How To Manage Your ALLERGIES

The days are getting longer, the temperatures are rising, the air is fresh and seasonal allergies are back to wreak havoc once again. Don't worry - I have you covered!

We need way more support as the weather changes than we think, and I'll explain why. It's common knowledge that we tend to catch colds towards the end of summer, just as the windy nights and unpredictable temp changes roll in. We intuitively know that the changing of the seasons and subsequent weather extremes can leave us unusually vulnerable, so it's something we prep for - especially as we're entering the colder months.

What we don't prep nearly enough, though, is the winter to spring transition. Perhaps it's because we're moving into warm sunny days, which gives us a sense of invincible comfort...or perhaps it's just not custom in our modern culture.

Traditional Chinese Medicine however, always has ancient wisdom to offer, and hasn't forgotten that this is one of our most vulnerable windows in the entire year. As we head into Spring, the Liver meridian becomes the star organ of the season, which means we need to take special care to support this organ system as much as possible if we want to prevent allergies, colds, and more.

Because the Liver meridian is associated with the smooth flow and elimination of hormones, toxins, and even emotions like anger, an unbalanced Liver meridian can show up as everything from spring allergies, inflammation, to outbursts and unexplained frustration, to eye issues, muscle pain and stiff tendons.

Allergies are especially prominent this time of the year because the liver has to detoxify the sudden onslaught of histamine released by the body in response to all the different pollens that suddenly come wafting through the air. The best way to get ahead of this is for me to start taking my Allergy Defense Tonic by Organic Olivia now, so that my liver detoxification pathways are open and ready to process the increase in histamine well before my symptoms even begin.

Prevention is key, and by incorporating this formula diligently and consistently "before" you think you need it, you'll help to make your transition into this new season smoother than you ever thought possible. Organic Olivia recommends starting with 1 dropper full, 2-3xs per day, 2-4 weeks prior to the time your usual hay fever symptoms crop up. You can also use this formula for acute relief, but prepping your liver and immune system with these herbs ASAP will mean you can use a lot less when pollen is at its peak.

Allergy Defense Tonic is a natural herbal formula designed to keep you bright eyed and breathing easy so that you can enjoy your Spring days with ease. This blend works hard to keep your nasal passageways feeling open and clear by supporting a normal, healthy response to pollen and environmental irritants. Allergy Defense Tonic supports us at the root by maintaining normal histamine metabolism as the grass gets greener and flowers start to bloom — so you can continue feeling your best during pollen season and beyond.*

*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Source: Organic Olivia

Here Are Some Ways You Can Combat Allergies This Season:

Check daily pollen counts, and stay indoors when it is high. The pollen count is known to vary throughout the day and is usually higher in the morning, so skipping that morning walk and venturing out in the evening will give your allergies a break.

Take a shower immediately after working or playing outdoors. This will help in reducing the spread of pollen on your sofa, your bed and in other common areas in your home.

Always wear a hat and sunglasses outside. A hat and sunglasses will protect your face and eyes from pollen in the air.

Besides my horrible seasonal allergies, I am really interested in the Everlywell - Food Sensitivity Test. Have any of you tried Everlywell?

For those of you that don't know what Everlywell is exactly, it is an easy at home lab test. Your samples are sent to CLIA certified labs and you are given physician reviewed results in just days. It gives you insight into next steps.

You can choose from over 30+ easy at home lab tests (free shipping) to take control of your health and wellness.

Everlywell Home Health Tests include:

• Food Sensitivity

• Food Sensitivity - Comprehensive Test

• COVID-19 Test Home Collection Kit DTC

• Women's Health Test

• Thyroid Test

• Metabolism Test

• Vitamin D Test

• Vitamin D and Inflammation Test

• Ovarian Reserve Test

• Perimenopause Test

• Post-menopause Test

• Women's Fertility Test

• HPV Test - Female

• Men's Health Test

• Testosterone Test

• Chlamydia & Gonorrhea Test

• Syphilis Test

• Hepatitis C Test

• HIV Test

• Trichomoniasis Test

• STD Test - Male

• STD Test - Female

• Lyme Disease Test

• Folic Acid Test

• Heavy Metals Test

• B Vitamins Test

• Indoor & Outdoor Allergy Test

• Heart Health Test

• Ellume COVID-19 Home Test

• HbA1c Test

• Cholesterol & Lipids Test

• Sleep & Stress Test

• FIT Colon Cancer Screening Test

This is not an ad for either product. I will be contacting Organic Olivia and Everlywell to hopefully have them as a guest on my upcoming podcast, which I am working day and night behind the scenes to get it up and running!

I will also ask them though if they have a coupon code that I can share with you all!

I hope you found this post informative and helpful. Please do let me know in the comments any of your thoughts, questions, concerns, etc. I'm always happy to hear from all of you!

Disclaimer: Information provided in this post is for informational purposes only. However, this information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product. Do not use the information provided in this blog post for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or other supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this post.

Easy VEGAN Swaps - August Spotlight

Once a calf is born, handlers usually remove the calf from their mother within 24 hours of birth. There is ample documentation of mother cows fighting to prevent their calf being taken, crying out, and even chasing the vehicle taking her calf away. Instead of their mother's milk, calves are fed an artificial formula.

Modern dairy cows have been genetically modified and selectively bred over time to increase milk production. These cows used to produce about 1 gallon of milk per day, the appropriate amount to raise

her newborn calf. Todays, cows raised for milk are producing about 10 to 12 gallons of milk per day.

The increased production, along with the mechanized process of milking, often leads to painful infections and injury. In the U.S., the F.D.A. (Food and Drug Administration) allows up to 750 million pus cells (yes, you read that correctly....PUS cells) in every liter of milk.

The majority of dairy farms keep their cows indoors & in tight confines. This causes stress & physical ailments & denies each cow the opportunity to graze amongst other cows, groom herself & her friends, or nurture & raise her calves. After about 3 to 5 years of this constant cycle, cows used for their milk start to experience reproductive issues, their milk production declines & the stress their bodies' have endured takes its toll. At this point, the cows are considered "spent" & are sent to slaughter, usually the meat from spent dairy cows becomes fast food

burgers. (Source: Cowspiracy)

I do realize that there are brands that are grass fed, organic and the cows are cared for.....some brands even go so far as to tell you the name of the cow that the milk is being taken from, but the more I read about how nut milks have at least as much (or more) calcium and vitamin D than cows milk, I made the change. Many nut milks even contain fiber, a nutrient you won't find in cow's milk.

Cow’s milk is also not a suitable option for everyone. There are several reasons you might be looking for an alternative, including: milk allergy, lactose intolerance, dietary restrictions and potential health risks. Some people choose to avoid cow’s milk due to concerns over potential contaminants, including antibiotics, pesticides and hormones. (Source: NIH/ National Library of Medicine)

Once thought to be mostly for the lactose intolerant and "granola" crowd, these milk alternatives, sometimes called mylks, have taken grocery stores and coffee shops by storm. Market research shows that non-dairy milk sales rose a whopping 61 percent from 2013 to 2018. The good news is that there are many non-dairy options available if you want or need to avoid cow’s milk.

For overall nutrition profile, almond milk and cashew milk top the list. In an extremely low-calorie package, one cup of each contains approximately 25 to 50 percent of your day's calcium and 25 percent of your daily vitamin D. (Source: Healthline)

Break the cycle. Lessen your dairy and meat intake. Try plant based. Try vegan.

I'd like to show you all the wonderful vegan swaps you can try and make in your home. It starts with one small step and sometimes, you have to try a few to find the one that you like the most. Below are my family's favorite brands that do a really good job at making yummy, clean non-toxic vegan (non-dairy) products:

HARMLESS HARVEST

Harmless Harvest is hands down my favorite dairy-free yogurt. I have tried EVERY dairy-free yogurt and this is the best in my personal opinion!

Dairy-free anything can be a tough nut to crack – good thing Harmless Harvest has got some experience with that.

To make sure their plant-based yogurt alternative tastes anything but “alternative,” they start with hand-scooped organic coconut meat. They puree it until perfectly smooth, then add a handful of ingredients. And they do it all without dairy or any artificial stuff.

Ingredients: Organic Coconut Milk (Water, Organic Coconut Meat), Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Tapioca Starch, Live and Active Cultures*

*Live and Active Cultures: L. acidophilus, B. lactis, S. thermophilus, L. casei, L. bulgaricus, C. bifidum, L. rhamnosus

Harmless Harvest also makes: Original Coconut Water, Flavored Coconut Water, Coconut Smoothies, Dairy-Free Cup Yogurt Alternative, Dairy-Free Yogurt Drink, Energizing Coconut Water and a Protein Smoothie.

Treeline

Treeline cheeses start with ethically sourced and sustainably farmed cashews from Brazil. Their non-GMO cashews are grown in orchards free from pesticides and the raw material goes through rigorous sorting and analysis stages, assuring top quality products from the ground up.

At Treeline, they stick to what they know: making delicious plant-based cheeses that support human health and the environment. They chose cashews as the base for their cheeses for their delicious taste, creamy consistency, and health benefits. Treeline keeps things simple by only adding a few other wholesome ingredients to round out their recipes.

Cashews have zero cholesterol and contain heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that help the heart to function well, lower blood pressure and keep cardiovascular diseases at bay. One serving of cashews provides the same amount of protein as a similar serving of meat, making these nuts a great choice for people practicing a plant-based diet! Cashews also are high in fiber, which promotes digestive health.

LESSER EVIL

Vegans rejoice - there is a special variety box just for you! You can buy it by the box or individually ofcourse. The Vegan Variety Box includes 2 bags of each of the following:

• Himalayan Pink Salt Veggie Sticks

• Vegan Ranch Veggie Sticks

• Himalayan Pink Salt Organic Popcorn

• "No Cheese" Cheesiness Organic Popcorn

• Himalayan Gold Organic Popcorn

• Himalayan Pink Salt Paleo Puffs

• "No Cheese" Cheesiness Paleo Puffs

Simple Acts. Clean Snacks. Lesser Evil stands for the little things - both in their products and in this life and it's the simple acts that make this world great. They believe in a bigger purpose in life. By working on themselves as a company, they can create the change we want to see in the world. For Lesser Evil, that means interacting with customers as if they were family. The care and cost they put into their products reflect their love. Lesser Evil minimize their footprint by using organic inputs, composting their food waste, and using more environmentally friendly packaging. Lesser Evil contribute to the community by nurturing their employees and donating their gifts where they can.

SIETE

Siete Family Foods was born when Siete Co-Founder & President, Veronica Garza's family helped her overcome a series of major health challenges. As a teenager, Veronica was diagnosed with multiple debilitating autoimmune conditions that almost wrecked her life. She was fatigued, overweight, and depressed. But with her family’s love and support, Veronica was able to get better. Together, Veronica's family of seven (siete!) started exercising in her parents’ backyard, and they even opened up their own CrossFit gym!

Veronica and her family began learning about the ways that food can either heal or harm us. At her brother's urging, Veronica decided to adopt a low-inflammation, grain-free diet, and her whole family chose to join her for the journey.

As a Mexican-American family from South Texas, the tacos and fajitas that they used to enjoy on flour and corn tortillas just didn’t taste the same on a lettuce leaf! So Veronica began making grain-free tortillas for her family, and they loved them! Veronica knew they had something really special when her Grandma Campos told Veronica that her tortillas tasted better than the homemade flour tortillas she’d made for decades!

Veronica's family knew that they couldn’t keep their delicious, grain-free Mexican food to themselves, so they’re delighted to share it with you, from their dining table to yours. Siete Family Foods is a mission-based company, and they're passionate about making and sharing real food, gathering together in authentic community, and advocating for healthier lifestyles among Latino families.

Siete's Family of Foods

• Tortilla Chips - Lime, Sea Salt, Fuego, Ranch, Nacho, Dip Chip, Jalapeno Lime, Chipotle. Made with simple ingredients like cassava flour and 100% avocado oil for a gluten free & dairy free snack. (photo above)

• Kettle Cooked Potato Chips - Queso, Sea Salt, Sea Salt & Vinegar, Chipotle BBQ, Fuego. All non GMO, dairy free, gluten free and soy free.

• Tortillas - Grain Free Burrito Size, Almond Flour, Cassava & Coconut, Chickpea Flour, Cassava & Chia. All gluten free, dairy free, and non gmo, Siete tortillas are the ultimate grain free stunt-double to their favorite taco, quesadilla, and wrap recipes!

• Taco Shells - Cassava Flour, Avocado Oil, Pumpkin Seed Meal, Pumpkin Powder, Psyllium Powder, Sea Salt. All vegan, non-gmo and free of: grain, dairy, gluten and soy.

• Dairy Free Queso - Made with whole vegetables like tomatoes, bell peppers, and carrots, Siete quesos are also non-gmo and vegan. Siete has 2 flavors: Blanco Cashew Queso and Nacho Cashew Queso.

• Hot Sauce - Habanero Hot, Traditional Hot, Jalapeno Hot, Chipotle Hot. All vegan, non-gmo and free of: grain, dairy, gluten and soy. Siete's Hot Sauces are made from simple ingredients like avocado oil, apple cider vinegar, and whole vegetables, earning us the Whole30 stamp of approval.

• Sweets - Churro Strips, Mexican Wedding Cookies, Mexican Shortbread Cookies and Mexican Chocolate Cookies. The Churro Strips are paleo, vegan & grain free. All the cookies are vegan, grain + gluten free.

Monty's

Monty's - Plant Based Cream Cheese

Why does Monty's cashew cream cheese taste so good? It’s all about the culture — in more ways than one! Monty's original cream cheese is just 4 simple ingredients 
- but it’s anything but basic! Monty's utilize fermentation to develop a bright and creamy flavor and texture without the use of additives. Each batch is ofcourse taste tested by Monty to ensure you’re getting nothing short of plant-based, probiotic-rich perfection! As of now, there are 3 Cream Cheeses: Original, Scallion & Everything.

Monty's - Vegan Plant Based Butter

You can't beat the taste or simplicity of Monty's butter. It's made from only 4 ingredients, including sweet cashew cream, coconut and almond oil, and sea salt. This butter is so insanely good, you won't believe how simple it is. Monty's carefully source each of their ingredients, and use an innovative emulsion process without lecithins or stabilizers. Each batch is taste tested by Monty herself to ensure you’re getting nothing short of rich buttery perfection.

VIOLIFE

Violife is another game changer and disruptor to the dairy industry. When I tell you, I despise when I pay good money for something that tastes like cardboard or is completely disgusting, I will 100% let you know. This is NOT the case at all with Violife. So far, our family LOVES the Mature Cheddar Slices, Smoked Provolone Slices (this one is Papa Ed's fav), Parmesan (this is our ABSOLUTE FAVORITE!!!!) when we make our Non-Dairy Fettuccine Alfredo. The Feta is unbelievable. We love it crumbled on salads, with watermelon, with faux eggs. Oh and we have also used the Cheddar Shreds on our burritos and the Mozzarella Shreds on our lasagna. Holy (save the) cow, it is a GAME FREAKING CHANGER! I am telling you it seriously tastes like the real thing but it's VEGAN! Our minds are seriously blown away by this brand. Try it and let me know what you think!

Besides the products I mentioned about that we have tried, here is the entire VEGAN Violife product lineup:

• Parmesan

• Feta

• Cheddar Shreds

• Colby Jack Shreds

• Mozzarella Shreds

• Epic Mature Cheddar

• Epic Smoked Cheddar

• Cheddar Slices

• Mature Cheddar Slices

• Smoked Provolone Slices

• Original Cream Cheese (sorry, we were not fans of this one)

• Garlic & Herbs Cream Cheese (I can get down with this one)

• Cheddar Cream Cheese (pretty damn good on a cracker)

• Summer Celebration Platter (seasonal, obvi.)

• Coco Spread

I'll stop for now.....but, I will have more vegan brands with delicious products that I will share with you again soon! For now, I hope I helped shine a light on some brands that I hope you will give a chance and please let me know what you think! I love hearing from you all!

Lastly, below are some easy vegan swaps you can do to work towards a healthier, cleaner, non-toxic lifestyle:

EASY VEGAN SWAPS

Milk -----------------------------------------> MALK Almond Milk

Parmesan Cheese -------------------------------> Violife Parm Cheese

Butter ------------------------------------> Dr. Bronner's Coconut Oil Butter -----------------------------------> Monty's Plant Based Butter

Mayo --------------------------------------------------------------> Avocado

Heavy Cream ----------------------> Native Forest Coconut Cream

Honey -------------------------------> *Date Lady Maple Date Syrup

Eggs (for baking) -------------------------------------------> Applesauce

Ground Beef ---------------------------> Lentils and/or Mushrooms

Pulled Pork ----------------------------------------------------> Jackfruit

* If you wish to try any of the Date Lady products, listed above as a replacement for honey or any kind of sweetner, be sure to use my 10% off COUPON CODE at checkout: DEROSA10 on the Date Lady website here.

Let me know in the comments below if these brands above are new to you, or if you have been a fan already. Also, let me know your suggestions about more clean & vegan brands that I can check out and review here as well! I'm going to make this a monthly blog post, so I'd love to have you all collab with me!

CALIFORNIA BABY - 100% Plant-Based Pure + Gentle SKINCARE Products - August Spotlight

Question: With all the greenwashing and not-so-honest marketing out there, it's tough to trust companies. So why trust California Baby?

Answer: Because, California Baby has the rest results to prove it! Their new 100% plant-based collection has been independently lab tested and certified by the USDA.

Everything California Baby makes has a unique benefit for each of your family members. 25 years of love, dedication and research have gone into creating the very best for everyone you love.

California Baby founder Jessica Iclisoy has always questioned the status quo. While pregnant with her first child in 1990, she began to think deeply about how to live a healthier, more natural lifestyle.

Shocked to discover carcinogens in products for newborns, Jessica set out to find a better option. There wasn’t one. Motivated by her frustration, she substituted unsafe cleansing and fragrance ingredients with high-quality plant-based substitutes in order to develop her own recipe for a gentle, calming shampoo & body wash.

Word of mouth spread quickly, and soon California Baby was born. Bubble bath, lotion and sunscreen followed, and before Jessica knew it, she had inspired Whole Foods to create a baby care department. Then, when California Baby partnered with Target, California Baby became the first widely distributed plant-based brand in the natural personal care industry.

Check out this clip from the Today show when they came down to the California Baby manufacturing facility in Los Angeles, California, took a tour, and interviewed founder Jessica Iclisoy:

BETTER Ingredients

MEANS

Better PRODUCTS!

California Baby offers innovative, pure and safe skincare using the following ingredients:

• ORGANIC CALENDULA - soothes irritated skin

• ORGANIC SOAP BARK - plant-based foaming agent

• ESSENTIAL OILS - no synthetic fragrances

• ORGANIC ALOE VERA - makes skin softer

CALIFORNIA BABY

INGREDIENT STANDARDS

In addition to chemicals of concern, their “No-No” List also addresses food allergy issues. Because their list is too long to list in its entirety, their short-list highlights the most common allergens and additives that they choose to avoid.

The California Baby "No-No" List (partial) - They've listed what they believe to be the worst offenders and encourage you to do what their founder did over 20 years ago and compare it to products you and your family are using. They've highlighted what they consider the worst of the worst in red on The California Baby "No-No" List here.

All California Baby products are produced in their own FDA-registered, certified organic facility located in Los Angeles, California. Take a look inside, by watching the video below:

CALIFORNIA BABY

Commitment To SUSTAINABILITY

Every day is Earth Day at California Baby. Watch this video below to learn more about their solar powered manufacturing facility + their new 100% recycled plastic bottles.

We are big fans of the following California Baby products:

✨ Super Sensitive Hair Conditioner

✨ Super Clear Willow Bark Face Wash 💦

✨ Calming Jelly Mousse ( plant-based hair gel) 🌱

We are going to try out some of California Baby's other products that we have not tried before and will let you know what we think:

🛀 Super Sensitive Shampoo & Bodywash

✨ Super Sensitive Cream

✨ Super Sensitive Everyday Lotion

✨ Konjac Facial Sponge

Read more about California Baby in my Clean Skincare for Babies, Toddlers and Mommas blog post here.

SHOP

California Baby

using my

10% off COUPON CODE:

DEROSA

Are you a fan of California Baby?

I know quite a bit of my community is....so, which products of theirs are your favorites + why?

I'd love to hear from you in the comments!

And...if you're looking for items for mama + baby, check out my BABY ESSENTIALS here.