PLEASE READ: Important Update from a.healthier.happy
Hello friends, I know it’s been a long, LONG time since I’ve blogged, but I have some important information to share, so please read this in its entirety. In July 2018, I made a decision I now regret, which was to let my domain name (ahealthierhappy.com) expire. For two years, I had purchased the rights to use ahealthierhappy.com. My blog site is a WordPress-based site, … Continue reading PLEASE READ: Important Update from a.healthier.happy
Don’t Just “Manage” Holiday Stress – Rethink It!
Thanksgiving 2017 is in the books, and it’s officially December 1st – the “most wonderful time of the year,” or so they say, is here again! It kind of feels like a (nearly) two month-long holiday hurricane, though, doesn’t it?
How do you feel about it? Is it indeed “wonderful,” or does your holiday routine leave you feeling like you’ve been run over by the holiday bus?
Read on for my take on surviving the holidays… Continue reading Don’t Just “Manage” Holiday Stress – Rethink It!
Winter Woes? Stay Healthy & Happy This Winter!
Thanksgiving is just a week away, and Old Man Winter is getting ready to play his tricks any minute. It’s that time of year to focus on finding extra ways to stay healthy during the winter, plus to keep dry skin and hair at bay, and I’m here to help! Read on for some tips to beat those winter woes! Continue reading Winter Woes? Stay Healthy & Happy This Winter!
I Fell in Love With “Must-Try” Banza Chickpea Pasta, and You Will, Too!
Gluten-free, high fiber, low(er) in carbs? What’s not to love?! Chickpeas are a power bean, so it’s no surprise I fell in love with Banza pasta – and I think you will, too! Continue reading I Fell in Love With “Must-Try” Banza Chickpea Pasta, and You Will, Too!
Pickle Peas: Chickpea Snacks That’ll Have You Saying, “More, Please!”
Have you noticed?! Chickpeas (aka garbanzo beans) are slowly taking over the health world, and I couldn’t be happier about that! Chickpeas are a wonder bean, packing a very nutritious punch! In just a 1-cup serving, check out some of these impressive numbers (see full facts): 10.5 grams of dietary fiber (42% DV) 11.9 grams of protein (24% DV) 72% DV manganese 57% DV Vitamin … Continue reading Pickle Peas: Chickpea Snacks That’ll Have You Saying, “More, Please!”
What I Learned From Plastic-Free July (A Belated, But Valuable, Recap!)
Hello! Please allow me to apologize for what was, literally, a two-month hiatus. I can’t believe it’s been so long, but time flies when you’ve got some major life events going down! At the end of July, we said an exceptionally tough goodbye to our furry friend of eight years, our Chihuahua named Fajita. From that point, we went right into the planning/execution of a … Continue reading What I Learned From Plastic-Free July (A Belated, But Valuable, Recap!)
A Week in the Life of Healthy Dinner Planning
If you’re not hungry yet, brace yourself, because you’re about to be – this post is 100% dedicated to delicious (and healthy!) meals that you can make in your very own kitchen. One of the most common misconceptions I encounter from people who aren’t used to healthy eating is that it’s boring or restrictive. I’ve actually had someone say to me, “I like food too … Continue reading A Week in the Life of Healthy Dinner Planning
Product Review: Fast & Fun Food Prep With the VeggieBullet!
I’ve just gotta say, in general, calling anything a “food fad” irks me. (Remember how kale was the “it” food of 2016?) Don’t get me wrong, I love seeing people choose healthy options for any reason, but I hate trivializing healthy food by treating it like a hot fashion trend. It’s kale, not a handbag. Anyways. On that note, spiralized veggies are insanely popular in … Continue reading Product Review: Fast & Fun Food Prep With the VeggieBullet!
Social Media: Spawning Ground for Sketchy Diet Advice
You know, I’ve got nothin’ but love for other health/wellness bloggers out there in the community, fighting the good fight. We’re all united in the same purpose – we love helping people through our blogs. The key though, is help, not harm – or mislead. It’s absolutely mind-boggling how many varying opinions and viewpoints there are in the nutrition world. Sure, I don’t always agree … Continue reading Social Media: Spawning Ground for Sketchy Diet Advice
Product Review: Kiss My Face Dry Oil Sunscreen
It’s almost Memorial Day weekend, which means that the official kickoff to summer is literally right around the corner. You know what that means – it’s time for lotsa fun in the S-U-N! There’s nothing more summery than snagging some good ol’ fashioned Vitamin D the natural way, but don’t forget to practice safe sun! When possible: Reduce exposure by wearing a hat Limit exposed … Continue reading Product Review: Kiss My Face Dry Oil Sunscreen
Very Berry Overnight Oats Parfait
If you follow me on Instagram, you saw my post last Saturday that marked my entry into the vast, über-customizable world of overnight oats! It took me way longer than it should’ve to jump on this delicious bandwagon, honestly, but I’m now officially a card-carrying member of the club. Woo hoo! My initial venture required a little help from friends, so I consulted Pinterest to … Continue reading Very Berry Overnight Oats Parfait
Seeking Real Relaxation in a Stressful World
“Relax!” Just “relax!” It’s such an overused, everyday word, but do we even know what it really means? Have you given any thought to how and when you relax, and if it’s working for you? Let’s be honest. We Americans love our leisure activities, but most of us stink at really relaxing. We all think we know how to do it naturally, but in reality, … Continue reading Seeking Real Relaxation in a Stressful World
Product Review: Kiss My Face 32 Oz. Body Lotion
It’s been a crazy busy couple weeks for lots of reasons, but I’m back in your inbox today with a product I’m very happy to review and share with you readers! Kiss My Face (maker of naturally-effective, cruelty-free skin and body care products) has expanded its product line once again, to include new 32 oz. deep moisturizing body lotions! As a member of their social … Continue reading Product Review: Kiss My Face 32 Oz. Body Lotion
Put Plastic in Your Past, Starting TODAY!
Pop quiz: What percentage of your kitchen (utensils, storage containers, dinnerware, etc.) is plastic? No peeking. Really, think on it. Betcha it’s way more than you originally thought, isn’t it? We all have (or had) or grew up with The Plastic Container Cabinet, am I right?! Open that dreaded cabinet door, and it’s guaranteed that at least one item is gonna come flying out of … Continue reading Put Plastic in Your Past, Starting TODAY!
Hello, 2017: Finding My Attitude of Gratitude in a Rocky Start
Happy New Year, readers! I hope 2017 has been treating everyone splendidly thus far! Truthfully? For me, the start of 2017 has been a total whirlwind. Stressful, emotional, draining – that describes my new year to a T. Even though we’re only 21 days in, it’s felt way longer. My goal for 2017 was to work on cultivating and maintaining an Attitude of Gratitude, but … Continue reading Hello, 2017: Finding My Attitude of Gratitude in a Rocky Start
Best of the Best: My Favorite Natural Body Products of 2016!
Phew! 2016 has been a rough one overall, and finally, thankfully, we’ve arrived at its final hours. What a year. To close out 2016 on a positive note, let’s focus on pure awesomeness. Today, I want to showcase my favorite products, my “Best of the Best,” if you will, because I know how overwhelming it can feel for newcomers who want to switch to better, … Continue reading Best of the Best: My Favorite Natural Body Products of 2016!
Walk-In Lab: Blood Work That Won’t Bleed Your Wallet Dry
You dread it. I dread it. We all loathe the process. Getting blood work done is the farthest thing from fun. The appointments. Seeing a doctor. Playing the waiting game for results. Last but not least, getting The Bill (cue dramatic music). Awful, isn’t it?! So, today I want to show you something really cool, a service I’ve recently come across and want to shout … Continue reading Walk-In Lab: Blood Work That Won’t Bleed Your Wallet Dry
Farm Fab: Farmaceutical-Grade Skincare You Need to Try!
**Oct. 2017 Update: Sunny Cabana Farms has launched its new website, goatclean.com, and their Etsy shop is currently on hiatus. Rather than using the individual product links I’ve shared, go here if you want to order in the meantime!** Just call it kismet. I’d been following Sunny Cabana Farms on Etsy and Instagram for quite a while, so when they reached out to me to … Continue reading Farm Fab: Farmaceutical-Grade Skincare You Need to Try!
Product Review: Sparoom’s “Aromafier” for Easy Travel Aromatherapy
If you love aromatherapy, and want a fantastic office or travel option, have I got a fun little gadget for you! Or, maybe you’re new to aromatherapy, and feeling curious, but aren’t ready to buy a diffuser just yet. In either case, read on! Essential oils are a safe, non-toxic way of making your home or office smell fantastic, but also pack a powerful punch … Continue reading Product Review: Sparoom’s “Aromafier” for Easy Travel Aromatherapy
Six Surprising “Side Effects” of Eating Healthy
The phrase “eating healthy” carries so many (untrue) negative connotations (boring, restrictive, tiny portions, terrible food, constant hunger, etc.), so I want to counter that by sharing some really awesome things that I’ve personally experienced in my journey. A while back, I shared my past struggles with weight/body image, and showed you some of the different yo-yo weight phases I’ve experienced. Changing how I eat (and … Continue reading Six Surprising “Side Effects” of Eating Healthy
Size Does Matter – Buy Big, Save Big!
Saving money is seriously one of my absolute favorite topics to write about. You know why? Everyone agrees! Find me one person who doesn’t love saving money, I dare ya. Wanting better, healthier choices when it comes to food and personal care/beauty products is one thing, but buying them is another matter. Cost can certainly be a factor, especially if you’re not taking full advantage … Continue reading Size Does Matter – Buy Big, Save Big!
Pink Ribbon Problem, Part 2: Protect Yourself & Pink Wisely!
Last week, I published the first half of my discussion about National Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Pink Ribbon Problem, Part 1: “Pinkwashing” the Truth. Please check it out, if you haven’t already, since understanding both the history and the current forces at work helps paint the complete “pink” picture. Note: There was an issue with that post back-dating from Oct. 1st (the actual publish date) to … Continue reading Pink Ribbon Problem, Part 2: Protect Yourself & Pink Wisely!
Pink Ribbon Problem, Part 1: “Pinkwashing” the Truth
Welcome to October, everyone! Or, shall I say, Pinktober? Before I begin, I want to show love and respect for the millions of brave women (and men!) fighting breast cancer as I write this. The strength and courage of cancer patients and survivors is nothing short of remarkable, and it makes me so angry that this disease rips apart people’s lives indiscriminately, like a hurricane. … Continue reading Pink Ribbon Problem, Part 1: “Pinkwashing” the Truth
What Can You Do About Chromium-6?
The Environmental Working Group released an explosive report on Tuesday that conveys a shocking truth for over 200 million Americans. The carcinogenic chemical chromium-6 (also referred to as hexavalent chromium), which was made infamous during the 1990’s due to Erin Brockovich and the lawsuit against Pacific Gas & Electric, is present in water quality samples across the nation. Their article is very well-written, so I’m … Continue reading What Can You Do About Chromium-6?
You + Truth = Self-Honesty
As kids, we all get the same lesson: always tell the truth. We enter society, however, and quickly realize that honesty often has terms, conditions, and fine print. The topic of lying to others (whether of the Little White variety or otherwise) is back burner to a bigger question in my mind, though – why do we lie to ourselves? Mahatma Gandhi tells us, “Happiness … Continue reading You + Truth = Self-Honesty
Product Review: Kiss My Face Deodorant Spray
*Giveaway has ended- thanks for entering! Winners posted in comments.* Well, friends, I’ve recently been hinting about some exciting things in the works at a.healthier.happy, and the time has finally come for the big reveal! Ready? Kiss My Face (maker of naturally-effective, cruelty-free skin care and body products) has just launched its brand new, plant-powered deodorant spray, and yours truly was picked as one of … Continue reading Product Review: Kiss My Face Deodorant Spray
Shop Like a Crazy Person, Eat Like a Healthy One!
There are few things I love more than getting a good deal! Frugal Franny is pretty much my 90-year-old alter ego, and she loves saving money. Even more, she loves coupons! She sure makes me do some, um, interesting things at times though… If you’ve read my previous post to this effect (Healthy Body, Healthy Bank Account: Eating Well Without Spending a Fortune) you are … Continue reading Shop Like a Crazy Person, Eat Like a Healthy One!
Exciting Changes & Blog News at a.healthier.happy!
Pardon the cliché, but I can’t believe how fast time has flown since I found my blog’s direction and officially kicked off a.healthier.happy back in November! I’ve learned a lot in these past nine months, and I’m really happy about the reception that my blogs have gotten thus far. A huge thank you to all my readers and followers, and a warm welcome to everyone new! … Continue reading Exciting Changes & Blog News at a.healthier.happy!
Purely Simple Reboot: Making a “Simple” Mix More Fun!
Holy moly! I can barely believe that my product review post about Pillsbury’s Purely Simple line of cake/cookie/brownie mixes and frosting mixes has been so successful! It’s gotten over 1,500 views since it was posted seven months ago – that’s just crazy! Since you readers out there are literally gobbling up my original post, I thought it would be fun to do a little reboot! … Continue reading Purely Simple Reboot: Making a “Simple” Mix More Fun!
Omnivore, Vegetarian, Vegan and the Gray Area In Between
I’m fully aware that I risk kicking the hornet’s nest with this topic, probably more than anything I’ve ever published here on my site. I certainly don’t intend to stir the pot, though I realize this topic evokes lots of strong emotions, and not everyone will agree with my views. But you know what? That’s okay. So many of us live our lives continuously seeking … Continue reading Omnivore, Vegetarian, Vegan and the Gray Area In Between
Product Review: Fat and the Moon Deodorant Cream
Ohhh lawdy, it’s hot out! Here in sunny Florida, we’ve been in the 90’s every day since like April or May, so you know what this means – Armpit Alert Code Red, people! This is not a drill! For those of us who wisely shun “traditional” antiperspirants made by the Big Brand Names because they contain aluminum and other dangerous chemicals, we have a harder … Continue reading Product Review: Fat and the Moon Deodorant Cream
8 More “Food” Items to Replace With Better Choices
Where does the time go?! I can’t believe it’s already been seven months since I posted 12 Everyday “Food” Items to Trash & Replace – holy moly, it’s gonna be the holidays before we know it. Did I say that out loud? Um…I meant, uh…summer! Swimming! School’s out! Speaking of summer, I hope the first month of it has treated everyone very well so far, full of … Continue reading 8 More “Food” Items to Replace With Better Choices
It’s Summer! Choosing Safer Sunscreen for You & Your Family
Oh, it’s that magical time of year we so dearly love! S-U-M-M-E-R! It means hot days, no school, staying up late, and endless fun! Unfortunately, it also means much higher risk of sunburn, and greater exposure to the chemicals in everyday sunscreens. I know, I know, I can practically hear some of you groaning, not wanting to hear how another thing is “out to get” … Continue reading It’s Summer! Choosing Safer Sunscreen for You & Your Family
Natural vs. Prescription: Treating an Eye Infection
Hello once again, my happy readers! I know it’s been a hot minute since my last post, but life has been throwing some wrenches at me here and there, and I’ve been doing my best to dodge, duck, dip, dive and dodge (pardon the shameless Dodgeball movie reference). The fabulous news is, in the time since my last post, my husband and I have gotten … Continue reading Natural vs. Prescription: Treating an Eye Infection
Neti Pot Virgin: A First-Timer’s Review!
I seriously can’t talk or think about this without singing, “Neti pot, neti pot, oh neti neti pot,” to the tune of the 1950’s hit “Lollipop” by the Chordettes. You’re welcome, for that being in your head the whole rest of the day now! I don’t know about you, but I’ve known about neti pots for years, but never envisioned myself using one before now! … Continue reading Neti Pot Virgin: A First-Timer’s Review!
Evolution of YOU: Seeking (and Loving) the Best You Possible!
Dearest readers, I know my blogs usually err on the “meatier” side of writing, with a lot of research and information that I jam-pack into each one. But, you know what? This one’s going to be a little different. No documents. No data. Think about how much we change as people throughout the course of our lives. On the inside, the unique cocktail of emotions, … Continue reading Evolution of YOU: Seeking (and Loving) the Best You Possible!
What Can Clay Do for You? Bentonite Clay for Beautiful Skin & More
Time to get dirty, y’all! I know it sounds totally counter-intuitive, but adding Bentonite clay to your beauty regimen can actually result in fresher, clearer, cleaner-feeling skin! What is Bentonite clay? Well, it’s a very specific type of clay – not just any old mud – that comes from volcanic ash, and has been used for centuries as “healing clay” topically and internally, and is … Continue reading What Can Clay Do for You? Bentonite Clay for Beautiful Skin & More
Healthy Body, Healthy Bank Account: Eating Well Without Spending a Fortune
If you’ve read any of my prior posts (or know me personally) you know that I’m pretty darn passionate about eating and living healthy. No surprise, I love discussing it with any willing participants, online or otherwise – friends, family, fellow shoppers at the grocery store, whatever! Time and time again, though, one concern repeatedly comes up as a limiting factor for eating healthy (especially if … Continue reading Healthy Body, Healthy Bank Account: Eating Well Without Spending a Fortune
Semantics of Eating Healthy: Basic Terminology 101
Well, well, well, it’s been a minute, hasn’t it? I have to apologize for my mini hiatus lately. I’ve had some eye-related shenanigans going on, so I unfortunately have had very limited ability to be in front of bright things. And boy, when you’re in that dilemma, you really realize how time much we as a society spend in front of glowing screens! Anyways, I’m … Continue reading Semantics of Eating Healthy: Basic Terminology 101
Homemade Garlic Dill Pickles
Is there anyone out there who doesn’t love pickles? If there were no such thing as sodium, I’d probably eat a jar a day. I don’t know if anyone has noticed, but store-bought dill pickles can have some really unappealing (and dangerous) ingredients hiding in that jar among those innocent little cucumbers! This should be a no-brainer safe product! How do you manage to screw … Continue reading Homemade Garlic Dill Pickles
Greener & Cleaner: Gorgeous Makeup I’m Proud to Wear
A few posts ago, I gave a run-down of the Cosmetic Catastrophe that is the mainstream makeup industry as we know it. I also listed many companies who are driving change and are über worthy of the fab reputations they’ve earned for themselves within the world of (truly) natural and organic beauty products. I promised a special blog to feature the two companies at the top … Continue reading Greener & Cleaner: Gorgeous Makeup I’m Proud to Wear
Ditching Dairy: Going Nuts Instead!
You know, it seems these days that almost nothing escapes being a hot-button issue. Especially in Health & Wellness Land. No matter what you do, someone out there has got a loud opinion about it. So here’s the scoop: we’ve stopped buying cows’ milk. Cue the dramatic music. No, we’re not going vegan. Not that there’s anything wrong with going vegan, of course, but that’s … Continue reading Ditching Dairy: Going Nuts Instead!
Healthy Ways to Survive Woeful Winter Weather
“Winter Wonderland” it is not. It’s no secret that freezing temps and wicked winds are unkind to mind, body, and soul. For one thing, it’s ‘that time of year’ when plenty of people walk around sick, so keeping your immune system running top-notch is key! And, even though we typically associate summer as the season to monitor hydration, it’s just as important over the winter too. Blasting … Continue reading Healthy Ways to Survive Woeful Winter Weather
Cosmetic Catastrophe: Detoxing Your Makeup Bag
How Did We Get Here? Ladies, they’ve been after us for over 100 years, with a product for every need (real or imaginary). Women throughout history have been bombarded by ad after ad from this company or that company, each time promising us that their “newer” and “better” products will leave us feeling more beautiful than before. All of us are guilty of buying into … Continue reading Cosmetic Catastrophe: Detoxing Your Makeup Bag
Product Review: Pillsbury Purely Simple Cake and Frosting
Who wants cake?! Mmmmm cake. Okay, I admit it, this one was a total impulse buy. Sheer curiosity got the best of me. Let’s pause for one brief moment. Let’s address the question that may be forming in your mind, something to the tune of, “Wait. She runs a wellness blog. What in the Sam Hill is she doing promoting cake mix?!” I know. I … Continue reading Product Review: Pillsbury Purely Simple Cake and Frosting
Smartphone Apps for Healthier Product Choices
Post updated June 2016 So, my dear readers, if you’ve read my previous blogs, especially my recent one regarding healthier shampoo, you know that I’ve become quite the Label Reader Extraordinaire. It’s a little bit of a geeky talent, but I actually take a strange pride in being able to look at a product label and point out the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. … Continue reading Smartphone Apps for Healthier Product Choices
What’s in YOUR Shampoo? How to Pick Healthier Products & Go Sulfate-Free
My path to healthier living started as a teeny tiny little idea to put better things in our bodies. This quickly evolved into us taking precaution that the things that go on our bodies (which, in turn, also equals in our bodies) are safe, quality products as well. I’ve been hitting it hard, looking for safer options to replace dangerous everyday beauty products that I’m … Continue reading What’s in YOUR Shampoo? How to Pick Healthier Products & Go Sulfate-Free
Kicking Aspartame, One Piece at a Time!
Some of you may have some awareness of aspartame thanks to Yoplait making a big deal of removing it from their Yoplait Light Yogurt starting in 2014, when they finally listened to consumers who wanted this neurotoxin out of their yogurt! (Although this was a step in the right direction, Yoplait unfortunately still chooses to use sucralose in their Light product, another artificial sweetener. Shame, … Continue reading Kicking Aspartame, One Piece at a Time!
You vs. Chlorine: Easy Ways to Reduce Exposure
I don’t know about anyone else, but I can’t wait for the day that we own a home and can install a whole house water filtration system, so that I don’t have to even think about what the heck is in our city tap water. If you’re like us, you love your Brita (or other brand) water filter pitcher. You wouldn’t dream of drinking your … Continue reading You vs. Chlorine: Easy Ways to Reduce Exposure
12 Everyday “Food” Items to Trash & Replace
*Friendly reminder to trash the contents only, not the containers! Recycle those little buggers appropriately, everyone!* It’s pretty amazing that what started out as just making smoothies for breakfast has morphed into where we stand today, but it goes to show that one good decision leads into many others! Little by little, as I started learning more and more about the reasons why most processed … Continue reading 12 Everyday “Food” Items to Trash & Replace
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