Healing Season

I know that title sounds weird and far fetched, but let me explain. First, a little bit of back story: I was a stay at home mom for 13 years before I began kind of working outside the home. Even when I was a SAHM, I did little side things. I cleaned houses and offices. I babysat. I worked from home as a nutritional therapist after I got my certification, but let that go after I realized people were really only interested in weight loss and I wasn't interested in doing that professionally long term. My first "outside" of the home job after becoming a mom was in 2018, after I graduated from my yoga teacher training. I taught multiple styles of yoga. I taught a class almost every day of the week, but was only gone for like 2 hrs. Through all of this, I still considered myself a homemaker. I'm sharing that because I really do believe that you are a homemaker no matter if you get paid to work in or out of the home. A homemaker is someone who makes a "house" a "home". You can be a full time or a part time homemaker. The amount and variety of things you're able to do within your homemaking may be determined by whether you're full time or part time...but anyone can be a homemaker. That's just a little soap box of mine I guess. Okay, moving on.... In 2020, I almost died of sepsis after a simple gallbladder removal surgery. I was in ICU and then was diagnosed with Post Sepsis Syndrome after returning home. Later, it was discovered that I had a stroke while I was septic and they had bombed my body with life saving antibiotics. Later still, I was diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome or POTS. I also have a handful of other chronic things, but that's not really the focus of this post. All of this is to say that I could no longer live up to my own expectations of being a homemaker- or anything else for that matter. I couldn't even walk without passing out. I had to go to speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy to recover. When I became a SAHM it was a choice. So, when I couldn't afford to go get my nails done or pay for a gym membership, it was okay. It actually felt empowering because I reminded myself that I was choosing to not have/do those things because I wanted to be home with my babies instead. (NOT judging anyone who makes the opposite choice though. We all have different personalities and some of us find joy in being home while others feel trapped by that idea. Both are fine. Choice is important.) After becoming chronically ill and having that CHOICE removed, it no longer felt empowering. Now, I can't work. I don't have a bachelor's degree, so it's extremely difficult to find a job. The jobs that are available to those without a degree are mostly physical. I can't teach yoga anymore because no one will hire a teacher that could pass out in front of a class. (believe me, I've tried. One interviewer literally ghosted me after an interview lol). I can't serve tables or be a cashier. My physical limitations and mental limitations (aphasia post stroke and brain fog etc with POTS) held me back from finding a job. It wasn't for not trying. No one would hire me. I even tried finding remote work, but those all turned out to either be a scam (people just data fishing- even when found on reputable sources like indeed and zip recruiter)...or, again, I got ghosted. One lady interviewed me 3 different times and even had me go through some training for HIPPA and then I never heard from her again. You can say I was discouraged lol. Then, after a lot of prayer and a long walk & talk with my husband, we made the decision that I would "just" be a full-time homemaker. My daughter just graduated and will be going to SCAD in the fall, and my son only has 3 more years until he graduates. I may try to find something remote after he graduates so that Matt and I can travel and stuff...but until then, my focus is my family. I'm homeschooling and I'm homemaking. So it is my CHOICE again. I got the power back. Now, when I can't afford to do something extra...it feels empowering again. And ya know what? After focusing on my homemaking, and having time and energy to put towards working on our budget, cooking meals from scratch, and saving money on DIY cleaning supplies etc... we were able to move money over to our savings account for the first time in over 4 years. So, while I didn't "make" any money; I "saved" money...which I feel is basically how full-time homemakers make money lol. Letting go of the self imposed pressures of figuring out how to make side money and all of that stress allowed me to not only save money but also slow down and enjoy life. Here's where the healing comes in: when I was bed ridden, I COULDN'T wash dishes, do laundry, vacuum, or garden. I couldn't bake or sew. I was only surviving- and not really even doing that well. Now that I'm ABLE to be upright and walk around without fear of passing out most of the time, I understand the PRIVILEGE it is to be able to do all of those things. Yes, I still have flare ups and am unable to do things, but I know they're more short lived now. Without the pressure to "perform", to "earn money" and always "produce"...I've become more able to actually do more things. I can slowly and mindfully hand wash dishes. I can enjoy the process of laundry. I chat with the bees while I pull weeds from my garden beds. I can take the time to actually DO those things that help me heal, like castor oil packs, rebounding, and different therapies. I'm present. I'm able. I'm HEALING. I am hopeful that you can too, if that is your desire. Jenny

What is a Homemaker? The Unsung Heroes of Domestic Bliss Let’s talk about homemakers. You know, those mystical beings who can juggle laundry, dinner, and the emotional needs of a family...all without breaking a sweat or letting their coffee go cold. (I use the term mystical here because I can assure you that version of a homemaker is right up there with mermaids and fairies. At the VERY least, there's no way our coffee isn't cold.) We often hear the term “homemaker” tossed around, but have you ever stopped to wonder: What does that even mean? The Short Answer: A Homemaker is a person, traditionally, but not exclusively, a stay-at-home spouse...who takes care of the home. They’re the person who makes sure the laundry gets done, the groceries are stocked, and everyone remembers to wear pants (preferably clean ones). But this simple description doesn’t even begin to cover the layers of complexity, creativity, and yes, superhuman powers that homemakers possess. 1. The Chief Household Engineer Ever seen a sink full of dishes and thought, I can’t deal with this today? Well, a homemaker’s superpower is the ability to always deal with it. They are like domestic engineers, constructing order from chaos. The living room is suddenly organized, the fridge is stocked, and somehow, the toilet paper is always replaced. They’ve mastered the fine art of solving problems before you even notice they exist. Oh, you were out of clean socks? That’s already been fixed. 2. The Personal Chef (and Family Nutritionist) Imagine cooking three meals a day, every single day, for years. Doesn’t that sound like a reality show challenge? But homemakers? They’re like top-tier chefs facing picky eaters, random dietary restrictions, and the daily “What’s for dinner?” interrogation. A homemaker doesn’t just throw together any meal. No, no. They meticulously craft meals that’ll make everyone’s taste buds do a happy dance… even if those taste buds occasionally beg for mac and cheese again . Bonus Points for meal planning, grocery lists, and somehow turning last night’s leftovers into an Insta-worthy new dish. 3. The Emotional Support Guru Not only does a homemaker manage the physical space of the home, but they are often the emotional backbone, too. Have a bad day at work? Well, here’s a cup of tea, a sympathetic ear, and a hug that probably has some sort of magical healing powers. Homemakers excel at being a shoulder to cry on, an advisor in times of crisis, and, at times, a "human stress ball." They can feel when something’s off, like a sixth sense that goes beyond the state of the laundry basket. Is it about the kids' report cards, a forgotten anniversary, or just that inexplicable "I need chocolate" feeling? They’ll know. 4. The Professional Negotiator Homemakers are also skilled diplomats. They resolve sibling squabbles with the precision of a UN peacekeeper and negotiate bedtimes that are both acceptable to the child and to the time-space continuum. Whether it's convincing the family that eating breakfast at 11:30 a.m. is "totally fine" or that no, you cannot eat candy for dinner, the homemaker can smooth things over with a mix of logic and charm. 5. The Household CFO Did you think a homemaker only dealt with laundry and emotions? Think again. Managing the budget, paying bills, and making sure there’s enough money for both groceries and the surprise dentist visit is no small feat. They’re like CFOs with a master’s degree in stretching every dollar until it begs for mercy. A good homemaker can make a dollar feel like a hundred, and if they don’t have it, they will find a way to make it happen. 6. The Life Coach and Time Management Specialist A homemaker is like the world’s most patient life coach. From organizing your calendar to reminding you about that dentist appointment you forgot about three months ago, they’ve got the skills to keep things on track. They know exactly when to offer a pep talk and when to give you that look that says, “Please don’t make me remind you again.” They also somehow manage to keep their own personal calendars full, with zero time to themselves. It’s like a magic trick. How do they do it? They’re multitasking at a level so high, it’s practically an Olympic event. It’s not uncommon for them to accomplish a week’s worth of tasks in a single day, all while making sure everyone else’s needs are met. Now, to be very clear here...when I say time management specialist...I'm definitely referring to OTHER homemakers. I, myself, am far from that. I have total time blindness. Where my ADHD homemakers at? Tell me in the comments lol 7. The Cheerleader of the House Whether you’re getting ready for a big presentation or just attempting to put your shoes on the right feet, homemakers are your #1 fans. They cheer you on through every victory, no matter how small, and offer encouragement when you’re about to throw in the towel (or in this case, the laundry). They turn every success into a family-wide celebration and make you feel like the champion you truly are. So, Is Being a Homemaker Really That Hard? Well, yes. And no. On the surface, it might seem like just cooking, cleaning, and reminding people to wear pants. But when you dig deeper, being a homemaker is an intricate balance of skills, patience, and maybe just a bit of wizardry. It’s about keeping a household running like a well-oiled machine, while simultaneously making sure everyone feels loved, cared for, and somehow encouraged to do their own laundry. Homemakers are the silent warriors, the unsung heroes who don’t always get the recognition they deserve. They’re working hard behind the scenes to make life smoother for everyone else, and let’s face it, that deserves a standing ovation. So next time you see a homemaker in action, give them a high five. Or better yet, throw in a load of laundry and ask if there’s anything you can do to help. Because the truth is, if they didn’t exist, the rest of us might just be… living in piles of dirty socks and cereal bowls. To the homemakers out there...we see you. We appreciate you. And we promise, next time we ask, “What’s for dinner?” we’ll try to sound more enthusiastic.

There are so many ways to support our bodies that don't have to cost us anything. In my last post, I shared products I'm using to support our bodies while detoxing mold. It was feel difficult when we're trying to heal, but it keeps costing us more and more for all of the protocols. Today I'm sharing ways you can support your body without having to purchase expensive supplements and equipment: Sunshine- Get outside and enjoy 20 minutes of unfiltered sunshine. The sun helps to literally dry up mold because mold thrives in damp darkness. So if you have any fungal situations on your skin, the sun will help dry it up. Just practice sun safety by not going out during the brightest/hottest part of the day. A bonus tip: Getting morning sun helps regulate your circadian rhythm which will help you sleep better...which means your body has more time for recovery during sleep! Grounding- yes, you can purchase special products to help with grounding (like grounding mats, bracelets and sheets) but you can also ground (also called earthing-there's a whole documentary on it for free too!) by just going outside and standing barefoot on the ground. The best is supposedly wet grass, like first thing in the morning when the dew is still out. Lemon water or water with apple cider vinegar- yes, you'll have to purchase lemons or apple cider vinegar, and water isn't actually free either, but I'm still counting it because its almost free. You're probably already buying these things anyway as just part of your groceries. 

Last week I shared our mold story, and the process we're going through to eliminate it from our home. This week, we're chatting about what I'm doing to support our bodies while we eliminate it from our physical bodies. I am using a few different brands of supplements including one brand (CellCore Biotics) that can only be purchased through a practitioner. This isn't a post about sales or anything like that, so I won't be linking directly to specific products. I will be sharing the types of supplements etc so you can do your own research and find what is best within your own budget. (I do share the specific products I''m using in my Mold Highlight in my stories on instagram, so you can see them that way if you just want to know what I'm using. Here are the types of products I'm using: Binders- you need some kind of binder to literally "bind" the mold spores and mycotoxins so you can safely eliminate them without it recirculating. Detox Baths- I chose a clay one that helps draw out heavy metals as well Bath filters- either a whole house filter, or at least one for your shower head and one for your bath faucet. We want to reduce how much our bodies are having to work through, so we want to reduce chemicals from being absorbed in the bath. Dry Brushing- this assists our body's lymphatic system, allowing it to do it's job better Castor Oil Liver Packs- placing castor oil over the abdomen (over the liver space) supports the liver so it can do it's job better. Milk Thistle- either a tincture or supplement to support the liver. Modified Citrus Pectin and Alginate- to support gut and circulatory detoxification (also helps bind heavy metals that play along with mold, and prevent recirculation) Mimosa Pudica Seed Supplement- helps digestive health and bacterial environment, helps with elimination. Lemon water to help with hydration Sunshine!

Our mold story. Chronic illness. Mold illness. Mold toxicity. Listen to your gut. Holy Spirit prompting. Root cause to sickness. How we are eliminating mold from our home,

I'm sure you've already heard about bone broth. This isn't anything new. Actually, it's quite old. I'd be willing to assume all of our grandparents, or at least great grandparents made bone broth. They ate real food. Even though the modern "health food industry" is continually expanding, so are our waistbands. We need to get back to real food; food that our bodies know how to use. Eating out occasionally, or using convenient options wisely is okay. This isn't a post about "demonizing" foods or labeling foods as good or bad as if a food product holds a moral value. No, this is about learning to view food as digestable or not. Usable or not. Do our bodies recognize GMO potato chips, skittles full of chemical dyes, or an almost neon cupcake as food? What happens when it doesn't know what to do with it? Our bodies store things it's unsure of in our fat for safe keeping. Too much sugar? Stored in fat. Chemical dyes? Stored in fat. Basically anything synthetic? Stored in fat. On and on it goes. Even if it's "low calorie" or marketed as "healthy"...if it's not real food, you can assume it's getting stored in your fat. This is one reason it's so important to sweat, so we can get these toxins out of our bodies! But this post isn't about sweating or assisting your detox systems; unless you consider nourishing your body as a way of fueling your detox systems so they can do their job better. So let's talk about how broth can be healing. It contains minerals and amino acids that are easily recognized by our bodies. It also contains collagen. You know that super trendy, but sometimes expensive thing you've seen everywhere lately? Yeah, it's right there in your bone broth. Regular consumption of bone broth has been known to reduce inflammation, improve digestion, reduce blood pressure, and improve mood. If you do a quick google search, you'd find many benefits to bone broth. Some of them seem wild, but I like to only share things that can be sited and proven, so I'll leave it at that. It also helps hydrate our bodies. We all can use better hydration, right? A major perk to making your own bone broth is that it's basically FREE. You buy your meat to stew, roast, poach etc. Then you save the bones, add them to your slow cooker or pressure cooker (or stock pot on the stove top) with some water and apple cider vinegar. Let it cook all day (or night in your slow cooker/instantPot) then strain the liquid out. Practical Ways to Use Your Broth: -Salt to taste and sip it as is -Make soup -Use it in place of water to cook rice -Make "bone broth hot cocoa" Yeah, I know that last one sounds crazy. I thought so too, but it's actually one of Sally Fallon's (of Nourishing Traditions) most famous recipes. Everyone has their own take on the recipe now, but it's basically a mild flavored bone broth blended with heavy cream or raw cream if you have it available to you, maple syrup, cocoa powder, vanilla, and a pinch of salt; all to taste. Be sure to tag me on instagram  ( @NurturingLegacy ) if you try making your own!

Laughter. Is it really the best medicine?

We live in a fast paced culture. We know this. We also know we "should" slow down sometimes. You know, smell the roses and all. But we have things to do. We have errands to run, kids to raise, healing modalities to try. It's been said that if we don't listen to our body's whispers, then it will scream to get our attention. In other words, if we don't take time to rest when our bodies send small messages, then we will be forced to rest when louder messages- like migraines or flare days etc- will stop us in our tracks. So, what if we chose to slow down and live more intentionally? What if we took such tender care of ourselves that our bodies no longer felt the need to scream to get our attention? I'm not saying you have to quit your job and move to the beach so you can just lounge in a hammock between two palm trees for the rest of your days. I mean...while that sounds amazing... eventually, even that would become boring. What I am saying is we can schedule more time for rest. Like, literally put it on your daily schedule. This can look like scheduling a 20 minute power nap. It could be choosing to soak in the tub for 30 minutes instead of just taking a 5 minute shower. Maybe it's choosing mindfulness. There will still be meals to cook, dishes to wash, weeds to pull, and kids to get to bed. Life doesn't stop, but we can choose to be more mindful while doing our daily tasks. Set aside an hour to cook even if the recipe should only take 20 minutes. The trendy term for this idea is "romanticizing your life". Clean the kitchen counter, light a candle, turn on some music, measure out all of your ingredients and place them in little bowls. Get everything ready. Print off the recipe so you won't need your phone, or use an actual cook book! Slowly follow the recipe, stirring and noticing the smells and textures. Really enjoy the process. It will take longer, but it will be worth it. You don't have to do this for every meal, of course, but maybe try it once a week and see how it feels to slow down. I'll share some breakdowns of other ways to slow down and be more mindful in different tasks in separate posts because I like to keep my blog posts short and not overwhelming. It's my little way of helping you take small steps...while learning in small bites too.

Guasha (pronounced gwa-sha) and face rollers are an ancient form of self care originating from Chinese culture. Traditionally they are made from jade, but they can be found in a variety of stones today. I have pairs in jade and rose quartz. A couple of them were actually gifted to me by one of my best friends, so every time I use them there's just that little bit of extra happiness associated with my practice. So, if you're looking for a great gift idea for a friend, I'd highly recommend these. It's so nice that every time I practice my self care routine with these pieces it reminds me of their love for me too. Face rollers are great for de-puffing the face and eyes. For an added benefit you can store one in the fridge so it's extra cold in the morning to help with the super puffy eye situation that many of us deal with. I would recommend wrapping it in a clean wash cloth and then putting it in a container for storage in the fridge to protect it. Guasha can be used for de-puffing the face too, but they are useful for encouraging lymphatic drainage. They are useful in massage to help break down fascia and relax tight muscles. My Physical therapist usually begins our sessions with a little bit of massage to help release tightness in my chest (left over from CPR when I was in ICU when I first got sick) to ensure that I can breathe well while we exercise. She utilizes a guasha during her massages as well. You can use the guasha to really target small spaces. Lymphtic drainage is important for every body, but especially sick bodies...and even more so if you've been immobile for a time. Our lymphatic system depends on body movement in order for it to flow, so if you're not moving...niether is your lymph. That means toxins and waste products are just sitting still in your lymph nodes. Massaging with a guasha can help it drain out and move on. Not to bad for a pretty little stone, huh?