Health & Free Living

I know many people brag that they have an amazing sister, but I really hit the jackpot. Today, my older sister turns 40! :) My sister is one of the most loving, friendly, caring, extroverted people I know. She cares passionately for her friends and family. She knows how to reach out to people and draw them in. She's an amazing teacher and leader and a phenomenal MC for any type of event. She is a wonderful wife, mother, and woman of God. I've always looked up to my sister. I remember as a child, sitting in her room and staring at her while she talked on the phone (which drove her crazy!) -- I wasn't even listening to the conversation...I just wanted to be in the same room as her. That's how much I adored her. When she went off to college (we are four years apart in school), I clearly remember her coming home and saying how she never really appreciated me or realized how much she loved me until she went off to school. ;) Each stage of life has only br...

In honor of Mother's Day, I've decided to write about the amazing mothers that are a part of my family: 1. Helen Elizabeth Veerman (Grandma Veerman) Most of what I know about my Grandma Veerman are the stories that I have heard. You see, my grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimers when I was five years old. All of my memories are a poor picture of the woman she was. Helen Elizabeth (known to her friends as Betty) was an amazing homemaker and cook. She raised five beautiful children (four of them boys -- one of them my dad -- so you know she's a saint ;) ) and had a long loving marriage with Marvin. I know she was an amazing mother, because she raised my dad, who is pretty awesome. :) She passed away when I was 13 and I look forward to when I meet her in heaven and learn who she really is, not the Alzheimers version. 2. May Bright (Grandma Bright) When I think of my Grandma Bright, I think of laughter. Why? Because she was so funny and fun to be around. I...

On my journey to becoming more healthy and chemical-free, these are my five most recent favorite things: 1. "The Healthy Home" by Dr. Myron Wentz and Dave Wentz If I could write a book on creating a healthier home and going chemical-free, THIS IS IT. I am so obsessed with this book!!! If you are serious about getting toxins out of your home, etc. than this is the book for you. Want to know what's even cooler? The authors are the founders and CEO of Usana Health Sciences. There is so much in the news these days about supplements found in drug stores to have fillers or toxins in them. These guys wrote the book on chemical-free homes, so you can completely trust that Usana supplements are what they say and are truly good for you. Makes me love my Usana even more! If you are looking for good supplements (and a natural way to treat your health rather than instantly running to medication as a quick fix), I would love help you. You can contact me here . 2. Jus'...