One of the most important parts of a skin care regimen for oily skin is keeping it clean. Keeping oily skin clean helps to prevent the oil from building up and causing breakouts. I recently decided to try my hand at making my own cleansing pads and could not be more thrilled. Little things, right?
This recipe is so simple, so clean and so affordable. I love adding pure essential oils to my skin care because of the many benefits! Tea tree is known for its cleansing and antibacterial properties and lavender is soothing for the skin. If you’d like to learn more about the basics of essential oils and how versatile they can be, AND why choosing the most pure essential oils are important just download this free ebook.
Container with a tight-fitting lid (I used a wide mouth pint mason jar)
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Pack the cotton rounds into the mason jar and pour some of the cleansing solution over the rounds. Keep adding rounds and pressing down while adding more solution.
I use these before bed and first thing in the morning. So good!
The thyroid, located in the front of the neck, is a small butterfly-shaped organ. It plays a mighty role in your health by producing hormones which travel throughout the body. These hormones regulate our hearts, digestion, muscle control, and equally important, brain development. As a result, you need your thyroid to be performing well to feel well. Did you know that there are many essential oils for thyroid support?
First let’s look at why the thyroid is so important. Thyroid hormones affect your metabolism rate, which means how fast or slow your brain, heart, muscles, liver, and other parts of your body work. Amazing, Huh?
Paying attention to the language your body is speaking can really give you insight to your thyroid working too fast or too slowly. For example, if you don’t have enough thyroid hormone, you might feel tired and cold. Or, if you have too much thyroid hormone, you might feel nervous, jumpy, and warm.
The thyroid is controlled by the pituitary gland which oversees thyroid hormone production. Additionally, it tells the thyroid to make more or less according to what the body needs. The pituitary gland is even smaller, about the size of a pea, yet still vitally important to our health. In fact, we can use essential oils for thyroid and pituitary support to keep our body working at it’s best. This blend can support the thyroid in staying balanced and healthy.
The best essential oils for thyroid support are Lemongrass, Myrrh, Clove, Frankincense, Basil and Peppermint. I apply this twice a day.
1. Frankincense – Frankincense, also known as the “King of oils”, is a powerfully supportive oil for the body. Its complex chemistry, coupled with a high ratio of Monoterpenes (25%), make it a multi-purpose oil and a strong support on a cellular and DNA level. Furthermore, Frankincense is calming for the immune and nervous systems, skin and emotions. Combine with Lemongrass, Myrrh and Clove for a daily thyroid support blend .
2. Myrrh – Because Myrrh is very high in Sesquiterpenes (75%), it is a strong support for the thyroid. Sesquiterpenes also stimulate the limbic system, hypothalamus, pineal and pituitary glands. Combine with Clove, Lemongrass and Frankincense for a daily thyroid support blend.
3. Clove – Clove is a powerful antioxidant and immune support for the body. High in phenols which stimulate the immune and nervous system, they further help keep your cells performing well. Combine with Lemongrass, Myrrh and Frankincense for a daily thyroid support blend.
4. Lemongrass – Lemongrass is high in aldehydes (up to 80%). This works to calm the nervous system, relieve stress and promote relaxation while also being uplifting. Combine with Clove, Myrrh and Frankincense for a daily thyroid support blend.
5. Peppermint – Peppermint gives us a natural energy boost. If you’re tired, it’s a wonderful pick-me-up during the day, especially in those late afternoon hours. Try it in a diffuser, put a drop in your hands to inhale or just smell from the bottle. It is also supportive to the thyroid.
Remember, essential oils are so potent that it doesn’t take much to be effective. This roller blend will last about TWO months and each bottle of essential oils is 250 drops! That means you’ll have a long supply of thyroid support, but also the oils in this blend are incredibly versatile and you’ll find TONS of uses for them.
If you’d like to learn the basics of essential oils, check out this handy guide. It’s super easy to get these oils at wholesale prices, just pop over here or I am happy to make you a thyroid blend to try before you invest!
I mean face it, the last couple of years have been hard. The word pandemic was not everyday lingo and I don’t know about you, but I never thought about the impact a virus could make on the day to day. Before this pandemic, I had a basic understanding of political differences but the depth at which the country has gone the last few years is startling. The division is palpable in our cities and even in our homes.
Along with the collective challenges that we have all endured we each have our own unique challenges layered upon the big challenges. How we face them determines the quality of our lives. This isn’t to say that putting on a smiling face everyday will be the answer, but our ability to shift our mindset and not hold onto the things we have no control over can certainly help our happiness factor.
Mindset matters
Truth is for me personally, I am a self-employed yoga teacher who has had to navigate how to continue to earn an income during these hard times; going from full-time teaching in long term care facilities, my own studio and a large health club to virtual only was a huge hit financially and had a big impact on my ability to feel fulfilled teaching. It is doable, but hard to connect through a screen, especially with individuals with special needs. I am also a full time caregiver for my special needs daughter; so her programming went all virtual which meant not only was I her primary caregiver, I also became her primary friend/peer/teacher/support/transportation/provider, which was hard on both of us. My last major daily hurdle is I have three health conditions that cause me to experience tremendous pain and fatigue. Managing my pain and being able to show up for my students and my family takes grit some days.
Most of the time, my MINDSET allows me to handle it (somewhat) gracefully and I choose to make the best of this precious life. I have a few must-do practices to keep my mindset in the right place:
I am committed to my health and fitness.
I begin and end my day with a walk. I also walk on my lunch hour and anytime during the day I have sat too much or the burdens of life feels heavy. Some days I get over 25,000 steps and that is okay. It works for me. I find walking manages my pain better than anything else. I also practice yoga and do strength training 3-4 times per week.
I am committed to constantly changing my business model for the changing times and am open to always working hard.
I have learned to be flexible (haha, no yoga teacher joke intended). I navigate the demands of the audience and am constantly learning how to best utilize my skills in a virtual world. I also invite small groups into my studio and while the income may not be what a large group is, I feel connected and inspired and that fulfills me. I work nearly 7 days a week either teaching, marketing, following up, promoting, etc. I am committed to this gift.
I am committed to seeing the best in every situations.
Some people have told me that my rosy lenses aren’t accurate for the world, but I love them. I choose to look at both sides of the situation and try to find the small nuggets of wisdom that may be there to learn. I avoid situations that are filled with hatred, division, anger and judgment which means my circle of friends is small, I spend a lot of time by myself and I avoid the news.
I am committed to saying YES!
I have found that when we live in a state of pessimism (I spent decades there), we attract the very things we dislike. When we learn to say yes to the best possible outcomes, we attract that. If you don’t believe me, try it for a month. Say yes to new opportunities, to new experiences, to new friends, to abundance and then sit back and enjoy the ride.
I am committed to a daily Gratitude practice.
It is so easy to get sucked into the unfortunately popular culture that much of the world sees as not enough (time, money, resources, love). When we shift our attention to what we actually have plenty of, we get more (time, money, resources, love). Look around and notice the abundance of color, texture, living things, and feelings. There really is plenty to be thankful for.
It is a choice and although some days it can be harder to stay in a positive mindset given the status of the world, it is possible with a little changes to our thoughts. My mindset has served me incredibly well.
People will drop over $100 per month on lattes and hundreds more on drinking and eating out, yet not want to spend $80 on a gym membership, or hundreds on therapy or a coaching program.
And then they wonder why they don’t feel good or aren’t reaching their goals.
People spend hours scrolling on their phones or watching Netflix and but don’t have enough time to read, meditate or go for a walk.
Your actions show where your priorities are, not your thoughts and ideas.
If you’re having a difficult time making changes to your health, happiness, relationships, business, whatever, take a look at what you’re investing in. Not just with your money, but your energy, time and/or attention.
The more you give to yourself, the more you’ll get back. You deserve to have everything you desire and nobody else is gonna give it to you but YOU.
If you’re worried about the price of getting started, you should see the cost of staying exactly where you are.
We are in the last few months of 2021 and I am offering this package that is worth well over $500 for a deep discount of just $325.
Time is limited to grab this deal.
This bundle also makes an amazing gift. The awesome thing about this program is some of the content is yours to keep and return to over and over.
•Assessment and Personalized Wellness plan ($125.00) •Two private yoga sessions ($80.00) •Two follow up Wellness Sessions ($80.00) •Seven days of Wellness Program to motivate and inspire you ($125.00) •One-hour body work/energy session. ($50.00) •Crystal and Essential Oil Blend based on you primary wellness goal ($22) •Bonus Self-Care Package ($140) •Essential Oil consultation (free)
You are SO worth it.
Just send me a message and we can roll up our sleeves and get busy! I cannot wait to work with YOU!
Most of you know me as a yoga teacher, but I am also a Healing Touch Practitioner. Awesome, eh? Have you ever had a healing touch session?
In Healing Touch therapy, practitioners use their hands to help restore balance and harmony through working with the human energy field or life force. This is done in a comfortable setting, fully clothed and is a great way to treat unsettled feelings in the mind and body.
Through heart-centered intention and skill, practitioners use their hands to re-establish the natural flow of energy. Healing Touch practitioners do not force or push energy but allow balance and harmony to “reboot” the energy system.
The benefits are amazing:
•Non-Invasive
Healing Touch is done without the use of invasive procedures and offers a gentle, holistic way of healing.
•Effective
Research has shown that Healing Touch facilitates the relaxation response and enhances the healing process.
•Non-Toxic
Healing Touch restores balance and harmony to our natural biofield without the use of pharmaceuticals.
If you are feeling stuck or have feelings that just seem off, or are experiencing pain, I would love to see you! It can be done in person or virtually! Schedule yours today!
It is amazing to me how our inner narrative about ourselves can be so negative. Years ago I started a pretty solid affirmation practice and continue to this day. By rerouting our thoughts and words to a positive place, we actually retrain our brain to think and see the good in our lives.
Affirmations are positive statements that can help you to challenge and overcome self-sabotaging and negative thoughts.
When you repeat them often, and truly believe in them, you can start to see positive changes in your life unfold. Practicing positive affirmations can be extremely simple, and all you need to do is pick a phrase and repeat it to yourself.
I don’t know about you, but I have spent many years, speaking things like “I am a mess. I am overwhelmed. I am stressed. I am in so much pain.” I still catch myself and can now rephrase to “I am doing my best. I am handling this with grace. I am feeling my body tell me something”.
Affirmations require regular practice they can help you to make lasting, long-term changes to the ways that you think and feel.
Do you have a list of affirmations? What’s your favorite one? I love having sticky notes and reminders around my house and I even have an app in my phone that periodically throughout the day sends me an I am_____ reminder of something good.
I encourage you to start a 30 day affirmation practice and see what shows up in your life. Need some help coming up with affirmations? I am happy to help!
Have you been hearing others talk about adrenal fatigue but not sure what it means?
What is adrenal fatigue?
The theory behind adrenal fatigue basically says that our body’s immune system responds by revving up when we are under stress. The adrenal glands, which are small organs above your kidneys, respond to stress by releasing hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones are part of the “fight or flight” response. They increase your blood pressure and your heart rate. When we live in a constant state of stress, emotional/physical pain, we can easily slip into this cycle. Of course, reducing stress and adding in some healthy habits is a great way to stop this phenomenon. Adrenal fatigue is sometimes hard to catch and the symptoms can be vague, but once you know what you are dealing with, it’s fairly easy to treat. Do you feel tired and worn out all the time, even though you’re getting plenty of sleep? Do you crave salty foods and have trouble losing extra pounds? Maybe you’ve been to several doctors and none of them can say what’s wrong with you.
Some signs that your adrenals are working too hard include:
•fatigue
•burst of energy before bed
•low blood pressure
•trouble getting to sleep
•reliance on caffeine
Along with increasing water, reducing daily stress, meditation, movement and eating a healthy diet I have also for many years been using a blend of essential oils to help support my super tired adrenals. Now, we have Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil, which increases this already awesome blends effects on combating adrenal fatigue.
My tried and true blend includes: Clove, Rosemary, Frankincense, Lemon, and Basil (or Holy Basil) and literally lasts for months.
I apply this to my low back along the sides twice a day. I can tell the days I don’t use this…so easy. Of course, reducing stress, eating well, movement and plenty of water are a must too! ?
If you opt to buy these oils know that the oils in this blend have a huge variety of uses beyond just the adrenals, so you’re also investing in natural cleaning, mood support, aches and pains, hair growth, endocrine issues, and sleep to name just a few. If you’d love to try a blend, just reach out to me! I’d love to help you!
Check out this amazing ebook to learn more about how plants can help our body and feel free to reach out to me with questions or if you’d like to purchase a pre-made blend from me!
Worthiness is such a tricky beast. It seems this most everyone has at one point struggling with feeling worthy.
Have you?
Have you ever felt so uncomfortable in your skin you avoided really ever looking at yourself in the mirror?
Have you ever been so insecure that the thought of being visible scared you?
Have you ever said things to yourself that you would never say about another person?
Have you ever longed to find out why some people just seem to radiate happiness?
Have you ever been so miserable with your health that it felt like you’d never be any different?
Have you ever had so much bottled up emotion that numbing it was your only option?
Have you ever wondered what you are on this Earth to do?
Have you ever listened the quiet inner voice of yourself BEGGING to be let out?
Me too, friend. Me too.
What if I told you that I used to be an angry, bitter, lonely, extremely heavy (in mind, body AND spirit) person that could not be alone with herself for five minutes without some serious negative self-talk? What if I told you I lost over 100 pounds by changing my mindset about myself? What if I told you that I thought the only reason I was born was to struggle and raise my kids? What if I told you that I have been exactly where you are?
What if I told you I learned how to value ME?
Now, what if I told you I could give you some systematic choices and alternatives that are life sustaining and could possibly change all of your answers to the above questions? What if I was in your corner WITH you as you bravely began to navigate across new territory? What if I held the map for you as you take the first few steps? What if I was in your corner to cheer you on and encourage you to live your best self?
Are you ready?
People will drop over $100 per month on lattes and hundreds more on drinking and eating out, yet not want to spend $80 on a gym membership, or hundreds on therapy or a coaching program.
And then they wonder why they don’t feel good or aren’t reaching their goals.
People spend hours scrolling on their phones or watching Netflix and but don’t have enough time to read, meditate or go for a walk.
Your actions show where your priorities are, not your thoughts and ideas.
If you’re having a difficult time making changes to your health, happiness, relationships, business, whatever, take a look at what you’re investing in. Not just with your money, but your energy, time and/or attention.
The more you give to yourself, the more you’ll get back. You deserve to have everything you desire and nobody else is gonna give it to you but YOU.
If you’re worried about the price of getting started, you should see the cost of staying exactly where you are.
We are in the last few months of 2021 and I am offering this package that is worth well over $500 for a deep discount of just $325. Time is limited to grab this deal. This bundle also makes an amazing gift.
The awesome thing about this program is some of the content is yours to keep and return to over and over.
Two private yoga sessions ($80.00)
Assessment and Personalized Wellness plan ($125.00)
It’s all things fall around my house. I love the smell of diffusing earthy and spicy essential oils. Baking good things with pumpkin and popping a hearty stew in the oven is heaven.
To me pumpkin means comfort.
These little energy balls are a little taste of fall in small bite, plus they give a great boost of energy without a bunch of sugar or processed ingredients.
You probably have all of the stuff in your pantry to make these awesome pumpkin energy balls. I take them on the go with me!!
Ingredients:
Old fashioned oats-I like to use old fashioned oats because they create a chewier, heartier energy ball. Plus, I always have old fashioned oats in my pantry. You can use gluten-free oats if you need the energy balls to be gluten-free.
Ground flaxseed meal—I love adding ground flaxseed to boost the nutritional value of the energy balls. Ground flaxseed adds fiber, omega 3 fatty acids, and protein. Make sure you use ground flaxseed meal and not whole flaxseeds.
Chia Seeds—These little seeds are a loaded with nutrients and make a great addition to the energy balls. They add fiber, protein, healthy fat, calcium, magnesium, and antioxidants.
Spices-Ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves add lots of fall flavor to the energy balls. You can also use pure essential oils—buy only one drop—they are powerful!
Salt-A little bit of salt is all you need, but don’t skip it! It makes all the flavors pop and a little salt is actually good for most of us.
Almond butter-The almond butter is the base of the energy balls and makes all of the ingredients hold together. If you don’t have almond butter, you can use peanut butter.
Pumpkin-Make sure you use pure pumpkin puree, you can find it in the baking aisle in a can of almost any grocery store. The pumpkin will keep the energy balls nice and moist plus the flavor is amazing.
Honey-Sweeten the energy balls with honey! The honey also helps the energy balls stick together.
Vanilla extract-A little splash of pure vanilla extract is always a good idea!
Mini Chocolate Chips-Mini chocolate chips are the perfect finishing touch to the pumpkin energy balls. The pumpkin chocolate chip combo is always a winner. If you don’t want to use chocolate chips, you can leave them out and add dried cranberries. Or add dried cranberries with the chocolate chips!
Recipe:
2 cups oats
2 tablespoons flax and chia
3/4 cup nut butter
1/2 cup pumpkin
1 tablespoon honey
Splash of vanilla (or wild orange essential oil!)
1/4 mini chocolate chips
How to make energy balls:
Mix together all of the dry ingredients to make sure the spices are distributed evenly.
Add the almond butter, pumpkin, honey, and vanilla extract. Mix until all of the ingredients come together and a “dough” forms.
Stir in the mini chocolate chips.
Roll the mixture into balls, about 2 tablespoons per ball. You can use your hands or a cookie scoop to do this.
Place the balls in an airtight container and chill in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
I noticed this morning the beginning stages of the leaves letting go and I was reminded that the beautiful colors are a sign that some amazing growth is coming to the end of a cycle. This is also time when we ourselves also enter into a cycle of letting go. No longer striving to be bountiful, a softness enters out hearts and intentions, and we have the opportunity to shed, to fall away, and to take time to prepare the moments of soon to be rejuvenation and rest.
I looked at my life and considered that I too am experiencing my own seasonal change. I mean the reality is the few years have been incredibly disorienting for so many, including myself. The constant pull and push of emotions and uncertainty have been really hard to keep a grasp on. The division and attempt to stay steady has been exhausting.
Although perhaps it is that this seasonal shedding is that I am seeing what no longer serves me personally and professionally, and what I have carried through perhaps too many seasons. I believe at the heart of these metamorphic transitions– whether subtle or bold–we hold the key to the life we deserve and are destined to live.
As my feet plodded along the rocky trail and while I took in the presence of Life in my moments of reflection, my heart centered prayers easily flowed.
May I find within my shadow what needs to be shed and allow it to shed.
May I have the grace to loosen my grip on the aspects of my daily life that impede my peace.
May I find the forgiveness for others that I wish upon for myself.
May I let go of what is holding me back and keeping me from what I am worth.
May I be the light that I am and not hide in the dark corners of life.
May I release the old to make room for the new.
May I find the clarity to embrace what is and let go of what was.
May I surrender, and in doing that, be free.
May I remain beautiful in the process of letting go.
It is not the beauty of a building you should look at; it’s the construction of the foundation that will stand the test of time. ~ David Allen Coe
This time of year is ideal for getting back into ourselves after a summer season of play, vacations, kids home, and way less structure. This is the time where we reclaim our sense of self. We aim to rediscover the aspects of ourselves that support us in our everyday life.
As you experience a more predictable schedule and life begins to resume some sort of normalcy, take a few minutes to consider the four walls, or four main roots of a tree, that represent your foundation. This is the scaffolding which supports all the other parts of our home, or tree, during times of turbulence.
Here are some ideas; faith, service, accountability, kindness, diligence, love, fulfillment, action, compassion, etc.
You may know if you stop here often that I believe in the power of aroma to shift our chemical response in our brain. We can influence our state of arousal and our emotional state simply by smelling something. How cool is that?
Not sure where to start? Grab one of these blends, take 4-5 deep breaths, apply it to your spine and under your nose and then listen. You already know…you just need to listen.
By the way, check out the emotional benefits of these oils:
Douglas Fir.This one invites you to invoke your high wisdom and learn from the past experiences and people who may have crossed your path. This essential oil is perfect for turning inward in the season of more introspection.
Frankincense.Frankincense asks you to welcome in feelings of protection, wisdom, discernment, and a spiritual awakening. This sacred essential oil invites individuals to shed the lower vibration feelings that are often negative and draining. This truly brings our your own magnificence.
Ho Wood. This peaceful oil brings out a sense of calm and helps to quiet the mind. By clearing the mind of anxious thoughts or simply clutter, we can fine tune into the deepest parts of who we are. This helps us to live in alignment with our principles and aspects of our foundation.
Blue Tansy. This one is a powerful aroma that helps to bring out inspiration and the committed response of tacking action. This helps to be more purposeful and responsible, which is such a beautiful aspect to a solid constitution. Blue tansy welcomes in a sense of freedom and sense of walking towards your deepest dreams and desires.
Blue Chamomile.This sweet and delicate flower is commonly known as German chamomile and offers a beautiful blue hue to the oil. Like its counter part Roman Chamomile, this flower oil is the perfect choice for bringing out a peaceful and serene mental state. This brings out emotional harmony and illuminates the wisdom with your soul.
Spruce.This stable, grounded aroma brings out an enduring balanced outlook to life while also giving strength through your wisdom. When we soak in this aroma we are reminded of the rhythms and ancient wisdom the earth offers.
Cassia.This bold oil which a friend of cinnamon is warm and earthy as it invites you to feel courageous, strong, self-assured and confident in your authentic self. This brings an embracing warmth to the confident and meaningful connections in our life.
Petrified Wood Chips. It helps to create balance and offers a foundation from which to launch new goals or undertake a different path. This grounding stone helps to calm scattered energies and look closely at the essence of what guides our decisions.
These beautiful oils and solid gemstones will be a constant as your dive into the fall season of a slower pace, a calmer mind, and as you seek out the principles in which your life is sustained by. To learn more about the principles I have chosen for myself, check out this blog post.
You can purchase this blend here and it will soon arrive in your mailbox with lots of grounding love.
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.
What if you started saying 5 DIFFERENT things you’re grateful for every single day.
Try it! it has changed my life!
Gratitude is the best way to shift your mood! I hope you enjoy this diffuser blend today and I invite each of you to pause for a moment, and think of something that YOU are grateful for today.
This blend includes pure essential oils and amber chips perfectly crafted. Grab one!
