tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53941532513731908582024-03-05T14:49:16.182-08:00Super Mom EOOne mother's every day adventures with essential oils.MomEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01127806088049284788noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5394153251373190858.post-84852997484162925272012-08-08T22:23:00.001-07:002012-08-08T22:23:58.006-07:00Got Teens?Oil of the Month!<br />
<br />
dōTERRA Clear Skin Topical Blend is formulated with CPTG Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade® essential oils and black cumin seed oil, each specifically targeted to improve the texture and tone of skin. Beneficial properties include controlling overactive sebaceous glands, soothing irritated skin and assisting in cell rejuvenation. Clear Skin Topical Blend successfully creates an unfriendly environment for bacteria and microbes without drying out skin and promotes healthy and clear skin. It’s the answer to troubled skin.<br />
<br />
And it's on sale! During the month of August, 2012, take 10% off Clear Skin Topical Blend. Your teens will love you!MomEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01127806088049284788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5394153251373190858.post-8726681079352701482012-07-06T13:22:00.001-07:002012-07-06T13:22:48.231-07:00Time for Thyme<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
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<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Oil of the Month!<br />
<br />
I love discovering new essential oils, so I'm always exciting when something I haven't yet tried goes on sale. This month, Thyme essential oil is 10% off (July 2012). </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVNCfVshwhLf9gMc_WdOjcc0wNIyoC8SqJDfqVgxqiwl1ZXjH3Stv2U-Ukm77Oy73JgVvJuZKWyrQx2PHe7IyLcQJ58JguuDdJJYEJppupu-vsUQ9rd_-h1z7xZFQhu_C4CJ087M5zz_s/s1600/thyme-front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVNCfVshwhLf9gMc_WdOjcc0wNIyoC8SqJDfqVgxqiwl1ZXjH3Stv2U-Ukm77Oy73JgVvJuZKWyrQx2PHe7IyLcQJ58JguuDdJJYEJppupu-vsUQ9rd_-h1z7xZFQhu_C4CJ087M5zz_s/s1600/thyme-front.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thyme Essential Oil</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Some of the benefits of thyme are:<br />
<br />
* Thyme combats infection and improves immunity by increasing the production of white blood cells.<br />
* Thyme reduces the inflammation and irritation of skin disorders such as acne and psoriasis, as well as eczema and other types of dermatitis.<br />
* It can accelerate the healing of bruises, burns, cuts, sores, and wounds.<br />
* Thyme oil stimulates menstrual flow, it increases circulation and can elevate low blood pressure.<br />
* It can relieve the pain of arthritis, sore muscles, sprains and injuries and it can ease the pain of headaches, including migraines.<br />
* Thyme oil also helps fight candida such as yeast infections, athlete’s foot and jock itch.<br />
* Thyme oil is stimulating, although when used in a bath, it helps overcome insomnia.<br />
<br />
Emotionally, Thyme oil can be effective with poor self-confidence, apathy, and fear. Thyme can strengthen your nerves when you are experiencing emotional fatigue. It eases nervousness, stress, and some stress-related complaints. It can reduce the severity or frequency of anxiety attacks. It enhances memory and increases concentration. Whether demoralized, apprehensive, or alienated reach for Thyme’s warm and virile strength. <br />
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<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Thyme is, of course, great to use in cooking. Simply substitute a drop or two for the seasonings called for in your recipes. Cooking with essential oils enhances the aroma and flavor of your foods.<br />
<br />
Caution: Avoid during pregnancy, and always dilute for small children and sensitive skin (1:5). Use with caution if high blood pressure is diagnosed. Like Oregano, Thyme is a very hot oil. </div>MomEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01127806088049284788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5394153251373190858.post-31359333172084871882012-06-21T11:14:00.000-07:002012-06-21T11:14:53.798-07:00Toxin Hunter<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Utb9-BzGrLhGPLDtBVEbZxDxB1h5WYV24ZrzoneXyQNWXBJFIsgwgJVGvgga5K93xJI5phEdKKJ0AXgijnbYKRIijPKVRMhLvSWePYj893ucxdAtu76ANpn6l-aBBitvF_Gjf464C3k/s1600/toxins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Utb9-BzGrLhGPLDtBVEbZxDxB1h5WYV24ZrzoneXyQNWXBJFIsgwgJVGvgga5K93xJI5phEdKKJ0AXgijnbYKRIijPKVRMhLvSWePYj893ucxdAtu76ANpn6l-aBBitvF_Gjf464C3k/s320/toxins.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toxin Hunter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Have you ever seen that documentary about bedbugs? I remember the first time I saw it. They zeroed in on a seemingly perfectly clean bed, with lovely bedding and fluffy pillows, only to reveal hundreds of creepy, crawling, monstrous bugs. I itched for weeks after watching that.<br />
<br />
Well, it's the same thing for me with toxins. For years I've been oblivious to invisible toxins, following the five-second rule, allowing my children to keep their shoes on in the house, feeding them convenience foods, and cleaning with products that promise to KILL, KILL, KILL.<br />
<br />
But then I started to hear whispers: Chemical toxins responsible for the global obesity epidemic. Astronomical increase in auto-immune diseases linked to toxins. Children reaching puberty earlier and earlier due to toxins. Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. Sleep disturbances, depression, sexual (*gulp*) problems linked to toxins. Suddenly, I'm seeing toxins all around me, and I fear that I am poisoning my family on a daily basis.<br />
<br />
It's not easy to switch to a less-toxic lifestyle. So many of our conveniences are rife with toxicity. But I know that taking baby steps now will benefit me and my family for years to come.<br />
<br />
Here is my action plan:<br />
<br />
Buy foods only with ingredients that I recognize.<br />
<br />
Use organic or natural products on my lawn and garden.<br />
<br />
Use homemade household and beauty products.<br />
<br />
Now, of course, you can't avoid all the toxins all the time. So, I'll continue to add a couple of drops of lemon, lime, or grapefruit essential oil to my drinking water. Citrus oils are wonderfully detoxifying and help support liver function.<br />
<br />
I'll share some of the recipes I find for homemade household and beauty products. In the meantime, here's a recipe for a moisturizing detoxifying salt scrub.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTUeVlIBZXcuzeX72Lzz13coJ0tfoVa4ggavZ1twUk2KpmE2e6hyphenhyphenH4Pvg87KDLV51nO2-dEFD4gP94EDNK1oqsFrGgdkEOeaJeMaNQiNkF6nI7oCSoHgEMbbPFqPPjps-0DLj40S30GW4/s1600/bath+salts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTUeVlIBZXcuzeX72Lzz13coJ0tfoVa4ggavZ1twUk2KpmE2e6hyphenhyphenH4Pvg87KDLV51nO2-dEFD4gP94EDNK1oqsFrGgdkEOeaJeMaNQiNkF6nI7oCSoHgEMbbPFqPPjps-0DLj40S30GW4/s320/bath+salts.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detoxifying Salt Scrub</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<br />
Detoxifying Salt Scrub<br />
<br />
1/2 cup sea salt<br />
2 Tbsp. fractionated coconut oil or almond oil<br />
20 drops Slim and Sassy essential oil blend<br />
<br />
Mix ingredients together. Rub on in the shower and rinse off.MomEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01127806088049284788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5394153251373190858.post-54007773300822850482012-06-14T08:00:00.000-07:002012-06-14T10:46:12.120-07:00Best Father's Day EverIf you were to ask me what I'd like for Mother's Day, the list might look something like this:<br />
<br />
* Flowers<br />
* Chocolate<br />
* Jewelry<br />
* Mani/Pedi<br />
* Dinner out<br />
* Cookware<br />
* Gardening supplies<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYGRtdIX8WmNbeQgOzJPAvdVrZsGgiO34xL32fXLEgDD654AICTDcaiGo7pldcOeydl5d4qpbNZBpacj6aQax6gWgIuGPMCc5kR7EMKYQ8KmFBwX_DqS2JNnrgJZR7AZZ2j5JtY6aZR7E/s1600/dad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYGRtdIX8WmNbeQgOzJPAvdVrZsGgiO34xL32fXLEgDD654AICTDcaiGo7pldcOeydl5d4qpbNZBpacj6aQax6gWgIuGPMCc5kR7EMKYQ8KmFBwX_DqS2JNnrgJZR7AZZ2j5JtY6aZR7E/s200/dad.jpg" width="181" /></a></div>
Now, if you were to ask my husband what he'd like for Father's Day, the list would look more like this:<br />
<br />
* Food<br />
* Sex<br />
<br />
Ah, men. They're so easy to please, aren't they? Well, here are a few recipes to help make this the best Father's Day ever.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Blender Salsa</b><br />
<div class="recipestyle1">
<br />
½ sweet onion<br />
½ red onion<br />
2 serrano peppers<br />
1 jalapeño <br />
3 cloves minced garlic<br />
1 tomato<br />
3 large red tomatoes (quartered)<br />
2 Roma tomatoes (halved)<br />
5 tomatillos <br />
1 green bell pepper (quartered)<br />
1 bunch of cilantro <br />
Garlic salt <br />
2 drops dōTERRA lime essential oil<br />
2 drops dōTERRA cilantro essential oil<br />
<br />
Add all ingredients to your blender. Puree ingredients
until smooth. Leave the lid on your blender 5 minutes after blending.
Pour and serve with your favorite tortilla chips.<br />
<span style="font-size: 130%;"><b></b></span> <br />
<div>
<b>Chocolate Mint or Chocolate Orange Brownie Frosting</b></div>
<div>
<b> </b> </div>
<div>
½ cube butter softened </div>
3 c powdered sugar<br />
<div>
3 Tbsp milk </div>
3 Tbsp cocoa<br />
<div>
3-6 drops peppermint oil (To Taste)<br />
Or<br />
3-6 drops Orange Oil (To Taste)<br />
<br />
Mix together until well blended. Frost over your favorite cooled brownie recipe.<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<b> Sugar and Spice Sensual Massage Oil </b><br />
<br />
<b> </b>8 drops Sandalwood essential oil<br />3 drops Orange essential oil<br />2 drops Patchouli essential oil<br />1 drop Ylang Ylang essential oil<br />1 drop Ginger essential oil<br />1/4 cup (60ml) carrier oil of your choice such as apricot, jojoba, fractionated coconut, or sunflower oil.<br /><br />Combine the ingredients in a dark glass or PET plastic bottle. (I recommend using one with an oil or lotion dispenser cap so you don't accidentally pour it all over everything in the excitement of getting a massage.)<br /><br />Wait at least 24 hours after blending to let the mixture 'cure'. Keep the bottle in a cool, dark place. Use within three months.<br />
<br />
Enjoy! Happy Father's Day! </div>
</div>MomEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01127806088049284788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5394153251373190858.post-29614900435559449602012-06-07T16:44:00.000-07:002012-06-07T16:44:28.199-07:00How Does Your Garden Grow?I have a confession to make: I love gardening, but I don't really know what I'm doing.<br />
<br />
My boys helped me plant a few plants this year. We got some tomato, basil, cucumber, zucchini, and yellow squash. They might be kind of squished together. I added some nice compost to the soil, and I ordered 200 worms. That should do it, right? Now, we're just sitting back (picking at weeds) and watching them grow.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxC37WLzRk6iytfcxPqvTTfJ1s85PErAm_v6PGMniULx0eT0AjrVjmpGYLbgAqFaHm46FWujLn9AOzuhen6TgOXA3mO0vaqfIU4WAq49xbcISeT16xwmkjZkEiwk44u4ijcqryY_f5Np8/s1600/SAM_1451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxC37WLzRk6iytfcxPqvTTfJ1s85PErAm_v6PGMniULx0eT0AjrVjmpGYLbgAqFaHm46FWujLn9AOzuhen6TgOXA3mO0vaqfIU4WAq49xbcISeT16xwmkjZkEiwk44u4ijcqryY_f5Np8/s320/SAM_1451.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zucchini or yellow squash</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlofJOk6ZP4l-TimnAED-jemApz2JrEz1Cgfg-YcMKJrbDrXYS9AIWdLov_te7wxlWvi0Dxpn0JhK6YtAW9fWd2W7if8Re3qH3tX2KtjGtFV21pK0_rY04b4VRU2TTps-pmC8d_w-z5I/s1600/SAM_1458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlofJOk6ZP4l-TimnAED-jemApz2JrEz1Cgfg-YcMKJrbDrXYS9AIWdLov_te7wxlWvi0Dxpn0JhK6YtAW9fWd2W7if8Re3qH3tX2KtjGtFV21pK0_rY04b4VRU2TTps-pmC8d_w-z5I/s320/SAM_1458.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tomato</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDZT9INWuFAp_j6aJcKmt0g3vwnlCEuNZeKtfcP6sQQxwpoRXZBeuWjbUoz7B3BAmoWVjiPCowp-YGLjTarAM10GP5zPRQ9nJHOKIh2r-EJbzvWsy6Ixi-tZeCbpa3QIjiYxvZhYP5jMU/s1600/SAM_1457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDZT9INWuFAp_j6aJcKmt0g3vwnlCEuNZeKtfcP6sQQxwpoRXZBeuWjbUoz7B3BAmoWVjiPCowp-YGLjTarAM10GP5zPRQ9nJHOKIh2r-EJbzvWsy6Ixi-tZeCbpa3QIjiYxvZhYP5jMU/s320/SAM_1457.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zucchini or yellow squash</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
But the other day, I noticed that something was beating me to my harvest.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ovGUdR5ClA2YN3STnhvvZcwcepsdgaejx8aaQOWK2F-Y2kUQ5ljctxD0obzsyRCz3yDkSqqwTVuq010CHY3VhlDFLzmf8KVvKd4qUBgPoNoCPaONyTSQoltmMhrUNa9zxyNfP1Hw1xw/s1600/SAM_1454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ovGUdR5ClA2YN3STnhvvZcwcepsdgaejx8aaQOWK2F-Y2kUQ5ljctxD0obzsyRCz3yDkSqqwTVuq010CHY3VhlDFLzmf8KVvKd4qUBgPoNoCPaONyTSQoltmMhrUNa9zxyNfP1Hw1xw/s320/SAM_1454.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basil</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I don't want to turn to traditional pesticides. The whole purpose of growing my own veggies is to enjoy healthier options. Instead, I got a small bottle of water and added about 20 drops of TerraShield essential oil blend. I sprayed all my plants. I'll check back from time to time to make sure it's doing its job. And hopefully, within a few weeks, there will be enough basil for pesto. :)<br />
<br />
Do you have any gardening tips for someone with a not-so-green thumb? I'd love to hear them!MomEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01127806088049284788noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5394153251373190858.post-40279966921990664572012-06-01T08:00:00.000-07:002012-06-05T10:46:42.849-07:00Bug Off!<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6K23n2IgRU2scM9rWNDObcNlMFRsyI3DA4kEbGYY5xpFMCz0c4qQPZwY91PoN8mhbNddjIw_UCo31ebTTbgzCK_YcMG8InkswIQYTB5qUYvhhD1slpNJ37eNYdQdoHIeA_RYivVjQnVA/s1600/bug-off.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6K23n2IgRU2scM9rWNDObcNlMFRsyI3DA4kEbGYY5xpFMCz0c4qQPZwY91PoN8mhbNddjIw_UCo31ebTTbgzCK_YcMG8InkswIQYTB5qUYvhhD1slpNJ37eNYdQdoHIeA_RYivVjQnVA/s200/bug-off.gif" width="195" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bug Off!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
With the summer heat come unwanted
visitors. I'm not talking about your in-laws (I'm sure you have lovely in-laws) – I'm talking about
bugs. Whether it's ants invading your backyard picnic or mosquitoes
crashing your garden party, you want to find a way to banish them
forever.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Everyone loves being outdoors, but
nobody likes becoming lunch for pesky bugs that can ruin your camp out in the woods. Even more dangerous than an itchy bite are the nasty
pathogens insects can transmit. To prevent the spread of insect-borne
diseases such as Lyme Disease and West Nile Virus, experts recommend using an
effective insect repellent.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
You could turn to sticky, smelly, toxic
bug repellent. Most common repellents are products that contain
DEET, a powerful and toxic chemical that is known to cause negative
side-effects, including seizures. Or you could choose an all natural
alternative.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
DoTerra’s TerraShield™ Repellent
Blend is an all-natural, super-concentrated insect repellent
formulated with a proprietary blend of 15 Certified Pure Therapeutic
Grade™ essential oils that have been scientifically shown to repel
insects more effectively than other synthetic insect repellents. The
15 essential oils in TerraShield are blended in a base of 100% pure
fractionated coconut oil leaving your skin renewed after each
application. TerraShield’s fresh, light citrus smell is wonderfully
invigorating and can be used safely by everyone in the family without
worry.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
TerraShield is 10% off through June 30,
2012. Shop our products <a href="http://doterraie.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>MomEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01127806088049284788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5394153251373190858.post-12921509962621605392012-05-28T11:41:00.000-07:002012-06-05T10:47:31.547-07:00Summer Kick-Off!<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0iCSxgEZBVkgbisnfaHhrseIprypTOZMJtr5Bnjm0eWmypQM0AUdujpgKDgINoqh3BdoSHHrHJHB6Lx_4aM-A5c4JK22f23JTzvpHkXfRb_dnhpGJoc0YsCI4YxrAhHbde4-FHERct40/s1600/summer1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0iCSxgEZBVkgbisnfaHhrseIprypTOZMJtr5Bnjm0eWmypQM0AUdujpgKDgINoqh3BdoSHHrHJHB6Lx_4aM-A5c4JK22f23JTzvpHkXfRb_dnhpGJoc0YsCI4YxrAhHbde4-FHERct40/s200/summer1.jpg" width="178" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summer Kick-Off</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Memorial Day has always felt like the
first day of summer for me. We spend it around the pool, with the
smell of barbecue wafting in the air. My children are giddy with
excitement, knowing that school will be over in a week or two and
then they will truly be free.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
However, with the kick-off of summer
comes summer worries. Back in the olden days when I was a kid,
sunscreen was a novelty. Each year, my skin would burn, and then
peel, before turning into an acceptable tan. I was still susceptible
to sunburn as the summer wore on, especially on those days we spent
sun up til sun down at the beach. My older sister, slathered in baby
oil, would develop a deep, dark tan without my hazards. How I envied
her.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Today we have lotions that tout 80+
SPF, and you'd think we were wearing invisible armor when out in the
sun. Yet, skin cancer rates have not gone down. What's up with
that? Perhaps the ingredients in many sunscreens are just as bad for
us as the sunburns they are meant to prevent.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKFwuJ69PQqkvin78lFCVxXOOV3aAiX90IiWU8jnsHn9H_WetPDapeE_avQpKmXMgwhoDVKb3Qs59hPARbQtKxzpF9AaUYLsTEmgPElEH4vgFDvr-s757uLrjUKZaOX1Ws4D9y0T3BaD4/s1600/sunburn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKFwuJ69PQqkvin78lFCVxXOOV3aAiX90IiWU8jnsHn9H_WetPDapeE_avQpKmXMgwhoDVKb3Qs59hPARbQtKxzpF9AaUYLsTEmgPElEH4vgFDvr-s757uLrjUKZaOX1Ws4D9y0T3BaD4/s200/sunburn.jpg" width="171" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunburn</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sounds like a catch-22. What's a mom
to do? This year, I'm going to try an all-natural, homemade
sunscreen. Coconut oil naturally has sun-blocking properties, as
well as several essential oils.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sunscreen</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
1 oz. Coconut oil (fractionated is
fine)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
5-10 drops helichrysum, myrrh, roman
chamomile, or lavender essential oil</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Use a little more essential oil per
ounce at the beginning of summer, when you are not yet used to the
sun, and a little less once your skin has become habituated.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Now, I have some very fair-skinned
children who seem to get a sunburn no matter what I do. For them, I
keep a spray bottle of distilled water and 10-15 drops of lavender
essential oil on hand. I just spritz it on the burn, and it soothes
and helps rapidly heal the skin.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Enjoy your Memorial Day, and remember
to take a moment with your family to remember the real reason for
this holiday, the men and women who serve our country and put their
lives on the line to give us the freedoms that are uniquely ours.</div>MomEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01127806088049284788noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5394153251373190858.post-30467946688536440702012-05-23T13:04:00.000-07:002012-06-05T10:48:13.133-07:0020 Health Benefits of Essential Oils<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Here's a challenge for you: Go to your medicine cabinet and pull out the first medication you see. Read the ingredients, and then read the side effects. Hm. Maybe they don't seem so bad. Or maybe something surprised you. But what if, instead of a list of warnings, you saw this?</div>
<ol>
<li>Positively affects the psyche<br />
</li>
<li>Supports immune function<br />
</li>
<li>Supplies potent antimicrobials<br />
</li>
<li>Provides natural pain relief<br />
</li>
<li>Reduces inflammation<br />
</li>
<li>Eases stress and anxiety<br />
</li>
<li>Decreases insomnia<br />
</li>
<li>Rejuvenates skin<br />
</li>
<li>Protects against colds and influenza<br />
</li>
<li>Soothes digestive disorders<br />
</li>
<li>Improves the circulatory system<br />
</li>
<li>Promotes optimal endocrine function<br />
</li>
<li>Supports the urinary system<br />
</li>
<li>Soothes burns, sunburns, minor cuts, and scrapes<br />
</li>
<li>Supports muscles and bones<br />
</li>
<li>Provides oral and dental care<br />
</li>
<li>Nourishes and strengthens hair<br />
</li>
<li>Improves mental clarity<br />
</li>
<li>Protects against cancer<br />
</li>
<li>Provides safe and natural alternatives to household cleaners<br />
</li>
</ol>
Which would you choose? That's why I always choose essential oils as my first line of defense for my and my family's health care.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVq0spBZLkIzDcEQQVIOu7CfRcocetJ3PBRvbsupFR0YC6wNZgpynlE16rYRcHrM28XDQUo8vUCBA6aIMBR0UIq-_Lwaq44u2ktKjFcZW8H7Dxw-rNpXG5jPv3_kOk76hiJkUBDLmGGK4/s1600/doterraVSpharma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVq0spBZLkIzDcEQQVIOu7CfRcocetJ3PBRvbsupFR0YC6wNZgpynlE16rYRcHrM28XDQUo8vUCBA6aIMBR0UIq-_Lwaq44u2ktKjFcZW8H7Dxw-rNpXG5jPv3_kOk76hiJkUBDLmGGK4/s400/doterraVSpharma.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">doTerra Medicine Cabinet Makeover</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />MomEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01127806088049284788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5394153251373190858.post-43910144946991755912012-05-15T18:19:00.001-07:002012-06-05T10:48:40.324-07:00Essential Oils 101As essential oils gain in popularity, I get a lot of questions from people just starting out. What do you need to know about essential oils?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUTAFwPNXDCbsRFO35pthoshxiEyjScjs9_HsEyLuCmBLEBsDII_uibJYfgTClN4SmKYqRcviK-Nqj1ACUijLBLTiM37h885Xm5eOEqM_SSjJfx0QLVc0vGNS9UIQ7SfV2ehRFp0yGpyg/s1600/doterra5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUTAFwPNXDCbsRFO35pthoshxiEyjScjs9_HsEyLuCmBLEBsDII_uibJYfgTClN4SmKYqRcviK-Nqj1ACUijLBLTiM37h885Xm5eOEqM_SSjJfx0QLVc0vGNS9UIQ7SfV2ehRFp0yGpyg/s320/doterra5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Essential Oils</b> are the aromatic liquid
extracted from the leaves, stems, flowers, bark, roots, or other
parts of a plant. They are highly concentrated and are 50 to 70
times more powerful than herbs.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Essential Oils</b> possess complex
constituents that are highly beneficial to wellness.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Essential Oils</b> kill viruses and
bacteria. Antibiotics are ineffective against viruses because they
cannot penetrate the cell membrane. Due to their size and make-up,
essential oil molecules can penetrate cells to kill bacteria and
viruses.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Essential Oils</b> are science-based.
There are many clinical studies that show the efficacy of essential
oils. Many synthetically produced pharmaceutical products are
inspired by essential oils.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Essential Oils</b> are a natural way to
take care of our health. They have similar properties to synthetic
drugs with no side effects.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Essential Oils</b> can be used
aromatically, topically, or internally*. Aromatically, they can
affect mood, cleanse the air, and open airways. Topically, they give
immediate comfort and immune support. They work quickly, as they
pass into the blood stream within 30 seconds. They have both
systemic and localized results. Internally*, they detoxify the body,
improve the digestive system, and support internal organs.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Essential Oils</b> are not all created
equal. There is no governing body that determines what constitutes
“100% pure.” Avoid those that say “not for internal use.”
Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade (CPTG) oils have been rigorously,
independently tested for purity and potency.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
*Only use essential oils that have been laboratory-tested for purity and potency for internal use. Refer to the label for instructions. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/eXI4pc8tmsg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>MomEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01127806088049284788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5394153251373190858.post-73575357757184762332012-05-10T14:57:00.001-07:002012-06-05T10:50:00.683-07:00Every Day Heroes -- A Mother's Day TributeI received this e-mail from my mother, and I had to share. She says,<br />
<br />
<div id="yui_3_2_0_6_1336663599402561">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_2_0_6_1336663599402561">
<span id="yui_3_2_0_6_1336663599402564"><span id="yui_3_2_0_6_1336663599402563" style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">"This is a Mother's Day tribute from the daughter of one of my friends who passed away last year. My friend is Rita Schroeder and she was diagnosed with cancer four years ago. It is not only a beautiful tribute to Rita, but to the impact all mothers have on their children, each in our own ways. Rita's was though music. Makes me stop and think about what gift did I give my children. Sometimes I think we overlook our strengths and focus mostly </span></span><span id="yui_3_2_0_6_1336663599402560"><span id="yui_3_2_0_6_1336663599402559" style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">on our weakness. This mother's day, I hope you remember all the good you did and why you are loved. Happy Mother's Day. "</span></span><span id="yui_3_2_0_6_1336663599402560"><span id="yui_3_2_0_6_1336663599402559" style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
Thank you, Mom, for sharing this and for all you have done for me over the years. I still strive to be as good a mother as you each day.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mr8CGydPB5g?fs=1" width="480">&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Happy&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;</iframe>MomEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01127806088049284788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5394153251373190858.post-18484977034768441352012-05-09T13:00:00.000-07:002012-06-05T10:49:25.427-07:00The Perfect Mother's Day<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlSo1cEUpiSWa6iWo-LUL35vu1aQW1hXRLln5-5b859LFqOOrjZOsVsyB48sq3vtc4F7w8ytQZkDSZFvcneLl3tOLUa14BDluxduijS2c2pLpjnPXCruplockQ3QSPRAqdSPApRwiDj0Q/s1600/mothers_day1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlSo1cEUpiSWa6iWo-LUL35vu1aQW1hXRLln5-5b859LFqOOrjZOsVsyB48sq3vtc4F7w8ytQZkDSZFvcneLl3tOLUa14BDluxduijS2c2pLpjnPXCruplockQ3QSPRAqdSPApRwiDj0Q/s200/mothers_day1.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mother's Day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I have a
confession. You know what I want for Mother's Day? A break from
being a mom. Not from the good stuff – I can never get enough of
the hugs and kisses and “Mom, you're the best!” I'm talking
about the cooking, the cleaning, the refereeing, the unrelenting
expectation that whatever the problem, Mom can fix it. My idea of
the perfect Mother's Day is instead of an endless chorus of “Mo-om,”
I hear “Da-ad” instead.</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I've been a parent
for almost 21 years, and I have yet to experience even one such day.
I suppose I'll have to wait until my youngest leaves the nest – but
by then, I imagine my “perfect” Mother's Day won't seem so
perfect then.</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I guess it's up to
me to make sure that my Mother's Day is the kind of day I want. So,
I'll curl up in bed while my kids prepare my breakfast (and leave the
mess for me to clean later), reading homemade cards and unwrapping
gifts made at school. I will take a nap. I'll eat through half the
box of chocolates from my husband, and at the end of the day, when
the house is finally quiet, I'll slip into a warm bath and be
thankful for this beautiful chaos that I'm sure I'll miss one day.</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTo_ung13vqy5FPn6K2Z9obhGNgPf0e5ZMmh-fx_tOEFr_03u-IFgSG543_FwoPe2hIP7T-StHCEytzLDitDT6Y4lHiU4jzX88oz2Do-_D0AUixHoppxDMoFFOBE_lnFvV_NsfDo7Nq-4/s1600/bath-salts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTo_ung13vqy5FPn6K2Z9obhGNgPf0e5ZMmh-fx_tOEFr_03u-IFgSG543_FwoPe2hIP7T-StHCEytzLDitDT6Y4lHiU4jzX88oz2Do-_D0AUixHoppxDMoFFOBE_lnFvV_NsfDo7Nq-4/s200/bath-salts.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Relaxing Bath Salts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Relaxing Bath
Salts <br />
<br />
4 cups sea salt, kosher salt, or Epsom salts<br />
5-10
drops essential oil (lavender, Serenity, Whisper, or Balance)<br />
Dried
fragrant plants such as lavender or eucalyptus (optional) <br />
<br />
Mix
ingredients together. Pour into decorative container for
yourself or as a gift for others. Use a few spoonfuls of salts
per bath.</div>MomEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01127806088049284788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5394153251373190858.post-36377198375766563232012-01-14T14:26:00.000-08:002012-01-14T14:29:01.008-08:00Nip It In the Bud!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9z_nIWsGPUAlobRxomghzsOtjfvKE1tr8YuEk7NIwLbI6jJ9wZcJov8Yes3NfFja0rcoyMz5dXxge_KdeUzasVkAztq51E_ebo64YrgxYBKjhpFlYxuLsLBLt1NqBWzI1KUkSsDGYyqs/s1600/sick-kid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9z_nIWsGPUAlobRxomghzsOtjfvKE1tr8YuEk7NIwLbI6jJ9wZcJov8Yes3NfFja0rcoyMz5dXxge_KdeUzasVkAztq51E_ebo64YrgxYBKjhpFlYxuLsLBLt1NqBWzI1KUkSsDGYyqs/s200/sick-kid.jpg" width="194" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sick Kids</td></tr>
</tbody></table>A tale of two sicklies:<br />
<br />
Last night, my Little Monkey wasn't feeling very well. He had a little bit of a fever, and he said he felt like throwing up. I pounced with my oils -- rubbed some DigestZen blend on his tummy, some OnGuard blend on his feet, and a little PastTense blend on the back of his neck for his headache.<br />
<br />
Ms. Grace, my teenager, also complained of a tummy ache, but we didn't connect the dots. I attributed it to swallowing too much water (she plays water polo). I suggested she use some DigestZen, but I didn't follow up. She fell asleep on the couch before she used any oils. Again, I thought it was just being worn out from water polo.<br />
<br />
My Little Monkey slept well and woke up feeling much better. He still has a little bit of a fever, but he's active and playing video games with his brother.<br />
<br />
His sister? Not so lucky. She woke up vomiting in the middle of the night. She was still very feverish and listless this morning. Better late than never, she got some DigestZen and OnGuard and has been sleeping it off today.<br />
<br />
Now, back in the day, I would be trembling with fear, bracing myself for a nasty stomach flu making its way through all eight of us. But this time, I'm spritzing lemon oil water in every room, diffusing OnGuard in the main living area, and making sure everyone, including those of us still healthy, are getting doses of OnGuard.<br />
<br />
Getting sick is a miserable thing. Thankfully, my oils let me nip it in the bud so we can all get back to normal.<br />
<br />
*****<br />
<br />
E-mail me for a free sample of the essential oil of your choice.MomEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01127806088049284788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5394153251373190858.post-24932025407598210092012-01-07T14:45:00.000-08:002012-01-07T15:57:30.570-08:00Slim N SassyOil of the Month!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJ5GD_-lCUgCEnYMqr2MD-nJObGWo5_jBz19EacrrGOWFNOfiDxE_O-_BlB7IQsYnEB_3eG98WdISXRwmvu2w4e3fq1qe1xz5I3sKj_xPmYicUqgm8rBHOWgs09M4w3H2ZKGIgBGX3YU/s1600/slim+n+sassy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJ5GD_-lCUgCEnYMqr2MD-nJObGWo5_jBz19EacrrGOWFNOfiDxE_O-_BlB7IQsYnEB_3eG98WdISXRwmvu2w4e3fq1qe1xz5I3sKj_xPmYicUqgm8rBHOWgs09M4w3H2ZKGIgBGX3YU/s200/slim+n+sassy.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slim N Sassy Metabolic Blend</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Just in time for the most common New Year's resolution: Slim N Sassy metabolic blend is designed to help manage appetite between meals. It includes a blend of grapefruit, lemon, peppermint, ginger, and cinnamon essential oils.<br />
<br />
Most unhealthy "diet" potions use diuretics that cause the body to release water, resulting in short-term weight loss -- but also dehydration and other negative health consequences.<br />
<br />
Primary Benefits<br />
<br />
* Helps your body adjust to reduced calorie intake.<br />
* Helps manage appetite between meals<br />
* Helps calm stomach and gastrointestinal stress related to diet.<br />
* Lifts and elevates mood.<br />
* Encourages healthy hydration.<br />
<br />
What makes this product unique? Slim N Sassy contains no caffeine or other stimulants. It contains no sugar, so it has zero calories. It has no artificial colors, flavors, or ingredients. It is easy to use and with no harmful side effects.<br />
<br />
AND... because Slim N Sassy breaks down toxins in fat tissue, it is also effective against cellulite. Try a Slim N Sassy <a href="http://supermomeo.blogspot.com/2011/12/sugar-scrub.html">sugar scrub</a> for a luxuriant way to fight the battle of the bulge. <br />
<br />
Lose weight the healthy way! Slim N Sassy metabolic blend is 10% off during the month of January, 2012. Visit <a href="http://www.doterraie.com/">www.doTerraIE.com</a> for ordering information.MomEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01127806088049284788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5394153251373190858.post-73484545694596874762012-01-02T10:39:00.000-08:002012-01-02T10:41:09.798-08:00Celebrating the Old and the New<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZitbATEhpomrVczDOYtpLKJ4K4uL9RqijJMJThj6_18ILGIIoKSVnyc2asSGUHD9rUdFzhqlbLlHYDETxDGef8uGWDktwQplQGZwhDCC6LNVF9F_bHrkFcPtlmmtL4ER08bYPSgy7ws/s1600/celebrate-happy-new-year-wallpaper1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZitbATEhpomrVczDOYtpLKJ4K4uL9RqijJMJThj6_18ILGIIoKSVnyc2asSGUHD9rUdFzhqlbLlHYDETxDGef8uGWDktwQplQGZwhDCC6LNVF9F_bHrkFcPtlmmtL4ER08bYPSgy7ws/s200/celebrate-happy-new-year-wallpaper1.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy New Year!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Every year as I approach the New Year, I feel as though I'm an out-of-shape marathon runner crawling across the finish line. I feel such a sense of relief to reach it. I give myself permission to lay down the burden of all the "good enough," "oh, well," and "oops" moments that have accumulated over the year. I face the New Year hopefully, believing it will be different this time... somehow.<br />
<br />
Well, this year will be different. Because I'm going to try something new. I've decided to end the year gently. Before I celebrate the New Year, I am taking the time to celebrate the old one first. Here are the things I am contemplating today.<br />
<br />
<ul id="yui_3_2_0_1_13255277139302243"><li>What have been your personal or business achievements this year?</li>
<li>What new products, courses, websites, sales strategies, etc have you created or implemented this year?</li>
<li>What events or training did you attend?</li>
<li>What books have you read?</li>
<li>Did you increase your income or pay off some debts? </li>
<li>Did you move or upgrade anything in your life, home, or business?</li>
<li id="yui_3_2_0_1_13255277139302240">What charitable causes did you support?<br />
</li>
<li>Did you make new friends? Or reconnect with an old one?<br />
</li>
<li>Did you forgive someone or patch up an disagreement?<br />
</li>
<li>Did you exercise or try a new sport?<br />
</li>
<li>Did you invest in your marriage or your relationships with your kids?<br />
</li>
<li>Did you travel anywhere?<br />
</li>
<li>Did you do kind things for yourself for your own self care?<br />
</li>
<li>Did you try anything outside your comfort zone?</li>
</ul>My resolutions can wait for a day.<br />
<br />
What were your greatest accomplishments last year?MomEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01127806088049284788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5394153251373190858.post-42470180363817094692011-12-12T20:19:00.000-08:002011-12-12T20:19:36.853-08:00Coconut Butter TrufflesOn the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...<br />
<br />
Coconut butter truffles!<br />
<br />
Here is a great and simple recipe to create some coconut truffles to go along with your <a href="http://supermomeo.blogspot.com/2011/12/chocolate-truffles.html">chocolate truffles.</a><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirYoPgAp1BeuFURk24FR0r9xaf8TJl8F5GaS5tFeNymDHZHlU_FdxyO3R8KXHYeHD52RzavcntnUt25owzHN6-yoSyWI_9T70cf9cgwpZPa9mIrCh3EKm6K_iTcn0O3Ib4UmThzbFyDzM/s1600/coconut+truffles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirYoPgAp1BeuFURk24FR0r9xaf8TJl8F5GaS5tFeNymDHZHlU_FdxyO3R8KXHYeHD52RzavcntnUt25owzHN6-yoSyWI_9T70cf9cgwpZPa9mIrCh3EKm6K_iTcn0O3Ib4UmThzbFyDzM/s200/coconut+truffles.jpg" width="196" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coconut Butter Truffles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Coconut Butter Truffles<br />
<br />
1 cup coconut butter (like Artisana)<br />
1/2 cup powdered sugar<br />
4-6 drops mint, lemon, lime, or wild orange essential oil*<br />
<br />
Truffle Coatings<br />
<br />
shredded coconut<br />
crushed peppermint candy<br />
chopped nuts<br />
<br />
Microwave coconut butter 30 seconds to 1 minute. Stir until thoroughly mixed.<br />
<br />
With a wire whisk, stir in powdered sugar and essential oils. Mixture will thicken as it cools.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
*****<br />
<br />
*Use only PURE essential oils. Check the label to be sure they are safe for internal use.<br />
<br />
E-mail me for a free sample of the essential oil of your choice.MomEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01127806088049284788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5394153251373190858.post-56743932349458373592011-12-12T13:02:00.000-08:002011-12-12T13:02:37.741-08:00Pocket Hand WarmersOn the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...<br />
<br />
Pocket hand warmers!<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_i0BMJmrhKWWt-WlMAy_h7tHNVq77Z5pX54RYpAHfEy2dEhQIYZQsPXSdE6S3AjjAIhAyfNlmBudgHHvgRwMDHKBhBkzvelW1H2CKGIgT4rH-kbyhlayQ6fyzzC35r4qOI7elBAlnjLk/s1600/hand+warmers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_i0BMJmrhKWWt-WlMAy_h7tHNVq77Z5pX54RYpAHfEy2dEhQIYZQsPXSdE6S3AjjAIhAyfNlmBudgHHvgRwMDHKBhBkzvelW1H2CKGIgT4rH-kbyhlayQ6fyzzC35r4qOI7elBAlnjLk/s200/hand+warmers.JPG" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pocket Hand Warmers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Pocket Hand Warmers<br />
<br />
flannel fabric<br />
thread<br />
uncooked rice<br />
essential oil (optional)<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
*****<br />
<br />
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!MomEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01127806088049284788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5394153251373190858.post-90216656391096357502011-12-10T16:26:00.000-08:002011-12-10T16:26:55.677-08:00Peppermint Ribbon CakeOn the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...<br />
<br />
Peppermint ribbon cake!<br />
<br />
And on a personal note, my true love and I are celebrating our 23rd anniversary today. :) True love lasts.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2t0gK0P9xuHVw2Xyz46_sBc-z6qkcbOeqhXOpRuyQo_xWq2MZo-58iiWJD-YuXWmmDZNyUiueSvq4pB21dSzEDp2-BMQeovRjfVi53PTyKL0iLiNJifjKHegMq1pcGE01n5VJMnOMmII/s1600/peppermint+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2t0gK0P9xuHVw2Xyz46_sBc-z6qkcbOeqhXOpRuyQo_xWq2MZo-58iiWJD-YuXWmmDZNyUiueSvq4pB21dSzEDp2-BMQeovRjfVi53PTyKL0iLiNJifjKHegMq1pcGE01n5VJMnOMmII/s200/peppermint+cake.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peppermint Ribbon Cake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Peppermint Ribbon Cake<br />
<br />
1 package (18-1/4 ounces) white cake mix<br />
3-4 drops peppermint essential oil*<br />
1/2 teaspoon red food coloring<br />
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons crushed peppermint candies, divided<br />
1 cup confectioners' sugar<br />
1 tablespoon 2% milk<br />
<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
Combine confectioners' sugar and milk; drizzle over cake. Sprinkle with remaining crushed candies. Yield: 12 servings.<br />
<br />
Recipe adapted from A Taste of Home <br />
<br />
*****<br />
<br />
*Use only PURE essential oils. Check the label to be sure it is safe for internal use.<br />
<br />
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.MomEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01127806088049284788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5394153251373190858.post-56949281363866579082011-12-09T13:37:00.000-08:002011-12-09T13:37:58.376-08:00Chocolate TrufflesOn the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...<br />
<br />
Decadent chocolate truffles!<br />
<br />
Truffles are the simplest candies to make, and with a couple of holiday flavorings, they can help bring the Christmas spirit.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgShyphenhyphen9SVu8riHLHyJYQkGOqTkpkY9bR_IcgflIOVjq9clAyhL8ucmkOW-MaqYcVmLVDkPC126f6Rr-Ae0Lc8cWn2ysEQ7PcteXjQTIWd-03G9jbQ6hyy-QTeAt_RuU_s6NyzPBxsY7SdZM/s1600/chocolate-truffles-a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgShyphenhyphen9SVu8riHLHyJYQkGOqTkpkY9bR_IcgflIOVjq9clAyhL8ucmkOW-MaqYcVmLVDkPC126f6Rr-Ae0Lc8cWn2ysEQ7PcteXjQTIWd-03G9jbQ6hyy-QTeAt_RuU_s6NyzPBxsY7SdZM/s200/chocolate-truffles-a.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chocolate Truffles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Basic Truffle Ingredients <br />
<br />
8 ounces of semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate (high quality, 62% cacao or higher), well chopped into small pieces<br />
1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream<br />
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract<br />
<br />
Optional Flavorings<br />
<br />
3-4 drops peppermint essential oil*<br />
3-4 drops wild orange essential oil*<br />
3-4 drops cinnamon or cassia essential oil*<br />
<br />
Truffle Coatings<br />
<br />
Cocoa powder<br />
Powdered sugar<br />
Finely chopped walnuts or almonds<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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. <br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
4 Roll in cocoa powder or chopped nuts and serve, or place back in the refrigerator until needed.<br />
<br />
Makes 30-40 chocolate truffles.<br />
<br />
*****<br />
<br />
*Use only PURE essential oils. Check the label to be sure it is safe for internal use.<br />
<br />
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.MomEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01127806088049284788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5394153251373190858.post-60458090489698423542011-12-08T17:52:00.000-08:002011-12-08T17:52:19.816-08:00Lavender Eye PillowOn the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...<br />
<br />
A soothing lavender eye pillow!<br />
<br />
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!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT57a0LbkMocxY5hR2lXJZwkaidhDJl_VQBs7BbZMFmNPN61C8x0prjZ1o-lApiJ7_GAPbCUvLqEwcNgJGhyLwcKyEdkYyB7xIjMuMGykKQY2LHc_Xm-DP2Vy-QdDUxfIWKlcz5oEaQQ8/s1600/cglavendereyesachets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT57a0LbkMocxY5hR2lXJZwkaidhDJl_VQBs7BbZMFmNPN61C8x0prjZ1o-lApiJ7_GAPbCUvLqEwcNgJGhyLwcKyEdkYyB7xIjMuMGykKQY2LHc_Xm-DP2Vy-QdDUxfIWKlcz5oEaQQ8/s200/cglavendereyesachets.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lavender Eye Pillow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Lavender Eye Pillow<br />
<br />
Fabric of choice<br />
Flax seed or dry rice<br />
3-4 drops lavender essential oil <br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
*****<br />
<br />
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.MomEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01127806088049284788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5394153251373190858.post-87462341978009414302011-12-08T11:08:00.000-08:002011-12-08T11:08:14.718-08:00Peppermint BarkOn the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...<br />
<br />
Peppermint bark!<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQnxisJrPldie580jtyQ_mR8OYK29OhyphenhyphenOh0_iv_14-ms38NfmvZMSSTwGvVSZGcMhrJTZKJnsc7QWvyNhysIKj8r97S_xaywc5kShJPzCP1i77QWl-I5qZn0GqCHMDIsiW1wnEima1xDM/s1600/peppermint-bark_s4x3_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQnxisJrPldie580jtyQ_mR8OYK29OhyphenhyphenOh0_iv_14-ms38NfmvZMSSTwGvVSZGcMhrJTZKJnsc7QWvyNhysIKj8r97S_xaywc5kShJPzCP1i77QWl-I5qZn0GqCHMDIsiW1wnEima1xDM/s200/peppermint-bark_s4x3_lg.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peppermint Bark</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Peppermint Bark <span id="yui_3_2_0_1_1323366696368305" style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span id="yui_3_2_0_1_1323366696368302" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"></span></span><br />
<ul id="yui_3_2_0_1_1323366696368299"><li class="yiv473875066ingredient">12 oz. of high-quality white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips</li>
<li class="yiv473875066ingredient">5 regular sized candy canes, crushed up</li>
<li class="yiv473875066ingredient" id="yui_3_2_0_1_1323366696368296">3-4 drops of peppermint essential oil*</li>
</ul><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>1.</b> Break up peppermint candy into little pieces. Melt the chocolate according to the manufacturer's instructions. Once melted, add the peppermint oil and stir.</div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1323366696368345" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>2</b>. 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.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>3.</b> Place in the freezer for 5 minutes or until hardened. Break into pieces and serve or store in the fridge in an airtight container.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">*****</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">*Use only PURE essential oils. Check the label to be sure it is safe for internal use.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">E-mail me for a free sample of peppermint essential. And be sure to come back tomorrow for more 12 Days of Christmas ideas.</div>MomEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01127806088049284788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5394153251373190858.post-15738608474539835152011-12-06T13:38:00.000-08:002011-12-06T13:38:33.073-08:00Lemon Lavender CookiesOn the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...<br />
<br />
Lemon lavender cookies!<br />
<br />
Here's another delicious recipe to try this holiday season.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_1yTaSsWTzhHL57vdXcP54EHPNqfm8qe_Trud5e1Yo_NqUiGI-r2Sg2X6q3J2R0k4QU9gAkb6BNWDVOA-Jm2HhyphenhyphenPMg0a-suQ7S23zNoVZGcQR5fq3cB-bAtStb5CjTsD6v-Do3yIZKIk/s1600/lemon+lavender+cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_1yTaSsWTzhHL57vdXcP54EHPNqfm8qe_Trud5e1Yo_NqUiGI-r2Sg2X6q3J2R0k4QU9gAkb6BNWDVOA-Jm2HhyphenhyphenPMg0a-suQ7S23zNoVZGcQR5fq3cB-bAtStb5CjTsD6v-Do3yIZKIk/s200/lemon+lavender+cookies.jpg" width="188" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lemon Lavender Cookies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Lemon Lavender Cookies<br />
<br />
<br />
3 1/4 c. flour<br />
1 c. sugar<br />
1 c. butter<br />
4-6 drops lemon essential oil*<br />
4-6 drops lavender essential oil*<br />
3 eggs<br />
1 tsp baking powder<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Cream </strong>butter and sugar, then ad lemon and lavender essential oils.<br />
Add eggs one at a time.<br />
Add dry ingredients.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
Bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes, or until puffed and slightly browned on the edges. Transfer to a cooling rack.<br />
<br />
*****<br />
<br />
*Use only PURE essential oils. Check the label to be sure it is safe for internal use.<br />
<br />
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.MomEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01127806088049284788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5394153251373190858.post-15427729521982293122011-12-05T14:58:00.000-08:002011-12-06T13:42:52.760-08:00Thin Mint CookiesOn the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...<br />
<br />
Thin mint cookies!<br />
<br />
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.<br />
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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." <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thin Mint Cookies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Thin Mint Cookies<br />
Makes 36 cookies <br />
<ul tabindex="-1"><li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 1/4 teaspoon salt</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 1/2 cup butter, softened</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 1 cup white sugar</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 1 egg</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 4-6drops peppermint essential oil*</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 3 (1 ounce) squares semisweet chocolate, chopped</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 1/4 cup butter</li>
</ul><br />
<ol><li><span class="plaincharacterwrap break"> 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. </span></li>
<li><span class="plaincharacterwrap break"> Sift flour, cocoa, and salt together into a small bowl. Add flour mixture by halves into creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. </span></li>
<li><span class="plaincharacterwrap break"> 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. </span></li>
<li><span class="plaincharacterwrap break"> Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Thirty minutes prior to baking, place both cylinders in freezer. </span></li>
<li><span class="plaincharacterwrap break"> 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. </span></li>
<li><span class="plaincharacterwrap break"> 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.</span></li>
</ol><br />
What are some of your favorite holiday treats?<br />
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*****<br />
<br />
*Use only PURE essential oils. Check the label to make sure they are safe for internal use.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<ol></ol>MomEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01127806088049284788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5394153251373190858.post-46867414180850536702011-12-04T17:38:00.000-08:002011-12-04T17:39:48.159-08:00Sugar ScrubOn the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...<br />
<br />
Moisturizing sugar scrub!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1tuVIGQ-FbwETlrH7OVs6-46g5dO_Ltak5xyS36Ak-0TpPDjzI_m4uuvy7CuUtAxf7m5HYcd70Fga7ShYquH9eviGLRUIyLlMhyphenhyphenkpb5PPQ9M5FcMPKhl_HhG_hKQgoe2KEJG1rnDNDg0/s1600/scrub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1tuVIGQ-FbwETlrH7OVs6-46g5dO_Ltak5xyS36Ak-0TpPDjzI_m4uuvy7CuUtAxf7m5HYcd70Fga7ShYquH9eviGLRUIyLlMhyphenhyphenkpb5PPQ9M5FcMPKhl_HhG_hKQgoe2KEJG1rnDNDg0/s200/scrub.jpg" width="178" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sugar Scrub</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Here's a super simple recipe for making a great moisturizing sugar scrub.<br />
<br />
1 1/2 cups sugar<br />
1/4 cup oil (fractionated coconut, almond, or olive are all good choices)<br />
3-5 drops essential oil<br />
<br />
Combine all ingredients together and pour into a decorative container.<br />
<br />
Chocolate mint truffle: add 1/8 cup unsweetened cocoa powder and use peppermint essential oil. Remember, peppermint is a strong oil, so use sparingly.<br />
Lavender eucalyptus: use lavender and eucalyptus essential oils.<br />
Dreamsicle: use Citrus Bliss blend essential oil.<br />
<br />
Give this with <a href="http://bit.ly/vGvufw">yesterday's scented bath salts</a> for a Night and Day Spa gift.<br />
<br />
*****<br />
<br />
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.MomEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01127806088049284788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5394153251373190858.post-36794230068821712092011-12-03T14:00:00.000-08:002011-12-04T17:40:07.148-08:00Scented Bath SaltsOn the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...<br />
<br />
Scented bath salts.<br />
<br />
Everyone loves relaxing spa products. And while you <i>could</i> spend $15 or more for scented bath salts, it is much less expensive to make them yourself.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL79IuOxHVvQ3Eb6sypAtheWZsrXiRKoh-D-ftw8QfdIj2bxm4bgmzOekiTicfN5vzqC9BkmojSuXlaigZx7P98gd_nY-90TH-idlKbDm2N0y8MA2sHWchnoBmwFf_naS2WQJjUlLLKJY/s1600/bath+salts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL79IuOxHVvQ3Eb6sypAtheWZsrXiRKoh-D-ftw8QfdIj2bxm4bgmzOekiTicfN5vzqC9BkmojSuXlaigZx7P98gd_nY-90TH-idlKbDm2N0y8MA2sHWchnoBmwFf_naS2WQJjUlLLKJY/s200/bath+salts.jpg" width="160" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bath Salts with Essential Oils</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Bath Salts <br />
<br />
4 cups sea salt, kosher salt, or Epsom salts<br />
5-10 drops essential oil<br />
Dried fragrant plants such as lavender or eucalyptus (optional) <br />
<br />
Mix ingredients together. Pour into decorative container for yourself or as a gift for others. Use a few spoonfuls of salts per bath.<br />
<br />
Try some of these essential oils:<br />
<br />
Lavender, for stress relief and relaxation<br />
Breathe, to ease congestion and soothe during a cold or flu<br />
Deep Blue, to soothe muscle pain<br />
<br />
*****<br />
<br />
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.MomEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01127806088049284788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5394153251373190858.post-57034883513904685592011-12-02T10:23:00.000-08:002011-12-06T13:39:57.911-08:00Christmas FudgeOn the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me... <br />
<br />
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.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNvDIYvGOgFGh_RjNnOpdA4fP5f6M1FFCyWH_In5wKrjvrhU3E6Z2Lzm8l_N-akkWKqJyIcwRLorSDoTAjZEDu5QmIzCIhEMF4Rv_hCV18s3LAGc9ZiQ76QvmdE5mZAbzFwwWGYBMe_Hw/s1600/fudge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNvDIYvGOgFGh_RjNnOpdA4fP5f6M1FFCyWH_In5wKrjvrhU3E6Z2Lzm8l_N-akkWKqJyIcwRLorSDoTAjZEDu5QmIzCIhEMF4Rv_hCV18s3LAGc9ZiQ76QvmdE5mZAbzFwwWGYBMe_Hw/s200/fudge.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orange or Peppermint Fudge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Orange or Peppermint Fudge<br />
<br />
2 c. sugar<br />
2/3 c. evaporated milk<br />
¼ c. butter<br />
¾ c. chocolate chips<br />
1 c. marshmallows<br />
1 tsp. vanilla<br />
6-8 drops peppermint or wild orange essential oil*<br />
<br />
<br />
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!<br />
<br />
*****<br />
<br />
*Use only PURE essential oils. Check the label to make sure they are safe for internal use. <br />
<br />
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!MomEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01127806088049284788noreply@blogger.com2