This is a fun and easy DIY project that you can have the kids help with too! So bundle up, head outside and take a nature walk to find some pinecones and make the prefect holiday gift.
Supplies:
Pine Cones, baking sheet, foil, ziplock bag, twine or ribbon, and essential oils.
RECIPE:
1. Soak pine cones for about an hour to get rid of critters if you got them from outside.
2. Lay the cones out on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake them in a 200º oven for about 30 minutes. This helps the cones open up.
3. Once they have cooled, place them in a ziplock bag. Sprinkle about 30 drops of Cinnamon Bark essential oil on the cones in the bag. Cinnamon bark/Clove is also a great combo.
4. Let them sit in the bag for 1-2 weeks. Place in your favorite holiday bowl and enjoy the amazing holiday scent. Hang them on the tree or decorate a gift bag by hanging one from the handle.
Fleas are no joke and some reason they really really like me...ugh! Bella is lucky she is such a cute little dog because she has brought fleas in with her a few times. The last time we went camping she somehow brought a few home with her and I woke up with the all too familiar itchy red bites all over my legs. So I pulled out all the stops. Sprinkled diatomaceous earth all over the carpet, put flea lights out, gave the dog a flea bath and made up this spray to spray down the mattress and myself before bed. Thankfully I did not wake up with anymore bites!
So what is Diatomaceous Earth?
Diatomaceous Earth or DE is made from the fossilized remains of tiny, aquatic organisms called diatoms. When the skeletons decompose they turn into silica. You can find it at your local Tractor Supply store or feed stores as it is also used to keep bacteria out of feed for livestock. The powder is very fine so you want to be careful not to inhale it. I sprinkled it all over the carpet, let it sit for a few hours, then vacuumed it up. You will need to empty the vacuum and re-vacuum a few time. Also be sure when you are done to wash out your vacuum filters too.
Flea Lights
I wanted a non toxic way to trap any fleas that may still be hiding out so I found these flea traps that attract fleas by the heat of the light. There is a sticky mat inside that traps them. Click here for the traps I used.
DIY Flea Spray
So being a naturally minded person I did not want to use a bunch of chemicals to give my dog a flea bath so I found something that's active ingredients were all essential oils! That got me thinking... Why not make a spray using the same oils! So I looked at the ratios of each oil used and came up with this recipe that worked great for us! Next time I plan to add these essential oils to the Animal Scents Shampoo from Young Living I use on her and make my own flea bath :)
Supplies:
8 oz glass spray bottle
3 oz. distilled or purified water
3 oz. neutral spirit (I used vodka)
20 drops Thyme essential oil
25 drops Peppermint essential oil
35 drops Clove essential oil
40 drops Rosemary essential oil
40 drops Cedarwood essential oil
Recipe:
- Using a funnel add the water and vodka to the glass spray bottle.
- Add in the essential oils.
- Screw on spray top and shake well to mix.
- Spray all over the mattress, dogs bed (then wash it), yourself or other areas where you notice flea activity. I personally sprayed my mattress down a few times then again right before bed and spray myself before bed as well. I like to be extra cautious :)
Peppermint essential oilThis oil can be diffused to create a stimulating, focused atmosphere for daily tasks. You can also apply it topically to create a cool, tingling sensation on the skin, which can be very soothing after hard physical activity. I find peppermint is a must to apply to itchy bug bites to help cool and stop the itch. See my itch stick recipe here. Lots of critters do not like peppermint like mice too. You can take glass jars of DE, add a few drops of Peppermint to them and stash them on the basement to keep the mice away. Also great mixed in a spray bottle with equal parts water and neutral spirit for ants inside the house.
I am here to help you along you path to natural healing with essential oils. I will be here to help and support you on your journey. I provide a welcome gift to help you get started ad many other resources too.
Also Click Here for a free digital Essential Oils 101 class.
Looking for a fun and easy way to add aromatherapy to almost anything!? These simple and easy clay impressions can be added to things like bookmarks, made into jewelry, added to planters, the possibilities are endless. It's a fun and simple craft for the kids and adults to do this summer. So grab a basket and go collect some nature and have fun creating and trying different plants to make all sorts for fun designs.
Step #1: Collect things from nature
Have fun going around the yard and collect interesting looking leaves and things from nature. My daughter and I have found that leaves and plants with deep veins on the back work the best to make a nice impression. We take a little basket and have so much fun looking for new things to try out. Step #2: Prepare the clay
We have used both polymer clay and air dry clay. Both work well and come in a variety of colors. Kneed the clay to soften then roll it out using a rolling pin until it is about 1/4-1/8 " thick. Place leaves on clay and gently press in place. Then using the rolling pin apply light to medium pressure and roll over the leaves. Then gently remove leaves. I find using a tooth pick to lift the edge works well to get it started. Step #3: Cut out design
You can cut out your design using a thin knife or I used a plastic clay knife. You can also use cookie cutters depending on what you are using it for. No need to be perfect when cutting out a shape you can always fix any mistakes after by gently running a finger along the cut edge to smooth or once dry use a little sand paper for rough edges. If you want to hang your piece be sure at this point to add a hole in one end. I found a kabob skewer works really well.
Step #4: Dry the clay
Check the directions on the clay you used for either air dry instructions or baking instructions. Once dry and cooled you can add your impressions to just about anything!
Step #5: Add essential oils!
To add in a touch of aromatherapy simply place a drop of essential oil on your clay impression and rub in gently. Here are some great oils to try.
Bookmarks
Add the oils to your impression on a bookmark and then place the bookmark in the back of your book so you can smell the invigorating scent and stay focused while you read.
Lemon has a bright citrus scent that can uplift your mood.
Peppermint is invigorating and refreshing and creates a stimulating and focused atmosphere when diffused.
Tip: Mix both Peppermint and Lemon together to help give you an energy boost!
Jewelry pendents
Lavender has a scent that is fresh, floral, clean, and calm. Lavender may promote feelings of calm and fights occasional nervous tension and has balancing properties that calm the mind and body.
Stress Away contains a unique combination of Lime essential oil and vanilla extract. It promotes relaxation and a calming environment and has an inviting aroma that helps calm the mind.
These are just a few of my favorites but there are so many more! You can have so much fun trying out different oils on your clay impressions.
New to essential oils?
I am here to help you along you path to natural healing with essential oils. I will be here to help and support you on your journey. I provide a welcome gift to help you get started ad many other resources too.
Also Click Here for a free digital Essential Oils 101 class.
I have been spending a ton out time outside with the warm weather and sunshine! It is so important to remember to protect our skin by using a natural and safe sunscreen while playing in the sun. Plus I want to share a fun DIY recipe for you to get those beach waves in your hair without having to spend the day by the sea.
The low down on Sunscreen...
Most sunscreens on the market are filled with harmful toxins that when applied can be adsorbed through the skin into the blood stream. Oxybenzone is a common ingredient in sunscreen that is added to absorb UV light. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) rates it at an 8 or of 10 on the toxicity scale (10 being the most toxic). Oxybenzone is a known endocrine disruptor that meaning that it mimics estrogen in the body. This can cause reproductive issues, hormone related cancers, early puberty in girls and is a know skin allergen. As consumers we need to be vigilant in reading labels and choosing safe products for our families.
This natural sunscreen is free from harsh chemicals, making it a healthy alternative for adults and kids. It is free of Oxybenzone and uses zinc oxide, beeswax, coconut oil and essential oils. Use this sunscreen for added protection from UVA and UVB rays. Enjoy the outdoors worry free with up to 80 minutes of protection with water and sweat resistance. Dermatologist tested, recommended as an effective broad-spectrum sunscreen, Non-greasy, fast-absorbing formula, If used as directed with other sun protection measures, decreases the risk of skin aging caused by the sun and is reef safe. Comes in SPF 50.
Too much fun in the sun? I know how it goes you are swimming in the pool all day and forgot to reapply your sunscreen or you just forgot it all together. LavaDerm After Sun Spray is a naturally derived spray offers temporary relief from the pain and itching of minor burns, cuts, sunburns, scrapes, insect bites, and minor skin irritations. Soothes and cools skin, provides immediate relief & moisturizes to help prevent peeling.
Beach Waves Hair Spray
Want that textured wavy "I just spent the day at the beach" look for you hair?
This spray takes my perfectly straight hair and gives it beautiful waves and the scent of fresh sea air.
Supplies
4 oz spray bottle
1/2 cup boiling water
1 tbsp aloe Vera gel
1 tsp sugar
2 tsp salt
4 drops Lavender essential oil
4 drops Geranium essential oil
4 drops Tea Tree essential oil
Directions
- Dissolve the above ingredients in water with a whisk.
- Let cool and add 4 drops each of Lavender, Geranium and Tea Tree essential oils.
- Spray on damp hair for a perfect wavy beach look that smells like the beach too!
Geranium has a sweet, floral fragrance and has been used by the Egyptians to promote beautiful, radiant-looking skin when applied topically. Add Geranium to lotion, body wash, and hair care to enhance the aroma of your personal care products. Because Geranium oil has versatile benefits, you can also diffuse it to invite a peaceful, spiritual feeling in your living room or meditative space. Geranium may help maintain the appearance of healthy, youthful-looking skin, helps promote healthy, radiant-looking hair and may help cleanse the skin.
*Tip: Combine Geranium with oils like Lavender and Ylang Ylang to blend in a hot bath. The aromatic blend of floral and sweet smells creates a peaceful, private getaway.
Can I wear my Essential Oils in the Sun?
There are some essential oils that you should avoid on summer days when you will be out bathing in the sun. Instead apply the oils to the bottoms of your feet where they are less likely to get exposed to the sun. Here is a list of some of the oils and blends you want to practice caution with in the sun.
I am here to help you along you path to natural healing with essential oils. I will be here to help and support you on your journey. I provide a welcome gift to help you get started ad many other resources too.
Also Click Here for a free digital Essential Oils 101 class.
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With the warm weather and sunshine here we have all been spending a lot more time outdoors. But something else I have noticed is that the bugs have made their return too... You can keep the pests away using natural, toxin free options with essential oils. So skip the harmful DEET and other toxins and make your own or if you are not into the DIY thing Young Living has a great option that is ready to go :)
Click here for full blog post and recipes.
With warm weather comes flip flops and long days in the sun! Yay! Though too much fun in the sun can cause your skin to look a little dry and flaky and leave your feet looking not so pretty in those flops. Keep your skin and tootsies looking radiant and fresh with this delicious smelling sugar scrub. Want to know the best part? You most likely already have the ingredients in your kitchen!
Supplies:
5 oz. or larger mason jar
3/4 cup organic sugar
1/2 cup coconut oil
10-12 drops Orange essential oil
4 drops Ylang Ylang essential oil
mixing bowl and spatula
Directions:
1. Add sugar and coconut oil to mixing bowl and begin to stir. I find kind of mashing them together helps to combine them into a nice creamy texture.
2. Add essential oils and stir/mash again to combine.
3. Store in an airtight glass jar
4. Massage into skin, hands and feet in the shower, then rinse.
5. Pat dry and you will have the smoothest skin and feet and a lustrous glow too!
*You may want to wipe off the floor of the shower after, coconut oil can cause the shower floor to be a little slippery sometimes :)
This recipe makes a great little gift for that new mom or bride to be too!
Orange essential oil has a sweet, bright aroma reminiscent of a blossoming orchard of orange trees. Orange can be massaged into skin for an energizing aroma and be applied to skin in the evening to help reduce the appearance of blemishes. It can be added to household cleaner for a sweet citrus scent and works as an adhesive remover. Diffuse Orange to add a touch of warmth to your space any time of year. Try diffusing it with Valor and it will quickly become your favorite diffuser recipe. One of my favorite ways to use orange vitality is in my oatmeal in the morning for a delicious flavor.
Steam distilled from flowers of trees grown in Ecuador and Madagascar, Ylang Ylang essential oil has a sweet, romantic aroma and moisturizing properties, making it a key ingredient in many luxury skin and hair products. Ylang Ylang can help moisturize skin, enhances the appearance of healthy-looking skin, nourishes the hair and scalp. Mix 1–3 drops with coconut oil for a deep-conditioning hair treatment that will leave hair smelling sweet and floral. Diffusing or applying Ylang Ylang can keep romance alive in your bedroom with this warm, floral scent and helps create a calming environment. Rub Ylang Ylang on your wrists and neck to leave a calming, floral fragrance you can enjoy throughout the day.
I am here to help you along you path to natural healing with essential oils. I will be here to help and support you on your journey. I provide a welcome gift to help you get started ad many other resources too.
Also Click Here for a free digital Essential Oils 101 class.
