Many of you know that I am a HUGE fan of essential oils. My entire family now uses essential oils for a wide variety of reasons including, but not limited to: pain relief, household cleaning tasks, fighting coughs and colds, cramp relief (ok, I'm the only one using lavender for that reason!), relieving seasonal allergies, for personal and spiritual development, and finding balance and calm in our crazy, stressed lives.

One of the questions I hear the most is "how do you know what brand of oils to use?" Anyone who knows me, knows that I'm a learner and I have to research everything to the nth degree before I commit. I encourage everyone to do their research as well because we all need to be spending our dollar wisely on quality products for our families.

Here are some things to think about when making an essential oil purchase: 

When essential oils are sold too cheaply, it is wise to pause and think logically.
At this price, could this really contain 100% pure essential oil? 
Read your labels! An essential oil can contain only 5% pure oil and still be labeled as all pure. Are you paying for the 95% chemical extender instead? It may not be so but it could be so. Question everything. It takes one whole peppermint plant to distill a few drops of peppermint essential oil. The essence of the plant when distilled contains more water than oil. Water is further separated from the oil, sometimes only a few drops are left. Another example is Ylang Ylang. This flower can be extracted three times for its essential oil. Are you getting the first extraction, the second or the last one (each diminishing in price value)?

How can a bottle so small be so expensive?

Here is the mathematical breakdown: 1 15ml of oil has 250 drops therefor 250 uses. Sometimes one drop is all it takes to address a headache, toothache, or a suspicious virus crawling in the throat. If you use 3 drops a day then it takes 83.33 days (or 3 month) to finish a bottle. Since OTC medicine is getting to be more expensive now, it is best to weigh both sides before making a decision.

Why did I choose Young Living brand?

Young Living owns 5 farms and personally oversees the operations from the Seed to Seal stages of each essential oil. Its specialty is research & development investing in lab equipments that can measure a wide spectrum of the chemical constituents in an oil - these are what gives the essential oils its unique medicinal benefits. To learn more about essential oils click here.

This information is for educational purpose only and is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

One More DIY That's Good For You & Will Save You $$

Washing the dishes.  Not really a favorite household chore - but necessary.  Many of us have purchased those wonderful little dishwasher soap tablets to take the guess work out of how much soap to put in the dishwasher (and let's

face it - when it's as easy as grabbing a tab and tossing it in, our kids and spouses are more likely to turn the dishwasher on as well!).  

Here's a recipe to make your own dishwasher tabs!  These are simple to make, budget friendly and you know EXACTLY what's in them - no nasty chemicals on your dishes!  Here's all you need:

1 Cup Borax (you could use plain 'ole baking soda if you don't have or don't care for borax)

1 Cup arm & Hammer Washing Soda (not baking soda)

1/2 Cup Epsom Salt

3/4 Cup Lemon Juice

Mix all your dry ingredients in a bowl.  Add the lemon juice.  It will fizz so the kids will think it is fun (I think it's fun too!).  Drop about a tablespoon or so into an ice cube tray and let dry for about 24 hours.  When they are hard and dry to the touch, put them in an air tight jar for storage.  Easy & inexpensive!

DIY "Vicks Vapor" Shower Discs

It's that time of year - sooner or later, someone in your family will come down with a stuffy nose.  I have purchased the brand name discs in the past during cold season, and was super excited when my friend sent me a recipe for a homemade version that I can make with ingredients from my kitchen and my Young Living Essential Oils!  Click here for the super easy directions!

DIY Thieves Hand Soap - So Easy & So Wonderful!

I discovered this recipe on Pinterest and need to give credit to www.babystepstoessentialoils.com for posting it!  I have made three containers of this for each of our bathrooms and it is awesome!  Not only does my family like it - I have had numerous guests ask "where did you buy that great hand soap?"

Our hand are clean, they smell great, and we are receiving the benefits of Thieves essential oils during this cold and flu season.  Give it a try and let me know how it works for you and your family!

Squash - it's what's for dinner!

Last week when I went to pick up my Green Earth Institute CSA share, I was greeted by these lovely little veggies:  

Delicata Squash

These were new to me and thankfully, Steve was on hand to share with me the benefits of adding delicata squash to our dinner table.  All I can say now is that I am so thankful my share included three of these!  I made my first one last night for dinner and all I can say is - YUM!  Check out this great recipe for quinoa stuffed delicata squash - delicious! 

20 Minute Detox

Why is it that the last three months of the year seem to fly by the quickest? Most likely, because we are running around trying to cram 26 hours worth of "stuff" into a 24 hour day! Slow down, just for a few moments and make some time for yourself.

Once a week for 20 minutes, sit in a hot bath that contains a handful of Epsom salts, 10 drops of lavender essential oil, and a half cup of baking soda. This combo draws out toxins, lowers stress-related hormones, and balances your pH levels. ~ Dr. Mark Hyman, M.D.

It's Time To Take Baking Soda Out Of The Kitchen

I've had a few friends tell me they have been looking for a recipe for a homemade deodorant that really works - well, my friend Kathy just may have found it!

If you are looking for an aluminum free deodorant - give this a try. Kathy and I are both going to try this recipe this and see how it stands up after working all weekend. If you try this - please post a message and let everyone know if it worked for you!



1/4 c. baking soda
1/4 c. cornstarch (you may also use arrowroot powder)
6 T. coconut oil (solid state).
a few drops of tea tree oil (optional)

1. Combine equal portions of baking soda & cornstarch/arrowroot powder. 
2. Slowly add coconut oil. Work it in w/a spoon or hand blender until it maintains a firm but pliable texture. It should resemble the texture of commercial deodorant: solid but able to be applied easily. If it feels to wet, add additional cornstarch/arrowroot to thicken. 
3. If using tee tree oil - add a few drops now as well. 
4. Place in a small container (I'm going to use a small, wide mouth mason jar) with a lid and apply with fingers. 

This will yield about 1 cup of deodorant and is said to last up to 3 months for two people with regular daily use.