The winter months bring many welcome changes such as cooler temperatures, warm beverages, soups, and stews, or my personal favorite – curling up in front of a fire with a warm blanket and a good book. However, it also brings with it more time indoors, unwanted illnesses, and the hustle and bustle of a busy life, as school and sports ramp up again. So, I’m sharing some favorite items that bring me joy, and have saved my sanity (and immune system), this winter.
1. Ember Mug
My husband gifted me with an Ember Mug for Christmas, and many happy tears were shed. Is there anything in the world a mom wants more than for her cup of coffee or tea to remain hot long enough to enjoy it? Ember’s patented technology allows you to set the precise temperature of your beverage (via your smartphone), so you can fully enjoy your drink from the first sip to the last drop, no matter how much time passes between the two. Worth the splurge!
2. Detox Baths
We love bath time over here, and this winter I began incorporating detox baths into our weekly routine. I personally take them once per week, and I typically have my two boys do the same. The ingredients are simple and affordable (available on Amazon), and the benefits are vital during winter months when illnesses creep around every corner. Detox baths are well-known to help us heal from viruses sooner, and rid our body of toxins while strengthening our immune system. I add in essential oils for a relaxing aroma as well. Here’s what you’ll need:
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- Epsom Salts w/ magnesium (dissolve 1/2 cup for children, up to 2 cups for adults)
- Apple Cider Vinegar (1/4 cup for children, 1 cup for adults)
- Benzonite Healing Clay (1/4 cup for children, 1/2-1 cup for adults)
- Essential Oils (a few drops of your favorite – we love Lemon, Lavender, and Peace & Calming from Young Living)
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3. Snack-size Perfect Bars
These refrigerated protein bars are a family favorite. They are available in a variety of flavors and are packed with clean ingredients, including whole food protein, 20+ organic super foods, and organic honey. I recently discovered the snack-size version at Publix, and they have become such a hit in our home. They’re perfect for me as a mom always on the go, and they keep my boys full and satisfied in between meals.
4. BeeKeeper’s Naturals B.Immune Throat Spray
This throat spray was recommended to me when I had a nasty sore throat I couldn’t seem to shake, and I was so impressed with how well it worked! I now keep both the kids and adult options in our home, and we use them daily as part of our morning ritual before work and school. The all-star ingredient is bee propolis – with 300+ beneficial compounds, bees use it to line the walls of their hives to keep germs out. It’s used in this spray to support our immune systems, soothe scratchy throats, and combat free radical damage in the body.
5. Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops
One of the things I dislike most about winter is losing that natural glow of summer on my skin. The typical orange-hue, strong scents, and borderline toxic ingredients of most self-tanners have always made me wary. But then I discovered Isle of Paradise. The ingredients are clean enough that I even feel comfortable using them during pregnancy, and they truly work! You simply mix in these color-correcting self-tanning drops with your favorite moisturizer for a custom glow (more drops = more color). I have very sensitive skin and have never had an issue with breakouts, or with color transfer to clothing or sheets!
What items are you loving right now?
