Milk doesn't have a monopoly on calcium, folks. Thank God! I've had far too many pregnant ladies tell me they're gulping down milk to meet their calcium needs and end up with diarrhea, gas, and all sorts of unpleasantries.

If you can't or don't do milk, don't force it. Calcium can be found elsewhere. The important thing is that you take in enough, especially now, during your pregnancy.

One of the things I really want for this blog is for it to be a place of complete transparency. I refuse to pretend I have all the answers. I refuse to pretend I'm living out my recommendations and the benefits of them, while secretly gorging myself on chicharrones and looking and feeling like crap ran over by a dump truck. This is a no judgment, no faking the funk, own your mess place. 'Cause that's where healing starts. 

Alright, time to share my plan to practice what I preach and truly Live Fertile.

Being sidelined by pelvic pain, periods that laugh at super-extra-long pads, and unmentionable tummy upset is no fun. Unfortunately, if you have endometriosis you know this all too well.

One of the things you have control over that affects endometriosis is (surprise, surprise) nutrition. What you eat can help reduce your risk of developing endometriosis, can manage the symptoms if you already have it, and may even reduce the chance symptoms will return after surgical treatment.

What is Forest Bathing?

There's very little I won't try in the name of health and wellness, but I was convinced I found my limit with this one. I assumed forest bathing involved marinating naked in a lake surrounded by trees, praying no living creature came along. That didn't seem relaxing. Thank God I was wrong!

Forest bathing is simply spending time walking, mindfully, and unhurriedly in nature, preferably in (surprise, surprise) a forest. The combo of the natural aromas, fresh air, and beautiful scenery relaxes and rejuvenates us. 

There are hundreds of essential oils available. Crazy, I know, and yes I want them all. While each one shines in its own way, many of the benefits overlap from oil to oil. Which is great news; that means you don't need to buy a massive kit to get started with aromatherapy. 

The Essential Oil Starter Kit

I've heard it said by many herbalists and aromatherapists and it's true: it's better to know one oil (or herb) and its many uses really well than it is to know a little bit about and only one way to use a lot of them. In my opinion, there are really only three essential oils you need.