The Weekly Pull

“The greatest wealth is health.” — Virgil

I don’t know about you, but all the news and media about the toxins that have been allowed into our everyday products has really lit a fire in me to take action. It’s eye-opening and, at the same time, overwhelming to realize just how many of the items we once trusted are contributing to our health problems. I’m lucky enough to have a small group of friends who feel the same way, and we share new discoveries constantly. It’s good to educate ourselves, but it’s also sad to find out that some of the “healthy” things we’ve been using might actually be the very things making us sick.

I had one of those eye-opening moments recently. My favorite Starbucks drink was the Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso. But when I dug into how oat milk is processed (sent by my friend), I found out that it can be contaminated with toxic ingredients. That realization was a wake-up call, and I went through the rest of my pantry and refrigerator, reading labels and finding other things that were less than healthy.

Maybe you’re wondering why this matters. After all, we’ve been eating and using these things for years and felt okay, right? Maybe we’ve been okay, or maybe we haven’t. The truth is, what we put into and on our bodies affects how we feel, move, and age. Our bodies are constantly working to filter out toxins, but they can only do that for so long before we begin to feel the consequences—whether in the form of autoimmune diseases, fatigue, or worse. But it doesn’t have to be this way. We deserve better! We deserve to feel good, be active, and enjoy every moment—whether that’s riding our bikes, hiking, or playing with our grandkids. And to do that, we need to ensure we are fueling our bodies with the best, not the worst.

This journey can be overwhelming at first, and I’ve had my moments of frustration too. But remember, change is necessary, and you are strong enough to make it happen. Start small, be patient with yourself, and keep moving forward. We all deserve the best life possible, and that starts with caring about what we put in and on our bodies.

So, where do you start? Here’s a simple first step if you’re just beginning this journey: take a look at the products you use on your skin. The skin is the largest organ in the body, so it’s important to make sure that what we put on it is toxin-free. This doesn’t mean you have to throw out everything at once—replace things slowly as you run out. Start with your shampoo, soap, and body lotions. Check your face products and even your makeup. Read labels and, if you’re unsure about an ingredient, search it online. For example, I recently searched “is citric acid toxic?”—it’s that easy!

Since switching to toxin-free products, I’ve noticed huge changes in my skin—smoother texture, less fine lines, and evened-out skin tone. If you’re interested in learning what products I use, just drop a comment, and I’d be happy to share!

Remember, one small change at a time can make a big difference. Keep moving forward, keep making informed choices, and most importantly, keep caring for yourself. You’re worth it!

Your first step: Replace one skincare or body product with a toxin-free option. Let’s get started on this journey to better health together!

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Highlight

“Mentoring the next generation is not just about teaching skills; it’s about inspiring confidence, building dreams, and empowering others to take the next step toward their greatness.” — Kat Ruffin

Kat Ruffin’s journey from corporate America to becoming a successful business owner and educator is an inspiring testament to following your passion and creating opportunities for others. Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Kat worked in a variety of corporate roles as an executive assistant, contract administrator, and paralegal, but always felt a yearning to do something more fulfilling.

In 2015, Kat’s entrepreneurial spirit sparked when she became a licensed realtor. However, in 2017, she decided to take a bold step toward her true passion—beauty. She enrolled in a class to learn Permanent Makeup (PMU) and, by the end of that year, began offering PMU services. Her love for beauty and helping others look and feel their best continued to grow. By 2018, Kat expanded her expertise by becoming a licensed eyelash extension specialist, and in 2019, she obtained her license as an aesthetician. But she didn’t stop there. In 2020, during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kat pursued her dream further by attending instructor school to share her knowledge and skills with others.

With a strong belief that there is no “one size fits all” career path, Kat was determined to create a space where people—especially young individuals seeking alternatives to traditional college—could thrive. She saw a growing demand for beauty industry education, particularly for those wanting to take control of their careers, and she was ready to fill that gap. In 2020, Kat expanded her business by moving from a 150-square-foot salon to a 700-square-foot space. She hired three people to help her grow, and by 2021, the business moved into a larger 975-square-foot location.

Her passion for teaching led to the opening of her beauty school. The first class was held in August 2022, and by September, the space had already become too small. By April 2023, Kat had expanded again, moving into her current location, which has allowed her to serve more students and provide even more opportunities for those pursuing careers in the beauty industry.

Kat’s story is more than about building a business; it’s about building a community. As a service provider, she takes immense joy in connecting with her clients—listening to their stories and providing them with encouragement and support. She believes that beauty is not just about appearance but about empowering people to feel good about themselves.

On the education side, Kat’s beauty school is where her heart truly lies. She feels fulfilled in helping women and men achieve their goals, guiding them toward licensure in the field of cosmetology or through certification classes. For Kat, it’s not just about teaching a trade; it’s about motivating her students, lifting them up, and helping them find the confidence they need to succeed. She understands that adult learners often face unique challenges—whether it’s balancing family, work, or overcoming insecurities—and she strives to adjust her teaching to meet each student’s individual needs. Flexibility in scheduling, personalized teaching approaches, and unwavering support are just some of the ways Kat helps her students thrive.

Kat knows that God has a plan for everyone, and her mission is to encourage others to pursue their dreams without delay. Her beauty school is a place where students can find a new career path, achieve financial independence, and gain fulfillment in their work. Kat takes pride in being a mentor and a cheerleader for her students, always ready to offer guidance and support as they navigate their personal and professional journeys.

In her free time, Kat enjoys traveling the world with her husband, embracing new experiences, and gathering inspiration that she brings back to her business and school. Through it all, Kat remains committed to her vision of empowering the next generation, offering them a path toward success, and sharing her love of the beauty industry along the way.

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Recipe to Share

Here’s a delicious zucchini bread recipe that uses olive oil and high-protein yogurt as ingredients! It’s moist, flavorful, and packs a bit of extra protein.

Olive Oil & High-Protein Yogurt Zucchini Bread

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium zucchinis, squeezed to remove excess moisture)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour for added fiber- or half n’ half)
• 1/2 cup olive oil (extra virgin)
• 1/2 cup high-protein Greek yogurt (plain, unsweetened)
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar for a healthier option)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional for added texture)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the zucchini: Grate the zucchini using a box grater or food processor. After grating, place it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and squeeze out any excess moisture. This helps the bread not to be too soggy.
3. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, Greek yogurt, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
4. Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
5. Fold the wet into the dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Add zucchini: Gently fold in the grated zucchini (and walnuts or pecans if you’re using them).
7. Bake the bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your healthy, high-protein zucchini bread! The olive oil adds a nice richness, and the Greek yogurt helps make it extra moist while boosting the protein content.