you’re getting to know essential oils, it’s a really good idea to follow recipes from a trusted source, so you can learn what oils can be applied neat or need to be used diluted and to match oils to ailments/problems.
There is nothing that I love more than teaching people how to use essential oils for their families health! It is beyond fun to see people light up when they see results from a little bottle of oil. #bestfeelingever
Over on my group, The Scrunchy Mama’s Club, we share how to start with essential oils, deep dive on how to use essential oils topically, aromatically and ingestion, what oils are perfect for what ailments, really great recipes and DIY how-to’s. Head over to join the group and get scrunchy with us!
Mama’s, I think we can all agree that sugar can be our best friend during stressful and sleepless days. A big fudge brownie after a long day of work can send us into a euphoric state of calm. But let’s face it, ladies. Our love for sugar is not doing us any favors. If you’ve followed me for more than 10 minutes, y’all know that sugar and bakes goods are my nemesis. But they are the sweetest, most delicious nemesis you can have, amirite?
Intellectually I KNOW that sugar is addicting (even more than cocaine!) but it took this quiz to really make me open my eyes of HOW addicted I really was. And just like that, I made the decision to give up sugar. Here are a few reasons why I am going sugar-free and why you should too!
1. It’s SOOOO Bad For Our Health
Let’s face it. Eating too much sugar isn’t healthy. Numerous studies link sugar to obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. As moms, we need to make sure we live long and healthy lives, so we can see our babies grow up and enjoy their families someday. Sure, giving up sugar won’t completely prevent these health issues, but it can have a significant impact.
2. It Affects Our Mood
Many of us think that sugar consumption only affects our bodies, but it also has an impact on our moods. When we eat sugar, our blood sugar levels spike, and then crash. This can lead to mood swings, irritability, and anxiety. We don’t need any more stress in our lives, do we? After giving up sugar, I noticed my mood stabilized, I felt calmer throughout the day and Hangry Jacquie not kicking around the house at 5 p.m. anymore.
3. It Helps Us Make Better Food Choices
When I gave up sugar, I also made the decision to really buckle down on eating more veggies. Meals used to be heavy carbs, low or no veggies. Now I’m concentrating on high veggie content. Do I pay attention to carb counts in veggies? Not even a little bit. My concentration is on a variety of veggies, not just the same three all week long.
4. It Sets a Good Example for Our Kids
I gotta admit, this is one of my most motivating factors as a mama. As moms, we are our children’s most significant influence when it comes to healthy eating habits. If they see us constantly consuming sugary foods and drinks, they will think it’s normal. But, if they see us making healthier choices, they will adopt those habits, too. When I started giving up sugar, Jace, my sugar junkie, began being more selective about his sugar consumption too. Man, it made me SO proud to be setting a good example.
Making the decision to give up sugar was not an easy one for me. It’s 100% the right choice for me and my family. If you are struggling with your relationship with sugar, I encourage you to try giving it up for a while. Start by slowly cutting back or trying natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. Your body (and mind) will thank you. Let’s aim for sweet freedom, mamas!
Living fulltime in an RV may sound like a dream come true. The idea of having the flexibility to work and travel from one place to another without being tethered to a traditional home sounds exciting and adventurous. But is it possible to live fulltime in an RV with kids? The answer is YES, and we’ll explore everything you need to know about living in an RV fulltime as a family.
#1. RV Living is a Great Option for Families
Before we dive into how to make RV living work, it’s important to understand why it’s a great option for families. Living in an RV fulltime allows families to spend quality time together, explore new places, and create unforgettable memories. It also provides the opportunity to disconnect from the daily grind and truly relax in nature.
#2. Choose the Right RV for Your Family
When it comes to living in an RV fulltime with kids, choosing the right RV is key. There are many types of RVs to choose from, including motorhomes, travel trailers, and fifth wheels. Each type has its pros and cons, so it’s important to take into consideration your family’s needs, lifestyle and budget. A motorhome, for example, is a great option for families who want to be able to move around easily and have their home and vehicle in one. A travel trailer, on the other hand, is a good choice for families who want flexibility in choosing smaller tow vehicle. A fifth-wheel is the ultimate when it comes to space.
#3. Plan Your Route Carefully
When you’re living in an RV fulltime, planning your route is crucial. You’ll need to take into consideration things like road conditions, gas stations, rest areas, and campgrounds that are family-friendly. Planning ahead will ensure that you have a stress-free travel experience. Don’t be afraid to take the scenic route and explore new areas as well!
#4. Embrace Minimalism
Living in an RV fulltime means giving up the luxuries of a traditional home such as large appliances, excess belongings, and storage space. To make RV living work, it’s important to embrace minimalism and only keep what is necessary. Moms can get creative with storage solutions and opt for multipurpose items that can serve many functions.
#5. Develop a Routine for Your Family
Living in an RV fulltime can be a big adjustment for families, especially for kids. To make the transition easier, moms should develop a routine for their family that includes regular mealtimes, bedtimes, and playtime. Having a routine will give kids a sense of stability and help them adjust to their new lifestyle.
Living fulltime in an RV is not only possible but can be a fun and rewarding experience for moms and families. By choosing the right RV, planning your route carefully, embracing minimalism, and developing a routine for your family, you can make RV living work for you. The key is to be flexible, open-minded and enjoy the journey!
Pssstt…the picture is our family’s “launch day”…the day we took off and said good bye to our hometown!
It’s no secret that being a parent comes with a hefty responsibility, and making sure that your family is healthy and safe is at the top of our list. With numerous studies linking harmful ingredients in everyday products to various health issues, there is no better time to switch to non-toxic products.
Thankfully, going non-toxic is becoming increasingly popular so it’s easier than ever to shop for products. Non toxic (or toxin free) are free from harmful chemicals & synthetic fragrances, are gentle both inside & outside of the body, and are environmentally friendly. For all the moms out there who are considering making the switch to non-toxic products, this blog post is for you!
The Benefits of Using Non-Toxic Products
1. Safer for Everyone in the Family
Our children actually have higher exposure to chemicals than adults. Pound for pound children:
Put more things in their mouths than adults
Drink more, eat more and breathe more air than adults
Have more skin contact on the floor than adults
Absorb more chemicals because their skin is thinner than adults.
Using non-toxic products means that you’re avoiding excessive amounts of chemicals that can be particularly harmful to children. Plus, using non-toxic products reduces the risk of accidental ingestion or poisoning which can be life-threatening *bonus points!*.
2. Better for the Environment
The impact of synthetic chemicals on the environment is absolutely undeniable. Non-toxic products are free from harmful chemicals and are made from natural and biodegradable ingredients, reducing the impact on the environment.
3. Cost Effective
Contrary to what some may think, non-toxic products are not always expensive. In fact, over time, they can help you save money by
reducing trips to the doctor’s office
buying expensive skin products to alleviate skin problems (resulting from the use of traditional,
chemical laden products).
reduced allergies/allergy symptoms/medications
4. Natural Scents
Many non-toxic products include natural fragrances derived from essential oils. Unlike synthetic fragrances, these scents are not harmful to your respiratory system and don’t include added chemicals, making them safe for every member of the family.
These are just some of the reasons why I made the switch to non-toxic products. Check out my Favorite tab if your interested in what products we use in the Free Range RV Mama house!
xoxo,
PS – Don’t quite know how to start your non toxic/ toxin free journey? Grab my checklist for free here.
*this post may contain some affiliate links which means I may receive a commission if you chose to purchase from the links*
As moms, our bodies are constantly working hard to protect and nurture our families. We clean, we cook, and we keep the house in order while trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, even with the best of intentions, we can expose ourselves to various toxins from the environment, food, and products we use on a daily basis.
But have you ever wondered where these toxins are actually stored in the body? Let’s explore where we store toxins AND how we can help our bodies eliminate these harmful substances.
WHERE IT STARTS The liver is one of the most important organs in the body when it comes to detoxification. It’s responsible for filtering out chemicals and converting them into water-soluble compounds that can be eliminated from the body. However, the liver can only handle so much before it becomes overwhelmed. When this happens, toxins can start to accumulate in our fat cells.
Like…. whaaaaaa????? This is why it’s crucial to support our liver function. Eat a healthy diet high in veggies and fruits while avoiding alcohol, sugar and processed foods.
SPEAKING OF FAT CELLS Did you know fat cells can store toxins too? This is because toxins are fat-soluble, meaning they can easily be stored in our fat tissue. As we lose weight, these toxins can be released back into the bloodstream and potentially cause harm. #foreal
To minimize this risk, it’s important to support our bodies with healthy nutrients and regular exercise, ESPECIALLY if we are losing weight.
NEXT…… Our kidneys are also important players in the detox process. They filter waste and excess fluids from the blood, which are then eliminated through urine. However, just like our liver, our kidneys can only handle so much. To help support kidney function and prevent toxic buildup, it’s crucial to stay hydrated to help eliminate this gross junk.
BUT THE TOXINS DON’T STOP THERE! Toxins are also stored in our digestive system. The gut is home to trillions of microorganisms that play a crucial role in our overall health. So if these guys are compromised (for example from poor diet or antibiotic use) then our bodies ability to eliminate these toxins will be compromised too (sad face).
As moms, we do our best to keep our families healthy and happy. But sometimes, we forget to take care of ourselves too. Now that we know where toxins are stored in our bodies, we can take steps to support our natural detoxification processes and minimize our exposure to harmful substances. Let’s prioritize our health, so we can continue to be the best moms possible!
If you’re looking for more ways to support toxin removal from your mom bods, join my community where we share hot tips, products that support us and boost each other up!
*this post may contain some affiliate links which means I may receive a commission if you chose to purchase from the links*
Laundry, laundry, laundry. It can be the bane of a mama’s existence, am I right? So how do we take one of the dirtiest jobs in the house and clean it up? (see what I did there)
Mamas, HEAR me when I say when I first traveled down this road I made many costly mistakes. I tried the whole DIY laundry soap and dang near broke my $2500 washer machine and went through hundreds of dollars in clothing, towels and bedding because I couldn’t keep them clean. I’d end up ditching them, starting fresh only to find them disgustingly dirty once again.
All because I didn’t understand what soap or detergents do AND how hard my water is. They play a crucial roll in how to keep your clothes fresh and *really* clean.
It All Boils Down To…
Your water. This is where the problems start. Is your water hard? If your shower is prone to soap scum, you’ve probably got hard water.
Pssttt…….Hard water just means your water has a high concentration of minerals from filtering down through deposits of limestone, chalk or gypsum. These minerals are largely calcium and magnesium carbonates, bicarbonates and sulfates.
Why Does This Matter?
The minerals in your water bond with the detergent. So not only is the minerals “eating” your detergent, it’s actually making a slurry that draws MORE dirt and grime into your clothes than before you threw them in the washing machine. Talk about a major head slap.
So if you’re anything like me and pulling freshly laundered clothing from the dryer and it’s looking worse than before you popped it in the wash, you’ve probably got hard water my friend.
So How’s A Scrunchy Mama Going To Get Her Clothing Really Clean?
Quickest, cheapest way to battle your hard water for your laundry is to use 1/2 cup Borax per load. Be sure to check your machine’s manual on where to put it. It’s definitely NOT going to be in your water softener slot though!
A long term, whole house solution would be to get a home water softener system. You’ll want to consult a professional for this step.
NOW ONTO THE DETERGENT!
I bet you thought we’d be done with the hard water thing already…..NOPE!
Powdered detergents tend to bind with the minerals in hard water which mean you’d actually have to use more powdered detergent so it’s just a safe bet to stick with liquid detergents.
To Soap or Not To Soap……That is the Question
Soaps are made from natural ingredients, while detergents are generally made from synthetic chemicals. The problem with soap is that, if not properly rinsed, it can leave behind a residue on fabrics and inside your washer- especially if there is ….drum roll please…..hard water present. This dang hard water just won’t quit!
Detergents will rinse away more cleanly and are generally more effective at cleaning than their soap counterpart, especially in hard water. Soaps are also less efficient in high efficiency washer because there isn’t as much water in the rinse cycle.
Anything Else??????
Enzymes….Most commercial detergents have enzymes in them. Enzymes help speed up the breakdown of stains and dirt. Whatever brand you swap to, make sure that your new detergent contains enzymes for a more powerful clean
Don’t Know If You Have Hard Water?
If you don’t know if you have hard water or not, there are a a few ways to find out If you’re on municiple water you get your answers from them. If you’re on well water you can grab a water test kit from a local pool supply store or grab a simple test or a comprehensive test from Amazon.
WHAT I USE
My personal preference is Dirty Labs. They have an A rating on EWG’s Skin Deep plus it’s a liquid detergent that has enzymes. It checks all the boxes that I have for my non-toxic criteria. The 80 load bottle is more economical than the 32 load bottle (of course) and it’s almost neck and neck at Tide’s price point. That’s what I call a win/win/win!!!
xoxo,
If you like this post you’re probably gonna dig my free guide!
*this post may contain some affiliate links which means I may receive a commission if you chose to purchase from the links*Are You Living In A Cloud?
When I say that if we aren’t diligent about what we put into our environment that we live in a cloud of toxins I am not kidding.
Every day everyone is exposed to hundreds of toxins. They enter our bodies through various means including the air we breathe, the food we eat, the products we use, the environment we live in and lead to detrimental effects on our health and well-being
What Could It Hurt?
Living with toxins can lead to a range of health issues, including respiratory problems, skin irritations, hormonal imbalances, digestive disorders, and weakened immune function. And if that’s not bad enough, it’s worse for our children than it is us. Over time, these toxins can accumulate in our bodies and contribute to chronic illnesses and diseases.
What Can We Change?
By adopting a lifestyle that aims to reduce or eliminate exposure to toxins, we can enhance our overall well-being. This includes making conscious choices in areas such as personal care products, cleaning supplies, home furnishings, and even the foods we consume. It also involves implementing detoxification practices to support the body’s natural ability to eliminate toxins.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the thought of making our home environment “perfect” for our families but it doesn’t have to be. Get my free checklist here to start your journey to toxin free living.
