Good morning, and a belated Happy Father’s Day to those who celebrated! 

We asked ChatGPT to tell us the ultimate dad joke. Here’s what it spat back:

“Why can’t you hear a pterodactyl go to the bathroom?”

“Because the ‘P’ is silent.”

Based on that, it’s safe to say that dad is one job AI won’t be taking over anytime soon.

Cheers, 

Derek

Lemon-ginger morning detox tonic

For better digestion, less bloat, and a clear head to start the day.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup warm water (not boiling)

• Juice of ½ lemon

• 1 tsp freshly grated ginger (or ¼ tsp powdered if you're in a rush)

• 1 tsp raw apple cider vinegar (with the mother)

• Optional: 1 tsp raw honey or a pinch of sea salt

Directions:

1. Warm the water until it’s pleasantly hot (but not scalding)

2. Add lemon juice, ginger, and ACV. Stir well.

3. Add honey or salt if desired, then sip slowly first thing in the morning.

Why it works:

• Lemon supports liver detox and bile flow.

• Ginger reduces inflammation and soothes digestion.

• ACV helps stabilize blood sugar and promotes gut health.

• Warm water gently wakes up your system - especially helpful after a dehydrating night.

You don’t need a seven-day Goop cleanse. Just this. And a little consistency.

Is your "nontoxic" pan actually safe? Here’s what you should know…

You’ve probably seen them - the sleek, colorful nonstick pans taking over Instagram and TikTok. They’re often called ceramic, nontoxic, or clean cookware. Some have celebrity backing. Most are marketed as a safe, modern alternative to old-school Teflon. They look so innocent, right?

Here’s the truth: a lot of that marketing is murky at best.

Many of these pans - like the Always Pan, Caraway, and GreenPan—aren’t true ceramic. They use a thin coating called “sol-gel,” sprayed over aluminum. It’s based on silica, but also includes metals and polymers. That mix creates the nonstick surface.

The problem? We don’t know what else is in that mix.

There’s no legal definition of “ceramic” or “nontoxic” in cookware. And many companies won’t share their full ingredient lists. Independent tests have found materials like titanium dioxide (linked to gut and organ issues), lead, and even mercury in some popular brands. Some coatings can break down at high heat, increasing the risk of those chemicals getting into your food.

States like Washington are starting to investigate. But for now, most of the oversight is voluntary or nonexistent.

So what can you do?

Here’s my take:

• Don’t panic. Exposure risk is likely low for most people, especially with gentle use. Throw away the pan if you notice scratches or excessive wear.

• If you’re shopping for new cookware, seek out companies with full product transparency - and real ceramic or stainless steel when possible. Sign up for EWG.org’s Healthy Cleaning & Products Guide to review thousands of independently reviewed  household items and brands.

• And above all, remember: your health isn’t made or broken by one pan. It’s the daily habits that matter most.

Still, it’s worth asking questions. You deserve honest answers - especially about what’s going into your home.

Fun Facts

Your body is a little gross—and totally impressive

You could fill two swimming pools with spit.

Over a lifetime, your body will produce that much saliva.
Gross? Yup. But saliva also kicks off digestion, protects your teeth, coats your organs and tells us a lot about your health. So if your mouth feels dry all the time? That’s a flag - not just a thirst cue.

Your feet are a sweat factory.

Each foot has around 250,000 sweat glands. Together, they can produce up to a liter of sweat per day.
Your shoes know.
What does this have to do with health? Sweat helps regulate temperature and flush out toxins. But trapped sweat (and synthetic socks) can create inflammation, odor, and skin issues - so take care of those hard-working ground-slappers by getting outside, shoes off whenever possible. It’s a simple pleasure of life!

🧽 The dirty truth about your dishwasher (and other household items!)

Just because it washes dishes doesn’t mean it’s clean.
Over time, gunk builds up - food scraps, grease, soap scum - and creates the perfect breeding ground for mold and bacteria. That means your “clean” plates might be getting a microscopic dusting of funk every cycle.

Do your gut (and your immune system) a favor: once a month, run your empty dishwasher with a cup of white vinegar on the top rack.
It’s simple, it’s cheap, and it keeps the germs where they belong - out of your mouth.

So here’s your home detox hit list. No shame. No scented candle guilt. Just options.

2. Vacuum Your Mattress

Dust mites. Dead skin. Maybe a Cheerio or two.
Your mattress is basically a sponge for allergens - and if you’re waking up stuffy, it might be why.

Quick fix:

• Strip the bed.

• Sprinkle baking soda and let it sit for 30 minutes.

• Vacuum with the upholstery attachment.

3. Add an Air Purifier (or a Plant That Works Overtime)

We spend about a third of our lives sleeping, and if your bedroom air is full of VOCs, pet dander, or pollution from that "nontoxic" candle… your body’s working overtime even while you rest.

Options:

• Plug in an air purifier with a HEPA filter. We like Medify for quality + value.

• Or go old school: peace lilies, snake plants, and pothos are great natural purifiers (and hard to kill).

4. Ditch the Glade Crap

Those plug-ins and bathroom sprays might smell like “Ocean Breeze,” but they’re laced with synthetic fragrances, phthalates, and respiratory irritants.

Better swap:

• A natural essential oil spray (or make your own: witch hazel + water + a few drops of oil in a spray bottle).

• Leave the door open and use a fan or window when possible.

Let the air be clean, not covered up.

5. Install a Shower Filter

Your skin is your largest organ. And in most homes, shower water contains chlorine, heavy metals, and other chemicals.

What to do:

• Pick up a decent shower filter for $30–$60. We use Crystal Quest products for our bathroom filters. Made in USA, too!

• Bonus if it includes vitamin C or KDF to neutralize chlorine.

This one swap can reduce skin irritation, improve hair texture, and lessen your overall toxic load—without changing a single habit.

To your health!