My wellness and green living journey started about 10 years ago with two life changing events. The first was I had a cancer scare. I received a call from my doctor (the actual doctor, not a nurse…you know that is never good) and she said those words you never want to hear, “The biopsy came back. It is cancer. I am sending you to an Oncologist immediately.” Luckily for me, my melanoma was found early and treated. But I was told that it is almost certain this was due to environmental factors and choices combined with a predisposition for my body to make these cells. Certainly a reality check.
After meeting my husband on a blind date, we got married and a few years later, I became pregnant with our first child. This pushed me even further to think about how our environment and my choices can impact both of our health.
At your first prenatal appointment you hear the heartbeat, talk about what to expect and are given a long list of products not to use and foods not to eat. This was an “ah-ha” moment for me. If these things shouldn’t be a part of our life when we are pregnant because they are dangerous, should we be using them/eating them at all? I began reading as much as possible about food ingredients, cosmetics, personal care products and toxic chemicals. My passion for education played well here, as I would read anything I could on these topics. Ten years ago there was not the abundance of information available like there is now. I had to search for organic food and less toxic cleaning supplies. I had a baby with a dairy issue and I had to start reading labels on everything and that was a huge eye opener. I had no idea what was really in many of the things I had always thought were “healthy” or “safe” options. Here I am three children later and I continue to learn and change to help them live a better life. We don’t live in a bubble so I try to make changes and impact with our family where I feel it has the most importance.
One thing you must know about me is that I love shoes, fashion and all things girly. I’m forever testing beauty products and recommending them to friends. Family and friends know I love to give my fashion advice and I will never miss a good Nordstrom sale. My goal is to bring these two worlds together with “ Tree Hugger in Heels.” You don’t have to give up all the fun to live a cleaner, less toxic life. You just have to know what to look for, make incremental changes and switch out the bad for good!
When I got my undergraduate and master’s degree in education, I had no idea my life would shift from teaching children to educating adults. But I couldn’t be happier bringing all these passions together. I then went on to become a Certified Natural Health Specialist to formalize my training. There is still so much to learn and uncover about toxins and ingredients and how they affect our bodies, our children and our families. I am all about finding a balance that is manageable and at a comfort level for each person that is sustainable. Make small changes that you will stick with and keep at it. In this case it is truly about progress and not always perfection. It’s an ongoing process that requires diligent research, ongoing education and support. And I’m here to do just that!
~ Sara
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