Fiercely Independent Pam

Category: About Me

  • Removing the Toxins: Norwex Products that Have Changed My Life!

    Several years ago, I discovered a new product line that grew my interest. Looking for something different than the chemicals I was using for detergents and cleaning products, I found Norwex. I have always had problems with scents and chemicals but loved the effects of things like Downy or dryer sheets. At the same time, my health was declining and I found a connection between these chemicals and how my body was feeling. The first change was getting rid of dryer sheets and I started using dryer balls to help “fluff”my clothes and laundry.

    Once laundry was situated, I began tackling kitchen messes with microfibers. I know some people just can’t do microfibers as the “freak” people out by their feel, but luckily I am not one of them. I ordered the classic kitchen cloths and began using them all the time. With the Baklock anti-bacterial treatment, it meant that I could essentially clean with only water. I then got the basic package of kitchen cloths, glass/mirror cleaner and duster mitt. The duster mitt was a total game changer. I managed to throw everything in the wash each week.

    Around this time, I also decided to tackle the bathroom needs and ordered towels with baklock. I hated using older towels that either smelled right away or never actually dried me off. As someone who struggles to shower due to energy conservation, I need to make every movement count. The towels wash so well and never smell or feel “gross.” I later added on a hair wrap, which also was a total game changer, even with short hair. I continue to be impressed with how well the towels have held up to regular washings and use.

    My “girl” Kathy has been wonderful and helps me gain more Norwex products. Through a regular cleaning club, I earn free products by ordering several times during a series of a given season. I also try to take advantage of things like mystery packs.

    Now, I use washable napkins instead of paper ones, I ordered special sink mats for Christmas and found that I love the refrigerator mats. All of this truly helps cut down on toxins like bleached paper towels or chemical cleaners.

    It’s important to note that using reusable products like microfibers really don’t take more time to clean, I simply throw them into my regular weekly washing. I just got a deep cleaning product for the microfibers, but haven’t tried it yet.

    I am looking to get a new mop system for my floors and now is the time for you to try some Norwex products that will help you at home, and help me get what I need as well.

    Have you tried anything from Norwex before? Let me know! Link for shopping below!

    https://www.norwex.com/?r=jyiasns&s=kathymagaha&store=us

  • Under a Warm Quilt: Dreams of Things to Come!

    I have a small obsession with a quilt. You see my dad loved all sorts of patterns and designs on his shirts. He mismatched patterns with solids and such. My dear sister-in- law took a leap of faith and created a wonderful quilt using some fabrics from my dad’s closet. The end result is a wonderful throw quilt that I use at least once daily. It sits on my bed and I use it, even when I am not cold as it’s such a comfort tool for me.

    I swear that I feel my dad close by when I am resting or sleeping under this amazing quilt. Erin really outdid herself and created a cross pattern for the reverse of the quilt. It was a huge undertaking for her and I love the end result so much. I often wish I took the quilt with me to the hospital, but hate the idea of getting “hospital germs” on it. Everything needs to be balanced to keep my immune system safe.

    Currently, I believe my dad is sending me good thoughts and warm dreams of my service dog. I know he would be so Impressed with all that a dog is going to be able to do for me. He would’ve getting a kick over all the things that the dog will require including special shoes and sunglasses. He barely thought a dog needed even a leash.

  • Rosary In A Year: Finding My Way!

    On January 1, 2025, I started something new. I thought it was just going to be something different, but I never expected it change me the way that it has. I decided to “jump on the train” and complete the “Rosary in A Year with Ascension Press.” This podcast/prayer plan was going to be my way to bring forward my Catholic faith more this calendar year.

    I have written about being a “Cradle Catholic” before and love my faith. I have always loved the prayers of the Most Holy Rosary and my favorite devotion is that of “Mary Undoer of Knots. Like most Catholics, the Rosary is something that is picked up in fervor during tough times and unfortunately forgotten about when needing to make prayers of Thanksgiving.

    So, when I found out about the “Rosary in a Year” program, I was in! I quickly downloaded the prayer guide, subscribed the podcast, and I was “In.” The plan was well thought of, gentle and totally doable. I love the devotion of Fr, Mark-Mary Ames. Through story telling, scripture readings, works or art, saint reflections and more, I have learned so much about the Holy Rosary, Mary, and Jesus. I have grown closer to my faith, the ability to say yes to God, and how to rally my life’s challenges.

    Each morning, I wake up and put the podcast on. I love that I finally have a morning prayer ritual. The timings have always felt just right while working up prayer muscles to a full Rosary. Having led countless Rosaries at school, I never have felt so connected to the prayers, devotions, and meanings behind both. All of this was accomplished “Little By Little” as Fr. Mark-Mary says. It hasn’t been perfect, but I keep coming back to it!

    I also learned how to complete something. So often. we are challenged to try something long term and it just doesn’t work out.We give up and it’s one more unfinished business item. The power of this podcast is that, even when I missed a day or even a week, I could still pick it back up and catch up. I was successful!

    So, if you are new or old to the Rosary, looking for a prayer routine, or just don’t know where to turn, try this out. I promise it’s time well spent.