Even if you aren’t a “breakfast person”, these healthy breakfast cookies will be your new favorite morning meal! I am trying so hard to eat better and breakfast is just not my thing. Since I love cookies so much I whipped these up and get a little goodness mid morning. The breakfast cookie is something I could get used to!
Over the last 10 years Self care has become my passion. I work hard and learning ways to refuel has been my mission.
Most of you know that I walk a LOT everyday and that provides me with lots of mental clarity, and a healthy body. I enjoy nature and love to take a breather outside several times to watch nature throughout the day. (Today after work I even saw two bear cubs eating apples from a tree along my trail).
But come evening time, bubble baths or a long hot shower is how I leave the day behind.
I have a weekly ritual of using a mud mask and it’s so amazing. My skin feels clean, refreshed and energized while also becoming so soft.
The doTERRA SPA Detoxifying Mud Mask is a natural clay mask infused with CPTG® essential oils of Myrrh, Juniper Berry, and Grapefruit that promotes purifying benefits while reducing the appearance of pores, fine lines, and wrinkles.
Shea butter provides moisturization and balances the skin
Malachite extract is rich in copper and provides detoxifying benefits
Lentil seed extract helps reduce the appearance of pores
The natural earth clay, kaolin, is naturally rich in minerals to help purify the skin and to help reduce the appearance of oily skin
Grab yours here! The entire skin care line is amazing, too! Take a peek while you’re looking at that link. If you’re curious how to start swapping out less natural things in your home for pure and natural things, check out this gorgeous downloadable ebook and let’s chat!
When we combine our thoughts, our bodies and our minds with the magical gifts of mother nature, we reveal wisdom.
The wisdom of our true Selves. The wisdom of the Earth. The wisdom held in the vibration of every living cell.
Last month we dove into discovering what our true values are that sustain us during hard times or simply how we navigate our everyday. Knowing our values is step one, living in alignment with those values is step two.
Our actions and the words we speak, and even the thoughts we have, all must strive to be in alignment with those values. When we step into daily living in alignment we become our best selves.
I try to look at my values daily. I try to pause before I respond. I think before I speak. And, I try to ask myself if what I am about to do going to help me create the life I want.
I also love my body everyday with intention. I try to eat mindfully. I also find time every day for moments of stillness.
This beautiful blend I perfectly crafted and named Alignment helps me to stay in living within my values. This blend includes Frankincense–Oil of Truth, Rosemary–Oil of Knowledge, Lavender–Oil of Communication, Roman Chamomile–Oil of Spiritual Purpose, Sandalwood–Oil of Sacred Devotion, and Tiger Eye which is a stone of protection. Tiger Eye may also bring good luck to the wearer. It has the power to focus the mind, promoting mental clarity, assisting us to resolve problems objectively and unclouded by emotions.
This blend is perfect for creating a sense of alignment with yourSelf and with others. Grab yours HERE!
“Nothing brings to life again a forgotten memory like fragrance.“
– C Poindexter.
Did you know that you can use aromatherapy to improve your mood and remind you of memories??
Scent plays a huge role in how we think and feel, AND triggers memories. Our olfactory system (sense of smell) has a direct connection to the part of the brain (the amygdala) which acts as our emotional processing center and a direct link to memories. Don’t we all have a grandmother or aunt who had a certain “smell” that when we smell it we transport in time? This is why when you smell certain things you may experience a particular memory. Pretty interesting, right?
My little granddaughter Sawyer recently took home a box of crystals from my house and exclaimed to her daddy the other day “oh no, these don’t smell like maymay anymore”. I’ve been wearing the same blend of oils every time I am around her since the day she was born. Love that she associates my “smell” already. I have my grandmothers old medicine cabinet in my home and when I open it I instantly go back to being a little girl and getting treated with iodine and a bandage. Since I live in the house I grew up in, every once in a while when I open the coat closet I get a whiff of my mom and her career as a hairdresser and remember her coming home tired after giving perms all day and hang up her coat. It is such a crazy thing that our limbic brain holds onto memories that are associated with smell. Definitely check out this post about the brain…it is fascinating!
In my work with people with dementia and other neurological conditions, I use aromatherapy all the time. I love to share a blend of citrus oils with a touch of vanilla and tell a story that we are all young kids and the ice cream truck comes and on the side of the truck is something that smells just like that. I put a few drops in each of their hands and they smell it while I tell the story. Sure enough within a few seconds, someone will say “creamsicle” or “orange sherbet”. Sadly though not all memories are good. I usually spray the area that I will be teaching to gift an aromatherapy boost before the class. One day I sprayed a blend of orange, cinnamon, and clove. To me it smells like fall and the holidays, but to one of my students the clove triggered a horrible childhood memory and he was unable to stay in the class. I felt terrible and realized that not all smells are going to be welcomed. Lesson for me learned. Now I stick with pretty benign smells like citrus, lavenders and trees.
Pretty amazing that now that that we know this, we can use certain oils to uplift our mood or even relieve feelings of stress or worry and also create or trigger memories.
What is your go to mood oil? My all-time favorite is Wild Orange! It’s a beautiful “balancing” oil, meaning that depending on what are are feeling it can either lift us up or calm us down. It is a very unique citrus oil that has some pretty amazing benefits. I love it!!!! Heavenly! The blend that I have been wearing since my granddaughter was born that she now associates with me is orange, lavender, patchouli, rose and sandalwood.
If you are not sure but would like to try I’m happy to send you a sample to help your mood and memories!
I grew up in the 70’s era where the only sunscreen around was the infamous zinc oxide slapped onto the nose long after the sun had already blistered it a few times. There might have been something call sea and ski that had a distinct smell but the memory of it is not super vivid. All I know is that this redheaded gal spent most summers with sunburns and blisters. As an adult I admit I was far from consistent when it came to sunscreen, until a few years ago.
Sadly, the damage of 50+ years in the very strong Colorado sun has taken its toll. I have had more basal cell cancers cut out than I can recall and a few squamous ones, too. A recent trip to the dermatologist resulted in yet another biopsy and the unexpected follow up call saying I need to have surgery to get the rest of it. Not fun. This particular spot is on my collarbone where the skin is super thin and fragile.
Most people who know me are surprised that I am a mom to a 32 year old and that I have a handful of grandkids because honestly, I do not look 52… at first glance anyway. Sometimes my son and I when out together get confused as siblings or worse, that we are a couple. (It helps that he is balding and looks much older than his 32 years and I can most days pass for 40-ish). Overall despite the decades of sun exposure my face has not taken too much of a beating and I have been taking really good care of it.
For the last 10 years I have been very diligent with what I put on my skin and besides sunscreen, the only thing I use on my skin is stuff that I make myself so I know the ingredients are pure. Our skin is after all our largest organ and it absorbs everything we put on it. I make my own foot salve, body butter,eye lash serum, cuticle and nail serum, and hand balm. Sure, it takes a little time but it is so worth it. I know exactly what I am putting on my skin and consider it to all be the cleanest and purest skin care. Plus, I cringe at the thought of paying upwards of $50 – $100 for a high quality facial serum. The DIY facial serum that I use works the same or better, lasts longer, and costs significantly less.
I have been making a face serum to offset the damage of the sun for quite some time and I think it is amazing. I use pure essential oils and rosehip oil as my carrier. I have found rose hip to work best with my aging skin, but I also know that jojoba is a great option, too.
You only need 3 items to make this DIY Face Serum. These are my favorites— dropper bottle, carrier oils, and essential oils.
The carrier oil is generally inexpensive and can be used for other DIY projects. All together, depending on the essential oils you use, this serum will likely cost under $10 per bottle. The essential oils you invest in can be used for a variety of other uses, or you can just use them for serums and they will make about twenty-five 2oz serums. Can you imagine spending department store prices twenty five times??? Another benefit to this investment is that I know exactly what I am putting on my skin. There are no unnecessary fillers, synthetic ingredients, or preservatives that are not good for me.
A few words of caution when it comes to essential oils.
First, please be sure you are using a high quality essential oil, and do not use fragrance oil from the drugstore. Even though these are labeled as pure oils, they have been tested and they are synthetic. These will damage your skin! If your bottle of essential oil states fragrance oil anywhere on it, do not apply it to your face.
Second, be wary of ordering on Amazon because most of these have been tampered with. If you’ve ordered from there and your oil has smelled or looked “off”, then you’ve experienced this. These can damage your skin because you don’t know what’s in them. They are frequently diluted with low cost coconut oil which can sometimes clogs pores. Because of this, the essential oils I trust to use with my skin and my family are doTERRA essential oils because of their purity, testing standards, and commitment to sustainable practices.
You can customize this serum to your skin’s specific needs. Since I am targeting aging and sun damaged skin, I carefully selected the essential oils listed below. At my age, I need all the anti-aging wrinkle fighting help I can get. So I chose some specific oils to help with those needs, like Blue Tansy. You can use as few as 1 or 2 essential oils in this, or as many as you like. Use what you have or grab a few new ones.
If you’re not sure where to start, Lavender and Frankincense would be good choices. Of course grabbing these at wholesale makes the most sense and is easy to do! With wholesale pricing you get a 25% off retail cost and there is no requirement to make purchases.
Frankincense – I consider this one a must in this recipe. They knew even thousands of years ago the amazing benefits of Frankincense. It can help with fine lines and wrinkles, reduction of the appearance of scars, and give an overall radiant and youthful glow.
Lavender– The is one of the most popular essential oils of all time and with good reason. It has incredible benefits for the skin. It can help reduce redness, blotchy patches and reduce acne. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help your skin heal from irritations, sun burn, insect bites, or bacteria. It can also help detoxify the skin, heal, soothe, and prevent wrinkles. It’s a superstar!
Helichrysum – This is a beautiful healing oil that is great for inflammation, cell regeneration, and can help diminish scars. It is called “The Everlasting Flower” because of its ant-aging rejuvenating benefits for the skin and ability to improve the complexion.
Yarrow | Pom – This is so wonderful for skin all on it’s own that many people will slather this all over their face to reap the benefits. It has a beautiful blue tint to it that may turn the skin a bit blue at first, but will go away in a few minutes.
Geranium– Geranium essential oil has fantastic benefits for the skin. It can help with acne breakouts, wrinkles, skin irritations, and skin infections. I highly recommend adding this one.
Tea Tree– Tea Tree essential oil especially good for acne prone or oily skin. It is naturally cleansing and purifying and will help fight acne causing bacteria. A must for any serum.
Copaiba – Copaiba essential oil is widely used in cosmetic products including soaps, creams, lotions, and perfumes. It is high in beta-caryophyllene which has been studied for its affects on skin. Perfect for any facial serum.
Cypress– Cypress oil supports restoring skin’s hydration and eases oil and dry skin issues. The decongestant quality of cypress oil reduces skin pigmentation and puffiness. Skin-soothing properties calm the irritated and inflamed skin and accelerate the healing process.
*Blue Tansy occasionally I add this special blue oil because it truly is amazing for the skin. While it is a pricier one, it has some amazing benefits and is a very popular essential oil in many skin care products you can buy anywhere. This one is the purest of the pure.
I apply the serum to a clean face at night and use the rose quartz roller to spread it all over my face and neck area. I smell amazing and while I sleep my face is getting restored by the essential oil benefits.
This gorgeous ebook has some great ideas and tips for how to use essential oils in your home. The investment goes way beyond this face serum!
Please note that I may receive commissions when you click my links and make purchases. This doesn’t affect your price in any way and helps offset the cost of running this website.
Stacie believes that it is her life purpose to share the gift of Yoga with anyone who is willing to say yes. In addition to raising a family and being an advocate for those with disabilities, Stacie is founder of Embracing Spirit Yoga which specializes in bringing adaptive Yoga into community centers and rehabilitation clinics. Bringing her depth of compassion to the mat–or the chair–she offers students the opportunity to grow as an individual in all aspects of their life. Stacie is currently contracted across the country in a variety of residential programs for adults with traumatic brain injuries and other disabilities.
With over fifteen years experience, Stacie Wyatt is a E-RYT 500 hour Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance, a Certified Brain Injury Specialist, Life Wellness Coach, Senior YogaFit Instructor, Mind/Body Personal trainer, Stress Reduction and Meditation Instructor, Pilates Instructor, and Barre Instructor. Stacie is also certified in Integrative Movement Therapy™and is also a believer in the power and application of essential oils for health and wellness and proudly shares doTERRA essential oils.
Stacie brings her personal life experience of raising a daughter with a disability and over 12 years working in special education to her everyday Yoga classes. In addition to teaching classes in her studio and in the community, Stacie also continues to offer Yoga and Wellness coaching individually to those seeking private sessions.
Think essential oils just smell good? Back when I first started using them, I did too. I have learned through the years that they are actually working inside your brain and body to support every cell within our body. Crazy, eh?
Think about it. Long before pharmacies came to town, our ancestors used plants to help our bodies. Peppermint plants, homemade salves from herbs and tree parts, teas and much more. We strayed from these methods but I think more and more people are coming back to them.
People often get overwhelmed when learning about essential oils and I admit, it can be confusing at forest. But, using essential oils is really pretty simple.
Stop for a second.
Ask yourself what you are feeling. (Stressed, tired, overwhelmed, in pain, etc)…..then ask yourself what you WANT to feel. (Happy, calm, energized, peaceful, content, etc), then grab an oil that will offer that.
The simplest terms of beginning to learn about aromatherapy is to think of a tree. The higher up on the tree you go, the more uplifted and energized you’ll feel (citrus), the lower to the ground and close to the tree the more grounded and calm you’ll feel. (trees, roots, barks, flowers). Mints and herbs are low growing and provide unique properties. Mints will be both soothing and uplifting and herbs are typically used for ailments and brain support (basil and rosemary and excellent brain supports).
Pick one.
Put a few drops in your hands. Cup your nose and breathe. Apply the extra to the back of your neck and chest.
There ya go. Aromatherapy 101! I have a great downloaded ebook that explains it all. Once you get started, I will hook you up with education and mentoring plus a fabulous welcome gift.
I get asked this question all the time—why can’t I just use oils from natural food stores or Amazon?
•doTERRA’s transparent testing assured me that the rigorous testing ensures pure and potent essential oils. If you can’t get access to the companies testing, I’d steer clear. Most store bought oils are adulterated and contain synthetic and potentially harmful ingredients, even though the label says “100% pure”.
•the sustainability practices for the earth play a huge part in what company you choose. Is the company honoring the earth by not depleting natural resources just to make a profit?
•the ethical treatment of growers and farmers. doTERRA makes sure that farmers and growers are not just paid, but they help contribute to the greater good by providing hospitals, schools, water lines, jobs, training and better living quality of life. It’s a true honorable partnership based on ethics. This isn’t mass produced/grown in a green house fast production. Every drop changes the lives of growers. Imagine knowing that you’re going health investment is providing schools, healthcare, water and more to people all over the globe!!!?!
•the benefits of pure oils is clear. I used to use store bought and had minimal results when treating things like sleep and skin issues. Using pure and potent essential oils, I have successfully bettered my health and my families. I especially like the benefits for my students with brain injuries who respond intuitively and naturally without cognitive bias. This goes far beyond what smells good ?
This beautiful link explains how many lives are enriched by using doTERRA.
I have a special bonus for those ready to jump in or make the switch. Message me for details.
Seriously? Lotion in a bar form? YES! These glide over your skin making your body feel (and smell) amazing. Using all natural ingredients you eliminate toxic junk from going into your body. Remember our skin absorbs EVERYTHING you put on it so those store bought bottles lotion contain lots of stuff that can be harmful over time for our bodies.
Making these is quick, easy AND fun. Plus, they make awesome gifts!
Ingredients
1/2 cup beeswax
½ cup coconut oil
½ cup cocoa butter
1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
15 drops of doTERRA essential oil
Recommended essential oils: my favorites are Citrus Bliss, Peppermint, Lavender.
Directions:
Measure all ingredients, except for essential oils, in large glass jar.
Place jar in saucepan with one to one and a half inches of boiling water.
Stir ingredients until combined.
Once melted, remove from heat. Let rest three minutes.
Add essential oils and stir or swirl jar.
Pour mixture into silicone mold.
Massage lotion bar on skin for moisture.
Wrap in a fun paper and tie with twine for a cute gift.
These are so fun! You can find the molds in my Amazon shop listed below and if you check out this handy ebook you can learn more about essential oils and how you can get the most pure and potent in your home.
Gratitude is the #1 way to shift out of low frequency emotions like fear, grief, shame and lack… and into high frequency emotions like joy, peace, trust and love. Gratitude produces dopamine! Dopamine is our brain’s pleasure chemical. The more we think positive, grateful thoughts, the healthier and happier we feel. Amazing, eh?
What if you started saying 5 DIFFERENT things you’re grateful for every single day. Try it! it has changed my life!
Gratitude. Gratitude. Gratitude.
I hope you enjoy this diffuser blend today and I invite each of you to pause for a moment, and recognize all that is GOOD!
Gratitude Essential Oil Blend
• Siberian fir; breaking negative emotional and spiritual patterns
• Frankincense; raise awareness, shine your bright light
• Grapefruit; appreciate who you are
• Wild Orange; abundance and bright future, gladness to the heart
• Geranium; heart opening, realize security in what you do have
• Clove; instills power, sense of protection, integrity
Amber chips—A fossilized tree resin, amber radiates laughter, vitality, and courage. This stone holds the protective energy of our beloved trees, the guardians of Earth. Radiating the golden ray, amber shines light on new paths as obstacles become the stepping stones of growth. Amplifying one’s life force and physical drive to fulfill one’s destiny of simply being human. Amber is a powerful healer and cleanser of the body, mind and spirit. It also cleanses the environment. Amber draws disease from the body, healing and renewing the nervous system and balancing the right and left parts of the brain. It absorbs pain and negative energy, helping to alleviate stress. Amber clears depression, stimulates the intellect and promotes self-confidence and creative self-expression. It encourages decision-making, spontaneity and brings wisdom, balance and patience.
