It's So Awesome to Meet You!
I'm Karen
You may have been hearing the buzz word "toxins" lately, and simply don't know why the heck they are important, or where to even begin understanding them. Yikes, I know it can be an overwhelming topic to wrap your head around that's for sure! That's how I felt when I first began this journey, and why it's ok to start off slowly using baby steps.
Let's get a handle on one thing at a time. You don't have to do this alone!
How can I help you get started making low-tox changes in your life so you and your family thrive?
To make these changes less stressful and to endure the test of time, I believe in following the 80/20 rule. Living as natural as possible 80% of the time, and allowing yourself that 20% to accept that life happens. It just does, forgive yourself, it's OK. We travel, we visit friends and family, we have deadlines, and life is chaotic sometimes getting kiddo's from one activity to the next. That's the 20% of the time that your choices may not be ideal, but you are doing your best. You are human. Yes, that's right...
we can't be SUPER HUMANS ALL OF THE TIME!!! Sometimes, we just need to let loose and let.it.go.
​
Karen's Pure Balance is about teaching you how to make that 80% achievable.
How to make subtle changes in your daily lifestyle choices, to experience a significant difference in how you feel without being overwhelmed. Sharing tips and tricks to label reading, grocery shopping guidance, recipes for intolerances, DIY recipes for your body and home, and cleansing your body from toxins throughout the year.
​
You and your family deserve a quality life of feeling good.
Ultimately, good health is at the foundation of our happiness.
A little bit about my journey...
​
When my son was 4 1/2 years old, then again at 9, he had toxic allergic reactions to mold, shutting down his immune system and making him allergic to what felt like everything to me. I quickly became a mom on a mission to learn how to rebuild his health as holistically as possible, and feed him foods that would nourish his healing. Since 2007, I have been reading labels and being a short order cook to a family of five, with gluten, dairy, egg, processed sugar and yeast intolerance's, and a vegetarian in the mix. I cannot help but be grateful though, for this journey has led me to where I am today, and has created a foundation of conscious healthy eating and living for my whole family.
I became a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition in 2018, after spending years studying health and wellness through various webinars and courses. I also completed a 10 week Environmental Toxins course that has opened my eyes up wide to this epidemic. As well, I was introduced to essential oils 3 years ago and became passionate about incorporating them into my daily routine. I became a Certified Essential Oils Coach and Holistic Health Practitioner through the American Institute of Drugless Practitioners. All this to keep my sanity in check while understanding how to help my family thrive while living under my roof!
​
Ironically... through all this... I also burnt myself out. Burning the candle at both ends for too long, storing stress deep in my cells even when I didn't even feel "stressed out" all the time, and not prioritizing my own self care... led me to a Stage Three Adrenal Fatigue diagnosis. So tired I walked around like a zombie and needed two naps a day, buried under such extreme brain fog I didn't know what to do with the clean laundry I held in my arms, anxiety creeping into my chest and no joy in my heart. My doctor told me she hadn't seen anyone with as little energy as I had, and
"that it was better for me to love my kids from the couch then not to be around to love them at all".
WOW... This was a serious wake-up call to look at my own health for a quick second and start making some lifelong changes! Practise what I Preach!!! I quickly learned to LET GO of many tasks, let others take care of me for a change, kick back and chill GUILT FREE, read books, do more yoga, meditate...
and I learned to PAUSE and BREATHE again.
I use essential oils faithfully and feed my body the whole food nutrition it not only needs but deserves!
​
Most importantly, in this journey to living a life of vitality, I am a MAMA BEAR to three amazing kids!
It's the passion I have for helping those three human beings live their healthiest lives possible that brews my desire to educate others. I believe every single person deserves the right to make educated decisions when it comes to the food they put in their mouths, the products they put on their skin and the household cleaners they use in their homes, and how these lifestyle choices affect their general health and welfare today and in their future.
You will find me in the organic aisle of a grocery store, at a local Farmers Market, then in my kitchen. I can be found celebrating in my kids activities, getting out into nature for some canoing, kayaking, paddle boarding, walks, hikes and bike rides with the love of my life. I love a good old fashioned stormy night and curling up on the couch to watch a good show next to a lit fireplace. Spending time with friends at a local cafe, out for dinner or a movie night re-energizes me and fills my heart with joy. I exercise at home (most times in my kitchen/office LOL), and yoga and meditation add a good balance of Zen to what otherwise can be my chaotic life.
I love everything buddha's, boats, and beaches... my happy place is on a dock near a marina, dipping my toes in the water and being surrounded by my family.
​
Life doesn't get any better than that for me.