My Oil Journey

I could throw statistics and graphics and studies at you all day that would convince you of the high quality, care, and perfection that goes into these oils… but I am not going to do that right now. (There will be some of that in later posts.) Right now I am going to speak from the heart of a mamma who just wants to do well by her kids, her husband and sometimes, most importantly, herself.

This world is scary! There is new information coming out every second about how that seemingly innocuous item sitting on your nightstand can now cause you cancer and kill you by the time you are 50 or how that one staple in your pantry is for SURE the cause of childhood development delays and OMG you have been feeding it to your toddler since practically birth…. there will always be something on the internet to place the fear in your soul that you are doing this all wrong. First of all you are not. Secondly, some information can be good and fruitful and fulfilling to our lives. This was oils for me.

I sat by watching my friends post about these little potions for what seemed like years but was probably just about 8 months or so and was envious of the mass of knowledge and expertise they must have to know what to do and how to incorporate them into their lives. My eyes were open to this world and I wanted it badly but was intimidated and quite frankly financially strapped to “jump into the oily life.” Christmas was coming around the corner and I decided to combine all my wish list items to just one, a Young Living Starter Kit. That was what I wanted from Santa in 2016. Why Young Living? I now know all sorts of answers to that question, but at the time I had a friend who I trust with my life who swore by them and that was enough for me. Geesh she is a smart one! It’s not often you hit the jackpot on the first try but that’s what this was for me. The quality, oh the quality you guys!

At first when I cracked open that Starter Kit I felt a bit lost because I didn’t think I knew enough to use them properly or concoct the various recipes that I needed to use to see a difference. What if I “did it wrong” or “used too much” or… or…(insert here). I am sure most of you have had that feeling or are currently feeling it right now. Don’t fret! There is a whole community of oily friends that are your instant BFFs when you start down this path. I am a part of a few great, heaven sent, groups on social media that lift each other up and share their infinite wisdom, experience, and Top Chef quality recipes. You too will have access to these amazing library of people if you join me in this journey. I have never been led astray and I learn something new every single day by searching in or asking the people of those groups. I also have armed myself, and those who purchase a kit through me, with additional resources of recipes/tricks/tips to use the first 11 oils of the kit and more. Don’t let this be the reason you don’t introduce these amazing potions into your life. I am here! This blog is here!

I started out right away making rollers, trying different diffuser recipes, applying on every body part and taking veggie capsules internally. Using oils in a way to support my family’s overall health, sleep, and mood. Ditching and switching products in my house. I had several “Eureka” moments early on that fueled my fire to take this seriously, research, and dig in. I truly believe that until you have a moment like that with an oil or a product you won’t really understand the hard truth that what we have been putting in our bodies is mostly crap and we actually can use pure God provided plants to help us with almost anything. I want you to have that moment too.

In this blog I will share my Eureka moments with you, pour out the knowledge that I have acquired from others and pass on all that I can to help inspire you on your own journey. Hopefully there will be a laugh or two along the way.

This is just the beginning my friends.

 

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Treat – Yo – Self! Oily Guide To Pampering

I would venture to say that the majority of us don’t take enough time to pamper ourselves. Maybe on special occasions, or as a gift from someone else but definitely not often enough. This post is here to change that! Read on to find out some easy DIY ways to pamper yourself using essential oils.

 

If you have read any of my posts, or follow my social media at all, you know that we love epsom salt essential oil baths around this house. It’s probably a little excessive, but I am not sorry. It makes us feel better! Just mix up to 15 drops of EO in with about a cup of epsom salts and dump it in the tub before you get in.

Had a bad day? Take a bath with Release, Joy, Lavender or a combination of all

Feeling sick? Take a bath with Thieves, Frankincense and Copaiba

Just back from the gym? Bathtime with Panaway, Copaiba and Peppermint for recovery of your sore muscles

You get the drift. (See our post Therapeutic Baths for more recipes)

But what other ways are there to pamper yourself using essential oils?

Face masks aren’t just for teenage sleepovers. They are rejuvenating and great for your skin. Take a look at two of my favorite recipes for DIY face masks.

Feeling a bit dry or have you been exposed to the elements and need a little TLC? Try out this recipe: 

◊ 1 tablespoon honey

◊ 1 tablespoon lemon juice

◊ 1 tablespoon ground nutmeg

◊ 1 tablespoon powdered cinnamon

◊ 2 drops Nutmeg essential oil

◊ 2 drops Cinnamon Bark essential oil

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a medium-sized bowl to form a thick paste. The paste should have a consistency that sticks to your skin. Add lemon juice or other ingredients as necessary to reach your desired thickness. Apply the paste to your entire face or to affected areas. After 20 minutes, rinse off the mask and pat dry.

A little too oily and need to dial back the shine? Try this one out: 

◊ 5 tablespoons organic aloe vera gel

◊ 20 drops Lavender essential oil

◊ 10 drops Tea Tree essential oil

◊ 1–2 drops Cinnamon Bark essential oil

Directions:

In a bowl, combine aloe vera with Lavender, Tea Tree, and Cinnamon Bark essential oils. Once the mixture is blended, apply it to your face. Apply moisturizer if desired. Store any leftovers in an airtight glass container for 15–20 days.

Sugar scrubs are great to smooth out rough dry skin. I love this for my winter dry hands and especially for my callused feet. Luckily it is super simple to make!

◊ ¼ cup + 2 TBS V-6 Vegetable Complex

◊ 5 drops Bergamot essential oil

◊ 3 drops Lavender essential oil

◊ 2 drops Sacred Sandalwood essential oil

◊ 2 drops Wintergreen essential oil

◊ ¾ cup raw sugar

Directions:

In a small bowl, mix V-6 oil with essential oils. Add mixture to raw sugar in a larger bowl and combine thoroughly. Store in an airtight jar.

Grab a partner and have a good ‘ol fashion two person massage “train” AKA take turns!

Relaxation Evening DIY Massage oil

◊ 10 drops Peace and Calming essential oil

◊10 drops Lavender essential oil

◊ 10 drops Cedarwood essential oil

◊ 4 oz fractionated coconut oil

Add essential oils to a 4oz pump or squeeze bottle and fill the remainder with the fractionated coconut oil. Use as much as desired. This combo will really help set the mood for a good nights rest.

Sexy Time Massage Oil (I mean… I HAD to)

◊ 10 drops Sensation essential oil

◊ 10 drops Orange essential oil

◊ 10 drops Cypress essential oil

◊ 4 oz fractionated coconut oil

Add essential oils to a 4oz pump or squeeze bottle and fill the remainder with the fractionated coconut oil. Use as much as desired. This massage blend is all about getting that libido going, enjoy!

Don’t Make me DIY!

Don’t want to spend any time DIYing and would rather have the products ready to go whenever you need them? Thankfully, Young Living has thought of everything. They have product lines that cover all your pampering needs.

Bath / Shower: 

  

Lavender & Stress Away Bath Bombs, Citrus Fresh and Easy Breeze Shower Steamers

 

Skin Care:

ART Skincare System (Cleanser, Moisturizer & Tone

 

ART Renewal Serum, Sheerlume, Beauty Masque, Creme Masque & Lavamint Softening Foot Scrub

Facial Care: 

                              Mint Satin Facial Scrub, Wolfberry Eye Cream, Sandalwood Moisture Cream, Boswella Wrinkle Cream

        

Mirah Luminous Cleansing Oil, Acne Treatment, Orange Blossom Moisturizer, Orange Blossom Facial Wash, Essential Beauty Serum

 

Massage: 

Relaxation, Sensation, Cel-Lite Magic, Ortho Sport, Ortho Ease & Dragon Time

 

*There are many other products that I am sure we will get into on the blog, including; an entire Men’s Care Line, Dental Care Line, Makeup Line, Soaps, Bath Gels, Shampoos, Conditioners, Deodorants, Sports Gels, Insect Repellents, Skin Soothing Sprays, Pain Relief Sprays….. and more.

**Check out the Young Living website for product details and consider getting your very own Starter Kit complete with a Wholesale Account to order at a 24% discount off of retail prices.

Yes I want a Starter Kit! – Click Here

 

Enjoy your pamper session, whether it’s DIY or pre-made goodness. It’s all the same in the end… a good relaxing time spent unwinding with self love. You deserve it!

 

 

 

 

Bow-Owch! – Oily Pet Care

A crazy 68% of U.S. households, or about 85 million families, own a pet, according to the 2017-2018 National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association (APPA). I am not surprised, because we love us some animals and have 2 dogs of our own, a Corgi named Zoey and a Chihuahua Dachshund mix named Stewie (pictured in the main photo).

The goal for us in using essential oils, and CBD oil, is to create a healthier happier lifestyle for our family using non-toxic products. If we use these magic potions on ourselves and our family members, why wouldn’t we extend that love to the littlest members, our furry kids the pets. Luckily we can!

Most oils are safe to use on and around your pets, but it is important to dilute essential oils when using them on our littles and avoid applying oil around the animal’s nose, eyes and genital areas. Take a look at the dilution guide below for reference and always start low and slow with introducing a new oil to your pet.

Young Living even has their own line of pet products and oil blends specifically formulated for what your pet needs. The Animal Scents line. Bonus! … A portion of all proceeds from Animal Scents products goes to support Vital Ground, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the habitat of grizzly bears and other wide-roaming wildlife. Rarr!

A few reasons you may need oils in your pets’ life: 

Anxiety:

We touched on this in our “Calm Down Dawg” post about CBD oil and your pets, however there are great EOs you can use to help as well. On high anxiety days like the 4th of July or New Years Eve, or even every morning if your pet has separation anxiety, arm them with a coat of calming oil. Take a couple drops of essential oil mixed with coconut oil in your hands and rub it behind their ears and along their coat. You may also apply this mixture to the bottoms of their paws. The coconut oil is healthy for their fur and the EO will help calm them during fireworks etc.

**The Animal Scents line has an oil called T Away formulated for this exact reason. It is a blend of 20+ calming and happy oils to help your furry friend get through those moments of anxiety. Apply as stated above.

**If you have Lavender on hand, that is a simple oil that can help big time. Diffuse it in the main room to give your little one a sense of calm throughout the day.

Stinky Breath:

We love them, but don’t necessarily want their kisses all the time cuz PEE-YEW that’s stinky! There are several ways you can combat this problem using essential oils and YL products.

Oil in their water –  Put a drop or two of oil in their water dish so they can lap it up and tame that breath. The two best oils to use for this are Peppermint and Orange.

Toothpaste – All of Young Living’s toothpaste options are safe to use on your pet. I recommend the Thieves Aromabright Toothpaste. Apply directly with a finger brush (if your animal will let you).

Mouth Spray – DIY a mouth spray with the following recipe: 4oz glass spray bottle, 1 cap full of YL’s Fresh Essence Mouthwash, 1 drop of Peppermint or Orange and fill to the top with distilled water.

Pests:

Parasites – These pests can infest your pet’s intestines and do a number on their system. Animal Scents ParaGize is a blend of Ginger, Spearmint, Peppermint, Lemongrass and others to help support your animal’s digestive system and keep it above the wellness line. Take 1 or two drops with a carrier oil and rub it on your pet’s stomach in a clockwise fashion. Make sure to dilute for smaller species/animals.

Fleas / Ticks / Bugs – Let your pet roam free outside with the knowledge that they are protected from irritating pests with the Animal Scents blend RepelAroma. This blend is similar to what you would use for your own bug spray. Made with Citronella, Idaho Tansy, Palo Santo, and Tea Tree oils you can either make a spray to have handy or rub on their coat with 2-4 drops and a carrier oil. If you are comfortable with it you can also add a couple drops to their water bowl and allow them to drink the oils.

Wound Care:

Our four legged pals may get a little adventurous or rough house around and end up with a cut or scratch that needs attention. The last three oils in the Animal Scents oil line are made to work together in a 3-part-system to help support the healing of wounds on your animal. Make sure to wait a few minutes between each application of oil on your pet. Let the body absorb the previous oil and watch for any reaction before moving onto the next.

1. PuriClean helps with purifying and cleansing the wound area to prep it for healing. It is made with oils such as Lemongrass, Cistus, Tea Tree and Pachouli to name a few. Pop a roller top onto the bottle to apply directly to the area of concern for a larger pet or drop 1-2 drops in your hand with a carrier oil to apply on those that need dilution. You can also add 8-10 drops in a 1 oz spray bottle with distilled water for a quick skin-cleansing spritz.
2. InfectAway does exactly what the name says! This blend helps to keep harmful infections at bay and supports a healthy recovery. You will find oils like Myrrh, Palo Santo, and Octotea in this blend, along with a few other power house oils. You can use 1-2 drops topically on the area after you apply PuriClean or make another spray bottle with the same dilution ratio as stated above.
3. MendWell is the last oil to apply. It will help with proper blood flow to the wound, which we know is key to the healing process. This blend includes oils like Lavender, Hyssop, Hinoki, Frankincense and Myrrh. Application is the same as before. You can either apply directly via a roller top, dilute in your hand, or you can make your own spray.

And More!

The love that Young Living has for your pets doesn’t end there. There are several other animal centric products that they carry. All non-toxic so you can make sure your little buddy has only the best. These products include dental chews, cat treats, shampoo and ointment.

**Life hack – This ointment is amazing for humans as well. I use it on my dry/cracked hands and it’s a lifesaver. It’s a great alternative to the regular line rose ointment which is a little pricer.

In your quest for doing what is best for your pet, we hope that you consider trying these all natural products. You can purchase the Animal Scents line through your Young Living wholesale account (if you have one) or contact us directly to sign up for one today!

 

Yes! I want a Young Living Starter Kit!

 

 

Traveling Oily

I don’t know about you guys but for us, the holidays include a long road trip every other year. Driving 17+ hours with two little ones is going to require a whole lotta Jesus, and a few oils.

Here is what I am packing and planning for this travel season…

ON THE ROAD

CAR DIFFUSER – Whether it is the clip on type that goes directly on your air vent (hello adorable YL diffuser this season) or its a cup holder mist diffuser, this is a must have! Thieves and Purification if you have a sicko in the family and you don’t want to breathe in their circulated germ air. Throw a little Lemon and Peppermint in there to keep you alert while driving. Drop a few drops of Release, Lavender, Stress Away or Peace & Calming if the kids are fighting in the back seat. Just make sure that the driver isn’t heavily affected by the sleepy properties of these oils (Starbucks run).

HEAD TENSION RELIEF – Because, driving. Strict concentration for hours on end is bound to result in a little head tension. This is why I always pack a few tried and true oils to help out in this situation. M-Grain is the go-to in our household and we roll it on directly from the bottle onto our temples and across our forehead. Then take a big wiff of the bottle to get those good fumes directly to your brain. If you don’t have M-Grain, Peppermint and Copaiba are helpful as well.

GETTING ANTSY – Circulation is a big issue when you are sitting down for long periods of time. Grab a roller and make a blend, or put a few drops in a jar with lotion, to help get your blood flowing while driving. Cypress, Copaiba, Peppermint and Lemongrass are good oils to use. Rub your legs, ankles and feet with your roller or lotion before you start driving. It’s always recommended to take breaks to get up and walk around as well. This would be a good time to apply your oily concoction.

MOTION SICKNESS – I have always struggled with motion sickness, especially in the car. Citrus oils and Peppermint are great ones to grab when the feeling hits. Huff them straight from the bottle or make a roller to put behind your ears and on the inside of your wrists. You can also use Digize or Tummygize (Kids line) on your stomach to help tame that tummy. Rub clockwise with a little bit of carrier oil.

If you have all the following oils available, then definitely make this rock star roller ahead of time: Peppermint, Lavender, Frankincense, Chamomile, Myrrh and Ylang Ylang, 15-30 drops in a 10ml glass roller bottle topped with a carrier oil.

IN THE AIR

PERSONAL DIFFUSER: Young Living has a great small portable personal diffuser that you can pack right in your carry on bag and use at your seat. Press a button and a little puff of mist comes out and disperses. This is MONEY on an airplane for lots of reasons. Airplanes and their recirculated air will getcha when half of the plane is singing the same Christmas song (Oh Snotty Night, or We Wish You a Merry Cough-mas). Put a couple drops of Thieves in your diffuser and puff out a few times every hour and you will keep your own personal air space cleansed and purified. If you have a tough time sleeping on planes, put in a few drops of Lavender, Stress Away, Peace & Calming, Valor or Cedarwood and puff puff puff. You will be lulled to sleep.

YOU HAVE ARRIVED AT YOUR DESTINATION

I don’t go anywhere overnight without bringing my Young Living Diffuser. We are going to be surrounded by a whole lot of people all day for 10 days straight and are going to need all the immunity tricks we have. Overnight, I will be diffusing Raven, Frankincense, Lavender, Stress Away and Tea Tree. Not all at once, but in different combinations to boost our immune / respiratory systems, and help us sleep. During the day Thieves, Lemon, Tea Tree, Frankincense and Citrus Fresh blends will be going in the main living space to purify the air and keep everyone above the wellness line. A diffuser is a huge tool in your oily arsenal while traveling.

Holiday Diffuser Blend

I also bring a couple of my favorite everyday rollers with me and keep them in my purse. They are 15-30 drops (kid 15 – adult 30) in a 10ml glass roller bottle

WELLNESS ROLLER – Apply along the spine and on the bottoms of the feet every morning / night and before going out to large public places. Frankincense, Lavender, Tea Tree, Thieves, Copaiba & Lemon are my lineup.

HAPPY ROLLER – Because, family. We all need a little WoooSah when we are surrounded by people for long periods of time. This happy roller is a little inner peace in a bottle. Apply to your inner wrists, over your heart and on the bottle of your big toes. Stress Away, Orange, Peace & Calming, Joy, Frankincense and Release are all great oils for this bottle. Bonus! These oils smell amazing and you can low-key be wearing your WoooSah roller as a perfume. In a pinch, or at night before bed, you can apply Frankincense neat to the bottom of your big toes to help you center yourself and relax.

TIP/TRICK – If you don’t want to bring all of your EO bottles, or if it’s just a short trip, you can put up to 30 drops of an oil in a small 1ml dram (comes with your Starter Kit). There are also great oil travel case options on Amazon or directly from Young Living. They have pockets to make sure the bottles don’t roll around or tip while traveling.

 

We hope that you all have a very HAPPY HOLIDAY and most importantly, TRAVEL SAFELY!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-Toxic Laundry Tips? Don’t Leave Me Hangin’!

For years now we have been using free and clear laundry detergent to make sure that we are eliminating as many chemicals in our household as possible. Some of the worst offenders to our health are the chemicals that we come into contact with on a daily basis. Chemicals that we are willingly putting into our bodies via our largest organ, the skin. Dangers found in lotions, soaps, and laundry detergents just to name a few. This is a simple switch that you can do (most stores will have free and clear brands as an option for comparable prices) and you can feel good about taking a proactive step towards a healthy future for your family.

For more info on the common chemicals and harmful ingredients in laundry detergent, all you need to do is Google it. There are countless articles.

One of the missed components of a free and clear detergent is the fact that there isn’t any scent to the soap. Therefore, if you are cleaning a load of stinky clothes, then …. well it’s harder to eliminate the funk. Those fragranced detergents are mainly just masking it with their scent. Raising a little boy, I started to realize that my laundry needs a little something “extra” to make sure that all the stink gets out and I am dressing him in clean, fresh smelling clothes.

Laundry Detergent:

Young Living sells their own Thieves line of Laundry Detergent that is plant based and completely free and clear.  To me, Thieves smells like Christmas, and kills all the nasty germs so I highly recommend it. Make sure you have a YL wholesale membership for your 24% off! Check out my post on the Premium Starter Kit for more info on grabbing a membership and kit – PSK

DIY:

If you are interested in making your own, here is a recipe that I love…

• 2 cups Super Washing Soda + 2 cups Baking Soda – I use Arm & Hammer brand for both
• 1 bar soap (Dr. Bronner’s or Kirks) finely grated. I use a cheese grater
• 20-30 drops YL essential oil. I typically use Lemongrass, Thieves, Lavender, Purification, Citrus Fresh or a combination of these.
  • I use Lavender in any of my linen loads and my kids clothes for calm and restful sleep
  • Lemongrass is a popular one for the classic clean laundry smell
• Store in a sealed glass container in your laundry room.
• Use 1 tablespoons for each load.

Do you already have a free and clear brand that you love? No problem! Add EOs directly to your liquid detergent cup before you dump it into your washing machine. I suggest adding about 4 drops to each load.

Dryer Balls:

What about those handy dryer sheets that soften and de-static your laundry? DITCH THOSE TOO! They are just as terrible for your health, if not more so, and there is a very easy solution…wool dryer balls!

Purchase Here: Wool Dryer Balls

Reasons wool dryer balls are the answer:

• Zero toxins!
• You can tailor the smell to whatever essential oil you want. I love Lemongrass, Lavender, Purification, Thieves, Gentle Baby, Citrus Fresh and Stress Away. Just drop 5 drops of EOs directly onto the wool balls before drying.
• Buy them one time, and then never have to again!
• They are highly absorbent, quickly absorbing moisture from the clothes and cutting dryer time.
• Less static! (Tip: to reduce the static even more, you can put a few safety pins on your dryer balls)

*Bonus – Just leave them in your dryer for the next load and try not to lose them in your pant legs… guilty of that happening a time or two.

Stain Removal Tips:

Spray your Thieves Household Cleaner directly onto the stain, sprinkle on some baking soda and scrub with an old toothbrush.

Make a DIY stain roller for on the go! Take a 10ml glass roller ball and fill it with straight concentrated Thieves Household Cleaner. Add 5 drops of lemon essential oil to the roller and pop the top on. Keep it in your purse for those whoopsies that happen when you are out and about. 

 

 

Cheers to ya’ll keeping the laundry smelling fresh, your skin healthy and clean, and the red wine in your glass!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Homemade Playdough

My heart fills up whenever I am creating with my son. I was raised by an extremely talented artist of a mother and we always had materials for crafts in the home. Fimo Clay to make tiny figurings of our imagination, construction paper to build 3D playgrounds for our paper dolls, paints of every color to perfect our school projects. Crafting is a passion of mine and I want to pass that down to our kids.

So when it comes to playdough, why not make it, and make it better!

Paxton is 4 and loves to squish and squash playdough through his fingers, make snakes and boulders and build burgers to pretend to feed us. I love feeding his imagination. Tonight he asked if we could make purple playdough, and so we did….kinda grayish playdough… but the color is not whats important! (Purple Fail)

As with most things in our life, and this blog, I look for ways to incorporate the goodness of essential oils. Playdough is a great medium to add oils to. The batch I made included 10 drops of EOs, 7 Thieves and 3 Peppermint. This blend will put you in the Christmas spirit all while fighting off those nasty germs on your toddler’s hands. Both of these oils are included in the Premium Starter Kit.

Ingredients

Directions

1. Combine all of the dry ingredients in a medium saucepan

2. Add all of your wet ingredients in

3. Put the pan over medium to low heat and continuously stir with a large spoon until it clumps around your spoon in the right “playdough” consistency (sorry really no other way to describe that…)

3.5. If you plan on making the entire batch one color, then go ahead and add your dye to the saucepan while you are stirring. It makes for a much easier time mixing it in. If you want to make several different colors, then wait and mix in after you have separated out your dough.

4. Lay the dough on wax or parchment paper and knead out any clumps that may be in there.

5. Add the essential oils of your choice, about 10 drops to preference.

**It’s better to add in the essential oils after the dough has cooled, as heat burns off the therapeutic benefits of essential oils.

Here are a few suggestions from the Starter Kit:

Purple Playdough – Lavender (I made this one for Pax’s classroom)

Blue Playdough – Stress Away

Yellow Playdough – Lemon

Red Playdough – Thieves and Peppermint (Christmas blend)

Green Playdough – Peppermint

Orange Playdough – Citrus Fresh

 

This is a great activity to do with your family members while you gather this holiday season. Keep the little ones busy as they help you make the dough, and then for hours playing afterwards!

Happy Creating!