Category: Uncategorized

It’s 2025. It must be a better value. It must be convenient. It must (really must) be healthier.
Those are four reasons why I do not buy meat in a big box grocery where the only one that fits from the four item list is: it is 2025.

Getting my poultry, fish, pork from Good Ranchers also points to some of the perks:
– supporting American farms
– reclaiming two hours from grocery store
– helping 170,000+ veterans.

My beef from Riverbend Ranch Black Angus has the perk of amazing flavor since it is all Prime and Select. It is totally raised, harvested and aged on the same ranch. Those stressful crowded hauler trips do affect the taste of beef.

Of course, Riverbend Ranch products qualify as Never Ever having antibiotics and hormones—if your meat isn’t labeled “Never Ever” and just says “No antibiotics or hormones” that does not mean never ever. I need a producer I can trust and I have found one in Riverbend Ranch.

Fennel, is an interesting plant food. It is an Italian tradition And can be eaten raw like a celery stick. It has a licorice flavor to it.

5 Benefits of Fennel:

1. Aids Digestion: Relieves bloating, gas, and supports smoother digestion.

2. Nutrient-Rich: High in vitamin C, fiber, potassium, and a little calcium and iron.

3. Fights Inflammation: Contains compounds that help reduce inflammation naturally.

4. Supports Hormones: Traditionally used to ease bloating and mild hormonal symptoms.

5. Freshens Breath: Chewing fennel seeds after meals naturally freshens breath.

Here are two simple, traditional ways to enjoy it:

1. Raw in Salads: Slice the bulb very thin (use a knife or mandoline), toss it with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. It’s crisp, slightly sweet, and refreshing — pairs especially well with arugula, shaved parmesan, or even some orange slices if you want a classic Italian twist. I just it slice it up like celery to grab and eat!

2. Roasted in the Oven: Cut the fennel bulb into wedges, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and maybe a little thyme or rosemary, and roast at 400°F for about 25–30 minutes. It caramelizes beautifully, taking on a soft, sweet, almost buttery flavor.

Old-school wisdom: When you cook fennel, it mellows out — if you love a milder flavor, roasting is the way to go. If you like a crisper, sharper taste, stick to raw.

It’s known as “The Big Imitator” because its symptoms mimic so many other conditions. Many people go years before getting the proper diagnosis.

As with any illness or autoimmune disease, if the root cause is not addressed, symptoms persist. Here are four common symptoms of Lyme Disease that are often misdiagnosed.

1. Chronic Fatigue: Taking COQ10 can help rebuild energy at the cellular level.
2. Brain Fog & Memory Issues: Herbs like Bacopa and brain supplements with Ginkgo biloba, Bacopa monnieri, and phosphatidylserine support recall, concentration and cognition.
3. Joint & Muscle Pain: Supplements with Turmeric and Resveratrol help to reduce inflammation.
4. Anxiety & Depression: Supplements with ashwagandha and saffron help regulate stress responses. Too often, people spend years with the wrong diagnosis of depression, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue or stress. Lyme Disease can be diagnosed with a blood test, but if tested at too early of a stage, the test might result in an inaccurate result.

Persistence is key until you get the proper diagnosis!

Did you know that the tiny “e” on some products means they meet strict European health and safety standards? I didn’t—and it completely changed the way I look at what our family uses daily.

Europe has banned over 1,300 toxic ingredients from personal care items. The U.S.? Just 11. That’s not a small oversight—that’s negligence.

Even worse, some brands knowingly sell two versions of the same product: one clean and safe for Europe, and one cheap and toxic for the U.S. This isn’t about protecting our health. It’s about padding their profits, while we unknowingly put harmful chemicals on our skin and in our homes.

That ends with us. My family now checks labels, hunts for that “e” symbol, and sticks with companies that don’t compromise safety for savings.

Thankfully, my Wellness store delivers high-quality, American-made, toxin-free products without the luxury price tag. And let’s be clear—this isn’t just a “mom thing” or a “beauty thing.”

Men, you’ve got skin too. You’ve got families too. This is about protecting your future. Swapping out toxic products isn’t a trend—it’s a wake-up call. Once you know better, there’s no going back.

Who says you can’t stay cool and stay on track with your health goals this summer?
Healthy Home-Made popsicles with Sustain.
I can’t wait to try this refreshing healthier option for Summer!

Just mix your favorite flavor of Sustain with water (or coconut water for extra hydration), pour into popsicle molds, and freeze overnight. That’s it!

Naturally sweet & refreshing

Great for the whole family!

Only 5g of sugar per 500mL vs. 36g in Gatorade!

Stay hydrated during physical activity and restore lost electrolytes with Oligo magnesium, calcium, potassium, and sodium.

It’s perfect for post-workout recovery, hot afternoon cravings, or a healthier dessert option.

Here are a few flavor combos to try:

Raspberry Lemonade Sustain + fresh raspberries

Citrus Sustain + ½ lemon + ½ orange slices

Blueberry Pomegranate Sustain + frozen blueberries

These simple homemade snacks help everyone avoid sugar overload and fuel their bodies in a much smarter way this summer.
Which flavor is your favorite?

It is not a weight loss magic pill. So please do not compare your health journey to those who have lost weight on the product.

If weight loss is your goal, talk to me about the R3 in combination with the Berberine along with GC Control.

Now here are the benefits of Berberine and why it’s amazing for your health!

Lowering Cholesterol: Taking Berberine regularly appears to lower total cholesterol, “bad” cholesterol, and triglycerides in people with high cholesterol. It works differently from today’s standard cholesterol medications, so it may help treat people who are resistant to other cholesterol-lowering drugs.

Heart Health: People with heart disease often have fatigue and irregular heartbeats. Studies show that taking Berberine combined with standard heart disease treatments reduces these symptoms. Berberine reduced the risk of death from heart disease without apparent side effects.

Blood Sugar Control: Berberine has also been shown to lower glucose levels in people with diabetes. Studies show that it helps your body respond better to insulin and prevents your liver from creating more glucose. As a result, people with diabetes may find berberine helps lower their blood sugar levels.

Lowering Blood Pressure: High blood pressure is associated with heart disease and strokes. Taking Berberine may help lower your diastolic and systolic blood pressure (the bottom and top numbers of your blood pressure reading).

PCOS Symptom Relief: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS, can cause problems such as high cholesterol, insulin resistance, and trouble losing weight. In some studies, Berberine helped women with PCOS control their cholesterol, lower their waist-to-hip ratio, and increase their response to insulin.

Weight Loss (how it actually works): While Berberine is not a magic weight-loss pill, it may help people with a body mass index (BMI) over 30 lose weight. Two studies have shown that taking Berberine over the course of three months results in significant weight loss. This may be due to how berberine helps control insulin and other hormones that regulate your fat cells.

Hope this helps.

Here is a handy lis of some plants and herbs known for their mosquito-repelling properties:

Lavender (Lavandula spp.): Lavender not only has a pleasant fragrance but also repels mosquitoes. Plant it in sunny areas and enjoy its aromatic blooms.

Citronella (Cymbopogon spp.): Citronella is a well-known mosquito repellent. You can find citronella-scented candles, but growing citronella grass in your garden can be even more effective.

Peppermint (Mentha × piperita): Peppermint’s strong scent repels mosquitoes. It’s also a versatile herb for culinary and medicinal uses.

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis): Lemon balm has a citrusy scent that mosquitoes dislike. It’s also a great herb for teas and culinary uses.

Marigold (Tagetes spp.): Marigolds contain pyrethrum, a compound often used in insect repellents. Their vibrant colors can add beauty to your garden while keeping mosquitoes away.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): Rosemary’s aromatic fragrance can deter mosquitoes. It’s a hardy herb that can be grown in a variety of climates.

Basil (Ocimum spp.): Basil emits a strong aroma that mosquitoes dislike. Plus, you can use it in cooking!

Catnip (Nepeta cataria):Catnip contains a compound called nepetalactone that repels mosquitoes. Be aware that if you have cats, they might be attracted to this plant.

Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum spp.): Chrysanthemums contain pyrethrin, a natural insect repellent often used in mosquito sprays. Their flowers come in various colors and sizes.

Lemon Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora): The essential oil from lemon eucalyptus has been found to be effective in repelling mosquitoes. You can grow the plant or use the essential oil.

Garlic (Allium sativum): While it’s typically consumed as a food, the scent of garlic can also help deter mosquitoes. Planting garlic around your garden can be beneficial.

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus): Lemongrass has a lemony scent that mosquitoes dislike. It’s often used in Asian cuisine and can be grown as an ornamental plant.

Keep in mind that while these plants can help reduce mosquito populations, they might not offer complete protection. Combining these natural repellents with other mosquito control methods, like removing standing water, using screens, and wearing protective clothing, can help create a more effective defense against mosquitoes.

Here’s another reason why I would never use any other household products but those from my
Wellness Store:

For an in-home presentation i did in June of 2010, I put a squirt of Melapower and water into a clear eight-ounce Mason jar & fastened the lid. I always had a Mason jar with Melapower & water and a second separate Mason jar with Tide and water for in-home or a product training events. Thes jars allowed me to demonstrate how Tide was full of chemicals and Melapower was chemical free. You were able to see with your own eyes the difference between the two products and how Melapower is definitely chemical free!

I always labeled and dated the bottles to show that no matter how long the Melapower was in the bottle, nothing changed—unlike the Tide bottle.

Imagine my surprise when I found that Melapower Mason jar on Saturday! It was tucked in on the back of a shelf in my office. The water has a slight blueish tinge to it, but nothing else. I haven’t opened it and I am not going to. Fifteen years in the bottle and there isn’t any scum, or bacteria growing in that jar. There isn’t any mold growth either, as there always was with the Mason jar that contained Tide and water. Often, the metal lid of the Tide jar would have rusted through. The label and the metal lid on the jar with Melapower are still intact. The best product wins!

Last month, February 2025, I put a scoop of powdered Tide and water in an eight ounce Mason jar to show the difference between Tide and MelaPower when I am doing either an overview or a product training.

On Thursday March 6, 2025, I was doing an overview and showed the prospective customer the 15-year bottle of MelaPower and it didn’t look any different than it did a few months ago, However the Mason jar that I prepared with powdered Tide in February was already scummy, foamy, and moldy. The metal Mason jar lid was already starting to rust and had holes from the chemicals eating through the metal lid.

Which would you want to use on your clothes that touch your skin?