Stock Your Library For FREE

     New Year means new resolutions and new goals. I know a lot of people set reading goals for the year, myself included and I want to help you achieve those goals by helping you find free resources.  In just a few months I have stocked up my kindle account with over 300 books and I didn't spend one penny. I want to show you how to never have to buy a book again as well as explore new books, you may have never heard of or seen before.

    The first obvious way to enjoy free books is to get a library card at your local library. You will then have access to check out any book they have access too. Not only do they have books on sight, but they have the ability to borrow and transfer books from other local libraries within their organization,  if you are wanting a physical book to read. Sometimes popular books can be on a very long waiting list. I for one have been waiting on one book in particular for about 8 months right now.

    Another way to "checkout" eBooks is through the Libby App.  A library card is required to use this service, but again it is completely free of fees. Again popular books can have a very long wait list, so if you are patient and looking for something in particular, this is the way to go without spending any money. 

    These two options are great if you have an idea of what you are searching for. I myself don't have particular books in mind when I go to the library so it can sometimes be a task to find something I want to read. I want suggestions given to me, so I don't have to do much work and read all the back covers of an eye catching title. I like using the Goodreads app for suggestions from my friends, but I also don't want to buy or borrow every book that I think looks interesting. This is why my favorite way to stock my library is through a service called FREE BOOKSY. 

    All you need is a Kindle account or other type of e-reading service through Apple, Google, Nook, etc. I use Kindle because it's free to sign up and use the service through Amazon. From my experience on FREE BOOKSY, Kindle also offers the most options, whereas the other services are hit and miss. The Kindle service can be used from a computer, phone, or e-reader and all the titles sync with each device. If you already have an Amazon account, you will just use your account login information once you register. If you do not have an account, click here to see how to create an account and sign up for the service. 

 

Once you have your e-reader service set up, now you can signup for FREE BOOKSY, the email service to send you free eBook options for the day. When you sign up you will get to chose which genres of books you would like to see suggestions for each day. The genres you picked will be emailed to you, but you can still access the full list of daily free books from the FREE BOOKSY site, in case you want to browse books in a genre you did not choose to be notified about. 

    

In your daily email, you will find the books categorized by the genres you chose, with a picture of the book cover, a short description of the book, and a link to the e reader service it is being offered on for free. Once you click the link, you will be redirected to the service website to then "buy" it and add it to your library. It is important to note, that these offers are only good for the day they are emailed on. New offers are emailed to you daily.

Make sure before you click to "buy" it has the price adjusted to $0.00. There are some series or collections that are offered (as pictured above) so you will be getting multiple books for $0.00 OR sometimes (in the case above) just the first book in the series is being offered for free and you don't want to accidentally purchase the whole series.  As you can see once I clicked the link in my email, it brought me to the 11 book series with a buy now option of $53.91.

In this case if you scroll down, each individual book in the series will be listed and you can "purchase" the free offer without spending money on the whole series. Make sure you are choosing the Buy Now With 1 Click on the Kindle Price option and not the Kindle Unlimited Subscription button after you confirm the price is $0.00.

You will receive a "Thank you for your Purchase" confirmation on your screen and now if you were to try to click on the link again, it will show a green READ NOW option as the book has been added to your library and synced with your devices.

    A bonus service this site offers is also something called BARGAIN BOOKSY, which you can opt into when you sign up for the email service. One or two options will be at the bottom of your FREE BOOKSY email, but if you opt in, you will receive a completely separate email with all the bargains of the day. These will be discounted eBooks with some as cheap as $0.99 up to a few dollars each. I have opted into this service, but have yet bought any of the books because I am usually adding several books to my library for free already, so I see no need to purchase unless it's a book I have been dying to read.

    This site provides an amazing service and introduces us to authors we may have never been introduced to if it weren't for this site and service. Not only can you view the entire list of free books per day via FREE BOOKSY, but you can also search free eBooks on the Kindle Platform anytime, anyday, which can give you even more options. I have found the easiest way to do this is to log into your Amazon account and click on the ALL option on the left hand side of the screen. From there you will choose the Kindle E-Readers and Books option, followed by the Kindle Books option. At that point you can type in the search bar "free e-books" to search the kindle store.

    If you enjoy short story series, you can also chose Kindle Vella from the options and start reading for free. After a few episodes of each series, the next episode will cost a certain amount of tokens, however when I signed up, I received 500 tokens with sign up at no cost. This is a fun option if you can only read a chapter or short amount per time, but still want to get some reading in.

    Prefer reading a physical book and don't want to pay bookstore prices, try looking at discount stores (Ollie's if you have one is a great option), consignment shops, flea markets, Facebook groups or marketplace, yard sales, and even the Dollar Store!  I haven't paid full price for a book in several years and I have hundreds in my library at my fingertips!

    I hope this has encouraged you to save money, read more, and explore more genres and authors than you ever have before.   HAPPY READING!!!

Swap of the Week #4: Nail Polish

 When detoxing and swapping out products to reduce your body burden, nail polish is probably not in the forefront of your mind, but it should be!

Going to a salon to get your nails done can not only be costly it can be hazardous to your health too.  Most conventional nail polishes are full of toxic chemicals that you are breathing in the air at the salon, as well as putting on your body.  Nails need to breathe therefore whatever you are putting on it can leech down into the skin of your nail beds. Your nails absorb whatever is put on them just the same as your hair since they are both made up of keratin.

One of the most common recommendations within the toxin free community to replace toxic nail polish is the Color Street Nail Strips.  These nail strips are easy to apply with no to minimal drying time and they are low to no tox!!  They have an abundance of colors, glitters, designs, and overlays to choose from with more drops happening frequently. They retire and bring new designs out so make sure to keep up with the scheduled removals via their email or grab you a consultant.

Color Street is free of parabens, Formaldehyde, Dibuytl Phthalate, Camphor, Xylene, and Ethyl Tosylamine.  They do contain a small amount of Toulene but it isn't considered toxic in the nail strips because they are dry.  Toulene is an issue when it can be inhaled and with the nail strips being dry instead of a wet polish the threat is very minimal.

Color Street also has an ongoing sale Buy 3 Get One FREE.  The savings are endless when it comes to this swap. No expensive salons, no toxins, and no waiting to change your nails. You want red on Monday and Teal on Thursday, no problem just remove the strips with your favorite toxin free polish remover and you are good to go!  

I have had great luck with the strips. They last and don't chip as much as traditional polish in my opinion.  I did my toes a week before a beach vacation and they still looked the same 4 weeks later even with getting in the ocean and digging my toes in the sand. I can not say the same about expensive manicures, my polish would have been gone within an hour in the ocean and beach.  I also have farm chores that I have to do daily and they strips have held up well while doing them.

I know giving up the salon can be difficult for some, but please consider it for your health and give Color Street or another toxin free option a try! Tell me in the comments if you have used Color Street Nail Strips or what your favorite toxin free nail polish is!

**This post may contain affiliate links that may generate monetary compensation to me when used. Thank you!**

Ingredient to Avoid #4: Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE)

I was sharing a banished ingredient list the other day and this ingredient was questioned so I thought it would be the perfect time to spread a little light on why this particular ingredient made the banished list in the first place.

There have been numerous studies and tests performed on Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) by independent researchers showing the antimicrobial properties once thought to have been contained in the seeds has actually been the synthetic preservatives used during the extraction process and not the extract from the fruit pulp or seeds.

These tests also found the synthetic preservatives to contain Benzalkonium Chloride, Triclosan, and Methylparaben, which are all on the banished list due to toxicity concerns.  Let's run down each one of those ingredients concerns real quick.

Benzaalkonium Chloride is a well recognized irritant and allergies can present with just 0.1% of this ingredient present. It also decreased the fertility of mice when their cages were cleaned using this ingredient.

Triclosan is a well known endocrine disruptor. It has been known to cause a decrease in thyroid production, also binding to estrogen and/or androgen receptors causing interference with the endocrine system, and it can even play a role in producing antibiotic resistant bacteria.

Methylparaben has shown some evidence of accumulating in breast tissue and may mimic estrogen acting as an endocrine disruptor.

The tests performed did find a sample that did not contain any synthetic preservatives and self made samples were also tested to eliminate the chances of other harmful ingredients being present, however the antimicrobial properties were not found in any of the samples without synthetic preservatives. These results essentially show there are no benefits to using the extract.

In conclusion, GSE made the banished list because there are far too many extracts containing synthetic preservatives and no antimicrobial benefits without the preservatives for this specific extract to be used and considered safe for toxin free products.  I have included a list of sources for additional research.

Souces:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10399191

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16719494

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16159196

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11453769

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18344660

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17867553

Ingredient to Avoid #3: Aluminum Hydroxide

     

    On this weeks swap of the week, we talked deodorant.  It's only natural that now we discuss Aluminum Hydroxide, why you want to avoid it, and how it is linked to deodorant.  Aluminum salts, mainly Aluminum Chlorhydrate is widely used in deodorant and antiperspirants to block sweat.  Once it is applied to the underarms, it then becomes an insoluble Aluminum Hydroxide.  Not only is this ingredient blocking sweat glands and clogging pores, it is defeating the purpose of your sweat glands, which is to cool the body via sweat.

    There are studies that have made a connection between Aluminum in deodorants and breast cancer.  The Aluminum can increase the migration and properties of the cancer cells following long term exposure of just 32 weeks.  How long have you been using your traditional deodorant?  This is considered a hot topic and debatable, but I encourage you to do your own research and look more into this connection.  Some articles say because Aluminum Hydroxide is insoluble that it doesn't penetrate the epidermis.  Deodorants and antiperspirants specifically say to avoid broken skin when applying, yet how many times have you shaved your underarms before applying?  Essentially opening those hair follicles and pores with slight abrasions you may not be able to see or feel from shaving, this arguably could allow the Aluminum Hydroxide to penetrate.

    Aluminum Hydroxide is also classified as an antacid medication and has also been used in personal care products as a colorant. With prolonged use of this antacid medication, "patients should have monitoring calcium and phosphate plasma concentrations. Kidney function also requires monitoring", according to the National Library of Medicine.  The library also states, "Seizures, Osteomalacia, and Encephalopathy are well documented toxic effects of Aluminum Hydroxide.

    On top of all the other previous concerns discussed above, Aluminum Hydroxide is considered to be a pro oxidant.  This means it can produce oxygen and subsequently cause cell damage.  This increase in oxidative skin damage can result in loss of collage and elastin fibers resulting in a much faster aging process.  Wrinkles, sagging, and even texture changes can be a result, according to Science Daily.  We already start losing collagen at the age of 20, we don't need this ingredient speeding up this process for us by damaging the cells and fibers.

    The National Library of Medicine tells us the carcinogenic risks of Aluminum and its compounds haven't been evaluated by the International Agency of Research on Cancer, however the production of Aluminum has an is classified as carcinogenic.

    There are several uses for the ingredient in our daily products.  I encourage you to take the information I have given you and really consider swapping out some or all of your products that contain this ingredient for safer alternatives. Comment below some of the daily products you use that you found this potentially toxic ingredient in.  You and the rest of us maybe surprised about what products it is lurking in!

    

Swap of the Week #3: Deodorant

     One of the hardest swaps for me personally to make as been deodorant.  I have been looking into natural deodorant for years, however I heard nightmarish stories of how they don't work and you end up stinking.  Needless to say I was too scared to try them until recently.  I knew if I was swapping other products, I needed to bite the bullet and swap this one as well.  

    Traditional deodorants work because the aluminum blocks and clogs sweat glands. If you can't sweat then you can't stink essentially. Your body needs to sweat!  Sweating helps cool the body when you are hot as well as rid the body of toxins.  Cleaner, natural deodorants do allow you to sweat, however that doesn't mean you need to stink.  Natural deodorants fight the bacteria that mixes with the sweat which causes the odor.

    One thing that I was not aware of when switching to a natural toxin free deodorant was the suggestion to do a pit detox.  I read conflicting arguments of whether or not this was necessary or even worked.  I decided what would it hurt just to try it and do it.  As long as the pit detox was a natural product and toxin free, I would still be achieving the same purpose.  I am glad, I followed through.  The pit detox is not a one time use as it is suggested to do it weekly for at least a month.  I only shower every 2 or 3 days since I work from home and try to let my body's natural organisms do their thing, so I opt to do the detox before every shower for the last few weeks.  

    I used Earthley's Detoxifying Pit Mask and feel it is doing it's job!  The first time I used it, I swear I could feel it literally pulling junk from my pores. It soothing and has a refreshing feel because of the tea tree oil, which is also a great antibacterial agent.  You simply spread it on, let it dry and do its thing for about 10 mins.  I try and keep my arms up or out for the first five mins or so just to let air get in and circulate.  You then just wipe it off with a warm wash cloth or wash it away in the shower.  I will say after the first couple of detoxes, I felt that I had more body odor, which could be because it pulled all those chemicals from my pores and glands.  After a couple of uses, I feel that I was back to being "normal".

    I started using Schmidt's Natural Deodorant Lavender and Sage because I like being able to smell deodorants when buying. Looking at all the ingredients just hits different when you can hold the product.  I found this deodorant at Walmart, so I also like the convenience of finding it local instead of having to purchase online.  Schmidt's has a range of different scents, however I found the Lavender and Sage to be the "cleanest" and most non toxic scent.  Some of the others have parfum listed, even though it's suppose to be a natural fragrance according to their website, this didn't score as well on the Environmental Working Group (EWG) database for toxic chemicals. 

    I also had purchased a trial size of the Spring Blossom scent of Earthley's mineral deodorant since it is online only and again I like to smell things before I try them out.  I enjoy the scent of this deodorant, however I don't think it lasts as long as the Schmidt's and some scents just don't mix well with your sweat and body odor.  The Spring Blossoms performed well, but I feel like I would have to reapply it a throughout the day if I were doing something very physical or out in the heat a lot.  Since this is a trial size, I have decided this will be my travel deodorant and I will use the Schmidt's on a daily basis.

    The only major difference between the two deodorants is that the Schmidt's brand does contain baking soda.  Baking soda can be a skin irritant, so it is really up to you and your body if you want to choose a deodorant that contains baking soda.  When you are shopping around for a natural deodorant, you want a mineral deodorant that contains Magnesium and not Aluminum.  Arrowroot powder is also a great ingredient to have to keep you dry.  Essential oils are important for bacterial fighting power and a natural scent instead of an added parfum type fragrance.  And I would always run whatever you are looking at swapping to through the EWG database just to get the breakdown of possible toxic ingredients that you may not know how to recognize.

    

    Hopefully this information can help you in your toxin free journey.  If you have already switched to a natural deodorant, I would love for you to comment below the brand and even scent.  I am always up for trying out new safe products!!

*commission may be earned on links within this article*

    

Recipe of the Week: Bacon Ranch Asparagus Chicken

Recipe of the Week: Bacon Ranch Asparagus Chicken

    I love finding new recipes to use and experiment with via Pinterest.  I also like to make it my own and hardly ever measure anything especially spices.  I will always include the original recipe that I got inspiration from.  This week its a one pan casserole type meal.  

    It's simple to prep and as simple as throwing it in the oven to bake.  I love using this recipe because we can use up garden and farm raised ingredients that bring out even more flavor.  The original recipe could be considered a one pan meal, but we like more than one vegetable or adding a starch such as rice to complete the meal.  The original recipe can be viewed here.

    Here is how I make it:         

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees
2. Add 1 & 1/2 cups chicken broth to 13 x9 inch baking dish
3. Add 1 cup rice (I always use Jasmine)
4. Lay 1 lb chicken on top of rice (I use thighs, but breast or tenders can be used too)
5. Sprinkle seasoning salt, garlic powder, onion power, and dry ranch seasoning over chicken
6. Drizzle Ranch dressing (liquid) over chicken
7. Add asparagus pieces around chicken and on top (I usually use one bunch or half a bag)
8. Crumble bacon top
9. Sprinkle colby jack or any of your favorite cheese mixture on top 
10. Cover and bake for 30 mins

    Sometimes I take the cover off with five minutes left so the cheese can brown a little.  This meal feeds our family of five and the majority of the time there is no leftovers!!!  Everyone loves it from the baby to the teenager and of course us adults.  This is a great dish to get those picky eaters to give asparagus a try!

    Hopefully you give my version a try or the original recipe.  Let me know in the comments below which one you tried and what your thoughts are on it!!  

    Enjoy and stay tuned for more of our family favorite meals!

Ingredient To Avoid #2: PEGs

 

    Next up on the banished ingredient list is Polyethylene Glycol, usually referred to as PEGs.  This group of ingredients can usually be recognized by the prefix PEG followed by a number. PEGs are made through a process called ethoxylation.  Ethylene oxide, a known carcinogenic reacts with other ingredients to make them less harsh on the skin.  During this process a byproduct of 1,4-dioxane is created and can be left behind within the product.  This byproduct has been classified as "likely to be carcinogenic in humans" by the EPA.  The 1,4-dioxane can be removed from the product via vacuum stripping process, however independent tests show that many manufacturers fail to complete this process.

    Polyethylene Glycol can be found in many products, such as skincare, lotions, soaps, hair care, shower gels, processed foods, medications, and e-cigarettes.  They are often petroleum based compounds that are used as thickeners, solvents, softeners, and moisture carriers.

    This known skin irritant is frequently associated with contact dermatitis. Negative side effects from the use of this ingredient can occur in concentrations as low as 2%! And if all of the above didn't make you want to throw out products containing this ingredient, the next sentence will.  PEGs are the main component in Anti-Freeze.

    Remember that what you put on top of your skin is just as important as what you ingest into your body.  It can take as little as 30 seconds for ingredients to enter your blood stream just from a topical product. As previously mentioned this ingredient can be lurking in not only personal care products, but food and medications you may have in your house as well. I encourage everyone to take a look at your labels and make sure you are making safer choices for you and your family!

    Check out my safe swap blog posts to start replacing some of those items containing PEGs!  To date we have swapped sunscreen, insect repellent, and cleaning products, but I promise this is just the beginning to many more suggestions.