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Monday

Coconut Butter Truffles

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...

Coconut butter truffles!

Here is a great and simple recipe to create some coconut truffles to go along with your chocolate truffles.

Coconut Butter Truffles
Coconut Butter Truffles

1 cup coconut butter (like Artisana)
1/2 cup powdered sugar
4-6 drops mint, lemon, lime, or wild orange essential oil*

Truffle Coatings

shredded coconut
crushed peppermint candy
chopped nuts

Microwave coconut butter 30 seconds to 1 minute.  Stir until thoroughly mixed.

With a wire whisk, stir in powdered sugar and essential oils.  Mixture will thicken as it cools.

Scoop into balls using a spoon or small gauge cookie dough scooper and place on parchment-lined cookie sheet.  Refrigerate a few minutes, and then roll in your hands to smooth into bite-sized truffles.  Roll in coating of choice.

*****

*Use only PURE essential oils.  Check the label to be sure they are safe for internal use.

E-mail me for a free sample of the essential oil of your choice.

Pocket Hand Warmers

On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...

Pocket hand warmers!

I'm one of those people that does not do well in the cold.  No matter how high I turn up the thermostat, my hands and toes are always frozen.  Here's a great idea to keep warm during these chilly winter days.  And these are the perfect size for stocking stuffers.

Pocket Hand Warmers
Pocket Hand Warmers

flannel fabric
thread
uncooked rice
essential oil (optional)

Cut two pieces of fabric 5 1/2" by 4 1/2".  Sew right sides together, leaving an opening at one end.  Turn right side out and fill with uncooked rice.  Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil.  OnGuard and Holiday Joy essential oil blends have a nice Christmas-y smell.  Lavender is always soothing.  And Balance has a nice, woodsy scent.  Sew the open end up, and you are finished.  Include a small card with instructions to heat in the microwave for 1 minute.

*****

E-mail me for a free sample of your choice of essential oil.  And don't forget to come back tomorrow for more 12 Days of Christmas ideas!

Saturday

Peppermint Ribbon Cake

On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...

Peppermint ribbon cake!

And on a personal note, my true love and I are celebrating our 23rd anniversary today. :)  True love lasts.

Peppermint Ribbon Cake
Peppermint Ribbon Cake

1 package (18-1/4 ounces) white cake mix
3-4 drops peppermint essential oil*
1/2 teaspoon red food coloring
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons crushed peppermint candies, divided
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon 2% milk

Prepare cake batter according to package directions. Transfer 1 cup to a small bowl; stir in the extract, food coloring and 1/2 cup crushed candies.
Spoon 2 cups of remaining batter into a greased and floured 10-in. fluted tube pan. Carefully top with peppermint batter; do not swirl. Top with remaining plain batter.
Bake at 350° for 35-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely.
Combine confectioners' sugar and milk; drizzle over cake. Sprinkle with remaining crushed candies. Yield: 12 servings.

Recipe adapted from A Taste of Home

*****

*Use only PURE essential oils. Check the label to be sure it is safe for internal use.

E-mail me for a free sample of peppermint essential oil. And be sure to come back tomorrow for more 12 Days of Christmas ideas.

Friday

Chocolate Truffles

On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...

Decadent chocolate truffles!

Truffles are the simplest candies to make, and with a couple of holiday flavorings, they can help bring the Christmas spirit.

Chocolate Truffles
Basic Truffle Ingredients

8 ounces of semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate (high quality, 62% cacao or higher), well chopped into small pieces
1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Optional Flavorings

3-4 drops peppermint essential oil*
3-4 drops wild orange essential oil*
3-4 drops cinnamon or cassia essential oil*

Truffle Coatings

Cocoa powder
Powdered sugar
Finely chopped walnuts or almonds

1 In a small, heavy saucepan bring the heavy whipping cream to a simmer (this may take a while, be sure to stir and scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula every few minutes). Add essential oils (if using) and mix.

2 Place the chocolate in a separate bowl. Pour the cream over the chocolate. Add the vanilla only if you're not using essential oils. Allow to stand for a few minutes , and then stir until smooth.

3 Allow to cool, then place in the refrigerator for two hours. Remove and with a teaspoon roll out balls. Roll in your hands quickly (as it will melt from the heat of your hands) and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place in the refrigerator overnight.

4 Roll in cocoa powder or chopped nuts and serve, or place back in the refrigerator until needed.

Makes 30-40 chocolate truffles.

*****

*Use only PURE essential oils.  Check the label to be sure it is safe for internal use.

E-mail me for a free sample of the essential oil of your choice.  And don't forget to come back tomorrow for more 12 Days of Christmas ideas.

Thursday

Lavender Eye Pillow

On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...

A soothing lavender eye pillow!

The scent of lavender helps you fall asleep.  This eye pillow is great for a quick nap, relaxation, to ease a stress headache, or to add scent to your lingerie drawer.  Make some to give away, but be sure to keep one for yourself!

Lavender Eye Pillow
Lavender Eye Pillow

Fabric of choice
Flax seed or dry rice
3-4 drops lavender essential oil

Cut fabric approximately 8" x 10".  Fold in half and sew inside out three sides.  Turn right side out and fill with flax seed or dry rice.  Add lavender oil.  Finish sewing the fourth side.

*****

E-mail me for a free sample of lavender essential oil.  And don't forget to come back tomorrow for more 12 Days of Christmas ideas.

Peppermint Bark

On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...

Peppermint bark!

This is such a simple, easy way to bring the holiday spirit into your home.  It's a great gift for others, and it's a wonderful treat to add to your cookie platter.

Peppermint Bark
Peppermint Bark
  • 12 oz. of high-quality white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips
  • 5 regular sized candy canes, crushed up
  • 3-4 drops of peppermint essential oil*

1. Break up peppermint candy into little pieces. Melt the chocolate according to the manufacturer's instructions. Once melted, add the peppermint oil and stir.
2. Pour the melted chocolate out onto a cookie sheet lined with wax paper and spread out with a spatula or wooden spoon. Sprinkle the peppermint candy chunks on to the chocolate and gently press them in with yours hands.
3. Place in the freezer for 5 minutes or until hardened. Break into pieces and serve or store in the fridge in an airtight container.

*****
*Use only PURE essential oils.  Check the label to be sure it is safe for internal use.

E-mail me for a free sample of peppermint essential.  And be sure to come back tomorrow for more 12 Days of Christmas ideas.

Tuesday

Lemon Lavender Cookies

On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...

Lemon lavender cookies!

Here's another delicious recipe to try this holiday season.

Lemon Lavender Cookies
Lemon Lavender Cookies


3 1/4 c. flour
1 c. sugar
1 c. butter
4-6 drops lemon essential oil*
4-6 drops lavender essential oil*
3 eggs
1 tsp baking powder


Cream butter and sugar, then ad lemon and lavender essential oils.
 Add eggs one at a time.
Add dry ingredients.
If the mix is too soft: cover and chill for 15-30 minutes.  If the mix is too dry: add milk one tablespoon at a time until the dough is wet and soft enough to pass through a cookie press.
Fill your cookie press with your dough, using whatever shape for your cookie you would like and press onto an ungreased cookie sheet.  Alternatively – drop by the heaping spoonfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes, or until puffed and slightly browned on the edges.  Transfer to a cooling rack.

*****

*Use only PURE essential oils.  Check the label to be sure it is safe for internal use.

E-mail me for a free sample of the essential oil of your choice.  And come back tomorrow for more 12 Days of Christmas ideas.

Monday

Thin Mint Cookies

On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...

Thin mint cookies!

One of our favorite family traditions is baking and giving cookies.  In years past, I've hosted a cookie exchange.  The rules are simple -- you invite five of your friends and have them each bake 12 dozen cookies.  Then you meet together and divide the cookies amongst you, which means that you each go home with 12 dozen cookies of different varieties.  It's not only fun getting together, but it's a great way to discover new cookie recipes.

Once all our cookies are baked and plated, we don our gay apparel -- which in our case means reindeer antlers.  :)  And then we deliver them to our friends and neighbors, accompanied by our best off-tune rendition of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." 

Thin Mint Cookies
Thin Mint Cookies
Makes 36 cookies
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 egg
  •   4-6drops peppermint essential oil*
  • 3 (1 ounce) squares semisweet chocolate, chopped
  • 1/4 cup butter

  1. In a large bowl, beat 1/2 cup butter or margarine until creamy. Add the sugar, and beat until mixed well. Beat in egg and mint extract.
  2. Sift flour, cocoa, and salt together into a small bowl. Add flour mixture by halves into creamed mixture, beating well after each addition.
  3. Divide dough in half. On lightly floured surface roll dough into two 1 1/2 inch diameter cylinders. Wrap each cylinder in waxed paper, and refrigerate 5 hours.
  4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Thirty minutes prior to baking, place both cylinders in freezer.
  5. Remove one cylinder at a time, and slice 1/4 inch thick pieces with very sharp knife. Place on cookie sheets about 1 1/2 inches apart. Bake 10 to 12 minutes.
  6. Melt 1/4 cup butter or margarine and the semisweet chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave. Drizzle over warm cookies. Place on wire racks, and let cool and harden completely.   From Allrecipes.com.

What are some of your favorite holiday treats?

*****

*Use only PURE essential oils.  Check the label to make sure they are safe for internal use.

E-mail me for a free sample of peppermint essential oil.  And don't forget to come back tomorrow for more 12 Days of Christmas ideas.

    Sunday

    Sugar Scrub

    On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...

    Moisturizing sugar scrub!

    Sugar Scrub
    Here's a super simple recipe for making a great moisturizing sugar scrub.

    1 1/2 cups sugar
    1/4 cup oil (fractionated coconut, almond, or olive are all good choices)
    3-5 drops essential oil

    Combine all ingredients together and pour into a decorative container.

    Chocolate mint truffle:  add 1/8 cup unsweetened cocoa powder and use peppermint essential oil.  Remember, peppermint is a strong oil, so use sparingly.
    Lavender eucalyptus:  use lavender and eucalyptus essential oils.
    Dreamsicle:  use Citrus Bliss blend essential oil.

    Give this with yesterday's scented bath salts for a Night and Day Spa gift.

    *****

    E-mail me for a free sample of the essential oil of your choice.  And don't forget to come back tomorrow for more 12 Days of Christmas ideas.

    Saturday

    Scented Bath Salts

    On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...

    Scented bath salts.

    Everyone loves relaxing spa products.  And while you could spend $15 or more for scented bath salts, it is much less expensive to make them yourself.

    Bath Salts with Essential Oils
    Bath Salts

    4 cups sea salt, kosher salt, or Epsom salts
    5-10 drops essential oil
    Dried fragrant plants such as lavender or eucalyptus (optional)

    Mix ingredients together.  Pour into decorative container for yourself or as a gift for others.  Use a few spoonfuls of salts per bath.

    Try some of these essential oils:

    Lavender, for stress relief and relaxation
    Breathe, to ease congestion and soothe during a cold or flu
    Deep Blue, to soothe muscle pain

    *****

    E-mail me for a free sample of the essential oil of your choice.  And don't forget to come back tomorrow for more 12 Days of Christmas ideas.

    Friday

    Christmas Fudge

    On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...

    Fudge!  Fudge is a great treat to have on hand for those unexpected carolers, or to give as a gift.  Try this twist on traditional fudge to give it an extra Christmas-y flavor.

    Orange or Peppermint Fudge
    Orange or Peppermint Fudge

    2 c. sugar
    2/3 c. evaporated milk
    ¼ c. butter
    ¾ c. chocolate chips
    1 c. marshmallows
    1 tsp. vanilla
    6-8 drops peppermint or wild orange essential oil*


    In a saucepan combine sugar, milk and butter at medium heat. Boil, stirring constantly for 5 minutes. Add remaining ingredients, pour into buttered pan. Cut when cool.  Enjoy!

    *****

    *Use only PURE essential oils.  Check the label to make sure they are safe for internal use.

    E-mail me for a free sample of  peppermint or wild orange essential oil.  And come back tomorrow for Day 3 of the 12 Days of Christmas!

    Thursday

    Christmas Memories

    Christmas Memories
    On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...

    Christmas potpourri.

    This time of year always brings out the kid in me. My mom loved Christmas. There were eight children in our family, and each year, my mother would buy each child ten gifts. You can imagine what it looked like when we came downstairs on Christmas morning to see our tree overflowing with presents. It was magical.

    Nothing got me into the Christmas spirit more than my mom's special "Christmas smell," a homemade potpourri simmering on the stove. I remember coming home from school and having the delicious spicy scent waft over me. It was a reminder that Santa was watching, and we all were a little more thoughtful and a little kinder to one another.

    I've duplicated the potpourri in my own home, but it does have its setbacks. I can be a bit absent-minded, and sometimes I've forgotten to add water to the pot. Burned Christmas is not quite as appealing. These days, I like to diffuse a couple of essential oils that smell just like Mom's potpourri.

    You don't have to have a diffuser to enjoy the aroma of essential oils. I also like to keep a spray bottle filled with water and a few drops of my favorite scent to use as a room spray. And I love to sprinkle a couple of drops on a bowlful of pine cones and on my holiday wreath.

    Mom's Christmas Potpourri

    orange peels
    cinnamon sticks
    whole cloves

    What do you do to get in the mood for Christmas?

    *****

    E-mail me for a free sample of Holiday Joy.  And come back tomorrow for more 12 Days of Christmas ideas.

    Tuesday

    Kicking Colds and Flu

    Kicking Colds and Flu
    With the holidays upon us, no one wants to be left out of the fun because of a cold or flu.  Luckily, there are many things that we can do to protect ourselves during this season.

    Exercise.  Many of us get so busy during the holidays that our exercise routines suffer.  But people who exercise for at least 20 minutes five days a week suffer from half as many colds as those who get moving just one or two days a week.  Even if you don't get formal exercise in, remember any movement is good -- including fast walking with your arms loaded with shopping bags or cleaning your house before guests arrive.

    Don't be touchy.  Be conscious of how often you touch your face and try to stop doing it.  Flu germs enter the body through the nose, mouth, and eyes, so even a quick rub of the eyes can cause a week of the sniffles.

    Less sweets.  With all the holiday goodies around, this may be a tough one, but a diet low in refined sugar strengthens the immune system.  When baking yourself, opt for natural sweeteners such as stevia.

    Get your rest.  Skimp on sleep and you are three times more likely to catch a cold.  Aim for at least seven hours a night.  If you find yourself with an unavoidable late night or two, try catching up on the weekends.

    Wash, wash, wash!  The single most important preventative measure you can take to stave off colds and flu is to wash your hands often.  Skip the hot water and lather up with lukewarm.  It works just as well for killing bacteria and won't dry your skin, which can cause skin to crack and leave you more susceptible to infections.

    Try this:  Make your own foaming anti-bacterial hand wash.  Purchase or reuse a plastic foamer bottle (I bought mine at www.aromatools.com).  Add about a teaspoon of dish washing liquid or regular hand soap.  Add five drops of OnGuard blend essential oil.  Fill with water.  Shake to mix.  Enjoy the fresh scent and feel confident you are doing what you can to protect yourself and your family from germs.

    Saturday

    Quick Cranberry Drops

    You may be swapping out fall colors for Christmas lights this weekend -- but do you still have some Thanksgiving leftovers?  Get in the Christmas spirit by turning your leftover cranberry relish into holiday cookies.

    Quick Cranberry Drops

    2 cups all-purpose flour
    1 tsp. baking powder
    1/4 tsp. salt
    1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
    1/4 cup sugar
    1 egg, room temperature
    2 Tbsp. milk
    1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
    1/2 cup cranberry relish

    Icing

    1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
    2 Tbsp milk
    3 Tbsp. dried cranberries, snipped

    1.  Line two cookie sheets with parchment; set aside.
    2.  Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.  In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
    3.  In a large mixing bowl, beat butter at medium-low speed until smooth and creamy.  Add sugar.  Beat for 2 minutes or until well blended.  Reduce speed to low.  Add egg.  Beat for 1 minute.  Add milk and vanilla and beat for 1 minute more.
    4.  With mixer at lowest speed, steadily add flour mixture until flour is incorporated and soft dough forms.  Beat in relish until evenly incorporated.
    5.  Drop dough by the spoonful (about 2 tsp.) 2 inches apart onto cookie sheet.  Bake 10 to 12 minutes until slightly firm and golden brown on bottoms.  Cool on cooling racks.
    6.  For icing, in a medium bowl, combine powdered sugar and milk.  Stir until smooth.  If needed, add milk in droplets to reach desired consistency.  Stir in snippets of cranberries.  Top each cookie with 1/2 tsp. of icing, and let stand until set.  Makes 45.

    Alternatively, freeze cookies after they have cooled.  Thaw and dust with powdered sugar when ready to serve.

    Recipe from Better Homes and Gardens

    Friday

    Giving Thanks

    A friend of mine shared this poem with me, and I had to pass it along.  Housework is never-ending and can get wearisome.  I loved the different perspective this gives.

    Thank You Lord!
    Thursday, 18 March 2010 08:07 | Written by Unknown | | |

    Lord, thank you for this sink of dirty dishes;
    We have plenty of food to eat.
    Thank you for this pile of dirty, stinky laundry;
    We have plenty of nice clothes to wear.
    And I would like to thank you, Lord, for those unmade beds;
    They were so warm and comfortable last night.
    I know that many have no bed.
    My thanks to you, Lord, for this bathroom,
    Complete with all the splattered mirrors, soggy, grimy towels and dirty lavatory;
    They are so convenient.
    Thank you for this finger-smudged refrigerator that needs defrosting so badly;
    It has served us faithfully for many years.
    It is full of cold drinks and enough leftovers for two or three meals.
    Thank you, Lord, for this oven that absolutely must be cleaned today.
    It has baked so many things over the years.
    The whole family is grateful for that tall grass that needs mowing,
    The lawn that needs raking;
    We all enjoy the yard.
    Thank you, Lord, even for that slamming screen door.
    My kids are healthy and able to run and play.
    Lord, the presence of all these chores awaiting me says
    You have richly blessed my family.
    I shall do them cheerfully and I shall do them gratefully.

    Housework Rules
    And, might I add, since I'm a Super Mom, I think I'll teach my children to help with those chores and appreciate the blessings, as well.

    Fun Friday -- Snowman Donuts

    Thank you to Family Fun Friday for this easy-to-make treat.

    Needed:
    Bag of powdered sugar donuts
    Candy corn
    Chocolate chips
    Mini-chocolate chips.


    Insert candy corn into the donut hole.  Add chocolate chip eyes and mini-chocolate chip smiles.  With the cooler weather, I think they'd be best served with hot chocolate.  :)  Enjoy!

    Monday

    Sick Day

    “Mom, I don't feel so good,” said my Little Monkey, just seconds before he started to throw up on the floor. He looked up at me apologetically, and I think if I hadn't stopped him, he would have started cleaning up. But I could tell he wasn't done, so I whisked him into the bathroom.

    While my poor little guy retched, I rubbed his back and smoothed his hair, trying my best to comfort him. In between heaves, he said, “I love you, Mom!” I don't think he has ever meant it more.

    In bed with the flu
    When he finished, I cleaned him up and made a bed for him on the couch in front of the TV. I rubbed some DigestZen essential oil blend on his stomach, then rubbed some OnGuard blend on his feet. He had a bit of a fever, so I took a cool wet washcloth and added a drop of lavender oil. It seemed to soothe him.

    I have spent many, many nights tending one child after another as the stomach flu swept through our family. This time, I planned on nipping it in the bud. I ordered everyone in the house to use the OnGuard, too, and I had it running in the diffuser. I returned to give my son a couple more treatments. By dinner, he felt well enough for a little chicken soup.

    I kept him home from school the next day, which annoyed him, because it messed up his perfect attendance. He was back to normal within twenty-four hours – and no one else in the family got sick!

    I think that's what I love most about having essential oils in the house. Sure, we still get sick from time to time, but with early intervention, it is short-lived and never very severe. It sure makes being a mom a little bit easier.

    The Problem with Pink Eye

    “Mom. I think I have pink eye.”

    I pried my eyes open to see my Little Thinker standing next to my bed. I inspected his face. Red, goopy eyelid – symptoms universally recognized. Yep, he had pink eye.

    Conjunctivitis (pink eye) is usually more of a nuisance than an actual health concern, but it is highly contagious. So, coming down with a case means a free vacation from school.

    I sent him into the bathroom to dab a little lavender and melaleuca around his eye. Then, he ate breakfast and settled in for a video game marathon.

    I interrupted his play at lunch time.

    “I think it's gone already, Mom.”

    Once again, I inspected his face. His eyes were clear. I couldn't even tell which one had been a problem. We put the oils on a couple more times, to be sure.

    I checked one more time before bed. Everything was just fine.

    “Maybe I should stay home one more day, just in case,” my Little Thinker said hopefully.

    Nice try, sweetie. Nice try.

    *****

    Don't forget, you can e-mail me for a free sample of any of the essential oils mentioned on my blog.

    Honored!


    Thank you to Courtney at My Brown Eyed Girl for honoring me with the Versatile Blogger award!

    By accepting this award I agree to do the following:
    • Thank the blogger who awarded me with a link back to him/her.
    • Share seven things about myself.
    • Pass the award on to seven other newly discovered blogs.
    So, without further ado, here is the dirt on me:

    1.  My first car was a semi-classic, 1970 Ford Mustang with a 351 Cleveland engine.  It was very fast.  What were my parents thinking?
    2.  I love watching What Not to Wear.  That show has transformed my wardrobe from frumpy mommy to hey, you look pretty good for __________.  (Fill in the blank -- your age, having six kids, etc.)
    3.  My favorite musician is Joseph Arthur.
    4.  My grandmother taught me how to body surf.
    5.  I enjoy cooking ... but only if I don't have to.
    6.  I've written a novel.  It remains unedited, in a box under my bed.  I'm working on my second novel, which I hope to make into a series.  Look for it in stores near you sometime around 2017.
    7.  I have a bachelor's degree in Zoology.  And come to think of it, it is kind of a zoo around here.

    Now check out these great new blogs that I've discovered!

    Tesa at 2 Wired 2 Tired
    Miranda at Not Super...Just Mom
    Erica at Off My Mama Rocker
    Ashley at My Front Porch Swing
    Daria at Mom in Management
    Samantha at Life As Wife
    Jen at Buried with Children

    Tuesday

    Oil of the Month!

    The oil of the month (drum roll, please) is...

    Cassia!

    Cassia (cinnamomum cassia) may seem like an unusual essential oil, but you are probably more familiar with it than you think. Cassia is from the cinnamon family and is very similar to cinnamon essential oil.

    Cassia oil is a great mood lifter. You've probably noticed this anytime you've been baking cinnamon rolls. Adding a drop of cassia essential oil to a citrus oil like wild orange is a wonderful pick me up.

    Cassia essential oil is anti-viral and anti-microbial. It is great for fighting colds and the flu. Add a drop to your favorite tea to help kick your illness faster. Because it fights the illnesses that cause fever, it is also a good fever reducer.

    Cassia is a warming oil, which is wonderful leading into winter. Rub a drop between your palms or add a drop to warm tea or water. It is also beneficial for circulation. Perhaps that is why it helps loss of libido and sexual disorders such as frigidity and impotence. You could add a small amount to your favorite massage oil for a warming and sensual sensation. Cassia oil is also helpful for rheumatism and arthritis.

    Cassia essential oil is very good for digestive issues, especially diarrhea. Because it is microbial, it curbs the growth of microorganisms in the digestive tract which protects against diarrhea and dysentery. It is carminitive, which means it gives relief from gas forming in the intestines and stops further formation of gas.

    Cassia essential oil is also beneficial for menstrual cramps, helps stop hemorrhaging by contracting the blood vessels, strengthens gums and hair roots, tightens muscles and lifts skin.

    Use caution with cassia essential oil, as it can produce irritation and sensitization in skin. It is not recommended during pregnancy or while nursing.

    Cassia essential oil is on sale now, 10% off during the month of October, 2011. Click here to order. You may also e-mail me for a free sample.

    Wednesday

    Bluesy

    My Little Monkey came home from church the other day looking a little melancholy.  Usually, he's optimistic and happy, kind of mischievous and always looking to get a laugh out of you.  But this time his shoulders slumped a little and he was very quiet.

    Worried, I asked him if anything had happened at church -- Did anyone hurt your feelings?  Did you get into trouble?  No, no, he assured me.  Nothing like that.  He just felt a little bluesy for no good reason.

    Citrus Bliss
    What do you do when your go-to guy for cheering people up needs cheering himself?  My hugs and hovering weren't helping.  I remembered that citrus oils are helpful for lifting your mood.  I'd used them a few times myself during my down days.  They rank right up there with chocolate.

    So, I got one of my little plastic inhalers and added a few drops of Citrus Bliss blend essential oil to it.  I gave it to him, and told him that whenever he felt kind of sad, he could twist the cap and take a whiff of it to feel better.  He tried it, and gave me his lovey smile, then slipped it into his pocket.

    I noticed him pulling it out of his pocket and sniffing throughout the rest of the day.  I don't know if it was the oil that helped, or just having a small talisman reminding him that his mother loves him, but his spirits did seem to lift little by little.  Soon, he was playing videos games and laughing with his brother, just like normal.  He gave me a hug before bed and said thanks.

    "Can I take some of this to school?" he asked.

    Of course.  I can't be there to shield him from every disappointment, bump and bruise throughout his days.  But with Citrus Bliss in his pocket, a little part of me can.

    *****

    E-mail me for a free sample of Wild Orange essential oil today.

    Friday

    Flops

    I get ambitious sometimes.  I'll see a great idea on the internet and think, hey, my kids would love that!  I'll give it a try, and sometimes it works out great.  I'm a hero.  Sometimes, however, it doesn't turn out exactly the way I'd like it to.

    Hershey's Kisses Acorns
    For example, I saw a really cute snack idea in a Family Fun magazine.  Hersheys' Kisses acorns.  Like this: 

    See?  It doesn't look that hard, does it?  Hershey's Kisses, mini vanilla wafers, and a little chocolate frosting.  What could go wrong?  Well, my Man Child went shopping for me, and he couldn't find the mini vanilla wafers, so he got the regular-sized. 

    OK, I thought, maybe we could substitute mini Ritz crackers instead.  He brought some home, and they were still too big.  I tried it anyway, and asked my Little Fashionista what she thought they were.  She gave me her best dumb blonde look and a big, "Huh?"

    Likewise, I had great plans for my blog post today.  I was going to make homemade peppermint patties, taking pictures step-by-step, and then wow you with my cleverness. 

    It sounds easy enough.  You take some coconut butter, add a little Stevia or powdered sugar and a couple of drops of peppermint essential oil.  Make patties and cool in the fridge while melting the chocolate.  Dip, cool, and done.
    Peppermint Patties

    Yeah.  But I couldn't find coconut butter and decided to make my own.  Supposedly, you put coconut chips in a blender for ten minutes and it magically turns into coconut butter.  Unless, I discovered, your blender isn't powerful enough.  Then, the motor starts to smoke and you find little flecks of melted plastic in your ground coconut.

    I'm not giving up yet.  I just need to find some coconut butter.  Or buy a really good blender.

    ****

    Do you have any good after-school snack recipes to share?

    Thursday

    Comments Fixed

    Thank you to all my new followers!  And I've been notified that my comments weren't working; I have them fixed now.  Now you'll be able to share your own adventures with me.  And I have no more excuses for the crickets chirping. :)

    Monday

    The Best Motivation Video

    It's OK to let our kids fail sometimes.

    Friday

    Friday Funnies

    Monday

    Shoot Straight, Son

    Little Shooter
    Potty training a boy is different than potty training a girl. For obvious reasons, but also because the stakes are higher. Face it, you're the one who is going to have to clean the bathroom, and it's been a pretty easy job up to now.


    Every mother beginning to potty train her son believes that this is it, that she is going to be the first mother in history to train a perfect shooter. We put Cheerios in the toilet bowl and reward our little guy with Skittles for every correct shot. Soon, he's going through a bag a day, and we're feeling pretty good about ourselves.

    But it's like when my mom told me that when I lost a tooth, if I didn't stick my tongue in the hole, I'd grow a gold tooth. Sure, it's theoretically possible, but who has that kind of discipline?

    And so it is with little boys. You take away the Cheerios and the Skittles, and they grow lazy. Heck, even my husband thinks he can shoot in the dark sometimes. Accuracy ebbs until you're praying for 50-50.

    What do you do about cleaning the bathroom now? You could create a chore chart and never set foot in the bathroom for a year (which I *may* or *may not* have personally done). Cross your fingers and hope the smell never wafts into the living room.

    Thankfully, I've found the remedy for boys. A lovely little blend of essential oils called Purify is strong enough that they use it for odor control in hospitals. I put about 10 drops in a spray bottle filled with water, and voila! If you came to my house, you'd think I had perfect shooters.

    If you'd like a free sample of Purify blend essential oil, e-mail me at SuperMomEO@gmail.com

    Tuesday

    Back To School Blues

    Waiting 

    The night before the first day of school, I lay in bed and confessed to my husband that I was nervous.

    “Don't worry, babe. We've got your back.”

    See, my husband and I have been sending kids off to school for the last 15 years. And one thing that I've learned is that the first day of school is a minefield for mommy mishaps. Forgotten lunches, arriving late, missed buses. Yep, been there, done that, and those are only the ones I'm willing to admit to.

    Meanwhile, my kids weren't worried at all. First day of high school? No problem. No friends at the new school? Sounds like an adventure to an 11-year old boy. My kids bubbled over with giggles, envisioning good times, blissfully unaware of all that could go wrong. My youngest came in right before bed, asking for some lavender oil because he was too excited to fall asleep. If only a dab of lavender behind the ears could silence my concerns.

    So, all day long, I waited with bated breath until the clock finally read 2 p.m. and my kiddos started trickling in, all smiles and excited stories. They were right, I was wrong.

    I guess I can stop worrying. You know, as much as a mom can stop worrying.

    For a good night's sleep, e-mail me for a free sample of lavender essential oil at SuperMomEO@gmail.com.

    And please share, what are your most memorable mommy mishaps?


    Saturday

    Filling The Well

    Hey, Momma – I know you. You are a giver. You give hugs, fix boo-boos, cheer when your child makes the football team and cheer him up when he doesn't. You walk the floors at night trying to calm your colicky newborn and then again when she's a teenager out on her first date. You'd do anything for your family...but when was the last time you did something for yourself?

    You know what they say: If mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy. It's true that you can't draw water from an empty well.

    I get a massage twice a month. Now, Vivian doesn't look like a virtuoso masseuse. With her Albert Einstein hair, English teeth, and flower child insistence that bras are unnecessary (even after the age of 60), you'd never guess that she learned massage from an Afghani yogi master and was once masseuse to the stars.

    Until she goes to work, that is. Unlike most masseuses these days, she doesn't pound my muscles like she's trying to tenderize meat. Instead, her fingers are drawn like magnets to that spot that's been bugging me for so long, and she gently coaxes it to release the pent-up tension. And she always finishes with an incredible foot massage. To ground me, she says. I can tell how well I've been taking care of myself by how I react to the foot massage. Sometimes, it's a pleasant and relaxing way to finish the massage. But some days, I find my eyes welling up with tears as I think, “Man, I really haven't been doing well lately, have I?” By the time Vivian finishes with me, I feel like a strangely energized noodle.

    I would love it if you were reaching for the phone book right now, ready to look up the nearest spa to schedule a massage for yourself. But I know you, remember? I suspect you are shrugging your shoulders with a sigh, thinking, “Ah, that would be nice.” And you're ready to turn away and get back to tidying the house or baking some cookies for after school snacks or taking your turn at the carpool.

    But I'm sure you at least have time for a foot massage. Here is a great technique that you can do on your own. Better yet, get your significant other to do it for you. And make it a habit every night before bed. :)


    FYI -- These are the "zones" Dr. Hill talks about:    

    And if you would like a free sample of Wild Orange and Peppermint essential oil or the Aromatouch massage blend essential oil, please e-mail me at SuperMomEO@gmail.com.