Vacation and question and answer

8 days!!!  In 8 days we will be on our way to Florida!!!  We are all excited.  I am packing and packing making sure we have everything.  Went to the store today or last minute things.

So what is a must have for your vacation when you travel?  We have 3 kids so entertainment for the car ride is a plus for us.  

Before I leave on vacation I wanted to get ideas on what you would like to see my blog about.  Is there anything you want more information on?  Any specific oil you like you want information on?  Any everyday product you want me to research?  You name it.  Give me ideas for blog ideas and after vacation I will tackle them!!

I did just purchase the above shampoo/conditioner today.  I have seen lots of information on them and was anxious to try them.  I purchased the smoothing blend (coconut oil and cocoa butter blend).  

The big plus it is paraben free!!  We tend to react to parabens and sulfates in our house.   They are suppose to be a more naturally made shampoo. I will let you know how it works for us.  This will be my personally opinion not one supported by Fructis as I just bought this on a whim at Wal-Mart today ;) .

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  :)

Girl Scout Membership Information

The CEO of Girls Scouts of America made an announcement this morning that will affect all Girl Scout members.  Starting October 1, 2017 the fee to join Girl Scouts will be $25 for girl and adult members.

Our troop, Troop 6374, will be looking into some fundraising to help the girls who did not meet the 160 boxes of cookies to get a free membership next year.  There is still the application for funding through the Girl Scouts them selves as well.

\Now I am awaiting information from our council to find out if we do the early registration as we have done in years past if we pay the old fee of $15 or the new of $25.  As soon as I have this information I will update this blog.


Here is some information from the press release the CEO released today, this is not the full article:

While this fee increase will impact many families, we know that a Girl Scout membership is one of the most valuable investments anyone can make in a girl’s life. With unique programs for girls from coast to coast and across the globe, Girl Scouts offers every girl a chance to explore new interests and face challenges, form new friendships, and make lasting community contributions. Every dollar of membership dues is sent to Girl Scouts of the USA to cover the cost of fundamental services supporting the Girl Scout Movement including: accident insurance for members participating in approved Girl Scout activities, research, resources, training, and services to councils.

With the extra funding, we will be able to sustain and develop exceptional leadership programs, implement digital innovations to enhance the girl and volunteer experience nationwide, maintain fundamental services for our 2.7 million members, and better engage our 59 million alumnae. It will enable Girl Scouts of the USA to continue delivering best-in-class service and support to our Movement’s 112 councils, and to provide thousands of volunteers with the relevant resources, tools, and training they need to best serve today’s girls.

Nationally, we are building some amazing programs for girls in the areas of STEM, entrepreneurship, outdoor, and life skills. Locally, girls are empowered with the skills and entrepreneurial know-how to lead and succeed in the industries of tomorrow, as they tackle local and global issues of interest to them, such as poverty, illiteracy, and pollution. The additional funding provided by the upcoming membership fee increase will ensure this important programming endures and thrives.

Yours in Girl Scouting,
Anna Maria Chávez CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA

If you would like to see the full article click HERE

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.   

Ipsy Glam Bag Goodies

So I have been a member of Ipsy Glam Bag monthly subscription program for a few months now and decided I am going to start reviewing each bag every month.

So first what is an Ipsy Glam Bag ?  This is a cute little bag that arrives each month full of makeup and beauty product samples for you to try out for only $10 a month and you can cancel at anytime.  When you sign up you can customize your account so that you get products that match your skin tone, skin type, etc.  I have a friends that get this and they have gotten different things that I have and sometimes the same.  It is always a surprise.

So this is the pink envelope your goodies arrive in every month!!!!

This is the array of bags and goodies I have received so far. Aren't the bags cute!!!!  I have to hoard them away or my daughters snag on to them. There are some products I have fallen in love with so far, some not so much and a lot I have yet to try out.  I will go through some of the past products I have enjoyed and then I will go through this months entire bag.

Ok this is a 100% Argan Oil I received I think in my first bag.  I have used in on skin and loved it.  I have used in on my daughters hair and it made it ultra soft.  I am looking forward to using this some more.

This product is AMAZING!!!!!!   I absolutely love it!!!  This I will definitely purchase in the future!  It is an all natural sugar facial scrub and leaves your skin super soft and moisturized.

This is a deep moisture mask.  You can apply in a think layer let set and wash away or apply a little and leave on for extra moisture.  I have only used as a moisturizer and it has worked very well for me.  I use in my t zone that is always extra dry.

This is a leave in hair conditioner.  I am still on the fence with this one.  It seemed to leave my hair greasy, but my daughters it did not.  This one needs tested out a little longer ;)

Ok now we are into the month of March bag that I just received.  I received 2 of these collagen masks.  I have yet to have an evening to try them out but as soon as I do I will come back and update this blog.

This is a lip and cheek pencil.  I am not sure on using it on my cheeks but I think I will like the color on my lips.  I will be taking this on vacation with me to try.

This is a black eyeliner pencil.  I know it is hard to see these last 2 pictures.  I am thinking the black is going to be to dark for me but will try out in the near future.

I am excited to try this intense repair cream soon.  It looks like a great product.

And lastly I received this lip lacquer.  I think this is the one thing I am most excited about.  I am not a lipstick girl and this is a lip gloss style lacquer.  I am taking this on vacation as well to use.

If you are interested in signing up for Ipsy you can go here and sign up.  You can cancel at any time which is great.  I am going to start featuring each bag I get every month.  IF you got something different in yours comment on here and let us know!!

My Life

My Life

I have had a lot of more people start to read my blog so I thought I would do another post on who I am and what my life involves.  

Above is a photo of my kids; Bailey, Colton, and Hailey.  Beside that is me and my husband Ronnie.  This is my life, well besides these other 3 things lol

Rhonin and Max stealing my bed

Sassy 

I am very proud of my kids.  They always try their hardest and are always up for a challenge.

Hailey at Dance

Bailey in Ballet and dancer of the month for March

Bailey ran for little miss and received 1st runner up :)

She was very happy and proud and had a lot of fun

Colton is only 3 so he is not in any activities yet but he has a way of making himself stand out anyway ;)

Yup the tongue sums him up lol

Loves his Hulk costume and sleeping under a chair I guess lol

Bailey and Colton are very "graceful" I can say.  Colton has yet to get injured to bad but Bailey on the other hand......  This is just the most recent injury......

She defiantly keeps me on my toes.  

Daddy is in the Military and is actually getting ready to go for his promotion to E5.  We have not had to go through a deployment thankful, but he has been to Germany for some training.  Once he is promoted there may be a chance of deployment I think, but not for sure.  As you can see Colton likes to run the big equipment just like daddy.  He had been dying to go out to the big equipment all day but it was a hard hat zone.  Finally one of the higher ups so oooo take that boy out there!!!  So he got to climb on the equipment and was in heaven.

My days are spent at home with the 4 legged babies and Colton.  I decided to stay at home with the kids when the daycare/babysitter bill ate up my entire pay check.  I do sell dōTERRA essential oils and love to educate on essential oils.  I dabble in photography and love getting crafty.  Just don't ask me to sew lol.  I hope this helps you get to  know me and my family a little better  :)

Camp Wechetoowin Hillsboro, IL

Last month there was a meeting held with the City of Hillsboro and local Scout leaders on what we are going to do with the local Scout camp in Hillsboro, IL.  From this meeting we have a committee that is meeting monthly and discussing options on what to do.  We meet out there on a Saturday and toured the camp and have a game plan in line that we would like to do.  Some requires money, some requires the man power and volunteers.  There is some money in the fund the main thing we are looking for is man power and knowledge of how to do some things.

One of the main problems at this point is there is not a good heating system out there to keep the building "maintained" during the winter so we must unhook and disconnect all the water once it gets cold weather.  In order to get a nice HVAC system kind of like what hotels use we have to first weather proof the buildings.  So here is kind of an idea we have talked about along with pictures.


The first building has been used for storage and the cooking side with a stove and a fridge.  As a whole we decided to convert this entire building into storage.  Move the refrigerator and stove over to the other main building.  By doing this we would only need to truly weather proof one building and thus save money in the long run.

The next building is the one we will try and weather proof with a HVAC system and have the kitchen area and bathroom located in here.   As you can see with out proper maintenance the inside ceiling is falling in.  Our plan is to possibly look at a metal roof, but nobody in the group has done this before so we would need some guidance if possible.  We would then be able to make a ceiling and insulate the inside of the building. Along with fixing the roof we discussed raising the building a block or two to help clear the overhang and the doors.  

Next on the list is the windows.  The windows in the front have shutters to cover them to stop vandals.  They would need updated to be more weather resistant and hold in heat.  Other windows we have decided could be blocked in since they are not necessary.  

The pavilion is going to be power washed and painted by a local boy scout for his service project.  

The fire pit area will be cleaned up and a regulation wood rack is being built.  

So we have a game plan and a list.  We are meeting again in a week or so to touch base and see where we stand with pricing and donations.  If you would like to help in anyway feel free to contact me.  We would greatly appreciate it.  Even if you are willing to come out and just lend a hand with clean up that would greatly help.  

Service Are 20 Girl Scout Camp Out

This May we are planning an outdoor camp out for the local service area.  We are wanting to make it a back to basics camp out.  Teach the girls the basics of camping.

This is a link to the event page on Facebook:  Camp Out

We will be hosting this camp out at the local scout camp In Hillsboro, IL.  We are trying to promote awareness that the camp is still up and running.  We believe that people have forgotten about the camp.  We are in the process of doing updates to the camp along with the boy scouts, who we share the camp with.

We have had many people question why we would want to use this camp when Camp Soar was donated to the girl scouts last year.  Let me share some information that the public does not realize.

Yes, Camp Soar was donated to the Girl Scouts, but it is not for free.  Each building has a different charge, PER DAY.  The "green space" next to the pond has a charge.  The Ball field has a charge.  None of these are free and are all charged per day.   The cabins we use to camp are at a fee as well.  The camp itself is also still open to the public, which in some peoples eyes is a major safety and security p[problem.  So while the scouts are there, there are public campers as well.

I know for a fact that the other Girl Scout camps in the state are NOT open to the public.   As far as fees I can not answer because we have never used or called to use them.

Camp Soar still hosts multiple weddings all summer long.  This brings up lots of scheduling problems.  We are unable to use the camp when there is a wedding there.

Another issue we have is participation.  We have held many Service are events with a very low turn out.   We are trying to find ways to reach out to more members of the Service Area.  I have had many parents approach me after an event and say they had no clue that the event took place.  Somewhere the information stopped in the line of communication and they did not get the event information.  We are hoping to remedy this.

If you happen to be one of those parents who never hears about area events please give me your contact information and we will start sending you information directly.  I would rather have an email that I can send in mass to members that way we know everyone is getting told.

If you wold like more information on the upcoming camp out please ask as well.

How to tell a fake essential oil

So any of you that are in the oil business probably have seen or heard about a major company being tested and coming back with a synthetic adulteration.  So with that being said here are some more information on what has happened...

The oil in question is cinnamon bark.  I will not name the company on here as we have noticed that lots of people have been attacked for doing so.  There was even a group on facebook taken down.  If you would like to know a company name i will share in private.

1st test on one batch was done by EOU and showed synthetics added.  For those that are on my facebook know I will post his post very frequently.  I trust this website and education from him.

2nd test was done by another lab on a different batch. This one is highly adulterated by a cheaper oil . . . one that has it's own safety guidelines and contains a considerable level of coumarin.

Because of that second test, I feel like everyone needs to do their research on the oils they are using.   You cannot use an oil safely if you don't even know you're using it!

There are MORE tests being done by still another lab. PLEASE contact me if you'd like to read the testing and comments for yourself. I will direct you to the group they're posted in, but be forewarned: drama is not normal in this group but it's been very dramatic due to these results. BE INFORMED!

Be SAFE, Be healthy, Use your oils WISELY!

I can say that before i signed on with dōTERRA I did a lot of research.  I have also used other brands of oils before as well.  My personal choice is dōTERRA , but I also educate.  I will educate anyone on safe use of oils no matter what brand you use.  I believe if you are making the effort to use oils in your house that is the best thing you could do for your family no matter the brand!!  

Now I can say I have come across some oils I have recommended that people not use.  One of them actually melted plastic in a diffuser.  I was diffusing the same kind of oil in the same diffuser at the same time and had no issues whatsoever.   

Another issue is the supplier you buy your oils from.   You can by oils through Amazon and other sellers online but you can not trust that the oils are pure.  Here are photos to attest as to why.  

This is a new, sealed cap you can screw onto a bottle and make it a new sealed bottle of oil

Notice the cap on the left, YL on the lid means Young Living

Same bottles as above picture.  That is a Young living cap on a doTERRA bottle

There use to be a you tube video that showed how this was done and explained it better, but it was taken down.  She showed how if you leave just a few drops of the oil in the bottom of the bottle and added a carrier oil like coconut oil and recapped it smelled just like the oil itself and some people are none the wiser.  They are getting a highly diluted oil instead of a concentrated oil.  

Here are some tips to help you do your research and find the company that is best for you:

Cost:  While high cost doesn’t signify high quality, it’s smart to be wary of an essential oil with a super-low price tag. Essential oils are almost inevitably pricey: It can take a roomful of plant material to fill just one bottle of essential oil, and if the botanical is scarce, it further drives up cost.

The Name:  Make sure the plant’s Latin name is listed on the label or, if you’re shopping online, the webpage. If only the common name is listed (for example, "lavender essential oil") you might be shelling out for a lower-cost hybrid. And if it doesn’t specify that it’s an essential oil, it isn’t. "Lavender oil" is nothing more than perfumed oil; it may or may not contain material from the plant, and won’t have the same therapeutic properties as "lavender essential oil."  

The Container:  All essentials must be stored in glass containers, because the oil’s strong chemical compounds break down and react with plastic. What’s more, glass should be dark blue or amber to protect the oil from degrading ultraviolet radiation. Take note of the temperature, too. Bottles should be kept in a cool place, since heat messes with the oil’s chemical composition. 

The Feel:  Place a drop of a vegetable, nut, or seed oil on the pad of one index finger, and place a drop of the essential oil on the other. Rub the oils with your thumbs, noting the differences (or similarities) between the feel of each. True essential oils have a little slip, but for the most part, they shouldn’t feel thick or greasy. Heavy, richly colored essential oils, like sandalwood, vetiver, German chamomile, and patchouli, are exceptions.

How it Pours:  When you unscrew an essential oil’s cap, ideally it will be sealed with an orifice reducer—a plug that controls how many drops come out at once. This is helpful for dosage, yes, but it also prolongs the shelf life of oxidation-prone oils by limiting their exposure to air at all times. It’s not the end of the world if it doesn’t have one, but do watch out for any essential oils with built-in dropper pipettes. The little tubes are typically made of plastic or rubber, which can both break down and release synthetic impurities into the oil.

I hope that this article helps you on your journey to finding the best essential oil for your family.  Like I said I prefer dōTERRA, but will educate anyone who uses essential oils.  I believe that if you are using an oil, no matter the brand, you are making your family healthier and I want you to do it safely.  

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