Have Oils. Will Travel.

 

I recently had to go out of town for an appointment, and...of course I brought my oils along. This was just a quick trip; I was gone or 2 days. So, I thought I would share what oils (and oil products) I take with me on a short getaways!

Since I was trying to travel light, I only packed the oils I use everyday and then a few "great for travel" oils. 

Here's what I brought! From left to right:

Thieves: I use this oil every day! I put it on the bottoms of my feet to help promote healing from candida, mold and environmental allergies. It's a great support for a healthy immune system. 

Abundance: I use this oil as a perfume. I have a diffuser necklace a friend gave me, so I put one drop on the necklace and another on the back of my neck, of writs.

Endoflex: This is another oil I use daily. I use it to support my endocrine system. I put one drop over my thyroid and another over my adrenals. I put a roller ball attachment of this bottle for easier application. 

Spikenard: This is becoming one of my favorite oils! I use it before bed; one drop in my wrists and neck. The scent is so relaxing! This is a powerhouse essential oil! So many awesome benefits. More about that another time...

Cypress: I usually diffuse this at night. I love the "tree" oils! I find them to be very relaxing and and grounding. I didn't bring my diffuser with me on this trip since I was going to be away for such a short time, so I just put one drop on my wrists and neck with the Spikenard.

Lemon: Lemon is a great oil to travel with! I had it on hand for as a stain remover, as well as to put in my water. This is also part of the "allergy trio" which I find very helpful for allergy related issues.

Digize: If you are traveling, you must have Digize! Great for upset stomach and nausea. Sometimes "things" don't happen as often as they should when you are traveling (and that's all I'm going to say about that...) so this helps you to go while you're on the go. And there you have it. 

Peppermint: I usually don't leave home without peppermint. Great for headaches, nausea, itchy skin, stuffy nose. I also use this in my "allergy trio" i.e. Lemon, Lavender and Peppermint. I also brought Lavender, but for some reason it didn't make it in the picture. 

Other oily favorites:

• Deep Relief for headache and muscles soreness. I've been putting it on my ankle and neck lately. 
• Lav lip balm because it's the best ever! I love this stuff! 
• Thieves Hand Sanitize for public restroom stops etc
• Thieves spray can be used as a surface spray, room spray, throat spray, or another hand sanitizer option.

I also have been loving some of YL's facial products. The Mint facial scrub and the Sheerlume' moisturizer. I used both of these products in the AM. Quick travel tip: Use a contact case to hold cleanser and moisturizer. It doesn't look like a lot, but this amount will last me for about 4 days! I've also used this same method for toothpaste. 

And that's how I travel with oils! Have any travel tips and favorite oils to travel with? I'd love to hear about it! 

Sparkling ACV Refresher

I am currently obsessed with this apple cider vinegar drink! It sounds weird I know, but trust me...it is wonderfully detoxifying and deliciously refreshing! ACV has so many great health benefits when taken internally, but it's not always pleasant to drink. If you have ever taken an apple cider vinegar "shot" you know what I mean. When you purchase an apple cider vinegar make sure you get a brand that is unfiltered/raw, like Braggs . You can find this brand in most main-stream grocery stores in the "natural foods" section. Other quality brands of ACV are Eden Organics and Spectrum. 

What are some health benefits if Apple Cider Vinegar? 

• Helps to balance the body's pH levels. 
• Great for sinus congestion and allergies
• Can help with heartburn symptoms
• Helps rid the body of harmful yeast and bacteria
• Is awesome for overall detoxification
• A wonderful digestive aid when taken before a meal 
• ACV has antiviral properties making it a great way to naturally strengthen your immune system
• Maintaining healthly blood sugar levels

There are many other benefits, but I'll stop there....

ACV Refresher

Makes 1 serving

You will need:

• 1-2 tablespoons Raw apple cider vinegar 
• 6-8 ounces sparkling water (Regular water will work fine too in a pinch)
• 1 drop Lemon essential oil 
• 15-20 drops liquid stevia (Adjust to your taste preference) 
• Ice Cubes

Directions: 

1. Combine all includes is a glass tumbler (Essential oils, especially citrus oils break down plastic, so stick with glass when adding it to your beverages.) 
2. Stir and enjoy! Great as a pre dinner "cocktail."

Awesome-Sauce Essential Oil Combinations for Your Diffuser!

Diffusing! This is one of my favorite ways to use my essential oils on a daily basis. Diffusing helps to uplift moods and purify air from odors and airborne pathogens, as well as dispersing the oils into the air for therapeutic inhalation. If you are just starting to incorporate oils into you life, diffusing is an easy (and fun!) way to start! 

Here are some tips for using your diffuser: 

+Use distilled water when diffusing

+Clean your diffuser every 1-2weeks by wiping it out with rubbing alcohol

+ Pick oil combos that are beneficial to your current life circumstance (ex. if you are sick diffuse a wellness EO combo) 

A few Essential Oil Combinations to get you started:

4 drops Peppermint + 4 drops Grapefruit

3 drops En-R-Gee + 2 Drops Lime

4 drops Rosemary + 3 drops Orange

2 drops Lime + 2 drops Lemon + 2 drops Orange

4 drops Citrus Fresh + 3 drops Peppermint

2 drops Peppermint + 2 drops Black Pepper + 3 drops Orange + 1 drop Rosemary 

3 drops Lavender + 3 Drops Tangerine + 2 drops Cedarwood

5 drops Peace & Calming

3 drops Peace & Calming + 2 Drops Lavender

4 drops Valor + 2 drops Cedarwood

3 drops Geranium + 4 drops Lime

4 drops Frankincense + 2 drops Pine or Cypress

3 drops Joy + 3 drops Lemon

4 drops StressAway + 3 drops Peppermint

4 drops Spearmint + 3 drops Lavender + 2 drops Orange

3 drops Orange + 2 drops Lemongrass + 1 drops Ginger

2 Wintergreen + 2 White Fir + 1 Spearmint

1 Ylang Ylang + 2 drops Bergamot + 3 drops Orange + 2 drops Peppermint

4 drops Elemi + 1 drops Ylang Ylang + 2 drops Lavender + 2 drops Lemon

4 drops Thieves + 3 drops Lemon 

3 drops Lemon + 3 drops Lavender + 3 drops peppermint (allergies)

3 drops RC + 2 drops Lavender (respiratory) 

3 drops Thieves + 2 drops Frankincense

5 drops Raven

2 drops Eucalyptus + 2 drops Peppermint + 3 drops Lavender

4 drops Lemongrass + 3 Drops Orange

3 drops Melaleuca + 3 drops Lemon 

3 drops Rosemary + 2 drops Melaleuca + 2 drops Orange

4 drops Purification + 2 drops Lime

Enjoy! 

What's in your diffuser?

Thin Mint Protein Smoothie (Vegan, Sugar free, Grain free)

I've struggled to find a breakfast that I really love. A healthy breakfast that is. Pancakes, waffles, scones, cinnamon rolls...Honestly, these would ultimately be my preference if "un-healthy" choices didn't matter. But...

In the last few months I have revamped the way I eat. Mindfully approaching what I put in my body. Decreasing carbohydrates. Increasing fats and protein.

I have noticed a huge difference in the way I feel! I have a better energy level, and fewer food cravings (cravings for sugar and high carb foods). 

One thing that I have tried to be really intentional about is having a protein rich breakfast. I have found that easiest way to accomplish this is a protein smoothie. 

Friends, this is my favorite breakfast (currently anyway)! 

I have never liked flavored protein powders on their own, so I like to jack-up my smoothies with healthful add ins and essential oils. 

Thin Mint Protein Smoothie

Ingredients: 

1 scoop protein powder (I like the vanilla flavor)

              1.5 cups water or non dairy milk

      1 tablespoon Hemp Hearts

   1 tablespoon chia seeds

       1 teaspoon maca powder

1/2 moringa leaf powder

     1 teaspoons coconut oil

                       3 teaspoons cacao or carob powder

1 teaspoon cacao nibs (optional)

                  2 drops Young Living peppermint essential oil

          10-15 drops liquid stevia

         A few ice cubes

Directions:

1) Place all ingredients (except cacao nibs) in blender and blend! 

2) After ingredients are blended, add cacao nibs and blend for 25 seconds. This last step gives the smoothie a nice "chocolate chip" texture. 

***Receive $10 of your first iHerb order of $40 or more when you use the code HDR788 (affiliate coupon code) at check out!*** 

April Favorites

I can't believe that it's already May! Whew! That came fast! I thought I'd share some things I've been loving over the past month.

This Satin Facial Scrub from Young Living is ahhhmazing! I received this little gem in my April ER order. It's this first skin care product from YL that I have tried. It was about $16 wholesale. I was a little surprised at how small the tube was, but I discovered that a tiny bit goes a long way! Back in the day, I was a St. Ives Apricot scrub addict. I used that stuff so much I'm surprised I didn't scrub my face off! Then I went to esthetician for a facial. She ask me what particular things I noticed about my skin. I told her my skin was super oily, and related to her my skin care routine, which included daily scrubbing sessions. Apparently using abrasive exfoliators was actually scraping my skin, causing my skin to produce oils as a way of helping my skin heal. This is why the more I scrubbed, the oilier my skin became. Mystery solved! This exfoliator from Young Living is so gentle! It makes my face feel refreshed, clean and moisturized. It's the perfect facial scrub for the morning. I have been using this about 3 mornings per week. And I love it. 

WholeFoods had an Earth Day sale last month, and all Lifefactory glass water bottles were 25% off! I love this design with the flip top. Right now I'm kind of obsessed with anything "minty green turquoise."

These shoes! This is my second pair of these slip on maryjane Keens. I got a black pair a couple years ago, and I love them so much I thought a second pair was in order. When I received my REI dividend and coupons I treated myself! And saved $30. 

This essential oil! I received this bottle of Elemi essential oil in my March ER order. I had been trying for months to order it, and every time it was out of stock! But finally... This oil's nickname is "poor man's frankincense."  It smells very similar to frankincense, but has a slightly sweeter aroma. It's used to treated and nourish the skin, which is what I use it for most. I put 10-15 drops in a bottle of argan oil to use as my facial moisturizer. It has great "anti-aging" properties.  I've also used it to treat skin wounds. It cost about $21 with a wholesale YL membership. 

Holy sheets!  These are awesome! I was in desperate need of new sheets. I love these organic cotton sheets from Target. So soft and comfy, and very affordable. Did you know that cotton is one of the most heavily pesticide sprayed crops? Definitely worth spending a few dollars more since you will be lying on them for 8-10 hours a night. Definitely going to be getting a second set. 

What are you loving this spring? 

DIY Foaming Hand soap

I love foaming hand soap! It makes hands feel way cleaner than the liquid variety, and it seems to last longer. My favorite hand soap from WholeFoods is $5 a pop, so I thought, "hey, I should make my own."! And so I did. 

Supplies you will need:

• 2-4oz. unscented castille soap 
• 10-20 drops of Young Living essential oils 
• A foaming soap pump
• Water

Directions:

Pour castille soap into soap pump container. Add essential oils of your choice. Fill the container the rest of the way (slowly) with cold water. Gently "swish" to combine. And Wah laa! Foaming hand soap! No yucky ingredients like triclosan, artificial fragrances or dyes;  and made for about 1/4 of the cost of purchasing it at the store. 

*Will you need to invest in a foaming soap pump (I got mine at Target) or you can repurpose a pump from a store bought soap. 

My Day in Plates!

Happy Wednesday! 

Today I thought I would share my "day in plates." :)

For the past six weeks weeks I have been (temporarily...I hope) eating a high protein/fat, low-no carbohydrate diet to help heal my eczema. It's been a hard transition! I've gone from eating meat 2-3 times a week to eating it 2-3 times a day! I think I'm finally finding a good balance. I'm doing my best to  be very regimented in the way I'm currently eating, but I'm also being realistic. I don't want to live in a bubble, so if someone invites me over to their house for a meal or if I'm out at a restaurant, I eat the "best" option available. I also plan ahead. If I'm going to a party I make sure I eat a meal before I go, or bring a dish to share, this way I'm not tempted to cheat from being hungry. I will often cook more meat in order to have leftovers for fast and easy lunches. 

So...Here is what I eat in a typical day! 

1) Breakfast: Chocolate-mint protein smoothie.

2) Lunch: Turkey burger on a bed of herbs, and half an avocado.

3) Afternoon snack: "Granola" Toasted coconut with raw almonds and pecans. I eat it with a sprinkle of cinnamon, a dash of salt, a couple drops of liquid stevia, and almond or coconut milk.

4) Dinner: Broiled tilapia with herbs, mashed cauliflower, and roasted asparagus. 

I think the most challenging thing I've found about eating this way is that it's very time consuming to have to cook so much meat. I definitely have to meal plan to make this work! Also, I really miss sandwiches. And chocolate. And Raisins. Like a lot. 

I'm trying to convince myself that these are somehow low carb...because of the peanut butter. 

 

Journey On! 5 Simple Things to Remember When on the Path to Healing

Disease. Dis-ease. The word literally means, "lack of ease" or "inconvenience." And isn't that the truth?! Illness and disease really are an inconvenience. I don't know about you, but I just don't have time for it! :)

For the past three years I have been "dealing" with a chronic, pesky "inconvenience"  known as eczema. Ec-zah-mah. Or is it Ec-zeeee-mah? Regardless of how you pronounce it, it's terrible. It's a vicious cycle of dry, red, hot, wet, flaky, ITCHY skin, and just when you think it's over and you are feeling "normal" again, it comes raging back full force (usually in the middle of the night) making your body feel as though it has been dripped in hell fire. It's maddening! It's discouraging! It distracts you from truly LIVING life.  And here's the thing...I've tried EVERYTHING to heal my skin. Everything (or so I thought). All the supplements out there that claim to promote and nourish skin, lotions, creams, medicinal body washes, foods that promote healthy skin cell regeneration (i.e. $11 for 7 wheat grass shots...sigh.), salt spas, infrared saunas, acupuncture, steroid ointments (yuck!), books that claim to have the latest "answer" or "cure" etc.etc.etc. I detoxed! I juiced!  And although, some things did give me some relief, it was still there! I'm a health coach! I should know what to do, right? 

In early October my eczema symptoms began to get increasingly worse. By December my "moderate" eczema had become so severe that there were days when I literally couldn't raise my arms over my head for fear my skin would crack open. 

This was my skin the middle of December 2014.

In December, I started consulting with my chiropractor regarding my eczema and allergies.  He did a nutritional analysis, recommended I take a few targeted supplements, and avoid certain foods. This made a tremendous difference in my skin! AMAZING! But I still found that some foods triggered eczema reactions, and there didn't seem to be a rhyme or reason. In the mean time, I (well...actually my mom) made an appointment for me to see a doctor in Pennsylvania that practices integrative medicine. His treatment protocol for eczema using nutritional  IV therapies has been very successful. This was a huge leap in my healing journey, and I am happy to say that I am seeing incredible results! I have more energy and I just "feel" better. But...healing hasn't been instantaneous. My body didn't get sick over night, so I have to be patient as it heals. I've also had to work hard to get better, being disciplined in adjusting my diet, and taking my supplements. It's a huge relief to finally have answers. And it's the little things too you know? Like getting up in the morning and putting on clothes without thinking, "What clothes should I wear that will hide most of my eczema and not make me itchy?" or having to vacuum my bed (just keeping real) because my skin is so dry, or being itchy ALL THE TIME! Simply put, I'm just so grateful!

My skin 6 weeks later: 95% eczema free! 

Here are the 5 things that have helped me as I am pursuing health and healing:

1) Find the best doctor for your "dis ease."
    This has definitely been the best decision I've made! One I wish I had done sooner. In the 
    past, I made many appointments with local  doctors and was given no answers or
    solutions. I even went to an"integrative" doctor locally and came out of the office with 
    another prescription for a steroid ointment. For me, traveling 5 hours to see a doctor that 
    is skilled and knowledgeable about the health issues I'm facing is a small sacrifice. 

2) Invest in your health. 
    Healing your body may not be "cheap," but it will be worth it! I promise.  I will admit that
    as I was considering the cost of the treatment that my doctor recommended, I began 
    to panic, but I had to think long term. Did I really want to live my life constantly trying to 
   "manage" my symptoms? Um, no. I truly see this as an "investment." This is the only body 
    I'll ever have and keeping it healthy is important, and ultimately a priority. (But hey, you 
    know what was costlier? All those products I purchased that did nothing.) Personally, I am
    "investing" in my health by getting regular chiropractic adjustments, proper nutrition 
    through "real" whole foods, essential oils, and IV therapies.

3) Find a wellness advocate.
    Regardless if your doctor is local or not, find someone who can be an advocate for you 
    during  your healing journey i.e. health coach (*wink*), chiropractor etc.   
    Someone you trust to help and support you as you navigate toward your health goals and
    healing. 

4) Stop it with the "self diagnosing."
    Just stop. I know this is hard because I've been there. I also know what an emotional 
    roller  coaster this can cause; especially if you don't know how to get better. You will 
    literally try anything!  I've talked myself into having so many ailments that it's not even 
    funny! This only causes unnecessary stress on your body and rarely (if ever!) gives    
    sufficient  results. 

5) Quiet you mind.
   When you are struggling with an illness it can be all consuming, exhausting, and 
   isolating. It can influence everything you do/think/eat, and sometimes you forget that
   there's a whole world out there that you're missing out on. Find time to relax and do
   things you enjoy and  just be "normal"...read a book, get a massage, go hiking, take a yoga 
   class, meditate and pray, meet up with a friend for a tea or coffee date, plan a game  
   night, think of ways you can serve and bless others (I think this is an awesome way to stop
   thinking about how you're feeling, and turn the focus to someone else.).

Healing from any type of illness is not easy. It takes focus. Determination. Guidance. Consistency. Gratitude. It is also knowing that even if nothing changes, my hope is the One who WILL make ALL things new  (even my skin cells!)