All About November REWARDS!

Check out the Young Living blog for some ideas on how you can use the November promotions. This month, the rewards Young Living are offering are IN-SANE! Seriously, I have been on ER and paying attention to the promotions for 13 months now, and I have never seen anything like this. I have talked to many people who have used YL products for a decade and longer and they are in the same boat as me.

Here is the breakdown of the November promotion:
As a special bonus, three of this month’s rewards feature full 15-ml sized bottles of Orange, Christmas Spirit, and Frankincense! (Normally, you only get 5ml bottles, NOT 15ml bottles) You have to earn your PV in a single order to qualify for these promotions. You can't place multiple orders to add up to the required PV. You DO NOT have to be on Essential Rewards to qualify for these promotions, except for the one ER bonus, Christmas Spirit. You can technically get the promotion twice. If you are inclined to do so, you can place a qualifying ER order and a qualifying quick order. If you are wanting to get these great promotions, but don't think you can justify spending the $$, think CHRISTMAS. Seriously, I qualified this month and last month for the 300PV promotion by doing all my Christmas Shopping through Young Living. They have a fantastic Holiday Catalog out, which you should look at. If you need more gift inspiration, check out our post about the subject.
Reach any of the following PV minimums with your November order and earn these great free products:

300 PV Reward
Retail Value: $257.56 (WOW! You spend about $300 and get almost that BACK for FREE? It's like they are paying you to use their products!)

5-ml Nutmeg: Nutmeg has a sweet, warm, spicy scent similar to the spice commonly used in cooking. Comforting and soothing, Nutmeg helps boost energy.

15-ml Orange: Orange essential oil offers a distinctly citrusy, pleasant flavor and aroma for foods, drinks, marinades, and desserts. Orange essential oil features the naturally occurring constituent limonene.

8-oz. Ortho Sport: Ortho Sport massage oil has a rich, cooling aroma and is designed for both professional and amateur athletes, as well as for anyone who works or plays hard

15-ml Frankincense: Frankincense includes the naturally occurring constituent boswellic acid and has a woodsy, warm, balsamic aroma. Diffusing Frankincense during meditation supports grounding and purpose, while applying it topically may help smooth the appearance of healthy-looking skin (this is about $74 WHOLESALE if you bought it)

5-ml Sacred Frankincense: Sacred Frankincense has a rich, earthy aroma that helps to deepen spiritual connection. Regarded the world over as one of the rarest, most sought-after aromatics available, Sacred Frankincense is grown and distilled in Oman. (You would pay about $55 wholesale for this one. Wow!)

Bonus Essential Rewards exclusive: 15-ml Christmas Spirit: Christmas Spirit is a sweet, spicy blend of Orange, Cinnamon, and Spruce essential oils that recalls the happiness, joy, and security associated with the holiday season. Keep Christmas Spirit on hand and diffuse it to infuse your home with the joy of the season. (It seriously is Christmas in a bottle. *SIGH* You DO have to be enrolled in Essential Rewards to get this bonus.)

250 PV Reward
Retail Value: $105.26
5-ml Nutmeg essential oil
15-ml Orange essential oil
8-oz. Ortho Sport massage oil
Bonus Essential Rewards exclusive: 15-ml Christmas Spirit essential oil blend

190 PV Reward
Retail Value: $59.54
5-ml Nutmeg essential oil
15-ml Orange essential oil
(WOW! Normally you only get one reward oil at 190PV. This really is a GREAT month!)
Bonus Essential Rewards exclusive: 15-ml Christmas Spirit essential oil blend

Want to read more about essential oils? Check out our website to help you or contact us here.

~Grammy's Essentials Team
www.grammysessentials.com

The information contained in this blog is for educational purposes only and as a guideline for your personal use. It should not be used as a substitution for medical counseling with a health professional. The contributors and authors do not accept responsibility for such use.

Gifting A Premium Starter Kit

With so many people on everyone's gift list, I am amazed that people can actually afford all these gifts. I must admit, I have been a Grinch MANY times and not given to anyone not in my close circle of family and friends. A couple of years I did make home made salsa or cookies or candies to give as gifts, but "Ain't nobody got time for that!"

As I was pondering gift options this year, I decided that pretty much everyone on my list would be getting Young Living products. Both October and November's rewards were (are) fantastic, and I didn't want to miss out on them, but I didn't feel I could spend the $300 just on myself. (I totally could, I just don't think my hubby would like it)

Here is one of the ways I thought I could give nice gifts to everyone on my list and still save money in the long run. (I get all the great FREE stuff from Young Living and get my essential rewards points back to spend on even more FREE stuff)

Why not buy a Premium starter kit and break it up as a bunch of small gifts? Here are some options I came up with. The possibilities almost endless. I would make up little product cards and put what the gift is and how it can be used. You wouldn't want to give someone an awesome gift and them have not clue what it is.

1. Let's start with the diffuser. This is a really nice gift that needs to be reserved for someone you would spend a little more money on. This would make a great gift for a family member. (You will have to put a bottle of oil with it unless they are already using Young Living essential oils)

2. The NingXia Red samples. You can give them together or separate. put in in a Chsritmas card. include information about NingXia and why you gave it to them. It is an immune system booster, it is a energy booster, it helps with weight management, etc. If you are making a food basket, or you have had time to make those home made goodies, this would make a great addition to those gifts.

3. The oil sample sachets. These are wonderful for putting in a card to a Sunday School teacher, piano teacher, etc. Write a note from you and include a couple of ways the oil you gave them can be used. The PSK comes with Peppermint, Lemon, Thieves, Lavender and Stress Away samples. One idea is to put a recipe for mint chocolate brownies and include a sample of peppermint.

4. The ADORABLE love it, share it! bottles. This is a bit trickier if you are trying to make your kit go as far as possible. You can fill these bottles with oils from your kit, or use some oils you already have on hand. You could take advantage of the November rewards and give someone some seasonal oils to make their house or car smell wonderful. An idea I loved was to put a couple drops of Orange and Nutmeg or some Christmas Spirit in the little bottle, seal it, and put a cute little bow on it. THEN, package it in a little cellophane bag with a wooden clothes pin. Make a card that tells what you are giving them and how they can use it. These can be clipped anywhere to diffuse the oils you gave them. They work great in a car, clipped to the vents. You can also clip them to the branches of an artificial christmas tree and put pine oil (not in the PSK) on them for a great 'real' christmas tree smell hack.

5. The oils themselves. These make fantastic gifts. Pretty much anyone on your list will love it. Essential Oils are a 'thing' now, and most people have at least heard of them. Give these to your pastor, to your kids teacher, to your friends, etc. Include a card, telling them what they have, and put several ways they can use it. Go ahead and include one of those clothes pins with the oil, so they can diffuse it anywhere they go. If you give lavender, tell them it is for helping them to get a good night's rest, and be sure to tell them how good it is for their skin. (check out this blog for lots of posts about lavender) You could even do a pillow with a bottle of lavender for a gift exchange.

6. The Kit. One of the best gifts you can give someone would be to enroll them as a wholesale member. It's the gift that keeps on giving. Enrolling a friend or family member as a wholesale member and helping them begin their oily journey is easy to do. As a bonus, you will receive a FREE gift from us to give them, in addition to the kit. For more information about how to gift an entire kit and enroll your loved one as a wholesale member, read this post.

Want to read more about essential oils? Check out our website to help you or contact us here.

~Grammy's Essentials Team
www.grammysessentials.com

The information contained in this blog is for educational purposes only and as a guideline for your personal use. It should not be used as a substitution for medical counseling with a health professional. The contributors and authors do not accept responsibility for such use.

Thieves and Personal Hygiene

One thing I am a stickler about is having clean hands. I can’t stand to have icky, sticky, dirty, grimy, germy stuff on my hands. It just grosses me out. I am not OCD about it or anything, but having clean hands is important, not just for me but for those around me. I mean after all, you really don’t want me sneezing in my hand and then fixing your sandwich, right?

So, because I wash my hands several times a day, they can get dried out and irritated from all the harsh chemicals in your standard run-of-the mill soaps. I loved the foaming soaps from Bath and Body Works, but when I found out how many chemicals they use in them just to make them smell good I decided to break out and try making my own.

Here is the recipe I landed with. It is fairly simple and if you, like me, kept some of those foaming hand soap bottles instead of throwing them away, they will work perfectly for this soap.
1 foam soap pump (I reused one from Bath and Body Works)
1 c distilled or filtered water
2 TBSP Castile Soap
1/4 tsp carrier oil. I used Jojoba, but you can use almond, grapeseed, olive, or any carrier oil that stays liquid at room temperature.
10 drops Thieves Essential Oil

Add the ingredients to the foaming soap bottle being careful to add the water BEFORE you add the other ingredients. Shake it a bit and wa-la! You're all done.

You're ready to have clean hands at a fraction of the price of traditional foaming soaps, none of the harsh chemicals, and still have an amazing smell. If you see the oil separating, which is perfectly normal, you may need to lightly shake it. I hope you love this as much as I do!

Ok, so that takes care of my hands when I am at home, but I am not going to carry around a bottle of foaming hand soap in my purse. Again, I used to love those little bottles of hand sanitizer from Bath & Body Works, but the chemicals in them are just not what I want on my hands. Not only that, but my grandson loved the smell so much he couldn’t resist eating it! I had to hide it from him constantly and safe to consume, it is not! So, I decided to make my own hand sanitizer. I keep a little bottle in my purse, one in my Yukon, one in my computer bag and anywhere else I think I might need it. I absolutely love this stuff and when I do spray it in public, people comment on how yummy it smells!

Here is my recipe for hand sanitizer:
1, 2oz. amber or dark colored glass or BPA free plastic spray bottle
Distilled water
Witch Hazel (optional)
8-10 drops Thieves or Purification essential oil

Pinch of Epsom salt Add oil to salt to be absorbed, and then fill bottle half way with distilled water. Shake to mix. Then finish filling the bottle with Witch Hazel or the distilled water. Shake well before using.

If you are one that prefers the gel sanitizers, try this recipe:
3 Tablespoons Organic Aloe Vera Gel
1/4 teaspoon All Natural Vitamin E Oil
8-10 drops of Young Living Thieves Essential Oil

Mix it together and store it in a squeezable container. You can buy them at Target or WalMart in the travel section. That’s it. It costs a buck and some change for these bottles of sanitizer instead of $5.99 and if my grandson decides to eat it, I don’t have to worry about calling poison control.

Want to read more about essential oils? Check out our website to help you or contact us here.

~Grammy's Essentials Team
www.grammysessentials.com

The information contained in this blog is for educational purposes only and as a guideline for your personal use. It should not be used as a substitution for medical counseling with a health professional. The contributors and authors do not accept responsibility for such use.

Stress, Go AWAY!

I seem to have more DESSERTS than usual lately probably because my life has been a little STRESSED and turned around backwards. That causes so many more issues with my weight and guilt and the vicious cycle just seems to be on Energizer batteries because it just keeps going and going and never stops! Sometimes I want to just scream or take a long Calgon bath...in Hawaii. Unfortunately, screaming will not change where I am in my life right now and Hawaii, well, that’s not going to happen so what are my options?

My first option is prayer and getting into the Word. (read this post from Jess) I stated earlier that screaming will not change where I am in my life right now, however, venting to the One who is in charge can make me a lot less stressed about it. Knowing that I can just get some things off my chest to Him, to cry, to be honest with how I feel without judgement or fear is an amazing release. Knowing that He is still in control of everything and being reminded through His word that He loves me unconditionally is calming and reassuring.

I feel better already, just talking about Him but there are still times when I need that physical touch or release to help me relax and let go of some of the stressors. What about those times when I need that Calgon experience? Well, that is where my oils come in. One of my favorites is called Stress Away and it is named that for good reason. I can put it in my diffuser and the atmosphere in my house will change but what I love is to have a nice hot bath with a Stress Away salt scrub. It is super easy to make and would even make a great gift for those friends who need a little relaxation get-away.

Here is my recipe:
glass jar- wide mouth half pint canning jars work great
1 cup Epsom salt
1/2 cup carrier oil of your choice (Jojoba, Olive, Grapeseed, V-6, Fractionated Coconut)
10-20 drops Stress Away Essential oil

Directions:
Mix all ingredients in jar. Cap tightly and store in a cool dry place. Add more salt or oil to get the consistency you wish. This scrub should last about 6 months. Now that was easy and stress free! Just add a few tablespoons to your hot bath, lay back, breathe deep, and relax. You can also use it as a scrub when you need a little extra exfoliating.

Next time you are stressed and the desserts are calling your name, try it. I can’t tell you all your stressors will disappear and your problems probably won’t go down the drain, but it sure feels great.

Want to read more about essential oils? Check out our website to help you or contact us here.

~Grammy's Essentials Team
www.grammysessentials.com

The information contained in this blog is for educational purposes only and as a guideline for your personal use. It should not be used as a substitution for medical counseling with a health professional. The contributors and authors do not accept responsibility for such use.

Frankincense

I never really thought about Frankincense as anything more than a gift the Wise Men brought to baby Jesus. It just wasn’t something I gave much thought to at all except at Christmas time. Then, I discovered essential oils and I began to understand the significance of that ancient gift.

In the Middle East, Frankincense is known as the ͞holy anointing oil͟ and has been used in religious ceremonies for thousands of years. It has been valued as more precious than gold in ancient times with only the very wealthy having it in their possession. Frankincense is one of the earliest mentioned resins used for its medicinal purposes and is referenced in the Bible over 52 times.

When I opened my first bottle of Frankincense, I have to admit, baby Jesus and Christmas were not what the scent made me think about. It was more like an old museum filled with dusty books which was not my favorite aroma so I pretty much just left it in the box not knowing what to do with it.

Wow, has that changed. I started researching some health issues I was experiencing and how I could use my essential oils to promote better wellness, and Frankincense kept coming up. Need something to support healthy skin? Frankincense. Need something to support mental health? Frankincense. Need something to support the immune system? Frankincense. The list goes on. I was amazed at how powerful and versatile this little bottle was and understood now why it was once considered more valuable than gold.

Frankincense is now one of those oils I use every day. It is in my DIY wrinkle cream and after 20+ years as a Mary Kay consultant, I have ditched that entire product and am using solely my own recipes with Frankincense as a key ingredient and honestly, my skin never felt or looked better!

Here is the recipe I use the most. You can always tweak it to your own liking. This amount will last me almost 6 months.
4 oz jar (short wide-mouth canning jar works great) ($1)
Dye/fragrance free moisturizing base (Cetaphil or Burt’s Bees are my favorites) ($2-$20 depending on what you buy)
16 drops Frankincense or Sacred Frankincense ($4.48)
12 drops Sandalwood ($12.72)
14 drops Geranium ($2.24)
12 drops Lavender ($1.08)
10 drops Helichrysum ($9.60)

This is my daily routine. I wash my face with my Norwex facial cloth and then apply this cream. I don’t even wear make-up much anymore because my skin looks so great. That is saying something for a Grammy over 50. I have a couple of others recipes I use as well, including one for a night cream, but that is a whole other blog post.

Yes, Frankincense (and some of the other oils) might seem a little expensive at first, but when you sit down and put a pencil to it, I am spending $33.12 on a jar of wrinkle cream that will last me six months. Compared to the MK I had been using and paying over $50 for a half ounce that lasted me one month, what I am using is a bargain! I can make multiple jars of moisturizer out of one bottle of Frankincense if I ONLY used it for that purpose. Frankincense was a gift worthy of a King, but I am so thankful that I discovered it and it is available to this humble servant.

Want to read more about essential oils? Check out our website to help you or contact us here.

~Grammy's Essentials Team
www.grammysessentials.com

The information contained in this blog is for educational purposes only and as a guideline for your personal use. It should not be used as a substitution for medical counseling with a health professional. The contributors and authors do not accept responsibility for such use.

Cleaning With Essential Oils

Cleaning with Essential Oils Keeping your home clean doesn’t mean you have to soak it in toxic chemicals and have it smelling like bleach. I have found that my essential oils are safe, smell much better, and offer a natural and effective alternative to traditional cleaning products. Here are a few of my favorites.

I love, love, love my Thieves® Household Cleaner. It is powerful, safe, natural AND, it smells like Christmas! No harsh chemical smells in this Grammy’s house. When people walk in my home, instead of smelling bleach and fake pine, they will think I am making ͞dog biscuits͟ aka, Peppernuts when in fact, I have been scrubbing my floors.

According to the Young Living Website, the dilution ratios are:
light degreasing 60:1
medium degreasing 30:1
heavy degreasing 15:1
floors 100:1
walls 30:1
upholstery, fabrics, carpet spotting 40:1
carpet 100:1
glass 320:1
pots and pans 100:1
hand cleaner 1:1

In addition, when I diffuse the oil itself, I am purifying the air so my house is clean from top to bottom. Notice: Before cleaning upholstery, fabric, or carpet, perform a spot test in an inconspicuous location. Discontinue use in the unlikely event of staining or skin irritation.

Lemon is another favorite. It will remove icky sticky stuff from just about any surface, including gum from hair. No more squishing the messy peanut butter through the grandkids hair when a piece of rogue gum plants itself on their head. Lemon is also a great degreaser, furniture polish, stain remover and, of course, it also smells like...well, lemon. No harsh chemical smells.

Finally, I want to mention Tea Tree Oil, or Melaleuca Alterfonia. This oil is great as a laundry softener, bathroom cleaner, toilet cleaner, and even as a mold and mildew spray. I use it in my bathroom a lot. I sprinkle a few drops on my countertops, wipe down my door knobs, and even put a couple of drops in my toilet tank. It just makes me feel confident that my bathroom is clean, fresh, and ready for company.

I could go on about the cleaning properties of about a dozen more oils, like Purification, Pine, Clove, Cinnamon and others, but none of us have time for that. This Grammy has much more important things to do like make Peppernuts with her grandsons. For more ideas on how to clean with essential oils, check out this document from a fellow Young Living distributor. It is worth the read. http://tinyurl.com/nwqclup(This automatically downloads a .pdf file.)

Want to read more about essential oils? Check out our website to help you or contact us here.

~Grammy's Essentials Team
www.grammysessentials.com

The information contained in this blog is for educational purposes only and as a guideline for your personal use. It should not be used as a substitution for medical counseling with a health professional. The contributors and authors do not accept responsibility for such use.

DIY Face Wash

If you know me, you know that I am anything but typical. I tend to do things a little different than everyone else. It seems fitting that my skin would even follow that trend. As a child / teenager I got the occasional blemish, but I never struggled with skin issues. Fast forward to my early 20's and out of nowhere, I began to get the face of a teenage boy. Everything that could go wrong with my skin began to happen. I tried many products and all kinds of DIY's to help my skin, but nothing seemed to get past the surface of my skin. It would moisturize or clean, but it also left me greasy or really dry.

I recently did an experiment where I used Grapefruit, Frankensense and Elimi for about a week on my face. Several times a day I would apply one of the three, rotating them out. Every time I would put Frankincense on my under eye bags. Here is the before post, and here is the after post. No, It did not turn me into Cindy Crawford, but you can see an over all improvement in the quality of my skin.

As part of my continuing skin care routine, I am using the moisturiser seen in the after post. It is simply Cetaphill fragrance free moisturiser cream with about 25 drops each of Lavender, Elimi, Frankinsese and Grapefruit. (makes a 4oz jar that lasts a long time. - a little goes a LONG ways) I also continue to use the Peppermint Satin Facial Scrub seen in the after post, but only in the shower. The other times I wash my face, I need something a bit gentler. There are a lot of good options you can get right from Young Living, but I love making my own products. There is something really empowering about using products you have made.

I found this DIY face wash and I'm going to share the recipe with you.

2/3 cup distilled water
1/3 cup Castile Soap
1 tsp Tamanu or Jojoba carrier oil (you can use the carrier oil of your choice. but Jojoba oil is FANTASTIC for your skin)
1/4 tsp Vegetable Glycerin
4-5 drops of Vitamin E
10 drops of Lavender essential oil
10 drops of Chamomile or Melrose essential oil
5 drops of Frankincense essential oil or Elemi essential oil.

Mix all of these in a glass pump bottle (I actually reuse the thieves foaming hand soap bottles) and give it a gentle shake before use as it can separate a bit. I follow it with some toner (see this post) and my DIY Moisturizer (see above) for a complete skin care routine.

As with any new skin care product, it may take several applications to see any results. Keep using the cleanser for about a week before deciding if you like it or not.

Want to read more about essential oils? Check out our website to help you or contact us here.

~Grammy's Essentials Team
www.grammysessentials.com

The information contained in this blog is for educational purposes only and as a guideline for your personal use. It should not be used as a substitution for medical counseling with a health professional. The contributors and authors do not accept responsibility for such use.

Easy DIY Toner and After Shave

My husband started using a safety razor about a year ago. It is a bit old fashioned (aka, cool) and in the end costs less than the disposable plastic razors he has used in the past. One morning he asked me to go online and order him some replacement blades. I didn't stop there. I saw all the awesome accessories I could buy him and admittedly, I went a bit overboard. He ended up with a badger hair brush, sandalwood shaving soap (which we put essential oils into) a razor holder and an awesome wooden soap dish. Luckily, it was his birthday month, so I was able to get a great gift for the hardest man on earth to buy for (maybe for the first time since we have been together).

Not only do these things look fantastic sitting on our counter, but they serve a greater purpose in our lifestyle. We have been slowly trying to find ways to replace the toxic / harmful chemicals in our home with more natural solutions. (for more on that, read this post) The shaving cream was on my list of products to get rid of. This was a no brainer move. The only thing left to replace in his shaving kit was his after shave / cologne. This, I made in about 3 minutes, and it is FANTASTIC. We both love it. (Yes, I use his after shave as my toner.)

Here is my recipe:

1 Glass Amber Bottle
Witch Hazel
Frankincense Essential Oil
Lavender Essential Oil
Cedarwood Essential Oil
Elimi Essential Oil
Optional:
Pine Essential Oil
Evergreen Essence Essential Oil

Directions:

Fill bottle about 3/4 full with Witch Hazel.
Add about 10 drops each Lavender and Elimi.
Add about 15 drops Frankincense
Add about 15 to 20 drops Cedarwood
Optional:
For a great manly scent, add 1-2 drops each Pine and Evergreen Essence. When mixed with the Cedarwood, it is wonderful.

I do not use it as my toner when I add these oils. I love the smell on him, but I do not want to smell like a walk in the woods. I prefer a crisper, lighter sent. Many times I use purification as my perfume. I just dab a bit on the pulse points and go. I get a lot of compliments on my 'perfume'. Grapefruit is another favorite of mine.

Play with the amounts until the recipe is right for you. You don't have to stick to these oils. If you have a favorite, or you are trying to accomplish something specific with an oil, add it to your toner. That is the beauty of making these products yourself, you are in control.

Want to read more about essential oils? Check out our website to help you or contact us here.

~Grammy's Essentials Team
www.grammysessentials.com

The information contained in this blog is for educational purposes only and as a guideline for your personal use. It should not be used as a substitution for medical counseling with a health professional. The contributors and authors do not accept responsibility for such use.

DIY Lavender, Rose Hand Cream

My hands, elbows and feet ALWAYS feel rough. Over the years, I've tried lots of DIY hand lotions and some of them have worked for a few minutes, but within no time at all, I began to feel that dry, rough skin again. It's hard to feel feminine when you are a big girl with large, dry hands and feet. Since using Young Living (YL) products, I have had some success keeping those dry areas at bay.

I found this recipe for a rich hand lotion, and I love it. Not only does this smell fantastic, but it's super moisturizing. When I use this cream my hands feel soft as satin for hours and hours!

One thing that I love about the DIY recipes I have found using YL is that I do not have to use as much of it as I would when I am using the store bought versions. It only takes a TINY bit of this hand cream to cover your hands. When you use the hand cream, it should feel non-greasy and make your skin feel baby soft. If it feels at all greasy after you rub it in then decrease the amount you're using. If you get too much, PLEASE, do not waste it. put it on your legs, feet, those elbows, etc.

Lavender-Rose Hand Cream
(Make one 4 oz recipe)

1/4 cup Organic Coconut Oil
1/4 c Shea Butter
1/2 tsp Beeswax Pellets
1 TBSP Jojoba Oil (Cold Pressed)
1 TBSP Rose Water
1/4 tsp Glycerine Vegetable
3 drops of Vitamin E Skin Oil
10 drops of Lavender essential oil
Optional: Add 2-4 drops of Frankincense to increase the strength of finger nails

Melt the coconut oil, Shea butter and beeswax over a double boiler. When melted, remove from heat and add the other ingredients. (TIP- have them premixed in a bowl so the mixture doesn't start to harden while you add each individual ingredient).

Pour the mixture into a mixing bowl and immediately put it into the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour. After it's chilled, then use an electric mixer to whip it until it's smooth and creamy. Store this recipe in a 4 oz mason jar in your bathroom.

This mix can turn a bit liquid-y in the summer due to the high amount of coconut oil (as coconut oil turns a liquid when the temp is above 76 F) but that's okay, it still works well regardless of the consistency.

Store it in the fridge for a longer shelf life.

Want to read more about essential oils? Check out our website to help you or contact us here.

~Grammy's Essentials Team
www.grammysessentials.com

The information contained in this blog is for educational purposes only and as a guideline for your personal use. It should not be used as a substitution for medical counseling with a health professional. The contributors and authors do not accept responsibility for such use.

DIY Magnesium Sleepy Time Spray

If you are like me you need a little help calming down at night, and help falling asleep. Taking care of an almost toddler, running a household and operating two home businesses keeps my brain switched to 'on mode' long after my body is ready to be asleep. This sleepytime spray with magnesium oil and lavender can provide a little bit of help while you work on shutting your brain down.

Why Magnesium? Magnesium deficiency is all too common, as magnesium is needed for over 300 reactions in the body, not sufficient in our food supply, and wasted by the body during times of stress. (When am I NOT stressed?) According to Dr. Carolyn Dean, ND, MD, low magnesium levels can play a role in:

*Asthma
*Blood clots
*Bowl diseases
*Cystitis
*Depression
*Detoxification
*Diabetes
*Fatigue
*Heart Disease
*Hypertension
*Hypoglycemia
*Insomnia
*Kidney Disease
*Liver Disease
*Migraines
*Muscle & nerve problems
*Osteoporosis
*Tooth decay
*Raynauds Syndrome
*Anxiety & panic attacks

Although it’s best to get this important mineral from food, transdermal sources (magnesium oil, spray, epsom salt baths) of magnesium can be an additional source. Lavender on the other hand can be very uplifting, calming, and relaxing that can help prepare you for bedtime. Which is why many makers of children's skin care products have entire lines of lavender products. (unfortunately, you are most likely getting only lavender scent there, NOT therapeutic grade Lavender oil.)

MAGNESIUM OIL & LAVENDER SLEEPYTIME SPRAY INGREDIENTS:

1/4 cup filtered water
1/4 cup magnesium chloride flakes (where to find magnesium flakes)
1/8 tsp lavender essential oil (where to find essential oils at wholesale prices)
Glass bottle (like this)

PROCESS:

1) Heat water, just before boiling point.
2) Remove from heat and add magnesium chloride flakes (not epsom salts, they will not work).
3) Add 1/8 tsp lavender essential oil.
4) Let cool and place in a glass spray bottle.
5) Use magnesium oil at bedtime or after a bath to get some transdermal magnesium.
6) The magnesium oil spray can be washed off (if you want) after letting it soak in for about 20 minutes.

Want to read more about essential oils? Check out our website to help you or contact us here.

~Grammy's Essentials Team
www.grammysessentials.com

The information contained in this blog is for educational purposes only and as a guideline for your personal use. It should not be used as a substitution for medical counseling with a health professional. The contributors and authors do not accept responsibility for such use.

Get a FREE Premium Starter Kit!

The Premium Starter Kit is our favorite Young Living product. It is a great value (you get everything in it for about 50% off) and it's the best way to start your oily journey. You can easily get this fantastic kit free. (Honestly, with the NEW starter kits that have just come out this year, you end up getting your kit for about $10, which is such a fantastic deal, it's practically free.) Here is how you can get a Free Essential Oils Starter Kit (reimbursed).

1~ If you haven’t already purchased your kit, you will need to do that first. But don’t worry…You can get reimbursed for it! Go ahead and get your kit here. (we will send you some fun welcome freebies!) Plus you will get support and education from our team, no matter where in the world you live.
2~Next, you need to share with 3 friends. Who do you know that could benefit from the products… a diffuser and the oils? You have until the end of your enrollment month to share so you can earn your kit for free (you will get a check from the company to cover the kit you already purchased). You don’t even have to wait until your kit arrives to start sharing!

Are you reading this AFTER your enrollment month has ended? Don’t worry! You can still keep sharing! You will need to order $100 PV in the month to get the $50 bonus from new Premium Starter Kit signups This qualifies you for commission. {We have an optional simple loyalty program called Essential Rewards to help you get the most benefit for your family}

Once you have found your friends and are ready to get that reimbursement, give them this link: {but be sure to replace the blanks with your member account number}

https://www.youngliving.com/signup/?isoCountryCode=US&sponsorid=_______&enrollerid=_______

There you go! This is how simple it is! Go through these steps and share from your heart! The products will speak for themselves. For each friend that signs up, you will receive $50 for sharing something that you love! (*with a qualifying month) Do you need help sharing? That is a great part about being on our team… We will help you share and learn how to share confidently and correctly.

Still have questions? Want to read more about essential oils? Check out our website to help you or contact us here.

*What is a qualifying month? To earn bonuses and commissions on new signups with the Premium Starter Kit, you will need to have $100 PV that calendar month (your purchase of the kit qualifies you that month). Essential Rewards is a great way to do that so you are shopping at wholesale and earning bonus points at the same time.

~Grammy's Essentials Team
www.grammysessentials.com

The information contained in this blog is for educational purposes only and as a guideline for your personal use. It should not be used as a substitution for medical counseling with a health professional. The contributors and authors do not accept responsibility for such use.

Celebrate LIFE

Today many women across the nation are remembering their 'Heaven Babies'. WAY more of us have experienced loss than any realize.

Sometimes, the loss is simply trying for years to get pregnant, and every month mourning the loss of the possibility. I have been there. The beginning of each month filled with hopeful thoughts, testing, temperature taking and waiting. The end of every month filled with crying and loss. EVERY. MONTH. You try to be happy, but the loss begins to sneak into other areas of your life. THEN, in order to get pregnant, you have to have surgery, take hand fulls of pills daily and give yourself shots 3x a day. You get to go to Dr.'s visits multiple times a week, and you give pints of your blood for testing. Not to mention you get to pay nearly half your yearly salary for the privilege.

Henry is our miracle. He has defied the odds time and time again in his little life. Many do not realize it, but he is a triplet. I often think of the other two babies that get to spend their lives in Heaven. I never got to meet them, but I am confident that I will know them when one day I go there and I get to see them. In today's culture, where killing babies is just another routine thing, people like me who mourn for their losses are the minority. Our feeling of loss is degraded by much of culture and looked on as silly. One would not mourn for a glob of lifeless cells. That is the issue, isn't it?

Today, I celebrate life. Today, I honor my 'Heaven Babies', and those of my friends. ‪

#‎prolife‬ ‪#‎everylifematters‬ ‪#‎pregnancyandinfantloss‬ ‪#‎Oct15‬

~Jess
www.grammysessentials.com

There's Something About That Name

I have been struggling with anxiety lately. It seems everywhere I turn I am faced with something that makes me curdle inside. There are times I find myself wanting to just escape to a dark room to be alone and just breathe. I was at a training for the raindrop technique (I will write about that soon) and I got to be the one everyone practiced on. (YEAH! Free Massage, yes please.) One of the things the instructor told me to do was to breathe deeply. She said that often times people, especially moms, do not actually take the time to breathe deeply. They go for days without taking calming deep breaths. Since getting this advice, I have tried to practice breathing deeply a couple times a day. No, it does not take my anxiety away, but it clears my brain fog enough to help me make it another couple of hours.

Last night I fell asleep on the couch, which I never like doing, then after I moved to the bed I had a fitful night full of bad dreams. I would wake from these dreams with a feeling of being completely alone and helpless. My heart was pounding, and I felt like a trapped animal. It was a feeling of impending doom and I wanted to call everyone I know and make sure they were alright. I was tempted to get my baby from his room so I could cuddle him and make sure he was breathing. After laying there for a while, I had to nurse said baby, and he decided that 4:15 was a great time to be awake. After trying to get him to sleep I gave up and we moved to the play room. He did his thing while I spent some time in the Word. I read a devotion and some scripture, and I prayed over some of the things in my life that are causing me stress and anxiety. I know these things are great for me to do, but in the busy life I lead, I often find myself going for long periods of time and then realize I have not been reading the bible, or even praying like I should. I sing hymns and I worship in small ways, but I have failed to dig deeper since becoming a mom.

It is amazing how the Holy Spirit knows exactly what we need when we need it. When I woke from my horrible night, the Song, There's Something About That Name kept going through my mind I ran through the lyrics and sang them quietly. I sang it to my son trying to quiet him. Honestly, I am not always a fan of talking during songs, but this monologue by Gloria Gaither spoke to me. How encouraging and appropriate for my anxiety. The devotion I chose this morning came, I am sorry to say, from a google search. There are a lot of great options on the internet, and I was not going to be really picky, I just knew I needed to be in the Word. I clicked on the link that took me to this devotion{10.15.15}. I have read these passages before, but they were just what I needed this morning, and the story about Oswald Chambers during WWI was encouraging. The scripture being focused on was Proverbs 3:1-8. If you attended Sunday School even a few times, you learned Proverbs 3:6, "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths," but the part that I needed was the forgotten part after that verse, the one we didn't hear as much. Proverbs 3:7-8 reads, "Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones."

Here I am, doing everything I can do to help my family be naturally healthy. I have rid my home of toxins and I am protecting my son from environmental factors that could harm him. I am trying to make healthy meals, and I am using and distributing essential oils to help in so many of these areas. All the while, I thought I was doing everything right, but I had left out the key ingredient, God. He loves ME he cares about me and my family. Believing in Him, following his commandments and trusting his timing is not only good for your spirit, but for your physical body. "Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." (Matt. 4:4)

There is POWER in the name of Jesus. Allowing Him into my daily life, inviting him to lead me and trusting him is even more beneficial than that breath of fresh air. It is more than a quick fix to get me through the day. I still have the responsibility to take care of my family, to protect them, to provide for them, etc. But I can let go of the unknown. I don't have to live on the edge of an anxiety attack to be a good mom. I just have to do the best I can and trust that God has my back for the rest. "Kings and Kingdoms will all pass away, but there's something about that Name."

Have you had similar struggles? What encouraged you in your struggle / anxiety? We would love to hear from you in the comments.

~Grammy's Essentials Team
www.grammysessentials.com

A Little About Us

We have posted several times, but we have never formally introduced ourselves. We are the Grammy's Essentials Team: Cindy, Jess & Katie. We are a mother-daughter team who share a common desire to have a more natural approach toward our health and household cleaning and we love living chemical-free. We believe that life is too short to waste it on things that are not important and we are excited to share our experiences with others and help them find more practical and natural ways to deal with life's little hiccups.
To learn more about us and what we do, visit our website: Grammy's Essentials.

Part of the goal of Grammy's Essentials is to educate people about Young Living products. One of the ways we love doing this is through our Facebook classes. We are beginning a series of classes that will take you from newbie oiler to oily expert. They range from "Young Living 101" to "Cooking with Essential Oils" and "Keeping the Home Fires Burning". We would love to have you participate in any of our classes.

Tonight (10.13.15) we are doing our "Young Living 101" class. Our classes are packed full of useful information, and can go pretty quickly, but do not be overwhelmed. We have the posts numbered and will leave the class up for a while for you to go back through and re-read anything you may have missed. Click the Facebook event image for more information and to join us.

If you want to know more about Young Living essential oils, other Young Living products and how to begin using them in your home, follow the link in the image below. You will find some great information on how to get started. If you do not find what you are looking for, feel free to contact us. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have.

~Grammy's Essentials Team
www.grammysessentials.com

The information contained in this blog is for educational purposes only and as a guideline for your personal use. It should not be used as a substitution for medical counseling with a health professional. The contributors and authors do not accept responsibility for such use.

October YL Promotions & How To Get FREE Stuff (On A Budget)

This weekend we attempted the (nearly) impossible. We cleaned out the garage. Now normally, my dh keeps a pretty clean garage, but it has gotten away from us this summer. We ended the spring thinking we were moving and the week we took the house off the market is when we had our kitchen fire. As a result, boxes and piles of things from the house got thrown in the garage. Dh announced Sunday after church that his goal was to be able to park in the garage by evening. YIKES!

Hours of unpacking boxes later, it was looking really good. As an added bonus, I was able to only bring in a portion of the contents of the boxes. I have a tendency to ...hoard things. NO, I don't keep piles of trash around, but I have a strong sentimental and cheap streak. Someone special gave __ to me, or what if I need __ some day? I fought these impulses hard, and only brought in what I absolutely needed / wanted to keep. If I even questioned it, or if I had not even remembered I owned it (it had been boxed up for over 6 months) it was put in the sell / trash pile.

After living for over 6 months with many of our nicknacks and doodads all packed away, I must admit, I didn't really want to clutter the place up with more things. When I packed them away, I felt like I had nothing left, and I was sad to see them go, but now I really don't want more on my shelves. ...SELL IT!

As a single income family, any extra income is always nice. The holidays are coming up, and I have a HUGE christmas list to buy for. I usually try to buy gifts throughout the year, but I failed to do so this year. My plan is to give Young Living products to everyone I can on my list. (Sorry to ruin the surprise if you are on my list) This is actually great for them and for me. I really wanted the great October promotions (check them out here) but couldn't justify spending the $300 to get them. SO I made a list of all the people I would have to buy for, and what I thought would be appropriate gifts for them. Those gifts all went on my ER order, and I reached the $300 level in no time. This is money I would have spent any way, and it helped me to get a lot of great free stuff. I also got 20% of the total purchase amount back in Essential Rewards (to spend on FREE product later) There is enough on my personal list and the remainder of my Christmas list to reach the November promotion as well (I won't know what it is until the end of October)

My order processes today, and I CAN'T WAIT!! Getting my Young Living box is like my birthday every month. I know what is in the box, but seeing it on the porch makes me SO happy. If you would like to experience the joy of Young Living, not to mention all the benefits to your family, visit our website to see how to get started. This is a great month to begin your oily life.

~Grammy's Essentials Team
www.grammysessentials.com

The information contained in this blog is for educational purposes only and as a guideline for your personal use. It should not be used as a substitution for medical counseling with a health professional. The contributors and authors do not accept responsibility for such use.

Super Mom

As a stay / work at home mom, I have a very rewarding yet challenging life. Yes, things are getting easier now that Mr. H is almost 11 months old, but I am finding a whole new set of challenges to overcome as he gets older. He is no longer content to lay in a basinet and gaze at me, he wants to roam the entire house, he wants to snack, and play... with every toy in the house - for only 3 minutes each. Bathroom breaks used to be the only time I was alone, but those solitary trips are no more. The new and improved, mobile version of my son follows me everywhere. Hurricane Henry dirties a room as fast as I can clean it. It takes him seconds to demolish a pile of clean, folded laundry which took hours to get done. (Yes, hours. I HATE doing laundry)

My jobs (besides Wife & Mom): Designer, Photographer, Social Media Coordinator, and Young Living Distributor all offer me flexibility and freedom to work at home and I love that I can help provide for our family and still care for our son. However, it takes a lot of work, and the ability to stay on task... (Really, with a crazy active almost 1 year old ?!) Currently I am making dinner (where would I be without my crockpot?), writing a blog post, uploading a design project to send to the printer, feeding the baby crackers and hummus, (which is now all over my desk, myself and him) telling him for the 1000th time today to stop playing with the computer cord, and waiting for the dishwasher to finish, so i can load it again. The playroom, which I had clean this morning, is COVERED in books, and toys, and I can only find one of my shoes - the other one has joined many other items in Henry's secret treasure spot, we have yet to discover.

Some days I get my jobs done, and others I have a clean house. Rarely, do I get to claim both. I worry that I don't spend enough time actually playing with and interacting with him, so I try to take time to read to him and play with him. Days when I have a deadline are especially stressful for me. As one would expect, those also end up being the days Mr. H cuts a tooth, bangs his head several times, or is not feeling well. Those are the days you can find me wearing him in the Moby, holding him close and still getting my work done (#wearallthebabies).

I laugh when I think about the phrase I was told by everyone when he was little, "Sleep when the baby sleeps." I never understood that one. When H goes down for a nap, it has always been a personal challenge to see exactly how much I can get done before he wakes up. Who has time to nap? I always feel guilty when I do. I picture June Cleaver, and I am quite sure she never napped during the day. WHAT would I tell my Ward I did with my day if I napped? I feel accountable for my time, since I am staying home 'doing nothing' and he works all day.

Luckily for me, I have the best husband in the entire world and he considers it an accomplishment if I simply keep both the baby and myself alive and injury free. The pressure to excel in every area is from me alone. Yes, dh does not demand a meal at the end of the day, or to have the house clean, but I know he appreciates it. I know that clean underwear and work clothes are important to him (yes, I have sent him to work in clothes taken out of the hamper and tossed in the dryer to remove wrinkles). He works so hard to provide for us and I want to thank him by making his time at home enjoyable.

Being 'SUPER MOM' is a lot of pressure, and stress. Sometimes I completely forget to simply take time for me. I admit that brushing my teeth is sometimes all the grooming I get done for the day. Yoga pants and a T are my pjs, and often, the clothes I spend the day in... who needs a bra? How many days have I worn this shirt...? This is my life. I know a lot of you can completely identify with it. I am not alone. You are not alone. Some day, showers and pedicures will be a part of our lives again (hopefully). In the mean time, I do the best I can. My way of taking care of myself is by using my Young Living products. They are mommy's little helpers. I diffuse uplifting, energizing oils at my desk. I drink NingXia Nitro for a boost of energy. I use my Stress Away roller when the pressure starts to get to me. At night, I diffuse Lavender and Bergamot to help all of us to relax and (hopefully) get some sleep. I am thankful that I have these products to help me through the day.

~ Jess & The Grammy's Essentials team
www.grammysessentials.com

The information contained in this blog is for educational purposes only and as a guideline for your personal use. It should not be used as a substitution for medical counseling with a health professional. The contributors and authors do not accept responsibility for such use.

Practical Crafting

This summer was a mess, to say the least. My mom had a bad wreck at the beginning of June, on the same day I tried to burn my house down. I was at my parent's house for 3 weeks helping to take care of mom while she was in the hospital. Then, I got the experience of living through a kitchen remodel from ...you know where. It is actually STILL not finished. You name it, it went wrong. *Serenity NOW*. Since my kitchen was messed up, the dining and formal living room were trashed and the office became the catch-all. As I began the process of putting my house back together, I had a fantastic idea that has actually transformed my life here at home.

We had been spending 90% of every day gated into a very small portion of the family room. I worked from the couch, and he played, as best he could, in the area he had. It was not ideal. The couch was wearing out, and we were both sick and tired of that room. BUT, it was what we had if I used the spaces in my home as they were intended. We have a large formal living area that was not being used, and a very small dining room that was only a hall between the kitchen and unused living room. My office was in a small room separated from the rest of the house and was in no way a place a baby could safely play while I worked. In a moment of inspiration I turned the whole house layout on it's side.

The family room became the formal living room, and is kept (relatively) clean. The unused living room became a play room/ family room, and the dining room became my offie. Now, we both have open space to work and play. I can sit at my desk and get things done while he has the freedom to roam explore 60% of the house safely. Now, the hall, entry way (which is technically the back door which NEVER gets used) play room, office, kitchen and laundry room are all connected and flow together in a usable way. I can do laundry and cook dinner while keeping an eye on the baby.

Of course, when I do things like this my husband is very supportive, but he cringes at the money I will inevitably want to spend to decorate the new space. That was the old Jessica's way. This new Jessica, who stays at home with the baby, is a bit more budget friendly. I chose to use the old dining room table as my desk until I can find something at a later time. I am using dining room chairs for seating in the office. I updated an old ugly file cabinet we bought used for $5, and it works great. As far as desk organization goes, I really like cute things but I don't want to pay for them. Instead, I went through my trash. YUP, I recycled my trash and used it. It's actually kinda cute! Turns out a tin can, a mayonnaise jar, toilet paper tubes and a folgers container CAN be pretty. I used lemon oil to remove any sticky residue from the tables and then washed them with dish soap. Just a quick coat of spray paint (the color I happened to have the most of on my paint shelf) and I called it good.

I am not known for my ability to keep clean... I always end up looking much the same as the paint project I am working on. By the end of my project, I looked like the jolly green giant. I was covered in overspray. Luckily, I keep lemon oil beside the sink. Just a couple of drops rubbed on my hands took the paint right off! No scrubbing and scraping required. I then washed my hands with Thieves foaming hand wash, and there was no sign of paint anywhere. I may do more craft projects now that I know clean up can be this easy.

~Grammy's Essentials Team
www.grammysessentials.com

The information contained in this blog is for educational purposes only and as a guideline for your personal use. It should not be used as a substitution for medical counseling with a health professional. The contributors and authors do not accept responsibility for such use.

My Journey to a Chemical-Free Home

One of the motivations for me to begin using essential oils came from our journey through infertility. (read about it here) There was no real explanation for our inability to conceive. We are both young, pretty healthy and relatively active. There was no history of infertility in either of our families. It was the most heart-breaking, dark time of my life. I still struggle with it. To add to the hurt, we were told that we not only couldn't have kids, but we shouldn't have them. We were cautioned that any pregnancy might not be viable, or there would be birth defects, etc. We were encouraged to not only stop trying to get pregnant, but to take precautions against getting pregnant. For a woman who dreamed of almost nothing else, to be told I would never have my own child felt like a blow I wouldn't ever recover from. It affected every area of my life, including my relationship with my family. During this time, my little sister had two babies. I loved them dearly, but I was so jealous I couldn't see straight.

All this brought out my tendency to research, and I began to pour through books and documentaries on why this might be happening to us. Yes, it could be a fluke, but the more I learned, the more I began to realize we were not alone. SO many couples in our generation were suffering from unexplained infertility. It seemed to be an epidemic. So, what was the common factor in all these cases? This issue seemed to have no favorite race, gender, geographic or lifestyle preference. What was left?

A couple of documentaries I watched seemed to point to common environmental factors as the cause. Our generation has been part of a giant chemical experiment, and we didn't even know it. When we were young, we were put to bed in fire retardant pjs, and slept with stuffed animals laced with the same chemicals. We were exposed to more plastics, antibiotics and chemicals in our food than the generation before, and we were coated in sunscreen and deet bug spray every time we went outside. The childhood vaccination schedule changed, and many of us began to receive vaccinations on a level that most of the world has still not caught up to. Chemicals in the home were common. Most homes had several kinds of cleaners under each sink. Our carpet and curtains and couches were all coated in Scotch Guard to keep stains away. BPA was used on nearly every plastic object around us. Our diapers were made with chemicals that were banned in women's sanitary products because of known health risks. Our drinking water most of us used growing up was (is) recycled in a plant, where chemicals like chlorine are put into the water to sanitize it.

I could go on and on about all the different examples of enviromental factors that most of my generation have in common. The list is astonishing. How could anyone allow this to happen? Where are the studies that prove that these chemicals, when used together will not harm? A lot of the chemicals used in these products are known endocrine disruptors. Of course, each company makes claims that the amount of chemical in their product is safe when used as suggested. We are exposed to thousands of products. Everywhere we go, we are ingesting, breathing in and absorbing chemical residue left behind after cleaning and 'protecting' us. Many restaurants use bleach water (of varrying dilutions) to wipe down the wooden (porous) tables we sit at. Chlorine is then left behind. Spray cleaners are sprayed on to any number of surfaces and then simply wiped off. The chemicals are still very much there. This happens not only in public, but in our homes, where we prepare our foods, where we bathe, where play, etc. In many neighborhoods, pest control trucks release bug spray in the air to rid us of bugs. A good number of households are sprayed several times a year, inside and out, for pests.

Our world is beginning to wake up, and realize the implications of some of these chemicals. BPA for example is a hot topic, and there are a lot of companies who have banned it from their products. This is a great direction, and I am happy to see the change. We still have a long way to go as a society before the chemical experiment is over. We may not be able to change the world outside our homes, but we have the right (responsibility?) to make changes in our own homes. After discovering and looking into these environmental factors, I was amazed at what I hadn't known and I made the decision to do something about it for my family. No, I can not keep them from all chemicals, but I can control our home environment to the best of my ability. I cloth diaper, I (attempt to) grow my own vegetables, I eat meat grown and butchered by my family. I get eggs from my mom's chickens (who think they are pets). One big way I am battling chemicals in my home is by using essential oils and other safe products. I make my own laundry detergent, dish washer detergent, counter spray, soft scrub, glass cleaner etc. Instead of using aerosol room sprays, I make my own essential oil spray. I no longer use the plugin air freshers, but I diffuse essential oils. Instead of using beauty products laced with chemicals, I opt to make or buy a natural version. I am still transitioning into this more natural alternative life. It is not always easy. It does not happen over night, but every baby step I take toward ridding our home of these harmful substances is one step closer to my goal. I have no guarantee that making these changes will help our fertility issues, and I won't claim that. I have to think of my family and our bodies as a whole and make decisions that effect our entire lives. If this makes us healthier and happier, I have achieved something.

If you too would like to make a step toward a chemical-free home, I would be happy to help you. Check out my website, Grammy's Essentials, and feel free to contact me. Using Young Living products in my home is a decision I will never regret, and I love sharing with others about my experience with the products.

You can also check out this book by Melissa M. Poepping. The Chemical Free Home is a great resource for beginning your process of living chemical-free.

"Tens of thousands of chemicals used in common household products have never had any safety testing or are known to be highly toxic. Even products with labels that make us think they are "safe" for children have ingredients that clearly are not safe. This book identifies some of the common toxins to which we are exposed on a daily basis, and shows how to use essential oil-based substitutes that can achieve the same results without the dangers of chemical-based products. From deodorant to furniture polish to fruit & vegetable spray, this thought-provoking book provides recipes and guidelines that can enhance your healthy lifestyle and provide you with greater peace of mind."
You can purchase it here

~Grammy's Essentials Team
www.grammysessentials.com

The information contained in this blog is for educational purposes only and as a guideline for your personal use. It should not be used as a substitution for medical counseling with a health professional. The contributors and authors do not accept responsibility for such use.

Are Your Essential Oils 100% Therapeutic Grade?

I have come across some who want to use essential oils, and may even like Young Living products, but still continue to purchase from sources like Amazon or Ebay. When asked why, the answer is, "Well, they are cheaper. I'm not ingesting these, I'm diffusing them, so it can't hurt." My response to these people is, you don't know what is in them. Do you know if they are 100% pure, theraputic grade?" The answer has to be, no. Even Young Living products purchased from any source other than a trusted distributor, or from Young Living directly could be contaminated. The caps used by Young Living are easily purchased online. There are many people out there that purchase Young Living products, open them, dilute them, repackage them and sell them to you. This is not only illegal, and against the Young Living policies & procedures, it is a very dangerous practice. What is being used for dilution?

This is not the only place the issue of dilution comes to the surface. Did you know companies are able to say their oils are theraputic grade, if they contain only a percentage of therapeutic oil in the bottle? When purchasing from a source other than Young Living, ask yourself, what else am I getting in this bottle? Even if a safe product, such as olive oil, is used for dilution, you are not getting the best product. Olive oil, as well as most carrier oils, is perishable, essential oils are not. You could be buying a watered down product, which you then dilute further, and has an unknown expiration period. The good you are trying to accomplish by using essential oils has been completely negated by choosing a product that simply can not deliver.

Back to the original issue of diffusing oils that are not 100% pure. As discussed in our last post (found here) Diffusing is the quickest way for essential oils to cross the blood-brain barrier and reach your limbic system, and your entire brain. You are not 'just' inhaling essential oils. They are reaching the control center of your brain. You are getting it into your body, to the cellular level. Just like you wouldn't want to breathe polluted air, or exhaust fumes, you do not want to inhale anything not 100% pure. If your essential oils are distilled with anything other than steam (water) or packaged with filler products, the particles from those products are being carried right into your brain as well. Some companies have been known to use chemical solvents, such as antifreeze to help break down the plant matter, and get more oil from a batch. If your goal is a healthier home, and you want the best health for your family, you should be outraged that anyone would sell you a product that has the potential to harm, where it was meant to help. Also, diffusing anything but 100% pure essential oils can clog your diffuser and make it unusable. Diffusers are not made to work with any type of carrier oil or other products. Diffusing unknown products can be a costly mistake. Replacing a diffuser is not cheap.

If you have been thinking of purchasing essential oils, or products made with essential oils, please do not buy from any source other than a trusted Independent Distributor or directly from Young Living. Yes, some of the products are costly, but risking your health to save a few bucks is not worth it. NO, not all products are going to be laced with antifreeze and other toxins, but is it worth the risk? Are you willing to gamble with your family's health? For Example, many people have purchased lavender oil from other sources, thinking they are getting pure lavender, but have later discovered their product was actually landendin, a derivative of lavender, but NOT lavender. Lavindin is a much hotter oil and can make a burn worse if applied, Where as lavender is soothing, and will help to support the healing of a minor burn. Essential oils usually do not smell like candy. If your peppermint oil smells sweet and more like a peppermint patty, it may not be pure peppermint. Many companies have been known to enhance the smell of their oils, which is fine for perfume grade oils, but is potentially harmful when marketed as therapeutic grade.

~Grammy's Essentials Team
www.grammysessentials.com

The information contained in this blog is for educational purposes only and as a guideline for your personal use. It should not be used as a substitution for medical counseling with a health professional. The contributors and authors do not accept responsibility for such use.

I Smell a Memory

When essential oils came across my radar I must admit, I cringed when I heard people talking about them. Oils called Highest Potential, Believe and Brain Power really turned me off. You expect me to buy into a bottle of oil making my friendships better, and my finances suddenly in the black?

What I failed to understand was the incredible power of our bodies, and the influence our sense of smell has. Smell is the sense most closely linked to memory and is highly emotive (arousing or able to arouse intense feeling). It's no wonder the perfume industry is built around this connection. Perfumers develop fragrances that seek to convey a vast array of emotions and feelings; from desire to power, vitality to relaxation.

We all have memories that are tied to specific smells. Most of us smell bread baking, or cookies in the oven, and we have a grandma or mom that comes to mind. When we think of those childhood memories of baking with them, or eating that fresh bread, our bodies have a chemical reaction. We automatically begin to relax, we feel happier, and we even begin to salivate... at just the thought of the smell. All these reactions are subconscious. We may not even realize what memories are being triggered by what we are smelling, but we have a reaction to it. How amazing is that?! Much of our power of smell is governed by association, so different people can have different reactions to the same smells.

When I was pregnant, my sense of smell 'betrayed' me. I couldn't go down entire aisles at the grocery store without getting sick. Most of the time that was my body's way of warning me to stay away from something on that aisle. In the same way, our sense of smell is what keeps us from drinking bad milk, it warns us of dangers and often keeps us from harm.

The limbic system, where our sense of smell is, is regarded by scientists as playing a major role in controlling mood, memory, behavior and emotion. (This is where it gets fun)

Essential oils have the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and can affect change at a cellular level. Our bodies are very selective about what they allow to cross that barrier. In order to cross the blood-brain barrier, the thing must be: tiny particles, hydrophobic and non polar (no electrical charge, positive or negative). Essential oils meet all of these qualifications.

Smelling (inhalation) is the fastest and best way for the oils to breech that barrier and reach the limbic system - the control center- of the brain. Where they have the ability to help change our moods and trigger reactions that can impact everything from our fitness, to our finances.

NO, opening a bottle of Family and smelling it won't fix your family issues, or make your family closer. But diffusing it at family game night and being intentional about remembering that smell will create a memory in your brain. Then when things are a bit tense around the house, you can diffuse it again. You can apply it to the pulse points (wrists, back of neck) and it helps you to relax and brings in those memories of better, less stressful times with the family. Essential oils, in this case, are not a cure, they are a tool. They are a very powerful, valuable tool, that when used right can help you bring balance to your world.

When the toddler is wound up and causing stress for both of you, you can use lavender and peace and calming or stress away to help to calm you both.

Our bodies always want to be in a place of homeostasis (balance) and an imbalance in your emotional health can effect your physical health. It can manifest as pain, dizziness, gastrointestinal issues, etc. If we expose our brains to uplifting, energizing, emotionally supportive oils, we can then work through the issues we are facing with much more success. Essential oils help to bring that balance back to our bodies and our lives.

~Grammy's Essentials Team
www.grammysessentials.com

The information contained in this blog is for educational purposes only and as a guideline for your personal use. It should not be used as a substitution for medical counseling with a health professional. The contributors and authors do not accept responsibility for such use.

The PERFECT Pumpkin Steamer

Fall, Autumn, NOT summer... No matter what you call it, I love love love this time of year. The bite in the air, the smell of dirt and leaves, the beautiful trees and of course, an excuse to wear sweaters. There is really nothing to dislike about Fall (Don't question me on this - I'm armed with an entire load of rebuttals). Somewhere near the very tippy top of my 'I love fall' list would be pumpkin. Yeah, you can technically eat it all year long, but it is magical when consumed between September and February (I stretch out my pumpkin season as long as I can).

I have recently discovered that it is not the pumpkin I actually like *GASP* but the spices associated with pumpkin. Nutmeg, Clove & Cinnamon are the real heroes of the season. They are the glue that holds all pumpkin lover's hearts together. Without them, pumpkin is ok, but actually has a slightly bitter taste and I can take it or leave it.

A tradition I hold dear is drinking pumpkin lattes. Doing so has been a bit of a challenge this year. We made the decision to be a one car family, and I am also a stay at home mom (SAHM). As such, getting to my favorite coffee destination (Painted Horse) is a rarity. However, a little thing like transportation can't stand in the way of love. I decided to try making my own latte at home. I have worked at coffee joints, so I knew the basics, why not try? After a couple of trials and errors, I found the perfect pumpkin steamer recipe (I couldn't get the milk to foam enough to call it a latte).

Here it is. I have no measurements for these. I just plop in ingredients until I am satisfied with the taste.
Half -n- Half & Milk
Pumpkin pie puree
Pumpkin pie spice
Vanilla & Dark agave
Sugar in the raw
home brewed coffee, made as strong as you can get it (unless you have an espresso machine at home, and then...)
Young Living Cinnamon Bark essential oil
Young Living Nutmeg essential oil
Young Living Thieves essential oil

Heat the milk and half -n- half (more half-n-half than milk - you want it thick, but not too thick) pumpkin and sugar until boiling, whisking as much as you can while this happens. Your hands will cramp, and you will feel like you are cooking them because of the heat from the burner, but it's worth it.
Remove from heat and add vanilla, agave, pumpkin spice and ONE DROP each of Cinnamon, Nutmeg and Thieves essential oils. Whisk that until you feel it is all blended well.
Put some of the strong coffee in your favorite cup and then finish filling the cup with the mixture you made. There should be enough for 2-3 cups. (I have an addiction)

The addition of essential oils to this concoction was what took it from ok to I can NOT get enough. As I have said, it's the spices that make us drool for pumpkin, and I was not able to get that spicy bite with the dry spices in my cabinet. If I added enough to really taste it, the texture of the drink was off and I felt like I was drinking saw dust. The essential oils gave it that kick I was looking for without compromising the texture. *Caution* These are all really potent oils. One drop, possibly two is all you need for all three cups. More than that would overpower the drink.

I use Young Living essential oils, and do not hesitate to take them internally because of their high standards and their Seed to Seal promise to me and my family. DO NOT use other brands internally. Some companies use solvent distillation. YL only uses steam or cold press distillation so we are getting 100% pure non-diluted oils.

~Grammy's Essentials Team
www.grammysessentials.com

The information contained in this blog is for educational purposes only and as a guideline for your personal use. It should not be used as a substitution for medical counseling with a health professional. The contributors and authors do not accept responsibility for such use.

More Affordable Than You Think - Oils $20 & Under

One of the comments I hear most often is that Young Living products are too expensive. I hear you. It's hard to lay down your money for a small bottle of oil. HOWEVER, a little goes a long way. Most applications only require a drop or two to be effective.

Plus, with our Seed to Seal guarantee, you are getting industry-leading quality standards that no other company comes close to achieving. Since essential oils get into your blood, and some even cross the blood-brain barrier, I will ONLY trust Young Living oils for my family. I do not want oils grown or distilled with chemicals that could harm my family.

BONUS! A lot of my favorite oils I use daily are all under $20! Check out this list of oil singles and blends that give you a big bang for your buck.

With the holidays fast approaching, everyone is looking for great, useful gifts that won't go in the regift bin. A bottle of oil and your favorite diffuser make a great gift for almost anyone on your list.

~Grammy's Essentials team
www.grammysessentials.com