If it take an average of 21 days to create a new habit, I am wondering how many bad habits myself and my kids managed to create in the past TWO YEARS! One of these habits for certain has been an uptake in sugar and processed foods consumption! I am most certainly a comfort food ( sugar and high carbs ) for hard times, celebrations, and the snacky times sort of person, so are my kids. So we made some poor habits because those were HARD TIMES and are now we are all feeling it.
So what are the repercussions of our bad habits and why do we need to change them? 

First here is what was happening: Sugar cereal for breakfast, granola bar for snack ( chocolate covered, yummy maybe two of these ) Lunch NOODLES and cheese, or nachos and cheese Dinner maybe a couple slices of cucumber, meatloaf, and potatoes. and then some gummies, or licorice or sour kids. My kids kept getting sick, run down and not bouncing back. 

​Here's the short story: sugar and processed food create inflammation. I knew that...but I didn't understand it.  BUT I sort of figured that this is why my kids ( and I ) weren't well. 

So, as a health teacher ( oh the shame ) I had to do some digging to understand more about the impacts of sugar and explain to my kids why there were getting sick all the time ( they are teens, they only sort of listen to me ramble on about health facts ) But they were sick and tired of being SICK AND TIRED. 

I read the book The Glucose Revolution, by Jessica Inshaupe ( big life changer ), went deeper into the work of Julie Daniluk, anti-inflammatory food expert ( all made sense now ) and started to look into the metaPWR system doTERRA was coming out with, and why they made this system. AND I started to make small changes. And as I went along, I started to keep track of what I did and made it into a classroom and facebook group to support others. 

Here's the real miracle my kids started to listen as they witnessed MY LIFE CHANGED. 

My health improved, I wasn't getting the coughs and sniffles, my energy increased, they could see that I was more resilient to hard times and happier ( this probably impacted them the most ) and I released weight. 

So my kids started taking what I was doing seriously and ASKED to do the same and now their health is bouncing back!!!!! 

Come and learn with me how you can support your immunity, bounce back from these past two years and change your life and hopefully the health of your family. 

Join me for a KICK SUGAR in 30 learning opportunity.
To register for our next session: 

I have had my mind blown in this past two month when it comes to how little I understood in regards to the impacts that glucose ( and fructose ) have on our bodies. I read the Glucose Revolution by Jessie Inchaupse, a biochemist who KNOWS and STUDIES the science behind spiking glucose levels and the effects it has on our bodies. It changed my outlook on food and how I eat. But what was even more coincidental is that doTERRA is releasing a supplement that supports our body in managing glucose levels on September 14th, 2022...this is less than two weeks away. 

As a wellness advocate I am reaching out to all those I know who would appreciate hearing this first and learning more about how taking control of their glucose spiking can help them better manage their overall health in profound ways. 

If you come across this post, know that it is your invitation to take part in learning more about this fabulous product and possibly even joining my wellness group to transform your own life. 

Hello friends, as we journey back to fall here in the northern hemisphere I am taking stock of the essential oils that are good to have on hand for immunity and and for the routines that support my wellbeing. Having essential oils is one thing, but using them is what makes all of the difference, so let's learn together. 

Here is an excellent infographic that highlights the top oils for immune support. 

Adam Baralet knows his oils, in this YouTube he talks about the oils that help to group us and de-stress our bodies, which in turn helps to keep our immune system strong. 

Reach out to have Essential Oils 101 delivered to your email inbox for FREE. 

Routinely right about now there are a couple of things on my mind, spring break and spring cleaning. 
As a school teacher spring break can be a much needed time for resetting the overwhelmed and most often overworked mind and thinking about a break for spring cleaning can be an added source of exhaustion.   But right now there is a major intersection on what I am teaching in my classroom and the environmentally conscious lifestyle I am trying to live.  All parts of my life involving learning and sharing the importance of climate action.  At home, a major part of my personal commitment to climate action is reducing the harmful chemicals that I have so often in the past flushed down the drain.  Our western lifestyle has us constantly pouring chemicals and plastics into the environment and unlearning the wrongs that have been marketed to me throughout the years is a goal for myself and my family.  When I think about cleaning with essential oils I actually feel more motivated to get the winter cobwebs and dust bunnies out of my life, I enjoy how the aromas of the oils make me feel.  Here are some recipes for you to try in your home, maybe they will provide you with the motivation you need to go green AND have a toxin free spring break. 

 ( All-Purpose Cleaner
1 cup filtered water
1 cup white distilled vinegar
​1 tbsp On Guard Concentrate
10 drops essential oil (give lemon, tea tree, or On Guard a try)
That’s it! Combine it into a spray bottle, and spritz away on your household surfaces and appliances.  

Stainless Steel Cleaner
Add up to 1 tablespoon of olive oil + 5 drops lemon oil to a rag, and rub on the surfaces to remove smudges.
Add up to 1 tablespoon of white vinegar on the other side of the rag and wipe the surface down.

Carpet Deodorizer
1 cup baking soda
1/2 cup cornstarch
5 drops essential oil 
Mix the baking soda and cornstarch together, then add 5 drops of essential oil. Pour into a mason jar, and using a nail, poke holes in the mason jar lid. Sprinkle on your carpet, let sit for at least 30 minutes and then vacuum it up.  

Textile Freshening Spray
1/4 cup baking soda
10 drops essential oil
1-1/2 cups water
Funnel baking soda into a spray bottle, add the essential oil, then water and shake to combine. Always test your mixture out on a small area of your textiles (like under a couch cushion) to make sure it doesn’t leave a mark. Spray as needed for a scented boost.  

Glass Cleaner
2 cups water
1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon dish soap
Add all ingredients to a spray bottle, and shake to combine. Spray on windows, mirror and glass.  

DIY Floor Cleaner
1 gallon distilled water
1/2 cup vinegar + 20 drops Lemon Oil
Mix together distilled water and vinegar in a bucket and use to mop your floors. Just keep in mind that vinegar and other acidic cleaners shouldn’t be used on stone floors.

The BOGO box and specials that are featured this week have some OUTSTANDING healthy skin supporting oils. I will be going live in our FACEBOOK group to talk all about oils for skin care in the coming weeks, right now it is all about BOGOS. 

The Buy One Get One FREE box contains Immortelle and it is one of the TOP proprietary oil combinations for helping to heal sun damaged skin.  You can get the BOX today or order Immortelle with a FREE surprise oil later in the week. 

Here is what Dr Maria Snyder ( Naturopathic Dr and Author of The Essential Oil Hormone Solution)  says about Immortelle: 

"Back before I was enlightened on all the benefits of essential oils, I had some pretty serious dark pigmentation on my face that confronted me every time I looked in the mirror.
I tried bleaching products, lasers, and chemical peels…and now I cringe at the thought!

No matter what I did, I just couldn’t get rid of them!
Then along came essential oils. As I began incorporating them into my daily regime and hardcore researching the science behind their success, I discovered the skin benefits that some oils offer for the reduction of the appearance of scars and pigmentation.

So, I used myself as a guinea pig!
I chose a blend that I heard would help, and, after researching its components, I committed to applying it daily, morning and night, for 90 days.

And guess what? It worked!
I got my face back. The pigmentation spots were gone!

That blend was Immortelle by doTERRA. I still turn to this blend pretty much daily because my battle with pigmentation continues every time I go out into the sun (and I live in San Diego, so that’s a lot). Even with wearing a hat and sunscreen, pigmentation has a way of reappearing!" 

Not a member, no worries, membership is FREE with this beautiful purchase. 

Order the BOX  HERE NOW.   It comes with 12 doTERRA certified pure and therapy grade essential oils, including Immortelle AND a one year membership where you get to save on 25% the retail price on all future product orders. 

The best part is that it comes with a community of educated and passionate essential oil specialists and advocates that USE essential oils to support their wellbeing. 

Right now many of us are feeling the pressure of how our putting others first mindsets have taken our minds into places of mental overwhelm and bodies into physical  exhaustion. Many of us are angry, frustrated, confused, and just done. We need a break or we will break. 

Even though the self care practice I have put together is not the idea two week vacation many of us are craving right now, it is a way to break free from the mental and emotional workload we continue to place on ourselves. 

Right now, as you read through this, practice it, give yourself a break to come out of the noise of overwhelm and into the stillness you deserve. 

Incorporating  doTERRA essential oils into my self care routine has elevated and personalized my sense of wellbeing. I recommend trying doTERRA essential oils and experiencing the natural benefits they offer those looking to build practices and routines of self care and wellbeing. 

Are you looking for a better nights sleep? You've looked into trying essential oils but not too sure where to start?  Start  sleeping better with doTERRA. Doterra's pure therapeutic grade essentials oils have been tested and they are effective, because they are non-synthetic and unadulterated, they are PURE. 

Essential oils are a natural way to help you sleep better. They contain plant chemicals that work with our bodies to help relax us and calm our busy brains . It is natural chemistry and it is life changing. 

​First invest in a high quality diffuser like this one: 

What oils should I use?
Most importantly, using therapeutic grade essential oils makes all the difference to how your body feels. 
You will notice a difference. more info here: www.doterra.com/CA/en/cptg-testing-process

What are the best oils for sleep? 

#1 - Lavender. ( This is well know and well tested ) 
 
Lavender essential oil contains a plant chemical called linalool, this is a known natural chemical for relaxation and a perfect oil for diffusing at bed time. It is perfect for adults and children. 

- diffuse with any or all of the oils in this post
- apply 2 drops to bottoms of feet and temples for sleep ( diffuse near bedside ) 
- allergies, apply diluted and topically to chest as well as take one drop  internally with lemon and peppermint 
​

#2 - Vetiver ( not as well known but SO effective ) 
 
If you are looking for one of the more powerful oils when it comes to sleep, THIS is the oil.
It is a thick sap like oil from a grassroot, and has a caramel, smoky smell.  

- apply 1-2 drops along spine for sleep issues
- balances PMS emotions, apply to lower abdomen 
- supports PTSD management , diffuse 

#3 - Cedarwood

Cedarwood essential oil is an excellent choice for diffusing after a long day. It is a plant that is used in traditional medicine ( here in North America especially ) for millennia. 

- excellent for eczema
- supports executive functioning
- blend with Lavender for sleep


#4 - Tangerine 

Tangerine has a sweet and refreshing smell. It is uplifting but contains the properties of relaxing the mind as well. 

- excellent for nervous exhaustion, apply to your wrists or diffuse 4 drops
- you can take a drop under your tongue before bedtime to calm the nerves

#5 - Serenity 
 
This is the restful blend. It is the oil of tranquility and is excellent diffused and applied topically no need to dilute. 

- use for anger, stress and anxiety and most of all, sleep issues. 
-apply to bottoms of feet and pulse points. 

Look at what's inside the bottle: 
Lavender Flower, Cedarwood, Ho Wood Leaf, Ylang Ylang Flower, Marjoram Leaf, Roman Chamomile Flower, Vetiver Root, Vanilla Bean Absolute, Hawaiian Sandalwood

One of my favorite thing about hosting in person and now online learning workshops is the opportunity to revisit the oils for love and affection and remind myself of the magical powers they contain. 

Three Tuesday evenings a month I host a free workshop for all of our essential oil wellness members, and this month is the month of LOVE.

I LOVE these oils and the magic they bring to my emotional wellbeing. 

If you are looking for the purest and highest quality essential oils that are tested for their therapeutic properties and effectiveness, doTERRA oils are your oils of choice. 

Click here to find out how you can become a member: doTERRA membership with three of the TOP oils for LOVE

Here is a sneak peek as to why I LOVE these three TOP doTERRA essential oils what they do for me, and what they can do for you.  

Bath salts are my favorite way to detox and support my body in a calming self care routine. 
My reasons to bath? 

- A bath after a stressful day helps me to relax into my bed at night. 
- A bath after a stressful workout or ski day helps to ease my sore muscles 

Kids love baths for the same reason adults do, baths are so calming. And bath salts help to increase the calm when you add certain essential oils. 

Here is my recipe for bath salts: 

• 2 cups pink Himalayan Salt 
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1/2 cup Epsom salt  ( I get these at the farm store in bulk ) 
• 15 drops doTERRA* Lavender essential oil 
• 10 drops doTERRA* Grapefruit essential oil * link to oils here: purchase 

* I only use doTERRA essential oils because they non-synthetic and well tested. They will not cause harm to myself or my family. 

It is so easy to make: mix in a bowl and put into jars.
Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup to your bath, soak and enjoy! 
Great as gifts!!!