*STOP SMOKING*

Have you ever thought about exactly what you are breathing in with every puff you take of a cigarette? Have you ever considered the harm that smoking create's for those around you? Have you ever wondered what those cigarettes are doing to the inside of your body, your organ's, and even your breath. SMOKING IS TERRIBLE FOR YOU AND THOSE AROUND YOU. 
I have never smoked, but I had parents who smoked. This was always soooo annoying to me because my clothes would smell like smoke so people would always ask me if I had a cigarette, (No I dont have a cigarette and I would roll my eyes hahaha).This I believe helped me with never wanting to develop the smoking habit. I couldn't stand the smell of them and every time I went down stairs if my mom was smoking I would ask her to please put it away. Of course her response at the time was" this is my house you go back up stairs" haha. I was to young to try and encourage her to stop smoking and the dangers related to taking that daily "puff". You better believe I am all over it now and am constantly encouraging her to try different methods of letting the chemical filled cigarettes go.  She now coughs all the time and sometimes is out of breath from all the years of smoking. She has made some major improvements and doesn't smoke as much as she use to, but I am waiting on the day that she stops for good. I want to encourage all of you who may smoke, or know someone who does smoke to think about the long term consequences of your actions, its damaging your health. A healthy lung is pictured on the left and a smoker's lung is on the right. How scary and crazy to think that a tiny cigarette can have this major effect on your body.

Lets look at some of the ingredients in the cigarettes you love. It may shock you and help to encourage you to stop your smoking habit.

What are you really Smoking?? Its said to be over 500 harmful additives in cigarettes:

Carbon Monoxide- You know how each house has a carbon monoxide detector because its harmful for us to breathe in. When you smoke you are polluting your body with this poisonous gas. Read Here

Butane- Used as a household fuel & is the gas used in lighter fluid.(You are smoking this)Click Here

Nicotine- Is highly toxic and is used as a insecticide & stimulate which is why its so hard to break away from smoking once you start

Tar- Damages your lungs and mouth, causes rotting of your your teeth. Read Here

Formaldehyde- Is the main ingredient in embalming fluid which helps preserve dead specimens (You are inhaling this stuff) Read Here

Ammonia- Is used as a cleaning agent, also helps with making plastics, explosives, and dyes. (Why in the world would this toxic chemical be in cigarette's) Learn more here

Polonium 210- Can cause major damage to your liver's and kidney. It is a radioactive element and can help with leading to cancer.Must Read

Second Hand Smoke- I have definitely been a innocent bystander and come in contact with someone else's choice to smoke and because of it my lungs and the lungs of many are affected. For those who choose to smoke please be mindful of those around you who are non-smokers. Smoking is not only toxic and damaging to your health but also those who may be just walking by. Now when I come in contact with a smoker I always wave my hand super big and strong to wave away smoke to alert the smoker that I don't smoke, and usually they will put it out or go some where else.

That was just a few brief ingredients but just from that list you can see smoking is soo damaging to your health More info here.

I am not saying quit cold turkey, but start with a decision to try to stop and look at some alternatives. I will link a few websites with ideas on different ways to stop your puffing addiction.Read Here
I would encourage setting a plan in place including:

**A date to stop smoking or start your transition to stop
**Have someone hold you accountable that will check in on your progress (your close friend, parents etc)
** Remove all tobacco products if you are quitting cold turkey, or if you plan to go slow and have only a few a day give the extra's to someone and have them give you your daily amounts. 
**Gift yourself for your progress with something you really enjoy.  
**All the money that you would spend to buy cigarettes store it in a jar or bank account and start a weekly savings or save up for a mini vacation. The average pack of cigarette's range around 5.50$ a pack wow. If you smoke 3 packs a day that's 16.50$ a day and 115.00$ a week, and 462.00$ a month, which equals 5,544.00$ a year. You could rack up a pretty good savings. Think about it Learn More Here
**Wash everything that smells like smoke so that you wont have a craving from the smell. 
**Keep your self busy by working out, journal your progress, blog your progress, go walk around a park, read at star bucks what ever you have to do to keep your mind off of smoking.

Just a few steps to get you started. Happy Journey to being Smoke Free:-) WOOHOOO! 
Ps. Yes I am sending all this info to my mom, dad, cousins and everybody else that smokes.

Change your habits> Change Your Life
Shana Nicole

*Plum Coconut Blueberry Smoothie*

*Plums are such a healthy fruit. One of my absolute favorite's. They are packed with rich flavor and loaded with vitamins to help restore your body. Plums has been known to help regulate high blood pressure, fight cancer, build your immune system, regulate your bowels (prunes which are dried plums or prune juice), and improve your memory Read Here

*Blueberries are amazing. I add them in so many of my recipes because they are so healthy, they taste great, and the flavor mix well with many other fruits. Blueberries are loaded with antioxidants which help with memory, heart health, cancer, anti-aging etc.More info here

If you can purchase organic fruit as much as possible, especially when you are going to consume the exterior portion of the fruit. Helps to protect against nasty pesticides that are often sprayed on non-organic produce. Learn More Here

You can buy a produce spray which will help with cleaning your produce. Buy Here

*Coconuts are rich in vitamins and fiber. They are so good for you. Why not sneak some into a smoothie. You will get tons of health benefits in just one drink. Read Coconuts benefits Here

Directions:

*Take two organic plums, slice up and freeze over night (Freeze blueberries over night as well)

*Place the Frozen plums and frozen blueberries in blender. 

*Add 4 tablespoons of your favorite sweetner

* Depending on desired texture add 1cup or 1/2 cup of a nut milk 

 

* Pour in some Flax seed, Chia Seeds or Hemp Seed for extra nutrition Purchase Here

* When blend is complete pour in glass and top with Coconut Shreds

Thats it 4 simple ingredients, here is another fun treat to add to the list "Woot". I truly am addicted to making smoothies if you cant tell hehehe :-)

Change your diet > Change your life

Shana Nicole

*Banana Blueberry Icecream*

You can make the most delicious treats out of your favorite nutrient bursting fruit. All it takes is getting your blender out, going in your kitchen or where you want to blend haha and combining some of your favorite fruit to create some YUMMY desserts. I made this Banana Blueberry Ice cream two days in a role because it was so good. I think im going to add it to my weekly meal plan as a must have dessert or for breakfast. You cant go wrong when its organic, all natural, yummy, easy to make, filling, and oh so perfect.

What you need:
20 Organic frozen blueberries (If you use fresh add a hand full of ice to create the frozen texture)
Blue berry benefits Read Here

1 or 2 frozen Banana's
Banana Benefits Must Read Click Here

ziplock bag is used to cut up banana & freeze overnight

3 tablespoons 100% Grade B Maple Syrup, Honey, Or raw Agave Nectar

1/2 Cup of alkaline or distilled water or a nut milk. (I used alkaline water this time. Remember less liquid to start to make sure you achieve the ice cream texture)

Blend all items together on high for 1min or until desired texture is achieved

Spoon into your favorite Glass or Bowl and top with bananas or blueberries. I choose bananas.

I started eating before I finished the topping lol had to stop myself.

That's all 4 simple ingredients and you have yourself a filling treat or breakfast.

Just want to say thank so much to everyone who has been supporting the blog, leaving comments,and reaching out to me. You all are awesome, and it makes me happy to see other's trying to take better care of their bodies. My fellow Health Nuts I heart all of you. :-) Keep the questions coming!

Shana Nicole,

*Organic vs. Non Organic*

So I know a lot of people say there is no difference between buying foods organic. I have to say I MUST strongly disagree. Go look a piece of organic chicken vs. non organic chicken that has been pumped with growth hormones. The non organic chicken will be twice the size and almost unrecognizable lol. This even occurs with fruit juice go look at organic fresh squeezed orange juice vs. non organic pasteurized orange juice the difference will shock you. It's crazy to think the food going into your body has been tampered with. I have excluded meat from my diet but for those of you who still consume meat I suggest buying from wholefoods or a natural organic market where they don't use any fillers and growth hormones Read More Here.  Ewww I dont know about you but I am not interested in putting anything in my body that has been pumped with unnatural hormones,didn't grow properly, and has been sprayed with tons of chemicals/pesticides. Yes that's what you more than likely are getting when you eat non organic food that's loaded with toxic substances that are harmful for you and the environment. I know organic foods cost a little more. Spending a few cent more or even maybe a dollar more is going to be way cheaper than potentially getting sick and having to be hospitalized. Hospital bills are bizarre, and you could possibly be out of work while sick, then have to pay that bill off when you return. So yes I pay a little more to be safe. Rule of thumb when purchasing non organic vs. organic is if you are going to eat the entire fruit definitely buy organic so blueberries, apples, grapes, strawberries, peaches,carrots,celery,tomatoes etc. If you decide to purchase some items non organic then I would stick to items you can peel such as lemons, avocados,grapefruits, oranges, banana's,mangos etc.

BEWARE: Just because something reads "all natural" that could mean "all fake" with one ingredient that's natural, and you just loaded your body with a ton of junk. READ your labels, I will repeat this because it's so important. Dont be afraid to ask questions, ask your local supermarket where the produce, meat source & food come from and then research. You can find a ton of information online about the sources who provide the food you eat.
 

This is not to scare you, but to inform you and bring awareness to what's being sprayed and pumped into our food without us knowing. I have chosen to eat organic when I believe it is necessary but you have to figure out if that is a choice you want to make for your life. Do I encourage organic ABSOLUTELY, but do what is best for you. ABC news even did a report on it Listen & Read Here

What the heck is GMO- "Genetically Modified Food" YES you read that right. Some foods are being tampered with. Sad but true. Read Here. You may ask why would they inject our foods with toxic chemicals,unnatural substances & growth hormones that can make us sick?? That is your answer, when you are "sick" and have to go to the doctor or worst the hospital they make money, its all for profit. Click Here
Purchase foods labeled "Non GMO or GMO free" here is a list of a few ways to avoid buying GMO foods that harm you and your families health. Read Here 

Foods that you consume should not be able to stay on a shelf for 10 years and still be edible, that makes no sense. Food should mold if left out for a few days. Your food should be living and full of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Your food should not be dead, lacking vital nutrients, and able to stay on a shelf for years and still be consumed. Think about it lol. Do your research on the foods you are consuming, it will help change your life. 

Organic:                                              
Safer to consume                       
No harmful pesticides
No harmful Fillers
No growth hormores
Good for environment
Fresher and better taste

Non Organic:
Could be toxic for your health
Tons of pesticides
Loaded with fillers
Growth hormones 
Terrible for the environment

PS. watch this video regarding pasteurization Click Here Dhealthstore   

Feel free to ask or send me any questions i'm here for you:
Email:galaxyqueen07@gmail.com 
Find me on all social media @loveshananicole

Happy Health y'all. 
Shana Nicole :-)

*Create your own Homemade Smelling Spa***

So  a little secret about me "I loveeeeee things that smell good, like "literally" I can sniff a heart song essential oil bottle all day long LOL. Essential oils are so diverse, has a variety of uses, and can be used as perfume(when diluted properly), mood enhancers, air freshener, and homemade cleaning products. Essential oils have so many different scents ranging from lavender, rose, lemon, orange, peppermint and tons more. You literally can create your favorite scents and make your entire house smell like a dream Ha. I now understand why they call it aromatherapy. Yum. They can be used during meditation to help balance your moods, & can be used to help give you more energy. My favorite essential oil company is http://www.auracacia.com.

Heart Song is my absolute favorite. Omggg I wear this as perfume mixed with a tiny bit of pure coconut oil and everybody always ask "what are you wearing, you smell so good". I am in love with this scent, it really does make my heart sing lol, the name is perfect. It's a mix of a few different essential oils. Guess what I found it on sale almost half off the retail price. Yippeeee Buy Here
Place 5-10 drops in bath water. 

Lavender oil is used in so many items even skincare. The scent is amazing. Yes I sniff my lavender bottle too. Haha. Told you guys I love things that smell good. Be sure when you purchase, you find essential oil which is a more pure form that is extracted from the actual plant. Lavender is described as "calming" & "relaxing" and I must agree.  It can also be used when diluted properly for healing on skin conditions/scars. Place 5-10 drops in bath water. Purchase Here 

Tea Tree has a very strong scent. It is used for cleaning. Tea tree oil can kill off viruses, fungi, and many bacteria. Its a powerful little oil. I would recommend everyone to keep a bottle in their house. You can use tea tree on your face mixed and diluted with jojoba oil, coconut oil, or your favorite oil. Be sure not to apply any essential oil directly to your skin. It can help clear acne. You can also mix tea tree oil with vineger for a ecofriendly homemade cleaner that will work just as good as bleach and not toxic for your health Read Here. I place 2-3 drops in bath water Buy Here. (If you are pregnant or have any medical condition's consult with your healthcare provider before using essential oils or any products) I am just providing information of what I use. Remember do your research and find what works best for you :-).

Eucalyptus is another powerful oil. If you have a stuffy nose take a sniff of this oil. It is a decongestant, antibacterial, antiseptic and can be used to help fight cavities Read More Here.Eucalyptus oil is also known to help keep bugs away if mixed in with your mop solution. 2-3 drops in bath water. Buy Here  

I use one more product to create this dream spa scent in my bath water. Its called Mustard Bath. It is know to help alkaline the body.  This packet will last 3 or 4 baths. They have a bigger size as well. I found it onsale for a little over 2 bucks.  WOOT! Buy here

Mix those oil's together in your bath,add your favorite scent's, light candle's cut off all the lights in your home and experience pure relaxation. Ahhhhhhhhh

I also use a shower filter to clean my water and help remove the chlorine. I've been using a filter for years since I was in college. It works great and will leave your skin and hair feeling soft. Its called Rain shower you can purchase off Amazon Purchase Here

Yes I agree I am a Health Nut, this is not something I just started Ive been living this way for a long time lolol. 

Ps. One more fun trick for you :-)

Make your bed smell yummy and keep dust mites away. (while washing your blankets)
*2-3 tablespoons of Baking soda (Add more for the bigger your bed)

* Mix 2-3 drops of Eucalyptus & heart song or lavender (Or pick your favorite lemon oil works too)

 * I use a paper cup to shake and mix the ingredients. Then sprinkle mixture on bed and allow to sit for a hour or so before placing your blankets back on bed.

Happy Relaxation,
Shana Nicole

*Apple Oat Crisp*

If you like baked apples and warm oatmeal why not combine the two. This was a very interesting combination but taste really good. Most of the time I just make baked apples alone but when I want a more filling treat I add the oats. If you feel like you get hungry fast making the apples with oats will give you a more full feeling and leave you satisfied. There are a few different forms of oats, the most natural form, easy to digest, and healthiest are oat grouts, steel oats, or rolled oats (Pictured above), and instant oats.
Read Here I would personally stay away from instant oats which are already pre-cooked, pre-processed and pre-sweetened. Of course that means unhealthy. READ YOUR LABELS! Instant food to me now sounds like processed JUNK food which is not what I want to eat. I had enough years of filling my body with instant fast food to learn my lesson.

I have made this dish 3 or 4 times and it does taste really good but I mainly just make baked apples with all the ingredients I will list excluding the oats. I just wanted to give you all a variety of ways to make baked apples more filling, and tasty! Here we go :-)

*Making Apple Oat Crisp*

3-4 sliced up Apples

2. 1/2 cup of rolled oats
You can use them as is or cook them let boil in water for 3-7mins or until soft (for this recipe only, you would cook the rolled 25-30 mins if you were making oatmeal)

3. Pour the oats plain or cooked on top of apples and add raisins, coconuts, pecans, walnuts etc (You can make these with your favorite toppings so Yum) I cooked mine with a little vegan butter and maple syrup for like 4 mins to help the topping's stick better.

4. Drizzle 4-5 tablespoons of Maple syrup depending on how sweet you would like them

5. Top with 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon & nutmeg

6. Let it bake in oven on 350 degrees for 30-35mins or until crisp

7. Take out let cool for 5-10mins and Indulge :0)

Here is a picture below of the baked cinnamon syrup drizzled apples without the oats. SO GOOD! Cut up apples,1tablespoon pure coconut oil, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, 1 or 2 tablespoons of syrup while they are baking.

Let the apples bake for 20-30 mins or until crisp. Take out of oven and add your favorite toppings. I added raisens, coconuts shreds, and syrup.

Shana Nicole,
Email me with questions @galaxyqueen07@gmail.com