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As a mom committed to non-toxic living, one of the biggest and most persistent battles I face is sugar. It’s not just in candy and cupcakes—it’s hiding everywhere, even in the foods marketed as “natural,” “organic,” or “vegan.” And while I’m not militant about never letting my kids have anything sweet, I’m deeply intentional about minimizing added sugar in their daily lives.

Why I Care About Sugar

Research shows that added sugar, especially in the early years of brain development, can have lasting negative impacts on children's cognition. A 2024 systematic review published in Nutrients confirmed that chronic sugar intake is linked to poorer executive function, memory, and overall cognitive performance in children and adolescents. A 2015 study found that adolescent rats who consumed high-sugar diets showed impaired learning and memory. A third study showed that the adolescent brain is uniquely vulnerable to the effects of sugar compared to adults.

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Lately, I’ve been thinking more about how I spend money—not just how much I spend, but why I spend. Too often, we buy things out of habit, convenience, or impulse rather than genuine need. But what if we slowed down and became more intentional with our purchases?

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Unlearning “I Am Third”: A New Take on Selflessness, Faith, and Compassion

When I was a kid, I spent my summers at Kids Across America (KAA) camp—a place that shaped my heart, my faith, and my values. Every summer, without fail, I was honored with the camp’s biggest award: the “I Am Third”award.

It meant God first. Others second. And I am third.

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During my fireside chat with Maggie Anderson, I walked away with something I can’t shake: we often Buy Black as a reaction—not a commitment.

After George Floyd was killed, we saw it. Black-owned businesses were flooded with orders. Directories were created overnight. People were searching for new places to spend their money. Not because they suddenly believed in Black businesses, but because they were mad. Hurt. Angry. The same pattern happens every time a corporation quietly ends their DEI program or when the latest “ally” shows their true colors.

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After watching How to Have DEEP SLEEP to Energize Your Mind & Body?by BK Shivani, I found myself rethinking not just how I sleep—but how I live. Her words were gentle yet firm reminders thatmy inner peace is mine to protect, and mine to create.

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I’ve been called cheap my entire life, but I wear it as a badge of honor. For me, money has always been a tool—a way to create opportunities, build security, and work toward my goals. I’ve learned to see through the marketing tactics designed to make us spend impulsively or chase trends that don’t align with what truly matters to us. Instead, I’ve made it a habit to spend with intention, prioritizing things that bring me closer to my long-term goals rather than fleeting desires. Along the way, I’ve also found ways to combine sustainability with smart budgeting, ensuring my choices are not only cost-effective but also kind to the environment.

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Starting your day with a tongue scraper might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but this simple, ancient Ayurvedic practice can transform your oral health and overall well-being. If you're unfamiliar with tongue scraping, it's time to get acquainted with this often-overlooked step in a holistic health routine.