Back to Nature

It’s gotten warm enough for bare shoulders! I celebrated by treating myself to this off the shoulder blouse from Lion & Witch in Dallas. I loooove the way off the shoulder blouses look, but the trend this year is cropped off the shoulder, which I’m not as comfortable with. That’s why this one is perfect; it’s longer than most and looks great with jeans, pants, and skirts! It’s sheer, so you can either wear a cami underneath or go a little more daring by leaving it as is. (These adorable yellow pants are also from Lion & Witch. You can order either of these by calling the store or messaging them on social media.)

Moment of truth: I was eating pretty healthy and avoiding sweets for a while. I quit eating meat and was feeling better. But then I got sick a few times, and bad eating reared its ugly head. I have been trying to climb back out of the pit of bad habits and eat cleaner, drink more water, and keep healthier snacks on hand. Most friends know I am an avid gum chewer, and I didn’t realize just how unhealthy some of the gum and mints I use can be, too! But Simply Gum is helping me change that.

This information from the Simply Gum website shocked me: “The regular chewing gum you see on grocery store shelves is filled with artificial substances, including some of the same components used in the manufacture of car tires, plastic bottles, and white glue, as well as artificial sweeteners like aspartame. Consumers are kept in the dark about what they are chewing because the FDA allows conventional gum brands to hide up to 80 synthetic ingredients in the catch-all term “gum base” on the label. Although there are a few gum brands in the US market claiming to be “natural,” all of them include zdszdfzsfdszretsynthetics in their base.”

Wow. It was reading those statements that made me give Simply Gum a try, and I’m so glad I did. The gum doesn’t look or taste like what you’re used to. BUT- it freshens your breath and doesn’t fill your body with chemicals and artificial products. The flavors are unique: Fennel Licorice, Maple, Coffee, Mint, Cinnamon, and Ginger. (My favorites are Mint, Cinnamon, and Ginger.) You can find the gum at Whole Foods, Kroger, and The Vitamin Shoppe, and I recommend you give it a try!

Photography: S. Jackson