Hypothyroidism: Which Foods To Eat, And Which To Stay Away From

Disclaimer: The following post contains affiliate links. Experiences and opinions are my own. See Discloser page for details

Thyroid Support Available On Amazon Now

Hypothyroidism is often called the silent epidemic. Hard to diagnose, until the symptoms are in a stage you can no longer ignore, they can represent any number of other diseases. It took me to have a goiter (an enlargement of the thyroid, visible on the neck), to realize I had the disease. I had previously explained my increasing acne, hair loss, and sudden weight gain away, by a lack of discipline, and something that might just happen to me. The fact that I always am cold is just another quirk that made me, me. I was wrong. I had hypothyroidism.

Thankfully, once diagnosed there are a variety of treatment options you can discuss with your holistic health care provider. I have decided to go the natural route and began by adjusting my diet to support my thyroid. Allow me to share some of my findings with you.

Foods that negatively affect thyroid function (hypothyroid issues only) , and therefore, can increase or create a goiter are on my “not to eat list”

1. pine nuts
2. peanuts
3. cauliflower
4. broccoli
5. kale
6. millet
7. spinach
8. soybeans (and soy products)
9. peaches
10. pears
11. rutabagas
12. turnips

Those should be only eaten in moderation, and only if cooked, as some health care providers think that cooking them will kill their goitrogenic properties. I have eliminated them completely, which is personally the best course of action for me.

Foods to add to your diet:

1. Eggs
2. dairy
3. shellfish
4. seafood
5. olive oil
6. nuts (no peanuts)
7. parsley
8. whole grains
9. whole wheat bread
10. winter squash

You should also increase your consumption of foods containing the following vitamins and minerals

1. zink
2. B2
3. B3
4. B6
5. B12
6. A
7. E
8. C

Because fluoroid can have negative effects on the thyroid I cook only with filtered water. Keep in mind, that black and green teas also contain fluoride

So far, this course of action has had a positive impact on my overall well being, and I am able to stay off medication, as long as I make a continous improvement.

Question: Do you have a disease that you control or improve with the help of dietary changes?

Disclaimer as required by law: Please make sure you check with your health care professional before making any dietary changes. This article only contains a personal account for what works for me, and is for educational purposes only)

Read More On The Subject:.

Hypothyroidism Diet: Natural Remedies And Foods To Boost Your Energy And Jump Start Your Weight Loss

.Available On Amazon Now!

Wordless Wednesday: Make Your Day Perfect

This blog post is a part of the following blog hops:

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The Billionaire’s Touch by J.S. Scott – A Book Review

Book Title: The Billionaire’s Touch (The Sinclairs Book 3)
Author: J.S. Scott
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: March 22nd, 2016
Rating: 4/5 Stars

Premise: 

After a troubling childhood, wealthy Evan Sinclair likes his life orderly and controlled. He rarely gives in to spontaneous urges—until he begins a chance correspondence with a mystery woman who sounds like his complete opposite. She intrigues and amuses him, and the interest seems mutual…which is more than he can say for his current obsession, Miranda Tyler, the tough-as-nails, sexy schoolteacher who’s made it clear she’s not impressed—or interested.

Miranda finally has it all: a good job, friends, and the security of living in the quaint coastal town of Amesport, Maine. She even has an anonymous pen pal—a man she’s never met yet has bonded with almost effortlessly. The only thing unsettling her life is Evan Sinclair. The handsome billionaire is arrogant, pompous, and far too used to getting his way. Miranda tries her best to avoid him, until Evan’s steamy kiss turns her world upside down.

Soon their red-hot desire is scorching the sheets and has them both spinning out of control. But when secrets are revealed, will their insatiable attraction keep them together or force them apart? In J.S. Scott’s The Billionaire’s Touch, the eldest Sinclair just might have met his match.

 

My Thoughts:

 

After having read a few books which included billionaires in their plot, I thought way too many Authors trying to copy the success of 50 Shades Of Grey, by copying the style – which is not a good idea, because, in my humble opinion, the book was one of the worst once I have ever read, and I have read a lot of romance novels over the years. This book, on the other hand, was refreshingly not trying to be what should not have been, even though it had plenty of sex scenes hidden within. Nothing wrong with lovemaking and even though, I thought they could have used a few less scenes of the horizontal kind in this book, I was still smitten with the well-developed character and interesting, warm, and sometimes truly charming plot. I felt deeply for the scars that Evan had to bear, due to his cruel father, and even more so after what was revealed

I felt deeply for the scars that Evan had to bear, due to his cruel father, and even more so after what was revealed toward the last third of the book. J.S. Scott managed to make her male lead noble, without being unbelievable, his self-sacrifice a reason for his personality, and his  need for control, which gave him depth, likeability, and make for an interesting, emotional read.  Like I said earlier, the only thing that could have done better was the fact that there were almost too much sex too soon. Yet, it did not diminish my enjoyment of the overall story. Because this was my introduction to the Sinclair series, I am looking now forward to reading all of the other books about the brothers and extended family.

Because this was my introduction to the Sinclair series, I am looking now forward to reading all of the other books about the brothers and extended family.

 

 

The Billionaire’s Touch is available on Amazon now.

The above post contains affiliate links. I have received this book free via Kindle Unlimited, an Amazon service.

 

 

How To Get Rid Of Your Headache Naturally – 6 Quick And Easy Remedies

Headaches happen for many reasons – stress, neck or posture problems, change of weather, or slight dehydration. No matter what the cause, I prefer to grab a natural health remedy to combat the pain, rather than grabbing for the chemical solutions of aspirin and company.

Here are few quick home remedies to get rid of headaches:

Anti-Headache Water:

Add the juice of a lemon to two cups of water, and two add the juice of a lemon to two cups of water, and two add the juice of a lemon to two cups of water, and two add the juice of a lemon to two cups of water, and two teaspoons or Himalayan Salt. Mix well, and drink as you would drink normally your water.

Medicinal Clay Available On Amazon

Medicinal clay mask
Create a thick paste with enough medicinal clay and water to cover your forehead only. Relax for 30 minutes, and rinse off thoroughly The cooling effect of medicinal clay works wonders on tension headaches!

Peppermint oil
Using pure peppermint essential oil can be also helpful for headaches. Simply massage a few drops (3 to 5 ) onto your temple for relief.

Cinnamon relief paste:
Mix one teaspoon of ground cinnamon with a teaspoon of water, and apply the paste upon your forehead. Leave on for 10 minutes, rinse off well.

Headache relief juice:

Black And Decker 400 Watt Juicer available on Amazon now!

If you have a juicer, try this green juice to make your headache go away:
1 stick of celery
3 large kale leaves
1/4 lemon
1/2 pineapple
1 small piece (about a half inch) of ginger root
1/2 of an organic cucumber

On The Road Headache Fix:
If you do not have access to any of these household items, and you are on the road, pick up Gatorade, and drink two cups of it rather than grab for an aspirin. This will cure most headaches rather quickly. follow the instructions of your juicer and enjoy

What are your favorite natural remedies for headache relief?

I am required by law to add this disclaimer:
For educational and entertainment purposes only. The information given in the above post, is not meant to replace the advice of a health care professional. Always consult with a health-care professional before using any alternative medicine or healing methods. Always make sure you are not allergic to any of the ingredients before use.

This post is  a part of the following blog hops:
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Manic Mondays

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Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop

5 Ways to Teach/Trick Yourself Into Drinking More Water

(Disclaimer: The following post contains affiliate links. I have received the ….. water bottle for free in return for an honest review. See Disclosure page for details)

I used to hate drinking water. I’d rather drink anything but, ranging from soda’s to coffee, to my beloved tea, just to avoid
drinking the cold stuff pure. While some of those count toward your daily needed water intake, pure water is still the best
for staying hydrated, so I decided to learn some tips and tricks on how to get more of that stuff I avoided into my system.

Here are 5 tips and tricks to help you drink more water on a consistent basis:
1. Post it notes
I am a believer in creating notes for myself – even if that sometimes means, I am getting weird looks by my family members, and those who have not been properly warned, but they are effective.
You can write simply “drink more water” on your favorite sticky notes, and tape it to your computer screen, your fridge, and your bathroom mirror – any of the place you might frequent, and glance at throughout the day.

2. Get a fancy, sporty or funny water bottle.
Having the water with you at all times minimizes your potential excuses, and making the water bottle something special makes it also a trendy accessory. From a stylish silver thermos water bottle, to the individually designed bottles from Zazzle, you can find something that fits your style and your needs.

3. Write down your water intake
may it be by using  apps such as Hydro Coach, or via an old-fashion journal, keeping track of how much water you take in is a combination of a reminder, as well as your own accountability partner. It also makes it easier for your to see when you have a harder time to keep up with your needed intake, and make adjustments to your routine, or add something to make keep drinking that good stuff easier.

Mason Jars With Straw Lid available on Amazon now!

4. Get yourself a straw
believe it or not, when you are drinking through a straw, you drink automatically more. You do not have to invest in these fancy glass ones , but if you use mason jars to increase your water intake, you can add these straw lids to them. I think they are cool!

5. Begin and end your day with water
Make drinking water the first thing you do in the morning and the last thing you drink at night. Centering your water intake around your already established routines makes it easier for you to remember – and create the habit of drinking water. Your body will thank you!

Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle from Steady Doggie Sports available on Amazon now!

 

Check out my favorite new 20 oz stainless steel water bottle from Steady Doggie Sports and Outdoors. Keeping my water cool and fresh for hours, while being handy and light enough to keep close. It is easy to clean (if you are disregarding the lid that includes the inbuilt straw) , versatile (first of al,l it has two lids, one with a built in straw, the other a standard screw cap, and second,  it will also keep my tea hot! ), and it is affordable. With the heat of the Las Vegas summer soon to be upon is, this water bottle  has become my new best friend. Holds 20 oz. I would not recommend it, if you are using it for smoothies, or any drinks that include pulp. As I mentioned, it has the second straw and spout lid, which would be almost impossible to keep clean, if used for a sugary, or thick drink, like juice or smoothies. I prefer to use it only for water, and for unsweetened hot tea. For everything else there are other, more practical bottles out there. On the plus side, there is no metallic aftertaste, like with many other stainless steel water bottles, and the lights are tight – I have had no problems with my water leaking while taking it with me for a walk with the dogs or to the gym.

 

This post is a part of the following blog hops:

What Are You Doing In March – Blog Hop

Frugal Friday Home Link Up

Share With Me Blog Hop

Inspire Me Wednesday

No Rules Weekend Party Blog Hop

 

3 Reasons Why You Should Become A Creative Live Affiliate Right Now!

 

While it is a lot of fun to create a blog, monetizing it can give you the incentive and drive to keep on putting in the hard
work that it takes to create a beautiful and informational site. Affiliate marketing is one of those ways, where you can turn
your creative work into extra cash. And it is even more fun, when you are working with high quality merchants like Creative Live!

But first, a quick intro to Creative Live for those of you who  are not already familiar with their services.

Become A Working Artist Course

Creative Live offers free streaming online lessons via their website, about a variety of topics throughout any given day, for example, blogging, creating your crafting business, photography and more! Fresh content is constantly brought on their channels, but if you miss any of their programs, you can purchase them rather inexpensively to watch at your leisure, often including bonus content, worksheets and teaching materials that are not available when you watch it live stream. This is where you – as their affiliate come in. Any purchases your readers make, after a click through will provide you with a percentage of their sales.

How to Write A Blog Post that Creates Traffic – Course

And here are three reasons why you should become a Creative Live Affiliate:
1. They offer high-quality content you can be proud to represent.
I am very picky about the products and companies I work with. Just like they want to see high-quality work from me,
I am expecting the highest quality of services and information offered to my readers. Creative Live’s classes, both free as well as for purchase  and are something I can offer my readers with confidence, that they will receive valuable information for their time and money.
And so can you.

2. It’s free and easy to sign up
If you are a part of the ShareASale affiliate network already, it is as simple as following the instructions provided with this link. Should you not be a part of the ShareASale network (something I also highly recommend if you want to monetize your blog), don’t worry. Their sign on process is also simple and straightforward. Just add your information, and you are good to go in no time to work with Creative Live, and other great companies, such as Aloha, Lulu, and more.

The Science Of Happiness – Course

3. Their responsive banners and affiliate tools are easy to use.
Not a tech wizard? Neither am I, and I still manage to work with all of the easy to use tools that make being a Creative Live
affiliate. Creating custom links or placing responsive widgets on site bars, is more about copying and pasting, then knowing any special set up, and with the help of ShareASale, you can easily keep track of the traffic and payouts you generated.

Bonus:

Creative Live keeps you as their affiliate updated on all of their sales, specials and promotions via email, usually including links to those offers, with your affiliate tracking code already placed in for you. Simply add these promo codes and offers to
your site, and you are ready to go.

What are you waiting for?

Good luck and blessings!

Claudia

 

Disclaimer: The above post contained affiliate links, see Disclose Page for details

How Should We Combat Hatred? – Offering A Prayer Of Peace

This is not a post I usually write – frankly, this is not a post I want to write, because I do not want to talk
about hatred, negativity and politics in this blog.
But after I just heard the news that the Mother of my daughter’s boyfriend was attacked by someone using racial slurs,
and Donald Trump rhetoric, I had to speak out.
You see, we are a family of mixed decent. I am German, my husband is a mix of Irish, Native American, and Jewish decent, and my daughter is dating a wonderful,young hard-working Mexican-American man. His mother, equally hard working, and an upstanding citizen of this country was attacked by a white guy, this afternoon, telling her that all Mexicans should leave and that he is going to end them all. He continued to spew words about Donald Trump, repeated those hateful viewpoints, that have been brought into our homes via television over the last few months.
Thankfully she is okay, but it could have ended so much different. No one should have to experience this kind of behavior,
may it be because of their skin color, country of origin, gender or religion. It makes me angry – and I really do not try
to get angry – but it also makes me sad, that we now live in a space where people believe that it is okay to act this way.
This behavior of racism must stop now, may it be against African-Americans, Latin-Americans, or Native Americans, or anyone else.

I am asking you to offer a prayer for peace, no matter which religion you practice.

As a Pagan, I offer the following prayer:

“O Gracious Mother and Merciful Father,
We pray that you help the leaders and people of this world to have compassion in their hearts,
That you give them the wisdom to end the suffering caused by wars and hatred,
And the understanding that only through peace will we truly be happy;
We humbly ask you to guard and protect all of our brothers and sisters, no matter what skin color, origin, religion or gender.
And give comfort to the loved ones, who have lost family members due to these types of injustice.
May you lead us from death to live,
From falsehood to truth,
Lead us from despair to hope,
From fear to trust,
Lead us from hate to love,
From war to peace,
Let peace fill our hearts, our world, our Universe;
Let our words be spoken in truth,
And our hearts show only love.”

So Mote It Be

Loosely based on a prayer found in “The Wicca Life”

Maybe you can find peace in your heart, and share a moment in prayer with me.

Thank you

I am grateful that she is okay.
I am grateful that none of her children were with her
I am grateful that despite this, she and her family are not answering with hatred
I am grateful that I know that there are good people in this world, standing up for what is right.
I am grateful for you.

Claudia

Blog Hops:

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5 Interesting Facts About Cocoa Butter You Might Not Know

Disclaimer: The following post contains affiliate links. I have received the product mentioned for free in return for on honest review – see disclosure page for details

If you love chocolate, you are at the right place, because today, I am writing to you, about one of the key ingredients for the world’s most loved treat – cocoa butter. But, cocoa butter is much more versatile than you might think. Let me tell you a little more, with this list of 5 interesting facts you might not know about cocoa butter:

1. It is very popular in vegan cooking. Sweets treats, such as cakes, chocolates, and others do not need to be missed a part of a vegan diet when incorporating cocoa butter to your food prep. But not only sweets benefit from a cocoa treatment – because of its easy to melt consistency, it can also be used to pan-fry items such as tofu.

2. It makes a great base for DIY cosmetics. Body butters, lip balms, and facial masks are just a small example of what this wonderful butter can be used for. And if you have, like I do, problems with handling overly scented beauty products, those created with cocoa butter as a base, are a breath of fresh air (or chocolate) for our sensitive noses.

3. Cocoa butter is often used as the base of luxury bath soaps. These soaps are especially great for preventing dry or cracked skin, leaving you feeling especially soft. If you are prone to oily skin, I would rather suggest not to use it as a base for facial soaps and cleansers

4. 100 grams of cocoa butter contain up to 900 calories. This fact, in combination of the realization that it also contains 60 % saturated fat, makes it a winner when it comes to beauty products and no so much in the kitchen – no matter how good it tastes

5. It is an essential component of the “chocolate” used for massages. Ever tried chocolate massage therapy? If you have not, you have missed out on something special, not only because the combination of shea butter, cocoa butter, and cocoa powder is wonderful for your skin, but because it smells divine, and is incredibly relaxing. making it the perfect treat for anyone.

Natural Beauty Goddess was kind enough to send me a 1 lb package of their raw 100 % cocoa butter to review. This type of cocoa butter is not food grade, but rather thought for the above-mentioned beauty treatments. Rich and thick, this great raw and organic cocoa butter is Kosher certified, and comes in a beautiful screw top container, that makes dispensing it easy. I suffer from contact allergies, which, after I applied it to my arm, felt immediately better. The smooth, beautifully scented butter is one of the few things, I can put on my skin without hesitation while loving the smell, and luxurious feeling. The only downfall I found is, that due to the lack of outer packaging, my container came with a slightly broken lid. so, improved and additional packaging would prevent any breakage. That did not diminish the high quality of the product, which by the way comes with a free ebook, containing recipes and information about cocoa butter. I am planning on creating a few of the mentioned DIY cosmetics shortly

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The above post was a part of the following blog hops:

Coastal Charm 

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Bernideen’s Blog

 

Wordless Wednesday (Sort Of): Inspiration

This blog post is a part of the following blog hops:

Wordless Wednesday (1)

Wordless Wednesday by 5 Minute Mom

Inspire Me Wednesday

What Are You Doing In March

 

5 Powerful Movies Every Woman Should Watch

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. See disclosure page for details.

Movies move us. They empower, makes us think, fuel our conversations and allow us to escape, even if for just a brief while, to a place where everything is possible. I have compiled a list of 5 powerful and emotional movies, you should truly take the time to watch, at least once.

1. Thelma And Louise

What is it about?
Two women break free from a chained, small live by going on a Road trip with unforeseen and dramatic consequences

Why should you watch it?
Because it is one of the best showcases of the deep friendship between two women. And because Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis are
amazing in bringing this connection to live.

2. Alien

What is it about?
On their voyage home, the crew of the deepspace tug Nostromo investigate an alien distress signal, inadvertently picking up and bringing aboard an extraterrestrial life form with violent and lethal survival instincts

Why should you watch it?
Because Sigourney Weaver’s powerful performance as Sergeant Ripley showcased the strength of a woman in a physical demanding leading role.

3. Kill Bill vol. I

What is is about?

Four years after taking a bullet in the head at her own wedding, The Bride emerges from a coma and decides it’s time for payback! Having been gunned down by her former boss and his deadly squad of international assassins, it’s a kill-or- be- killed fight.

Why should you watch it?

Because Uma Thurman’s Martial Art skills are amazing

4. Million Dollar Baby

What is it about?
A young female boxer, Maggie (played by Hillary Swank) fights for her dream to make it big in her field, supported by a rough around
the edges trainer, portrait by Clint Eastwood.

Why should you watch it?
Because this story could have been made overly sentimental, and cliche but Clint Eastwood as a director managed to give it real heart, even if it leaves you sobbing at the end.

5. Coco Before Chanel

What is it about?
The portrait of a woman (Coco Chanel)  who fought herself from poverty to become an icon in the fashion industry and beyond.

Why should you watch it?
Because it showcases the rise of a woman who never gave up on her dream, no matter what her circumstances.