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Coconut Oil Uses

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Coconut Oil is so versatile.  From cooking to DIY bath and beauty products, there’s bound to be a way you love to use it. Today, we’re dishing all the details!

how to use coconut oil

It’s 2018, so you’ve likely heard of coconut oil by now. If not, you may have just woken from a coma. (Slightly kidding, not really). It has been gaining popularity over the last 5 years, but coconut oil is nothing new.

Coconut oil is an edible oil that has been extracted from mature coconuts. It is slow to oxidize, making it resistant to becoming rancid, and therefore can last six months or more without spoiling. Coconut oil has been studied and available in the Americas since the 1920s and 1930s, but it was likely available as early as the 15th century. For many Caribbean and Asian countries, it is a staple in their lifestyle.

Is Coconut Oil Really Good For You?

Well, it depends on who you ask*.  For naturally minded consumers, the answer is yes.

Coconut oil, whether refined or unrefined contain medium chain fatty acids which do not break down when heated. This makes it one of the healthiest oils that you can cook with, because other oils can become toxic when heated over a certain temperature. Controversy comes depending on whether one believes saturated fat is bad for you or not. Many mainstream doctors and the FDA will say that it is bad; however, thousands of studies show that the health benefits of coconut oil outweigh any risks from saturated fat. Plus, saturated fat is coming under fire for actually being beneficial as of recently, not that it should be avoided.

Coconut oil is antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antibatical, and antimicrobial. At the most basic level, this means the properties in coconut oil can help and fight many conditions and illnesses.

One difference in coconut oil vs other oils or foods that contain saturated fat is the in coconut oil that saturated fat is naturally occurring.  It’s not manmade in any way. In fact, coconut oil has been show to actually be heart healthy. Additionally, studies have shown that coconut oil can aid in weight loss, boost your immune system, support healthy hair and skin, and more.

is coconut oil really good for you

How do you use coconut oil?

Coconut oil is a wonder oil that has hundreds of uses. From sautéing to mixing into brownies, there are a wide range of benefits in the kitchen. However, coconut oil can used well beyond the kitchen. In DIY bath and beauty products and daily beauty regimens, to household uses as well.

Today, we’re sharing some of our favorite coconut oil uses! Everything from food recipes, to DIY beauty  recipes, to household uses. Bookmark this page to continue coming back as we update it will new ways we find.

how do you use coconut oil

Ways to Use Coconut Oil in the Kitchen


Ways to Use Coconut Oil in Bath & Beauty


Ways to Use Coconut Oil Beyond Kitchen, Bath or Beauty



*Disclosure: These statement have not be approved by the FDA.  Opinions and thoughts are my own.  Please consult a medical doctor before making any health changes. 

30 Things to Do in the Kitchen in Your 30s

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Today, we’re sharing 30 things to do in the Kitchen in Your 30s! Enjoy!

Sometimes I sit and realize that I am actually in my 30s. I know I’m not the only one either. Those of us who feel like the ’90s were only ten years ago, still waiting for the “real adults” to come and pick up these children (seriously, who left us in charge), and sometimes don’t realize all this chaos is really ours.

Since turning 30 last year, a lot has changed. In a way, I feel like I’ve grown into more of an adult in the past year than any other time in my life. Of course, I still have a lot of work today on personal growth, but hey, we are all a work in progress.

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Speaking of progress, one of my goals for my 30s is to learn my way around the kitchen more efficiently. I didn’t start cooking until I was in college and didn’t really start learning until I became a mom a few years ago. Because of that, I still have a lot of learning to do. Last year, I created a list of  30 things to do in the kitchen in your 30s. While this list is tailored to me, I would love to hear what’s on your list. Don’t have one? No worries! Set a timer for 5 mins and write down as many ideas as you can! Then, get to work!

30 Things to Do in the Kitchen in Your 30s

  1. Learn to Can – Completed 2016
  2. Perfect making lasagna like Andrew’s mom
  3. Make homemade pasta
  4. Make Cheese
  5. Catch a fish, then cut and cook it
  6. Go crabbing
  7. Make sushi
  8. Make Wine
  9. Eat ginup with Andrew in Jamaica
  10. Perfect spaghetti sauce recipe
  11. Perfect making mayo
  12. Make a souffle
  13. Perfect homemade sandwich bread
  14. Complete a Whole 30
  15. Eat vegan for an entire month
  16. Fry a turkey
  17. Make lava cakes
  18. Make hollandaise sauce
  19. Perfect making doughnuts
  20. Raise a chicken
  21. Enter a baked goods contest
  22. Make fudge
  23. Make baklava
  24. Perfect salsa recipe
  25. Make tortillas
  26. Make & can jelly
  27. Perfect decorating a cake
  28. Cook through a cookbook
  29. Order a dish that costs as much as last 3 digits of phone number
  30. Make extracts
  31. Dry herbs
  32. Make meringue
  33. Perfect an omelet
  34. Make crepes
  35. Make cannolis
  36. Perfect cooking different cuts of steak
  37. Make sausage

Andrew is really excited to partner with me side by side and learn how to do some of these things himself too!  We can’t wait to share with you guys some of the things as we do them!

10 Tips for Kicking the Spring Cold Fast

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Disclosure: We’ve partnered with Quantum Health to bring you this post and giveaway. All thoughts and opinions are 100% our own. 

It’s Officially Spring!

Longer days of sun, warmer weather, birds chirping, planning day trips, and more.  It’s an exciting time for everyone, but especially so if you have young children. Being able to get outdoors with them more is such a fun time as a parent. Their smiling little faces and pure excitement for spending so much time outdoors. It also means that you are more likely to get them to bed easier too from their exhaustion. With so much fun and excitement, you would think Spring would mean sunshine and rainbows all around, but that’s not always the case.

Without fail every year since having kids, within a week or two of the changing seasons, one of them have gotten a spring cold. Even worse this past week, all four of us were sick. There’s nothing like trying to enjoy the outdoors and warmer weather, only to come down with a cold. Our oldest and I had even had ear infections. There’s not much more of a party buster than that.

Within a week though, we were all up and functioning again. In the grand scheme of things, that’s a quick turnaround for four people. Today we’re sharing our tips for bouncing back from a spring cold quickly.

10 Tips for Kicking the Spring Cold Fast 

  1. Take raw honey. Research shows that raw honey has antiviral and antibacterial properties and can soothe a sore throat. Additionally, finding honey within a 5 mile radius to your home can help with seasonal allergies.
  2. Go to bed early. Studies have shown that sleep deprivation can lead to suppressed immune system function.
  3. Increase Vitamin C and Vitamin D. Making sure your body is getting proper nutrients may reduce the length of your cold by at least a day, but also people who are consistently getting nutrients are shown to have fewer colds throughout the year.
  4. Wash your hands frequently. If you’re tired of hearing this old adage, check out the science behind hand-washing.
  5. Put down the candy. Avoiding sugar is a great way to keep your immune system in fighting shape. Consuming sugar can suppress your immune system for hours after ingestion.
  6. Take a walk. Not only is this good for your waistline, but exercise provides a myriad of immune benefits, from flushing out bacteria to slowing the release of stress hormones.
  7. Drink freshly made bone broth.  Studies show bone broth boost many benefits including reducing illness time, thin mucous so it expels easier, and many more. If you are vegan, warm liquids like sugar free apple juice or warm teas can also have benefits.
  8. Use a humidifier. A cool mist humidifier adds moisture to the air which can help break up congestion. Make sure you are cleaning the unit according to direction to avoid mold build up and changing the water daily.
  9. Stay hydrated. Making sure that you don’t get dehydrated will ensure you heal faster and you don’t add to your cold symptoms. Drinking liquids like beneficial teas and coconut water, can add greater benefits.
  10. Keep a roll of TheraZinc lozenges handy. These delicious supplements combine elderberry and zinc to keep you feeling your best. They are easy to keep in a purse or backpack, and dissolve quickly in your mouth.

We know that these tips really helped us this past week and we hope they help you too! Head over to Amazon to purchase your TheraZinc lozenges today!


Giveaway Time!

We’d love to make your life even easier by giving you the chance to win a 14-pack of TheraZinc lozenges and a $25 gift card to Amazon. Giveaway is open from 4/13/17 to 4/21/17 at 11:59pm EST. US Residents only, must be 18+ years old.  Just enter the giveaway form below! Good luck!

3 DIY Home Cleaners

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This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #ScotchBriteSponges #CollectiveBias

3 diy home cleaners

I’ve had eczema my entire life. After getting pregnant with Skibbles, our toddler, it magnified greatly. Where I have breakouts varies from my arms, to my legs, etc., but since having Baby, it’s primarily stayed on my hands. I remember seeing a dermatologist who said, “I typically recommend avoiding water as much as possible and allowing it to clear up on it’s own.”  I laughed out loud.  Literally. Here I am, a mom, partial food blogger, and this dermatologist recommended avoiding water.  I have to wash my hands at least 562 times a day just because of diapers and well….kids.  They’re messy. Unabashedly messy.  There was no possible way to avoid it.

Obviously, I needed to find my own solutions to this problem.

The first thing I did was start to make my own DIY homemade cleaners. It was surprisingly easy to make, let alone much cheaper, and much safer — not only for my skin, but I no longer had to worry about harmful chemicals near my girls. I could even feel comfortable asking our toddler to clean up her own messes with our DIY all-purpose cleaning solution. That’s definitely a parenting win!

scotch-brite

Today, I’m sharing three of our favorite DIY Home Cleaners with you! An all-purpose cleaner, an oven cleaner, and a garage cleaner.

To make all three, here’s what you’ll need:

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3 DIY Home Cleaners
Author: Larisha Campbell
Ingredients
All-Purpose Cleaner
  • 2 cups Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Rinds from two lemons
  • 10 drops of citrus essential oil
  • 2 cups water
Oven Cleaner
  • 1/2 cup baking soda
  • 1/4 cup salt
  • 2-3 tbsp water
  • 1 tbsp dish soap
Garage Cleaner
  • Baking Soda
  • All-Purpose Cleaning Solution from above
Instructions
All-Purpose Cleaner
  1. In a sealable container, add the lemon rinds and apple cider vinegar.
  2. Let sit for two weeks.
  3. After two weeks, remove lemon rinds and pour liquid into a spray bottle.
  4. Add essential oil and water.
  5. Use as needed with Scotch-Brite™ Brand sponges.
Oven Cleaner
  1. In a bowl, combine baking soda, salt, dish soap, and two tablespoons of water.
  2. Mix together.
  3. If needed, add the additional tbsp of water until a paste forms.
  4. Spread paste over oven surfaces.
  5. Let sit overnight.
  6. Spray all-purpose cleaner over paste and remove with Scotch-Brite® Heavy Duty Scrub Sponge.
Garage Cleaner
  1. Spread baking soda over problem area.
  2. Let sit overnight.
  3. Sweep up baking soda, then spray all-purpose cleaner and scrub with Scotch-Brite® Heavy Duty Scrub Sponge.
  4. Depending on the stain and how long it's been there, may need additional applications. Repeat above steps as needed. Best if done immediately after stain occurs.

We recently needed to make more all-purpose cleaner, so we headed over to Target to grab the ingredients we were out of at the time.  While there, we grabbed our favorite Scotch-Brite™ Brand sponges as well. I had no idea before, but they actually have a color coordinated system where Green sponges are for Heavy Duty and Blue ones are Non-Scratch.  Now I always know which ones I want while shopping.Scotch-Brite™ Brand makes the right tools for every surface that I’m cleaning from the kitchen to bathroom to even the garage. It makes things so much easier.

scotch brite at target

I love the Scotch-Brite® Non-Scratch Soap Dispensing Dishwand for cleaning our dishes.  Not having to stop to add more soap while I’m washing is always one of my favorite perks of using these.

scotch-brite dishwand

For our all purpose cleaner, we let lemon rinds sit inside apple cider vinegar for two weeks.  Then, remove the rind, add some essential oil and water, and BAM! Done!  Time to clean.

diy all purpose cleaner

This all-purpose cleaner is great and I love pairing it with the Scotch-Brite® Non-Scratch Scrub Sponge to clean without scratching things like our table, windows, countertops, and stove.

scotchbrite sponges cleaning

For the oven, we combine our ingredients until a paste forms, then spread it out and let it sit over night. The next morning, I spray a little all-purpose solution on it and it instantly foams up. I then use the Scotch-Brite® Heavy Duty Scrub Sponge to clean the mess off. This heavy duty sponge cleans tough messes, like the oven or grill, 50% faster than other competing sponges.

diy oven cleaner

For the garage, we just use baking soda overnight, and then our all-purpose cleaner. We use this as soon as we make a new stain so it’s easier to come up.  For set-in stains, you may have to reapply a few times. The Scotch-Brite® Heavy Duty Scrub Sponge is perfect for getting these stains up.

diy garage cleaner

These DIY Home Cleaners paired with Scotch-Brite™ Brand sponges are the perfect way to clean up all your messes! Always make sure to check your Target Cartwheel app too, because Target frequently has even more savings off their already great prices!

Grab even more cleaning ideas with Scotch-Brite™ Brand from other bloggers here.

Products We Use to Naturally Combat Cold and Flu Season

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It’s officially winter.  The other night it dropped down to 29 degrees (which is normal for this time of year), but by Christmas Eve in just 2 days, the high is projected at 71.  SEVENTY-ONE DEGREES on Christmas Eve in New Jersey. The weather has been so completely wacko that we’ve found ourselves sick.  All four of us, which is so not the norm for our household.  I actually took the girls to the doctor, which is literally the second sick visit Skibbles has ever had.  I also keep constantly seeing my friends posting that their families are getting sick too and not just the normal cold stuff, but their kids actually needing breathing treatments, steroids, and more because it’s just so bad.

There’s truly not much worse for a parent than to see their little ones, especially a baby, sick. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics conclude that children average 8-10 colds every single year. Sickness is most common between October and May, the colder months, but that peaks between January, February, and March.

In just a blink of an eye, January will be here, and I want you to be ready to tackle this cold season naturally.  We’ve been working with Safety 1st for a few years and simply fallen in love with their products, so with their help, we put together a list of 10 things that we always have on hand during cold and flu season.

products to naturally combat cold and flu season

Ultrasonic 360 Humidifier – I wouldn’t make it through life without a humidifier for myself, but especially once I had kids.  We use it constantly.

ClearWay Nasal Aspirator – Seriously, the saving grace of runny noses.  Kids may not be 100% fond of it, but they love to breathe afterwards.  It’s flipping amazing.

Epsom Salt – to help detox and relieve aches and pains

Quickread Forehead Thermometer – it’s vital for a parent’s sanity to take a quick temperature.  This is it.

Essential Oils  – uplift the mood, relax the body, essential oils treat a wide variety of ailments {{caution should be taken when using essential oils around children: Read more about that here}}

Medicine Measure Spoon – so much easier to get kids to take medicine from these

Hot to Cold Animals – these are great to go in the freezer if you need it cold or microwave if you need a hot pack. Kids love them

Saline Nose Mist Spray – helps keep the nose moisturized and germs out of nose while getting better

Cough/Cold/Congestion Meds – not huge on giving meds, but I love the Zarbee’s line for natural products for when I do feel like I need to give something, especially because they have a baby products for ages 2+ that helps with mucous

Deluxe Healthcare & Grooming Set – Great for traveling since it has it’s own bag.  Fits easily right into a diaper bag

These are the things that we always have on hand in our home to naturally combat cold and flu season.  We absolutely love this all and they really helped us these past few days.  Leave a comment below and let me know your favorite!

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post with Safety 1st.  Products were received to facilitate writing, but thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.  Affiliate links within this post. 

 

DIY Natural Multi-Purpose Cleaning Solution

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diy natural multi-purpose cleaning solution

When I started on this natural journey almost 3 years ago, cleaning products were one of my biggest nemesis.  I secretly loved the smell of a clean house, even though I knew it was pure chemicals that I was smelling.  Of course, I knew this wasn’t good for me or our new baby. Not only that, but it seemed like for every single different cleaning area, we needed a different product – floors, windows, carpets, counters, etc. I knew there not only had to be a better way, but a safer way. I need a DIY Natural Multi-Purpose Cleaning Solution.

The final straw was when Skibbles started becoming mobile.  Her crawling around the floor, and even picking up and putting things into her mouth, grossed me out when I thought about the transfer of these horrible ingredients to her developing body.  It was around this time that I also started really getting into essential oils and I’ve really come to love this simple but easy recipe solution that I’ve found works great on numerous surfaces. Not only is it safer, but it’s significantly cheaper.

What’s even better is that this DIY Natural Multi-Purpose Cleaning Solution still smells great!

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DIY Multi-Purpose Cleaning Solution
Author: Larisha Campbell
Ingredients
  • 1 gal warm water
  • 1/2 cup vinegar
  • 1/4 cup baking soda
  • 10 drops lemon essential oil
  • 10 drops lavender essential oil
Instructions
  1. Combine all ingredients together and mix well. Essential Oils can break down plastic, so this should be kept in a glass bottle if you do not plan to use all of it right away.

For me, I usually clean a lot in one day, so I usually just pour this into a large bucket or mix between a bucket and a spray bottle and then use it all in one day.  As the directions say, it’s really important not to store mixtures containing essential oils in plastic containers though b/c it can break them down.  We hope this recipe works for you as well as it has worked for us.  As with any cleaner, please test in a non-conspicuous place.

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10 Ways to Start Your Spring Greener

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This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #BringingInnovation #CollectiveBias

10 ways to start your spring greener

We’ve been on this journey of living greener and more natural for a just about three years now.  What kick started it was Andrew’s diagnosis of high blood pressure.  We started watching what we ate and tried to eliminate a lot of the processed foods we were consuming. Then, it went spiraling as Skibbles was born and we really started looking into everything.  Now, as time goes on we try to make more and more little changes as we can and as time and money allow us too.  We often get asked from friends and family what they can do to start living a greener life, so we’ve compiled this list of 10 Ways to Start Your Spring Greener.  You can start to implement all ten or you can just pick one, but anything that you do will not only be beneficial to your life, but the environment around you as well.

  1. Pick one health or beauty item to buy more naturally.
    • Examples would be: Toothpaste, body wash, deodorant, lotion
  2. Start recycling.
    • If you already recycle – pick something to start buying in bulk to reduce the amount of packaging you are recycling
  3. Start using reusable bags for all your shopping.
  4. Plan to shop from local farmers markets this season.
    • Shopping local helps the environment by reducing emissions from farm to table, while also supporting the local economy
  5. Pick 3 foods to start only buying organic
    • From bread, to salad dressing, to only buying organic fruit that falls under the Dirty Dozen list, just make a few changes as you can
  6. gardenPlant something.  You don’t have to a huge garden or you can if you want.  Plant an herb or even a tree or flower.
  7. Pick one cleaner to start making yourself.
    • Make your own cleaning spray or laundry detergent, floor cleaner, etc.  Most of the time it’s very cost efficient to do this also.
  8. Turn your thermostat down 1-2 degrees.
    • You save energy but you also save on your bill! It’s likely that you won’t even notice a difference either.
  9. Start using your own water bottle or coffee mug to fill up
    • Some stores will even offer a discount if you use your own cup so it could be a great way to save a bit if you can
  10. Start using Energizer EcoAdvanced Batteries
    • This is an awesome new product!  It’s the very first battery on the market that uses recycled batteries and materials and makes it Energizer’s longest lasting alkaline ever.  It can amazingly hold up to 12 years in storage.

live greener energizer ecoadvanced batteries

The Energizer EcoAdvanced batteries come in both AA and AAA sizes currently and can easily be found at your local Wal-mart store in the batteries department.

energizer eco advanced batteries

Energizer wants you to feel great about their Guilt Free Energy savings with their new EcoAdvanced Batteries by heading over there to enter to win $1,000 in Gift Cards! Good luck!
GuiltFreeEnergy Giveaway – $1,000 in Gift Cards

What ways to you live green?  Leave a comment below letting us know!

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Natural Ways to Protect Against Measles

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*Disclaimer:  I am not a doctor. Information contained in this post are for informational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, treatment, or diagnosis. Please seek advice from your general practitioner or pediatrician for any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Reliance on the information in this post is taken at your own risk. Affiliate links contained in this post.

natural ways to protect against measles

No matter which side of the vaccine debate you are on, the recent surge in media coverage on the latest measles outbreak can be alarming for any parent.  There’s risks on both sides, whether you and your children have received vaccinations for measles or not, you may still be at risk of contracting measles. Despite current media hysteria, in the last three out of four years, there have been more cases of measles than there have been with this current outbreak. The risk has been there.

What we want to do here is simply be proactive and let you know what you can do to protect both you and your family during this time.  So, what are naturals ways to protect against measles?

First, let’s talk about what you should be looking for? According to the CDC, common symptoms of measles are:

  • fever
  • pink eye (conjunctivitis)
  • runny nose
  • dry cough
  • A skin rash

Measles, according to the CDC, starts with a mild to moderate fever, and then one notices the other symptoms.  The rash is made up of small red spots, some of which could be raised, in clusters.  Typically, one notices the rash behind the ears and along the hairline, then the face, down the arms and trunk, before moving to legs and feet.

What can I do to lessen our risk of measles and/or aid in the treatment of measles?

Most sources say there’s no treatment for measles, however, there are many correlations for lessening the complications of measles by:

  • getting plenty of rest
  • increasing fluids
  • high doses of Vitamin A
  • increasing Vitamin D and Vitamin C

We can start being proactive now by increasing our consumption of these vitamins and taking supplements to ensure that our and our children’s bodies are in their healthiest state.  Instead of your normal go to foods, try getting 2-3 of these foods in everyday. Here’s 50 foods you can help boost your immunity to help protect against measles:

-Foods highest in Vitamin A

  • Sweet Potato
  • Carrots
  • Kale
  • Spinach
  • Collard Greens
  • Turnip Greens
  • Other Dark Leafy Greens
  • Butternut Squash
  • Pumpkin
  • Romaine Lettuce
  • Dried Apricots
  • Cantaloupe
  • Red Peppers
  • Bluefin Tuna
  • Mango
  • Papaya
  • Broccoli
  • Peas
  • Asparagus
  • Tomatoes
  • Turkey Liver
  • Beef Liver
  • Fortified Oatmeal (check your labels)
  • Paprika
  • Fermented Cod Liver Oil

-Foods highest in Vitamin D

  • Fermented Cod Liver Oil
  • Trout, Salmon, and other oily fish
  • Shiitake or Portabella Mushrooms
  • Pork
  • Beef Liver
  • Orange Juice or Milk Fortified with Vit D
  • Fortified Cereals (check your labels for more than 10% daily value)
  • SUNLIGHT – Okay, this isn’t a food, but just 10 minutes of sunlight provides the daily recommended amount of Vitamin D.  Stay outside for 30 mins everyday!

-Foods highest in Vitamin C

  • Peppers (Yellow Bell highest, then red, then green)
  • Guavas
  • Kale
  • Kiwi
  • Broccoli
  • Brussels Sprouts
  • Strawberries
  • Oranges
  • Tomatoes
  • Papaya
  • Pineapple
  • Mango
  • Cantaloupe
  • Peas
  • Cauliflower
  • Red Cabbage
  • Lemon

Additionally, you should be making sure that:

  • You are drinking plenty of fluids everyday
    • Adults should be drinking 9-13 cups everyday (men more than women); Children over one should be drinking 4-5 cups everyday.
  • Getting the recommended amount of sleep

Lastly, there are many supplements that you can take in addition to the above, especially if you do not feel like you are getting enough nutrients from food.  For us, personally, we choose to give Skibbles

We take similar supplements for ourselves.  These are some of the ways that we are working to naturally protect against measles ourselves, in addition to protecting about everyday illnesses that one may experience this time of the year.  We truly hope that everyone stays safe and works hard to protect their immune systems the natural way.

This post is not meant to be looked at as saying that if you do these things you or your loved ones can’t catch measles, but rather that these things will boost your immune system to naturally protect against measles in the event that you do, they can lessen your overall symptoms. 

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*Disclaimer:  I am not a doctor. Information contained in this post are for informational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, treatment, or diagnosis. Please seek advice from your general practitioner or pediatrician for any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Reliance on the information in this post is taken at your own risk. Affiliate links contained in this post.

10 Minute DIY Homemade Bath Salts Using Essential Oils

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*Disclosure: Affiliate links may be contained in this post. We receive a small commission for purchases and thank you for helping us continue to run our site.

My goal every year is to make more homemade DIY gifts for the holidays.  It never happens.  This year I told myself that I have to at least make one thing for one person that is homemade.  I know, personally, that I always love these gifts the most.  The fact that they are made with thought and love is so much more meaningful to me than anything else.  Okay, besides anything from my girl…and diamonds, I’d never turn down diamonds.  


I went to the store and got cute little mason jars for the gifts and knew I had everything else at home. I was on a tight deadline because I needed the gifts to be done for a party the next day.  I got home and started gathering ingredients to make an awesome sugar scrub I’ve made before and then it hit me…I barely had any coconut oil.  I mean seriously, in a “crunchy” household, this is a travesty in and of itself.  I had to quickly think of something else because traveling back to the store wasn’t an option.  That’s when I thought of bath salts.  (don’t think of media news stories right now…not those). 

The best part about this gift is that it took me less than 10 minutes to make and get into the containers.  Literally, it took me longer to cut and tie the ribbons than it did to make and seal the jars.

Ingredients: 
3 1/2 cups Epsom Salts
1/2 cup Sea Salt 
1/2 cup Baking Soda
Grated rind of two clementines (or one orange)
10 drops of Citrus Bliss essential oil 
Desired size Mason Jars (we used these)
Ribbon

Directions:
In a bowl, add the ingredients in the order above and mix until well combined. Fill each container with desired amount.  *The above amount filled four 8oz containers and one pint size jar. 

The smell of this is absolutely amazing.  Citrus Bliss is one of my favorite essential oils.  It’s a combination of Wild Orange, Lemon, Grapefruit, Mandarin, Bergamot, Tangerine, Clementine, and just a hint of Vanilla.  It helps to lift your mood, while reducing stress.  It’s the perfect combination after a long day and when a relaxing bath is what’s needed.

Enjoy for yourself or give as gifts!

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Essential Oils Basics: Top 5 Accessories You Need to Get Started

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*Statements contained within this post have not been approved by the FDA.  All persons should consult a physician prior to using essential oils.  I am not a physician and this post is my opinion. 


**Affiliate links contained in this post.  Clicking on these will get you the same great price, but I make a small commission that helps me run the blog.

When I first learned about essential oils, I really had no idea what I was getting myself into at that time.  I just knew it was a natural alternative to many traditional medicines and I wanted to learn more on our journey to living a more natural lifestyle. Like most things, I dove head first into trying to figure out everything quickly to use the oils appropriately.  I wish at the time of getting started someone would have shared with me an essential oils basics list like the one I’m sharing here today. I hope you can gain valuable information from it!

By no means, do you truly need all of the items, but they will greatly aid in your essential oil usage and your ability to maximize the benefits.

1. The Modern Essentials, 5th edition, Guide to Using Essential Oils.
You have the option to get the Modern Essentials Hardcover Book, which is 320 pages, or the Mini Modern Essential Book, which is 224 pages. Inside either of these books you will find basics about each oil, the science behind each oil, as well as a history of essential oil usage globally.  There are references to hundreds of research studies, application suggestions, and solutions to a wide array of conditions from acne to cancer and everything in between.
*I personally have the mini version and use it almost everyday.  It fits perfectly inside my purse or diaper bag to always have handy. 

2. Storage Case.  
There are many different essential oil storage options.  From open displays to either wooden or soft carrying cases, there is something to meet everyone’s needs.  I love a closed case because I can easily grab it to go with me and always have it accessible. The storage case shown above is able to hold THIRTY different bottles and it doesn’t matter if they are 5, 10, or 15mL bottles.  If you do decide a case is a good option for you, I do recommend also getting Essential Oils Bottle Cap Stickers so they are easy to find and you aren’t searching through 30 bottles to find the one you want.

3. Carrier Oil
It’s highly recommended to dilute oils because of how strong they can be, especially when it comes to babies and children.  To do this you simply need a carrier oil.  Fractioned Coconut Oil is my first recommendation, but other carrier oil options are: olive, jojoba, almond, avocado, or grapeseed oil.

4.  Amber or Cobalt Glass Bottles, Varying Sizes
Sunlight can actually cause oils to deteriorate, which is why you will see them sold in dark colored glass bottles. The dark glass helps to keep the sunlight out and eliminate damaging effects. As you begin to use oils and make your own blends, cleaning or beauty products, or just need a place to keep diluted oils, it is great to have Amber Glass Bottles or Cobalt Glass Bottles on hand at all times. 

5.  Diffuser 
One of the top recommended diffusers is the doTERRA Lotus Essential Oil Aroma Diffuser. I realize that a diffuser like this one is not in everyone’s price range, and in the case I would suggest the Greenair Spa Vapor Diffuser.

Bonus:   If you are trying to conceive or expecting, I highly recommend Stephanie Fritz’s book Essential Oils for Pregnancy, Birth & Babies Book.  It is a wealth of great information during all three trimesters, postpartum period, as well as using oils on newborn babies.

 
Am I missing anything?  What are your must have accessories for using essential oils?
 
**Please note: All links above are for purchasing these items directly from Amazon.  









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