Healthy Journey Update

Many of you have followed my journey of health from the start.  The past 3 months things have been changed up some and I wanted to update everyone.

Last June I started on a journey with Plexus.  I love the company, I love the products.  The only downside was the cost....  We now have 3 kids all in sports so money is a big issue.  I had to make a decision to stop taking the products and find cheaper alternatives.  

Now let me tell you there are some CRAP products out there!!!  But I Have found some that have me feeling amazing again.

The first thing I noticed as I went off plexus was the lack of energy and motivation.  That is when I turned to my oils.

doTERRA Motivate is an amazing oil.  This oil helps to ease stress, and has an uplifting aroma.  I apply the roller over my heart and within half an hour I am ready to go.  

doTERRA Peace was the next oil I turned to with help resting at night.  Bailey has used this a couple of times as well and both of us are very impressed.


Now, multivitamin.    This was a tricky one for me and took me up until a week ago to find one that even came close to the Plexus one.  I visited Tim at Sage on Sage in town and finally found my answer. 

Solaray High Energy Multi Vitamin with Iron.  They do offer an iron free version.  This is a once a day multivitamin capsule.  That was the first big selling point.  I have to have a capsule.  Tablets tear up my stomach.  The next selling point was the ingredients.  It contains Chromium!!!  This is what is in the pink drink by Plexus.  I have taken these for just over a week and can tell a huge difference in my energy level.  I am loving this pill.  Price point is amazing too.  I paid $18.69 for a 2 month supply.  This is the most recent thing I added and it has made a world of difference for energy for me.

Magnesium is another thing I can't go with out.  If I don't take it I am not regular at all.  It is bad!!!  I found an amazing supplement for this as well.

Now the label recommends 3 a day.  I only take one and that is perfect for me.  Ronnie takes this as well from time to time.  Only downside is they are a bigger sized softgel.  Since I only take one it is not to bad.  

Now there are some other supplements I take but will do a separate post on those.  It has taken me a long time to get the right combination that worked for me.  Because lets face it, not all supplements are created equal!!!

Oil Spotlight: Whisper

I don’t know about you, but I love the sweet aroma of spring flowers! doTERRA Whisper Blend for Women contains some of the leading floral fragrances used in perfume and aromatherapy industries. When these fragrances are combined together in doTERRA Whisper Blend for Women, it gives off a musky, spicy, and sweet aroma that is soft and warm. This blend is great for everyday occasions and also makes the perfect fragrance for a special night out. Dispense one to two drops in the palm of the hand and rub on clothing, scarves, and coats to experience calming emotions throughout the day.

This oil smells different on everyone.  IT works with your body chemistry for a unique scent.

Here is a blog on making your own perfume with it.  I for one am going to try this.  My whisper is sitting untouched in the box!!!  

https://www.doterra.com/US/en/blog/diy-floral-perfume-spray

Purchase HERE

Head Cootie Spray

It is back to school time and what does that mean?  Them little, pesky head cooties!!!!!

What do we do in our house?  We have an all natural cootie hair spray that we use every morning on our hair to help prevent and deter them.

Here is my recipe that I have used almost 4 years now:

Grab a 6 or 8 ounce spray bottle

Fill almost to the top with water

Add a splash of Witch hazel (helps mix oil into the water)

15 Drops of Melaleuca

10 Drops Lavender

10 Drops Rosemary

5 Drops Peppermint

Shake before each use

Now, not only can this be used on someones hair, it can be used on coats, backpacks, or lunch boxes.  You name it you can spray in on it without fear of an oily residue being left.  The Lavender also has some detangling properties so it works great on my girls hair in the mornings to help get the tangles out.  

Here is a video explanation as well:

Head Cootie Spray Video

Here is a link to my oil page if you would like to purchase the oils:

Purchase Oils HERE

Buy one, Get one free Oils

This week is the buy one get one free special with doTERRA.  I will spotlight each special each day.  The specials are only good for one day and you must order it the day of the special.  This is a great way to build your oils as well

7/17/2017

Buy a 15 mL Melaleuca, get a 15 mL Purify for free

Here is a little about each oil.  These are 2 of my all time favorites that is for sure.  I use Melaleuca on a daily basis almost and purify goes in my laundry :)  It helps combat stinky odors in the laundry.  Especially from my puppies.

BUY HERE

Spotlight on Wild Orange Essential Oil

Wild Orange oil is one of dōTERRA’s most popular oils—and with good reason! Not only does Wild Orange oil have a variety of uses, but its invigorating, energizing aroma is hard to resist. One of my favorite ways to use Wild Orange is to add a few drops to my drinking water for a flavorful beverage. I also love to combine a few drops of Wild Orange oil with water in a spray bottle and use the mixture as an all-purpose spray for cleaning the surfaces around my home. As a citrus oil, Wild Orange has cleansing properties that make it useful for purifying surfaces like countertops and tables throughout the home. Not only do I love having clean surfaces, but the all-purpose spray leaves behind a lovely citrus aroma! To learn more about dōTERRA orange oil, visit the Wild Orange product information page on dōterra.com.

Here is a recipe for an Orange Blossom Panna Cotta with Orange Gelee that uses the Wild Orange essential oil.  I know I love to add Wild Orange to my oatmeal in the morning or to my tea for a yummy addition to them.  

**Always remember any citrus oil is uv sensitive when applied to the skin.  IF you apply to your skin and will be in the sunlight always wait at least 12 hours after applying or cover the area.**

DoTERRA Certified

I am proud to announce that my site has been officially approved
to hold the DoTERRA seal of approval.

I am very proud to be able to hold this seal.  It means I am in compliance with all the regulations put forth by the FDA :)

Stomach bug and oils

So yesterday at 530 am I get woke up by Colton.  Not in a great way but to him getting ready to get sick.  Fever of 101.  Great the stomach bug that is going around has hit......

This bug going around is the nastiest thing I have heard of for a while.  Lasting 3-4 days and is relentless.

So as an oil mom the first thing I did was run to the kitchen and grab the DigestZen oil and applied this to his stomach.  This oil  helps to ease queasiness.  This greatly helped me the last time I had the stomach bug so I knew this was my go to oil.

Purchase Here

Once we awoke around 730 mom went to work.  The next thing I did was get out the OnGuard roller and OnGuard oil.  This oil is an effective alternative to a more natural way to boost immunity.  You can diffuse in the air to cleanse it.  It supports healthy immune function.  

Purchase here

I rolled this on Colton's feet and my feet.  To help support both of our immune systems.  I then started to diffuse it to cleanse the air.  

Colton slept most of the day.  When he would wake up I would oil his belly and feet again.  Luckily he only felt unwell one time  and had minimal diarrhea.  

Before bed I oiled him up  again and added Lavender and Frankincense to his chest.  Frank is another great oil to help support healthy cellular function.  It can also be used to help promote relaxation.  Lavender is also used to help relaxation.    I would say they worked well we slept all night and today he woke up and says mommy my belly is all better!!!!!!!!!

I am a firm believer of these oils.  Everyone who has had this bug it has lasted days and has been nasty!!.  I really believe had we not had the oils he would have been much worse and it wold have lasted way longer.  

I love my oils!!!!!  If you would like to purchase them you can go here.

DIY Lavender Bath Salt Soak (Sleepy bath soak)

So today I am getting together a basket of goodies and decide to make a bath salt for it.   I then remembered our new local store has fresh herbs.....  YAY!!!!!  Sent him a message I was in need of a little bit of lavender.   

Today's mixture is a sleepy salt bath soak.  

Epsom Salt

Baking Soda

20-30 Drops Lavender Essential oil

10-15 drops Rosemary Essential oil (this was a late addition so not pictured)

And then I added fresh dried lavender

I used a pint jar so I measured half a cup of baking soda then filled the rest with epsom salt.

Once measured I dumped it into a glass jar and added the oils and mixed.  Once done I added in approx. 1/4 cup of lavender and stirred.  Then I spooned it into my jar.  I will add a label and such as well.  

Add approx. 1 cup to your tub and relax.

Ways to diffuse without a diffuser

We all love our diffusers!!!  But what if you do not have one or can not afford one just yet.  There are ways around this ;) 

1.  Inhale them directly from the bottle.  
     Go straight to the source.  Crack open that bottle and deeply inhale the          aroma of the oil.  

2.  Place a drop or 2 in your hand, cup and inhale.  

3.  Make essential oil inhalers.  Very convenient to carry in a purse or bag.  

4.  Furnace filter.   Add a few drops to your filter in the furnace for a whole    house effect.  You will have to add oils every of couple days to keep up this  effect.  

5.  Room Sprays.  room sprays are a great way to add some scent to a room very quickly.  Here is a simple basic recipe:

16 oz Glass Spray Bottle

8 oz water (distilled works the best)

2 oz witch hazel or vodka

20-30 drops of your favorite oil

6.  Jewelry.  There are all kinds of diffuser jewelry on the market today that you can were.  

7.  Cotton ball.   Place a few drops of oil on a cotton ball and place where you want to be able to smell the oil.

8.  Pillow or stuffed animal method.  Place the oil directly on the pillow or the stuffed animal for a diffuser affect as you go to sleep

9.Baking soda in a jar with oils.  I do this around the cat litter box.  Get a small mason jar and place baking soda in it.  Add a few drops of your favorite oil and mix.  Put some holes in your lid and screw on and place where you would like to eliminate odors.  

These are just the tip of the ice berg on how to diffuse without a diffuser.  I will do some special blogs on specific recipes and ways to diffuse in the near future.  One will be an aromatherapy play doh.  

Babies and Essential Oils

Let's talk about babies and using essential oils.   There are many benefits of using oils on our little ones.   

Did you know that talc is found in most baby powders and in known as being an irritant to the lungs.
Or that many baby products use synthetic fragrances that can cause neurological, respiratory or even eye damage.

You can make safe, all natural baby products using essential oils that are safe, gentle and a fraction of the cost!!!!

I used many many many products made with oils after Colton was born.  Not only was his skin healthier, but the oils cleared up anything he had faster than any OTC product.

Tips

• To clean baby toys use 2 drops of lemon essential oil and 4 ounces of white vinegar in a glass spray bottle.  Fill remaining with water and clean.  
• Colic: Apply 1-2 drops of digestion blend on baby's feet
• Crying or overly tired baby: 1 drop of lavender or calming blend under their nose and forehead
• You can add any scent to a cotton ball and place in children's drawers for a sweet scent
• Soothing bath:  2-4 drops of roman chamomile or calming blend in the tub
• Sore gums: mix 1-2 drops of roman chamomile, white fir, or clove essential oil with fractionated coconut oil and massage into babies gums.  

Recipes

Diaper Rash Blend

1/2 cup fractionated coconut oil

15 drops melaleuca essential oil

15 drops lavender essential oil

15 drops frankincense essential oil

In a small glass spray bottle mix all the above together.  Spray a thin layer directly on the diaper rash area and reapply as needed.

(I personally did this and with one spray GONE)

Calming Colic Blend

3 drops digestion blend essential oil

2 drops ginger essential oil

1 teaspoon fractionated coconut oil

Mix together the above oils and massage over the tummy and lower back.  Repeat 3-5 times a day.

Cradle Cap Moisturizer

1 teaspoon fractionated coconut oil

3 drops lavender essential oil

Mix the oils together in the palms of your hands and rub on the baby's scalp.  Add cocoa butter if additional softening is needed.  

Winter Cheeks Balm

1/4 cup coconut oil

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tablespoon beeswax

20 drops lavender essential oil

IN a small mason jar mix the ingredients together, and lower the jar into a warm saucepan partially filled with water.  On low heat melt the beeswax, coconut oil, and olive oil together stirring every few minutes.  After the wax is completely melted remove from the heat and add lavender.  Mix together and cool until hardened.  Rub the balm over reddened cheeks to ease and protect.  

Baby Stain Remover

8 ounces of water

2 tablespoon borax

20 drops lemon essential oil

Add borax and oils to a spray bottle.  Add water and shake thoroughly.  Spray directly on stain and wash.

These are just some of the most common things I seem to get asked for.  There are some great recipes here and they all work wonders.  

Here is a link to purchase the oils:

Purchase Oils Here

**The proceeding statements about essential oils have not been evaluated by the FDA. Products and methods recommended are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information provided here is in no way intended to replace proper medical help. These are simply things that have worked for me personally, and my friends.

Carrier Oils

Ok, so this is a very common question I get.  What carrier oil should I use?  Common answer, Fractioneted coconut oil.  But there are so many others our there and they work for different things so lets dive into them. 

So first things first, What is a carrier oil?  Well technically it does not have to be an oil. It is something that "carries" the oil that is added to an essential oil to spread it over a larger surface and dilute it.  So what is considered a carrier oil?  Here is a list:

Almond oil, jojoba oil, mango butter, beeswax, coconut oil, olive oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, aloe vera, rosewater, castile soap, grapeseed oil, hemp seed oil, hazelnut oil, rosehips oil, argan oil, aloe vera gel, salt, V6, sugar, and many many more.  

I would like to point out at this point that Mineral oil is NOT a carrier oil.  

Ok now onto specifics.  You may be making a beauty product and are in need of a carrier oil to use.  You may be looking for something to help with aging, or moisturizing. 

So to start you need to narrow down what type of skin you have.  This will help you narrow down what kind of carrier oil to choose.

• Normal Skin: Any light carrier oil such as Hempseed, Coconut oil, Grapeseed, Sunflower, Sweet Almond
• Oily Skin:Grapeseed, Sweet Almond, Apricot Oil, Jojoba, Sunflower, Hempseed, Tung oil
• Dry Skin: Avocado Oil, Sweet Almond, Olive Oil, Rosehips
• Sensitive Skin: Jojoba Oil, Sesame seed, Sweet Almond, Apricot, 
• Mature Skin: Jojoba, Avocado, Apricot, Sesame seed, Rosehips

Now as always if you have an allergy, do not use that specific oil.  Find another that will work with your skin type.

Now when you start to look at carriers for the body your options open up a bit more.  You can add beeswax, shea butter, cocoa butter, aloe, rose water, castile soap, coconut oil, etc. 

It all depends on what you are looking for.  If you want your product to resemble a lotion you will go with the lotion style carriers.  If you want a body spray you will go with the liquids. 

One of my favorite things to do is make lotions.   IF you take coconut oil, shea butter, cocoa butter and blend in a blender with a whisk attachment on high for close to 10 minutes it gets light a fluffy and will stay easy to spread.  Here is a general chart to help you.

Now if you are looking to just dilute an essential oil, you can use any carrier oil.  Most bottles will give you the dilution ration on them.  

If you have a question on dilution ratios feel free to shoot me a message I would be glad to answer it. 

All Natural, Plant Based Cleaner

I recently got the dōTERRA On Guard® Cleaner Concentrate in my LRP order.  This is my first time ordering this and I was excited to give it a try.  Before I go into how it stood up to cleaning in my house, here is information on the product itself.

Key Ingredients:

• Proprietary dōTERRA On Guard Protective Blend of Wild Orange, Clove, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary CPTG essential oil provides natural protection by keeping surrounding areas clean and safe

 • Plant-based surfactants help improve the cleaning process as well as contribute to a product that is safe for you, your family, and the environment

 • No preservatives added, helping to provide a safe and effective household cleaning product

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

dōTERRA On Guard Cleaner Concentrate is designed to be the ideal natural cleaner. It is fortified with the proprietary dōTERRA On Guard Protective Blend of Wild Orange, Clove, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary CPTG® essential oils, which provide natural protection against certain environmental factors while elevating the overall cleaning capability. This powerful essential oil blend is combined with plant-based derivatives that provide a non-toxic and biodegradable way to clean and eliminate odors, so it is safe for loved ones as well as the environment. The multi-purpose capabilities of dōTERRA On Guard Cleaner Concentrate make it perfect to expertly clean hard surfaces in the kitchen, bathroom, or any room, leaving behind a clean and invigorating scent.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE MULTI-PURPOSE CLEANER:

 Mix 2 tbsp of concentrate per 24 oz. of water. BATHROOMS: Mix 3 tbsp of concentrate per 24 oz. of water. DISHES: Mix 3 tbsp of concentrate per gallon of water. TOUGH JOBS: Apply concentrate directly on designated area and let soak. Avoid direct use of concentrate on hardwood floors and natural stone.

As soon as I received the cleaner I was excited to test it out.  I quickly got a new 24 oz spray bottle and mixed up a batch.  First test was just the kitchen counters.  Cleaned great and smelled great.  Not over powering smell and it cut the grease and stickiness of a typical day in my house.

Next test.......  The cat spilled a glass of almond milk.....  Counter wipe up again and then I decided to test it on the laminate floor I have.   Now I have done a quick wipe in the past with stuff and I end up with residue or sticky floors the next morning.  I got up this morning and checked the spot.  NO residue and no stickiness.   So next test lets mop the floor.

I dry swept the floor and then grabbed my microfiber mop and spray bottle and set to work.  Initial impression was great.  It cleaned the floor very well.  We have 3 kids, 2 dogs and a cat.  So my floors take a beating.  So while this floor dried I took to the vinyl floor and cleaned and scrubbed it by hand with the cleaner as well.  

Once the kitchen laminate was dried was the true test.  Barefooted I walked on the floor no stickiness!!!!!  Yay!!!  Turned the lights on, no residue and no streaking!!!!!   Triple plus in my book because these are all HUGE issues with my flooring.  

Excited back to the vinyl and yup looked amazing and clean.  I took off to the girls bathroom with linoleum and scrubbed it and then back to wipe out the dog kennel.  Then the kitchen sink, the stove, and coffee area.  

When they say this is an all purpose cleaner it is!!  I have used it on EVERYTHING I can imagine so far in the house.  I am ready to try the shower and bathroom sink next.  

There is still time to get this product 10% off for the month of March if you want to try it!!  HEre is a link to go and purchase the product:

dōTERRA On Guard® Cleaner Concentrate


**UPDATE 3/28/16**

Just finished cleaning the kids bathroom.  By far the dirtier one.  I am highly impressed with how the cleaner did.  Shower, shower door, sink and mirror!!!  All spotless.


update 6/10/2016

I have now mixed 20 bottles and have only used half of the concentrate bottle.  I am on track to get 40 spray bottles of cleaner from this one concentrate bottle!!!!

Essential Oil Giveaway

I am holding a giveaway on my Facebook page for a 5 ml Deep Blue Oil.  To be entered you must like my page, share the original lost, and ask me an oil question ;)

Here is a link to the original post:

Giveaway Here

We love Deep Blue in our house and I am sure you will like it as well  :)

Aroma Ace Diffuser

I just recently received an Aroma Ace Diffuser and set it up in my living room.  I was a little on the fence about getting one because I had heard that the atomizer diffusers use up more oils than a regular diffuser does.  With that being said I wanted to do my personal review of the diffuser.

So here is the diffuser.  You attach the oil bottle directly to the diffuser to diffuse the oils.  I can see this is how it would tend to use more oils.  It has a 15 mL capacity

Here is the back side.   You will notice 3 knobs.  Starting from the top:

The first knob is for how long you want the diffuser to run.  From 1 all the way up to 20 minutes.

Next is the pause time.  After the diffuser runs you can have it pause for 1-20 minutes.  

The bottom knob is for how much mist you want toe diffuser to give off.  

So pretty easy set up.  I set mine up for diffuse 5 minutes, pause 10 minutes and a medium stream of mist.  I turn it off at night and only run during the day and I am on 3 days use of the same bottle!!  

But I did not use straight oils ;)  I was looking for more of the aroma affect at this point.  Now when it comes time for sickness in the house I will diffuse straight oils.  So here is my little trick that I used.

When I make my air freshener in the spray bottle I mix with witch hazel so I thought hmmm why not.  I filled the bottle with witch hazel, added 3 drops spearmint and 5 drops tangerine (dreamsicle mix) shook and placed on the diffuser........  And hot damn it worked great!!!!!!   Smelled just how I wanted it to smell and I didn't have to use a ton of oils.  

You will notice it is the same diffuser that Vanderbilt Hospital uses in the you tube video.  

Now the only downside to the diffuser is it is not as quit as a regular diffuser.  You can here it kick on and off.  It is not a loud diffuser per say but you can hear it if you are paying attention.  I have drowned it out now over the past few days of getting use to it.  

Over all I am really enjoying the Aroma Ace Diffuser.  If you would like to purchase this diffuser or any other product you can go here.   

doTERRA TerraGreens Review

I wanted to sit and give my honest opinion on the TerraGreens that I started a little over a week ago smile emoticon

I LOVE IT!!!! I had heard horror stories on the taste but I mix it with whatever juice happens to be in the fridge and it is great. I think one of the things that people do is try to mix it in a shaker cup. I think that is the downfall. I mix mine in my ninja single cup blender to get it blended well. I think if I tried a shaker cup I would not be able to tolerate it.

I have also noticed I am not drinking as much coffee as I normally do since starting the drink grin emoticon This drink is full of all kinds of goodness for you that you do not get on a regular basis.

I am looking forward to getting some yogurt and trying it in a smoothie in the next week.

Purchase Here

Lets talk all natural bug spray

Summer is fast approaching.  What does that mean.   Mosquitoes

And unfortunately now this threat of mosquitoes brings another threat of a new virus that they carry.

I am a momma who does not like the commercial mosquito sprays.  To many harsh chemicals. So I use my oils to make my own spray

I made this spray last summer and it worked great!!!

I used a 16 oz Amber glass spray bottle

40 drops of TerraShield

15 drops Lemongrass

15 drops Cedarwood

10 drops Peppermint

I found that using Fractionated Coconut Oil and Witch Hazel helped the spray last longer.

I did a half and half combo of these 2 and shake the bottle well before each use.  You can also use water and witch hazel or whatever carrier oil you prefer.  All of these oils have a bug repellent property to them.  I have read that you can actually diffuse the Terrashield as well to ward off the bugs.  I have not tried this since I have 3 kids.  They do not hold still long enough to be around a diffuser outside ;)   

You can purchase these oils here

   

Questions and Answer Session

I thought I would make a blog that is open to a Q & A.  It can be a question regarding anything I blog about.  Oils, Girl Scouts, Myself, you name it.  I have added some question slides from my doTERRA stock of photos to give ideas of questions or to get a topic going  :)

Fire away.  I am around the house today so I should be able to reply fairly quickly.

Uses for Essential Oils everyone should know!!!!!!

So as you all know I LOVE my Essential Oils.  But there are many uses that people do not know or even think about using them for.  I am going to list a few here  ;)

• When you change your air filet in the furnace, place a few drops of your favorite essential oil to make your house smell wonderful

• Stinky shoes??  Just place some oil on a cotton ball and then place in your shoes to help get rid of the smell
• Do you have sensitive ears that get sore after wearing cheap earrings?  Rub a drop or two of Melaleuca Oil (tea tree oil) on them to help relive the discomfort.  

• Just cook fish and now your house stinks?  Diffuse lemon oil to get rid of fish smell.

• Monster under your kids bed??  Make a "Monster Spray".  Take a bottle of water and add a few drops of lavender and let them spray away where the monster is
• Another bedtime/nap time trick.  Add a drop or two of lavender to their favorite stuffed animal or blanket.  The aroma will help them relax and fall asleep.

• Permanent marker on something it shouldn't be??  Lemon essential oil and some scrubbing and it will come right off.
• Flies keep coming in the house?  Place a diffuser by the door and diffuse peppermint or lemongrass to help keep them at bay.

• Gum in hair or carpet??  Sticky label on a surface? Lemon or orange essential oil will remove it.
• Want to add a little flavor to your recipe.  Use one or 2 drops of lemon, orange, lime, basil, cilantro, peppermint.......  Anything that sounds tasty to your recipe.  
• Make a spray bottle with Melaleuca and lavender essential oil to spray down your workout mats and bags to help fight germs.
• Add your favorite essential oil to vinegar with a splash of rubbing alcohol for your next load of laundry.  Chemical free laundry softener.  

The list can go on and on and on!!!!!  These are just a few to get your gears moving :)  

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.