Beyond the Classroom: Our 2026 "Low-Tox" Family Reset

It’s been a little while since I’ve sat down to write, but if there is one thing that has been consuming my heart and my "research brain" lately, it’s Environmental Wellness. When I first started this blog, I focused heavily on homeschooling and product reviews. As my family has grown and evolved, so has my focus. I’ve realized that the environment we create inside our homes is just as important as the education we provide.

In 2026, we are bombarded with news about microplastics and "forever chemicals" (PFAS). It can feel overwhelming, but I’ve found that a "Low-Tox" Reset isn't about being perfect—it’s about making better swaps that protect our kids' developing systems and our own long-term health.

Here are the four high-impact, low-tox swaps we’ve made this year that are actually worth the hype.

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1. The Art Supply Audit (Homeschoolers, Take Note!)

If you’re still using traditional paraffin-based crayons or scented markers, this is the easiest place to start.

• The Swap: Trade paraffin crayons for 100% Beeswax or Soy-based crayons.

• Why? Paraffin is a byproduct of petroleum. When kids (especially little ones) get it on their skin or—let's be honest—in their mouths, they are absorbing those chemicals.

• My Pick: Honeysticks or Filana beeswax crayons. The pigment is richer, and they smell incredible.

2. Ditching the "Fragrance" in the Laundry Room

"Fragrance" or "Parfum" is often a loophole for thousands of undisclosed chemicals, including phthalates which can disrupt hormones.

• The Swap: Switch to Wool Dryer Balls instead of dryer sheets, and look for "Fragrance-Free" or "EWG-Verified" detergents.

• The Result: If your children struggle with eczema or "mystery" skin sensitivities, this is often the culprit. Since we switched, our "laundry itch" has completely vanished.

3. Smart Kitchen Swaps: Moving Away from Plastic

We’ve known about BPA for years, but 2026 research is showing that even "BPA-free" plastics can leach chemicals when heated (or even when worn down).

• The Swap: Stainless Steel or Glass. For homeschool lunches on the go, I’ve moved entirely to stainless steel bento boxes.

• Pro-Tip: If you aren't ready to buy all new Tupperware, simply stop putting your plastic containers in the dishwasher. The high heat accelerates the breakdown of the material.

4. Supporting the Nervous System (The "Internal" Low-Tox)

Toxins aren't just physical; stress hormones are toxic to our health too! As a family, we’ve introduced "Sensory Minutes."

• The Routine: We use weighted lap pads during reading time and have replaced bright overhead lights with "warm" or amber-toned lamps in the evening.

• The Beauty Connection: Mom, this helps you too! Lowering your cortisol (stress hormone) is the #1 way to prevent premature aging and "inflammaging."

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Final Thoughts: Progress Over Perfection

Starting a low-tox journey can feel like an all-or-nothing mission, but I promise it’s not. Pick one category this month, maybe it’s your cleaning supplies or your kids' art bin, and make the switch when your current products run out. I switched over to as much glass in my kitchen as possible and using plastic as a last resort. It cost me a little bit more but was worth it. I also aim to purchase glass products from Anchor since it's made in the USA.

I’m so curious: Have you made any non-toxic swaps lately that you’ve fallen in love with? Let’s chat in the comments!

Returning to Blogging: Finding Balance in Health, Beauty, and Homeschooling

After taking a much-needed break, I’m finally back — and more inspired than ever. Stepping away from blogging gave me perspective. It reminded me that sometimes we all need to pause, breathe, and realign with what truly matters: family, faith, and the way we care for our minds, bodies, and homes.

Why I Took a Break

Life has a way of piling up — lessons to plan, meals to prep, kids to teach, and a never-ending cycle of responsibilities that make self-care feel optional. But over time, I realized that my creative energy, health, and even patience as a homeschooling parent were all connected.

That’s when I decided to take a step back, recharge, and rebuild my daily rhythm — one rooted in wellness, grace, and creativity.

Reconnecting with Health and Beauty

During my time away, I revisited the basics: nourishing food, gentle movement, skincare that feels good, and routines that nurture instead of drain. Beauty, I’ve learned, isn’t about perfection — it’s about showing up each day feeling grounded and grateful.

In this new chapter of the blog, I’ll be sharing:

• Simple, holistic health tips that actually fit into busy homeschooling days.

• Clean beauty finds that support radiant skin and peace of mind.

• Mindful moments that remind us that self-care isn’t selfish — it’s essential.

Homeschooling with Heart

Homeschooling has always been a big part of my life — equal parts joy and challenge. Returning to blogging gives me space to share not only the lesson plans and resources but also the laughter, messes, and life lessons that happen between subjects.

Expect posts about:

• Creative, low-stress lesson ideas that encourage curiosity.

• Organization tips to bring calm to the chaos.

• The spiritual side of learning — helping kids grow in wisdom and wonder.

• Hobbies such as hobby gardening, grape vine management, genealogy and Daughters of the American Revolution/War of 1812 and more!

What’s Next

This space will once again be my journal, classroom, and creative corner. I’ll be blending health, beauty, and homeschooling with personal reflections on faith, family, and balance.

If you’re someone who’s juggling it all and still trying to make time for yourself — you’re in the right place.

Who knows what else might be discussed and if you have any ideas, please leave a comment!

The Ten Commandments for Children by author Ron Cammenga

This book was provided as a review. No other compensation was provided.

The The Ten Commandments for Children by author Ron Cammenga is a lovely book geared towards children to help teach them the importance of the Ten Commandments. The table of contents is broken into 28 easy to read sections to help provide a manageable way to teach each commandment to young minds. The book is also filled with additional Bible versus, discussion questions, and songs to aid in the entertainment and learning aspects. Mr. Cammenga wrote the book not only to serve as an instructional but as a devotional. Another nice feature are QR codes that will link to the 1912 United Presbyterian Psalter for those that enjoy seeing the Psalms. 

The book provides each topic or chapter in a two page colorful spread. First is the notation to which Bible verse and then a "Let's Learn a Bible verse." The amount of text present is just enough to not overwhelm the children while still captivating their attention. Each two page spread provides a colorful illustration that correlates with the theme along with a "Let's talk it over" series of questions such as "What is God's law?" I think this is a great way to ensure the child understood what he or she just heard or read as well as to answer any questions they might have had. The last feature of each topic includes a "Let's sing" notation of a Psalm. 

Mr. Cammenga does an excellent job explaining different aspects of the Ten Commandments. Such as in the beginning, he explains the importance of the number ten by utilizing key sentences from the Bible as well as further explaining how we have ten fingers and toes and how it wouldn't be good of we were missing some of those nor if we had extra fingers and toes. Ten is the perfect number he explains. I think the words used throughout the book makes it easy to understand.

The foundations of living a good life are contained in the Ten Commandments. It's the ultimate addition to the Bible itself in being Godly and an excellent beginning to ensuring our children are living the best that they can. My grandsons enjoyed the book and the questions. It was enjoyable to see my older grandson respond to the questions and listen to his thought processes. The illustrations reminded me of books when I was young. 

You can pre-order now: 

The Ten Commandments for Children 

Also, read what is available online about what this book teaches children...

• what God’s law is: his ten words to his people
• how we obey God's law: by loving him and our neighbor
• why we keep God's law: to thank him for delivering us from our sin, to be assured that he has made us his children, and more

 

When we teach children about God’s law, we teach them about Jesus Christ. Jesus obeyed perfectly each one of the commandments in God’s law and died for all the times we have not kept God’s law.

This book explains and applies each commandment in two to three chapters, covering both what God forbids and requires. Chapters include discussion questions, a Bible memory verse, and a related psalm to be sung.

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Ronald L. Cammenga is professor of Dogmatics and Old Testament Studies at the Protestant Reformed Theological Seminary in Wyoming, Michigan. He is a former pastor, and he and his wife, Rhonda, have eleven children and many grandchildren living in four states.

Ana Sebastián is a digital illustrator and visual development artist based in Madrid, Spain. Ana also likes to work with colored pencils and watercolors and enjoys reading and traveling in her free time.

Cloud Nine Villas is Truly a Cloud Nine Experience in Florida

*Disclaimer: I did not receive anything in exchange for this post.

We recently stayed around 10 days in sunny Florida which is something we do often. When we do venture out to the sunshine state, we rent a home typically from VRBO. We have had some repeat stays at some homes but due to a previous stay, the usual home had deteriorated so it was time to find a new one. I spend weeks trying to find the perfect home with a pool. The home is important as I want a clean updated one that will provide enough room for everyone. The most important aspect for me, is the pool. I want privacy but that goes pretty much hand in hand with the ability to have pool heat. I don't mind having to pay for pool heat but it needs to be functional. That was why the last house lost a customer as the pool heat was non-existent. There were owner claims made time and time again but when you have to brace yourself to submerge into the artic blast, it's not making for a very fun outing. With all that said, I will share how wonderful this newest rental, Cloud Nine Villas was.

First, the owners are simply amazing and have the very best communication. I did not need to communicate with them rather it was just in the process of prepping for the trip, and they were very proactive along with the property management group. Everything worked as planned upon arrival. At the last rental home, we had to phone the property manager and the owner to get in because the code didn't work. We were able to gain entry on the first attempt at our new found rental home of our dreams.

Second, the home was beautifully decorated in expensive furnishings. No money was spared to make this home appear as a five-star dream vacation. The appliances were modern and clean and every bathroom was stocked with extra supplies of soap and toilet paper to which I've not experienced before. The kitchen was fully equipped allowing vacationers to cook and enjoy family time even more. There was an abundance of smart televisions which allowed us to log in to our Amazon Prime account to experience the comforts at home. In the upstairs family room, there was a Playstation 3 with some games and movies. Downstairs, there were music CDs and books to read. Everything was clean too! It's also nice to be able to return home with clean clothes and the washer and dryer set allowed that! They even had a small game room with a pool table along with a couple of bikes to ride within the beautiful community. Every morning, we would take walks throughout the neighborhood and around the golf course. They were conveniently close to the best grocery store ever, Publix, and many food eateries.

Third, the pool. The pool was absolutely amazing and the best we've ever experienced in all the years of renting homes. It had a small splash area for little children, an amazing waterfall on one corner, and in the other corner, a hot tub. The water was the perfect temperature as well. Another issue with previous rentals was a lack of pool furniture and space to lay out. This home was perfect. The sun would move around the pool area around 10:00 am and stayed until sundown. The pool overlooked a golf course so there was a rogue golf cart here and there that might elicit a friendly wave from one of the golfers. On either side of the home are neighbors but I think they might have been rental homes as no one was ever there. There was a huge shrub barrier that provided privacy even if someone had been home. Even the pool cleaner was exceptionally nice and efficient. There are lights that can be controlled to different colors and there was nothing more wonderful than to watch the vibrant sunsets each night either from the deck or inside.

It was really a cloud nine vacation and couldn't have been more pleased with the rental home. We have not stayed in Florida during the month of October and would return as we had sunny days with the exception of a day or a few hours on some days. It's also close enough to Disney and Universal to enjoy them without a long drive. If a pool is top of your list along with privacy, this is the home for you. We definitely plan to return! Next time if you are planning a trip, check out Cloud Nine Villas as you won't regret it!

Eagle Ridge Ranch in Idaho is a Must Visit Western #Travel Destination

 

We just returned from a whirlwind vacation that started in El Paso, Texas and took us through Westminster, Colorado to see the Jessica Ridgeway Memorial Park being built to Mt. Rushmore, over to Yellowstone with a stop at Eagle Ridge Ranch in Island Park, Idaho.  We stayed at many places along the way with the worse being a Holiday Inn in Cody, Wyoming but the very best place was Eagle Ridge.  We found them via a brochure at the visitor center for Yellowstone and what caught our eye were the activities.  It was a one stop fun fulled vacation stay over for everyone.  What started out with giving the girls a trail ride turned into an overnight relaxing stay.  

The area was beyond beautiful and the owners and staff were very pleasant and accommodating.  Our primary decision for staying other than the beauty was in fact the niceness of everyone there.  Our stop first included purchasing the trail ride which is set for certain times but you can pay extra for a private tour guide which we did because of the number of other visitors who showed up.  30 isn't an unmanageable amount but we wanted to ensure the girls would get more personalized attention.  After seeing the cowboys (aka guides) split up the groups into smaller sizes, I realized it wouldn't have been a problem but I still liked the idea of us having our own cowboy guide.  The ride was longer than expected and too long for an inexperienced little six year old.  Our cowboy's name (have to call him that because it sounds better - wink) was Tyler and I can tell you that my six year old really liked him.  I never saw her talk to anyone as much as she did him.  He was very gracious and good with her as she started to get a bit whiny wanting to know 'how many more hours we had.'  He played along with her and even noticed she needed some water so made sure she took a drink.

The scenic trail ride was full of such beauty and we took in many different views of the ranch since they had over 2000 acres.  Our guide answered all of our questions and exhibited such professionalism and kind manners.  He was very patient with my little ones and even offered to stop and take photographs of us experiencing this memorable trip.

Later, we tried our hands at fishing eventually retiring for the night in the cabin that was loaded with everything one would need.  It was rustic yet modern and had a microwave, refrigerator, stove, coffee maker and toaster along with linens and dishes.  It even had Direct TV, a VCR/DVD player and your phone would actually work.  I mention this as we stayed at a cabin the night before and we had no phone service or TV.  You couldn't ask for a better place than this and the price is right.  There are hot tubs on each porch and a grill for a fun filled night of dinner and s'mores.  Much to our surprise, we also enjoyed complimentary paddle boats, regular fishing boats, canoes, fishing poles and another area to swim that included more paddle boats and a giant inner tube looking thing that looked like it could fit around 20 people to sit, lay on or to jump off into the lake to swim.  While fishing, you get the beauty of seeing free roaming horses who might even greet you as a delightful experience to my children.  

Everything about Eagle Ridge is breath taking and beautiful!  I've already told my friends and family that this IS the place to plan your next vacation.  I have no complaints other than we had to return home as this was a stopping point on the return back.  We went a little down the road to eat at a lodge and the people there were also very nice and the food was delicious with no wait.  This was the perfect vacation spot and they have activities for summer and winter!

Check out Eagle Ridge in Idaho here by clicking the link.

Best Anti-Aging Vitamins: 5 Supplements to Help Turn Back the Clock

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While aging may not be the most pleasant experience, the memories, experiences, and life lessons we learn along the way are invaluable. But what if someone told you there are ways to stop, or at least limit, the symptoms of aging. With help from specific vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, we can help rewind our body’s biological clock by replenishing valuable nutrients that we lose with age. That being said, aging is inevitable, and symptoms are almost impossible to avoid altogether. If anything, utilizing this collection of nutrients can help improve quality of life and raise bodily optimization.

What Happens When We Age?

 

As we age, our body stops producing certain chemical compounds previously in excess when we were younger. Additionally, our telomeres shorten with age. Telomeres help protect the ends of our chromosomes from deteriorating. When our telomeres shorten, our body’s cells go through a negative transformation that drastically affects an individual’s health and lifespan. 

Shorter telomeres have been associated with an increased risk of disease and lower survival rates. Most of the symptoms related to aging are cognitive. Yes, our hair turns grey, and we start to get wrinkles, but the slow cognitive decline is the most reported and impactful result of aging. So let’s take a look at some supplements that can help reduce these effects. 

 

1. Curcumin

 

Curcumin is the main active ingredient in turmeric. Turmeric is a spice that comes from the turmeric root and is used mostly in Asian dishes. Curcumin is rated highly for its powerful anti-aging effects due to its antioxidant properties. 

Antioxidants are substances that help protect your cells against free radicals, which may play a role in heart disease, cancer, and other diseases. 

Additionally, this antioxidant protects our cells from cellular senescence. Cellular senescence occurs when cells stop dividing, and as we age, these cells accumulate, accelerating aging and the progression of age-related diseases.

You can easily increase your curcumin intake by incorporating turmeric in dishes or by taking curcumin supplements!

 

2. CoQ10

 

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is another antioxidant that is self-produced by your body. It is responsible for energy production and protecting cells from damage. As we age, our levels of CoQ10 begin to decline, and symptoms such as fatigue and brain fog become more and more apparent. 

In 2015, researchers ran an experiment to test the effects of supplemented CoQ10 in 443 older adults. The study found that supplementing CoQ10 and selenium (an element that aids metabolism) over four years improved their overall quality of life, reduced hospital visits, and slowed the deterioration of mental performance. 

Though CoQ10 shows the potential to be a powerful anti-aging supplement, there still needs to be more research and definitive evidence before it can be recommended as a natural way to prevent aging. Make sure to talk to a health care professional before trying it out.

 

3. Vitamin B12

 

Ah, yes, trusty vitamin B12. This keystone vitamin aids our body in numerous ways, like keeping our nerve and blood cells healthy. Vitamin B12 also helps prevent a type of anemia called megaloblastic anemia that makes people tired and weak. 

Aside from its “inner body benefits,” such as added energy and cognitive clarity, B12 can also aid our bodies cosmetically. It can help improve our appearance by reducing skin redness, inflammation, and dryness. It can also reduce hair breakage and help nails become stronger.

Our bodies don’t produce B12 naturally, but we can obtain it through various foods like fish, eggs, and chicken. Different types of vegetables, such as mushrooms, are high in B12 as well. B12 is also available as a daily supplement and can be found at your local pharmacy or natural food store.

 

4. Vitamin D  

 

Weakening immune systems are a sure sign of aging. At some point, catching a common cold will have a much more significant impact than it did when we were younger. Thankfully, a new UK research study has found that Vitamin D can have a positive effect on the immune system and help offset some age-related health issues.

It is also widely accepted throughout the scientific community that vitamin D compounds protect the skin against the hazardous effects of many skin aging-inducing agents, including ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

You absorb vitamin D naturally through the sun’s rays, but vitamin D supplements are widely accessible at any pharmacy or vitamin shop if you want an extra boost.

 

5. NAD+ Treatment 

 

And last, but certainly not least, NAD+ treatment. Yes, we know this isn’t a vitamin or antioxidant, but its potential is something we cannot overlook. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, or NAD+, is one of the most potent anti-aging molecules you can put into your body. In short, NAD+ keeps your cells “young” and helps to rewind your biological clock.

NAD+ treatment is relatively new on the scene. As of right now, the FDA has only given the green light for oral NAD+ supplements. However, injecting NAD+ intravenously is a very efficient way to receive the nutrient, as it allows for almost 100% bioavailability. 

NAD+ treatment can last anywhere from two to six hours and has been reported by some as being quite uncomfortable. Some patients have reported nausea, chest tightness, and lightheadedness. Fortunately, these symptoms are short-lived and pretty much counteracted by the treatment’s lasting impact on energy levels, mental clarity, and overall sense of rekindled youth.

 

Conclusion

 

Aging is inevitable, we all know that. As we age our body slowly stops performing at maximum efficiency and there is no way around that. These supplements and treatments are in no way the “end all be all” for aging symptoms, but what they do provide is a higher quality of life and, at the very least, help to manage current and future symptoms of aging.

 

 

This article was originally published at iveeapp.com.

$50 Best Western Gift Card Giveaway - Ends 3/25/2021 - Must Use by 3/31

 

This is a quick giveaway for two $25 gift cards ($50 total) to Best Western Hotels.  Must be used by 3/31/2021 so please make sure you have the time to book before they expire.

Entering is easy via the Rafflecopter form:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

How to Turn Up Your Glow: Top 10 Vitamins for Beauty

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Getting the perfect amount of glow and radiant skin might seem achievable only through spending a pretty penny on every beauty product ad served to you…but it doesn’t have to be that way. Almost all vitamins A through D hold some cosmetic value. So ditch the overstocked beauty product shelf and try some of these inexpensive (and healthy) alternatives!

 

1. Vitamin A

 

Vitamin A is responsible for protecting and healing skin. Today, a key ingredient in beauty products called retinoid is a derivative of Vitamin A and helps prevent wrinkles, cure brown spots, and smooth rough skin. Retinoid is also used in many acne treatments, adding to its reputation as both a protector and preventer.

 

2. Vitamin B-Complex 

 

B-complex vitamins, in general, are essential for overall beauty health. B-complex vitamins are also known as antioxidants, beneficial for hair, skin, and nail health. B vitamins improve keratin levels in the body, which is essential for promoting healthy, hydrated skin. B-complex vitamins are available in many different foods, such as red meat, poultry, and other dairy products. B-complex vitamins are arguably the best vitamins for beauty.

 

3. Vitamin C

 

Vitamin C is vital for healthy, youthful, radiant skin. Like vitamin B-complex, vitamin C boosts collagen production, giving you firmer, clearer skin. Vitamin C can also provide surface defense against harmful UV damage. It also helps prevent the spread of free radicals in cells, which cause illnesses and other chronic conditions. In general, vitamin C is vital for providing a healthy lifestyle.

 

4. Vitamin D

 

Vitamin D is a vitamin we typically receive just by going outside. Exposure to sunlight is one of the main ways vitamin D enters our body. In terms of beauty, vitamin D can help save skin from acne and reduce wrinkles associated with aging and UV exposure, keeping your skin soft and smooth.

 

5. Vitamin E

 

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that is found in a variety of food sources. It helps improve skin health by boosting collagen production in the body while simultaneously combating free radicals. Vitamin E is proven to be more effective when taken in unison with vitamin C. Vitamin E is most effective when taken as a topical skin condition. 

 

6. Glutathione

 

Glutathione is a tiny protein molecule found in all protein-rich foods. They include fish, eggs, and poultry, to name a few. As far as we know, Glutathione is one of the most efficient antioxidants to fight the physiological symptoms of aging and oxidative stress.  

 

7. Lycopene

 

Lycopene helps adjust skin texture. Assisting in the formation of collagen, Lycopene is exceptionally effective at preventing wrinkly skin. Few foods like watermelon and apricots contain Lycopene. Still, tomatoes are the largest natural source of the antioxidant. Beauty care products also offer Lycopene in topical creams and moisturizers. 

 

8. Protein

 

Our bodies take the protein we eat and turn them into amino acids, creating more proteins such as collagen and keratin, which help structure our skin. Amino acids also help rid of old dying skin.

9. Healthy Fats

 

Healthy fats are what you think they are: fats that are healthy (what a concept). This how and why your skin gives off a “glow.” Not enough dietary fat can make skin wrinkled and dried out. Good sources of healthy fats include nuts, seeds, and fish. These fats differ from saturated fats because they are easier for your body to break down.

 

10. Zinc

 

Zinc is one of the many essential nutrients your body needs to function properly. It helps protect your immune system by combating free radicals. Zinc is fantastic for fighting acne due to its anti-inflammatory effects. Zinc can also help treat and prevent certain skin conditions such as melasma, rosacea, dermatitis, and eczema. 

 

Conclusion

 

Vitamins and minerals aren’t just crucial for sustaining a healthy lifestyle; they can help promote a beautiful one as well. These vitamins and antioxidants, along with a healthy diet, can greatly help enhance already radiant skin, long and healthy hair, and robust nails, letting you show off your best you. There isn’t an “end all be all” for beauty products, but this is a good start.

 

This article was originally published at iveeapp.com.

 

Any Minecraft Fans Interested in Reviewing New Fan Fiction for Children?

Any Minecraft Fans Interested in Reviewing New Fan Fiction for Children?  Send a message to me and let me know. This is a new published book by a 13 year old that has already been receiving great reviews but is interested in furthering her reach to others that might be Minecraft fans.

Click Unofficial Minecraft Nomads and Pillagers to read more and if interested, send an e-mail to:  staying_younger@yahoo.com.

Ms. Joyce is an aspiring 13 year old author who was inspired by her mother and grandfather to write. This first book in a series details the adventure of Dani and Ellie along with some adorable sidekicks as Nomads and Pillagers fight it out to the finish.

To purchase, click here.

Hurry as only so many copies will be available for review.