Fun in the Sun

Disclaimer- I am not a doctor. I am not here to diagnose, treat, or cure any of your illnesses. The content I cover is for informational purposes only. 

While summer is one of the most amazing times of year, it brings its own unique set of challenges. How do you best care for and support your body during this season?  How do you protect your skin from the sun or rehydrate after long days in the water? How can you keep those pesky bugs away or survive traveling stresses that arise on family vacations and adventures?

If you want easy answers to these questions, I’ve got the best kept secrets for summer travelers just like you! This post is all about setting you up for success in the hot summer days and on your travel journeys. So, let's just dive right in, shall we?

The excitement of longer, brighter, and warmer days can make some a little reckless when it comes to caring for their body. So, let's start this off talking about the trifecta of skin-loving products for all the before and after care you need.

Did you know that too much skin exposure to the sun can not only put you at higher risk of skin cancer but also can prematurely age the skin? You want to filter out UVA and UVB light waves in order to protect your skin. If you can’t avoid the sun, then you can use sunscreen to block those waves.

But what about all those chemicals found in sunscreens?! For example, do yourselves a favor and look up Oxybenzone. YUCK! 

Cue Young Living! 

Made with ingredients you can feel good about, Young Living’s Mineral Sunscreen Lotion provides protection against UVA and UVB rays without harsh chemical ingredients. With hypoallergenic ingredients and skin-loving essential oils, including Helichrysum, Carrot Seed, and Sacred Frankincense, this gentle sunscreen rubs on smoothly, so you can effortlessly apply it when you're outdoors.

Now HOLD ON. We also need to talk about how to love your skin after being kissed by the sun. When you stay out in the sun too long, refresh and recover with Young Living’s LavaDerm™ After-Sun Spray. This naturally derived after-sun spray offers temporary relief from the pain and itching of minor burns, minor cuts, sunburns, scrapes, insect bites, and minor skin irritations, so your family can keep playing all day.
 
After that, moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Young Living’s Coconut Lime Replenishing Body Butter features Lime essential oil and uses plant-based ingredients to deeply moisturize your skin with a non-greasy formula.  

Tell me in the comments...are you guilty of either...
A) NOT using any skin protecting products 
or 
B) Being the white-nosed beachgoer in the straw hat?

To be honest, I was A until around age 35 and then I morphed into B. But, I'm hoping to raise kiddos who proudly flaunt their straw hats! Ha! 

Isn’t it funny how when we are deprived of something (summer) for nine months of the year, we initially forget all of the trials and tribulations associated with it? We will all too soon be plagued by mosquitoes, gnats, and flies when all we want to do is enjoy a bonfire or walk along the beach. 

It’s tempting to reach for the classic insect repellant, but before you do that, flip over the bottle to see if DEET is an active ingredient. DEET is a registered pesticide. It is a member of the toluene chemical family. Toluene is an organic solvent used in rubber, plastic cements, and paint removers. DEET is absorbed through the skin and can pass into the blood. It can cause allergic skin reactions and eye irritation. 

A 2013 analysis of about 4,000 DEET-related calls to poison control centers found that 450 people needed medical treatment after applying DEET, and two were fatal. Most cases of seizures, slurred speech, coma, and other serious side effects have occurred in people who ingested DEET or applied it for three or more days in a row or used products with 95 percent DEET or more.  You can read more about DEET here

No, thanks. I’ll pass.
***
Feeling hopeless due to lack of EFFECTIVE DEET-free alternatives? 
***
Young Living came out with an Insect Repellent that has been tested to repel mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas using 100 percent naturally derived, plant-based ingredients. Pure sesame oil and a carefully selected blend of essential oils traditionally used for their bug-repellent properties come together to make up all 99 percent of the active ingredients in this formula. The other 1 percent? Vitamin E. That means you can use it on your little ones and not worry about the synthetic chemicals used in many traditional repellents. You’ll also love the pleasant, citrusy aroma and smooth, non-sticky application. I pour some into an empty 15ml roller bottle and slap a spray top on it for a travel size option with easy application but...you can also grab YL's Insect Repellent Wipes which will be perfect for packing a carry-on that won't get you flagged by TSA's liquid restrictions!


Do you dread packing for vacation? What should you take? Do you only realize the night before you leave that you don’t have toiletries small enough for TSA? UGH! Vacations have been shown to decrease stress levels and make you more present and better focused in different areas of your life, both at work and at home. I would love to help you decrease the stress before you go! 
 
The Framingham Heart Study showed that taking vacations can actually decrease coronary artery disease. So let’s not give yourself a heart attack from all the stress of packing before you have a chance to chill out! 

Rest easy, knowing Young Living has your back. Young Living has taken care of packing all your favorite products in one simple travel pack called the Bon Voyage Kit.

Bon Voyage Travel Pack offers ten Young Living personal care products in an attractive bag. All products are TSA-compliant, perfect for wherever you are going.

Bon Voyage includes:
  • Thieves® AromaBright Toothpaste, 60ml
  • Thieves Waterless Hand Purifier, 29.5ml
  • Thieves Dental Floss
  • Thieves Fresh Essence Plus Mouthwash, 60ml
  • Young Living Toothbrush
  • Lavender Shampoo, 60ml
  • Lavender Conditioner, 60ml
  • Cinnamint Lip Balm
  • Morning Start™ Bath & Shower Gel, 60ml
  • Genesis™ Hand & Body Lotion, 60ml

One of my favorite parts of travel is trying new things...especially foods!  But, any travel—especially flying, even for a short trip—can wreak havoc on your digestive system for a number of reasons.
  1. Traveling can cause acute stress. 
  2. Quality food choices or the foods you are used to can be limited or very expensive.
  3. Finally, there’s the impact of sitting for long periods of time in a car or a plane. Did you know that getting up and walking helps your digestive system do its job?
 A lot of what I just mentioned is unavoidable as you get your summer traveling in, but there are some essential oils that are perfect to apply to your abdomen to keep a happy tummy while traveling. 

So, let me introduce to you two essential oils that combine to make the Happy Tummy Roller. 

  • Peppermint essential oil (Mentha piperita) has a bright, cool, and calming aroma, with many benefits. Used topically, Peppermint oil creates a cool, tingling sensation on the skin.
  • DiGize™ blend is one of YL's most unique essential oil blends, combining Tarragon, Ginger, Peppermint, Juniper, Lemongrass, Anise, and Patchouli oils with a spicy, exotic aromatic blend. DiGize oil also includes Fennel essential oil, the use of which dates back to ancient Egypt and is great to apply to your abdomen.
Happy Tummy Roller - the perfect travel buddy. 
Add 15 drops Digize and 10 drops Peppermint to a 10 ml roller bottle. Fill with V6 oil or a carrier oil of your choice.
**For kids dilution (age 3-8), cut the above in half or snag yourself a Tummygize roll on which is specifically formulated with them in mind.**
 
Application - After rolling the bottle between your hands to mix before use, roll bottle either clockwise around the navel or where needed.

One of the best feelings after long, stationary hours of traveling is that first stretch when you get to your destination. Do you want to enhance that experience? Apply Deep Relief™ Roll-On! It contains essential oils, including Peppermint, Wintergreen, Dorado Azul, and Helichrysum. It's convenient for a quick, cooling relief on your joints. 

You can also try PanAway - a combination of Wintergreen, Helichrysum, Clove, and Peppermint essential oils. Apply it to tired muscles after exercise or to the neck and back any time of day to enjoy its soothing and stimulating aroma.


Have you ever had trouble sleeping in a foreign place? Or woken up a million times during the night, causing you to start the next day feeling unrested? As if getting that good night's sleep wasn’t difficult enough at home, now you have the stress of travel and the unfamiliar environment in which you’re now attempting to catch those Zzzs. Don't even get me started on our household debate... #teamwhitenoise #teamnaturesounds #teamsilence 

But, as long as you can settle that debate satisfactorily for your crew, I've got the rest covered for you! If you’re looking for a knock-out combo to have you waking up feeling rested and energized, I highly recommend a Lavender-Cedarwood combo.

But why the heck do we need sleep? 

Not only does sleep make you feel better, but it is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Sleep can improve your memory, curb harmful inflammation in your body, lower stress, and help you achieve a healthy weight. The list goes on.

So, just mix 4-8 drops each of Lavender and Cedarwood in a diffuser at night. I call this combo “Sleeping Sheep” because you won’t even need to count any sheep!

Lavender has a scent that is fresh, floral, clean, and calm. 

Cedarwood has a warm, woodsy aroma that creates a comforting, uplifting experience. You can also create a calming yet powerful environment when you diffuse this oil or add it to massage oil blends.

Now, let me introduce you to one more secret weapon from my sleep arsenal...

Valerian. Valerian essential oil possesses an earthy smell that promotes feelings of relaxation and eases the occasional restlessness that can keep you from unwinding in the evening. Diffuse this valiant oil for the perfect bedtime ritual, or massage it into the bottoms of your feet after a long day to foster moments of peace. You can also get the benefits in the Rutavala Roll-On (I apply to feet due to smell preferences).

As much as you love to travel, and I would argue that travel is beneficial and healthy for you, it also puts you in contact with a lot of other people. Even if you are not traveling by air and getting exposed to all the people at airports, you will still be introduced to more people and with more people comes more…… you know.

You know the obvious ways of taking care of yourself by getting good sleep, staying well hydrated, washing your hands frequently with warm water and soap. But, here's one of my favorite ways to stay above the wellness line when we travel... a “Be Well” roller of essential oils. Apply this roller on your feet and along your spine every night before sleep.

DIY Be Well Roller (10ml bottle)
  • 20 drops Lemon
  • 10 drops Frankincense
  • 10 drops Oregano
  • 10 drops Tea Tree
  • 10 drops Thieves
  • 10 drops Peppermint
  • Fill the rest with a carrier oil. 
**If it’s for kiddos 3-8 years old, then cut everything down to ¼-½ depending on how sensitive they are.**

Traveling can be stressful, no matter how much time you give yourself for preparation.  Travel inevitably brings some degree of occasional stress and you and I both know that things don't always go as planned. Luckily, Young Living has several essential oils and blends that can help promote feelings of calm and ground you during the occasional stress of travel. They can also give you a boost so that you can get through whatever is thrown at you! 

Valor® essential oil blend is one of our most popular products and a favorite of founder D. Gary Young. Its woodsy, positive scent comes from a blend of Black Spruce, Camphor, Blue Tansy, Frankincense, and Geranium.

Get your hands on the Valor Roll-on! It's so convenient and a great way to get MORE VALOR!

Peace & Calming® essential oil is a gentle, sweet blend of Ylang Ylang, Orange, Tangerine, Patchouli, and Blue Tansy. Peace & Calming oil creates a relaxing environment that’s especially great for homes with children. This oil is also available in a convenient roll-on!

Stress Away™ essential oil blend is the first product to contain the unique combination of Lime essential oil and Vanilla extract. The distinct mix of Vanilla and Lime gives Stress Away essential oil blend its unique and pleasant aroma, among other benefits. With a perfectly balanced aroma of both tropical and citrus notes, it offers you a uniquely relaxing oasis in a fast-paced world. And guess what?  It comes in a roll-on too...cause stress reduction should be easy peasy, my friend. 
Thank you so much for jumping in here with me and taking a look at what Young Living has to offer to make your summer travel plans a little lighter on the stress and heavier on the fun!  I truly believe these oils and products need to be in every home, starting with yours and mine.

I mentioned several products from Young Living plus a few other things that make it super simple to support your bones, muscles, and joints - so, let me make it easy for you to just load them into your cart without all the search time! 

Find all the recommendations from the class and then some-


Happy Oiling,
Sherri
Let's Connect



Bones, Muscles & Joints


Our bodies were made for movement, but sadly so many of us deal with issues in this department. Joint stiffness, muscle aches, deteriorating cartilage, inflammation, swelling, and the list goes on. Nobody wants to spend their days focused on pain, right?! So let’s unpack some ways we can support our musculoskeletal systems. 
 
We are going to cover the basics and get you set up to start making some positive changes. You’ll know how this system works, what things you may want to avoid, and what things you might want to start implementing. Let’s get started! 




Before we learn how it works, let’s talk about what makes up the musculoskeletal system. It includes your bones, joints, muscles, and connective tissues like cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. 
 
Bones support your body, protect organs and tissues, store calcium and fat and produce blood cells. Did you know an adult has 206 bones? That’s a lot! Joints connect two bones together and allow for movement. 
 
Muscles are made up of thousands of stretchy fibers. An adult has more than 600 muscles! Some of those muscles are voluntary like the ones you use to dance or write your name. You use those intentionally. And some of those muscles are involuntary like the heart and stomach. You use those without even realizing it. 
 
Now let’s talk about connective tissues. Ligaments are made of tough collagen fibers that connect bones and help stabilize joints. Tendons are tough and made of fibrous tissue and collagen; they connect muscles to bones. Cartilage protects bones from rubbing against each other. You also have cartilage in your nose, ears, pelvis and lungs. 
 
So what happens when you’re ready to move? The brain sends a message to activate your voluntary muscles. Your muscle fibers then contract in response to the message. When the muscle activates, it pulls on the tendon, which is what connects it to the bone. The tendon pulls on the bone, making it move. To relax the muscle, the brain sends another message, telling it to relax or deactivate. The muscle releases tension, moving the bone to a resting position. How cool is that?!
 
As you can see, this body system really works together to provide structure and fluid movement for your body. It’s certainly worth supporting! 

We’ve talked about HOW the musculoskeletal system works, now we are going to dive into some more practical information. What can cause harm to this system, causing you unwanted aches and pains? What things should you be avoiding? Let’s take a look!  


There are a number of things that can cause pain to your body - aging, injuries, disease, arthritis, cancer, congenital disorders - but one main area that people tend to dismiss is diet. Did you know that a poor diet can be dangerous to your musculoskeletal system? It may sound silly, but it’s true! 
 
Certain foods and substances cause inflammation in the body, which equals pain and immobility. Processed meats, fried food, high amounts of alcohol, soda, candy, and refined grains are all considered foods that can increase inflammation in the body. Gluten and dairy can cause issues for some as well. You may also want to consider your sources for fat. Highly processed refined vegetable oils are rich in omega-6 fatty acids. While this isn’t necessarily bad, it can cause inflammation if it’s not met with an appropriate level of omega-3 fatty acids (fish, avocado, nuts, seeds, etc.). 
 
Smoking can also be damaging to your musculoskeletal system. Nicotine causes your blood vessels to constrict or narrow, which causes there to be less blood flow throughout the body and to your major organs. This means less oxygen and nutrients for your cells; we definitely don’t want that! 
 
Lastly, stress can be very damaging to your musculoskeletal system. An abundance of stress causes an overactive immune system - also known as autoimmune disease. That typically means inflammation within the body, which can cause weakness and even lead to tissue degeneration. No thank you! 
 
Which of these three things do you think you want to work on first? 

Now for some ways to HELP your musculoskeletal system…  



1.  Be active. Inactivity can lead to stiff, tense muscles, which can worsen things like arthritis and cause unnecessary stress on joints. Weak muscles also put you at greater risk for injury and compensation. Do your best to get regular exercise to strengthen and stretch your muscles; this should increase circulation and help alleviate any pain you’re currently experiencing. Now, if exercise seems like an impossible feat for you, consider doing low-impact exercises like swimming, yoga, or cycling and go from there. 
 
2.  Eat anti-inflammatory, mineral-rich foods. Consider eating veggies containing sulfate - like broccoli, cauliflower, garlic, cabbage, and onions - they can help build cartilage. You will also want to include fruits and vegetables that contain bioflavonoids - blueberries, blackberries, cherries, cinnamon, acai, red cabbage, and onions - these can help strengthen connective tissue and encourage collagen production. Did you know Young Living’s Ningxia Red contains several of these fruits? And it’s delicious!! 

Bone broth is rich with collagen, and contains tons of joint-healthy ingredients, like glucosamine and chondroitin as well as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, silicon, and sulfur. You may also want to include things like chia seeds, flaxseeds, beans, chickpeas, eggs, and healthy fats like avocado oil and ghee. Foods containing omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation in the body. Yes please! 

Foods high in zinc can help with the production of connective tissue! That includes foods like lamb, grass-fed beef, oysters, sesame seeds, and pumpkin seeds. Foods high in copper can help your natural collagen mature! That includes foods like avocado, cacao, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, and cashews. Foods high in phosphorus help maintain healthy bones and teeth. That includes foods like fish, poultry, beef, eggs, milk products, almonds, lentils, peanuts, and pumpkin seeds. Wow - so many great options! 
 
3.  Reduce your stress. Stress can trigger inflammation and accelerate the aging process. Find ways to incorporate rest and relaxation into your schedule, allowing your body to get the proper sleep it needs. Go on walks, take up yoga, limit phone use and screen time, take a hot bath, reduce your caffeine intake, set healthy boundaries with your schedule, spend time in nature, practice deep breathing, use essential oils to encourage relaxation - so many good ways to reduce the stress in your life. Some of my favorite essential oils to use are Stress AwayPeace & CalmingTranquil Roll-On, and Valor. You can diffuse/inhale them or apply them topically. 
 
4.  Implement epsom salt soaks. If you’ve ever had sore muscles or joints, you know how relieving a nice bath or soak can be. When you add epsom salt to the mix, you’re adding in magnesium and sulfates, which are easily absorbed by the skin. Many people use this to help reduce inflammation and ease the body’s aches and pains. So give it a try next time you need a good soak!

You can even add in 3-10 drops of an essential oil of your choice. Start with 1-2 cups of epsom salt and stir in the essential oil(s). Then pour it into hot water and mix well. Here are some oils I would suggest trying: Lavender, Frankincense, PanAway, Wintergreen, Peppermint, Copaiba, Eucalyptus Radiata, or a combination of these. 
 
5.  Consume quality supplements. Of course you can support your musculoskeletal naturally with diet changes, but sometimes supplements are needed. They can be a great way to ensure you get what your body needs. For example, calcium builds strong teeth and bones and is needed for muscle growth. However, our bodies do not produce it naturally. Should you choose to supplement, you might want to consider Super Cal Plus from Young Living, which is a synergistic blend of bioavailable calcium, magnesium, vitamins D and K, and other trace minerals. 

Anti-inflammatory herbs like turmeric are great for your musculoskeletal system as well. Consider trying Golden Turmeric - Young Living’s mango-rose flavored turmeric drink mix. This supplement supports the body’s natural response to inflammation, immune response, joint health, mobility, and recovery after physical exertion.

Another great supplement option would be AminoWise. It enhances muscle performance, reduces fatigue, and supports muscles during and after exercise using a triple-targeted formula that features branched-chain amino acids, premium essential oils, antioxidants, and minerals. 

And one more personal favorite is BLM. This supplement offers nutritional support for bones, ligaments, and muscles with powerful, natural ingredients such as type II collagen, MSM, glucosamine sulfate, and manganese citrate.

Now, I want to highlight two of my favorite supplements for supporting healthy joints, bones and muscles!



Let’s take a deeper look at a supplement that’s a great option for supporting your musculoskeletal system - Agilease. 

AgilEase is a joint health supplement that supports healthy cartilage, flexibility and mobility, and the body’s natural response to inflammation after exercise. With a powerful blend of ingredients - including frankincense powder, UC-II undenatured collagen, and an essential oil blend of Wintergreen, Copaiba, Clove, and Northern Lights Black Spruce - AgilEase can help you protect your joint and cartilage health and gain greater mobility and flexibility through the reduction of inflammation.

That frankincense powder comes from Boswellia trees. Did you know that Boswellia contains chemical compounds that can help naturally reduce the body’s response to inflammation? How cool is that?! Agilease also contains hyaluronic acid, which has a big list of benefits. Go to pubmed.gov and search for “hyaluronic acid” and see for yourself! And did you notice that I said Agilease contains collagen? Yep! Now go to PubMed and type that in. Prepare to be amazed!

For best results, take 2 capsules of Agilease daily for joint support. You can also use Agilease as part of your workout routine.

I mentioned earlier that a diet containing omega-3 fatty acids may be beneficial for your musculoskeletal system. However, it’s not always easy to get an adequate amount daily - supplementation may be helpful. Young Living has a great option for you with OmegaGize³.

OmegaGize³ combines the power of three core daily supplements: omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D3, and CoQ10 (ubiquinone). These supplements combine with their proprietary enhancement essential oil blend (Clove, German Chamomile, and Spearmint) to create an omega-3, DHA-rich fish oil supplement that may support general wellness. Used daily, these ingredients work synergistically to support normal brain, heart, eye, and joint health. It even supports cardiovascular and skeletal health. Yes please!!

The fish complex in this supplement is derived from the cleanest water on the planet and is stabilized by the addition of essential oils and mixed carotenoids. You also don’t have to worry about consuming ocean pollutants because OmegaGize³ tests lower than the maximum-allowable standard set worldwide to limit environmental pollutants. And a huge bonus - there’s NO fishy taste!

Take 2−4 capsules of OmegaGize³ 2 times daily. Do not exceed 8 capsules per day.So what do you think… ready to grab some OmegaGize³? Sounds like a great supplement, doesn’t it

Thank you so much for setting aside time to look at the musculoskeletal system with us and what Young Living has to offer you in terms of supporting it. Your body is an amazing web of intricate systems, all working together for one goal - to keep you alive and well - and feeling amazing, of course. The musculoskeletal system helps us move and gives our body the framework it needs. It certainly deserves some tender loving care. Don’t you think?

I mentioned several products from Young Living plus a few other things that make it super simple to support your bones, muscles, and joints - so, let me make it easy for you to just load them into your cart without all the search time! 

Find all the recommendations from the class and then some-


Also, CLICK HERE to download my quick reference guide, '5 Simple Ways to Care for Your Bones, Muscles, & Joints' so you can keep this info handy! Our community is here and ready to come alongside you in this journey to better wellness! And, as always, I am here to help if you have any questions!

And, BONUS info...I've also got a mini aches & pains text series you can grab by texting keyword 'pain relief' to 850-312-1869.

Happy Oiling,
Sherri
Let's Connect





Gardening & Oils

I have been waiting for MONTHS to talk to you about gardening.  As soon as the temps started to rise here in Florida, I was itching to start my garden back up.  I know plenty of people enjoy seasons, but I find any temperature lower than 60 degrees offensive, lol.  

Without waiting any longer...let's dive into gardening with oils.

So you’re a gardener...or maybe a startup gardener! Wherever you land, there are some basic things that seem to apply to everyone during the stages of their gardening journey.

Things like weeds, pests, and bad harvests show up in every garden, every year. But this class is going to be your ticket to tackling even the hardest of seasons. You’ll have tricks up your sleeve that will help you succeed from the day the seed goes into the ground until the day you harvest it. 

Using essential oils in the gardening process helps us garden in a way that results in fruits and veggies that have been lovingly cared for in the most organic way. You can even achieve that affordably, sustainably, and without the use of harsh chemicals, friend! 

It’s no secret that bugs can totally ruin your garden plans. From eating your plants to taking a bite out of you, they can really dampen any gardening dreams! 
You could use insecticides or sprays made from harsh chemicals, but certainly at a cost to you and the environment. They can lead to bioaccumulation of toxins in your body (and even in your plants) that are linked to chronic illness and disease!

Fortunately, Young Living recently released an Insect Repellent that has been tested to repel mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas using 100% naturally derived, plant-based ingredients. Pure sesame oil and a carefully selected blend of essential oils traditionally used for their bug-repellent properties come together to make up all 99% of the active ingredients in this formula. The other 1%? Vitamin E. That means you can use it on your little ones and not worry about the synthetic chemicals used in many traditional repellents. You’ll also love the pleasant, citrusy aroma and smooth, non-sticky application.

If you’re more of a DIY kind of person, try this easy Outdoor Spray recipe! It can be used on you OR your plants! #HowConvenient

Keep in mind, you should spritz this on your plants once at night.  Doing it in the morning may burn the leaves as the sun rises. We want to keep those plants safe and protected as much as possible! 
Now, what about the pets we love and adore but can’t seem to keep out of our gardens? As much as we love them, let’s face it, they can get into the garden and cause quite a mess.

A simple and safe way to encourage them to stay away is by using scents. Dogs dislike the smell of Black Pepper and cats dislike the smell of Rosemary. Therefore, they’ll choose to stay away from areas with that scent. And if you didn’t know already, those essential oils exist! Perfect!
You can waste SO many hours on weeds. Summer is short enough, let’s not spend unnecessary time dealing with weed overgrowth!

If you’re trying to get rid of unwanted plant growth that doesn’t involve harmful chemicals (linked to so many neurological, hormone, and overall health imbalances) just know there are some safe alternatives. Weeds HATE Cinnamon so try your hand at this easy 'Wither the Unwanteds' DIY. 

Sometimes ‘unwanted friends’ begin to grow on our beloved plants. That can cause poor growth, bad harvests, or even plant death. They can block the pores of the plant responsible for breathing and eventually choke out the plant completely. They can also steal vital nutrients from the plants which significantly decreases the amount of your harvest! We don’t want that! Whip up some 'Plant Love' spray to.... well, show your plants some love!

Let's look on the bright side. Even though it’s a chore, something about removing weeds is rewarding. Don’t you think? 

If you’ve been around the garden scene a while you’ve probably heard of companion planting. And if you haven’t heard, let me enlighten you!  Some plants play well together; others do not. This is because every plant has certain nutrients that it uses from the soil for growth and fruit production. Also, plants excrete certain byproducts back into the soil that can either help or hinder your harvest!

If you grow two types of plants next to each other that both rely strongly on nitrogen for growth, they will compete and overuse the nitrogen in the soil and starve each other out! Corn and tomatoes are an example of plants that don’t play nice.  Conversely, if you plant two types of plants next to each other that eat different nutrients they will work together to promote each other’s growth. A good example of this is tomatoes and carrots. They work together in the soil. Therefore, plant them next to each other and it will result in a more bountiful harvest. 

So what does this have to do with essential oils? Well, essential oils are made from plants so consider using oils in place of your companion plants. For example, if you are looking to plant Lavender next to Green Beans, grab your Lavender essential oil instead. Create a “Companion Spray” to use on the soil and leaves of the plant using this guide. So easy! 
Did you know that some plants self-pollinate? Fruits like peppers can stand alone and produce fruit. Not every plant does that. Lots of them need the help of cross-pollination between male and female plants!  Know who helps with that?! POLLINATORS!

Bees and butterflies are some of the friendliest insects you can get into your garden! Without them you’ll have measly harvests and be disappointed that all your hard work didn’t result in the delicious produce you wanted! Pollinators are attracted to the smell of flowers and luckily some of our wonderful essential oils are distilled from flowers… so convenient! Create a spray using essential oils to spritz on the flowering buds of your garden to encourage pollinators to come in and get the job done!

Now we're getting to the good part...HARVEST SEASON! All your hard work and patience has paid off and you get to pluck delicious fresh food from the earth and eat to your heart’s content!

If you’re like me, sometimes I find that fresh produce goes bad before I can eat it. That’s because bacteria rests on your fruit and without the support of a plant, the fruits and veggies break down and can grow nasty spots on them.

As you can see, it’s important to always wash your fruits and veggies! It keeps you and your family from ingesting yucky things the produce may have tagging along.
Young Living has an exclusive Thieves Fruit and Veggie Soak (and a spray!) that you can use for this very reason. Soaking the food loosens the dirt and other crud and rinses it right down the drain.

You can even make your very own “produce soak’ with a sinkful of warm water and several drops of Thieves and Lemon essential oils. Super simple! 

Have you ever noticed that once the fruits and veggies get in the house those pesky winged creatures magically appear?! Try out this simple diffuser recipe, using your essential oils, to keep yourself sane. 
Let's end today with a little self-care. You know you love your plants when you are willing to break your back, scrape up your fingers, and endure biting bugs in order to give them the best chance they’ve got!
 
Muscle Love
Stiffness can be a thing of the past when you use a 
Deep Relief Roll-On or Panaway on sore muscles. Simply roll or drop the oil on the area that is giving you grief. Use as needed!
 
Skin Love
Lavender is an oil no gardener should ever be without! It may help cleanse and soothe minor skin irritations so keep it on hand. It also can be soothing to the skin after a day in the sun.
 
If you forget to apply your outdoor spray, don’t worry. This roller recipe will be just what you need! 
I want to give you a very heartfelt THANK YOU for taking the time to learn with me! Gardening is very near and dear to my heart, and sharing ways to improve the gardening experience is an honor and a privilege. I  deeply and passionately believe that we all deserve better health and wellness and that applies to everything we do and love!
I hope you were blessed by the class and that you learned something new! If you need links for any of the oils or items above, I've linked them here for your convenience!

Shopping List:
You can find my favorite accessories for clean living - roller bottles, spray bottles, witch hazel and more here.

And you can grab all the oils at this link!

Happy Oiling,
Sherri



Healthy Skin, Hair & Nails- all the Don'ts and Do's!


Are you ready? We are about to dive right into the basics of the integumentary system. In other words, we are going to talk about your hair, skin, and nails - and how to support them! 

So often we look at our hair, skin, or nails and think it only needs support from the surface, but that is definitely not the case! Now don’t get me wrong, taking care of those things topically matters. But what I want to challenge you with today is to focus on what’s happening on the inside and how it affects what you see happening on the outside

Our body is a complex web of interworking systems. When your liver is abused, you might start to notice it in the color of your skin. When your gut isn’t working properly, you might start to notice things like psoriasis or eczema. When your hormones are imbalanced, you might start to see an increase in acne or hair loss. See how it all connects? 

Well, don’t let that overwhelm you. We will discuss the basics of the integumentary system so you can see the whole picture. Then we will talk about some of the WORST things you can do and some of the BEST things you can do for your hair, skin, and nails. We want you to leave feeling more empowered than ever! Ready to dive in? Let’s go! 


So what exactly is the integumentary system? Well, to put it simply - it’s your hair, skin, and nails. To put it more scientifically, it’s the epidermis, dermis, hypodermis, associated glands, hair, and nails. You get the gist! 

The integumentary system is the largest organ of the body! It forms a physical barrier between the outside environment and the inside environment of our bodies. Its main job is to protect all the vulnerable things within as well as maintain them. It’s your body’s first line of defense against pathogens so it plays an important role in immunity. This system also orchestrates wound healing, regulates body temperature, helps to synthesize Vitamin D, and detect stimuli. 

Your skin is a tightly knit network of cells, making it very durable against everyday wear and tear. The epidermis is that top layer that you can see and feel. The dermis is the layer below that, which contains blood and lymph vessels, nerves, sweat glands, and hair follicles.

Then there is the hypodermis. It’s the connective tissue that provides additional cushion and insulation through fat storage. It also connects the top layers of skin to underlying structures like muscles and organs. 

Hair comes from the epidermis but grows its roots deep into the dermis. It mainly serves to protect the skin, increase sensory function, and aid in regulating body temperature. Hair also filters harmful particles from entering the eyes, ears, nose, etc.   

Nails form as layers of keratin on the tips of fingers and toes. Nails have an important job - to protect the fingers and toes, which are prone to repeated trauma. Nails also help increase the precision of movements and enhance sensation. 

Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s see what things can DISRUPT this intricate system. Eeek!! 



Ok, I know you’ve been dying to know. What things are you eating or using that is causing flare ups in your skin, abnormal nails, and hair loss? Well, it could be a combination of things from poor gut health to hormone imbalance to topical microbial imbalances. So let’s break it down and focus on some of the main culprits… 

  1. Sugar: A diet high in sugar from simple carbohydrates can actually damage the collagen and elastin our body naturally produces, the proteins that give your skin shape and structure. Sugar consumed in this form can also cause blood sugar spikes, which can increase inflammation within the body and cause acne breakouts and exacerbate issues like eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis. 
  1. Inflammatory Foods: Processed meats, fried food, high amounts of alcohol, soda, candy, and refined grains are all considered foods that can increase inflammation in the body. Gluten and dairy can cause issues for some as well. You may also want to consider your sources for fat. Highly processed refined vegetable oils are rich in omega-6 fatty acids. While this isn’t necessarily bad, it can cause inflammation if it’s not met with an appropriate level of omega-3 fatty acids (fish, avocado, nuts, seeds, etc.). 
  1. Stress: Chronic stress can lead to a plethora of issues, one being candida (yeast) overgrowth and issues with the digestive system - which we know plays a major role in what our hair, skin, and nails look like. When stress is present, the body naturally produces a higher level of cortisol. Cortisol increases sugar in the bloodstream and since candida feeds off of sugar, it can grow at a rapid rate. It can also alter the immune system’s ability to respond appropriately. 
  1. Medications & Antibiotics: While medications and antibiotics have their place in today’s approach to health, they can most certainly have an effect on the body - and it’s not always positive. Not only can some have unknown side-effects, but many can cause digestive or hormonal imbalances, which most certainly can manifest itself in the hair, skin, and nails. Painkillers can actually reduce your glutathione levels, which is considered one of the body’s most important antioxidants and detoxifiers. They can also be quite taxing on organs like the kidney and liver, which we need for removing toxins in the body. 
  1. Toxic Products: Your skin is your biggest organ and it absorbs what you put on it. Think about all the products you use in a day - lotions, makeup, soaps, cleaners, laundry detergents, body sprays - the list is long! Our skin absorbs those ingredients and they enter our bloodstream. Products that contain harsh chemicals, parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrance can wreak havoc on our hormones and can even begin to accumulate in the body… you don’t want that in your system! Your skin needs to be able to excrete toxins and protect your body from intruders, so don’t bog it down with toxic products.
Which of these do you think you want to work on removing first? 

If you are now thinking, “Oh gosh. I do a lot of these things!”... don’t fret! Now you know and can do better! Wellness is a journey; it requires baby steps to create major lifestyle changes over time. Here are some things you can start implementing to help support your integumentary system.  


  1. Adopt an anti-inflammatory diet. Eat fruits and vegetables every day! There are so many delicious options - peaches, pineapple, mangos, berries, oranges, apples, pumpkin, broccoli, kale, spinach, zucchini, squash, sweet potatoes, spinach, tomatoes, garlic, etc. You can also include things like chia seeds, flaxseeds, beans, chickpeas, lean proteins like turkey and salmon, eggs, herbs, and healthy fats like avocado oil and ghee. 
  1. Consume antioxidants regularly. Antioxidants protect the body from free radicals, which can cause illness and aging. High amounts of antioxidants can be found in these foods: goji berries (aka wolfberries), blueberries, pecans, dark chocolate, artichokes, elderberries, kidney beans, cranberries, cilantro, clove, cinnamon, oregano, turmeric, dried parsley, basil, ginger, and thyme. Another great source is Young Living’s NingXia Red drink. It’s made with a wolfberry puree along with juice from blueberries, plums, cherries, aronia berries, and pomegranates - AND a proprietary blend of essential oils, which also contain antioxidants. 
  1. Choose healthy fats and nutrient-dense foods. The best sources for healthy fats include things like avocados, raw or organic grass-fed butter, omega-3 rich fish like wild-caught salmon or anchovies, coconut oil, and extra virgin olive oil. You may also want to include dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, or collards. If this is difficult for you, consider adding Young Living’s OmegaGize³ and MultiGreens to your supplement stash! 
  1. Support your gut. Microbiome imbalances in the gut can translate to unhealthy inflammatory responses in the skin. Choose foods rich in probiotics to help support a healthy level of good bacteria in the gut - things like kefir, sauerkraut, kombucha, kimchi, miso, raw milk, and brine-cured olives. You may also want to consider taking a probiotic supplement daily. Young Living has a highly potent one called Life 9 that contains 17 billion live cultures from nine beneficial bacteria strains.
  1. Drink sufficient water daily. Dehydration can lead to dry and itchy skin, brittle nails, loss of skin elasticity, and more. You should strive to drink half your body in ounces per day. Add a citrus Vitality oil of your choice or try one of YL's Vitality Drops to boost the flavor and add some antioxidants!  
  1. Support your detoxification pathways. Your liver and kidney are two of your body’s major detoxifying organs. You need them to be working properly in order to remove toxins and even do things like excrete excess hormones so your skin can display a healthy inflammatory response. Two Young Living products that come to mind are JuvaPower, which supports healthy liver function, and K&B tincture, which supports normal kidney and bladder function. 
  1. Monitor your exposure to harmful UV rays. While exposure to sunlight has its benefits, it is important to note that overexposure to UV rays can cause skin to age prematurely and even cause damage to hair and nails. It can also increase your risk for skin cancer. Consider using Young Living’s Mineral Sunscreen, which is free of harsh chemicals and made with zinc oxide. 
  1. Mitigate stress levels. Stress can trigger inflammation and accelerate the aging process. Find ways to incorporate rest and relaxation into your schedule, allowing your body to get the proper sleep it needs. Some of my favorite essential oils to encourage a calming atmosphere is Stress AwayPeace & CalmingFrankincense, and Northern Lights Black Spruce. You can diffuse/inhale them or apply them topically. 
  1. Choose non-toxic products. To reduce the amount of toxins your body is exposed to, consider using clean products from Young Living. Their products will never contain formaldehyde, artificial dyes, petroleum, mineral oil, sulfates, or parabens. Young Living has an entire line of personal care products like lotions, soaps, dental care, hair care, makeup, and more! You can even find replacements for your household cleaners and laundry soaps in the Thieves line.
  1.  Implement quality supplements. Sometimes there just isn’t enough time in the day to get all the nutrients and vitamins our bodies need, so we supplement. But not all supplements are created equally. Young Living’s are all backed by their Seed to Seal quality commitment and infused with premium essential oils to increase their bioavailability in the body. Choose some great skin-loving supplements like these to add to your routine - Sulfurzyme (we will talk about more in depth next), Mineral Essence (contains royal jelly!), Super CSuper BAgilease (contains collagen and turmeric), Golden Turmeric, and Thyromin (supports the thyroid). Oh! And did you know that Young Living’s meal replacement, Balance Complete, has zinc and biotin in it? Both of those are two wonderfully supportive nutrients for healthy hair, skin, and nails!
Which one of these suggestions surprises you the most? 

Now, I want to take a minute to highlight two of my favorites before we wrap this up...


Sulfurzyme is a MUST! 

It supports joint health, aids the immune system, and helps support normal metabolic function, circulation, and bone, hair, and skin health. It can even help support recovery time of joints after exercise. How cool is that?! It’s definitely one you are going to want to keep on hand! 

Remember how I said wolfberries (goji berries) contain antioxidants? Well, Sulfurzyme is made with 

Ningxia wolfberry fruit powder! It’s also made with MSM, a dietary sulfur that can encourage a healthy inflammatory response in the body. It’s also a naturally antioxidant that supports collagen and keratin production, two proteins you need for healthy hair, skin, and nails. 

Take 2 capsules 2 times daily or as needed 1 hour before or after meals.


Now let’s talk a little more in depth about a supplement I mentioned earlier - Life 9. It’s a highly potent probiotic that supports healthy immune function, helps maintain optimal metabolism, and promotes normal intestinal function. With 17 billion live cultures from nine beneficial bacteria strains, it’s the perfect way to support your gut health.

If you take a look at the list of ingredients, you’ll notice that the majority of the probiotic strains come from the Lactobacillus genus, which means they are lactic-acid producing bacteria. This acid is necessary to maintain proper pH of the skin. I know we often think that skincare is just topical - but it goes much deeper than that! Support your gut and you should notice a difference everywhere else. 

Take 1 capsule every night following a meal or as needed. For best results, take 1 capsule 8 hours after using Inner Defense, another incredible immune-supporting supplement. 


Thank you so much for setting aside time to look at the integumentary system with us and what Young Living has to offer you in terms of supporting it. 

Your body is an amazing web of intricate systems, all working together for one goal - to keep you alive and well - and feeling amazing, of course. If you want healthy hair, skin, and nails, it’s important to give the integumentary system all the support it needs - from the inside, out! I hope this class left you feeling more equipped to do just that. 

As promised, CLICK HERE to download my quick refence guide on the '10 Ways to Improve Your Hair, Skin, & Nails' so you can keep this info handy! Our community is here and ready to come alongside you in this journey to better wellness! And, as always, I am here to help if you have any questions!

I emphasized two really helpful supplements from Young Living today plus a few other products over the last few days that make it super simple to support this system so I've linked all the good stuff for you below along with some of my favorite clean living accessories.  Easy buttons are where it's at, amiright?





Happy Oiling,
Sherri
Let's Connect
 



Why Cleaning with Thieves Changes the Game

Health and wellness is on the rise but many products that are being advertised as “safe” and “all-natural”, are anything but.  The packages are pretty and the labels are clever, but the more you dig, the more you find out. Let me help you decide what’s truly safe and give you the tools you need to start making simple swaps for a healthier home. 

The American Lung Association explains how many common household cleaning products can lead to health problems like eye and throat irritation, headaches, respiratory issues, allergic reactions, worsened asthma, and possibly even cancer! Yuck!! We don’t want that. 


Ingredients to Avoid

When choosing products to use in our houses, it seems easiest to just grab whatever items are available at our local stores. However, those products may not be the safest. Sadly many of them - even the “green” ones - contain ingredients you do NOT want in your house or anywhere near your family. But what ARE those ingredients and why don’t we want to use them? Let’s take a look! 

Formaldehyde - This is a preservative that is often seen in lotions, cosmetics, and baby wipes. It’s a known carcinogen and can cause skin and respiratory irritations.

Phthalates - These are a group of chemicals found in personal care products and many plastics and vinyls. They can affect your endocrine system, reproductive health, and even potentially cause cancer.

VOCs - Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are gases that are emitted into the air. They’re found in some building materials, home and personal products, 
gasoline, and even things like glue and permanent markers. Breathing VOCs can cause eye, nose and throat irritation as well as difficulty breathing and nausea, even damage to the central nervous system and other organs. Some VOCs can even cause cancer. 

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) - These are surfactants commonly used as an emulsifying cleaning agent in household cleaning products (laundry detergents, spray cleaners, and dishwasher detergents). In other words they keep things mixed up and help them create lather. Oftentimes they are synthetically derived and have the potential to cause skin irritation. 

Ethanolamines (MEA, DEA, and TEA) - These are found in many household and personal care products and have been linked to organ system toxicity, bioaccumulation, and even cancer.  

Triclosan - This is found in many antibacterial soaps, hand sanitizers, and detergents as well as some toothpastes, deodorants, cosmetics, plastics, and more. It can affect the thyroid and endocrine system and was recently banned by the FDA to be used in “antiseptic washes” but can still be found in some other products like toothpaste, cosmetics, and even clothing, kitchenware, furniture, and toys.

Fragrance - The word “fragrance” can appear on a label and contain an enormous list of ingredients that a company is not required to disclose, as it is considered a ‘trade secret.’ That means a product could contain some awful ingredients and the consumer wouldn’t even know! These chemicals could be linked to cancer, reproductive and developmental toxicity, allergies and sensitivities. Why take the risk?

These are just a FEW of the ingredients you want to avoid when bringing products into your home. But my oh my! Doesn’t that sound exhausting to have to read label after label, wondering if what you’re using is safe?

Well, I’ve got good news! You don’t have to. You won’t find ANY of those ingredients in Young Living products, especially in the Thieves line. You can trust that what you’re purchasing is truly a SAFE product. Young Living never uses any artificial dyes, harsh chemicals, or synthetic fragrances. How wonderful is that?!

And the best part… it all comes directly to your door. Easy peasy!

Now we are going to take a look at the individual Thieves products Young Living has to offer and what makes them so special. 


Why Thieves?

All the products within the Thieves line contain the proprietary Young Living essential blend called Thieves, which is a sweet and spicy combination of Clove, Cinnamon Bark, Eucalyptus Radiata, Rosemary, and Lemon essential oils. The name ‘Thieves’ was inspired by the legend of four 15th-century French thieves who formulated and wore a special aromatic combination of clove, rosemary, vinegar, and other botanicals that they believed provided protection while they were stealing. The story goes on to say that when the thieves were caught they were offered a lesser punishment if they would divulge to the king the secret to their immunity, despite being exposed to a highly infectious, deadly disease. Pretty interesting, huh??



Thieves Household Cleaner 

We are going to talk about this one first because it is by far the most beloved product of the Thieves family. It’s a member's favorite thanks to its comforting smell, crazy versatility, and excellent cost- effectiveness! So what makes it so special? 

Thieves Household Cleaner is a plant-based, ultra-concentrated cleaner that can be used on virtually every surface of your home… bathrooms, kitchens, cabinets, counters, floors, furniture, toys, carpets, mirrors, glass, wood, walls, and more! If you’re a little unsure about using it on something, go ahead and test it in an inconspicuous area. I have personally never had an issue using it on ANYTHING. It’s the only cleaner I use!

AND it’s safe to use around your pets and kids, too! It’s created with naturally occurring surfactants derived from coconut and sugars, so you get a powerful clean without harmful, abrasive chemicals. It’s even septic-safe!

Remember I said it was ultra-concentrated? Well, all you have to do is add ONE capful to every 2 cups of water and you’ve got an all-purpose cleaner! If you purchase the 14.4 oz. bottle of Thieves Household Cleaner you will get a little over 28 bottles of all-purpose cleaner with that dilution ratio. At the wholesale price, that makes each bottle around $0.91 a piece! If you purchase the larger 64 oz. bottle you will get around 128 bottles of all-purpose cleaner, which makes them around $0.77 a piece! How incredible is that?

Most people grab a glass spray bottle to use and a cute label from Etsy, just for fun, but you can use a plastic spray bottle if you’d like. I have even added a little splash to my dishwasher and my washing machine to kick up the cleaning power. 

Stay tuned next week some BONUS recipes using your Thieves Household Cleaner!


Thieves in the Kitchen

You may be thinking, “Why do I need to worry about the soap I use to wash my dishes?”  Well, you aren't eating the plate for lunch. However, you do put food ON your plate. The food picks up the detergent residue from the plate and then you ingest the food. That means that you ARE ingesting the soap or detergent. You also inhale the chemicals as the dishwasher releases them during washing. Ahhh!!! But don’t worry… I have some solutions!  

Thieves Automatic Dishwasher Powder
Thieves Automatic Dishwasher Powder combines the power of natural enzymes, essential oils, citric acid, and saponins derived from soapberries for a superior cleaning system without the use of harsh chemicals. It’s also infused with essential oils for extra effectiveness and a great, fresh scent. It removes dried-on food, grease, oil, and other contaminants so you can enjoy sparkling clean dishes without compromising your health. 


Thieves Dish Soap
Easily swap out your not-so-safe dish soap with Thieves Dish Soap. This plant-based solution is infused with Jade Lemon and Bergamot essential oils, and of course, the Thieves blend. It contains no sulfates, dyes, formaldehyde, phosphates, or synthetic perfumes and uses natural grease-cutting agents, leaving dishes sparkling clean with no residue. Your hands will also thank you for using such a gentle formula. 

You may notice that this soap isn’t quite as sudsy as traditional dish soaps. That’s because they don’t add the harmful chemical that creates the bubbles. So… I have an easy hack for you that not only creates more bubbles but will also TRIPLE your bottle of soap! #WinWin  First, remove 2/3 of the soap from the bottle and store it for later. Add 1 tsp baking soda to the remaining soap. Fill with distilled or filtered water and shake until all mixed together. Use as directed on the bottle. So easy!

Before we move on, let’s talk about two more Thieves products you can use in your kitchen - Thieves Fruit & Veggie Soak and Thieves Fruit & Veggie Spray. They’re both the same formula but come in different containers. The soak comes in a small jug; you simply add a little to a basin of water, soak, rinse, and enjoy eating your fruits and vegetables as nature intended. The spray can be used to give your produce a quick spritz before rinsing and enjoying! It’s great for on-the-go uses or to bring along for camping trips or vacations. 

The Fruit and Veggie Soak and Spray are infused with the Thieves, DiGize, and Purification essential oils blends and are great for both conventional and organically grown produce, safely and effectively cleaning them before consumption. Because believe me - once you see what comes off, you will be glad you decided to wash them!


Thieves in the Laundry Room

The laundry room is a place most of us spend a lot of time in. I mean, we all need clean clothes, right? One would think it’s safe to just use whatever laundry soap or detergent you want based on the smell and washing ability. Sadly - that’s not the case. 

Unfortunately, the majority of the laundry soaps and detergents available to us are riddled with dangerous chemicals such as 1,4-dioxane; fragrance; SLS; and more. We breathe in those chemicals as the laundry is being washed and dried (hello toxic dryer sheets!) AND we can even be absorbing them as we wear our clothes and snuggle into our blankets and towels. Ahhh! Why risk things like skin, nose, throat, and lung irritation or long-term effects to our organs and hormones? Some of these dangerous chemicals have even been linked to cancer yet they’re still readily available to us and marketed as “safe” and “normal.”

Thankfully, Young Living wants nothing to do with those chemicals and has given you a legitimately SAFE solution with Thieves Laundry Soap. It is made of plant-based ingredients and leaves no chemical or synthetic residue so you can snuggle up with NO worries! It contains natural enzymes and cleaning agents and of course, the most powerful essential oils on the planet. Your clothes will be fresh and clean and left with a light citrus scent, not a heavy perfume.

The best part about this soap is that it’s concentrated so a little goes a long way! You can get 64 loads with just one 32-ounce bottle, making it economical AND a safe alternative for your family. Want to get DOUBLE that? Try this hack! 

  1. Remove 16 oz. soap from the bottle (half).
  2. Add 3 capfuls of Thieves Household Cleaner (as a booster; optional).
  3. Add 16 oz. distilled or filtered water.
  4. Gently shake until completely incorporated.
  5. Use as directed on the bottle.
One last trick...instead of grabbing dryer sheets (also filled with dangerous chemicals), grab some wool dryer balls from Amazon or a store like Trader Joe’s. It's such an easy switch! Add 3-5 drops of your choice of essential oil to each dryer ball and freshen up that laundry. 

Tip: add the oils to the balls at the end of the cycle and let them toss for 5 minutes for best results. 


Thieves Soaps

Everybody needs soap! Why not grab one made formulated with only the highest-quality, plant-based ingredients and infused with pure essential oils? You can cleanse and purify your skin and not have to worry about any harsh ingredients. There are two Thieves options to pick from: Thieves Cleansing Soap (bar) & Thieves Foaming Hand Soap. 

Thieves Cleansing Bar Soap
  • Provides natural, gentle exfoliation and soothing benefits from oat bran
  • Leaves skin feeling soft, smooth, and refreshed
  • Made with a 100% vegetarian formula and infused with Clove, Cinnamon Bark, Eucalyptus Radiata, Lemon, and Rosemary essential oils
  • Gentle enough for all skin types
  • Formulated with aloe vera to moisturize the skin
  • Formulated with non-gluten-containing ingredients
**BONUS TIP- the Thieves Bar Soap also makes an excellent stain stick...just wet the edge and rub onto your laundry's worst infractions!

Thieves Foaming Hand Soap
  • Combines Thieves, Lemon, and Orange essential oils with other naturally derived ingredients to clean hands
  • Instant foam makes it easy to lather and rinse
  • Leaves skin soft and clean with a light Thieves scent
  • Delivers a gentle clean for the whole family
  • Comes in a single, 3-pack, and a 32-oz. refill
Grab everything here! I made a few free printables for you too! And, you can grab those here.


Happy Oiling, Friend...

Sherri




 
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