all® free clear Detergent Helps Keep Allergies at Bay

Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are 100% honest and solely my own. #FreeToBe #CollectiveBias

ALL Collage

It’s safe to say that spring is my least favorite season. I have year round environmental allergies but, they get so out of control during spring with all the pollen. I can’t even be outside when landscaping is being done because freshly cut grass is a trigger for my allergies and it’s horrible until I can get it under control. I passed my lovely genetics down to my youngest son who deals with asthma, eczema and allergies (food & environmental). It’s been a journey with him but as he grows older, things seem to be slowly getting better. It’s my hope that one day he will grow out of some of these issues. Can you imagine how spring is for him? I take EVERY precaution to keep him as clean and pollen free as possible. My son knows that after we come inside from playing outdoors the first thing we do is wash our hands. I have trained him not to rub his eyes because he has sensitive eyes and always gets eye infections and ulcers during spring. It’s hard to not rub your eye when it’s itching but, we try! I limit my son’s excessive activity time due to his asthma. I like to create activities that limit exerting lots of energy.

ALL Free Clear Detergent

This may be cliché but I enjoy when we play with bubbles! It may also be the germaphobe in me and just knowing that the bubbles have some sort of cleansing agent making it totally okay to play with. I know I can be a little extreme. My son does enjoy playing with bubbles especially when we play with food coloring and add it to the bubble solution. He will then take the bubble wand and blow huge bubbles. I think this is one of the easiest things you can do outdoors. It can be done practically anywhere. We frequent the pool, beach, lake and mountains. I usually have a bottle of bubbles with me on hand and if I don’t you better believe I’ll go out and buy some. Here are the easy materials you’ll need to make the colored bubbles. It’s a fun activity for outdoors and you don’t get too messy.

Food Coloring

Materials:
Food coloring (favorite colors)
Plastic or paper cups
1 bubble wand
1 bottle bubbles solution

Color Bubble Materials

Instructions: Add a few drops of food coloring into the bubble solution and stir with bubble wand. (I shake the bottle. Lol!) I decided to mix the blue and red food coloring to make purple. Mini Me loves the color green so he opted not to mix colors. Next… All you have to do is start blowing bubbles!

Mixing Bubble Color

After we are finished with our outdoor adventures and we wash our hands, it’s time to get out of those dirty clothes and take a bath. The last thing I want to do is track pollen or any other outside allergens into our home. all® free clear allows me to do our laundry without thinking about any harm it will have on us or our skin. I love that all® free clear detergent is recommended by dermatologists and is the #1 sensitive skin brand. all® free clear detergent also removes 99% of every day and seasonal allergens “including cat and dog dander, dust mite matter, ragweed, grass and tree pollen”. This is all a huge relief to me. I am allergic to all of the above and then some! I know that all® free clear detergent doesn’t treat or prevent allergies but it sure does help keep them to a bare minimum. We do laundry more frequently during the spring season. You should purchase all® free clear laundry detergent, join the all® free clear community and connect with parents just like me and you! In addition to all® free clear detergent also purchased the all® free clear mighty packs® from my local Walmart Supercenter and I really like them.

Purple Bubbles

Healthy Spring Cleaning with Chem-Dry

Disclosure: I received a complimentary Chem-Dry Spring Cleaning Kit valued over $40.00. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

I suffer from year round allergies and my husband and four children suffer from seasonal allergies during the Spring. I don’t need to wait for the Spring season to approach to deal with the itchy eyes, scratchy throat, sinus infections, uncontrollable sneezing and asthma flare ups. It just gets worst for me during the Spring season so I am usually trying to clean frequently, especially dust in an effort to keep our allergy symptoms to a minimum. I make it a point to do a thorough Spring Cleaning for this very reason. I stay on top of it during the Spring months so we can keep tracking pollen into the house and it getting EVERYWHERE at a minimum! I was excited to be able to participate in this opportunity with Chem-Dry to share cleaning tips to help survive the Spring season. Just to give you a little background on Chem-Dry, it was founded in 1977 and is the world’s leading carpet and upholstery cleaning service with a network of more than 3,500 carpet cleaning locations in 47 countries, serving over 10,000 homes a day worldwide. Unlike other carpet and upholstery cleaning services today, Chem-Dry uses proprietary hot carbonating extraction cleaning process that harnesses the power of millions of microscopic bubbles to deliver a deeper clean, faster-drying carpets and overall healthier home. The brand’s primary cleaning solution , The Natural, is green-certified and doesn’t contain any soaps, detergents or phosphates, making it safe and non-toxic for kids and pets.

Chem-Dry Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

Chem-Dry uses 80 percent less water than typical steam cleaning, so carpets dry in one to two hours instead of one to two days and it’s healthier for the home, since it doesn’t carry the same risk as steam cleaners who use an excessive amount of water that can soak through to the carpet backing and create a breeding ground for mold and mildew. From March 1 through April 3, 2015, people are encouraged to visit Chem-Dry’s Facebook Page and share how important a professional carpet and upholstery cleaning would be to creating a healthier home for them and their family this Spring for a chance to win a free carpet and upholstery cleaning package valued at $500. Individuals can enter the contest by visiting the “Cleaning Giveaway” tab on Chem-Dry’s Facebook Page and filling out the entry form. **Available to US Residents who are 18 years of age or older. No purchase necessary to enter or win the contest.** For more information about Chem-Dry or to find a local operator and request a free quote, visit www.chemdry.com. Bill Zinke, VP of Marketing for Chem-Dry said… “One of the easiest and smartest ways for families to improve indoor air quality and reduce allergy-related symptoms is through a deep cleaning of their carpets and upholstered furniture with a safe and effective process.” Fact: Asthma and allergies strike 1 out of 5 Americans. (Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America)

Chem-Dry Carpet Cleaning

Did you know?!?! Each year, allergies account for more than 17 million outpatient office visits, primarily in the Spring and Fall; seasonal allergies account for more than half of all allergy visits. There are so many things in our home to worry about from dirt/pollen tracked in from outside, dust mites and pet dander just to name a few. So what steps can we take to help lessen our triggers that cause these allergic reactions? Did I mention I’m allergic to EVERYTHING!

– Use door mats or area rugs in entry ways and high traffic areas. My front door enters right into my living area which is a very high traffic area. I do have a door mat and in addition I ask that everyone take their shoes off right after they enter my home. The shoes can stay on a tray I have by the front door.

– Keep carpets and rugs clean. Saturday is our regular cleaning day, so we vacuum every weekend to keep our carpet looking fresh and clean and also removing all the dirt and bacteria that may have made it into our home. I also try to get it professionally cleaned annually.

– Don’t forget about your upholstered furniture. I use a dust and lint roller to go over my couch and then I vacuum my couch! It gets dusty and nasty just like everything else. I frequently have guests in the living area and it’s also a family hangout spot so it needs to stay clean.

– Upgrade your vacuum. Use a vacuum with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter. I own a Kirby and it has HEPA filtration. I needed a reliable and durable vacuum to last.

– Allergy Proof your bed. I wash my bed linens on a weekly basis. It’s just a habit and I do laundry every weekend so it fits into my weekend cleaning schedule.

– Regularly wipe down counter tops. This is done in my house on a regular basis. I’ll even pull out the Clorox Wipes and go over the counter tops.

– Keep pets clean. I don’t have any pets because I am allergic to them (dander and fur) however, I’m working on getting a sphynx in my life. Maybe I won’t have a reaction because they are somewhat hairless cats. **fingers crossed**

– Change Heating & Air Conditioning Filters. I do this every other month and if I feel I need to do it sooner I will replace it immediately.

– Sanitize frequently touched surfaces at home. I have a habit of spraying Lysol on everything from door knobs, toilet handles, sink faucets, light switches and stairwell banister. AND… don’t let anyone be sick!!!!! I do it even more then. Lol!

– Shut Windows. My windows usually stay closed year round due to my allergies. I have central heat and air and take full advantage of it. I can’t open the windows in the Spring because the pollen is horrible and will get on everything. I also wipe down my blinds frequently to keep them dust free and clean.

– Control your household temperature. It’s recommended to set the thermostat below 70 degrees and maintain a humidity level below 50% in an effort to minimize mites surviving in cool conditions. Mites thrive in warm humid conditions.

I hope that some of these tips shared come in handy this Spring! Visit the Chem-Dry website for more information. Head over to the Chem-Dry Facebook page and enter the “Spring into a Healthier Home” Contest. What do you do to minimize dust and pollen in your home?

When Your Body Gives You Signs, Pay Attention!

I had to drop off the grid again and it wasn’t by choice. I was kicking and screaming and being stubborn the whole time! Lately things have seemed like such a drag! Things that I’m use to doing were becoming tedious and my passion had faded for many things I love. I didn’t know what to think of it. I chalked it up to being stressed, exhausted and just doing too much. I do work FT, have four children, am married and run a small business so I just decided I would slow down a bit. I even considered letting some things go. I’ve come to the realization that… I can’t do it all! I couldn’t even concentrate to write like I use to. My blog posts have been very sporadic since the beginning of this year and even though I have topic ideas that I keep on file and try to keep an editorial calendar of scheduled posts, I could NEVER stick to it. I had to make paid blogging opportunities my priority due to contracts and deadlines and those were even harder to complete than normal. I love to write, share what’s currently going on and stay on the blogging and social media scene. If you are a frequent visitor, you can sense I’m pretty transparent online.

My wake up call was when I couldn’t even get out of bed in the morning without a fight! That struggle was REAL! I’m not a morning person by any means, but I have children to see off to school and a job that I love, so I need to be up in the mornings. I’ve never dealt with chronic fatigue like this before, not even when I was pregnant. I was the queen of power naps and I would be completely refreshed after a nap in the middle of the day. I found myself recently needing to take power naps but, I wouldn’t feel any better afterward. This started to affect everything I did! I was really concerned. I got sick the third week of March while we were vacationing for my husbands Birthday and I got progressively worse over a few days so I broke down and went to Urgent Care. I was given antibiotics for what they suspected was bacterial pharyngitis but, I was Strep free. I also was given a cough suppressant that didn’t work because I couldn’t stop coughing. As my cold started to subside, my allergies started to surface and I had a whole new set of problems.

There’s nothing fun about FINALLY getting over a cold, only to jump right into allergy season. I try to hibernate during the Spring but, the truth is… I have allergies year round. They are just a lot more noticeable in the Spring season. I have every symptom you can think of. Itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, itchy throat, congestion, post nasal drip, sinus infections etc. Oh, and it doesn’t stop there I have food and animal allergies as well! So, I had to make an appointment to get my annual physical and after speaking to my physician about my concerns, she ordered some lab work and referred me to a allergy specialist. My lab work revealed I had a under-active thyroid, which would explain a lot of the symptoms I was experiencing. Glad to know I don’t completely suck at life, because I was seriously slacking! My thyroid gland wasn’t producing enough thyroid hormone which caused my energy to be non existent, no real appetite, scatter brained and my skin was always dry. So, now I’m on medication to treat my low thyroid activity. I also need to take a daily multivitamin. I’ll have routine lab work done to see if it’s working.

I recently had the pleasure of going to see the allergy specialist after being referred by my Physician, and I say this sarcastically because it was everything other than a pleasurable experience. I’ve always stayed away from trying new foods and am really boring because of my food allergies. I’m such a foodie and love to eat so this is just wrong on so any levels! I’ve been hospitalized before for having a severe allergic reaction and I’d just stay away from that particular food. I never knew everything I was allergic to and finally decided to get the skin prick test so I don’t have to guess and continue playing Russian Roulette with my life! After being stuck over 50 times on my arm and back, along with some blood tests, the conclusion is what I suspected… I’m allergic to EVERYTHING! Trees, Grass, Weeds, Cats, Nuts, along with certain fruits and veggies! I’m going to have to alter my diet dramatically because I still eat certain things I’m not supposed to. I always get a mild reaction like hives, itchy throat and slightly nauseated. It’s not worth it though…

So, the moral of this story is to pay attention to signs that your body gives you, follow up and my explanation as to why I’ve been MIA online. I’m just trying to restore my energy and get back on track. I will slowly but, surely! Take a look at pics from my allergy specialist visit and all the medications I need to take in order to manage my allergy symptoms as well as in emergency situations. Did I mention I hate taking medicine and have to schedule reminders or I won’t take it at all! The Struggle…

Side Note: (I pixelated the photos of my back due to the content of my tattoos, did you know I have nine!)

Allergy Test

Positive Allergy Test Result

Positive Allergy Test Results on Back Pixelated

Postive Allergy Test Results on Back 2 (Pixelated)

Allergy Medication

I Chopped My Tresses… #NaturalHairJourney

So, I’m in the process of un-conditioning my condition… Let’s talk hair! I’ve had relaxed hair for as long as I can remember. I FINALLY decided to cut off my relaxed ends after transitioning for almost a year. Woot! #TeamNatural This was my second attempt, and I was successful. I was transitioning last year and got to the six month mark and went back to the creamy crack! I just didn’t know how to manage my hair without it. I wasn’t use to different textures, kinks, curls, tangles and knots! I don’t have time to deal with that! I don’t even like hair like that! I’ve always done what was the easiest and most convenient to me and that was… relax it , wrap & go! I’ve always paid stylists to do both my daughters heads. So, again… I’m not a hair person at all! I’m so glad my girls are at an age now that they can handle styling their hair just the way they like it!

I decided to go natural for health reasons mostly and minimize any further damage to my scalp (it burned my scalp every time I relaxed my hair) and restore my hairs health. I have food and seasonal allergies that can make my life miserable sometimes. If I consume or come into contact with something I’m allergic to I tend to break out in hives, rashes and have even been rushed to the ER on one or two occasions because my throat got itchy and started to close up on me. Nothing is fun about constantly having to modify what I eat, and pay close attention to the ingredients in everything! I’ve used the wrong shampoo and conditioning cream in my head and broken out in sores in my head and to top it off without my allergy drama I’m tender headed and have sensitive skin!

I am proud that I took this step and hope I learn to manage my hair properly in it’s natural state and not get too frustrated on my natural hair journey. I am trying to figure out what natural hair products will work for me that won’t irritate my scalp. I also am trying to see what styles I can wear without resorting to blow drying my hair and using my flat iron on it frequently. So needless to say I’ll be soliciting natural hair advice, reading natural hair blogs and searching youtube for tutorial videos to learn different natural hair styles. I’ve been overwhelmed with natural hair care product recommendations that I’ve decided to contact the companies for samples before I purchase an entire container I can’t use. Feel free to leave any natural hair care advice and eco friendly, natural organic products that you swear by. Thank you in advance!

So, we’ll see how it goes! In the mean time check out my pictures at different stages and stay tuned for my natural hair journey adventures.

Hair Chop Day

Blow Out & Flat Iron

Two Strand Twists

Twist Out In Progress

Twist Out

My Apologies…

I would just like to take a moment and apologize for my brief absence. I’ve been busy trying to keep my face from hitting my desk during work hours, due to taking Benadryl for a nasty allergic reaction. I’ve also had sleepless nights due to excessive itching. I have hives and I’ve been dealing with this for a little over a week now. The most frustrating part of this ordeal is I don’t know what I came into contact with and I stay away from foods I’m allergic to. I’m finally getting some relief after being prescribed prednisone but, this is temporary. I have food allergies to certain fruits & veggies and I also have seasonal allergies during spring due to pollen. I have very sensitive skin and I try to use detergents that are free of fragrances and harsh additives. I like hypoallergenic free & clear products. Now, I’m on a mission to find a highly recommended Allergist to take me on as a patient. I need to be tested and know everything (well, the most important stuff) I’m allergic to.

On a lighter note in the next 48 hours, I’ll be unveiling my blog makeover and I can’t wait. I’ll be creating pages tonight to link my navigation buttons to, so please excuse the clutter. I’ll mark them appropriately and they’ll say “This Page is currently under construction” until I add content to it and it’s linked correctly. I’m also coordinating my 1st giveaway that I’ll probably start within the next week or so and then do the drawing on my Birthday next month! Yes, I’m a Libra and proud of it!

Well, that’s it for now! Until Next Time,
Ciao!



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