Gut health isn't just another health trend topic that will come and go. Gut health IS THE health topic....and it's probably the missing link you've been longing for.
I'll explain in a bit, but first, my story and personal journey. Watch the video or keep reading to see if this sounds familiar to you.
I have suffered from chronic constipation my whole life. I never knew it was that. I just knew it was embarrassing and uncomfortable, and I had to strategically plan out my day according to my bathroom needs. Not because I needed to be near a bathroom for a quick elimination problem, but because I knew I would need HOURS to get my business done.
Going #2 in between classes at school was not an option (not enough time). I would end up having to hold it until I got home. By that time I would be so bloated with painful cramps I would be buckled over in pain....but I was good at hiding it because I was too embarrassed to say anything. And if you know anything about elimination habits, you know that the longer you hold it in, the harder it is to go when you finally try to.
This misfortune followed me through adulthood into the workforce....more embarrassment.
Another thing I experienced regularly was pain caused by bloat that was so intense I couldn't stand straight. It had me looking 6 months pregnant and curled up in a ball until I found something that helped. Sometimes I could muster myself up to take a hunched over walk (hey, it works for horses). Sometimes I could take some pink stuff, but sometimes the only that worked was to throw in the towel for the day and go to bed. Not too convenient if it was the middle of the day.
This happened to some degree EVERY. DAY.
I wondered if anyone else had this issue. I wondered if there was something wrong with me. I wondered if I'd ever find relief.
Thank GOD I did find a solution!
I personally focus on gut health habits EVERY day. It is at the forefront of my food choices and my activities, but now it is in a positive manner, not in a spirit of dread and embarrassment.
I have learned to love water, which is the first thing people tell you to do right?
(annoying naggy tone) "drink more water"
Like if only it were that simple right?
But yes, water intake makes a difference, so learn to like it. (I've got tips for that)
(same annoying naggy tone) "you need more fiber"
More eye rolling. Like, "yeah....I get it!"
"Just take a laxative"
Ok, now we're getting into some BAD advice. Let's just NOT. (negative long term side effects)
Why does Gut Health even matter?
For me, it was affecting my day-to-day quality of life.
THAT MATTERS.
The digestive system is at the CORE of your body, and so, at the core of your health. If it's sick, you're sick.
Healthy elimination habits have a direct effect on your...
Hormones. Used up hormones, particularly estrogens, need to be eliminated swiftly from your body so they don't build up and cause imbalance. When estrogens hang around too long they feed cancer cells, among other things.
Liver Function. The liver empties out into the intestinal tract each night at about 3 a.m. If the intestinal tract is backed up, the liver has no where to go with the sludge it has filtered out of your blood stream. This sludge includes those used up hormones I just mentioned and any other toxins you have consumed and absorbed from your food, water, and environment, as well as general metabolic waste (think car exhaust). As with any clogged sewage system, the backed up mess goes back to where it came from. For us, it means back into the bloodstream. This creates a domino effect of problems like allergies, inflammation, toxicity, etc.
Skin condition. Most skin issues are actually gut-related issues. If there is inflammation in the gut (or anywhere else in the body), there will be inflammation in the skin at some point. The body needs to flush it out somehow and even though the skin is the last resort, we are typically so backed up with toxins that our skin is the only route left. This creates issues like eczema, psoriasis, and cystic acne.
Sleep. Serotonin effects our sleep. It is used by the brain, but it is made in the gut. If the gut is too filled with decaying fecal matter and trying to manage the problems that that causes, it's not going to be able to give good focus on creating a non-vital hormone like serotonin. It's more worried about getting the rotting garbage out so it doesn't end up in your vital organs to create more damage.
The body also does 80% of it's restorative repair in deep sleep mode. So if you're trying to heal from anything, sleep is imperative.
Stress. Sleep effects our HPA-axis (Hypothalamus, Pituitary, Adrenals) this is our stress response system. When we are not getting good quality of sleep, the body will read this as stress. This will have another cascading domino effect on your overall health, but more specifically it will burn out your adrenals, throw off your menstrual cycles, and mess with your mental clarity.
Mood. Lots of depression conditions are treated with serotonin drugs. See above in sleep.
Brain Function and Mental Alertness. The skull does this amazing thing at night where the plates contract and sort of "wring out" the brain like a sponge to clean the toxins from it. (remember, toxins can also just be metabolic waste from its normal healthy functioning. like car exhaust). The garbage then gets wrung out into the spinal cord and filtered out through the lymphatic system. This cleansing function can only happen in a deep REM sleep. This is one reason we are in mental fog when we don't get good sleep.
Immune Function. The digestive tract is a LARGE part of our immune system. If it's not functioning well, our immune system is weakened. We don't need any of THAT right now, do we?
ALL OF THIS MATTERS!
And all of this is directly affected by the state of your digestive system functioning properly.
What does functioning properly look like?
The perfect bowel movement should be soft, well-formed in one piece, light-to-medium brown in color, and easy to pass. It should take you minutes to poop, not hours.
If you are not properly and efficiently having perfect bowel movements within 2 hours after every meal, you need to do some work in the area of gut health.
And how LIBERATING it is to poop like this! Yes, I just said that and it's TRUTH. (If you know, you know.)
Sitting down and getting my business done in the time it takes me to even just pee is something I thought I would never experience. And did you know....having a "good poop" releases happy endorphins too? That's why we feel so GOOD when it's done! #doublewin :-)
My journey with healthy gut habits is about 10 years strong now. If you want to know how I do it, I'll show you! Just grab my Gut Health Guide HERE and be on your way!
When I think back on how much of my time... my life, was wasted sitting on a toilet, it makes me sad and mad and robbed. I'll never get that time back. If only I had known then what I know now, how much different would things have been for me?
I don't want that for anyone else.
So girl.... I got you! All you have to do is ask!
The holiday season is officially over, and while it was fun to indulge in all that delicious food, your body is probably begging for some TLC. Enter, sugar detox. A sugar detox can help you kickstart a healthier lifestyle and give your body a break from all of the processed foods and excess sugar consumed during the holidays. Let’s explore why a sugar detox might be just what you need this winter.
1. Sugar is addictive
Sugar is a substance that is highly addictive, and many people find it difficult to cut back on their intake once they have started consuming it regularly. A sugar detox can help to break this cycle of addiction and allow you to reduce your sugar intake and feel in control again.
2. Cut Cravings
One of the primary benefits of a sugar detox is that it helps to cut cravings. When you feed your body good things, it stops asking for the quick energy rush of sugar.
3. Helps to reset your taste buds
Sugar is added to so many foods these days that it can be hard to avoid. A sugar detox can help to reset your taste buds and break your sugar addiction.
4. Reduces Inflammation
Sugar is a pro-inflammatory food, meaning it can contribute to inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation has been linked to a variety of health problems, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. A sugar detox can help to reduce inflammation by eliminating sugary foods from your diet.
5. Improves Gut Health
A sugar detox can also help to improve gut health. The gut is home to trillions of bacteria, many of which are beneficial for our health. However, eating too much sugar can upset the delicate balance of the gut microbiome and lead to problems such as yeast overgrowth, diarrhea, constipation, and bloating. A sugar detox can help to restore balance to the gut microbiome and improve gut health.
6. Boosts Energy Levels
A sugar detox can also help to boost energy levels. Many people find that they have more energy when they cut sugar out of their diet. This is because sugar causes spikes in blood sugar levels, which can lead to feelings of fatigue and low energy. Cutting out sugar can help to stabilize blood sugar levels and improve energy levels.
7. Clear Skin
Sugar causes inflammation and can trigger hormonal imbalances, both of which can contribute to the development of acne. Sugar consumption has been linked to acne breakouts, as well as other skin problems such as wrinkles and dullness. A sugar detox can help to improve skin health by eliminating sugary foods from your diet
8. Improves skin health
Too much sugar can cause glycation, a process in which sugars attach to proteins and cause them to become stiff and misshapen. This can lead to wrinkles and other signs of premature aging. Cutting sugar out of your diet can help to improve your skin health.
9. Promotes weight loss
When it comes to weight loss, reducing added sugar intake is one of the most effective strategies there is. Research has shown that cutting down on sugar can help support weight loss efforts by decreasing calorie consumption and reducing cravings for unhealthy snacks and desserts. Doing a sugar detox can help give your metabolism a boost and allow you to get back on track with healthy eating habits quickly and easily.
10. Boosts energy levels
Sugar may give you a temporary energy boost, but it can also lead to crashes later on. If you're looking for sustained energy, ditching sugar is a good place to start.
11. Reduces risk of heart disease
Eating too much sugar can increase your risk of developing heart disease. A sugar detox can help to reduce your risk by reducing the amount of sugar in your diet.
12. Lowers blood pressure
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and other serious health problems. Cutting sugar out of your diet can help to lower your blood pressure and improve your overall health.
13. Improves cholesterol levels
Eating too much sugar can raise your LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and decrease your HDL (good) cholesterol levels. A sugar detox can help to improve your cholesterol levels by reducing the amount of sugar in your diet
14. Sugar can damage the liver
Too much sugar can damage the liver, leading to a condition called fatty liver disease. Fatty liver disease is a serious condition that can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, and even death.
15. Sugar can cause diabetes
Eating too much sugar can lead to type 2 diabetes, a condition that occurs when the body cannot properly metabolize sugar. Type 2 diabetes can cause a variety of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.
16. Sugar can cause cavities
Sugar is one of the main culprits behind cavities and tooth decay. When sugar comes into contact with bacteria in the mouth, it creates acid that attacks tooth enamel. Over time, this acid can break down teeth and lead to cavities.
17. Sugar can aggravate anxiety and depression
Sugar has been shown to aggravate anxiety and depression by causing fluctuations in blood sugar levels. These fluctuations can lead to mood swings, irritability, and feelings of lethargy or fatigue.
18. Get Better Quality Sleep
The quality of your sleep can have a huge impact on how productive you are during the day—and if you’re eating too much sugary food before bedtime, it could be affecting how well you sleep at night! A regular intake of added sugars can cause disruptions in REM sleep patterns which leaves us feeling tired even after getting plenty of hours of rest! By reducing our added-sugars intake we can ensure our bodies are getting into deeper stages of restorative sleep where we feel properly rested when we wake up in the morning!
Taking a post-holiday sugar detox is a great way to reset your body after overindulging during the holidays. Not only will it help reduce bloating and fatigue, but it can also reset cravings, promote better gut health and get you started on the right track for your weight loss goals. So if you're looking for an easy way to start off 2023 right, then consider doing a sugar detox today!
It’s that time of year again when nearly 8% of Americans suffer from seasonal allergies.
But, did you know that typical anti-histamine and decongestants used for allergy relief have the potential to alter your cervical mucus sign? (study)
Makes sense when you think of the functionality of things. Mucus cells are mucus cells whether they are in your nose or in your vagina. Allergy meds are designed to sooth the runny nose by drying up the mucus or thinning it for more efficient drainage, why wouldn't it effect "down there" too?
But fear not! Your trusted instructor has some tips to guide you. :)
First I need to point out there has been no documented CURE for allergies, only symptoms support, and of course, that I am not a doctor and you should seek care from one as necessary. This info is for the sole purposes of educating you and is not medical advice.
Now that we got that out of the way and we're best friends, let's talk about why you're reading this.
Natural ways to find relief that won't mess with your chart.
First, a combo of essential oils that is a favorite among essential oil lovers. Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint. It is known as the “LLP Bomb”.
You can diffuse this combo, make a roller of it and apply to chest and sinuses, or put it in a capsule to take internally.
Let’s break down the function of the oils shall we?
Peppermint has been shown to relax smooth muscle tissue, which results in opening of airways and relaxes a heavy chest.
If more inflammatory support is needed adding Copaiba to this combination is a great idea!
Internal Support!
Did you know allergies are not a normal response in a healthy human? While there are a wide array of causes to allergies like vaccinations and environmental exposures, many of the root causes for people are simply lack of enzymes, vitamins, and/or minerals. Since these are things we CAN control…let’s talk about them.
Dr. LeAnne and David Deardeuff observed that 90% of their patients relieved their allergy symptoms by doing their liver cleanse protocol.
Many allergy sufferers report a significant difference in the severity of their symptoms after including Sulfurzyme™ into their daily routine. This is a good idea anyway, you can check out why here. But the relief in allergy symptoms is likely due to the anti-inflammatory effects of MSM and Ningxia Wolfberry, which are the main ingredients in Sulfurzyme™. Turbo charge this with this Red Drink Recipe, and you’ve got a great tasting way to support your whole body health AND find relief from those sniffles.
Enzymes. The link to supplementing enzymes for allergy relief comes from gut health and healing leaky gut. Leaky gut is well-known to be the root cause of many allergies. So logically, a focus on gut health would be beneficial to the seasonal allergy sufferer. I have an entire blog or video on what I’ve done to improve gut health. I’ve also got an entire program focused on gut health if you’re really serious about healing the core of your entire health foundation.
But a simple place to start with would just be including Allerzyme™ to your routine. The capsules are really small, and if you are unable to swallow capsules you can break them open and mix it in a smoothie or yogurt or a spoonful of raw honey.
Sulfurzyme™ Capsules and/or Powder
You can grab all of these supplies HERE
Did you know that you can also reduce allergy symptoms over time by reducing toxin exposure from cleaners, personal care products, cosmetics and skincare, anything with fragrance, processed foods, etc?
That's what we are all about over in the Swap It Savvy Community FB group or Swap It Savvy on Instagram, so pop into those if you'd like and good luck navigating this allergy season! I am always here if you need some guidance.
Best Wishes,
Jackie
Do you struggle with IBS? You are not alone. Millions of people all over the world experience the symptoms that come along with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Though it can be a very challenging condition to manage and treat, there is hope for finding relief and calming IBS naturally. This post will share my own journey with IBS, an effective strategy for managing the symptoms, and how to practice self-care so you can feel your best!
I’ve been really focusing on taking care of myself these past few weeks as we’ve been really busy with calving and the normal day-to-day around here. The last thing I need is to be run down, sick, or in any sort of pain from my IBS. I’ve got a large toolbox for this, but today I’m going to share about a device that we are really loving here at the Ranch for all kinds of things, including my IBS. It's a soundwave frequency watch.
I learned about it from a friend who had a dramatic life-changing experience with the watch and her Belle's Palsy. Another friend found relief from carpal tunnel. These were just some of the examples of why I decided to try the device that looks like an oversized watch for myself. When people ask me about it and I share what it does, everyone wants one. Here is just another reason why....
Last night I ran the Digestive folder. I set it to IBS and let it run through the whole list. My tummy wasn’t really bothering me too bad, just a little discomfort that is normal for me this time of night, especially on a day I eat donuts….which was yesterday.
Within minutes of turning the watch on, my tummy went from quiet and stagnant (the cause of the inflammation causing the mild pain I experience) to active and moving. Like it was just woke up from a nap and realized it had a job to do. It was very soothing to feel things start to gently move along. Not in a way that had me needing to go to the bathroom, but just in a soothing, comfortable way of healthy functioning digestion that wasn’t happening prior to turning the watch on. After a few minutes I could feel pressure going across my transverse colon. This is usually the source of my worst pain when I have flare ups and it was a bit uncomfortable. But then, I felt the pressure shift and was completely relieved. It all happened within about 15 minutes, and it felt so good.
This is definitely a setting I will be running daily. In fact, I have it on now and am experiencing the same feel-good movements happening in my gut. I think I’ll help the process along by making sure I take my enzymes and probiotic today. I’m not always good about that and they too make such a HUGE difference in my gut health journey. (which you can read more on that and why gut health matters HERE).
This watch has been such a blessing in my life; from general achiness to stress relief and immune support, helping my little one fall asleep, I just can’t say enough good things about it. I learned that it works by using frequencies – sounds. The same soundwave technology that is used to blast away kidney stones, only in a much more controlled and calculated method.
You can get a watch for yourself HERE, and you are welcome to use my referral code SAVY100 to get yourself $100 off if you like to save money like me.
If you’d like to see more information, scientific studies, and testimonials on the watch, you can do that HERE or hit the “contact me” button and we can talk about things. I wouldn’t wait long though, these things go out of stock FAST as they are taking the world by STORM.
Don't let IBS slow you down and keep you from enjoying life. Regain control naturally with WavWatch and other tools I share about in my gut health guide. You deserve the Savvy Life.
Could a congested lymphatic system be contributing to your health problems?
Probably. But, read on to see for yourself.
Your lymphatic system is like the underground sewage system that collects everything that the skin absorbs and sends it into the bloodstream where it eventually ends up in the liver. The lymphatic system also sweeps up any metabolic waste, dead cells, and excess fluid from your organs.
If the lymphatic system is clogged, then the organs and parts of the body that normally dump their waste into it become backed up too. I.e. Your gut and liver.
When working correctly, the lymphatic system directs white blood cells to germs and other invaders to help you fight off infection. When it is congested it has the opposite effect, sending the viruses and bacteria into the blood stream and putting you at greater risk for infection.
There are several tell tale signs that lymphatic fluid is not moving effectively and that toxins are building up in your body:
Bloating
Cycle-related complaints• Swelling in your fingers/rings fitting more tightly
Brain fog
Digestive issues
Parasites
Depression
Sinus infections
Skin problems/dry and or itchy skin
Enlarged lymph nodes
Chronic fatigue
Feeling sore or stiff when you wake up in the morning
Unexplained injuries
Excess weight
Cold hands and feet
Constipation
Worsened allergies
Food sensitivities
Increased colds and flu
How many of these signs can you relate to? See why it is important to cleanse?!
I’m doing this challenge starting May 15th for myself to see if I can remedy my underarm odor and improve gut health, among other things listed above. Wanna join me?
We have an incredible group for all the details led by a friend that’s an RN and literally an expert on all things lymphatic system. There will be videos and posts with exactly what to do. We will hold your hand through the whole process.
The results from this challenge never cease to amaze me!
Get in on the greatness HERE.
For more health tips check out my Swap It Savvy community where we take a “use-this-not-that” approach to making healthier choices for our family so we can feel good and live life to the fullest and help others do the same.
Summer is here, and with it comes the challenge of dealing with mosquitoes. However, there's no need to use toxic bug sprays that leave behind unpleasant residue. Instead, these solutions provide an effective, natural way to repel mosquitoes without harming your health and leaving you feel sticky and stinky with pesticide.
Incorporating these natural solutions into your lifestyle ensures that you can enjoy your time outdoors without worries or compromising your health. Read about these tips and then join the Swap It Savvy Facebook community to learn more about incorporating natural solutions into your everyday life.
Read more...
Many women think they can use the LH tests for avoiding pregnancy, and that is some thin ice to be walking on. Despite the tests clearly stating they should not be used to prevent pregnancy, I still get asked ALL. THE. TIME. “why can’t I just use this machine/test to tell me when I’m ovulating and then we won’t have sex?” Or worse ...”he won’t finish in me.” (another myth that needs some serious straightening out in our world).
Luteinizing Hormone (LH) is the hormone released by the pituitary gland that causes the outer shell of the follicle to start breaking down so the ovum can break free. LH spikes just before ovulation happens. Ovulation prediction tests that measure the level of LH in your urine and saliva with the idea of helping you predict ovulation so you can increase your chances of becoming pregnant are readily available at any store with a pharmacy section.
But there are many weaknesses to this plan of using LH testing to avoid pregnancy. The first one being, the tests were never intended for this purpose, and that alone is an indication of their effectiveness for this.
The next really bad idea is that withdrawal has a high rate of failure. Depending on your source and timing in the cycle it can be anywhere from 5-25%. But if you’re not willing to bring life into this world, even 1% is too high to chance. There is this thing some women have coined “perfect withdrawal” but that is just a more socially acceptable name for masturbation. Associating that with the actual withdrawal or “pulling out” technique has resulted in many, many unplanned pregnancies. Any fluid that leaves the penis has the potential to have sperm cells in it. Furthermore, even if sperm come in contact with the right cervical fluid OUTSIDE the vagina those sperm can meet egg and make baby, says WOOMB International, the largest worldwide organization for researching this kind of stuff.
OK putting soapbox away.
Back to LH testing.... another reason you can’t use a LH test alone to avoid pregnancy is LH surges just before potential ovulation. The cervix will have been secreting fluid that nourishes sperm and aides their swimming efforts in preparation for ovulation. Sperm can live up to 5 days in this ideal cervical environment, so it would be possible that you have viable sperm in your cervix before, during, or after the LH test showing positive. Those sperm could still meet egg and make baby.
And finally, just because there is a spike in LH does not mean ovulation actually happened. It just means the body attempted ovulation. LH can surge without an egg being released at all, or ovulation may just be delayed for a few days or even weeks for one reason or another. So, you may see a positive LH spike on your test and falsely believe you ovulated and are in the infertile luteal phase of your cycle having carefree sex every day until you realize your period never showed up. (oops!)
Understanding the significance of tracking other biomarkers such as the cervical fluid and how to properly identify ovulation using a specific researched method offers a greater likelihood of avoiding or achieving pregnancy. Understanding a sound method of fertility tracking, like Billings Ovulation Method®, is a sure shot way to get to know your body so that you can PROPERLY and most accurately identify the times when pregnancy is impossible or when it is most likely. It is also a great tool for monitoring your reproductive health in general.
I hope this was helpful to you!
If you would like to learn more about how to successfully implement a means of avoiding pregnancy that is natural hormone-free, and still 99% effective, check out my info page on the Billings Ovulation Method HERE.
I would also like to extend an invitation to join a community of women who are working towards health freedom, body literacy, and empowering each other to take better care of ourselves. In here we talk about all things womanhood throws at us and work on natural solutions to overcome them. We focus specifically on natural fertility management and general hormone balance. If this sounds like a fit for you, you can check us out HERE.
And don't forget to grab my free guides:
and
Be Well!
Selling digital products is a fast and simple way to generate passive income and the possibilities are endless! With online delivery, budget-friendly options, and higher profits than physical goods - what's not to love? Tap into this lucrative market today for maximum growth potential. Here are some ideas to get you started......
1. Recipes: Recipes are great ways to build your list. (check out my next blog to learn why building your email list is important) Simply create a download of the step-by-step instructions. Link it to a landing page for them to submit their email address into, and the recipe gets sent to their inbox. Make sure it is printer-friendly for their ease of use.
2. Guides: travel guides, health guides, disney vacation, Self-care, how-to…..sky’s the limit on what type of guide you can create. Look at your audience’s needs and requests and create a simple how-to guide around it that they can download.
3. Tutorial Videos: do a demonstration of something. Make-up how-to’s are pretty popular but it could be anything from properly saddling a horse, to how to paint a cool looking tree. Whatever your community is into. Teach them how to do it better with a video.
4. Workbooks: Looking for a way to help your audience make those big life decisions? Consider creating and selling downloadable workbooks! Workbooks are great because they offer the user step-by-step guidance on how to reach their desired goals - whether it's business planning, debt payoff plans or budgeting. Plus, these helpful tools don't have you filling up pages with words like eBooks do – just providing prompts that will assist them in doing what needs to be done. Sound handy? Check out one of my favorite workbooks for some inspiration.
5. Manuals: Do you know how many times my husband goes searching for repair manuals for things? If you’re a fixer upper type and know how to fix things…a simple how-to manual might just save someone’s day.
6. E-Books: Do you have a passion for something or an interesting story/life experience to share? Put it into an eBook! According to Statista and Google Trends, eBooks are one of the top information products that people spend their money on. You don’t need to be an experienced writer or an expert in the topic to write a book—all you need is enthusiasm and some strong research skills. Plus, eBooks are easy to market and distribute online. Whether you’re wanting to provide parenting advice or share your knowledge on baking bread, there is always an audience eager to learn from your experiences. eBooks are easily consumable, and a great way to bring in leads. For instance, you can distribute the eBook for free in exchange for emails. Plus, eBooks are great for building credibility! Sounds like a daunting task, but ebooks are easier to consume when they are short and sweet.
7. Planners: Whether its a yearly planner, a budget planner, a grocery planner or a workout planner, there’s a wealth of opportunity in this niche. Software like CANVA makes the design process easy though.
8. Journals: So simple. Design a great cover to a notebook in CANVA and you can totally call it a journal and be done. Take it a step further and make each page unique with inspiration quotes or whatever makes sense to your user’s experience.
9. Check Lists: There's a whole demographic of people who have checklists for everything! Make their world easier with one ready to go for their specific needs. (hint: You'll know this because "your people" are you. Create for them the checklists you use for yourself.
10. Cheat Sheets: I love cheat sheets! Same concept as check lists, create for them what you would use for yourself. As a FAM/NFP instructor I have created cheat sheets for the rules of my methods, and for my entrepreneur audience I have a cheat sheet for the steps needed to create the landing pages, sales pages, and email campaigns for all these digital things we create to make the flow go smoothly which saves time. This one is a freebie that goes with the course I have that teaches you how to do all that.
11. Worksheets: I like to pair worksheets with a video training. So if you have a YouTube video or a podcast, you could offer a worksheet to go along with your talk as a downloadable for them to follow along. Some people learn better when they can write things or read it.
12. Stock Photos: If you’re a photographer, or just like taking pictures, Check out sites like Pixabay where you can sell your images. Reach out to bloggers and see if you can commission any work from them, restaurants and other business would be another opportunity for free-lance photography.
13. Spreadsheets: You can sell spreadsheets with industry-specific information ex. A client of mine created a spreadsheet for her Barrel Racing competitions that left other facilities wanting to know her secret system for keeping scores.
I have one for keeping track of all my links… or you can create fill-in-the blank spreadsheets that are best for planning and financial niches.
14. Templates: Templates make everyone’s lives easier. They are attractive because we all want easy-buttons. Templates offer a “plug-n-play” short-cut for almost anything. The most common template sales I see are social media templates for posts, Reels, etc. You could create a meal-planning template, a chore chart, feed schedule, business card design template, etc.
15. A Mini Course: A small course that is a piece of content either delivered live (like a workshop) or delivered via email or hosted online on a platform such as AttractWell. Mini-courses are a great way to dip your feet in the course creator world without the time or the commitment it requires to build and sell a full-blown signature course.
If you like teaching and are comfortable presenting on audio or video then this can be an excellent digital product for you.
If you don’t want to host your course somewhere expensive, you can simply create a FB group that is private where you share your videos and resources, or deliver it through emails if you have an email marketing system (I use AttractWell for this too).
16. Crafty Printables: For crafty mamas out there, consider selling printables or crafts that you make yourself! People love buying handmade items (especially from other moms), so this could be a great way for you to monetize something you already love doing. You can start small by offering free printables on Pinterest or Etsy before moving onto bigger projects like making jewelry or clothing items for kids.
17. Entertaining Videos: If you have a talent for creating videos, why not turn it into a home-business? I'm not talking YouTube sensation...although there is that too. I'm talking simple. Like maybe your audience is moms of littles. You can create videos of stories being read, or, if you have the skills, animations you create.
18. Memberships: Memberships work especially well for coaches and instructors. Ex. A Yoga instructor could have a membership where she does daily meditations, workouts, etc. A music or art instructor could host daily lessons. A health coach could run through daily meal plans and exercise routines….you get the idea. Other ideas could be:
19. Digital newsletter subscriptions: Maybe you create newsletters for other entrepreneurs?
20. Monthly fitness challenges
21. Weekly meal plans
22. Weekly motivational quotes
23. Meditation subscriptions
24. Yoga subscriptions
25. Online Courses: Creating online courses is one of the best ways to make money as a mompreneur. You can create courses that cater to other mothers or share your knowledge of topics like nutrition, parenting, budgeting, etc. Online courses give you the flexibility to work around your family’s schedule since you can create content on your own time and upload it when it is ready. Plus, if you price your course correctly, it can be very lucrative!
As you can see there are plenty of digital product ideas out there that don’t require too much time or effort on your part!
Generating income from home doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you choose eBooks or printables (or both!), selling digital products gives busy moms like us the freedom and flexibility we need while still allowing us to generate income from home. So what are you waiting for? Get started today on a business venture that will benefit both yourself and your family! But don't go it alone! Join a community of other moms who are already making money from home HERE so we can help you out!
With so much to manage on a farm, keeping your animal records often becomes unorganized and lackluster. Keeping records on each animal's health, breeding, and medications is crucial to maintaining a healthy and happy flock and mastering your breeding program. However, traditional pen and paper methods can be difficult to keep organized and easily accessible…even lost. This is where these digital spreadsheets come in – offering a streamlined and efficient way to keep track of your sheep records from wherever you’re at.
Benefits of keeping digital records….
1. Simplify Record Keeping
Digital spreadsheets are multi-functional and can be customized to fit your individual sheep record keeping needs. You can easily modify fields to track whatever information is necessary to meet your farm's needs. From lambing dates, weights, and health history, to vaccination and medication schedules, everything is all in one place. The beauty of these digital spreadsheets is that they're easy to update and share with farmhands or veterinarians. This way, you can record data in real-time, keeping everyone you choose to give access in the loop.
2. Analyze Data
Digital spreadsheets can also offer useful insights into your flock's performance. By aggregating data on wool production, lambing dates, and breeding success rates, you can make informed decisions on breeding and culling practices. With the power of data analysis at your fingertips, you can ensure your flock is as productive as possible and your breeding seasons run smoothly with less complications.
3. Time-Saving
Pen and paper record keeping is a tedious process when you’re looking for a specific animal or detail. Transferring paper records onto a computer spreadsheet where you can do a search for these things takes extra time. These Spreadsheets will save you time, reduce frustration, and free up more of your valuable resources.
4. Cost-Effective
Unlike custom-made software that can be expensive, these digital spreadsheets offer a low-cost alternative for tracking and managing sheep records. They're also less complicated than some other farm management software on the market. If you can run Microsoft Excel or Google sheets at their simplest functions, you can manage these spreadsheets, and these digital spreadsheets come with a complete lesson on how to use them.
5. Secure and Accessible
One of the best aspects of these digital spreadsheets is the access you have to them along with the security they offer. With saved files in the cloud, you can access them from anywhere or any device with an internet connection, making it easy to share files with other farmworkers who have the link as well. They're also more secure than handwritten notes as they can be password-protected and can only be accessed by those authorized to do so.
Keeping track of sheep records can be a daunting task for farm operators. However, these digital spreadsheets could be the solution you need to streamline the record keeping process. With its convenience, time-saving, cost-effective nature, and overall effectiveness, you can ensure that sheep record keeping on your farm is smooth and efficient. Customize each field to track only what you want and make record keeping a breeze. These spreadsheets come with complete instructions on how to access them from any device, do simple data entry, customize fields, expand existing pages, and add new pages, so anyone can easily use this system regardless how “tech-savvy” they are.
Grab your spreadsheets HERE so you too can have an easy and convenient system for keeping track of your sheep program records.
If you'd like to connect with us on FB, follow our page, Schmaltz Ranch or join my group for farm wives here.
Ladies, let's face it - we all struggle with the dreaded underarm odor. No matter how much we shower, how much or what kind of deodorant we use, it seems like we're always battling against stinky underarms. Well, fear not my friends because I have found the solution to all of our stinky problems…and it’s all-natural too.
When my favorite brand of natural deodorant went out of stock for forever, I was stuck searching for alternatives. I tried all the things and kept striking out. I even went back to my old toxic store brand. All that did was give me perfume-scented BO and a headache. *sad face*
FINALLY my favorite brand was back. I LOVED that deodorant, but I still noticed I had to apply it several times a day to control my stinky pits. I don’t have time for that! So my search continued.
A friend of mine suggested I try this unscented crystal deodorant she was using, so I did. WOW! Was I impressed! In one application to unshowered, already stinky pits, it neutralized my odor. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now, through some record high summer temps, on a farm, or at the pool, and not once have I smelled anything from my pits! I apply once in the morning. Showered or not. It’s impressive. I use clean, unadulterated essential oils for fragrance when I want a scent; a dab under my arms, on my wrists, and behind my ears. Creating an essential oil body spray like this one works great too.
So, what exactly is natural crystal deodorant? It's a deodorant made from mineral salts. Unlike conventional deodorants, the crystal deodorant does not mask odor, it eliminates it by forming an alkaline barrier that prevents odor-causing bacteria from forming. You can say goodbye to the headache-inducing smells of powdery perfumes and fake scents and welcome clean, natural aromas.
Unscented crystal deodorants do NOT contain any harsh chemicals like traditional deodorants do that can irritate our skin and lead to health concerns such as breast cancer, Alzheimer's and kidney problems.
Crystal deodorant is super easy to apply. All you do is wet the salt crystal and glide it across your underarms. The salt will immediately begin to form a protective barrier that will last all day long. Unlike the gunky, white residue that sticks to your clothes, natural crystal deodorant dries clear, leaving no marks or stains.
Traditional antiperspirants plug sweat glands and prevents sweat from escaping. These antiperspirants can block pores and even make you sweat more when it wears off. A natural crystal deodorant can be used every day without risk of staining, irritation or the health risks of a congested lymphatic system leading to clogged lymph nodes and cancers.
It's simple. Natural crystal deodorants can stop odor in two ways: kill the bacteria that cause the smell and create a barrier to make it harder for bacteria to grow. The minerals in a crystal deodorant are alkaline, which helps to balance the pH level of your skin, making it more difficult for odor-causing bacteria to grow. To use it, just wet the crystal, apply to your underarms and let it dry. That's it.
How Long Does It Last?
The truth is it can last all day and keep you fresh. That’s why I made the switch to using it over my other brand that I love, but had to reapply often. Natural crystal deodorants can last longer than sticks and sprays, so you will find that you don’t spend as much money in the long-run or end up throwing half-used chemically-laden products into the trash.
Natural crystal deodorant is a better, safer and extremely effective alternative to chemical-laden deodorants and antiperspirants. They are long-lasting, eliminating the need for multiple applications throughout the day. I HIGHLY recommend you give it a try. You might just find yourself saying goodbye to underarm odor for good…like I have.
Be well my friend!
Jackie
By the way….if you like healthy alternatives like this, check out our community of savvy women sharing healthy alternatives to our favorite everyday life essentials on Facebook: Swap It Savvy.
We all know that inflammation can be a real pain and is the root cause of all life’s physical discomforts. It’s hard to stay on top of your life when you’re dealing with the discomfort and stress of inflammation. But luckily, there’s an easy solution: NingXia Red™! This powerful blend of wolfberries, aronia cherries, blueberries, and other superfruits is the perfect way to reduce inflammation and get back to feeling like yourself again.
What Makes NingXia Red™ So Special?
NingXia Red™ is made from 100% pure and natural ingredients. The whole-fruit puree’ of the Ningxia wolfberry that is the main ingredient in Ningxia Red™ contains high levels of antioxidants, vitamins A and C, amino acids, essential fatty acids, iron, and minerals. Ningxia Red™ is free from preservatives or added sugars. That means you can trust that what you’re getting is safe and effective for reducing inflammation naturally.
It Gets Better!
Not only does NingXia Red™ reduce inflammation naturally but it also boosts your energy levels so that you can tackle your day with confidence. And the best part? NingXia Red™ comes in a convenient 2-ounce sachet so that you can take it wherever life takes you! Whether you’re heading to work or out for an adventure in the great outdoors, you won’t have to worry about lugging around big bottles of juice or supplements—just grab a pouch of NingXia Red™ and go!
But That's Not All...
NingXia Red™ has many more tricks up its sleeve: it helps support healthy brain function and cognitive performance! Thanks to its antioxidant-rich formula, NingXia Red™ helps protect your brain cells against oxidative stress while promoting healthy circulation throughout your body. So while NingXia Red™ reduces inflammation and boosts energy levels, it also works behind the scenes to keep your brain functioning optimally so that no matter how busy life gets—you know you have an extra layer of protection keeping everything running smoothly!
Reducing inflammation doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming—all it takes is one small pouch of deliciousness (aka NingXia Red™!) For an easy way to look after yourself each day—and fight off pesky inflammation at the same time—look no further than this superfruit blend from Young Living®. With its combination of powerful antioxidants and natural whole-food nutrition, plus added benefits for both energy and brain health—NingXia Red™ really does have it all! So if reducing inflammation is the name of the game then make sure to put this star player on your team today. You won't regret it!
Jump into our NingXia Red™ challenge today, where we share fun and delicious ways to enjoy our daily dose of NingXia, share our experiences with it, and gain more education about the MANY benefits of this powerful superfood. Challenge officially kicks off February 16th, so grab your NingXia today so you’re ready!
It doesn’t matter what business you’re in…. you MUST understand these 3 things about your customer....
They are the Person, their Problem, their Passion.
All of which require you to understand their WHY’s before doing anything else.
Once you identify the why’s… their reasons… you can now relate and create an experience for your customer that literally speaks to them about purchasing your product, so you can start selling products that your customer actually wants, moving them down the path to what they NEED.
Allow me to explain deeper.
PEOPLE.
Having the mentality of “my product/service is for everyone” is a sure-fire way to stay stuck and speak to absolutely no one. You must drill down to a specific person when you write your message. How do you know who your person is? You could do a bunch of research that takes time, but if you follow my way of doing things your person is essentially you….that is, who you were back when you had the problem you are trying to solve for your person. When you build your business around a personal brand that is yourself, instead of building it around a business brand or product… it makes EVERYTHING easier…AND….you will attract people that are more inclined to like you. (In case you didn’t know, people like people who are like them).
PROBLEM
You must identify a problem your person has that you can solve and create your content around it. The bigger the problem, the more success you are likely to have in getting the attention of your audience. This is why the 3 big markets are health, finances, and relationship and everything else is sub-market. Most people are struggling to some degree in each of these areas, and they are usually the cause of a lot of life’s stress. What is the problem your product/service can solve for someone in each of these 3 markets? What are the symptoms of this problem? What feelings does this problem create for your person?
PASSION
What is your person passionate about? You see passion when a person sits up straight, they get that sparkle in their eyes and a smile on their face. They speak with emotion. What is important to your customer? What passions are being suppressed or affected by the problem they have? What does life look like for them when the problem is solved? How do they feel in that moment?
THE WHY
The details to everyone’s “why” are different, but we can usually pin it down to one major motivator….FREEDOM. Dig in to these questions. Journal them out until you really understand and resonate with your person. This is when you begin to think like them, act like them, and speak the way they speak. This is what will make them say, “you are speaking right to me!” which leads to….”I want to learn from you.” Or “I need that!” Without you having to embarrass yourself in a salesy email or direct message that serves no one.
The key to success lies in selecting one specific person as your focus when crafting your message. Being aware of who your person is, what their problem is, and what makes them passionate are three key elements to show your person exactly how your product or service is just the thing they’ve been looking for so they can make a move towards their form of FREEDOM.
I hope this sparked some “food for thought” for you. If you’re interested in more tips about how to make money from home as a mom, consider joining our community to get access to valuable resources and advice from other experienced entrepreneurs! I speak on these things quite frequently in there because they are typically that “IT THING” most people are missing in their marketing efforts. I created this community because I strongly believe that empowered women, empower women, but every other entrepreneurial group I’ve joined is nothing but a bunch of lions waiting to pounce on their prey with DM’s and fake friend requests. My group is truly a hang out place for other moms trying to create and/or run a business from home. Come hang out with us!
If you’re feeling burnout in your business, don’t worry….you’re not alone. Burnout is that feeling when you’re ready to quit. You’ve had enough, you’re tired, overwhelmed, and you just feel like you cannot continue. You want to be done. There can be many reasons you feel this way, and it is totally normal. Statistically entrepreneurs go through burnout every 90 days, but I think it should be less often, so here is my best tip to ensure you make it THROUGH the season of burnout and don’t let it shut you down.
Focus on impact.
Impact is your best motivator. Think about why you started your business in the first place? What does your business fulfill in you? What are your goals with your business? But dig deep. It can’t just be to make money. Money never satisfies anyone.
It can’t just be “to feed my family.” That’s virtuous enough, but it won’t always be strong enough to see you through the rough patches. You’ll forget what it’s like to struggle with feeding the family. I’m talkin huge impact, life-changing, motivators.
I just did an interview for our local newspaper about a Scripture-themed coloring book for women I published. When they asked me to do the interview, I thought “wow, they must be hard up for a story. How is a coloring book going to be interesting enough to put in the paper?” I told the reporter to go ahead and email me his questions and we’ll see if he finds my answers interesting enough for an interview and story. His questions were great. They were like what is Savvy Living and how does it help people, and what inspired me to create this coloring book, and what inspired my designs and theme. They really made me get in touch with the deep-down meaning of my business and the book. It wasn’t just a fun crafty idea I threw together. At its heart, it was a tool to help women accomplish a moment of quite, stress relief, and relaxation for better mental and physical health. It was a tool for the busy mom to nurture her relationship with the kids by helping her remain present in the moment instead of thinking about the laundry she could be folding instead of coloring with the kids. And it’s an invitation to give her relationship with God a little more attention, spending more time in prayer.
It was so much more than just a pacifying coloring book, but I lost that meaning somewhere over time. I forgot how impactful such a simple thing could be for someone. Getting back in touch with the “why” behind the book and the impact I can have on the world through it sparked a strong motivation in me to get creating MORE.
So my best tip for you my burnt out friend is this….
When you’re feeling overwhelmed and ready to quit, dig deep and think about all the good you’re doing for people because the world needs all the help it can get. If you quit, we won’t have your gifts creating a positive impact to offset the negatives….and that would be a shame. The world is a better place because you’re in it. Make the most of your time here and keep up the good work.
P.S. if you’re feeling burnt out because you feel like you’re spinning your wheels and getting nowhere, it’s likely you just need a new strategy or a fresh way to promote your business. Shoot me a message and let’s talk!
It’s only 9 A.M. here at the Schmaltz Ranch and I’ve already gone from one end of the emotional spectrum to the other.
My day started with excitement as I saw my unicorn-themed coloring book had finally been published. A project I put a lot of work into and it ended up being a technical pain in my rear trying to get it published. I guess the third time was the charm for all the margin settings to finally work. Anyway, it’s always exciting to see my work on Amazon. See it for yourself HERE if you’d like.
The excitement was short-lived though as I headed outside to do morning cow check and chores. It’s never fun finding a dead animal, but knowing this one was likely my fault is even harder. A mama had her calf in the sub-zero temps, likely early this morning, and I didn’t see the signs… which caused me to skip the 5 am check and head out after getting the kids off to school at 8. Who knows if it would have made a difference had I checked at 5 or not. It certainly would have increased the odds though, and I was mad at myself for it.
The feelings of shame and disappointment were heavy on my shoulders as I broke the news to my husband. I could tell he was disappointed, but I think he could see how upset I was too. He didn’t push any blame on me, though I could feel it on his words when he asked when the last time I checked was, and schooled me on what I was looking for when I do these checks. Knowing how to do something and actually doing it are two different things though, and I am pretty green to this cow midwifery thing.
I’m sure he blamed himself a bit too. He wasn’t here because he also works a full time job which he was snowed in at all weekend, leaving me with a LOT. This was just one of the constant reminders for him that it’s hard to do both….near impossible actually. But, he pushes on and we do our best.
The year 2022 is actually my first year really being involved in the farming to-dos. I’ve always taken a passive role as back-up chore person. All I’ve really ever done is fill waters and throw a little hay out. Once in awhile I had to help with lambing, and the chickens were mine, but that’s it. The house and the kids were my territory and the men took care of the farm stuff.
What changed this year was that my father-in-law’s health declined. He was suddenly unable to work the farm life anymore and I had to step into his role as primary chore person and my husband’s right-hand-man…err woman. I prefer my passive role, but my husband needs me, so here I am…..trying.
Most days I do pretty well. I mean, I’ve made it through 3 historical blizzards on my own with 3 kids and some 100 head of animals, while he was snowed in at work. I didn’t break anything or lose anyone. I call that winning.
But this time…I had a fail. I am grateful to have a loving, patient and understanding husband who saw I was sorry and did a great job at making me feel appreciated despite my failure. We were even able to steal away a moment to show each other how much we missed each other.
Such an emotional roller coaster this morning has been. I hope the rest of the day levels out to positivity, and the rest of the cows have their babies when my husband is HOME.
If you or a loved one are struggling with anxiety, fear, or panic, this blog series is here to help. I understand the challenges firsthand and share quick tips to navigate moments of panic. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, anxiety affects millions of Americans and 7% of children by age 21. This blog is meant to help parents dealing with a loved one suffering from anxiety without resorting to medication. I share stories and strategies that have worked for my family, aiming to provide reassurance and support for other parents on the frontlines of life. One tool we find helpful is a sound wave frequency device which has provided immediate comfort and control for my daughter during anxiety episodes. If you're interested, you can learn more about the device and even save $100 using the provided coupon code. Give these tips a try and see how they can make a difference in managing anxiety naturally.
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