Creating a Healthy Lifestyle

For many years I have made most of my salad dressings. My general thought was they would be healthier, simply because there wouldn't be any added preservatives and less salt and sugar. A year ago I was to bring coleslaw as my contribution to a social gathering. I didn't have a recipe dressing at the time so I went to the market to pick up a bottle.. Being an avid reader of the 'Ingredient List', I was mortified that I couldn't find a single bottle of this type of dressing that didn't contain High Fructose Corn Syrup! Here is my adaption along with several other of my favorite dressings: Coleslaw Dressing      ...

I don't know about you but, I actually like the taste of water. And like everyone else I too like some variety. Since it is a vital nutrient that I need to consume a lot of, I am always looking for a healthy way to get more of it. After all, I only have this one body. Why am I so obsessed with water? That's for another post. 😎     Here Are Some of My Favorite Healthy Ways to Flavor Water  Essential Oils (Not all essential oils are quality controlled and safe for consumption. This is why I ONLY use ...

  Summer has arrived!  Thinking back over my many past summers there are so many great adventures. Vacationing in the Redwoods with the wonderful scent of the woods. And what is summer with out time at the beach or lake? So many wonderful summer aromas bringing back lots of memories. Here are some diffuser blends to kick off the summer and bring back some memories. Sweet Sunshine Diffuser Blend 3 drops lemongrass   2 drops orange 1 drop peppermint Summer Bree...

DIY Soothing After Sun Spray & Body Balm with Essential Oils Just in time for summer, I had to share it with you! This DIY After Sun Spray will give you some relief if you over did it. Make up a batch NOW to be ready - just in case someone in your household got a little too much sun. Sun exposure is good, but too much of it can cause irritated skin. Next time you deal with discomfort from too much sun, try this after-sun soothing spray with essential oils to help provide the relief your skin needs. This also give relief for burns and rashes.   What You Need: 16-ounce  glass spray bottle   1 cup  Aloe Vera Juice   1/4 cup Fractionated Coconu...

I love enhancing the taste of my food by adding herbs and spices. For many years I have been on a quest to reduce my toxic load as much as possible, so I can live a healthier and therefore happier life. You can imagine my delight when I discovered that many of those spices and herbs I was using help to do just tha...

If you are like me cleaning the bathroom is not an experience I look forward to very often. Being stuck in a small closed space with harsh chemicals not only makes it hard to breathe, but can also be very hazardous to your health. This is why I started experimenting to come up with cleaners for my whole house that were pleasant smelling and greatly r...

Sunscreen Time! It's so nice to get protection without all the chemicals. Plus it make my skin soft too! My husband and I have been using this 👇 recipe for many years and the only time I get any kind of burn is when I forget to use it! I love the summertime and the opportunity to be outside a lot! Having spent most of my life in Southern California with over 25 years within 2 miles of the beach, my skin has absorbed a good amount of rays. Over the years I have tried a whole lot of sunscreen products. With my ever increasing desire to reduce the toxic l...

Essential oils can be used to reduce stress, boost mood, ease headaches, or even just make a room smell fresher. If you’re looking for way to use essential oils to help you relax and fall asleep faster, here are a few recipes that might do the trick. DIY Linen Pillow Spr...

I think we all know that it is important to get a good night's rest. If we don't, we feel it the next day. Right!  Did you also know that during sleep, your immune system releases proteins called cytokines, some of which help promote sleep. Certain cytokines need to increase when you have an infection or inflammation, or when you're under stress . Sleep deprivation may decrease production of these protective cytokines. In addition, infection-fighting antibodies and cells are reduced during periods when you don't get enough sleep. This is according to the Mayo Clinic, a pretty reliable source. So how can we impro...

I got a stubborn grease stain on one of my favorite shirts.  So, I went online to try some DIY remedies. Each one I tried only made things worse! I pretty much resigned that this stain was here to stay but then thought well I'll wash it one more time but first I'll put a glob of my  DIY Liquid Laundry Detergent on it and let it sit for a day. After washing it, I couldn't believe my eyes - No trace of the stain! From now on I will only need to make the laun...

Stomach issues can be a result of so many different reasons. from something as simple a windy car ride to poor food choices, an unhealthy lifestyle, allergy and food sensitivity, viral infections, being overly stressed and don't forget medications.  Many of us have occasional stomach discomfort or heart burn. Some have if more frequently. Below are some lifestyle tips and essential oil suggestions that may help. But first let's go over wh...

Have you ever read the cleaning directions on most All Purpose Cleaners? Years ago I did and was very disappointed to see that after I used the cleaner I needed to go back and wipe everything down again if used on an eating surface. If you have small children or pets, well that means EVERYTHING has to be re-wiped! Why? because of the ingredients in the cleaner aren't safe for consumption. This started my journey of in sea...

Seasons come and go, each with their own challenges. As new blossoms emerge on the trees, lawns are mowed, gardens are planted, and pollen is released into the air, the seasonal discomfort of allergies may become a regular occurrence.   You may experience itchy, watery eyes, congestion, a runny nose, or sneezes and sniffles. You may also experience coughing, difficulty breathing, or even that dreaded mucus!   Did you know that you do not have to suffer with seasonal discomfort? There are many NATURAL op...

It is officially Spring! Flowers are blooming or soon will be and that means so many wonderful aromas to be inhaled when outdoors. Why not bring some of that Springtime inside with these diffuser blends. Using the doTERRA essential Oils you can rest assured they are certified pure so you aren't bringing any toxic chemicals into your home. Want your home to smell like a Flower Garden in full bloom? Try this one:     1 drop Geranium essential oil     2 drops Lavender essential oil     2 drops Roman Chamomile essential oil   Clean & Fresh 2 drops Lavender 2 drops Lemon 1 drops Rosemary   Spring Rain  2 drops lemon 2 drops Vetiver 1 drop Wintergreen Spring Breeze 2 drops  Rosemary 2drops  Eucalyptu...

I really enjoy a good fragrant & lathering shower. But after reading the ingredients on most store-bought body washes, I decided it was time to make my own. This nontoxic body wash is easy to make and takes way less time than trying to decipher the long and confusing ingredient list on the back of most body wash bottles. Below is a basic recipe followed by some essential oil suggestions in the Notes. DIY Natural Body Wash   What you'll Need: 8 oz. container*    1/2 cup unscented Castile soap (Buy it HERE ) 4 tablespoons vegetable gl...

Emotional hunger starts in your mind, not your body.   When you're happy, your food of choice could be steak or pizza, when you're sad it could be ice cream or cookies, and when you're bored it could be potato chips. Food does more than fill our stomachs -- it also satisfies our feelings, and when you quench those feelings with comfort food when your stomach isn't growling, well that's emotional eating. Emotional eating is the practice of consuming large quantities of food -- usually "comfort" or junk foods -- in response to feelings...

Other than saving a lot money, you might be wondering by bother with making your own mouthwash. Just take a look at the ingredients on the back of your mouthwash bottle. More than likely you will discover that you are actually getting a mouthful of chemicals. The active ingredients in mouthwash usually include Benzalkonium chloride, Methylparaben, Hydrogen peroxide, Domiphen bromide, Hexetidine, and Chlorhexidine gluconate. Ot...

It is the beginning of the year and many are turning their focus onto what they are eating in an effort to be healthier! YAH!! So, I thought this would be a good time for a quick review about PROTIEN. #1 -Why We Need Protein An important component of every cell in the body. It is an organic compound, composed of 22 amino acids, otherwise known as the building blocks of life. It is stored in muscles and organs and the body utilizes it to build and repair tissues, as well as for the production of enzymes and hormones. It helps our body have a healthy Immune response. Proteins make it possi...

This is one of my favorite "little" snack bar recipes. I like that it is quick and easy to make to have on hand. It is satisfying for those times I want a little something for an energy boost that is low in calories, sugar and has protein and fiber. Not to mention the extra benefits of eating raw foods. I like to add Wild Orange Essential Oil for it's overall health benefits and it really takes flavor up a notch, too! ENJOY! Oatmeal Snack Bars   In...

Do you ever feel discouraged? You are not alone. It is a normal part of life. Regularly we encounter setbacks and disappointments and we have had a very challenging year. This feeling can cause a loss of confidence and enthusiasm. Discouragement can also come from a fear of failure, not having a plan to reach goals, or negative self-talk. It is okay to feel discouraged but staying that way can often stop us from accomplishing the things that are important to us. Here are a few suggestions for overcoming discouragement: When you feel discouraged acknowledge it to yourself. People who never feel discouraged are out of touch with themselves and the world. Encourage someone. Your needs may be revealing what others may need. Stop trying to cont...