Full Moon

The energy of a Full Moon is heightened and emotions, feelings, mental processes, dreams etc are all amplified.  When the Sun & Moon oppose each other during a Full Moon, this can cause tension & uncomfortable friction, but at the same time a greater amplification of vision & potential possibility. 

The  is a powerful time of gratitude, gracefully acknowledging the beauty of life itself and all you have brought into beingness.  You may feel a burning desire to express your creativity, bliss out in sensual activities and through fierce yet profoundly tender vibrations let go of any aspects of your life that no longer serve the grandest vision of your Soul.

And as you enter another cycle, reflection with these two questions: “Who do you want to be this time around? What will you do differently?”

Full Moon Energy

  • It’s a time when you reap what you’ve sown.
  • It’s when you’re grateful for whatever lessons you’ve learned in last moon’s cycle, or for whatever intentions and seeds that you planted that actually came to fruition.
  • It’s about completion.?
  • Yang energy

Celestite is an incredibly soothing stone. It encourages positivity, while quelling the anxious or excitable energy that is overly abundant within. It cleans up the aura and promotes light and easy self-expression, making it extra effective if you are seeking therapy for these ailments. It’s an amazing choice in soothing and calming too much nervous energy. 

The high vibrations of Celestite crystal healing properties stimulate and support the throat, third eye, and crownchakras, making it an excellent stone for an overall spiritual detox.

The Celestite crystal stone meaning is a symbol of peace, because when you connect to a higher state of being, it opens you up to mental clarity, the key to resolving conflicts in relationships. Celestite gives us a sense of greater openness to new experiences, even if it seems out of our comfort zone.

The gentle and soothing Celestite crystal meaning reminds us that each day brings new opportunities to shoot for the stars.

Lemongrass: Known as the oil of “cleansing” lemongrass is a powerful and effective cleanser of any energies that no longer aids in our expansion.

Cypress: As the oil of “flow”, cypress is the perfect oil to release any stagnant energy or relationships

Frankincense: Widely known as the oil of “spiritual truth” Frankincense assists us in removing any low vibe or false components in our lives.

Thyme: Revered as the oil of “releasing and forgiving,” Thyme is a significant cleanser of the emotional body making it ideal for the full moon.

Ginger – Oil of Empowerment. Assists individuals to be fully present and participate in life.

Bergamot – Oil of Self-Acceptance. Assists in relieving feelings of self-judgement and low self-esteem. Powerful cleanser of limiting beliefs (feelings of being “not good enough”, “bad”, “unlovable”).

Learn more about the basics of using essential oils here!

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Captivated By Purpose

I didn’t follow the traditional path when it comes to becoming a yoga teacher. I knew early on that my path would lead me to sharing yoga with those who are unable to easily access a traditional setting. I got many small certifications and began teaching before I even thought about getting a 200 hour accreditation. And to be really honest, I still cringe when someone asks me “where did you do your 200 hour?” I cringe because so many times our culture puts a focus on a title or a perceived standard. As my favorite poem the Invitation says—“it doesn’t interest me where or what or with who you studied, I want to know what sustains you on the inside when all else falls away”.

My path to becoming a yoga teacher was the same old monkey on my back that I carried because I didn’t take the common path and go to college. Instead, I got married and became a mom. I didn’t take a college class until I was 43 years old! Until I was able to see my own success I always felt less than others because I chose a different way.

What I have come to learn is that the path we take is OURS. There is no space for comparison when you are fully engaged with your purpose. I knew I was supposed to be a young mom and I also knew that I was supposed to teach yoga a certain way. I knew then and I know now that the paper certificate or who I studied with is irrelevant—it is how I show up on the world that matters. And that is with divine PURPOSE.

Let go of the distraction to compare and compete and instead step into who you really are. You’ll find a treasure within yourself that will change the world.

When I made the decision to go online due to covid, I knew I didn’t want to take another traditional path of online offerings. I wanted to stay true to me—raw, real, authentic, and definitely not staged or overly “perfect”. I hold true to that, tho I will say I have found each week to be more and more my true voice as I get comfortable teaching to a screen.

If you’re ready to follow a path that’s true to you, I’d love to link arms with you.

Essential Oils and the Mind

HOW DO ESSENTIAL OILS AFFECT THE MIND?

Your sense of smell is much more accurate than any of your other senses. Your ability to smell comes from sensory cells called Olfactory Sensory Neurons, found in a small patch of tissue very high in your nose. Those cells connect to your brain.

Each of those sensory neurons has one odor receptor – and molecules released by substances around us stimulate these receptors. Once your neurons detect your molecules, they send messages to your limbic lobe of your brain.

Our sense of smell is 10,000 more sensitive than our other senses. Scent travels faster to the brain with smell than it does with sight, or even sound.

The limbic lobe is a group of brain structures that is below the cortex of the brain – it includes the amygdala and the hippocampus. Your limbic lobe (system of brain structures) is directly connected to the parts of your brain that control many aspects of your body – hormone levels, stress, memory, breathing, heart rate, and more.

The only way to stimulate the emotional brain is through your sense of smell – which is one of the reasons why Essential Oils can work so incredibly well. Feelings of depression, fear, anger, happiness, joy and even anxiety all originate from the limbic lobe of the brain.

Essential Oils can help alleviate symptoms at a cellular level through their therapeutic properties–because that stimulation of hormones and chemicals can drastically affect physiology and behavior.

Essential Oils can be stimulating (Peppermint), calming (Lavender), sedative (Cedarwood), balancing (Frankincense, and so much more.

My Top Five Essential Oils for Emotions:

  • Roman Chamomile: Helps support feelings of peace, love and acceptance.
  • Cedarwood: Helps support healthy focus and encouragement while also grounding.
  • Lavender: Helps support relaxation and calming. This one also helps with communicating feelings.
  • Bergamot: Uplifting and will help support healthy confidence levels. This one also helping foster self love and self worth.
  • Frankincense: Powerful cleanser of the spirit – grounding and can help during times of negativity.

Want to learn more? Check out this gorgeous, free ebook.

REFERENCES:
How do Essential Oils Affect our Mind and Our Emotions. Retrieved from http://www.biospiritual-energy-healing.com/essential-oils-affect-our-minds.html

External Versus Internal: Your Happiness and Success Factor

Close your eyes for a minute and think about what would make you happy or successful? Got it?

Now, think about how many times you might blame an external factor on your lack of happiness or success. You know the list of external things; the economy, the small town, the cost of things, lack of time or money, your job, your lousy boyfriend.

The truth is that success and happiness is determined NOT by trends in economy or other external variables, but instead by the consciousness of each individual.  

It is up to YOU and your thinking.

When you can dig deep into your values and beliefs and you are able to maintain your thoughts, words and action at a higher level AND you source your life on some pretty rock solid principles, you will achieve your happiness and wild success in whatever endeavour you take on. When you let the world know what you stand for and what you wish to experience, all the right people, encounters, events and the results will recognize your intentions and they will literally show up in your life.

YOU have to get past the idea that the economy, or your boss, or your amount in your bank, or your miserable spouse is the cause of your lack of success and joy.

YOU simply have to start living in your mind and heart in the economy or life experience as if it is already so.

You see the experiences that you create for yourself are independent on the experience that others choose for themselves. You in all your magnificence can live the life of your dreams.

Truth is your happiness and success depend on your thoughts and intentions.

Follow me for more goodness!

Welcome to Embracing Wisdom & Wellness

Welcome to Embracing Wisdom & Wellness

I’m so glad you’re here. This is a space created to inspire, nourish, and support you on your journey to a more mindful and balanced life.

Here you’ll find reflections on gentle living, soulful practices for body and spirit, and simple ways to bring more peace and intention into your everyday. From yoga and breathwork to essential oils, seasonal rituals, and nourishing recipes, my hope is that these words and ideas feel like a warm cup of tea—comforting and encouraging as you create your own rhythms of wellness.

Whether you’re here to explore mindful movement, discover natural remedies, or simply pause for a moment of inspiration, welcome. You belong here.

It’s been awhile since I popped in and since I have some new followers/tribe members so I thought I’d say hello to some of my new people and introduce myself a bit. It’s incredible how I have come to know so many of you through emails or other connection, and I am so grateful for the community of goodness that has been created.

Some fun things about me:

  • I have a love affair with smashed-nosed dogs (pugs, Boston’s, bulldogs, boxers). I can’t help myself.
  • I hurts my heart to see others not valued for who they are, especially those with disabilities.
  • My favorite color is any shade of orange, I’ve even had an orange car! (I had a VW beetle with three little kids—what was I thinking?)
  • I collect crystals and if you came to my house, you’d find them everywhere (even in most of the window sills).
  • I can’t stand unloading the dishwasher but I love cleaning the kitchen floor ?.
  • I have never in my adult life taken an overnight getaway alone (that is on my list of fun things this year).
  • I technically have four paid jobs that I juggle each day (I teach yoga and adaptive yoga, I teach wellness and essential oil education, I am a CNA for my daughter with special needs, I take care of my mom’s billing business), and I am always a mom to my girl. And, this year I became a grandmother!?
  • Being outside is imperative to my health. I walk outside 99.9% of the days. I can’t do frigid wind chill, but I am up for bundling up any time to walk. It’s where I connect.
  • About 14 years ago I decided that I was so done being overweight so I changed my habits, starting walking and eating better, healed my inner world and lost all the weight. At one point I weighed 100 pounds more than I do now.
  • I believe with all my heart that we are here to be of service to others. Whatever your passion is, I say use it to better the world.

Welcome my new friends to fun opportunities, learning together and maybe even a new outlook!

I would love to know a little about you, too! Now more than ever building a community is so important. I welcome you into mine.

If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on Buy Me a Coffee! Your support helps me continue creating. 

Looking for the tools and products I swear by? Visit my Amazon storefront for a handpicked collection of my favorite finds—from kitchen gadgets to wellness essentials. Click here to explore and shop my must-haves.

If you would love to be part of my essential oil community and are ready to start using pure essential oils, shop here or email me for a free 1:1 consultation.

Soothing Salve

Soothing Salve: A Gentle Balm for Body and Mind

There’s something deeply comforting about a salve—a simple blend of nourishing oils, beeswax, and essential oils that melts into the skin like a hug. A soothing salve can be a beautiful ally for tired muscles, dry skin, and even moments of emotional overwhelm.

Infused with calming and restorative botanicals, this balm supports your body’s natural healing while offering a moment of pause in your day. Whether you’re massaging it into achy joints, using it as a hand treatment, or simply inhaling its grounding aroma, a soothing salve is a little jar of self-care you’ll want to keep close.

In this post, we’ll explore how to make your own soothing salve, the best essential oils to include, and simple ways to use it in your daily rituals.

This is the easiest and most effective salve for the aches and pains, especially when it occurs in the legs at night. No more chemical filled stuff for your body! This is calming, soothing and smells amazing. Plus it’s super easy to make!!

My clients love it when I bring a batch with me and pass little tins around for all their little aches and pains.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup grapeseed oil

1/2 cup almond oil

2 tablespoons beeswax

10 drops Lavender

10 drops Cypress

10 drops Lemongrass

10 drops Marjoram

5 drops Frankincense

Here is a link to all the oils you need to make this and have many uses for your home! Sleep, cleaning, cooking, skin care, mood support and much more! When you get started you’ll get a free wellness consult with me, all the goodies to get you started and you’ll have access to mentoring and education!

Curious how versatile oils are for your family? Check out this free downloadable ebook!

Instructions

  1. Melt beeswax with almond and grapeseed oil in a mason jar placed in a pot of simmering water.
  2. Once combined, set aside for two to three minutes.
  3. Add essential oils and stir.
  4. Pour in container and allow to set for two hours.
  5. To use, apply to legs and feet or on area of discomfort. Rub up the legs for great circulation.

Follow me for more goodness!

If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on Buy Me a Coffee! Your support helps me continue creating. 

Looking for the tools and products I swear by? Visit my Amazon storefront for a handpicked collection of my favorite finds—from kitchen gadgets to wellness essentials. Click here to explore and shop my must-haves.

If you would love to be part of my essential oil community and are ready to start using pure essential oils, shop here or email me for a free 1:1 consultation.

The Uplifting Power of Oranges: How This Simple Scent Reduces Stress and Anxiety

The Uplifting Power of Oranges: How This Simple Scent Reduces Stress and Anxiety

There’s something instantly calming about the fresh, sweet aroma of oranges. It’s not just in your head—science shows that citrus scents like orange can help lower stress levels, ease anxious thoughts, and even lift your mood.

The essential oil from oranges is packed with natural compounds that soothe the nervous system and encourage relaxation. Simply taking a moment to inhale this bright, cheerful scent can create a sense of calm and clarity, even on the busiest or most overwhelming days.

In this post, we’ll explore why smelling oranges has such a powerful effect on stress and anxiety, and share simple, everyday ways to use this sunny aroma to bring more peace and positivity into your life.

And this is why I go through so many bottles of orange ??

Seriously though, I use this oil more than any other in my personal use and sharing in my yoga classes. It is super affordable and just amazing. I love to add wild orange to my drinking water or plain yogurt. Diffusing this one gives your whole house a smell of fresh, uplifting goodness.

Also, Wild Orange is the “Oil of Abundance” and encourages the individual to let go of scarcity mindsets and reminds the soul of the limitless supply found in nature. What you focus on, expands! When you give, you receive so much more.

Check out this gorgeous ebook to learn more about the basics of essential oils!

Follow me for more goodness!

If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on Buy Me a Coffee! Your support helps me continue creating. 

Looking for the tools and products I swear by? Visit my Amazon storefront for a handpicked collection of my favorite finds—from kitchen gadgets to wellness essentials. Click here to explore and shop my must-haves.

If you would love to be part of my essential oil community and are ready to start using pure essential oils, shop here or email me for a free 1:1 consultation.

Labels…and Lupus

Labels. We all have them.

Most people know me as a yoga teacher. A Pilates teacher. An essential oil guru. A mom and grandmom. A friend (although I strive this year to be a better friend from now on). A fierce entrepreneur with a strong spirit. An advocate. A rock star. A light.

What many don’t know is I am also a woman who has chronic pain and a diagnosis of lupus.

It’s not something I choose to talk a lot about—not because I feel shame— but because I don’t have time to dwell on it, or worry about it, or even hate it.

Instead, I choose to learn from it. I learn from the subtle whispers it speaks to me through aches and pains and unbelievable fatigue. I learn what fear looks like and how I can see those thoughts as just that—thoughts.

I can learn what compassion is on a deeper level, mostly for myself and for those who care about me.

Truth is Lupus sucks. Pain sucks. And being the observer of it and as it relates to my day-to-day, and how it impacts my family, well, it sucks.

I believe I am an amazing woman. I know that I am an excellent yoga teacher and strong advocate of goodness. But, I am also vulnerable and really struggling.

Now you know.

I’ve made radical changes to my schedule and my life, and my comfort now surpasses my need to achieve or exhaust myself working. Instead, I want to feel joy and feel the spirit of being alive. I want to welcome in days where I feel less pain than those days that I do. I want to be present with myself and others.

Lupus or not, I am choosing to live beyond the labels. I just am.

Follow me for more goodness!

Top Essential Oils for Sleep

If sleep is an issue in your house, here are some of the top essential oils that can support you or your children and hopefully provide restful sleep throughout the night. The chemical constituents within each essential oil or doTERRA blend are highly supportive of bringing a sense of calm and peace during nap time or at night time.

Favorite Sleep Essential Oils

LAVENDER – is one of the most popular essential oils for restful night sleep. It’s floral, fresh, clean, and the calming scent is perfect when using in a nap time or night time routine, and is excellent for a beginner. Diffuse 4-5 drops of Lavender in the diffuser in your child’s room during sleep time, or apply on the bottoms of the feet about 20 minutes before bed.

JUNIPER BERRY – has been used for years, and is a favorite essential oil for emotions, irrational thoughts, reoccurring nightmares, and disruptive sleep. It has a deep earthy scent and is perfect for diffusing at night or nap time. Add 2-4 drops to a diffuser, or apply on the bottoms of the feet or across the forehead.

CEDARWOOD – has an earthy, warm, woodsy smell that is both comforting, relaxing and offers a feeling of being supported. Diffusing 4-5 drops in a diffuser can create a calming atmosphere, and applying on the bottoms of the feet promote rest.

PEACE -is a blend of Ylang Ylang, Vetiver, Lavender, Frankincense, and other essential oils. This fragrant oil is a beautiful addition to the baby’s night time or nap time routine. It has light citrus, yet calming aroma. Diffuse 3-4 drops of this oil in a diffuser, or apply on the bottoms of the feet.

CALMER – from d?TERRA’s kid’s collection, a blend of Lavender, Cananga, Roman Chamomile and Buddha Wood essential oils. It also contains fractionated coconut oil, which is a nourishing carrier. This oil blend is perfect for bedtime, bringing a calmer aromatic environment with a comforting scent. It is a d?TERRA blend specifically designed for kids and babies. It is pre-diluted ideally so you can apply on the feet, down the spine, wrists, or chest.

SERENITY – is a blend of Lavender, Cedarwood, Ylang Ylang, Ho Wood, Marjoram, Vetiver, Sandalwood Vanilla, and Roman Chamomile. It has a tranquil yet woodsy scent, making it pleasing to inhale when applied to the skin. Apply to the bottoms of the feet or diffuse 4-5 drops 20-30 minutes before bedtime.

Check out this handy guide on the basics of essential oils!

If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on Buy Me a Coffee! Your support helps me continue creating. 

Looking for the tools and products I swear by? Visit my Amazon storefront for a handpicked collection of my favorite finds—from kitchen gadgets to wellness essentials. Click here to explore and shop my must-haves.

If you would love to be part of my essential oil community and are ready to start using pure essential oils, shop here or email me for a free 1:1 consultation.

Essential Oils and the Mind

HOW DO ESSENTIAL OILS AFFECT THE MIND?

Your sense of smell is much more accurate than any of your other senses. Your ability to smell comes from sensory cells called Olfactory Sensory Neurons, found in a small patch of tissue very high in your nose. Those cells connect to your brain.

Each of those sensory neurons has one odor receptor – and molecules released by substances around us stimulate these receptors. Once your neurons detect your molecules, they send messages to your limbic lobe of your brain.

Our sense of smell is 10,000 more sensitive than our other senses. Scent travels faster to the brain with smell than it does with sight, or even sound.

The limbic lobe is a group of brain structures that is below the cortex of the brain – it includes the amygdala and the hippocampus. Your limbic lobe (system of brain structures) is directly connected to the parts of your brain that control many aspects of your body – hormone levels, stress, memory, breathing, heart rate, and more.

The only way to stimulate the emotional brain is through your sense of smell – which is one of the reasons why Essential Oils can work so incredibly well. Feelings of depression, fear, anger, happiness, joy and even anxiety all originate from the limbic lobe of the brain.

Essential Oils can help alleviate symptoms at a cellular level through their therapeutic properties. Stimulation of hormones and chemicals can drastically affect physiology and behavior.

Essential Oils can be stimulating (Peppermint), calming (Lavender), sedative (Cedarwood), balancing (Frankincense, and so much more.

Top Five for Emotions:

Roman Chamomile: Helps support feelings of peace, love and acceptance.

Cedarwood: Helps support healthy focus and encouragement while also grounding.

Lavender: Helps support relaxation and calming. This one also helps with communicating feelings.

Bergamot: Uplifting and will help support healthy confidence levels. This one also helping foster self love and self worth.

Frankincense: Powerful cleanser of the spirit – grounding and can help during times of negativity.

REFERENCES:
How do Essential Oils Affect our Mind and Our Emotions. Retrieved from http://www.biospiritual-energy-healing.com/essential-oils-affect-our-minds.html

Want to learn more? Check out this free guide!

If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on Buy Me a Coffee! Your support helps me continue creating. 

Looking for the tools and products I swear by? Visit my Amazon storefront for a handpicked collection of my favorite finds—from kitchen gadgets to wellness essentials. Click here to explore and shop my must-haves.

If you would love to be part of my essential oil community and are ready to start using pure essential oils, shop here or email me for a free 1:1 consultation.

Pain Relief Essential Oil Blend

Pain-Relieving Essential Oils: Nature’s Support for Your Body

When pain strikes, whether it’s a dull ache or a sharp discomfort, finding relief is a top priority. While over-the-counter remedies can help, there’s also a natural way to ease discomfort—through the power of essential oils.

Certain oils have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and calming properties that work gently but effectively to soothe sore muscles, reduce tension, and ease pain. From muscle aches to headaches, essential oils like lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus can offer the comfort and support your body needs without the side effects of synthetic pain relievers.

In this post, we’ll dive into the best essential oils for pain relief, share how they work, and provide tips for using them safely and effectively in your self-care routine.

This is the go-to blend for PAIN. If you experience muscle pain, nerve pain, arthritis pain or joint pain this is for you. Check out how amazing these oils are. I have samples of Deep Blue Rub if you want to try them! Just shoot me a message and I can get them to you!

Remember, you can use some or all of these oils in a roller! The top three listed below are pretty affordable and have a variety of uses. Making up rollers is the easiest and most cost effective way to use and apply the oils.

Pain Relief Blend

  • Lemongrass has anti-inflammatory, analgesic (relieves pain, regenerative (promotes regenerations of cell tissue) and anti-rheumatic properties. It is amazing for connective tissue and joint/ligament/tendon pain.
  • Marjoram has antispasmodic (relieves spasms of involuntary muscles) and vasodilator (relaxes/dilates blood vessels and increases blood flow) properties. Marjoram is great for carpel tunnel, tendonitis, arthritis, muscles cramps or sprains.
  • Siberian Fir has analgesic properties and is amazing for muscle and joint pain, muscle fatigue and regeneration, rheumatism (inflammation to the joints, muscles, tissues)—especially rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Helichrysum has antispasmodic, analgesic and neuroprotective properties. It relies nerve pain.
  • Deep Blue is awesome for muscle/joint pain, arthritis, neuropathy, fibromyalgia, whip lash, muscle tension, and so much more.

To learn more about the basics of essential oils, check out this handy guide!

If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on Buy Me a Coffee! Your support helps me continue creating. 

Looking for the tools and products I swear by? Visit my Amazon storefront for a handpicked collection of my favorite finds—from kitchen gadgets to wellness essentials. Click here to explore and shop my must-haves.

If you would love to be part of my essential oil community and are ready to start using pure essential oils, shop here or email me for a free 1:1 consultation.

Safe Internal Use of Essential Oils: What You Need to Know

Safe Internal Use of Essential Oils: What You Need to Know

Essential oils are incredibly powerful plant extracts that can offer many benefits when used thoughtfully. While most people are familiar with applying oils topically or inhaling their aromas, some wonder about using essential oils internally for added support.

Using essential oils internally requires extra caution, knowledge, and respect for their potency. Not all oils are safe to ingest, and improper use can cause irritation or other unwanted effects. When done correctly, however, internal use can be a valuable way to support digestion, immune health, and overall wellness.

In this post, we’ll explore important guidelines for safely using essential oils internally, which oils are commonly used, and best practices to ensure you get the benefits without risks.

Wherever you get your oils, always double check this label. If it doesn’t have a supplement facts label then it is a HUGE NO to internal use.

I choose only doTERRA essential oils because I can be assured they are certified pure therapeutic grade. That means they are the highest quality and purest oils on the market. Many, many hospitals across the country are using doTERRA and that makes me feel even better.

A kind word of caution tho—if you think buying doTERRA on amazon is the same, you could be scammed. It’s super easy to uncap the oils and refill them with cheaper and less quality oils and be selling them as doTERRA. Why take that chance? It’s as simple as a Costco membership—get wholesale prices for a small fee (or waived with a kit) and start using the best and safest oils available.

Check out this handy guide and learn how to get started!

If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on Buy Me a Coffee! Your support helps me continue creating. 

Looking for the tools and products I swear by? Visit my Amazon storefront for a handpicked collection of my favorite finds—from kitchen gadgets to wellness essentials. Click here to explore and shop my must-haves.

If you would love to be part of my essential oil community and are ready to start using pure essential oils, shop here or email me for a free 1:1 consultation.