Days of Christmas - Day 10

Did you know that Young Living has a nice line of supplements as well as oils.  Yup!  I haven't personally tried Inner Defense yet.  They have all kinds to help balance your system, build it up and improve immune responses!  That includes protein powders too....they are pretty yummy!

We usually focus on the outside of our bodies, you know. washing your hands, using our elbow crook to sneeze or cough into.  With winter descending upon us it is good to focus on the inside as well because that will affect our outside!!  

Days of Christmas - Day 9

Did you know that Young Living has beauty products as well as products for wellness!  Ann's mom has used the shower gel and really loves it!  Start your day with something that doesn't have chemicals!!

Days of Christmas - Day 8

Ever wish that you could have a convenient way to send oils or travel with them and not have to have a bottle (like on the plane)?  Well, here is an interesting product for you!  Available in Lavender or Peppermint!

The new Lavender Essential Peel™ is an individually packaged, single-use cotton swatch saturated with pre-diluted essential oil. Containing 0.5 ml of total oil, this product is exclusive to Young Living and includes patents-pending packaging technology. The Essential Peel is ideal for use in professional settings, on-the-go, or for sharing and sampling essential oils. These packets are a quick, clean way to apply oils without waste; simply peel open the packet and inhale or apply topically as desired.

Rant on poor customer service

Rant on poor customer service from a bag company. Cross Posted. Stacy, if you don't allow this, please delete and let me know.

You know when you receive wonderful Customer service like we do with YL, you just expect everyone else to have the same CS, right? I have purchased several orders from www.yourorganzabag.com. Been pleased with the product BUT.......On my last attempt not pleased. When my purchase in the cart when to PayPal where I paid for my order, I never got a confirmation for my order. I thought it was strange but sometimes you don't see that e-mail come through right away. That was on Dec 4th. On Monday the 7th, I started to e-mail them to question why I didn't get the confirmation. It would have been simple for them to complete this order and get it to me on time. They, however, had to be badgered to answer e-mails. I contacted them everyday during the week to receive only two e-mails back from them. Today, they claim my payment was $10 short. Excuse me, their cart sent me to PayPal with the amount. If it was short it was the problem with their cart. They did nothing to make this matter right and I'll be darned if I will give them any more business even if another site charges more for the product I needed. The bags were for the Make & Take party I had last Saturday. I told them that I would report to my numerous Facebook groups of their awful CS and here I am. If you wish to let them know that their customer service causes you pause to order, it would be awesome (but not required). Their e-mail is sales@giftsintl.com. Buyer beware!!

Days of Christmas - Day 7

Today I did some shopping and have felt pretty blah!  I had some Ningxia Red which helped me through the afternoon but should have had some Zyng!!  Puts a punch in your step!  An energy drink without all the chemicals!!

Days of Christmas - 6

Did you know that you can create your own capsules with essential oils?  Yup!  Get your daily oils in a whole different way!

Days of Christmas - Day 5

The weekend around our house was filled to the brim with parties and the task of getting ready for them.  We will be posting day 5 today even though it really is day 7!  After working hard for days getting the house all decorated for Christmas and rushing back and forth from one end of the house to another, this Young Living product would have really been helpful to my aching muscles.  It will have to be on my next order!

Cool Azul™ Sports Gel is formulated with an unprecedented 10 percent (10 ml) of pure essential oils in every 3.4-oz. tube. The lead ingredient, aloe vera, further adds to its uniqueness by making the formula’s base highly beneficial. Along with hydrating the skin, our sports gel also boasts a topically cooling blend of Peppermint essential oil, menthol, and camphor and includes Plectranthus Oregano and Young Living-exclusive Dorado Azul essential oil.

The naturally derived ingredients give Cool Azul Sports Gel a unique consistency that makes application convenient and easy for anyone, including physical, sports, and massage therapists alike. No matter your training or fitness level, Cool Azul Sports Gel is a perfect choice to use before or after physical activity.

So, if you love to go to the gym, this should be a mainstay in your gym bag!!

Oily Christmas - Day 4

Peppermint.  Of all the scents in the world, peppermint could possibly be the favorite, don't you think?  Now, Peppermint Essential oil is overly useful.  Cooking, diffusing, and using to promote a healthy digestion, and freshen your breathe!  Throbbing in your head?  Yup, peppermint! You can even use it layered over oils when you don't care for their smell (like Digize for me).  Probably my most favorite oil!   You have two days until I send in my order......do you want to try a bottle of peppermint for yourself?  Let me know by Monday morning!  Try peppermint for yourself and you will be IN LOVE!  No candy cane smell to this either (that tells you that it has been over processed) only the smell of a fresh crushed leaf of peppermint straight from your garden.

Oily Christmas - Day 3

Today is the 3rd day of Christmas and what oil will we celebrate?  Christmas Spirit!!  This oil diffused is Christmas in a bottle for sure.  Add a little Evergreen oil to it and you find yourself thinking that the tree is fresh cut.  I diffused Christmas Spirit and Evergreen Essence while decorating my house and it really made the season for me!!  Isn't my little Annalee Angel cute?  ;-)

Oily Days of Christmas

Let's have a little bit of fun with Essential Oils and the Days of Christmas.

Our first day is Frankincense.  So fitting since it was one of the gifts brought to the Christ child.  We all want beautiful skin, right?  You can add Frankincense to any of your lotions and it will do wonders for your skin tone.  Frankincense is 24% less when you are a wholesale member!

Now, let's do a little bit of catch up and look at the 2nd day of Christmas since this IS December 2nd!!  Nutmeg......one of those 'use at Christmas' kind of spices.  With 80 drops in a bottle this little baby will last and last!  (You don't have to worry about it getting old because essential oils last for years when kept in a cool dark location).  When you don't need a teaspoon of nutmeg (one drop of the oil), you can use a toothpick dipped into the bottle to retrieve less than a drop.   Makes my mouth water thinking of all the yummy Christmas goodies.  So, when you overeat your Christmas goodies, grab the Nutmeg to support digestive and Kidney systems.  Your breathe will be nice and fresh too!

Young Living's Black Friday Sale

What would the holiday season be without the start of a sale?  Right??!!  Well, Young Living didn't want to be left out so they will be having their own Black Friday sale but it begins today!  AND you can shop from the comfort of your own home with no crowds to fight.

They have some awesome items on their sale.

• Life 5 supplement is the perfect choice for supporting your gut health
• Ningxia drink support whole body wellness and tastes so yummy.  Choose quicker shipping so those beautiful bottles don't freeze!
• Thieves Holiday kit.  What???  This is an awesome set.  A bottle of Thieves concentrated cleaner (I use a 30:1 ratio for most of my cleaning), Thieves mouthwash and a Thieves spray that you can carry in your purse to spray those germy public places.
• Black Spruce Essential Oil 
• Helichrysum Essential Oil - an awesome oil for bruises and wound swelling.
• Aria Diffuser - can play your MP3's and do all kinds of fancy stuff.  

Only a few days left...plus a diffuser blend!

Only 5 days left to take advantage of my special offer!  Free Valor Essential Oil with the purchase of a Premium Starter Kit!  Only two left!!  Let me know right away if you are interested.

Now.......Thanksgiving is right around the corner and if you are like me, you shun most Christmas things before Thanksgiving, However, I think you'll have to have an exception to the rule!  Get your diffuser out and try this super yummy mix.  Everyone will think you are baking!!  With Stress Away in the mix you'll feel the stress just melt away as you get ready for family!  No family coming? That's okay, just relax and dream of Gingerbread Men!

Courtesy of Stacy Manfredi here are a few more blends for you!!

Sweater Weather

• 6 drops Cypress
• 3 drops Idaho Balsam Fir

Winter Morning

• 3 drops Purification®
• 3 drops Eucalyptus Globulus
• 3 drops Pine
• 1 drop Petitgrain (optional)

Autumn Hike

• 7 drops Idaho Balsam Fir
• 2 drops Blue Cypress
• 1 drop Wintergreen
• 1 drop Bergamot (optional)

All over the world

Did you know that Young Living Essential Oils are sold all over the world.  Yup!  That's right!  So, if you are interested in them but don't live in the United States, it is NO problem!  Look at all the locations from their home page!  So.......what are you waiting for!  Let me help you get on board for wellness!

How a Diffuser Works

Amy Chomas, guest poster, says:

Every wonder how the diffuser works, in easy to follow and understand terms? Well I'm here to tell you.
A diffuser operates using Bernoulli’s Principle. Diffusers tend to be large at the bottom and small at the top. The large space at the bottom is where the ultrasonic plate vibrates, shaking up the oil particles and mixing them with the mist that’s produced.
The mist floats to the top of the diffuser, which gets more narrow at the top, ending in a small opening.
With the narrowed space at the top, the vapor pressure increases, and the speed at which it moves decreases. It’s like the rush of a crowd through the Target doors on Black Friday. They reach the doors and everyone gets squeezed together.
Once the vapor passes through the hole in the diffuser, pressure decreases and the speed it moves increases. The vapor literally explodes up and out of the diffuser, filling your room with the humidified air and essential oils. Again, you can think of the chaos inside Target as shoppers actually make it through the doors.
************************

Thank you, Amy!  Now that you know how it works, maybe you might like to consider borrowing Ann's diffuser to see how you like it!  Choose one of the options below and let her know.  Please note that this is available only to those who live within the Metro Portland, Oregon area as the diffuser will not be mailed.   Our next post will be about different types of diffusers available from Young Living.

Holiday Shopping mistakes.

Thanksgiving is right around the corner and so is the time for Christmas shopping.  Shhhhh!  I know, I said the C word BEFORE Thanksgiving.  But, I want to touch on something that will more than likely bombard you this year!  Essential oils!  No.......I'm not trying to tell you that's all you should get as gifts!  I will tell you, however, that there will be many companies pushing their idea of what an essential oil is.

A popular company not normally in the oil game recently came out with an Essential oil kit for the holiday season.  They say the oils are unadulterated (no carrier oils added) BUT it is what they are NOT telling you that should set off warning bells.  One blend is mostly citrus oils.  What they aren't saying is that you should stay out of the sun for at least 12 hours because citrus oils are photo-sensitive.  In very small print, they say their oils are for external use only. THAT is another warning bell.  A pure therapeutic oil can often be for more than external use.

So, why am I telling you all of this?  Because I want you to be SAFE. Companies selling essential oils should be open in how they manufacturer their oils.  Does the company get distilled oils from China where there aren't stringent testings on product? Do they distill with chemicals or spray the plant with chemicals?  They can do these things and still be labeled as 100% pure essential oil.  Are they labeled Therapeutic?  Your oils should be!  Also essential oils, when stored correctly, don't have an expiration date!  My recommendation is to research and get your oils only from companies who are open about their processes and encourage outside testing.

I KNOW where mine come from and how they are planted, grown, distilled, tested and bottled.  It is a process called Seed to Seal and NO other company can claim this!    Watch here to learn more.

Don't be mislead into buying the fake Coach purse....what you have in the end is only an imitation. In the case of essential oils, it could be harmful!

The Starter Kit and a special offer!

The Young Living Essential Oils starter kit is such an awesome deal!  Below is a video that shows you what you can get in the starter kit.  It is an over-the-top deal too!  Only $160 which is about 40% off retail!

AND......(limit of three!)  If you purchase a Premium Starter Kit before Thanksgiving from Ann, she is offering you an extra oil!  WHAAAT????  Yup!  You read that right.  You will get a bottle of VALOR!  A $32.57 retail value!!!  Valor is one of the coveted oils containing Blue Tansy and is not always in stock!  Read all about Valor in an earlier post.   That makes the deal even sweeter!  You do NOT have to be local to take advantage of this offer.

AND.....if you are local, Ann has one PSK in stock so you can get it right away and not wait for shipping!  Be the first to get it.

So, give yourself a Christmas Present of health and wellness with the PSK!  Leave us a message on how to get your PSK and the free bottle of Valor!   (special ordering rules apply)

Wanna borrow it?

Hey, local peeps!  I would like to give you the opportunity to borrow a diffuser and a couple of Young Living Essential Oils.  See what the fuss is all about and how many LOVE diffusing their oils. Choose one of the sample recipes below and contact us by leaving a comment below or on Ann's FB page!  You can have the diffuser for a couple of days to give the recipe a try!  

Have a friend who isn't signed up for the blog or isn't one of Ann's friends on FB?  Just give them the blog link and have them leave a comment!  Easy, peasy!  Don't miss out.

HALLOWEEN BREW!

Halloween is just around the corner and here is a wonderful brew for your parties!  Break out those Essential Oils and make it fast while the fresh cider is in the stores.

What?  You don't have any essential oils?  Well, it won't be in time for Halloween but we can certainly fix you up!  Just contact us and we'll take care of you!

Recipe:

2 quarts fresh apple cider
1 orange, unpeeled and cut into slices
3 drops Lemon essential oil
1 drop Cinnamon Bark essential oil
1 drop Clove essential oil
1 drop Nutmeg essential oil
Cinnamon sticks, for serving

Combine apple cider, orange slices, and essential oils in a large pot and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes or more.
Discard orange slices.
Serve warm. Add 1–2 cinnamon sticks to individual cups when serving.

VALOR IS IN THE HOUSE!

Valor oh Valor, how I love thee!  You know the saying......Absence makes the heart grow fonder? Well, nothing has been more true than with Young Living's Essential Oil called Valor.  Even though they tried to cover the bases with another oil called Valor II, there just isn't anything that can match the original Valor!  

IT. IS. NOW. BACK. IN. STOCK!!!!!!   

Get it quick before it runs out again!  (Note:  Valor is made with Blue Tansy which is a seasonal crop and in limited supply)

So.....why would you want Valor? 

Let me count the ways (keeping with the heart theme)

• Use on the bottom of your feet and spine to promote a healthy spine.
• Apply to your jaw.  This is one area I like because I have a tendency to clench my teeth at night.
• Rub 2- 4 drops on your feet, neck and chest to promote feelings of calm.
• Apply on the bottom of each big toe to promote sound and quiet sleep.
• Rub a few drops with coconut oil on the back of your neck to promote comfort.
• Diffuse or inhale to promote emotional strength.
• Massage 1 - 2 drops on your temples or neck to promote a happy energy and increase inner strength when it's time to have serious talks...like with your boss, friend or teen!
• Diffuse or apply to help with focus skills!

Oily Infused Dryer Balls

At our last Make & Take class we had them infuse dryer balls.  It was so easy and easy for you to do too!  You can make your own dryer balls too!  There is no reason for me to reinvent the wheel so here is the website that we used to make our dryer balls!

CLICK HERE FOR INSTRUCTIONS

NOW.......for the fun part!  Infuse your dryer balls with essential oils.  In our class we used syringes to infuse the ball.

So, what oils might you use to scent your clothing?

Purification is a Young Living blend that is really wonderful for eliminating odd odors.
Lavender, a Young Living Single oil is perfect for drying sheets with its relaxing scent.
Citrus Fresh is a Young Living blend that can give your clothes a uplifting scent.

These are just three options.....the possibilities are really endless!

Optional:  Make your dryer balls using old wool sweaters...your own...or some from the thrift store or a garage sale.  Cut up the sweater to smaller pieces and then wrap the wool yarn around them.  It will decrease the yardage needed to make the ball and recycle the sweater as well!

Fall Diffuser combos

Fall is truly upon us!  For some, the weather hasn't quite turned yet but it IS coming.  The graphic below gives you some yummy blends of oils that you can use in your diffuser.  I hope that you give them a try!   If you would like more information about diffusing and how to get your own diffuser, just comment below with your contact info and we'll get to you right away!  Use the best!! Use Young Living!      If you have enjoyed our blog posts, please consider signing up for e-mails when a new one is posted    ------------------------->>>>>>>>>>

DoTerra vs Young Living (i.e. Integrity)

There has been a lot of discussion about the differences between essential oil companies especially DoTerra and Young Living.  I happened to find a very interesting article that I thought others with the same question might find interesting.

CLICK HERE TO READ THAT ARTICLE

On of the biggest takeaways from this article for me is one word - INTEGRITY!  If you are willing to take the recipes of others to benefit yourself, how does that speak for your business?

Also, in light of this article, I thought I would add more information I hope you find interesting.

Are you finding oils way cheaper on the internet?

There is good reason that some Essential Oils may be way cheaper than Young Living.  It seems that if the bottle of EO contains only 10% essential oil, it can claim that it is 100% pure essential oil.  That means that it is adulterated.   10%!!!  Would you be happy if you purchased a cup of coffee at your favorite barista only to discover that there was only 10% brewed coffee and the rest was added water.  I think not!  Would it affect the price? Absolutely!

So, exactly what does adulteration mean when we are talking about essential oils?  You aren't going to be adding water to the oil since water and oil don't mix.  It means that the original product has been diluted with another product.  In the realm of Essential Oils, this adulteration is usually something like sesame oil, coconut oil, almond oil, etc.

Another concern I have about cheaper oils is how they are made.  Young Living has a proprietary method they call Seed to Seal.  Click the link to read about it.  Other companies often do NOT own their own farms and have little control of how the plants are grown and harvested.  Most all of the other companies do NOT distill their own product.  That is a big issue for me.  If certain plant material is not distilled within a certain time from harvest, it isn't nearly as good.  If the material harvested is distilled more than just once, the resulting product is not as good.  If the material harvested is distilled using a chemical, you have truly altered the ability of the oil.

Young Living has proved that they control more than other companies and I think their experience makes them the best for me!!

If you are interested in learning more about Essential Oils.....how to use them safely and what they are used for, please let me know and I'll arrange some time to either meet with you personally or in a chat!   Leah and I both love sharing our love of essential oils!  Bring your oils and we can have a smell comparison too!

Honey.......

I ran across an article that compared several different kinds of sugar.  Refined, brown, coconut, & honey.  It was so informative that I just had to share it here.

It was interesting that I would find this article when I did because our Oct 16 Make & Take party here at my house features a Homemade Cough Syrup with essential oils.  AND guess what ingredient is in it?  Yup......honey!  So, with all the benefits of the honey itself along with the extra benefits of the essential oils, this syrup will pack an extra powerful punch for those coughs!!

Here is the article that you can read yourself.  Click HERE.

AND since you might be wondering about our recipe....here it is!


Homemade Cough Syrup (1 serving)
INGREDIENTS:
1 drop of lemon Young Living essential oil
1 drop of frankincense Young Living essential oil
1 drop peppermint Young Living essential oil
1 drop lavender Young Living essential oil
1 spoonful of honey
Glass Jar
DIRECTIONS:
1. Add the oils to honey to the jar. Mix contents and then
consume and swallow.

This recipe is from Dr. Axe.

Aromatic and why it works!

When you hear about essential oils and aromatherapy, do you ever think to yourself...."Exactly how does smelling something really, truly DO anything?"  I know what you mean, because I have asked myself the same question.  When I read the explanation below, it totally made sense!

A scent does recall a memory often.  Pulling information from your brain to cause you to think about a time, a person or a moment.  I remember going into an empty elevator 20 years after my dad had passed away.  Whoever had been in that elevator before me had worn the same aftershave that my dad did.  Immediately, my brain pulled the emotions of loving my father and the fact that I missed him so.  The brain is an absolutely amazing part of our body.  It controls so much!!  It controls all your bodily functions and more.  So using essential oils that contain constituents that stimulate the brain to control certain parts of your body does have a profound and actual effect!!

THIS is why essential oils work aromatically!

The new Christmas Catalog is amazing!

I hope that you enjoy the items in the new Christmas catalog.  I think there are a number of items I would love to have!!  What about you??

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE CATALOG

Fun time!

Last night I was blessed to have a vendor booth at Cross-Fit in Portland.  Lots of great ladies attended.  I made a special tri-fold that highlighted oils for the Warrior in you!  If you didn't happen to get one, check with Shannon from the Cross-Fit, she has a few extra ones.  

For those of you who attended, I want to let you know that I have monthly Oils 101 classes.  A time to understand what essential oils are and how to use them.  A time to learn about what makes a good pure essential oil AND a time to make some fun items to take home!!  Example:  One of our Oils 101 Make & Take classes made a Thieves cleaning spray, a Peppermint & Lime foot soak and a Veggie & Fruit cleaning spray.  We have dozens of options for class.  Just let me know if you want to attend or host a class and we'll get you all set up.  The next class coming up will be on October 16 at my home in Oregon City.  Cost of the class is $10.  We will be making a Homemade Vapor Rub, a cough syrup and infused dryer balls.  Each class gives you a lot of information but doesn't have a hard sell.   

Come enjoy a fun time and learn how essential oils can improve your life!

Eeeeekkkkkk! Squeeeeallll!!!

Why would I be acting this way?  The October freebies that are being given when you order certain amounts of Young Living products are just  OVER.THE.TOP this month!  I have NEVER seen them this good and hope you agree.   I mean.......a FREE diffuser?  This is overly awesome!  And getting a free Thieves when you are on Essential Rewards ordering is just perfect for fall colds!  Have questions or want to know more, leave a comment!

Wonderful Video!

The video we are sharing today talks about the company we love.....Young Living. 

We hope that you enjoy watching and learning a little more about this wonderful company and it's mission of Wellness!

This video can now be found on our Young Living tab!  

Proof in the pudding

Well, this isn't exactly pudding but there is definitely proof that you cannot deny.  What you see below is a piece of bread.  I helped the mold along by putting a small top off a strawberry under the bread.  Then into a plastic bag and into a dark cupboard.  It was in the cupboard for about a month. Voila.....lots of penicillin in the making! Hahahahaha.  So, in looking at this piece of bread you may be asking....hmmmm.....why is one corner of the bread without mold?  Well, do you notice the circle on the bread that is a golden color?  THAT is a couple of drops of Young Living Thieves Essential Oil.  Notice that the mold is NOT near that spot.  What does that tell you?  It tells me that mixing up Thieves with water and spraying on my kitchen counter is a non-toxic, safe way to keep it clean!!!   It tells me that the Thieves in my toothpaste and mouthwash is going to work wonders!  Don't be without it!!

Ticks! Ewwwwww.....

So, this morning I found a tick just below Gabby's eye.  Silly me.....forgot to get a picture when it was on her.  Took some Oregano oil and dropped it on the little monster.  Let it sit for a minute or so, then using my tweezers, grabbed near the head and kept gentle pulling pressure.  Not too long and it let go.  Flushed the little bugger down the toilet.  Then, I said....shoot.....I should have gotten pictures.  Oh well.  Took an after picture instead.  Gabby is in need of a good bath and grooming.  The tick was about where my finger is.  The stock photo of the tick is pretty much what he looked like.  Checked him out and the head was with the body...yeah!  Another win for the oils!

Learn to help yourself!

A friend showed me this video.  Do this and add some good essential oils and you would be good to go in NO time!!

THIS is Why!!

I have NEVER liked taking drugs.  Do I take some......yes....only because I HAVE to.  BP and thyroid.  But I'm working on improving my health to delete them......

This graphic really spoke to me.  It reminds me that my Essential Oil love has a reason and a purpose!  When you are ready to join me in your oily journey, just let me know!

Proud!

I'm so proud to belong to a company like Young Living.  Read below!  This is pretty awesome!

**************
Dear Young Living Member:

We’re excited to announce that more than $1 million was raised for the Young Living Foundation during the 2015 International Grand Convention! Your overwhelming generosity signifies the remarkable start of a new chapter in Young Living’s philanthropic mission.

Formerly known as the D. Gary Young Foundation, the Young Living Foundation is a powerful vehicle for good throughout the world. Over the years the foundation has evolved into the primary avenue through which Young Living demonstrates its commitment to empowering families and communities worldwide. As chairman of the board, Young Living founder D. Gary Young guides the foundation with his lifelong passion for helping to improve the lives people everywhere. Following his example, the foundation is dedicated to changing lives with greater impact than ever before.

Prior to the 2015 International Grand Convention, Young Living director of philanthropy Nikki Davis and philanthropy marketing manager Brittany Davis visited multiple organizations to which the foundation has been donating in both Kenya and Uganda. This visit resulted in three exciting new partnerships for the Young Living Foundation in Uganda: Sole Hope, African Hearts Community Organization, and Healing Faith Uganda.

Sole Hope
Sole Hope is a non-profit organization that provides shelter and medical relief from trained professionals to victims suffering from parasitic foot disease. If left untreated, the disease can lead to infections, paralysis, and even amputation. Beyond medical implications, those infected with the disease are often ostracized from their communities and become homeless. In addition to shelter and medical care, Sole Hope provides food to the sick and continuing health education in the villages of those affected, so they can be welcomed back home following recovery.

African Hearts Community Organization
African Hearts Community Organization is a rescue program for children living in the slums and streets of Kampala, Uganda. Either orphaned or abandoned by their parents due to poverty, these children are without food, shelter, and have very little clothing. African Hearts was founded and is currently directed by Lutaaya Abdul, who grew up in these slums. After watching multiple young friends die amid the horrific conditions, he felt a need to make a change. Despite setbacks, he established African Hearts to bring other children out of the slums and into transitional homes where they receive food, shelter, and social services, as well as a quality education through the African Hearts Junior School.

Healing Faith Uganda
Healing Faith Uganda provides malaria education, prevention, and treatment to rural villages. In Africa a child dies every 60 seconds from malaria. Through Healing Faith Uganda, a single donation of just $5 provides a mosquito net that can protect up to three children from malaria.

We will soon unveil the new Young Living Foundation website and marketing materials. Until then you can continue to donate to the Young Living Foundation in your Virtual Office by clicking on the Young Living Foundation box to round your order total to the nearest dollar and/or by adding an additional donation amount.

Look for the newly released social media campaign and VO Member News for more information about this exciting change and what it means to Young Living’s future.

Thank you for your efforts in making Young Living a world-class company. With your help, we are changing lives for the better every day!

Sincerely,

The Young Living Team 

Top 5 Oils - #1

So, here is the last post of the top five oils!  Did you guess ahead of time what it was?

Drum roll please!   ♪♪♪♫♫♫  (okay, those weren't drumrolls but you get the idea!)

The top oil is..........

Frankincense 

Did you guess it?

Frankincense is from a tree.  Did you know that?  The trunk of the tree is scarred to make the tree weep the resin.  The resin is then collected and distilled.  Here is a little history about it!  It is also known as "olibunum".  It's name Frankincense was derived from the Medieval French word for "real incense."  It was considered the "holy anointing oil" in the Middle East and has been used in religious ceremonies for thousands of years.  It was one of the gifts given to the Christ child.  It was valued more than gold during ancient times and only those of great wealth and abundance possessed it.  It is mentioned in one of the oldest known medical records, Ebers Papyrus (dating from the 16th century BC), an ancient Egyptian list of 877 prescriptions and recipes.  

It has a woodsy, warm, balsamic aroma.  I remember when I had Frankincense from a different company.  I couldn't figure out why others were saying they loved the scent.  I didn't.  That was until I had the Young Living brand.  What a difference correct distilling makes!  No chemicals, no over processing.

• Diffuse it during meditation for grounding and a sense of purpose
• Use for massage after activity
• Use with your cosmetics (cleanser or moisturizer) to help even out the appearance of healthy-looking skin.  Perfect for those post pregnancy stomach lines.
• Promotes healthy bowel movements (bet you didn't want to hear that one!)
• Includes the naturally occurring constituent alpha-pinene
• Inhale after lunch to spiritually refocus.
• Rub on the bottom of your feet to help alleviate nervous energy.
• Use to promote immune, endocrine, respiratory and nervous system wellness.

You can find it included in YL Boswellia Wrinkle Cream, Brain Power, Awaken, Highest Potential, and Forgiveness oil blends.

Dr Axe is not affiliated with any essential oil companies but he does have some interesting info on what he uses Frankincense for.  Look near the bottom of the page on his post HERE.

Top 5 oils - #2

If you got a notification that Tea Tree was #2......well......that was wrong since it was #4...;-)

The REAL #2 is LAVENDER!

Lavender is one of the most popular essential oils long loved for its calming, soothing fragrance.  It is a key ingredient to many essential oil blends, including Stress Away, Tranquil, RutaVaLa, Forgiveness and Harmony.  When diffused, Lavender adds a clean, fresh scent to any room and is a relaxing addition to baths and body care products.

Have you ever purchased a product advertising the Lavender scent?  I had over the years and I really hated them all.  I kept them far, far away.  Then, when I had a chance to try the Lavender essential oil, I was pleasantly surprised.  It was MUCH different.  Why?  Well, I'm glad you asked!  Pure Therapeutic Essential Oils are much different than Fragrance grade essential oils.  The former are from the first distillation and the later for later distillations that are overly processed drawing out properties from the plant that aren't as desirable.  As someone who has always been proned with headaches with fragrances (usually chemical ones), having something like YL essential oils has been a breathe of fresh aromatic air!

Use Lavender Oil this way:

• Diffuse for a comforting and calming scent
• Unwind by adding a few drops to a nighttime bath
• Diffuse for a fresh, clean scent and to eliminate odors.

It is one of the essential oils that is mild  for use on children too!  My granddaughter asks for it for all her boo boos!

We interrupt the top 5!

I know that we were right in the middle of introducing the top 5 oils to use  AND we usually don't post anything about purchasing......BUT........we would be remiss if we didn't let you know about the fact that the new Premium Starter Kit is on sale through the 15th of the month.  Let us know if you are interested and we'll get you going with this oily goodness deal!!

Top Five Oils to have - #3 Peppermint

Peppermint is your number three on the list.  I bet you thought it would be #1 but it isn't!!!
Here are just a few of Peppermint's great features:

• Energizing
• Supports gastrointestinal System comfort
• Promotes healthy bowel function
• Enhances healthy gut function
• Maintains efficiency of the digestive tract
• Supports normal digestion
• May support performance during exercise
• Good for boosting energy and focus

• Drop in your water or diffuse during physical activity  
• Good to use in an at home toothpaste recipe or add to water for natural mouthwash or baking soda/coconut oil as the natural toothpaste
• Wakes you up.  
• Did you know that they have been 1,100 studies on the benefits of peppermint oil?!

Top 5 oils to have - Oil #4

Melaleuca Alternifolia - Also known as Tea Tree oil- can be used Topically or Aromatically.  It is not to be used as a Dietary oil.

Primary Benefit

• Helps maintain healthy-looking hair and scalp
• Reduces the appearance of blemishes
• Apply to feet and toenails when needed
• Includes naturally occurring constituents terpinene-4-ol, gamma terpinene and alpha-terpinene
• Included in Purification® and Melrose™ essential oil blends, Animal Scents® and Rose Ointment™ and ClaraDerm™.

It has a fresh, crisp aroma.

This is an oil that is gentle on the body and good for cleansing the home.  Mix in a bottle with vinegar and water.  Use on Stainless steel, floors and counters.  

Did you know that purchased hand sanitizer's main ingredient is linked to liver and kidney issues? I think you can agree that most of us are overly clean using these at the drop of a hat.  

Try this instead!  

3 Tablespoons of Aloe Vera Gel
1 Tablespoon of filtered water
5 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil
1 Teaspoon Vit E

Combine all together and mix well.  Transfer ingredients into a squeeze bottle (you know, like the ones you can get for liquids for traveling.  

Carry with you to use for that clean feeling!

Top Five Oils that you MUST have

When you are first starting out with oils, you ask yourself, "What are the oils that I really MUST have?"

For the next 5 posts we will talk about the top 5 essential oils that should always be in your arsenal.

From bottom to top, the fifth oil is......drumroll please.........Lemon!  (or citrus oils)

Young Living Lemon can be used topically as well as Dietary.

  *   Includes the naturally occurring constituent limonene.

  *   Enhances the flavor of foods and water.  Add a couple of drops to your water, up to 3 times a day.  You will want to increase it slowly though or you'll be in the bathroom more than you wish.

  *   Works as a excellent cleaner as well especially when mixed with Mel A.. (Think sticky residue)

This oil is distilled from the peel of the plant which makes it higher in antioxidants and fat soluble nutrients. It takes 75 lemons to make one 15ml bottle of Lemon Essential oil.   Did you know that even though lemon is acidic, when you ingest it becomes alkaline?  

Read more about Lemon oil in our previous post HERE

Are you local?

For those of you who are local..........on July 19th, Leah will be sharing Young Living oils at the Cruise the College event at Mt Hood Community College. We would LOVE to have you stop by. Ask some questions, smell some oils, learn about the oils!  She'll be availabe from 9am - 4pm!

Dew Drop

Awesomeness came in the mail today.  A notice that you can get the Dew Drop Diffuser separate from the Premium Start kit.  So.......if you need one of these beauties, let me know!

The Premium Starter Kit really is the best way to get the diffuser........11 oils, the diffuser and more for about 50% off retail!

BUT, if you already have the kit and just want another diffuser for home, here you go!!  I really like this one because you can use just tap water with it instead of distilled water.

Antmageddon 2015

Written by Leah

Every year our house is attacked by these tiny little ants that I now know are Odorous House Ants. For the first few years they only came in our kitchen. My husband can attest that when I see them... alright when I still see them... I go a little nuts... alright, alright, I go flat out ape S*^t when I see them. My opinion is if they are dumb enough to show their shinny, black stinky bodies in my house they are flirting with their own fate. Yes, I do understand that I am judging the intelligence of an ant. I will stalk the area, checking back every few minutes to catch all the stragglers. Even my cat is in tune with my feelings about them and acts as my early warning system. It is probably the smell they emit which drives him nuts, like the smell of bleach. But in my eyes he is my ever faithful warrior. He is also my spider killer.

Each year I would put out those black bait traps, smash all visible bugs and they would retreat for a month or so. We would carry on with this back and forth war all year until winter.

Then a few years ago the ants got smarter. They found a way through the bathroom and laundry to where the cat food was kept. Late last summer I finally threw in the white flag and called a exterminating (poison) company to come take care of them. To my joy it worked like magic, until about 3 months ago.

I was reading through some ideas online for how to use the essential oil (EO) kit I had recently purchased and read came across a post in which someone used peppermint EO to repel ants and spiders with success. Not long after when I saw the first ant in my kitchen I thought, 'what the heck, I'll give it a shot.'  I filled a small spray bottle with water then put 8 drops of essential oil in and gave it a vigorous shake. I sprayed around my kitchen and around my whole foundation, windows etc. The subsequent invasion that was customary didn't happen.

Fast forward a month. After some rains and regular cleaning the peppermint had worn off and I found another ant in the kitchen. This time I decided to use some of my original oils, you know the ones I purchased cheaply online before I knew anything about oil purity. It didn't make sense to use my nice oils to just spray around the house.
I grabbed my trusty spray bottle and put the same mix as before in except with my bargain brand peppermint sprayed my kitchen and thought all was well. About 15 minutes later I went into the kitchen again and found a full invasion. There were ants everywhere!!!!!
It was as if the oils I had sprayed were attracting them. The ants were even congregating around the heavier sprayed areas. I went nuts. Hulk smash. Even after cleaning all the surfaces, the ants were still coming. On the verge of breakdown, I washed out my spray bottle and loaded it with my good oils. (Heavy sigh here. I had really hoped to save it for a different use but I figured it is only 8 drops). I sprayed until I could spray no more. Good bye ants.

I have found some stragglers here and there since then but at this point...

I HAVE WON THIS BATTLE!

I learned a very powerful lesson about cheap oils this day. They are cheap for a reason and not even fit for the health of my house, let alone me or my kids. I poured them out and washed the bottles to use for making blends and sharing with friends.

Have you had success in eliminating bugs or pests? What did you do? I'm interested in knowing.
Do you need to eliminate some from your home currently? Send me a note and I will use my resources to brainstorm for you and help you find a natural and chemical free way. I recently had a Facebook contact mention that her husband used Vetiver EO and it killed ants on contact and completely repelled the rest. I can't say I blame those ants. Vetiver is not high on my list. Others have added Purification EO (a Young Living blend) to the Peppermint EO with good success. Depending on your pest and climate, different oils will work better than others. So please don't give up on your first try if it isn't completely successful.

We interrupt the show with this short message.

I know....this isn't Leah's Peppermint Ant Story but we thought it was important that you know about Young Living oils that are sold on Amazon or Ebay. This is a safety warning!! Everything is not always as it seems!! Only purchase them directly from Young Living to ensure a pure unadulterated product.

Watch this video for insight!