A Blistering 98.6* F

I think I have mentioned on here once or twice that when using the oils to cook with, you might lose the healing purposes from them because of the heat. This is the same reason you need to keep them out of direct sunlight and high heat. Well it struck me the other day that our bodies are 98.6 degrees. Therefore, if you are using the oils in your foods and drinks, as long as you don't go hotter than that, you should still get the medicinal necessities from them. So if you are sick and want to make some sort of peppermint tea or lemon tea or something, just make sure your water isn't hotter than 98.6 degrees and you should be alright! :) 

Do you guys want me to start using tags on each post? Would that help future navigation on this blog? 

How Much Do YOU Like the Smell of Garlic?

First of all, I want to let you all know, my semester is over!!!! I don't have homework until January! Wahoo! I have to take advantage of this time and unfortunately there is so much on my list that I want to do. Lucky for all of you, this blog is high on that list! :)
Second of all, I want to give a shout-out to Jennifer, who commented on the previous post about using the Digest-Zen on her baby! I love hearing success stories like that and am so happy for you Jennifer that you found something that worked! 

Okay, I'm sure you are all wondering what my title has to do with this post. Before I go on any further, I want to begin by saying, this could end up being a long post. In addition to my blabbering on, it might seem a bit...personal type of information you are reading. I debated whether to put this on, but, this blog is dedicated to helping you all feel better, lead healthy lives, using essential oils and other products to help you do that - THE NATURAL WAY! So the following is an experience I have had recently, actually, am still currently having and I share in hopes that I am able to help someone else out there who might have the same problem. I am not intending to gross anyone out. If I do, please keep your comments to yourself and skip this post until the next one comes along! :) So, are you ready? Here we go! :)

I have a yeast problem. I have for about 7 1/2 years now. I used to eat so much sugar when I was little. I think that might have had something to do with it. I would get vaginal yeast infections all of the time! Pain in the butt! Then I started having kids. It would seem like I would have one the whole pregnancy. Then I'd breastfeed and get the thrush on my nipples and in my baby's mouth. Painful. If you have never had to deal with one, please count your blessings. They are uncomfortable and painful! Nothing good about them. I usually would just go get the Monistat cream and stuff and it would go away for the time being. Eventually though, it always came back. Then I heard somewhere that Monistat only takes away the symptoms and not necessarily the yeast problem. This made sense to me because it was always a short time later that I'd get another yeast infection.
I learned pretty quickly to drink cranberry juice, although I never saw it do too much for me. But, if I felt like one was coming, I'd start drinking (it isn't my favorite juice!). I'd get the prescriptions when I'd have it from nursing and we'd deal with the pain for a while but eventually it would go away. Then during my third pregnancy, I started to get the thrush in my own mouth. Believe me, if you think it is gross just reading this, try being the one who has the problem! 

Throughout this time that I have started going A Nat-ur-el, I have realized how much of what I eat effects this problem with yeast that I have. It is the sugar!  Not just the candy and the pop though. It is all of the white bread, potatoes, other starches, white rice, etc. that turns into sugar when it goes into your body. So for the last year, I've tried really hard to eat healthier, just in general. At the point in time, I don't typically eat white bread at all, only wheat and whole grain. I eat more vegetables. I do eat fruits, like with my green smoothies, but eating too much fruit can be bad for the yeast problem too because of the natural sugars in them. I just try to control the pop and candy and replace it with water. 

Since using the oils, I have had no yeast infections since my last baby was born, so back in April. That is quite a while for me and quite amazing actually. Nursing has been going great and I absolutely love it! She is a good eater and because of the LifeLong Vitality pack and a mega cranberry pill that I take everyday, my milk has been great. Basically cream is what I'm feeding my child, ha ha. Then I decided to add some oils to my teeth-brushing regiment and I think it started to somewhat detox and push out the yucky stuff. This is when I got thrush/yeast infection from breastfeeding. That was about two weeks ago. The oil that is necessary for this is Melaleuca. Just my luck, mine was gone! So I got it put on my next autoship, but that wasn't going to come for two weeks (I just got it yesterday, ha ha). I got on the doTERRA google group and started asking for help. It was starting to get really painful to nurse, to the point that I had to tense up my whole body and hold my breath cuz it hurt so bad. I was told to try taking Oregano and OnGuard in a pill everyday. So I did. Then I read the Oregano can make your milk decrease. Between that and just struggling with nursing cuz of the pain, I felt my milk decreasing. I am not ready to wean and so that was the last thing I wanted. so for about three days, 1-2x a day, I rubbed basil on my breasts hoping that it wasn't too late and that my milk was gone for good. I felt like maybe the yeast infection wasn't getting worse, but it certainly wasn't better. I noticed the thrush in Rory's mouth and thought, there has to be something else! So I got back on to the google group and asked more questions. I had one lady tell me about garlic and how good it is for killing off the yeast. Here is where my title comes into play. What I had to do is vaginally put a clove of garlic in me and change it about 3x a day and then give Rory some. 

So here is the update. I went and got my garlic this morning and started it. I was also told that Grapefruit seed extract is great, so I got that to give to Rory so that it would taste a little better for her. I put about 5 drops in a bottle of water and she just sips on it periodically. Because the pain has gotten so bad, just thinking about nursing made me cringe in pain. So I have been pumping bottles to give her so that we have a break and don't just keep passing the infection back and forth. Well it is 11:15pm. I have done the clove of garlic thing three times today, I have pumped bottles so that we have a little break, I have given Rory some of her special water, and I continue to wash with warm water and put a drop of Melaleuca on my nipples after every pumping/feeding. Here are my results: I FEEL 10 TIMES BETTER THAN I DID THIS MORNING!! Having the garlic in you puts it into your bloodstream and therefore you will smell like garlic. I could smell it and taste it in my mouth all day. It doesn't stink to me, but it sure gets old after a little while. But, the most important factor is that it is working! I am laying low on the sugar still (I think after two weeks of doing this I have even lost a pound or two!) and drinking a lot of water. I am still going to pump for probably another day but then I will start nursing again. I am thinking that after I am done nursing, I need to do a cleanse. Another problem with yeast is that stress can make it worse. Just my luck, it is the end of my semester and life has been VERY stressful for me the last couple weeks. But now that it is over and I can relax a little bit, I am confident that I will be doing so much better by the end of the week. Oh, and during this whole thing, when I have been pumping, I was only able to get about 2-4 oz of milk out (that is both breasts combined). Today, I pumped a 9oz bottle!! I feel like I have plenty now to keep going for a little while longer since my Rory loves to nurse so much.
Sometimes an oil won't be the answer. Just as in this case, I needed something stronger than Melaleuca. Garlic cloves are working wonderfully and will definitely not ever forget this experience so that I can keep this solution in my files.
I wanted to share this experience because I know a few of you moms out there are nursing or maybe there are some of you out there who might have the same problem I do. I have realized my body really cannot handle a ton of sugar, even more so since I have stopped eating so much. This blog is about being healthy and finding healthy ways to take care of yourself and those you love. 

I hope I didn't gross anyone out and I hope my message makes sense. My brain is kind of fried!

I Finally Got It Done!

You are probably wondering what the heck my title of this post is talking about. Well, a while back, I talked about making little roller bottles full of oils for my kids to use every morning and night. That is it. I finally got them done today! 

So here is what I put in them. I am thinking maybe next time not using so many oils, but for this first time, I wanted to cover my bases! So each of my children have one that say their name and the word AM or PM on it. On their morning bottles, it has Frankincense and Peppermint to help them get up, feel refreshed and awake for the day. Then I put in OnGuard to help boost their immune system. Balance and Elevation to help keep a stable grounding and make them happier. Then in their night bottles, they each have both Lavender and Serenity (I like the way Serenity smells more than Lavender, and next time I won't use both, just pick one). Then in my older daughter Abby's bottle, she has some Purify in there. She has Molluscum warts all over her body caused by dry skin. It spreads easily as well. So we have lotion that we put on her every night and that seems to be helping a little bit. So the Purify is to try to get rid of this virus or whatever that is in her body. I'm hoping to see a difference and can't wait for them to be gone. She is very self-conscious about them. 

I got the little bottles HERE. They are pretty inexpensive and a great way to spread the oils around. They have this small size, which is what I used for my kids. Then they also have a bigger size which is 1/3 oz 10 mil size. I made one bottle for my husband and I to share for night time just with Serenity in it and used the larger bottle. I could have my kids all share their bottles, but then I could just see the fights begin. So I made each of them their own bottle so they feel a little more special. The oils are antibacterial and so germs will not spread if more than one person uses the bottle though.
Sorry for the horrible picture! I couldn't find my camera and had to use my phone. That picture was the best I could get! And yes, I do have a shelf just for nail polishes. There are 4 girls in my little house! :) 

Don't Forget To Listen...

One of the things I wanted to post about, especially before we get too far into the holiday season, is about knowing your body and listening to what it is telling you. Now, I know that by saying that, some might roll their eyes and think, "This woman is a nutcase!" But let me tell you, since I learned more about this concept, my life has changed. Sounds too simple and crazy, but it is true. I have learned to realize it is I'm feeling like when I am full, when I am hungry, when I am bored, when I need more sleep, and when I need to get my butt moving and exercise! So I urge you all to do the same through this holiday season. This is the time of year we all love, but we all dread because of all of the treats and stuff. We tend to be busier with chatting and snacking and forget to take a walk, or eat a handful of carrots. (silly example, yes, I know! ha ha.)
Back in October, when I went through that long space of no blogging, I was getting into the middle of my semester (I go to school full-time, for those of you who don't know that), life was busy with my kids and I was just struggling keeping up with it all. I stopped getting enough sleep because I was trying to get everything else done, I was eating too much candy and drinking too much pop (it was Halloween and that sugar was just too readily available), and I was stressing which was giving me a headache. Oh, and since I wasn't exercising, my arms were falling asleep while I was sleeping. Crazy! I know! Then one day is really hit me that I wasn't taking care of myself and listening to the signals that my body was giving me to tell me that it was being strained. The headaches were from a lack of sleep. The sleeping arms were because I was not exercising. The lack of energy was from not eating the right foods and not taking my daily Lifelong Vitality Pack and my Cranberry pill. From the signals I was receiving, it was evident I needed to take better care of myself. After all, especially with being a mom, if I don't take care of myself, how can I expect to be able to take care of everyone else? It is not selfish. In fact, taking care of yourself is the best thing that you can do for everyone else. It has taken me some time to get to know myself, in a sense. But it has come over time and it has had lasting impressions that I know will help me in the present and in the future. So here is my challenge to you this holiday season: Listen to your body. When you feel full, stop eating. If you are tired, go to sleep and get more sleep. If you have a headache, maybe you need to take a breather and eat a bite of chocolate. If you are starting to feel really stressed or sluggish, get out and take a walk or head to the gym to pump some iron. Whatever it is your body is telling you, listen. It is as simple as that. For your brain to operate correctly and effectively, it needs oxygen. Make sure you take a few deep breaths during a stressful moment. This will help you get through the season with a better attitude because you will feel your best.

Now how does the oils tie into this? Well, first of all, I cannot say enough about the Lifelong Vitality pack. I take these vitamins everyday and can definitely feel a difference if I don't. I love how they help me feel better and get through my day. I am giving them the credit as to why my milk is so good, since I am nursing my 7 months old daughter. Just wonderful. If you are interested in learning more, I will post about it soon, but feel free to email me at corinnehoyt@yahoo.com and we can talk more about how it would help you out. Another oil that is great to carry around with you this holiday season is Elevate! Elevate is great for any feelings of depression. Whether we like to admit it or not, depression can hit people really hard this time of year. Take a few deep breaths of Elevate or diffuse it in your home and I'm sure you will feel better. Some of those holiday treats leaving your stomach unsettled? Use a drop of digestzen. 20 minutes later, if you don't feel good yet, use another drop. Just put a drop directly on your stomach and rub it in. I like to take a couple deep breaths of it when I am really not feeling good. If you have a headache from the stresses or the commotion, put some Peppermint behind your ears and rub down your neck. Headache will be gone before you know it! Having some heartburn? Rub a drop of lemon on your chest and you will feel some relief. There are so many options for you. Feel free to email me or comment here with any questions.
Has anybody else had any experiences with this whole "listen to your body" type of thing? :) Please leave a comment and tell us all. We can all learn from each other. It is better than me ranting and raving all of the time! :)

And The Winner Is....

Quick reminder: My giveaways are done at random, there is no favoring. I use a random picker that does the work for me. :)

The winner for the 15mL bottle of Lemon is.....

Alisha!! 

Thank you for everyone who participated. Be sure to keep referring this blog so we can get more followers. More followers = better giveaways! :)

You Want Some Lemon?

To make up for my lack of posting, I think it is time for a GIVEAWAY!!!

Today I am giving away a 15mL bottle of Lemon (that is the biggest DoTERRA sells - the regular size of every bottle usually). So here are the rules to entering:

Follow the blog and leave a comment letting me know you are following- 1 entry

Refer someone else to the blog and let me know - 1 entry
Tag this blog in your Facebook, twitter, blogs, or somewhere and let me know in the comments that you did so - 2 entries

Giveaway ends Saturday night at midnight. You have two days...ready....GO! :)

They Call Me Mellow Yellow

Lemon --> Yellow ---> Today's title. Ha ha. 

So I got emails from my up-line periodically and when I got this one, I knew I HAD to share it with you. Some information about the Lemon Oil. If you want to be put on the email list from my up-line, let me know and I can send them your email address. They have meetings, classes, send out information and lots of fun stuff periodically. This one came from a girl named Kellie. Here is what she taught this month about Lemon: 

"Lemons Uses: Aromatic, Topical, Internal -Make sure it is a CPTG oil if you are wanting it for medicinal uses.

Very Family Friendly! Wahoo!!

Illness, Colds, Flu, Fevers, Kidney Cleanse, Immune Booster, Natural Pick-Me-Up, Parasite Cleanse, Toxin Cleanser, And Household Cleaner!

(just a few drops in 8oz of water several times a day keeps the kidneys flushed clean, the liver happy, the blood vessels clear of arterial plaque, and gets the lymph flushed out.)

-I used Lemon to remove paint from the side of a car!

-I use lemon to remove gum and stickers (I know it is a pricey little cleaner, but I love the smell, and I love that I can use it with my hands and not feel worried about toxic crap getting into my system!)

I believe it is one of the most important oils. It is simple to use, safe for every one in the family, and covers a whole myriad of problems, concerns or ailments. Plus it tastes DELICIOUS!

And beautifully it is cheaper than most of the oils because it is an abundant resource.

I believe this oil fits EVERYONE'S Budget. And should be used daily.

Use it to clear the air and freshen up a room instantly.

Use a few drops in the tub for a refreshing bath that also helps dull skin, and to pull toxins.

Use it for cuts, and wounds (it heals, cleanses and numbs.)

Use it to shine up a dull complexion, try my Lemon Coffee scrub recipe below...it is fabulous!

Use it in frosting and baking

Lemon Pie...YUM!

One of my favorite uses is in a warm tea.

Honey Lemon Tea

Use "Just Warm" water (remember not to heat your oils past body temperature, we want to keep the therapeutic properties in it.)

Fill a cup 3/4 full

Add Honey, about 1 1/2 tbs to 2 tbs  and stir until blended (honey is a natural healer)

Add 3-7 drops of Lemon Essential Oil in water

Stir and drink.

Kids love it, adults love it, and you can drink as much as you want. (Sure you are going to notice more frequent bathroom visits, but that is the cleansing and flushing power of Lemon. It is doing its job!)

Lemon is a natural pick-me-up, and a room deodorizer, also it kills the airborne germs and viruses, so........DIFFUSE IT BY GOLLY!

Keep oils  like Lemon circulating in your home through oil diffusers and you will notice, better moods, less illness, and the place just smells darn good! 

Lemon Coffee Scrub

-Use some used coffee grounds, whatever was in the filter (if you don't have used grounds, you can use fresh grounds straight from a package about 3 tbs worth.

-Use one tbs olive oil or fractionated coconut oil for facial scrub, or 4 tbs for body scrub (more or less grounds and oil can be used to fit the consistency of product you like)

-Use 1 drop Lemon Oil

Mix together

Gently scrub face and body

Allow to sit on skin for several minutes

Rinse with warm water and towel dry yourself

Gives a natural healthy glow to skin you will love.

If you are super sensitive to oils and scrubs, I don't recommend using this recipe because it works really well."

Isn't this information amazing? I did format it a little bit to make it look appealing to read, ha ha, but all of the credit goes to her.
I don't buy coffee, so if you don't either, maybe you could switch out the coffee in her scrub recipe and put in oatmeal or something? Do you have any other ideas on that?
Lemon is  $13.33 retail and only $10 wholesale. It definitely is budget-friendly and so easy to use! Everyone needs to have at least one bottle of Lemon in your house. I have about 2-3 in  my house, plus one in my diaper bag. Where is yours?

I Am HORRIBLE!

Can I just say that I feel horrible? To be honest, unfortunately, my life has gotten to be so busy that I find it really hard to sit down and blog right now. So here are my options, I would love your input, would you rather I just wait until my semester is over and then start blogging again? Would you rather have a few posts just posted one day a week? Or do you think I should just delete the blog altogether?
You all tell me. I'm looking for advice. Help! :)

I Am Still Alive...

(Ha ha, I loved this picture because the mom is nursing, lol, so that is how I feel sometimes.)

Wow, I didn't realize it had been so long since I had posted last. I would like to sincerely apologize for taking off like I did. Life has been so busy for me between going to school full-time, having a baby who doesn't always take her naps when she should and still has to nurse every 3 hours or else she is starving, a daughter who is in Kindergarten (did you know that when kids this young get homework, it is just like me, the mom, getting homework? :) ), and somewhere in that time spent cooking, cleaning, doing homework and sleeping, I have to spend time with my hubby, who often gets dropped because of my busy schedule. So I had to let the blog go for just a little while until I got caught up on life! So I hope you are all still there and am willing to stick it out with me while my semester is going. I only have 6 weeks left and then I'll be taking a break for a couple months. I will still be keeping the blog, and just posting when I can.
I just wanted to let you all know that I am here and have been thinking of lots of fun things to post. Here is a preview:

-  Taking Care of Myself

-What oils I ended up putting in my kids roller bottles.
- The numbing affect.
- Ylang-Ylang huh?

- Christmas Gift Ideas

So give me some time to finish my homework for the week and I'll get you all caught up on some fun things going on with the oils. :)

I would love to hear from some of you! Tell me what you are all up to this autumn season. How busy are you? Do you feel like me? Or are you a blessed one who gets to sit down periodically?

Brrr....A Hot Drink Sounds Good!

Today, here in Rexburg, we had our first snowfall. No, it was not just a flurry. It stuck. I had to clean my car off after a little while. So we got home and after taking off all of the coats and boots, my kids let me know that it was time for their favorite thing in the winter: HOT CHOCOLATE! So what does this have to do with oils? Well, who likes mint hot chocolate? Why not try adding a drop or two of peppermint to your hot chocolate? Of course I thought of this AFTER my cup was all gone. But I am going to try it next time. If you like tea, you could try doing peppermint tea, lemon tea, or maybe use the grapefruit or Citrus Bliss. Unless you use extremely hot water, I would think that not all of the healing agents in the oil would come out. So I'm sure it might help you feel a little better or comforted. :) Give it a try and let me know what you think!

Getting Personal on Wednesdays

?

For today's "Getting Personal" post, I actually am asking for everyone's opinion. I finally went and got my little roller bottles from the store today. In them, I am going to put oils that my kids can put on their own feet every morning and night. They will have two bottles for each of them. One for the AM and one for the PM. So, based off of what you know about oils now, what oils do you think I should put in each of their little bottles?? Leave a comment and then I'll let you all know what I decide to do.

I bought my little roller bottles from here. You can order online or go to the store in Orem.

Tuesday's Top Ten

Top Ten Oils to Use Daily

1- Balance

2- OnGuard

3- Lemon

4- Peppermint

5- Frankincense

6- Citrus Bliss

7- Lavender

8- Serenity

9- Elevation

10- Purify

Dr. David Hill, the world-famous doctor that is one of the head people in doTERRA has mentioned many times that this is his daily routine with essential oils:

* Apply Peppermint and Frankincense to the soles of your feet when you awaken. This will get you fully awake, energized, and ready for your day.         * Diffuse Citrus Bliss or a blend of any of the other doTERRA citrus oils mixed with Purify or OnGuard  

* Apply Serenity to back of neck and temples midday. Use anytime you're feeling stressed 

* Add Peppermint and Lemon to water during the day. This is detoxifying. Be sure to use an oil every time you refill your bottle (make sure it isn't plastic). -My personal favorite is Grapefruit rather than Lemon-Corinne :)  
* Apply Lavender to bottom of feet at night. This helps to alleviate insomnia and encourages a restful sleep. 

Now I would add Balance if you have any sort of imbalance problem in your body. If you suffer from any sort of depression of any kind, I would be sure to add some Elevation in there as well. It will help lift your mood. I know a lot of people, especially during the winter months, will suffer from a seasonal depression. So be sure you are taking care of yourself to try to prevent that as much as possible. Elevation is my favorite oil to diffuse because I love the smell. 

What are some of the oils that you love to use on a daily basis?

Help Me Breathe!

So can I just tell you how wonderful Breathe is? As I mentioned before, my kids have had colds the past little while. Breathe has been my saving grace. I put a drop on their chest in the morning and it stopped their runny nose until after lunch. I ended up putting the oil on, one drop at a time, about 3-4 times a day. Every time, within 10 minutes, their nose was not running anymore. They were cleared up and doing much better. I have never been disappointed with this oil and highly recommend it for the upcoming flu/cold season. I personally love being able to help dry up their little noses without having to give them something that zonks them out for hours. Then we are able to go on with our day without unexpected naps and delays AND without going through a whole box of tissues. :) So be sure to stock up. Breathe costs $26.67 retail and only $20 wholesale. So it would definitely benefit you to sign up and get it at wholesale price because I guarantee that once you try it, you will LOVE it just like me. It is one of the oils I carry with me at all times.

Getting Personal on Wednesdays

Today is what I like to call, "Getting Personal on Wednesday". Wednesdays will be the day that will typically have some sort of personal story related to you.
This isn't as much of a story as it is a thought. But this is what happened to me today: 

A few of my kids are coming down with a cold, so we've been using On Guard on their feet and Breathe on their chest repeatedly. Today, we went over to my mom's house and my son told her that I put oils on their feet. He did this more than once and one time ended the conversation like this (not exact words because he is 3, so sometimes his sentences aren't in the right order! :) )
"Grandma, my mom put oils on my feet because I am sick. The oils always make me feel better!" 

I couldn't help but smile when I heard that. My goal through out all of this "natural stuff" is to be able to successfully take care of myself and my family. Hearing comments like that make all of the money and all of the time all worth it. It is so worth it. My children's health is worth it. My health is worth it. My husband's health is all worth it!! 

What is that important to you? Please share in the comments if you feel so inclined.

 

This is a picture of me and 3 of my kids. 

Tuesday's Top Ten

Something I am going to start on this blog is Tuesday's Top Ten! So here it goes!

Top Ten Reasons to Use doTERRA Essential Oils

10. They are an all-natural alternative to living your life.

9. They have a great rewards program!

8. Incorporating the oils in your life makes you feel so healthy and powerful!!

7. Their inventory is continuing to grow which means more possibilities for you!

6. Because everyone else is doing it! (or at least they should be.)  :) Ha ha!

5. You can use them for just about any ailment you might be suffering through.

4. Every single oil is 100% CPTG/Pure!

3. They are good for everyone from ages 0-100 (and even older than that.).

2. All it takes is just one drop.

And the number one reason comes from a fellow oiler...

1. "The people that are using *  doTERRA Essential Oils   *  are experiencing great results, they are empowered by the decision that they made to be an advocate for their families and it is such a great feeling to know that I am part of making a difference in peoples lives!"  

-Vicky from Colorado

And The Winner Is....

My little baby girl has a little cold, poor thing. (Just my luck because we have family pictures tonight!) So right now, I am using a drop of Breathe on her chest. (I am not using any carrier oil with it. It doesn't seem to be bothering her without it.) I am also putting a drop of OnGuard on her feet periodically. I have noticed that the Breathe is really helping clear up her nose. It will dry it up, make it quit running, and she is able to breathe so much better. When she can breathe, we are all happier! :)
I bet you are just dieing to know who won the 15mL bottle of Lavender! Ahhh...the suspense...
Thanks for all 4 of you that entered into the giveaway! I put you all into my random chooser/dice thing (on my husband's iPad) and the winner is........CHRISSY!!!! So, Chrissy, I'll be contacting you to make sure I have the most up-to-date address and get you your very own bottle of Lavender! You'll get hooked once you give them a try! I know you will love it!
I have some fun posts prepared for the near future, so stay tuned and be sure to become a follower if you aren't already. I welcome all comments. So if you have any questions about anything I am writing, or a question about something you want me to post about, just leave a comment and let me know! I am always looking for ideas.

Something Chocolatey?

Who out there likes to eat brownies? How about mint brownies? I know that I LOVE mint brownies. 

A classic recipe is to make up your favorite batch of brownies, add 5-7 drops of peppermint at the very end before you pour into the pan and bake as you normally would! How many drops depends on how strong you like the mint flavor. Don't be afraid to give the batter a little sample (or two or three :) ) to see if you want it stronger or not. They are so yummy when they are warm and gooey and pepperminty!
Feel free to experiment. I have heard of people trying the oil Orange or Citrus Bliss in their brownies as well. Peppermint is just the only one that I have tried. Get creative! 

If you are using the oils in any of your cooking, please let us know what you are doing! The more ideas, the better!

Too Much Stress!

With all of this talk about stress and anxiety, I figured the best way to calm us all down is by having a GIVEAWAY! And what better oil to give away than a bottle of Lavender?? :) 

So here are the rules:

1- Become a follower of this blog if you aren't already. 

2- Leave a comment about something you have used the oils for, or something you would like to try using the oils for! :) 

The giveaway ends Sunday. That is plenty of time for you to enter, as well as to spread the word to others!! If you recommend someone to the blog, and they enter in this giveaway, leave me an additional comment and that will give you two entries! For each person you refer, you get another entry.
Lavender retails for $28 and is $21 wholesale price.
Lavender is one of the basic oils that is recommended for everyone to have at all times! So you definitely want to make sure you are in this giveaway! :) Good luck!!!

Stress Much? Part 2

I apologize once again for this second part coming later than I had hoped. Stupid internet!
Okay, so in part 1 we talked about how Lavender and Serenity are great for times in your life when you are feeling more stress or anxiety. I know today I felt a lot due to the need to get homework done, take care of kids, clean house, fix dinner and whatever else I can fit into my day. So some other oils that are recommended for dealing with stress are Elevation, Frankincense, Peppermint and even Breathe. It comes down to trying an oil out and seeing what works best for you and your body. Different things work for different people. On everythingessential.me, the technique that is most recommended when using the oils is the cup and inhale method. To do this, simply place your hands in cupping position, place over nose and take deep breaths.  Deep breaths are important keys to remember when using the oils and going through out life. It gives the brain oxygen and allows for additional processing and healing to take place. So be sure to breathe deep and often to keep the air flow moving!
How are you all feeling? Still feeling stressed? What oil are you thinking you want to try out??

Stress Much? Part 1

So due to recent events, the term "stress" has been on my mind a lot. My 3yr old son had 3 seizures last week. We had to take him into get an EEG done yesterday morning early to see if there are any abnormalities going on with his brain. One of the thoughts that occurred to me about why this might be happening, is maybe he is stressing out too much! We all deal with some sort of stress and anxiety. But my little guy seems to be a little more sensitive, at least compared to his sisters. He freaks out about little things and has a hard time with change. So I've been wondering if maybe these seizures are stress-induced. I am no doctor, nor do I claim to be. I just wanna know what is going on with my son. It will take up to 10 days before we will hear anything back. Until then, I STRESS! :) 

So what oils can be good for stress or anxiety? The most obvious ones are Lavender and Serenity. These oils are calming and soothing. So a little bit in the mornings, or at nights, or both, can probably help you mellow out a bit. I might have to start using it more regularly because my school semester just started. Talk about STRESS! :)

What kinds of things are you guys stressing about right now? Leave a comment. Vent a little. None of us mind! :) It does a body good to vent sometimes.
Part 2 of this post will come tomorrow...so stay tuned...

Do You Smell Something?

I am so sorry that I have been absent for a few days. My school semester just got started, I'm trying to figure out when to get family pictures done, I'm taking my son in tomorrow morning for an EEG because he had two little seizures last week. Life is just CRAZY!!!
But, here is something I am going to try and wanted to share with you:

"Drip several drops of your favorite essential oils on a tissue and place it in the collection bag of your vacuum. This will diffuse a pleasant odor as you clean as well as kill germs that are often found and disseminated as you vacuum. " info found here.

I think I will use the Elevation Oil. That one is just my favorite to spread around my house because I really feel like it helps us all be happier as well as it smells really good. I love to diffuse it when there is a yucky diaper smell (which I get a lot since I have 2 in diapers), or the garbage just stinks a bit. 

What are you guys using the oils for at your house? I'd love to hear what you are doing, as would our other readers! So leave a comment with one thing you are doing at your house with the oils. :)

My Tummy Hurts...

Have a tummy ache? Some indigestion? Try putting a drop of DigestZen on your stomach. 20 minutes later, if you aren't feeling better, do it again. It has worked for me better than any Tums, Rolaids or any other OTC medicine.

A Cure For Sleepwalking????

I have a great friend who is using doTERRA's oils in her own little family. She has been a guest on this blog before. Today we were talking because she was asking me about what oils to use with an eye infection (that will come in another post). So we were catching up a bit and she told me that she found a cure for her husband's sleepwalking habit!! Of course, I was like, "What?" So I asked her to share her fun find with the rest of us. Thanks Molly for being willing to share your story!

"My husband sleep walks. I've known this since we've started dating, which was six years ago. It happens more when he's sick or stressed out. And it's not just walking, either. He eats, he showers, he opens the front door, he turns the iron on...all while he's sleeping. What's worse is he never feels rested when he wakes up. He's tired all the time and never has enough energy to make it through a whole day. Poor guy.
Then, at the beginning of this year, we started to get into essential oils. Right away we thought of lavender. This would help get him to sleep but he would still feel tired in the morning. I put the problem in the back of my mind and then I got to thinking...There has to be something else that can help him sleep and feel rested. Then I found out about Serenity. This amazing oil is a blend that helps to relieve stress and relax you. My husband puts one drop of Serenity and one drop of lavender on each foot half an hour before he goes to bed and then again right when he gets into bed. He's been using it this whole week and has not walked in his sleep at all. He has also become a deeper sleeper. What's more is that he has unlimited amounts of energy! When he comes home from work he's not cranky and actually wants to take me out and do something in the evening. Wow! This is such a miracle to me because he has been sleep walking his whole life, then with a simple application of this all natural oil the problem is totally solved!
My only regret is that I didn't think of Serenity earlier!"

 

A Sweet Tooth

Sorry I haven't posted for a day or two. My internet was crappy, family emergencies, all sorts of stuff going on and I never could get a chance to figure out why my internet wasn't working and stuff. But..good news is it is working again and here I am!

So today I'm going to keep it short and sweet. In fact, what do you do when you have had too many sweets and you have a toothache? Yes, I know what you are thinking. "Is there really an oil for that?" By golly, YES THERE IS!! If you have a toothache, get out your Clove essential oil, put a drop on the end of a q-tip and rub on the tooth and gums surrounding. Clove has a numbing effect so it is just like using Orajel. But more natural! :)

Labor Day!

How did you all spend your Labor Day today? My family (my little family, my parents and sister and her son) drove a bit to attend the annual Eastern Idaho State Fair. It was so much fun! And tiring! Whew! Randomly, as we were trying to figure out which of the fattening foods we wanted to put into our bodies for lunch, a man and woman passed us and asked if we wanted any hand sanitizer. First reaction in me said to say no. So I did. As we passed, I turned around and realized it was two people from doTERRA!!! There was so many people there so I couldn't go back and talk to them, but I thought it was cool! How brave they were! I hope they were able to help someone there. 

Anyways....so here is my tip for today. Saturday night, we had a BBQ with some family members that came to visit. My hubby thought he would be funny and give our baby (4 months old) a bite of ice cream. Of course, I got a little mad and told him that that night, he'd be the one staying up with her and her tummy ache. So what happened a few hours later? She is screaming and just a tootin'! I could tell that her tummy hurt so I immediately went for my DigestZen. It was probably around 11pm so I didn't want to stay up all night with her and I was feeling nice and didn't make my husband stay up with her. So I opened her pajamas, put a drop of DigestZen on her tummy and rubbed it around her belly. I think it took about 10 minutes and she was calm. Amazing!!! This is one oil that I cannot live without! Minus her cold, she slept great the rest of the night. I was so thankful that I could use this oil to help us both out. Help her rid herself of the pain she was feeling, and help me so I didn't have to stay up all night with a crying baby. 

DigestZen is $41.33 retail price and WORTH EVERY PENNY!!! This is one oil I have with me wherever I go.

Second Tip for today: Don't give babies ice cream! :)

Let The Cold Season Commence!

Isn't this the greatest picture? Haha. Sorry for the nasty looking one. It was all I could find. Haha.

At my house, it has been getting pretty cold here in the mornings. So when we take my daughter out to wait for the bus, we all bundle up a bit. Yes, by we, I mean me and 3 out of the 4 kids (the baby stays inside). They all feel the need to go to see Abby off. Friday morning, Piper went out to send Abby off and came back 10 minutes later with a runny nose. It seems as though she caught a little something during that walk to the end of the driveway and back. No fun for any of us! So what is the protocol now? Before she went to bed, I put a drop of Lavender on each foot, 1 drop of On Guard on each foot, and then a drop of Breathe on her chest. Her nose was a mix of stuffy and runny, depending on the moment. So the Breathe was to help clear it out and help her breathe through-out the night. The Lavender was to help her rest well. On Guard was of course to get out that yucky virus she caught! By morning, she was doing a lot better. Though I will continue to do this for probably the next week because the typical virus lasts about 7 days. I will also be diffusing On Guard in our apartment so help us all stay healthy!
Oh no, Rory got a runny nose today. I guess I'll be doing this regiment on 2 kiddos, not just 1!! Are you guys ready for the cold season to come? I can't decide if I'm ready for winter. It seems like I just got our gloves, hats and scarves all put away! Guess it is time to go get them. Darn.

The Answer Is...

You guys were right. Lavender is great for diaper rashes! I suggest using a little bit of carrier oil, such as doTERRA's Coconut Oil. Add a drop or two of Lavender. Then I like to add just one more oil: Melaleuca. Just one drop. Melaleuca is great for killing off infections and helps to treat diaper rashes and yeast infections that your little ones might get. Just be sure to use the coconut oil with the oils, otherwise you will have a screaming baby on your hand because it will burn a little. Our little ones are already in pain, so we don't want to add more to it!
Good job Molly and Alisha! Thanks for chiming in!

A Baby's Bottom

My poor Piper got a diaper rash tonight. She walked around and you could tell she was hurting. So what oils do you think you could use?? What would you suggest to me? :)
I'll post the answers tomorrow! But, first, I wanna hear what you think! So leave a comment with your answer.

Disinfectant

I was watching the Today Show this morning, the one with Hoda Kotb, and they were talking about how a bad diet shows in your body.  I learned one bit of info that I thought I'd share with you all today:
If you have bad skin, it might be because you are low on antioxidants.
If you are tired, feeling depressed, feel lazy, you are low on iron. (I knew this one, just wanted to share). 

Here is a recipe to make a Counter top Disinfectant:

*Ingredients:

1 cup distilled white vinegar
1 cup filtered or distilled water

 Option 1:
30 drops melaleuca oil
5 drops peppermint essential oil
5 drops lavender essential oil

 Option 2:
30 drops white fir
5 drops melaleuca oil
5 drops grapefruit oil

 Option 3:
35 drops On Guard
5 drops Purify

 Fill a spray trigger bottle with ingredients and shake to mix well. Spray
on furniture and wipe with cloth or clean sponge. Shake often. 

 

I got this information from here!

Just A Few More...

For a little encouragement, for our lucky #15th follower, I will send a little something to. So if you like this blog, please spread the word! #15, be sure to email me at corinnehoyt@yahoo.com with your name and address so I can mail you a little present! :)

Get Moving!

As I was trying to come up with something to blog about today, I started to read some other articles from doTERRA's blog and this one stood out to me.

Elevate Your Yoga Practice with dōTERRA Essential Oils
(click here to view a video about incorporating your oils into your Yoga routine.

It suggests to use these 3 oils when doing Yogo: Elevate (to lift), Balance (to ground) and Serenity (to calm).

I also want to add that when you are exercising, Deep Blue is a GREAT oil to have on hand. For any soreness or pulled muscles, rub a little deep blue and massage. Or, an even better idea is to rub a little deep blue in and have your spouse massage! :)

Sorry about the formatting and fonts on this post. No matter what I tried, I couldn't get it to look like how I originally typed it!

Oh Blessed Laundry...

I don't know about you, but I HATE doing laundry with a passion. By the time I get it all put away, it is time to start washing again. At least at my house, that is the way it goes. Here are a few tips to use the oils in your laundry! Let me know what you think after you try it out!

"Essential oils may be used to help clean and sanitize your laundry.

Add 10 drops of eucalyptus to each load to kill dust mites or fleas.

Add 10 drops of lemon to help further deodorize and sanitize.

You may also add several drops of essential oils to the rinse cycle, such as
lemon, lavender or Citrus Bliss™ to help further soften and deodorize the load.

*In the Dryer*
Instead of using toxic and irritating softening sheets in your dryer, place a washcloth dampened with 10 drops of lavender, lemon, melaleuca, Citrus Bliss™, or another essential oil. While the oils will not reduce static
cling, they will impart a distinctive fragrance to your clothes. Over drying is the primary cause of static electricity. Remove your clothes from the dryer when you can sense a little dampness. Then fold or hang immediately if possible."
Info was taken from here.
I have started putting Elevation in my washer, while the water is running, before I put the clothes in. I put about 6-8 drops. I just really like the smell of my towels after they are all tried. Yes, I have only put it in with my towels.
If I have sick kids, I will use On Guard to help get rid of odors and/or germs. I am not a huge fan of citrus smells, which is why I don't personally use the lemon more often.

Stress Is One Thing That Can Cause...

Do you know what stress can do to your body? Everybody is different and so stress does different things to different people. But the one I'd like to talk about today is one that my husband actually suffers from periodically...COLD SORES!! Yuck right? Fortunately, I have never had one. But my hubby has had them quite a few times and he really gets tired of them. This herpes virus actually stays in the body until the immune system is weak and then will break out, usually in form of a cold sore. So the best way to keep this from happening is to keep your immune system going strong! To do that, again, I would suggest using On Guard daily. Maybe by putting a drop on your feet in the morning before you put your socks on. (FYI, after putting oils on your feet, it is best to wear a pair of cotton socks for 10-20 minutes to make sure the oils don't get rubbed off) I would also suggest using lemon oil, such as a drop in your water, to help clean your body out and keep it clean. But, if life is stressful and you have that unfortunate luck of having the virus in your body, then here is what is suggested: "Apply one or two drops neat (undiluted) to the outbreak area as often as every 2 hours and not less than 3 times per day.  Continue for 3 days after symptoms are gone.  Melaleuca (often referred to as Tea Tree Oil) and Melissa are the most highly recommended oils.  Lavender, myrrh, or a blend of frankincense and sandalwood can also be used. For small children 50/50 dilution may be used." (This information comes from here) 

Since my husband has had one since we started using the oils, he used the Melaleuca oil on it. He told me that he really liked how when he put a drop on the cold sore, it sort of numbed it a bit and actually took the pain away. So just something to think about next time you feel a cold sore coming. It is best to nip it once you feel one starting instead of waiting until it is in full-swing.
For more information, please check out this website: www.everythingessential.me You can put in any ailment and it will give you suggested protocols with doTERRA essential oils.

A "Duh" Moment

My little Rory went to the doctor yesterday, like I already mentioned, and got 3 shots in her legs. Her fever had gone down by that point but I started hoping that since she had gotten shots, her fever didn't reappear. Well, it did and it was worse than the previous night. It got up to 102. She slept most of the day and evening and was ornery. I continued to put peppermint oil on her feet and head to help reduce the fever. Then here is where my "Duh" Moment comes in, why was I not putting On Guard on her this whole time?? Geez!! She has had a bit of a stuffy nose this whole time so I'm pretty sure she just has a little bug/cold. So last night, I put a drop of On Guard on each of her feet, along with the Peppermint. She slept all night long! Thankfully! Then when she woke up this morning, instead of having a stuffy nose, she had a runny nose. This is a sign that the oils are pushing out the cold. I put them on her feet again this morning and currently her temperature is 98*. Normal! It is miserable when a child of yours is sick and sometimes you feel so helpless. So I'm really thankful that I have these oils and can help my children feel at their greatest!

This is Rory from this morning playing in her jumper!

I also want to mention one thing about the oils. They work a little differently than medicine does. Sometimes they have the effect that instead of just getting rid of the ailment, or dissolving the , they will, in a sense, push it out. This is what happened with Rory and the On Guard. Instead of just clearing up her sinus', she got a runny nose because it is pushing out the bad stuff. This is a good thing. So if you are using them and this happens, it is a good thing. Just keep using them and eventually it will be gone! Best of luck!
Keep the comments coming! I love to hear from my readers! If you have an experience with the oils that you wouldn't mind sharing, let me know and you can be our guest post for the day! :)

One Drop Goes A Long Way

My youngest child, Rory, (who weighed in this morning at 15 lbs and is 4 months old), struggled yesterday. She was a little ornery and at church I realized she was feeling a little warm. So when we got home, I took out the thermometer and took her temperature. Sure enough, 100.8. Poor baby! She was feeling miserable. I could tell she just was achy and didn't feel good. So we got her in some comfy clothes and I grabbed the Peppermint oil. Peppermint is a cooling and calming oil. Great for fevers! I put a drop on each foot and then I like to put one on the crown of the head when my kids have a fever. I did this every few hours. After my other 3 went to bed and I could focus more on Rory, I put a cold washcloth on her forehead and we cuddled. She slept ok. Her temperature went as high as 101 through out the night. But this morning, at the doctor's office, she was down to normal at 98*. I think this just goes to show how strong a drop here and a drop there is with doTERRA's oils. Because they are so pure, they are strong. Now that I think about it, that is kind of how I want my kids to grow up. Pure and strong. I think the oils help us achieve that goal. Along with leading a healthy lifestyle.

Now on this blog, besides telling you more about the oils, I want to just instill how good it is to lead a healthy lifestyle. With eating right, exercising, getting enough sleep, and using the essential oils, you are destined to lead a long healthy life! So periodically, there will be posts about healthy foods or activities or something. :)
I also want to add that when you use the oils, it is so important to learn to listen to your body. If you are a parent, listen to those intuitions on how to help your children. Be aware of the needs of the body and act on them once you figure it out. This can only help your body function properly and make it through this life!
Once again, these are only my opinions. You may feel differently and that is completely fine with me. I'm just sharing my experiences! If you ever make the Lime Cheesecake from my last post, please let us all know how it tasted and what you think! You can also try using an oil called Citrus Bliss or Grapefruit or some other flavor/oil if you wish to experiment. I haven't tried Orange yet.

Time For Dessert

Here is a recipe that I have made for some classes. 

Lime Cheesecake 

(tastes like Key Lime Pie....so YUMMY!!)

1 8oz pkg cream cheese

1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk

1/3 cup lemon juice

1 tsp vanilla

Lime essential oil

Have all ingredients at room temperature. Mix cream cheese first then add the rest of the ingredients. Mix until creamy and smooth. Add 4-7 drops of lime essential oil. Pour into a 9'' graham cracker crust. Chill and serve!

Graham Cracker Crust
Crush graham crackers and add melted butter. Mix well and pat into pan.

Now the lime oil is hard to taste while you are making the cheesecake, I have found. After it has had time to set and chill, the flavor will really come out. So it really depends on how strong you like the flavor. I usually add about 6-7 drops I think and it is pretty strong flavor after it has chilled. So you might just have to try it once or twice and see what kind of flavor you like! :) It is so yummy!

The Good and the Bad

So did you know that our bodies need some germs? There is such a thing as good germs out there! It is good to play in the dirt. It is also good to wash your hands afterwards. But did you know that there are some things out there that instead of really helping you, it might be making things worse? I have observed and done some research on products such as hand sanitizer to see just how good it is and whether I want it in my home or not. I have heard time and time again that hand sanitizer actually not only takes the bad germs off, but it will take the good germs as well. Making it so that your body is unable to form the immunities that it needs to to keep itself healthy. So for me, personally, I have chosen to not buy sanitizer from the stores. I do have some from life before the oils, but we really don't use it very often. To replace it, we have started using doTERRA's On Guard Hand Sanitizing Wipes. These will help to kill off those yucky germs that we don't want, but will enable your body to keep those necessary good germs. From what I'm seeing, the twin-pack of wipes are 10% off right now, making them $13.80 for a twin box set. Each box comes with 20 individually-wrapped, biodegradable wipes. So that is 40 wipes for the $13. It may seem a bit expensive to you, but how important is your family's health? Think about that. These On Guard wipes will also help protect the body against other viruses that might be going around. I can't promise that you or your children won't get sick. But using On Guard, as well as other oils, will help keep your children safer from those nasty germs going around. So stock up now before the winter months come upon us. Keep them in your purse, diaper bags, back packs, cars. Have your kids use them when they get home from school. Whatever your reason may be, just use them! :)

I just wanted to apologize for not having a post yesterday. The county fair is going on now and would you believe that I have been over to walk around and see the animals 4x already? That 4 times happened all yesterday and as soon as I feed my baby, we'll head on over to take a gander once again.

A big thank you to those who are following this blog! If you are reading and haven't yet officially "Followed" us yet, please do so. Being a follower will have a lot of advantages to it in the future as give aways become a more regular thing and such. So push the button, follow and enjoy!!

Almost To #10!

So I now have 9 followers on here. So here is my challenge: The next person to follow my blog, so to be #10, will receive a fun little present from me! So tell your friends.  If you see that you are #10, please email me at corinnehoyt@yahoo.com and give me your name and address so I can mail you your prize! Best of luck to you all! Ready...Set....Follow! :)

Ahh....I Need To Relax....

Today is the kind of day that I have not been home for longer than 30 minutes since 9:30 this morning. That half hour isn't even all at once. My poor kids had to sit in the hot car while I did my errands around town (we have no AC at the moment, so when I say hot car, I am not exaggerating!). So here it is, late at night, my feet are tired and my mind is spinning from everything I need to do from kindergarten registration, kindergarten open house, preschool open house, get pictures developed, doctor appointments, dentist appointments and somewhere, in there, I have to get my books bought for my school semester that starts in a month. The perfect oil to use in a situation like this is a must-have in my house: SERENITY! Serenity is perfect for those stressful times in life. My favorite thing to do with it is put about 3-4 drops in a tub of hot water and take a bath to relax after days like today (be sure to test it out with your skin. That might be too many drops and you might feel it burn a little bit. So start with one drop and work from there. If the bath is for children, definitely only do one drop.) You can also combine it with some water, put it in a spray bottle and spray your pillows and sheets to help you sleep better. Serenity is a calming oil blend that "creates a sense of well-being and relaxation." (doTERRA's words, not mine.) So if you are feeling a little stressed out in life right now, or you think you might in the future, get your hands on this bottle of wonderful-ness. Have a foot soak, a bath, a massage, or spray your pillow with it. Whatever you do with it, I'm sure you will feel its calming affects.
P.S. I'm working on trying to find some good clip-art and figure out formatting with pictures. So if my pictures are plain until then, I'm apologize. Bear with me! :) Thanks!