What's in my Purse?

Lets have a look inside my backpack purse…as far as Young Living products go!

𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚏𝚞𝚖𝚎 𝚛𝚘𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚛 - clary sage, bergamot & ylang ylang…not only does it smell good but it puts me in a good mood! I’ve been getting a lot of compliments when I wear it so I’ve started carrying it around with me.

𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚜 𝚛𝚘𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚛 - a lot of people are getting sick around here so I’ve been trying to be vigilant about using Thieves whenever I can!

𝚌𝚋𝚍 𝚛𝚘𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚛 – anxiety blend + about 200mg of cbd. When I really needed this, the CBD Calm was out of stock so thought I would try my hand in making my own. When you’re out and about, you never know when you’ll need this ;)

𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚊𝚌𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚘𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚛 – whenever someone around me mentions they have a headache, I let them use this…which happens quite often so I started carrying this with me!

𝚙𝚊𝚝𝚌𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚒 - if you follow me on instagram, you know I use this under my arms if I’m not smelling the best. I’ve been struggling to get a good deodorant that works for me!

𝚎𝚗-𝚛-𝚐𝚎𝚎 - morning gym workout calls for some extra pep in my step! 

𝚕𝚊𝚟𝚎𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚛 - although I have oils that do some of the same things lavender does (calm, headache, etc) I still always have to have lavender with me!

𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚜 𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚒𝚝𝚒𝚣𝚎𝚛 + 𝚜𝚙𝚛𝚊𝚢 – I’m very happy with how the sanitizer works – my hands feel super clean and smell good after I use it.

𝚛𝚘𝚜𝚎 𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚝𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝 – I just got this recently and am in love with it! I used a butter knife to whip it up a bit and I’ve been using it as chapstick. Lately, I’ve used it for my lips more than chapstick. It feels so good and lasts long! Also, if my hands feel dry, I use it as lotion.

𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚜 𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚝𝚜 + 𝚕𝚘𝚣𝚎𝚗𝚐𝚎𝚜 - I don’t chew gum so I like having these on hand! I use the mint if I’ve had a meal out and need fresh breath. The lozenges I use if I’ve been talking a lot or am around someone sick – I feel like I’m getting even more oils “in” me when I ingest them.

What's in your purse?

Lake Worth, Florida AirBNB Review

Recently my husband and I were visiting West Palm Beach for volunteer work. We wanted to take the furbabies with us and were unable to find any pet-friendly AirBNBs in West Palm Beach. That is how we learned about Lake Worth - which we are happy to have learned about!

Lake Worth is a very cute area - especially the downtown area with so many delicious restaurants, cute coffee shop and close to the beach. We would definitely  take a trip there again.

Simpflying Eating Healthy

Eating healthy doesn't have to be hard. It doesn't have to take hours upon hours to prepare, as some people say.

Snacking doesn't have to be just chips & dip because it's easy, either.

Snacking CAN be easy!

When I snack, I try to have some protein in with the meal as well.

This was my snack the other day...

Hummus. Cucumbers. Avocado. Hard-boiled eggs.

That's it.

Easy! (and delicious!)

 

I cut the cucumbers up. I cut the hard-boiled eggs up and mixed avocado in it. I dipped the cucumbers in the hummus.

It doesn't get much easier than that.

What are some of your go-to snacks?

Enfoflex: My New Best Friend

Endoflex: spearmint, sage, geranium, myrtle, nutmeg, German chamomile, and sesame seed oil.
(It smells so good, too!)

It helps support a healthy endocrine system & overall vitality.

The endocrine system is a collection of glands that produces hormones to regulate the metabolism, growth & development, tissue & sexual function, reproduction, sleep, mood, and more. It also helps support our energy levels.

The major glands that make up the endocrine system are the thyroid & adrenal glands. That is why I put a drop or two on my thyroids & adrenals every morning. You can also apply it to your lower back & liver. (This also comes as a vitality oil so you can ingest a drop daily if you’d like as well.)

The reason I love this bottle of amazing plant juice so much is because it has reduced my hatred of my monthly visitor (if you catch my drift) for various reasons...not as painful or intense cramps, lighter cycle, less pains all around - it has certainly helped it be WAY more bearable. When I put it on, I do feel a sense of calm as I smell it.

To make application easier, you can even make this into a roller bottle - which I have done as well.

For those of you who use endoflex, what do you think?

If you're interested in snagging one for yourself, add it to your next Essential Rewards order, you will not disappointed.

Or, if you're interested in joining my oily tribe & adding this to your order, I would be happy to walk you through the process.

Greek Quinoa Salad Recipe

Ingredients

• 3 cooked beets
• 1/4 red onion
• 2 scallions
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 2 medium tomatoes
• 1/2 english cucumber
• 3 tablespoon fresh mint
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano
• 1 shallot
• 1 can of chickpeas
• 2 oz feta cheese
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon Himalayan salt
• 1/4 pepper

Directions

1. Chop cooked beets, scallion, red onion, tomatoes, cucumber, mint, oregano, and shallot. Combine in a bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. 
3. Combine dressing, beets, scallion, onion, tomatoes, cucumber, mint, oregano, shallot, chickpeas, and quinoa in a large bowl.
4. Add crumbled feta on top, chill for at least thirty minutes, & enjoy!

When shopping, use organic ingredients if possible. I had leftover tofu so added some into my dish. Feel free to add protein (tofu, shredded chicken, etc.) to this dish if you'd like.

This meal is great to make as meal prep for the week and eat it for lunch. That's what I've done this week and thoroughly enjoy it! If you do plan on doing that, I would recommend adding the feta cheese per dish.

PM Essential Oil Routine

Time to share how I use my oils in the PM! (At least the lineup from today.)

PEACE & CALMING. I told you guys in my AM Essential Oil Routine post that this is one of my favorite oils! Before running to the grocery store, I throw this on behind my ears and on my wrist. You know how the grocery store can be sometimes…I always like to feel prepared and be in an uplifted mood, feeling relaxed.

PURIFICATION. This goes in the diffuser when I get home as it freshens the air and deodorizes. I’m trying to get my husband to realize how great the diffuser is VS a candle. Since I’ve been using this oil, it’s been helping me plead my case! It smells so good.

THIEVES. I’ll let you in on a HUGE secret here. If you’re one of those who cry like crazy when you’re cutting onions, open the bottle & leave it on the cutting board as you cut. You won’t cry!! It even works for my husband, who is in the same room but not right next to me.

ROSEMARY. A couple drops of rosemary goes in my shampoo. It helps promote hair growth and dry hair – both areas my hair needs help in. In the area of hair, I am in need of a lot of help!

THIEVES CLEANER. Thieves cleaner is SO concentrated. I do 1 capful of cleaner with the rest water in this bottle. It’s my multi-purpose cleaner. After dinner tonight, I cleaned all of the countertops with this cleaner, along with the table and stove.

RELAX ROLLER. Before bedtime, this roller goes on the bottom of my feet and on the temples – for both my husband and myself! If I get to bed before hubby, he reminds me to put it on him. You can find this roller available in my shop!

TEETH GRINDING RELIEF ROLLER: panaway, valor & lavender. This roller goes all along my jaw. Since using it, I haven’t had to wear a mouth guard to go to bed, which is pretty incredible!

As I mentioned before, in my if you're interested in snagging some amazing plant juice, you can do so here - by signing up as a member or as a retail customer. Any questions, I would be thrilled to answer...just send me an e-mail!

AM Essential Oil Routine

A lot of you have asked me "what do I do with essential oils?"

I decided to share with you my AM Essential Oil Routine - at least today's routine. 

As you can imagine, every day is different - full of different needs.

So as of now, here is how and what I am using today...

ORANGE. I put this in the diffuser first thing in the morning – it not only smells SO good, but it wakes me up and calms me at the same time.

THIEVES. This goes on the bottom of my feet after my shower to boost my immunity for the day!  (Lots of people around me are sick - I want to keep that icky far, far away!)

PEACE & CALMING. Lately, peace & calming is one of my favorite oils to smell! It is a blend of: ylang ylang, orange, tangerine, patchouli & blue tansy. I put it on the back of my neck, along with a bit of coconut oil as my carrier. It helps relax me and helps make me ready to conquer the day! (Side note - this oil now comes in the Young Living Starter Kit! That is actually how I was introduced to it, years ago...been a faithful user every since!)

LAVENDER. Lavender goes on the top of my ears to help keep me calm for the day – also to help prevent any headaches. For some reason, I am fighting a bit of a headache so trying to get rid of that as well.

THANKFUL ROLLER. This roller goes on the bottom of my feet before I put shoes on as leaving the house, along with putting it on my wrists (as a perfume.) It helps to ground me and promotes emotional balance. I sell this roller! If you're interested, you can snag one at my shop!

GRAPEFRUIT LIP BALM. I hate when my lips are dry – and with this cold Florida weather, lip balms are a MUST!

DEEP RELIEF ROLLER. Goodbye inflammation and tense muscles with this bad boy! I did a shoulder workout yesterday and my right shoulder needed a little extra love.

STRESS AWAY. This is the blend I’ve been using in the diffuser while at work. It’s been a little hectic there lately so I am trying to promote a work environment that reduces mental rigidity, restores equilibrium, and supports relaxation. It also reminds me of a margarita!

I am here to answer any questions you might have - ask away!

If you're interested in snagging some oils, you can do so here - either as a member (you'll get that great starter kit I mentioned above!) or as a retail customer. Any questions in the process, please reach out.

DIY Fruit & Vegetable Soak - Chemical Free

Disclosure: This post may contain Amazon affiliate links and other affiliate links that earn me a small commission, at no additional cost to you, when you make a purchase. I only recommend products I personally use and love, or think my readers will find useful. 

Cleaning your fruit (and veggies!) are very important!

EVEN if we are talking ORGANIC fruit and vegetables here, people.

Your organic fruit and vegetables could have pesticide drift (pesticides from other fruits and vegetables get blown over to the organic ones from wind) or just a whole lot of other germs from the grocery store, etc.

Here you have it...an easy fruit & vegetable soak - with ingredients you probably already have in your house!

Fruit & Vegetable Soak

• 1/4 cup Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1/4 cup (organic) lemon juice
• water

1. Pour the apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and water in a large bowl.
2. Make sure you mix all the liquid together.
3. Put the fruit/vegetables you want cleaned in the bowl.
4. Let it soak for at least 15 minutes.
5. Rinse the fruit/vegetables through a strainer.
6. Put the fruit/vegetables back in the bowl with water.
7. Let it soak for a few minutes.
8. Rinse the fruit/vegetables again.
9. Make sure the fruit/vegetables are dry before putting them into your fridge.
10. Enjoy clean fruit/vegetables!

Tangent: Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar with the mother in it has not only a ton of uses, but also so many health benefits!

Editorial: What to Do to Counteract Loose or Saggy Skin

As time goes on, I have realized that loose skin is a fairly common problem that occurs for all of us eventually. Its natural cause has to do with collagen production. Collagen is a material made naturally by your body that forms somewhat of a “glue” holding your skin cells together. In harmony with another material, called elastin, it also helps to make your skin stretchy. The natural aging process causes less collagen to be produced by your body. Therefore, your skin loses its elasticity and the cells start to spread further apart. Other factors, such as rapid weight loss or chemical exposure can also lead to problems with loose or saggy skin, but there are several ways to counteract those problems.

Treatment Options for Getting Rid of Mild Wrinkles 
If you can recognize your skin is losing its elasticity early on, you may be able to reverse the damage quickly using a mild treatment method. In fact, some mild treatment methods can be done at home. For example, there are over-the-counter lotions and creams you can buy to help your skin stay hydrated. Many of those lotions also contain vitamins and other substances to strengthen it. If your skin problems have gone beyond the point at which home treatment is effective but are still relatively mild, you may benefit from sound or light therapy at your local skincare clinic. Intense pulsed light, radio frequency and ultrasound treatments have all been used in skincare circles for years to boost natural collagen production over time. In some cases, such treatments can also help existing collagen function better to hold cells in place.

Use Lasers When Moderate Skin Tightening is Required 
When you need moderate skin tightening assistance, it's likely sound wave therapy and intense pulsed light will not help. However, laser treatment can. There are many companies that produce lasers for cosmetics business like your local skincare clinic. Those lasers can be used to treat lots of skin conditions, but one of the most popular forms of treatment is laser skin tightening. Laser skin tightening is useful because lasers are strong and accurate. They can be used to target any area where your skin is starting to sag. They are also capable of both getting collagen molecules to move closer together for skin tightening and causing more collagen to be made by your body over time. Therefore, their long-term treatment results can be excellent. Although, you may see few short term results.

How Many Skin Tightening Treatments Are Required 
There is no exact answer to how many skin tightening treatments you need. It depends on the type of clinical treatment you choose and the severity of your skin sags. However, certain treatments, especially laser procedures, are often recommended in groups of four to six. The timing of those treatments is spaced out strategically over weeks or months to allow the skin to heal between sessions. Your clinician will let you know the exact time frames required for treatment. 

The Long-Term Skin Tightening Outlook 
Even if you complete a group of skin tightening sessions and get the exact results you want, you must remember those results are not permanent. The effects of certain skin tightening treatments can last for years, but there are limits. Eventually, your skin may start to wrinkle or sag again. At that time, you may need to have additional skincare clinic treatments. You can do your part to delay that need by caring for your skin on a regular basis. For example, limiting sun exposure, eating properly,  getting enough rest can all help your skin keep itself healthy, and a good skin care regimen.

Homemade Starbucks "Medicine Ball"

Over the past few years, my co-worker has mentioned how good the "Medicine Ball" tea from Starbucks is - especially if she felt like she was getting sick or had a sore throat. At times, she has literally raved what a miracle it was and how it helped her compromised immune system.

I finally tried one a couple weeks ago when I was at the airport at 6am...before the sun was up! I had been feeling sick the days prior to my departure and was trying all natural remedies known to man to not be sick for my trip.

And what do I decide to do but wait in the longest line available at the airport at 6am. (Why do people want coffee before a flight? I'll never understand it. Don't you want to be sleeping?) But, I digress...

"Medicine Ball" time here we go!

It. Was. Delicious.

If you follow my Insta-stories, I snapped a shot of the yumminess. It really soothed my throat and was very tasty. I was surprised, too, that it was less than $3.

The closest Starbucks to me is 15 minutes away so I'll be honest here...I do not go often.

Which led me to creating this recipe at home! (With the ingredients I use, it winds up being about $1.60 per 20oz of deliciousness...you can make it even less if you use a different lemonade brand, but Uncle Matt's is where it's at! I also highly recommend their orange juice and apple juice! Or if you use less lemonade, the price per 20oz would be less.)

 Cami's Version of the "Medicine Ball"

-7oz of lemonade (more or less depending on how sweet you would like it)
-13oz of water
-1 bag of Jade Citrus Mint Teavana
-1 bag of Peach Tranquility Teavana
-1 teaspoon of honey (more or less depending on how sweet you would like it...ALSO, raw & local honey is the best but unfortunately I am currently all out!)

1.) Put your lemonade and water in a pot on the stove and bring it just about to a boil.

2.) Pour our lemonade/water mixture into your tumbler or extra large mug.

3.) Add your tea bags and let them steep. (I personally leave my teabags in my mug because I LOVE the flavors of the tea.)

4.) Add your honey.

5.) Let this yumminess soothe your throat and enjoy the taste!

I would like to note that this tea is NOT caffeine-free...the Jade Citrus Mint tea has caffeine in it...16-25mg of caffeine. (1 cup of coffee has roughly 95mg in it.) So it doesn't have a ton of caffeine, in comparison, but wanted to make you aware. If you are drinking this at the end of the day and are sensitive to caffeine, maybe take this tea bag out once you are finished steeping it.

Now go and enjoy a "Medicine Ball," whether you are sick or healthy, I promise you, you will enjoy it!