​It’s not a typical night that I’m holding my arm up, imploring a near stranger to take a whiff of my armpit.

But so it was the Tuesday night that I met Monica Mayer At the Holistic Chamber of Commerce.

“You mean, the Grateful Naturals deodorant is your product? I’m wearing it right now!” (Circle back to the beginning armpit scene).

I’m a big fan of healthy product. And good natural deodorants can be hard to come by.  For those of us on the healthy armpit journey, it can be challenging to find a) a product without aluminum b) a product that works.
​
I was already impressed with the lavender natural deodorant I had been using, and Monica gave me some lemongrass and vanilla deodorant to try. I was also game to give her other products – lotion and a lip balm - a try as well. Monica was sweet enough to even throw in a tube of Pure Confidence, a natural deodorant for men, so my boyfriend could try it, as well. 

​​The other week I posted a picture of some farm-fresh eggs on my Instagram and Twitter accounts. I was then unfollowed by several vegans and vegan groups.

I get it. I get that seeing a picture of eggs posted by an egg-eater can be offensive to some.

And what I’m going to say could come off as equally offensive - actually, probably more so.  But you’ll be better off for continuing reading because we have more to gain by collectively banding together than being separated because of our differences.

​​I haven’t been the best cook. In fact, as embarrassing as it might be, I haven’t done that much cooking – in my life – at all.

So when I came across the cookbook, Superfoods Everyday, I locked onto it.
Based off the title alone, I knew I was interested. I mean, who doesn’t want to get the most bang for her nutritional buck? The right foods have nutrients, micronutrients, minerals, good fats, and fiber.  This is the stuff we should be eating – everyday.

​Some time in November, I was saying to The Universe that I was in the market for some high-quality fermented foods. About a week later I was at Holistic Chamber of Commerce meeting in Ventura, CA and I met some fermenters. Not only does Wild at Heart sell sauerkraut and fermented sodas, but they teach classes.

I’m super interested in fermenting as well as food preservation. I have been ever since I was a little girl and I helped my grandma make preserves in her kitchen using the fruits that she grew in her own backyard… A few years ago I took up preserving jams and fermenting sauerkraut while living in Northern California. Now it’s time to increase my skills…

​Foods, and other environmental factors, have the power to affect our bodies – for better or worse.

We put food in our mouths, but it’s no secret that most of us don’t make the best dietary and lifestyle choices.Humans are creatures of habit. If we’re going to add something to our repertoire, even if it is beneficial, it has to be easy, and it has to fit in our routine.

I was able to try the product Calibr8.by Clari8y.  The company advertises that the red, tangy beverage is not just another "superfood drink."  Rather, its nutrition allows your body to produce its own antioxidants to prevent things like disease and premature aging. 

This blog post originally appeared in 7 Steps to a Rockin' Selfie. I've added new pictures and commentary. 

All of my blog photos are selfies.

I have mastered the art of the selfie stick and when using a tripod and studio lighting, I have learned how to neatly conceal my remote clicker, even when displaying my hands in a shot. (And I've recently figured out that I can shoot barefoot (who would know?) and use my toe to press the clicker.)

​On Accidental Blogger, we're hosting a giveaway for one autographed copy of Master your Universe: How to Direct and Star in your Own Life, by Gary Stuart. 

​As a newbie blogger, it’s sometimes rough when you’re comparing yourself to the big kids who’ve already done their time.

It’s productive to celebrate our successes as well as take time to set ourselves up for new ones!

In the vein of keeping it real and accessible, our beloved Problogger provides a goal list for beginning bloggers.  I’ve recently completed most of the list… 

I may have unsubscribed from your email list today. And I want to tell you why. 

I want you to know that it's likely not you; it's me.

You see, I've been getting a lot of offers lately, and I guess they've just been building up. Every morning I check my email and I see so many notices. So many newsletters. So many opportunities. I lose track of who's who, and what's what. It's overwhelming. 

​There's a whole lot of things that a bloggin' gal has to do to get her blog out there.

But step-by-step, day-by-day, one foot in front of the other, you make progress. 

Here's the secret, behind-the-scenes look at what I've been up to on Accidental Blogger.