Tea Brewing Mug Giveaway

Win this tea brewing mug! 

My diet is constantly changing as I learn new things that I can and can not have, based on my testing at the Born Clinic. (For more information about my Born Clinic diet see earlier post.) I had to give up coffee for the first three months and no black tea, which is your usual restaurant black teas. So I had to get creative with different varieties of teas. Jasmine Green Tea being one of my favorites. But the key with the Born Clinic diet, and everyone's diet to be honest, is that you are not eating and drinking the same thing everyday. This causes food sensitivities. Make sure to be mixing up the foods you eat throughout the week.

When purchasing the really great teas, most came loose leaf and not in a tea bag. One can either purchase a tea ball or use a great mug like the one you see here. This mug has a brewing pot which sits in the middle. Fill the mug with hot water, place your loose leaf tea in the center and cover with the lid. This allows it to stay warm and steep for the alloted amount of time. Then take off the lid, carefully remove the center with the tea leaves, and enjoy. It's super easy to rinse clean for another brew, or save your leaves for a second cup.

Wonder Ball Laundry System

Complete System Retails for $49.95

Who hates buying laundry soap? Those large plastic containers which I hate to recycle and hate to throw away drive me nuts. The expense of it all is quite insane. And the nasty smelling dryer sheets put me over the edge. My husband and I shop at Sam's Club and get large bottles and boxes of laundry supplies. While walking through the store I sneeze as the scent from the dryer sheets emanate from my shopping cart.

My sister has been using the Wonder Ball system for YEARS and had told me about it several times. After the cancer diagnosis our household made some serious changes. This is just one of them. I teased my sister about her comments on being able to "smell other people coming" because of their laundry soap. She told me that once you get it out of your house and clothing you are super sensitive to these scents. I didn't believe her until I found it to be true for myself.

Organderm Product Reveiw

I am so excited to introduce you to a company in which I can truly say I love their products. These are products in which I will personally be purchasing time and time again.

Founder Dr. Edward Jonas Domanskis is Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery WOS-Plastic, University of California (Irvine), Orange County's Physician of Excellence/America's Top Physicians/Top Doctors Plastic Surgery- 2005/2006/2007/2008/2009 President, and American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons. He has quite the credentials. But what makes these products even more special is Dr. Domanskis' heart for breast cancer. His grandmother and mother-in-law both succumbed to breast cancer and he does what he can to help the cause. All products sport the pink ribbon on the label indicating a portion of the sales will go to help fight against breast cancer. Organoderm truly believes what you put on your skin will effect your lifestyle.

As quoted by Dr. Domanskis: "I have just finished a self-help video onself breast exam which I will be giving away with my breast cream which I hope to introduce within the next several months! I am a firm believer that you shouldn't put junk on your skin which has harmful ingredients in it and I have formulated with my Organoderm skin care products ones that will not affect adversely, but help your skin health. Also, not only being healthy and SAFE, they are effective!"

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure

Only one month left until the Susan G. Komen race for the Cure here in Michigan. I will be walking this only 9 days after my second surgery! This will be my final reconstructive surgery. I am so excited to get that done and out of the way and begin my new life as a survivor. And honored to kick it off with the Susan G. Komen foundation.

Since this is my first year participating in this event, I am looking forward to what this day will bring forth. I am sure it will be a lot of emotions. I never imagined I would do such a thing as a survivor or as someone directly affected by this horrible disease. I am thankful to my Father God everyday I do not have to endure chemotherapy or radiation and that it was caught in time. But this does not change the fact my body will never be the same. I have lost a part of myself. Things are just..... well different. Until you walk in these shoes, it's something hard to put into words. Besides never being able to have children. Even if some part of me might have changed my mind and wanted to, this is no longer an option for me.

I now have a strong passion to tell others about EARLY detection. Most insurance companies do not have an age limit for routine check ups. Go in and get checked. Be aware of how you feel and be on the lookout for changes in your body. Don't wait till some doctor says it's OK because now you're 40. I was 36 and 40 would have been too late for me. I don't even want to think what would have happened or the outcome if I would have waited even another few months!

Herbs Gone Wild

Herbs Gone Wild; Ancient Remedies Turned Loose by Diane Kidman is now available on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com.  Diane Kidman is a very dear friend of mine and has been the author of DK Mommy Spot for several years. With natural solutions to todays problems, there's something for everyone.

Everything Diane has been teaching over the years, is now available in an ebook form for your Kindle or Nook. With a special introductory price of only $ .99, you can order one for yourself and your friends and family.

"Herbs Gone Wild! features natural home remedies for everything from cold and flu viruses to depression, eczema, high blood pressure, and arthritis. Simple instructions, easy dosages for teas and tinctures, and even witty banter and entertaining anecdotes."

Product Description per Amazon: 

"Whether it's cold and flu viruses, high blood pressure, or arthritis, herbs have offered reliable relief for centuries. Herbs Gone Wild! shares practical remedies in an entertaining and easy-to-read format so you can be your family's home herbalist. Learn what herbs to use for cold and flu symptoms, first aid, general aches and pains, and more. Medicinal teas and tinctures with proper dosages are laid out simply. You'll even learn how to make your own tinctures and salves, saving money and improving your family's health naturally. And with the help of the Herbal Medicine Chest guide at the end of the book, you'll be able to quickly reference over 70 herbs for home use."


Grab your copy today!


From my heart to yours ~ Angie Christine. 

Adam Bird Photography & the Susan G. Komen Project

A few weeks ago I received a phone call that took my breath away. I was asked if I would be interested in doing a photo shoot for Michigan's Susan G. Komen. I was so flattered they would want to do a photo shoot with me and having me represent the younger generation of breast cancer survivors (diagnosed two months before my 37th birthday).

I am thankful EVERYDAY the cancer was caught in time and I do not have to do radiation or chemotherapy. Just a small pill for about five years. Although having to go through this, no matter what your treatment outcome, is not easy. It messes with your brain/emotions/attitude. Losing a part of what makes you a women, and having it totally replaced with something fake and foreign, is not a journey anyone wishes for.

I met up with Adam Bird Photography downtown taking along my best friend for support.  We asked Adam's permission to take pictures, of him taking pictures, so I could share with you my experience. We selected a place downtown, Biggby Coffee, and they were very compliant in letting us set up outside their doors. Thank you Biggby!

Facebook Tips of the Day

Your Happy Hearts.com on FB has now started Tips of the Day.  Join us on FB to find out cool things such as household tips using items you probably already have lying around your house. Also learn natural remedies to quickly cure your ailments.

These are some you have already missed if you do not currently follow us on FB:

#1- Color-Fast Clothes: Pre-soak new clothes in cool water and vinegar solution to prevent color bleeding or run-off."

#2- Not a healthy one but..... sometimes you just have to have an ice cream cone. Stuff a miniature marshmallow in the bottom of a sugar cone to prevent the ice cream drips from coming out the bottom. :)

#3- To keep potatoes from budding, place an apple in the bag with the potatoes!

#4- One drop of peppermint oil on a sugar cube or used in tea will help relieve intestinal gas or cramps.

Breads From Anna

While going to the Born Clinic (which I just covered in my last post), I have been purchasing their own name brand vitamins. They only use the best ingredients and make sure the vitamin regimen is designed just for you. With all the new food sensitivities Americans are now discovering, gluten and yeast are two of the main concerns in family shopping. I was not tested to be sensitive to gluten, but to baker's yeast and soy. (Soy is estrogen which I must stay away from.) Most store boughten breads not only contain yeast, gluten, and soybean oil, but high fructose corn syrup and a lot of chemicals you can't even begin to pronounce.

The Born Clinic Pharmacy sells Breads from Anna. I just had to give it a try. The ingredient list is short so you know it's not loaded with nasty preservatives. They make a variety free of corn, dairy, soy, nut, rice, gluten, and yeast.

I purchased the Banana Bread mix and really enjoyed it. It's not anything like the store boughten kind. It actually has some substance. If you can't have eggs, you can also visit their site for ideas and recipes on how to make it without them.

Their products include pancake mixes, muffin mixes, pie crust, pizza crust, and yes..... even brownies. This is a great alternative for a family trying to make healthier choices.

Born Clinic Experience

Born Clinic Vitamin IV Treatments. 

As I journey through the recovery/reconstruction stage of breast cancer surgery, I have discovered a lot about myself and what I can and can not eat. I have been going to a place called the Born Clinic for vitamin IV treatments, supplements and testing. People travel from out of state to attend this facility. I have met people from all over Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois.

I had a series of testing done on my blood and hair to find where my toxins were (good or bad). Hair testing showed I was high in tin, silver, and nickel which comes (for me) from hair coloring. I was low in Iodine, Lithium, Sulfur, and Potassium to name a few.

The food testings were completed with my blood against certain foods. Food allergies are an instant allergic reaction to something and you know right away what the cause of it was. A food sensitivity is something you may eat and two to three days later you don't feel well. You may have headaches, a sore throat, an upset stomach, or bathroom problems. But by then you have no idea what caused you to feel this way. My blood was tested against over 100 foods.

Juice Beauty - The Organic Solution

Juice Beauty has been a favorite product of mine for some time. YHH wrote a review in January of 2009 when I first discovered them. I have two products that I have used sparingly since that time and would like to tell you about those first. Then move on to the new ones I just received and Juice Beauty just launched.

I have been using Juice Beauty's facial wash on and off since I received it. And sadly I don't have much left. Since I review other products I use those too, but tend to go back to this one. It's always in my shower. It has a very "rose" type smell and leaves your face very smooth. I like it in the shower so I can just wash up quick and rinse. I have never been one for the messy cleaning of the face at my sink.  Ingredients include: Grape juice, apple juice, sunflower oil, jojoba, honey, sugar cane, and primrose oil to name a few. This retails for $22.