Meal Replacements Ditch and Switch - Jan 2022

January's Ditch & Switch

Meal Replacement for

Pure Protein Complete & Balance Complete


As the gatekeepers of our home we have such a great opportunity to bring in healthy products and create healthy habits for ourselves and families! 

Join us this month as we pursue healthy habits and switch out our meal replacements for a cleaner option - Pure Protein Complete.

This delicious protein powder comes in both Vanilla Spice and Chocolate flavors (and they both taste amazing!) and is such a great addition to anyone's fitness regimen. Pure Protein Complete combines a blend of 5 different proteins, amino acids, and ancient pea and apple extract that will leave you full and satisfied. It is high in protein, supports the muscular system, supports the body in building lean muscle, supports energy levels, and is a great post-workout muscle recovery drink.

Why we Love It

  • An excellent source of protein (25 grams)
  • Formulated with a variety of amino acids to support muscle mass
  • Provides protein metabolism support
  • Supports ATP production, the energy currency of the body
  • Helps build lean muscle
  • rBGH-Free Whey and soy-Free
  • Available in Chocolate and Vanilla Spice flavors
  • Versatile enough for smoothies, baking and more!
Pure Protein Complete is a staple in our homes because of its super clean, proprietary five protein blend! It contains amino acids, and ancient pea and apple extract that allows the body to absorb and utilize the nutrients in the powder much more easily.

The foundation of the protein blend is cow and goat whey, pea protein, egg white protein, and organic help seed protein. This specific mix of sources allow for a full range of amino acids, including: D-aspartic acid, Threonine, L-serine, Glutamic acid, Glycine, Alanine, Valine, Methionine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Tyrosine, Phenylalanine, Lysine, Histidine, Arginine, Proline, Hydroxyproline, Cystine, Tryptophan, and Cysteine.

The formula also includes a unique enzyme blend, so when paired with these amino acids, this protein supplement helps support overall protein utilization in the body. And this is of utmost importance when we are focusing on fitness routines and muscle building.

Ancient pea and apple extract, and a powerful B-Vitamin blend are the icing on the cake. Together they support ATP production, the energy currency of the body, which is definitely something we want all year round.

Why Make the Switch

Unfortunately, the majority of protein powders contain ingredients that we don't really want to be consuming. Some contain quite a lot of added sugar (as much as 23 grams per scoop), which can cause an unhealthy spike in blood sugar.

Others contain heavy metals and toxins. In fact, in a study by the Clean Label Project, 134 products were screened for 130 types of toxins. The study found that many protein powders contain heavy metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury), bisphenol-A (BPA, which is used to make plastic), pesticides, or other contaminants with links to cancel and other health conditions. Some toxins were present in significant quantities. For example, one protein powder contained 25 times the allowed limit of BPA.

These are the last things we want to be worried about, especially when we are focusing on creating healthy habits! Because of Young Living's Seed to Seal standard, we can rest assured that the ingredients used are not only clean, they are ethically sourced and good for our bodies and overall health.

To Use Pure Protein Complete:
  • Add 2 scoops to 8 oz of cold water, rice milk, almond milk, or other milk. Then shake well or stir until smooth.
  • Try one of our favorite recipes below.
And if you're looking for something with more fiber and slight cleansing properties, another option would be Balance Complete.

Balance Complete is different from protein powders in that it is a nutritive energizer and a cleanser. It contains brown rice bran, barley grass, and extra virgin coconut oil, so it is high in fiber, protein, and minerals.

This super-food-based meal replacement contains NingXia wolfberry powder, brown rice bran, barely grass, extra virgin coconut oil, aloe vera, cinnamon powder, and Young Living's premium whey protein blend. Balance Complete is high in fiber, high in protein, and contains the good fats, enzymes, vitamins, and minerals needed for nutritionally complete meal replacement. It supplies an amazing 11 grams of fiber per serving, absorbs toxins and satisfies the appetite while balancing the body's essential requirements.

  • NingXia wolfberry fruit powder -  one of the highest known antioxidant nutrients that is wonderful for strengthening the immune system and promoting overall wellness, combating carcinogens.
  • Rice bran - rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidant; an excellent source of manganese, selenium and magnesium.
  • Barley grass powder - rich in minerals and antioxidants.
  • Cinnamon powder - super nutrient with amazing support for the immune system; antioxidant and is great for weight support
  • Calcium, Zinc, Chromium, Vitamin B, C, A, E and Biotin - all needed for our bodies to function properly and stay healthy.
To Use Balance Complete:
  • Add two scoops to 8-10 ounces of cold water or milk of your choice. Shake, stir or blend until smooth. For added flavor, add fruit or essential oils or substitute Balance Complete in the smoothie recipes below.
  • For daily health maintenance, replace your leas nutritious meal with Balance Complete.
  • During Young Living's five-day nutritive cleanse, replace your three daily meals with Balance Complete and follow the recommended schedule.
Our Favorite Recipes

Peppermint Mocha Smoothie
  • 1/3 frozen banana or 1/4 cup frozen cauliflower (to decrease carb count)
  • A large handful of organic spinich
  • 2 scoops Pure Protein Complete in Chocolate Deluxe
  • Milk of choice
  • 1 drop Peppermint Vitality Essential Oil
  • Ice to taste
  • Blend and go!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie
  • 2 scoops Pure Protein Complete in Chocolate Deluxe
  • 1 cup milk of choice
  • 1 scoop organic coconut peanut butter
  • Ice to taste
  • Blend and enjoy!
Peppermint Moca or Peppermint Cocoa
  • 6 oz milk of choice, warmed
  • 2 oz strong coffee, brewed (or more as desired)
  • 1/2 to 1 scoop Chocolate Pure Protein Complete*
  • 1 drop Peppermint Vitality essential oil
  • Honey or maple syrup to taste
    • Add ingredients to a large mouth mason jar and blend with an immersion blender until frothy. The protein powder makes a deliciously creamy texture.
    • To make hot cocoa, simply substitute water or extra milk for the coffee. 
    • Not a fan of mint chocolate? Substitute cinnamon bark vitality essential oil or simply omit the oil.
    • *I use a whole scoop for breakfast or trying to get some solid nutrients into my kids (healthy hot cocoa for the win!) Try with 1/2 scoop and add more as desired.
Pumpkin Chocolate Protein Muffins (makes 12)
  • 1/2 of a 15 oz can of pumpkin puree
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1.75 cups Pamela's Baking Mix (substitute 1.75 cups gluten-free all purpose flour + 1 tsp baking soda + 3/4 tsp salt instead)
  • 2 tbsp Pure Protein Complete in Vanilla Spice
  • 2 drops Cinnamon Bark Vitality or 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 drop Nutmeg Vitality or 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
    Step 1 - Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
    Step 2 - In a mixer, cream together pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, water, and sugar until well blended.
    Step 3 - In aspirate bowl, whisk together baking mix, protein powder, cinnamon, and spices.
    Step 4 - Stir the ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until just blended. Pour into the prepared muffin tin.
    Step 5 - Bake for 30-35 minutes in a preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Chocolate Banana Ice Cream
  • 2 frozen bananas
  • 1 scoop Chocolate Pure Protein Complete
  • Splash of milk of choice
    Add ingredients to a blender or food processor until it reaches ice cream consistency and enjoy. Top with unsweetened coconut flakes, pecans or fruit if desired.
Chai Latte Smoothie
  • 2 scoops Pure Protein Complete Vanilla Spice
  • 1/3 frozen banana
  • Milk of choice
  • 2 drops Cinnamon Bark Vitality essential oil
  • 1 drop Cardamom Vitality essential oil
  • Nutmeg Vitality essential oil (swirl a toothpick in the bottle, then into the blended smoothie)
  • Ice to taste
    Add ingredients to a blender (except Nutmeg) and blend well. Top with unsweetened shredded coconut or ground cinnamon.
Vanilla Spice Overnight Oats
  • 1/3 gluten-free rolled oats
  • 1 tbsp almond butter or peanut butter
  • 1 scoop Pure Protein Complete Vanilla Spice
  • Just under 1/3 cup milk of choice
  • 1 tbsp cocoa nibs
  • 2 tbsp chia seeds
    Stir together and let sit overnight. Top with fruit of choice and enjoy.
Banana Protein Muffins
  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 4 scoops Vanilla Spice Pure Protein Complete
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp almond milk
  • 3 mashed bananas
    Add all dry ingredients together and wet ingredients together then mix. Bake for 25 minutes at 350 degrees.
Chocolate Chip Protein Bites (recipe via Oily Rockstars)
  • 2 cups quick cooking oats
  • 2 tbsp ground flax seed
  • 3 scoops Pure Protein Complete in Vanilla Spice
  • 1 cup peanut butter (you can sub any nut butter)
  • 1/4 cup raw honey
  • 2 tbsp milk of choice
  • 1/4-1/2 cup Enjoy Life mini chocolate chips
    Step 1 - In a large bowl, mix your oats, flaxseed and protein powders together using a fork. Add your peanut butter and hone. Mix to incorporate.
    Step 2 - Add the almond milk. You may need to adjust the amount of almond milk, as you will need your 'dough' to be moldable but not too moist.
    Step 3 - Lastly, add your chocolate chips and mix until evenly distributed. Shape into the size balls you want and place on parchment paper.
    Step 4 - Leave to set 10-15 minutes. Store in a container in the fridge.
Vanilla Spice Protein Pancakes
  • 1/2 cup Vanilla Spice Pure Protein Complete
  • 1/2 tsp gluten free baking powder
  • 2 large eggs
  • scant 1/4 cup unsweetened milk of choice
  • 1 tbsp melted coconut oil
  • Pinch of salt
    Mix all ingredients together and cook on a griddle or on the stovetop.

Join us this month as we ditch low quality protein powders and meal replacements for Pure Protein (Vanilla Spice and Chocolate) and Balance Complete, but don't know where to start, click here to get started.

As Always, I'm here to support you.
Your Oily Girlfriend
Jennifer

Jan's DIY - Oil-Infused Shower Melts

Oil-Infused Shower Melts DIY
Make this to Pamper Yourself

These essential oil shower melts are easy to make (only a few household ingredients!) and are a perfect way to add a little something extra to your morning routine. Choose fresh, crisp oils and blends like Peppermint, Raven, and Citrus Fresh for an invigorating steam shower to start your day. 

These also make a lovely gift!

DIY Oil-Infused Shower Melts:
  • 1 cup Baking Soda
  • 1/2 cup Epsom Salt
  • 20 drops of essential oil(s)*
  • Water (about 2-3 teaspoons)
  • Silicone mold
Pour the baking soda and epsom salt into a mixing bowl. Slowly add water, about 2 teaspoons, and mix well. If the mixture is not holding, you might need to add another teaspoon of water.

Add 20 drops of essential oil(s) of your choice and mix well. Scoop into silicone molds (or reuse an empty k-cup) and let sit overnight. Remove and store in an airtight container.

To use, simply place a shower melt on the floor of the shower near the water, but not directly in the stream. Enjoy!

And if you're looking for supplies to make some of your favorite DIYs, check out my The Basics - DIY Supplies List for a list of where to purchase some of our favorite DIY supplies.

Oil Pairing Ideas to try:

  • Peppermint + Eucalyptus Radiata
  • Rosemary + Peppermint
  • Raven + Lemon
  • Lavender + Peppermint
  • Lemon + Eucalyptus + Rosemary
  • Tangerine + Rosemary + Lemon
  • Thieves + Peppermint
  • Citrus Fresh + Thieves
  • Or any of your favorites! Just remember that oils with a stronger scent tend to do better in this recipe.
Tag me over on Instagram @oilisliving when you make these so we can see what you've made!

Want to create these DIY Shower Melts, but don't know where to start, click here to get started.

As Always, I'm here to support you.
Your Oily Girlfriend
Jennifer

How to Use Jan's Gifts with Purchase - 2022

How to use
January's Gifts with Purchase

January's Gift With Purchase is here, and it's packed with essential oil favorites you can use every day - Eucalyptus Radiata, Grapefruit, Rosemary, Lime, Cedarwood. Plus an exclusive Lavender, Peppermint and Tea Tree in the Seed to Seal Story Collection! From skin and hair care to cleaning and DIYs, here are some of our favorite ways to use these household staples.

NOTE: If you're looking for any DIY supplies, check out the DIY Supplies List resource for the exact items we use and recommend.
And don't forget to round up your order with the 'Dollar Up' option to donate to the Young Living Foundation. A few cents can go a long way!

Be sure to tag me @oilisliving on Instagram when you use these ideas so I can celebrate with you!
Eucalyptus Radiata Essential Oil

Like most species of Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Radiata is native to Australia. A very large flowering tree in the myrtle family, Eucalyptus Radiata produces fragrant leaves and is also known informally as narrow-leaved peppermint. In 2011, a study at Heidelberg University found that Eucalyptus Radiata has the second largest abundance of 1,8 console (eucalyptus) after Eucalyptus Globulus. It is this constituent that gives Eucalyptus Radiata its camphor's aroma and incredible respiratory support properties.

Use this oil to help support the airways during the cold weather. Dilute with coconut oil or V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex and apply to the chest as desired. This is a great thing to do before a winter workout.

Soothe tired muscles with simple massage oil - mix a few drops of Eucalyptus Radiata with carrier oil and massage onto tense areas. You can also add Rosemary and/or Lavender.

Make this Eucalyptus Lavender Soak for a little self care and to give tense or tired muscles some TLC.
Soothe irritated airways with a simple DIY Chest Rub. To a small glass jar add:
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil
  • 30 drops Eucalyptus Radiata
  • 20 drops Lemon
    Mix well. Apply to chest, back, throat and bottom of feed as desired.
Whenever you feel your defenses going down, try this Immune Boost Soak.
Make a refreshing room spray. To a 2 oz glass spray bottle, add:
  • 20 drops Eucalyptus Radiata
  • 10 drops Lemon or Grapefruit (optional)
  • Splash of witch hazel
  • Fill the rest with water
Make a DIY Mattress & Upholstery Spray for refreshing linens and mattresses with each sheet change or every time you make the bed. Switch up the oils as you like. To an 8 oz glass spray bottle, add
Whip up this even simpler DIY Linen Spray for linens and upholstered surfaces. To a 2 oz glass spray bottle, add:
  • 20 drops Eucalyptus Radiata
  • Splash of witch hazel
  • Fill the rest with filtered water
Make a DIY Carpet & Rug Freshener. To a glass jar, add:
  • 1 cup baking soda
  • 1/2 cup salt
  • 30 drops Eucalyptus Radiata
  • 20 drops Tea Tree (optional) - its a gift with purchase gift this month
    Mix well. When ready to use, sprinkle over carpets and let sit for 10 minutes before vacuuming.
Add Eucalyptus, Tea Tree and Peppermint to these DIY Cleaning Fizzies.
  • 1 cup baking soda
  • 1/2 cup citric acid
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 4 tsp water
  • 40 drops essential oils (Eucalyptus plus Peppermint and Tea Tree are gifts with purchase this month)
  • 3 tsp V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex or other carrier
  • Ice cube tray or small silicone mold
    Step 1 - In a large bowl, combine all dry ingredients and mix evenly.
    Step 2 - In a separate bowl, combine water, essential oils or blends, and V-6.
    Step 3 - Pour liquids into the large bowl and mix together until combined.
    Step 4 - Use the mixture to fill an ice cube tray or candy mold about three fourths full. If the mixture expands and spills over the mold, gently repack into the mold.
    Step 5 - Let sit overnight to dry in a room temperature area. When dry, pop tablets out and store in a glass jar.
    To use - When needed, put a tablet in the toilet bowl, hard-to-clean bottles, or sink full of dishes to help clean and deodorize. Let sit in the bowl, bottle, or sink for 20-30 minutes to fizz and dissolve. Once dissolved, flush or rinse out.
Freshen Up Thieves Cleaner by adding 20 drops of Eucalyptus Radiata for a fresh twist. Pair with Rosemary and Grapefruit for an even more refreshing take on our favorite plant-based cleaner.
Add Eucalyptus Radiata to wool dryer balls and Thieves Laundry Soap for fresh, clean smelling laundry.

Use Eucalyptus Radiata to make DIY Oil-Infused Shower Melts.
  • 1 cup baking soda
  • 1/2 Epsom salt
  • 30 drops of essential oil(s)
  • Water (about 2-3 tsp)
  • Silicone mold
    Step 1 - Pour the baking soda and Epsom salt into a mixing bowl. Slowly add water, about 2 teaspoons, and mix well. If the mixture is not holding, add another teaspoon of water.
    Step 2 - Add essential oil(s) of your choice and mix well. Scoop into silicone molds and let sit overnight. Remove and store in an airtight container.
    To use - simply place a shower melt on the floor of the shower near the water but not directly in the stream. Enjoy!
Diffuse this fresh, crisp oil with herbaceous oils like Rosemary and Lavender, citrus oils like Grapefruit and Lemon or cleansing oils like Peppermint and Lemongrass:
  • Aveda: Eucalyptus Radiata, Lemon, Rosemary
  • Spa Treatment: Eucalyptus Radiata, Grapefruit, Tangerine
  • Fresh & Clean: Eucalyptus Radiata, Tea Tree, Lemon
  • Resolutions: Eucalyptus Radiata, Peppermint, Lavender
Grapefruit Essential Oil

A natural cross of the pomelo and the sweet orange, grapefruit likely originated in Jamaica before spreading to America and throughout citrus-growing areas. Today this evergreen tree is cultivated in the United States, South Africa, Brazil, and Israel.

Grapefruit essential oil has a zesty, uplifting aroma that refreshes the air when diffused. It also provides cleansing action, making it a popular addition to skin care and home cleaning products.

Add Grapefruit to your favorite roller blends for some happy citrus zest! To a 10 mL roller bottle, add the following essential oils with a carrier oil of your choice. (Note: do not apply citrus oils to skin that will be directly exposed to the sunlight within 2 hours.)
  • Keep Calm & Carry On: 20 drops Stress Away, 15 drops each Grapefruit & Lavender
  • Liquid Sunshine: 20 drops Grapefruit, 15 drops each Tangerine & Lemon, 10 drops Bergamot
  • Flower Garden: 20 drops Grapefruit, 15 drops Ylang Ylang, 10 drops Bergamot
  • Golden Hour: 20 drops Grapefruit, 15 drops Northern Lights Black Spruce or Idaho Blue Spruce, 10 drops Germanium or Joy
Make these lovely Citrus Rind Diffusers (recipe via Hello Glow). Hollow out the fruit. In a small bowl mix the sea salt and essential oils well. Fill fruit rinds with the sea salt and oil mixture. Replace every 3-4 days.
Grapefruit Cedarwood:
  • 1 Grapefruit
  • 15 drops Cedarwood (gift with purchase this month)
  • 5 drops Grapefruit essential oil
  • 3 drops Sage essential oil
  • 1.5 cups coarse sea salt
  • Fresh sage leaves for garnish (optional)
Lemon Rosemary:
  • 1 lemon
  • 1 cup coarse sea salt
  • 15 drops Rosemary essential oil
  • 10 drops Grapefruit essential oil
  • Fresh rosemary for garnish (optional)
Rosemary Lime Mint:
  • 1 lime
  • 1 cup coarse sea salt
  • 10 drops Rosemary essential oil
  • 10 drops Lime essential oil
  • 5 drops Peppermint essential oil
  • Fresh rosemary for garnish (optional)
Winter skin needing a little love? Whip up this Grapefruit Salt Scrub:
Make this Grapefruit Lip Scrub for soft, happy lips:
  • 10 drops Grapefruit
  • 5 drops Vanilla (optional)
  • 1/4 cup white sugar
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil
    Whip coconut oil with a mixer, then add in sugar and essential oils and mix again. Store in a glass jar. Apply nightly to lips in a circular motion. Wipe off with a drop towel.
Whip up this DIY Toning Oil to use after hitting the gym to work on your resolutions. To a 2 or 4 oz pump or dropper bottle, add:
  • 10 drops each Rosemary, Grapefruit, Fennel, Juniper
  • 5 drops each Geranium, Cypress
  • Fill with V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex
    Massage onto problem areas as desired.
Spice up your Thieves Cleaner with a fresh, crisp recipe. To a 16 oz glass spray bottle, add:
  • 1-2 tsp Thieves Household Cleaner
  • 20 drops Grapefruit essential oil
  • 15 drops each Tangerine & Lemon essential oil
  • 15 drops Eucalyptus Radiata
  • Fill the rest with filtered water
Bring a little light to your winter body butter by combining Winter Nights essential oil blend and Grapefruit in this DIY Whipped Body Butter recipe.
  • 1/2 cup unrefined extra virgin coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup shea butter
  • 1 tbsp Vitamin E oil
  • 20 drops Grapefruit essential oil
  • 15 drops Winter Nights essential oil blend
    Melt together coconut oil, shea butter and cocoa butter, then add in Vitamin E oil and whisk.
    Refrigerate until almost half solidified, then use a mixer to whip for 1 - 2 minutes until a fluffy consistency is achieved.
    Add in essential oils, then place in a glass jar.
Diffuse this happy citrus oil to bring a little bit of sunshine to your home:
  • Herb Garden: Grapefruit, Lemon, Basil
  • Spring Breeze: Grapefruit, Ylang Ylang, Bergamot, Valor
  • Cozy Home: Grapefruit, Lavender, Vanilla
  • Keep Calm: Grapefruit, Stress Away, Bergamot
Rosemary Essential Oil

An evergreen shrub in the mint family, Rosemary grows abundantly in rocky coastal regions. Rosemary essential oil has an invigorating aroma that can be used to create an environment conducive to work or study. It is often included in soaps, fragrances, shampoos, and household cleaners and is a key ingredient in the Thieves essential oil blend.

Use Rosemary in DIY cleaning products for a fresh, sparkling home.
  • Add 20 drops to Thieves Household Cleaner (optional to add 20 drops of Lemon as well)
  • Add to a room spray (see recipes above)
  • Use in laundry - on wool dryer balls, add Thieves Laundry Soap
  • Add Rosemary to the DIY Mattress & Upholstery Spray recipe above
Use Rosemary to make a DIY Laundry Scent Booster. To a large glass jar with an airtight lid, add:
  • 1.5 cup salt Epsom salt
  • 1/2 cup baking soda
  • 30 drops Rosemary (or mix Rosemary with Eucalyptus)
    Whisk together until all ingredients are well combined.
    To use - add 1-2 tbsp into the washer before adding any laundry. Add laundry and the normal amount of laundry detergent.
Make this Freshen Up Thieves Cleaner recipe. To a 16 oz glass spray bottle, add:
  • 1-2 capfuls Thieves Household Cleaner
  • 10 drops each Eucalyptus Radiata and Rosemary essential oil
  • 20 drops Grapefruit essential oil
  • filtered water
Take a relaxing Epsom salt bath with Rosemary. Add 20 drops to 1 cup Epsom salt and soak in warm water.

Add Rosemary to your shampoo and conditioner for a healthy scalp and hair. Also try this Rosemary Mint Hair Mask:
  • 1/4 cup avocado oil
  • 10 drops Rosemary essential oil
  • 5 drops Peppermint essential oil
  • 5 drops Cedarwood essential oil (optional) - great for hair growth
    Mix well and apply on hair starting at the ends. Let sit for up to 10 minutes then shampoo and condition as normal.
Add 5 drops to a large handful of massage oil and apply to the skin to relax tired muscles. 

Or whip up a DIY Massage Oil. To a 4 oz pump bottle, add:
  • 20 drops Rosemary essenital oil
  • 10 drops Peppermint essential oil
  • 10 drops Cypress essential oil
  • A carrier of choice
Give your tired feet some love with this Rosemary Peppermint Foot Scrub.
  • 2 tbsp organic sugar
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 3 drops Rosemary essential oil
  • 2 drops Peppermint essential oil (optional)
    Mix ingredients well then rub onto feet. Wrap feet with warm damp towels and let sit for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes remove the towel and wipe off the scrub. Follow with moisturizer if desired.
Diffuse Rosemary during work, homework, or school times for a refreshing aroma that supports focus and creativity. Pair Rosemary with other crips oils like Peppermint and Eucalyptus, calming oils like Lavender or citrus oils like Lime, Bergamot and Lemon.
  • Crisp Breeze: Rosemary, Lime, Grapefruit, Bergamot
  • Aveda: Rosemary, Lemon, Eucalyptus Radiata
  • Focused: Rosemary, Lemon, Tangerine
  • Herbal Remedy: Rosemary, Lavender, Basil, Grapefruit
Lime Essential Oil

Lime essential oil has a sharp, green, citrus aroma that uplifts the senses when used aromatically or applied topically. Lime Vitality has a delightful citrus flavor, contains antioxidants, and may provide general wellness support when taken internally. NOTE: Lime and Lime Vitality are the same essential oil.

Make DIY Scented Sachets to bring a crisp, happy aroma to any area of your home.
  • 1/2 cup uncooked rice
  • 1/4 cup Epsom salt
  • 1 cup dried lavender buds
  • Muslin cotton drawstrings pouches, approximately 5 inches long by 4 inches wide
  • 30 drops Lime essential oil
  • 20 drops Lavender essential oil
    In a medium bowl, mix rice, Epsom salt, flower buds, and essential oil to thoroughly scent the mixture. Spoon mixture into your muslin pouch. Place anywhere you want to add a fresh lavender lime scent. Refresh your pouch every 2-3 weeks by opening it up and adding more drops of essential oil.
Mix Lime and Rosemary with magnesium flakes or Epsom salt for a relaxing bath soak.

Show your muscles a little TLC after hitting the gym or even after standing all day (or for those middle of the night leg cramps). To a 2 oz pump bottle or a 30 mL roller bottle, add:
  • 15 drops Cypress essential oil
  • 20 drops Lime essential oil
  • A carrier of choice
    Apply to lets to support healthy circulation.
Make this Brightening Cranberry Clay Mask for an at-home facial:
  • 1/4 cup fresh, organic cranberries
  • 1/4 tsp Rhassoul Clay
  • 1 tsp organic, greek yogurt
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 3 drops each Lime and Geranium essential oils (optional)
  • 1/4 cup of water
    Blend cranberries into a paste, then add remaining ingredients. Add water last and add until desired consistency. Apply to the face and let sit for 10-15 minutes before removing with warm water or a warm cloth.
Add Lime to Grapefruit Lip Scrub recipe above.
Add Lime to your beauty routine to freshen and cleanse your skin.

Create this amazing T-Zone Roller (or serum) to support glowing skin. To a 10 mL roller bottle, add:
  • 10 drops Lime essential oil
  • 5 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 5 drops Tea Tree essential oil
  • Fill with a carrier of choice
    Apply to t-zone or oily areas of skin as needed (even blemishes!)
Add Lime Vitality to any of your favorite dishes - guacamole, marinades, and salad dressings, baked proteins like chicken or salmon, smoothies - anything you would use lime zest! 

Add a drop of Lime Vitality to your daily NingXia Red and to your water glass throughout the day. 

NOTE: Lime Vitality and Lime are the same essential oil.

Diffuse this crisp citrus oil to bring a little bit of summer to your home. Pair Lime with other citrus oils, with herbaceous oils like Lavender and Rosemary, or to candle-inspired blends to add a lighter note to the fragrance.
  • Spring Breeze: Lime, Rosemary, Grapefruit
  • Herb Garden: Lime, Lavender, Rosemary, Basil
  • Seaside: Lime, Lavender, Spearmint
  • Capri Blue Volcano: Idaho Blue Spruce, Grapefruit, Geranium, Tangerine, Lime
Cedarwood Essential Oil

Cedarwood essential oil is recognized for its calming and grounding aroma, which can be paired with Lavender as part of your bedtime routine. It also provides skin and hair care benefits when applied topically, making it a great addition to your facial care routine or shampoo.

Make this incredible DIY Hand Salve for soothing winter skin (more than just hands!).
  • 1/2 cup cold pressed organic olive oil (or 1 cup if not using arnica oil)
  • 1/2 cup organic arnica oil
  • 1 tbsp shea butter
  • 2 tbsp unrefined extra virgin coconut oil
  • 3-4 tbsp beeswax pastilles
  • 30 drops essential oils - Cedarwood, Frankincense, Lavender, Patchouli. For a masculine scent - Sandalwood, Vetiver, Idaho Blue Spruce
    Step 1 - Using a double boiler, place several inches of water in the bottom and place a bowl or pan on top. Turn the heat to low-medium and add the olive oil, shea butter, coconut oil and beeswax and allow it to melt, stirring gently.
    Step 2 - Remove the bowl from the double boiler. Add Vitamin E oil and essential oils.
    Step 3 - Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes to cool but not harden, then pour into the small containers.
Make this Winter Skin Bath Soak. Adding oatmeal to the bath is helpful for more acute skin needs, especially for children.
Make this nourishing DIY Goat Milk Soap. Chop soap base into cubes and melt using a double boiler. Whisk in all remaining ingredients and pour into soap molds. Let sit overnight.
Give your skin and your joints some love with this Soothing ACV Bath Soak. Mix all together and add to your bath water with the ACV.
Make your own (effective) deodorant with this Natural Deodorant Spray recipe. To a 4 oz glass mister bottle, combine all ingredients and shake well:
  • 3 tbsp grain alcohol
  • 1 tbsp witch hazel
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 1/2 tsp glycerin
  • 20 drops Cedarwood (or other essential oils)
  • 10 drops Tea Tree (optional)
    To Use - spritz two sprays under arms as desired.
Make a simple DIY Cuticle Oil. This also makes a great gift and pairs well with the Gardener's Hand Salve (from November and December). Add all to an empty 15 mL essential oil bottle with an AromaGlide Roller Fitment. Roll onto your cuticles anytime, anywhere.
Make a Focus Roller to use during work, homework, school, meetings or anytime to help focus the mind. To a 10 mL roller bottle, add:
  • 15 drops Frankincense essential oil
  • 10 drops Cedarwood essential oil
  • 5 drops Peppermint essential oil
  • Fill with a carrier of choice
    Apply over the heart, back of the neck, on the wrists liberally and frequently.
Make a Sweet Dreams Roller. To a 10 mL roller bottle, add:
  • 20 drops each Lavender and Cedarwood essential oil
  • 10 drops Frankincense essential oil
  • Fill with a carrier of choice
    Apply over the big toe, bottom of the feet, neck and behind ears before bed or more frequently as desired.
Make these Sweet Dreams Bath Salts to use before bedtime (great for helping kids wind down as well). Add to a glass jar and mix well.
  • 1 cup magnesium flakes
  • 1/2 cup Epsom salts
  • 10 drops Cedarwood essential oil
  • 10 drops Lavender essential oil
Diffuse this woodsy oil to support focus, calm the atmosphere and bring a sense of serenity to your home.
  • Sweet Dreams: 5 drops Cedarwood, 4 drops Lavender, 3 drops Frankincense
  • Calm & Collected: 4 drops each Cedarwood, Peppermint & Lemon
  • Enchanted Forest: 4 drops Cedarwood, 3 drops Ylang Ylang, 3 drops Vanilla, 2 drops Idaho Blue Spruce
  • Grounded & Grateful: 3 drops each Cedarwood, Patchouli, Tangerine, Northern Lights Black Spruce
  • Let It Go: 4 drops each Cedarwood, Lavender, & Vetiver
Seed to Seal Story Collection

This collection includes exclusive 10 mL bottles of Lavender, Peppermint and Tea Tree - all of which are household staples! These three oils are expertly versatile and are ones we reach for daily.

Add Lavender and Tea Tree to your on-the-go wellness kit for the literal bumps in the road and make this simple, but effective Pavement Spray. The best part about this is that you don't have to rub it in onto tender skin! To a 2 oz glass or stainless steel spray bottle, add
  • 10 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 10 drops Frankincesne essential oil
  • 5 drops Myrrh or Helichrysm essential oil
  • 5 drops Tea Tree essential oil
  • Fill with fractionated coconut oil
    Spray onto knees, elbows, any skin that needs some TLC.
Make an Herbal Deodorizing Spray for pet beds, upholstered surfaces, car upholstery, etc. To a 2 oz glass spray bottle, add:
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar
  • 20 drops Tea Tree essential oil
  • 10 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 10 drops Grapefruit essential oil
  • 5 drops Peppermint essential oil
  • Pinch of salt or splash of witch hazel
  • Fill the rest with filtered water
    Spray lightly onto surfaces to remove unwanted odors.
Add Tea Tree to dryer balls and directly to your laundry soap to freshen up your laundry. You can also use it with Thieves Dish Soap as a stain pre-treatment.

Drop Tea Tree into any area where unwanted odors linger - inside of toilet tissue rolls, on a cloth inside the garage can, on floor mat in the car, in gym bags, running shoes, rubber boots, etc.

Add Lavender essential oil to your skincare routine. Try this Gentle Bentonite Clay Cleanser & Mask. Mix everything together and store in a glass jar.
  • 4 tbsp Bentonite clay
  • 1 tbsp baking soda
  • 2 tsp calendula powder
  • 2 tsp chamomile powder
  • 1/2 tsp Vitamin C powder
    To Use - Place a nickel size amount of powder in your palm. Add a drop or two of Lavender (option to add Roman Chamomile as well) and a little water to form a paste. Apply to face and neck and let sit for 2-5 minutes to cleanse or up to 10 as a mask. Rinse with warm water.
Use Lavender and Tea Tree in the DIY Goat Milk Soap and Bath Soak recipes above.

Add a drop of Peppermint to carrier oil and massage onto tense shoulder, temples, and back of the neck. You can also apply it to sore, tired muscles.

Keep Peppermint on hand in the car to help ease any unhappy bellies due to movement. Sniff directly from the bottle as needed.

Make Lavender a part of your bedtime routine. Diffuse, apply, massage onto shoulders, mix with water in a 2 oz glass spray bottle and spritz onto sheets.

Add all three oils to calm, uplift and purify your home and atmosphere.
  • Sniffles Ease: Peppermint, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus Radiata, Lemon
  • Breathe Easy: Eucalyptus Radiata, Tea Tree, Lavender, Peppermint
  • Relax: Eucalyptus Radiata, Lavender, Lemon
Now that you know how to use these Free Gifts with Purchase products and you want to get your hands on them, but don't know where to start, click here to get started.

As Always, I'm here to support you.
Your Oily Girlfriend
Jennifer

Gift with Purchase! - Jan 2022

January's gifts with Purchase


Energize your new year with January's gifts with purchase! This month is full of powerful essential oil favorites you can use every day. Infuse everything - from your hair care to your homemade cleaners - with Rosemary's invigorating scent, Grapefruit's zesty aroma, and Lime's citrusy goodness.

Turn any shower into a spa with the fresh scent of Eucalyptus Radiata or the soothing, woodsy aroma of Cedarwood.

With the Seed to Seal Story Collection, you'll receive limited-edition 10 mL bottles containing some of our oil all-starts: Lavender, Tea Tree, and Peppermint. And as always, your order ships for free at or above 100 PV.

For some of our favorite ways to use these oils and products, check out January's 'How to Use' blog post.

Every month this generous company loads us up with free items simply for being loyal customers. We purchase items we’d be buying anyway - toothpaste, lotion, shampoo, makeup, supplements and cleaning supplies, etc - from Young Living, and we not only get amazing, high quality products that are safe for our families, we get free products, free shipping, delivered to our doorstep and product credits galore! I am ALL about boxes of safe, effective and healthy products showing up on my porch with fun freebies inside!


Freebies To Start January 2022


With any order (Subscribe to Save or one time shop order) of 100 PV or more, you will receive FREE SHIPPING. Stock up on all-time favorites and your order will ship for free.


190 PV Orders


With any order (Subscribe to Save or Shop) of 190 PV or more, you'll receive a free 15 mL EUCALYPTUS RADIATA essential oil. If your order is a Subscribe to Save order (previously Essential Rewards), you'll also receive a free 15 mL GRAPEFRUIT and a 15 mL ROSEMARY essential oil.



EUCALYPTUS RADIATA essential oil, 15 mL
  • Love your locks. Give those tresses the royal treatment! Massage a few drops of Eucalyptus Radiata into your scalp so the rejuvenation scent can refresh your hair.
  • Drift off to dreamland. Rub a little Eucalyptus Radiata on the booms of your feet and inhale the aroma as you settle down for a long winter's nap.


GRAPEFRUIT, 15 mL

  • Refresh the room. Want your room to feel like a sunny beach house? Grapefruit brings a welcome burst of freshness, whether you're diffusing it or using it to eat up your household cleaners.
  • Show off a sweet, summery scent. Grapefruit's sweet, invigorating aroma can brighten any day. Just dab a little on your wrists and neck to sport a fresh personal scent.
  • NOTE: for Subscribe to Save orders only.
ROSEMARY, 15 mL
  • Show your scalp some TLC. Massage a few drops of this fresh, woodsy essential oil into your scalp by adding into your favorite shampoo Mix it with Cedarwood (the 300 PV tier gift with purchase) for a refreshing scalp mask.
  • Sprits the stinky and sticky. Clean to your heart's content, spritzing away stinky orders and sticky counters with a Rosemary-infused DIY cleaner.
  • NOTE: for Subscribe to Save orders only.

250 PV Orders

With any order of 250 PV, you'll receive a free 15 mL LIME essential oil and all the above with FREE SHIPPING!


LIME essential oil, 15 mL
  • Add some zest to your day and take a mini tropical staycation in a bottle! Invite Lime's sunny, citrusy notes into your favorite spaces by diffusing it or add it to your DIY cleaner to enjoy its fresh clean scent.
  • Get that glow. What's a vacation without some spa time? Give your skin some glow by applying 2 drops of Lime to your face with a cotton pad as you wind down for bed.
300 PV Orders

With any order of 300 PV, you'll receive a free 15 mL CEDARWOOD, a SEED TO SEAL STORY COLLECTION and all of the above with FREE SHIPPING!


  • Experience three powerhouse oils: Lavender, Tea Tree and Peppermint. Drift to sleep with dreamy Lavender, bash the appearance of blemishes with herbaceous Tea Tree, and cool down those tired legs after a run with cooling Peppermint.
  • Use from sunup to sundown. These essential oil favorites are easy to add to nearly every part of your day-to-day, from soothing skin care to homemade cleaners.
CEDARWOOD essential oil, 15 mL
  • Treat those tresses. You have to wear your hair everyday, so let Cedarwood make it your best-looking feature! Warm a few drops on you hand and fingers and gently rub it into your scalp for healthy-looking hair.
  • Soften the appearance of your skin. Add Cedarwood to your nightly body lotion, daily face moisturizes, a weekly face mask and marvel at how it cleanses, moisturizers, and conditions your skin.
  • Sweeten your surroundings. Share Cedarwood's calm, complementary scent by adding it to your diffuser blends. Mix it with citrus notes, floral accents, or earthy tones to create your own unique combinations.
For more details and ways to use these amazing oils, check out this YouTube video from YL Corporate. Then get diffusing with these freebies with these yummy Diffuser Recipes in January.

Wonder how to use your gifts with purchase? Check out this post to see all the things.

Want to get the most out of your new oils? Check out these posts on the Lavender Life Blog:
FAQs:
What is January's Gift with Purchase?
Basically, the best way to order! You purchase products and YL sends you free ones. Each month you'll have new picks for every tier.

Whats a tier?
Basically, the more PV (product volume) you order, the more free products you receive. Order at least 100 PV and your order ships free. Every time you increase your order volume (up to 300PV) and qualify for a new tier, you receive free products.

Earn points on products
Not only do you receive free goodies, but if you place a 50 PV+ order each month with Subscribe to Save program, you'll also earn loyalty  points on each purchase, which you can redeem for future products.

Earn exclusive gifts
If all those perks weren't enough, subscribers receive a free loyalty gift as a thank you each time you reach a benchmark anniversary of 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months of sequential ordering on Subscribe to Save.

Not sure what to do to get these freebies? Click here to get started.

As Always, I'm here to support you.
Your Oily Girlfriend
Jennifer

December's DIY - Diffuser Bombs

DIY Diffuser Bombs
Make this for Yourself and your Loved Ones

One of our essential oil loving friends came up with the most brilliant way to have all of your favorite diffuser blends ready to go for quick and easy use. Create your favorite diffuser blends ahead of time in a few simple steps. These bottles look lovely sitting next to the diffuser, and this is also a fun way to gift oils to friends and family - grab your favorite diffuser, create a diffuser bomb and you have a wonderful gift at the ready!


DIY Diffuser Bombs:
  • Empty 15 mL essential oil bottles
  • Bamboo dropper lids (or frosted bamboo dropper bottles) - optional!
  • Add your oils from your favorite blends. You'll be able to add triple the amount or more depending on your bottle size. 15 mL bottles can hold almost 300 drops.
Before using the pre-made blends, give the bottle a slight shake and then add 8-10 drops from your diffuser

And if you're looking for supplies to make some of your favorite DIYs, check out my The Basics - DIY Supplies List for a list of where to purchase some of our favorite DIY supplies.

Favorite Blends to try:

Anthropologie Home 
  • 100 drops each Orange + Grapefruit
  • 60 drops Idaho Blue Spruce or Northern Light Black Spruce
  • 40 drops Geranium
The Happy Hippy
  • 80 drops each Northern Lights Black Spruce + Jade Lemon
  • 70 drops Grapefruit
  • 60 drops Patchouli
Winter Wonderland 
  • 60 drops each Christmas Spirit + Northern Lights Black Spruce
  • 40 drops each Idaho Blue Spruce + Joy
Frosted Cranberry 
  • 70 drops each Cinnamon Bark + Stress Away
  • 50 drops Ylang Ylang
  • 40 drops Vanilla
Twisted Peppermint
  • 60 drops each Peppermint + Idaho Balsam Fir
  • 40 drops Stress Away
  • 30 drops Tangerine
Tag me over on Instagram @oilisliving when you make these so we can see what you've made!

Want to create these Diffuser Bombs, but don't know where to start, click here to get started.

As Always, I'm here to support you.
Your Oily Girlfriend
Jennifer

Essentials for Dec 2021

December Essentials
What should I order?


The holidays are upon us and the year is winding down, so you will find us cozied up at home with those we love... diffusing oils, making DIYs, gathering with our family and friends.


We are here to give full presence to all that this season brings, and here are a few products we are using to enhance this beautiful time of year.


Vanilla Oleoresin - for a warm, welcoming aroma
Peppermint essential oil - for diffusing, baking, and merry making
NingXia Red Combo Pack - for healthy hearts and minds
Christmas Spirit essential oil blend - for all the cozy, festive feelings!
Winter Nights Foaming Hand Soap, 3 pack - for clean, soft, moisturized hands with a scent no store can match
Super Vitamin D - for immune, emotional, bone and muscle health

Vanilla Oleoresin

Vanilla is the quintessential warm, inviting scent, making it a wonderful addition to diffuser blends, DIYs, roller blends and even Thieves Household Cleaner. Young Living's Vanilla is not strictly an extract or an absolute, both of which contain monthly alcohol and do not blend well with essential oils. 


Noticing these flaws in mainstream vanilla extracts and absolutes, the D. Gary Young Research Institute worked to find a vanilla product that would meet the Seed to Seal quality commitment and blend well with essential oils. The result is a first-of-its-kind extraction method that yields a Vanilla oleoresin in fractioned coconut oil that diffuses and blends beautifully with essential oils.

Learn more about Vanilla oleoresin in December's Oil of the Month Spotlight post.

Peppermint Essential Oil

Bring the crisp, sweet scent of candy canes into your home with Peppermint essential oil. Peppermint is a natural cross between water mint and spearmint that has an uplifting, invigorating aroma that creates a focused, bright environment with diffused.

Peppermint is soothing when applied topically, making it great post workout or when your neck and shoulders fell tense. Peppermint Vitality essential oil has a minty, refreshing flavor that supports healthy digestion... and is a perfect addition to any holiday baking.

Note: Peppermint and Peppermint Vitality are the same essential oil.

Want to know more? April's Oil Spotlight blog post gives you all the details!
NingXia Red Antioxidant Drink
Combo Pack

Packets for you, bottles for gifting! Add a shot of NingXia Red to your routine to enjoy the benefits of this powerful, whole-body supplement. There are MANY reasons we love this wolfberry puree (see the list of blog posts for all the ways).

NingXia Red is packed with superfoods to support overall wellness - plum, aronia, cherry, blueberry, and pomegranate juices and extracts, pure vanilla extract and Lemon, Orange, Tangerine and Yuzu essential oils.

The benefits of NingXia Red include support for energy levels, normal cellular function, and whole-body and normal eye health. A daily shot of 2-4 ounce helps support overall wellness with powerful antioxidants.

Learn more about NingXia Red:
Christmas Spirit Essential Oil Blend

This blend of Cinnamon, Spruce and Orange is the most festive blend for the season. Christmas Spirit is a beautiful medley of three oils reminiscent of winter holidays.

Orange essential oil has a bright aroma that is believed to bring joy, peace, and happiness to those who possess it. Cinnamon Bark essential oil is the oil of wealth from he Orient. Black Spruce essential oil has an aromatic influence that brings a feeling of balance and grounding. Diffuse this oil all season long (and beyond!)

Learn more about Christmas Sprit blend (which is free this month with purchase) in December's How to Use blog post and how to use Christmas Spirit in these yummy diffuser recipes.
Winter Nights
Foaming Hand Soap

Bring the brisk winter air into your home with our favorite seasonal hand soap - Winter Nights Foaming Hand soap. Young Living's signature scent Winter Nights Blend features Northern Lights Black Spruce, Cedarwood, Orange, and Peppermint essential oils, which are the perfect combination for the season.

The plant-based formula cleans hands without over-drying and aloe and ginkgo biloba botanicals moisturize the skin, making it feel softer and healthier, which is especially important during the driest seasons.
Super Vitamin D

Who doesn't need a super boos of sunshine? Young Living's plant-based Super Vitamin D is highly absorbable, vegan friendly, and completely synthetic free. Dissolvable in a delicious mixed berry-flavored tablet, Super Vitamin D is a great source of Vitamin D that helps support bone growth and healthy muscle.

Vitamin D plays a key function in respiratory health, and through its innate and adaptive defense mechanisms, it supports the body's respiratory immune system. This dissolvable tablet is made with lemon balm extract and Vitamin D to support mood and hormone regulation. SIGN US UP! This time of year can be hard emotionally, so adding Vitamin D to our supplement routine can make a big impact. 

Learn more about Super Vitamin D in this month's Supplement Spotlight.

Want to try the essentials for December (Vanilla Oleoresin, Peppermint essential oil, NingXia Red Combo Pack, Christmas Spirit essential oil blend, Winter Nights Foaming Hand Soap), but don't know where to start, click here to get started.

As Always, I'm here to support you.
Your Oily Girlfriend
Jennifer

Super Vitamin D Supplement Spotlight - Dec 2021

Super Vitamin D

Supplement Spotlight

Vitamin D is one of those supplements that get a lot of hype, and for good reason - its estimated that between 40-70% of the US population is deficient in Vitamin D! And this vitamin is a powerhouse when it comes to our health. Immune, respiratory, bone and joint, emotions, autoimmune needs - all are supported with healthy Vitamin D levels.


Vitamin D is Important for:
  • Supporting healthy bones and  helping prevent osteoporosis
  • Regulating the absorption of calcium + Phosphorous (essential for health)
  • Faciliting normal immune function
  • Plays an important role in regulating mood and warding off depression
  • Reduces risk of other diseases
"The Vitamin D Council - a scientist-led group promoting Vitamin D deficiency awareness - suggests Vitamin D treatment might be found helpful in treating or preventing autoimmune disease, chronic pain, depression, diabetes, heart diseases, high blood pressure, flu and osteoporosis. However, there have been no definitive clinical trials."
- WebMB

Vitamin D is made in the skin when the skin is exposed to UV-B rays in sunlight. Only a limited number of foods contain Vitamin D, so exposing the skin to sunlight is how we get 70-80% of the Vitamin D our body needs. Unfortunately, sunlight is not always a reliable source of Vitamin D. The season and geographic latitude, use of sunscreen, city smog, skin pigmentation, and a person's age are some of the factors that affect how much Vitamin D is produced in the skin through sunlight.

Why We Love Super Vitamin D

  • Plays a key function in respiratory health
  • Supports the body's respiratory immune system through its innate, adaptive defense mechanisms
  • Helps boos healthy immune systems
  • Supports mood and hormone regulation with Vitamin D and lemon balm
  • Helps support bone growth and healthy muscle
  • Support calcium balance and bone growth
  • Infused with Lemon Balm (Melissa) essential oil
Young Living's Super Vitamin D supports the immune and respiratory system with 250 percent of the daily value of Vitamin D. This highly absorbable, vegan-friendly tablet is made with lemon balm extract and Lime and Melissa premium essential oils, which help increase bioavailability of the Vitamin D and also support mood and hormone regulation.

Vitamin D and Bone Health

When it comes to healthy bones, Calcium is like the nutrient you think of first. But Vitamin D is just as important for keeping bones strong and preventing the bone disease osteoporosis. Vitamin D helps your intestines absorb calcium from the food you eat, so getting enough of both nutrients is an important part of making sure your bones are dense and strong.

Vitamin D and Emotional Health adapted from Eryn Jones

Healthy Vitamin D levels are crucial for emotional health! Having adequate levels of Vitamin D allows your brain to perform its 'executive' function such as reasoning, attention, critical thinking and flexibility. Much like the CEO of a successful company needs support from his or her team to have clear focus and decision making, your brain needs support from supplements, sleep, and nutrition to be able to perform well.

Vitamin D is essential for that!

Healthy Vitamin D levels have also been shown to lower the risk for seasonal blues, can support depressive mental health states and also assists in memory. The reason we are often happier and more at ease during warm months is because we naturally have higher Vitamin D levels from sun exposure. Since we can't always be in the sun and since we need higher levels than previously thought, supplementation is key.

Learn more here:
Achieving Optimal Vitamin D levels

Depending on who you ask, blood levels above 20 ng/mL or 30 ng/mL are considered "sufficient," and there are multiple factors affecting how much Vitamin D an individual may need. However, a generally recognized dosage would be 1.000-4.000 IU (25-100 micrograms) daily. This dose should be enough to ensure optimal blood levels in most people. Other considerations:

How To Use

  • Take 1-2 tablets daily with food
  • Place in mouth and allow to dissolve for 5-10 seconds, then chew for optimal results
  • Note: Each sublingual tablet contains 1.000 IU Vitamin D.

Join us as we use Super Vitamin D this month and beyond to support our immune system and emotions as we head into winter weather and the holiday season.

Want to try Super Vitamin D, but don't know where to start, click here to get started.

As Always, I'm here to support you.
Your Oily Girlfriend
Jennifer

Diffusers Ditch and Switch - Dec 2021

December's Ditch & Switch

Scented Candles for Diffusers


As the gatekeepers of our home we have such a great opportunity to bring in healthy products and create healthy habits for ourselves and families! 

Join us as we fill our homes with scents of the season using diffusers instead of scented candles! Plus makes a wonderful gift.


Why we Love It

It is no secret that we love diffusing - our diffusers are going 24/7. One of the best things about essential oils is that they not only smell incredible, they have a huge positive impact on our health. We can diffuse blends that support immunity, our respiratory system, healthy sleep, focus and mental clarity, emotional support and more.

We can fill our homes with the scents of the season without burning chemicals or using ingredients that harm our health.

"I used to burn scented candles all the time, so I was a little worried when we switched to diffusers. I wanted my home to smell inviting and cozy, and I have not been disappointed! Seven years later, we no longer burn candles or use wall plugs, and our home still smells incredible. So much so that my husband's friend commented on it when they come over."
- Ashley C.

Gift Ideas
Giving the gift of a diffuser and oils is one of the best ways you can share your love of oils with your family and friends! Plus, this simple switch from scented candles can make a huge impact on overall health. Here are a few ideas for gifting.

A few notes on Fragrance

If you turn over your favorite products, you'll often find the word 'fragrance' in the ingredients. But what is fragrance?

Fragrance chemicals are carbon-based compounds that volatile, or vaporize into the air, which is why we can smell them. They are added to household and personal care products to give them a scent or to mask the odor of other ingredients. Unfortunately, the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by fragrance products can contribute to poor indoor air quality and are associated with a variety of adverse health effects. They are pretty much the last thing you want in a product you are burning for ambiance and aroma.

But it gets a little bit worse... Did you know that to protect trade secrets, makers are allowed to withhold fragrance ingredients, so consumers can't rely on labels to know what hazards may lurk inside those festive scented candles (and room sprays.. and wall plugs... and perfumes... and cosmetics...) This is called the "fragrance loophole" in federal labeling law. Although all other ingredients in your scented household and personal care products must be disclosed on the label by their specific name, this loophole means that ingredients added to provide a pleasant scent, or to mask a bad one, need only be listed under the generic term "fragrance".

The Environmental Woking Group (EWG.org) reports that, while many popular candles and room sprays contains trace amounts of natural essences, they also typically contain a dozen or more potentially hazardous synthetic chemicals, some of which are derived from petroleum. According to the EWG:

"Exposure to fragrance chemicals can cause headaches; eye, nose, and throat irritation; nausea; forgetfulness; loss of coordination; and other respiratory and/or neurotoxic symptoms. Many fragrance ingredients are respiratory irritants and sensitizers, which can trigger asthma attacks and aggravate sinus conditions."

One example of harmful ingredient (there are many!) when it comes to fragrance, is styrene, an ingredient added to a wide variety of consumer products. A 2011 finding by the National Toxicology Program (endorsed by the Academy's National Research Council) found that styrene is "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen."

We know only that styrene might be an ingredient in any given fragrance because the International Fragrance Association, an industry trade group, publishes on online "Transparency List" of ingredients that perfumers SAY they use in formulas for consumer products. Styrene is one of the 3,000-odd ingredients on the list. According to the EWG:

When you add up the number of products in your bathroom cabinets and under your kitchen sink that contain "fragrance" - and many contain styrene - the total could be many exposures to a substance we now know is "reasonable anticipated to be a human carcinogen."

THIS is why we are so passionate about ditching conventional products and switching to Young Living's clean, effective and safe options! Young Living NEVER uses fragrance in their products - they don't even need to because of the incredible essential oils. All the Young Living products are infused with the highest quality, therapeutic grade essential oils which not only make fragrance unnecessary, they actually improve our health.

Make a simple switch with a huge impact and join us as we switch out scented candles for diffuser and delicious oil blends!

Check out these amazing Diffuser Blends on the Lavender Life Blog:

Ready to switch out your scented candles for diffusers instead, but don't know where to start, click here to get started.

As Always, I'm here to support you.
Your Oily Girlfriend
Jennifer

Vanilla Oil Spotlight - Dec 2021

Vanilla Essential Oil

Oil Spotlight for December

Vanilla essential oil is such a warm, inviting and happy oil. It has a luxuriously rich, slightly sweet scent that enhances the experience of virtually every other essential oil, both when used topically or aromatically.

Each month we focus on using an oil everyday to help us in accomplishing our goals. Join us in choosing a method of application and simply getting this oil on and around you every day in December.

Vanilla at a Glance

  • Has a warm, rich, slightly sweet aroma
  • Can be diffused or applied topically to create a warm and tranquil environment
  • Can be applied directly to the skin or added to your favorite hair and body care products
  • Blends beautifully with essential oils and carrier oils for diffusion and topical application 
Vanilla extract is widely used in baking, perfume manufacturing and even aromatherapy, but many people don't realize the array of health benefits that come from using vanilla oil, even though it is not technically an essential oil. Young Living's Vanilla oleoresin is unique. It has an incredible scent and some wonderful health benefits.

  • Contains antioxidant properties
  • Supports healthy hormone levels
  • Supports mood and lifts the spirit
  • May help support healthy blood pressure levels
  • Support the immune system
  • Assists with stress relief and calming the mind
Background
Vanilla is produced from Vanilla planifolia, an orchid that grows long bean pods. The process of obtaining Vanilla is extensive, as it can take up to four years for the vine to mature. The vine produces orchid blossoms that bloom for only 24 hours and must be pollinated by hand within 8-12 hours for the bean pod to grow. The entire process - growing, pollinating, drying, curing, and preparing for export - takes about one year. Who know?

Young Living's Vanilla is not strictly an extract or an absolute, both of which contain mostly alcohol and do not blend well with essential oils. Noticing these flaws in mainstream vanilla extracts and absolutes, the D. Gary Young Research Institute worked to find a vanilla product that would meet the Seed to Seal quality commitment and blend well with our essential oils. The result is a first-of-its-kind extraction method that yields a Vanilla oleoresin in fractioned coconut oil that diffuse and blends beautifully with essential oils. Such a HUGE win for us!

Key Constituents

Constituents are naturally occurring compounds in plants (and therefore essential oils) that give them specific health-supporting properties.

  • Vanillin - Studies have shown vanillin to have powerful antioxidant properties, to support the body's response to inflammation and posibly help fight infection.

Daily Habits with Vanilla:

Add Vanilla to your perfume rollers as a low note to add warmth:

  • Geranium, Neroli, Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood, Vanilla, Orange
  • Vanilla, Lavender, Frankincense
  • Northern Lights Black Spruce, Vanilla, Tangerine, Bergamot, Geranium
  • Valor, Vanilla, Frankincense, Tangerine
  • Neroli, Jasmine, Vanilla
Diffuse Vanilla for a warm, welcoming aroma. Pair with citrus, spice oils, tree oils, or virtually anything.

Add a few drops of Vanilla to yarn-wrapped pine cones for a scented fire starter. Details on this cute and easy DIY here.

Drop Vanilla onto porous festive passive decor!

Apply it to your neck or wrists to create a soft, sweet personal fragrance

Use this Candy Cane Lip Scrub daily for a little self love.
  • 5 drops Peppermint
  • 5 drops Vanilla
  • 1/4 cup white sugar
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil
    Whip coconut oil     with a mixer, then add in sugar and essential oils and mix again. Store in a glass jar.
    Apply nightly to lips in a circular motion. Wipe off with a dry towel.
Take a relaxing bath. Add 10 drops each Vanilla + Lavender to 1 cup Epsom salt and place under running water.

Add it to your bath and body products for a sweet, comforting aromatic experience.

Create a simple room spray. To a 2 oz glass spray bottle, add:
  • 20 dops Vanilla
  • 10 drops Peppermint or Cinnamon Bark
  • 15 drops Lavender (optional)
  • Splash of witch hazel
  • Fill the rest with water
Make a Creamsicle Body Polish for yourself and as a gift.
  • 1 cup brown sugar
    1 cup cold pressed coconut oil
  • 2 tbsp Vitamin E oil
  • 3 drops each Vanilla, Tangerine, Grapefruit, Lemon
    Combine all ingredients in a metal or glass container, use in the shower to exfoliate & moisturaize
Make (and gift) this Whipped Chocolate Body Butter
  • 1.4 cup virgin coconut oil
  • 1/8 cup organic shea butter
  • 1/8 cup raw cocoa butter
  • 1 tbsp Vitamin E oil
  • 10 drops Vanilla oil per jar
  • 5 drops Peppermint per jar (optional) for a Mint Mocha flavor
  • small glass jars
    Melt together coconut oil, shea butter and cocoa butter, then add in Vitamin E oil and wisk.
    Refrigerate until almost half solidified, then use a mixer to whip for 1 to 2 minutes until a fluffy consistency is achieved.
    Add in essential oils, then place in glass jars.

DIFFUSE

Diffusing is a wonderful health habit! We have our diffuser going almost 24/7 and love to choose blends that are supportive of individual needs or systems. Try some of these great combinations and enjoy the warm, welcoming scent of Vanilla.

  • Vanilla Spice: 4 drops Vanilla + 2 drops Cinnamon Bark + 2 drops Clove + 2 drops Tangerine
  • Creamsicle: 4 drops Vanilla + 3 drops Tangerine, 3 drops Lavender
  • Cozy Kitchen: 6 drops Lemon + 3 drops Vanilla + 2 drops Rosemary
  • Carrot Cake: 2 drops each Vanilla, Clove, Lemon, Carrot Seed
  • Seaside Breeze: 3 drops Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood + 3 drops Vanilla + 2 drops Lavender + 1 drop Frankincense

Join us in using Vanilla oil daily this season to create great daily habits that supports our overall health - physical, mental, and emotional. And learn more about Vanilla here.


Want to try Vanilla essential oil essential oil, but don't know where to start, click here to get started.

As Always, I'm here to support you.
Your Oily Girlfriend
Jennifer

2021 Holiday Gift Guide

2021 Holiday Gift Guide

It's the season of gifting, and we love to share our love of Young Living with the people on our list. From amazing rollers to luxurious beauty collections to festive home favorites, there are so many ways to give the git of essential oils. So no matter who you're shopping for this season, we have some ideas for you! Check out the 2021 Holiday Launch DIYs to make the most of these amazing items.


Christmas Spirit (or Winter Nights) Foaming Hand Soap
+ a festive oven mix or dish towel
+ fresh rosemary or lavender plant.
Perfect for a homemaker, neighbor or someone who loves to cook.




Under the Mistletoe Lip Balm set + Sweet Maple Bath Bombs
  • Grab a set of lip balm and a package of Sweet Maple Bath Bombs and separate into three gifts - one lip balm and one bath bomb per gift
  • Place in a jar with with confetti. Plus you'll have one bath bomb leftover to pamper yourself.



KidScents Bath Bombs 
+ a par of cozy socks
These adorable bath bombs definitely are not just for kids




Christmas Spirit Foaming Hand Soap
+Christmas Spirit essential oil blend

A trio of citrus oils:
+ Citrus Fresh Vitality + Tangerine Vitality + Grapefruit Vitality
Perfect for diffusing, making rollers or cooking and baking!





Winter Nights Essential Oil Blend
+ AromaGlide Roller Fitments



Very Vanillamint Collection
Place this luxurious salt scrub and body butter in a small basket and pair with cozy socks or slippers.




Sweet Maple Bath Bombs
+ Thieves Vitality or RC essential oil blend to diffuse while soaking
+ A pair of cozy slippers or blanket for after a relaxing bath
+ A good book to read while soaking
Place it all in a basket for an instant self care gift




BLOOM essential oil blend 
+ free spritzer bottle
+ jade or rose quartz roller





Christmas Spirit (or Winter Nights) Foaming Hand Soap
 + Thieves Household Cleaner
+ a festive dish towel
add everything to a cute basket and you're set!




Olive Wood Massage set
+ a small cook roller
perfect for the athlete or active individuals!
BLOOM Collection
+ This set is perfect for pampering and already liftable as-is!
+ Includes
  • BLOOM Brighting Cream
  • Spa headband
  • Jade gua sha stone
  • Facial cleansing pads
  • 3 pk, Mesh pouch
Mirah Kit
+  another beauty option that is perfect as-is!
+ Includes
  • Mirah Luminous Cleansing Oil
  • CBD Beauty Boost (AH-MAZ-ING!)
  • Rose quartz roller
  • Silicone cleansing pad


CBD Soothe Roll-on (300 mg)
+ RC essential oil
+ a small diffuser
A perfect gift for anyone who needs some extra TLC from the winter air or seasonal air changes

CBD Soothe Roll-on (300 mg)
+ an unscented flax seed heatable eye mask

Holiday Home Cleaning Kit
+ Christmas Spirit Foaming Hand Soap
+ Grab a cute basket fill with the included
  • Thieves Household Cleaner
  • 15 mL Christmas Spray
  • Glass spray bottle
  • Dish cloths
    Decorate with a cute cleaning cloth
Mini Aria Kit + Diffuser Cleaning Kit
Add both of these items to your cart and you'll receive:
  • Mini Aria Diffuser,
  • 15 mL Christmas Spirit
  • 5 mL Peppermint and Vanilla
  • Cleaning brush
  • Squeeze bottle
  • Waffle cloth
  • Mesh bag & instruction card










Macaron Collection + Diffuser Cleaning Kit
Add both of these items to your cart and you'll receive:
  • Macaron Diffuser
  • Evergreen Essence
  • Cassia essential oil 
  • Orange essential oil
  • Cleaning brush
  • Squeeze bottle
  • Waffle cloth
  • Mesh bag & instruction card
Holiday Home Collection
Add this item to your cart and you'll receive:
  • Macaron Collection - Macaron Diffuser, Evergreen Essence, Cassia and Orange oils
  • Holiday Home Cleaning Kit - Thieves Household Cleaner, 15 mL Christmas Spirit oil, Amber glass spray bottle, Reusable YL dish cloth (2 pk)
  • Christmas Spirit Foaming Hand Soap

Gifts for Little Ones

  • Monkey Stuffie & SleepyIze Roller
    + Cozy pajamas or blanket
Citrus Fresh or Tangerine
+ Coloring book, new crayons or pencils for diffusing while you're creating


  • KidScents Bath Bombs
    + a fun bath toy or crayons
Kid Power Roller 
+ Cozy pajamas or blanket





Stocking Stuffers
  • KidScents Bath Bombs
  • Sweet Maple Bath Bombs
  • Lip Balm Trio
'Tis the Season to Give

Create Abundance for Artisans around the World while you get some unique presents for your loved ones. The D. Gary Young, Young Living Foundation is a great cause to support. Find out how to Make a Worldwide Impact with the D. Gary Young, Young LIving Foundation. 

Here are all the incredible holiday products for 2021! And don't forget to round up your order with the 'Dollar Up' option to donate to the Young Living Foundation. A few cents can go a long way!

  • Artisan Made Clay Diffuser Ornament
  • YL Foundation Mittens & Beanie
  • YL Foundation Diffuser Bracelet + Geranium Bourbon Collection
  • YL Foundation Wooden Tree Collection












Every customer and member has the opportunity to help in some way, big and small. What will you do today to help another?
Gifts for the DIY-Buyer:
Essential Oil Roll-Ons

From stocking stuffers to teacher gifts, to the guys in your life, we have you covered. Young Living's predicted roll-on blends are perfect for anyone on your list - especially paired with these cute printable gift tags! Here are a few ideas:

  • Tranquil roll-on + cute, cozy slippers
  • Rutavala roll-on + sleep mask
  • Stress Away roll-on + bath bombs, Savvy Minerals lipgloss or Satin Mint Face Scrb
  • Valor roll-on + a gift card to a local coffee shop
  • Deep Relief roll-on + a warm beanie (see the YL Foundation one above) for winter running
  • Peace & Calming roll-on (SleepyIze or SniffleEase) + a soft stuffed animal (see the cute monkey above)
Want to start, but don't know how, click here to get started.

As Always, I'm here to support you.
Your Oily Girlfriend
Jennifer

Winter Wonderland Diffuser Recipes - Dec 2021

Winter Wonderland Diffuser Blends
For your December


Whether you're walking in a winter wonderland or basking the warm sunshine this season, this collection of diffuser blends will bring you all the cozy feelings of the season. Nature itself shows us that winter is a time to slow down, to rest, to find presence with those around us.

It is a time of shorter days and longer nights, of cooler temperatures and warm fireplaces. And no matter where this winter finds you, we hope it is surrounded by joy and beauty within the day to day.

These blends feature tree oils, mint, and citrus, plus the warm scents of spice oils like Vanilla and Cinnamon Bark. Tree oils are emotionally calming and wonderful for grounding our hearts and minds during this season of slowness. Tree oils are also wonderful for the immune system, which is perfect during time of gathering with loved ones.

Citrus oils are happy and uplifting adding a brightness to these blends that is welcoming and comforting. Peppermint is crisp and clear like freshly fallen snow and cool winter air and pairs perfectly with tree oils and citrus. The blends often finish with a hint of warmth from Vanilla, Clove or Cinnamon Bark or with a sweetness from uplifting floral oils like Joy and Ylang Ylang.

Our diffusers are running 24/7 in our homes, supporting our immune systems, respiratory systems, emotions, cleansing the air and making things smell divine - all at the same time! Join us this month as we diffuse these favorite winter blends.

Check it - many of these recipes contain the Gifts with Purchase oils in December. Get the everyday products you need and get free oils to use in the diffuser too!

Happy diffusing!!

Not sure what to do? Click here to get started.

As always, I'm here to support you!
Your Oily Girlfriend
Jennifer
Easy Button

Is there anything more warm and inviting than the smell of Vanilla? Pair it with crisp Peppermint, sweet Ylang Ylang and spicy Nutmeg for a diffuser blend reminiscent of your favorite coffee house.

This is a great blend for any time of day, but we especially love it in the mornings. Peppermint is bright and alerting, and Nutmeg is helpful for stress levels.

Ylang Ylang and Vanilla are welcoming and uplifting, making this blend perfect for the winter season.
Frankincense, Orange and Peppermint combine in this blend that is happy, uplifting and centering all at the same time - the perfect combination of the season.

Diffuse this blend during family gathering to create an atmosphere of joy and togetherness. Frankincense is a wonderful oil for the season - supportive of immunity and also emotionally calming.

Orange and Peppermint are a great combination anytime of year - uplifting and joyful.


Give your immune system a boost and make your home smell like mulled cider - all at the sam time. The spicy scent of Thieves is kicked up a notch with extra clove, and it mixes with Orange and Grapefruit for a citrus twist that is perfect anytime of day.

This is a great blend to diffuse during gatherings - warm and welcoming and a perfect way to add a little holiday cheer.


Spruce, Vanilla and Orange - oh my! This blend is the quintessential winter combination - tree oil + citrus + spice.

Vanilla and Vetiver create a warmth that is calming and relaxing, Northern Lights Black Spruce is great for the immune system and smells like a winter forest, and Orange is uplifting and calming at the same time.
.

When it's snowing outside, we love to get out and play, then curl up by the fire with a good book and the ones we love. This blend is all those things combined.

Blue Spruce and Patchouli bring the woodsy scents of the outdoors (and support immunity), while Orange and Grapefruit are fun, playful and uplifting.

Diffuse this blend after a day playing out in the cold.

This blend is sweet and welcoming, just like a candy cane!

The iconic holiday candy is more than meets the eye, carrying symbolism many of us don't know. This blend is the same.

Peppermint is bright and crisp and wonderful for the respiratory system, Ylang Ylang is floral and sweet and emotionally uplifting, and Vanilla is warm and inviting.
No matter whether you're celebrating holidays this month or not, there's something so special about getting in the kitchen and doing some winter baking with the ones you love.

This combination of spice oils with a little Jade Lemon will take you back to your fondest memories of grandmother's baked goods!

This is also a great blend to diffuse if you're feeling the stress of the season. Nutmeg is wonderful for the adrenals, and Copaiba and Vanilla are calming, while Jade Lemon is bright and happy.

Bright, sweet and warm, like a giant hug from someone you love - that is this blend!

Joy and Ylang Ylang are lovely floral oils, Bergamot adds a bit of citrus spice, and Vanilla is warm and welcoming.

This combination is bright and fresh and perfect for any time of day, but especially love it in the mornings or whether we are feeling the anxieties of the season.



Spruce, spice and everything nice! This blend of Christmas Spirit, Tangerine, Bergamot and Nutmeg is the perfect blend for the season.

Citrus with a hint of spice and spruce that feels like pulling on your favorite pair of cozy mittens against the winter chill.

As Always, I'm here to support you.
Your Oily Girlfriend
Jennifer

How to Use Dec's Gifts with Purchase - 2021

How to use
December's Gifts with Purchase

December's gift with purchase is here, and it's packed with winter essentials for a fresh and festive home. Pine, Christmas Spirit, Winter Nights Foaming Hand Soap, R.C., Thieves, and Frankincense are yours when you pace a qualifying order. And enjoy the gift of free shipping on all orders of 100 PV or more.

Celebrate togetherness with this December's gift with purchase.

And then check out the unique and incredible Holiday products for 2021! And then check out the  2021 Holiday Launch DIYs and the 2021 Holiday Gift Guide to make the most of these amazing items.

And don't forget to round up your order with the 'Dollar Up' option to donate to the Young Living Foundation. A few cents can go a long way!

Be sure to tag me @oilisliving on Instagram when you use these ideas so I can celebrate with you!
Christmas Spirit Essential Oil Blend

Christmas Spirit is a blend of evergreen, citrus, and spice - with Northern Lights Black Spruce, Orange, and Cinnamon Bark. It is reminiscent of winter holidays to evoke memories of joy, happiness, comfort, and security.

Orange essential oil has a bright aroma that is believed to bring joy, peace, and happiness to those who possess it. Cinnamon Bark essential oil is the oil of wealth from the Orient. Black Spurce essential oil has an aromatic influence that brings a feeling of balance and grounding.

This is THE blend for the season, so no matter how you use it, make sure to have it around you this month.

Make a festive room spray. Fill a 2 oz glass spray bottle with:
  • 20 Drops of Christmas spirit
  • 10 drops Pine (optional)
  • A splash of witch hazel
  • fill the rest with water
Use this blend to process any grief or negative memories from years past.

Add 20 drops of Christmas Spirit to your Thieves Household Cleaner for a festive twist.

Add Christmas Spirit to your bath and shower gel or lotion for an instant boost of cheer and happiness.

Use this incredible oil blend to make DIY Beeswax Candles to fill your home with the warmth of the season - and make a few for your friends and neighbors.

  • Make a Greenery Spray to refresh wreaths and garlands all season long. You can also use this as a room or upholstery spray. To a 2 oz glass spray bottle add:
  • 25 drops Christmas Spirit
  • 10 drops Pine
  • 5 Drops Clove
  • a splash of witch hazel
  • fill the rest with water
Add Christmas Spirit to wool dryer balls and Thieves Laundry Soap for a festive twist to cozy sheets.

Use Christmas Spirit to make DIY Laundry Scent Booster. This is also a fun handmade gift for a new homeowner or homemaker, especially paired with Thieves Laundry Caddy or a diffuser and your favorite diffuser blend. To a large glass jar with airtight lid, add:
  • 1.5 cup Epsom salt
  • 1/2 cup baking soda
  • 30 drops Christmas Spirit essential oil blend
  • 15 drops Thieves essential oil blend (optional)
    Whisk together until all ingredients are well combined.
    To use - add 1-2 tbsp into the washer before adding any laundry. Add laundry and the normal amount of laundry detergent.
Drop Christmas Spirit onto any porous decor for a passive diffuser. Think pine cones, wood slices, wooden trees, greenery, lava beads, etc. Just make sure to test an area for discoloration or place on the underneath of your decor. Alternatively, drop Christmas Spirit oil onto cotton rounds, tissues or small cloths and place in inconspicuous places - the bottom of trash cans, in air vents, inside drawers, etc.

Use Christmas Spirit in any of our favorite DIYs - sugar scrubs, coffee scrub, body butter, etc. Check out the Holiday Handbook blog post for lots of great DIY ideas!

Diffuse these blends - perfect of the season.
  • Mulled Cider: Christmas Spirit, Grapefruit, Clove, Lime
  • Tis the Season: Christmas Spirit, Pine, Tangerine
  • Winter Wonderland: Christmas Spirit, Vanilla
Winter Nights Foaming Hand Soap

Make the brisk winter air come alive with the scent of Winter Nights Foaming Hand Soap, which is designed specifically for the winter season.

  • Place a Winter Nights Foaming Hand Soap in the guest bathroom for a festive twist.
  • Place a Winter Nights Foaming Hand Soap at the kitchen sink to bring out the scent of the season every time you wash your hands.
  • Pair a Winter Nights Foaming Hand Soap with a festive dish towel and a fresh rosemary plant for a meaningful host gift.
  • Pair a Winter Nights Foaming Hand Soap with a bottle of Thieves Household Cleaner, a bottle of Christmas Spirit essential oil blend and a 16 oz glass spray bottle for a wonderful natural home gift.
Pine Essential Oil

Pine essential oil is an underrated one for sure. This tree oil has an uplifting aroma that creates a breath of fresh air anywhere you use it, encourages feelings of positive energy, repels the influence of negative energy, and has some really unique and incredible health benefits!

Make scented fire starters for your cozy winter home and to gift to friends and neighbors. You'll need:
  • Yarn or twine
  • Large, foraged pinecones from the yard
  • Thieves Household Cleaner
  • Pine or Christmas Spirit essential oil blends
    Collect pine cones and lightly spritz them with diluted Thieves Household Cleaner to get rid of any unwanted pests. Allow to dry overnight.
    Wrap twine or yarn around the pinecones, all the way into the center, weaving between the individual scales. You can use festive, colorful yarn for a fun twist or neutral yarn or twine.
    Drop 5 drops of essential oil onto the yarn/twine of each pinecone. Place in a basket beside the fireplace and add a few to the fire whenever build one.
Make your artificial tree smell like the real thing with these simple hacks:
  • Add Pine essential oil to reed diffuser sticks and place in your tree
  • Drop Pine essential oil onto any porous ornaments
Make a simple DIY Tree & Garland Spray and spritz on greenery as desired. To a 2 oz glass spray bottle, add
  • 30 drops Pine
  • 15 drops Idaho Blue Spruce or Northern Lights Black Spruce (optional)
  • A splash of witch hazel
  • fill the rest with water
Make and gift (or keep and use) this incredible Gardener's Hand Salve for anyone who works with their hands.
  • 1/2 cup cold pressed organic olive oil (or 1 cup if not using arnica oil)
  • 1/2 cup organic arnica oil
  • 1 tbsp shea butter
  • 2 tbsp unrefined extra virgin coconut oil
  • 3-4 tbsp beeswax pastilles
  • 30 drops essential oil - Myrrh, Frankincense, Lavender, Patchouli, Pine
    Using a double boiler, place several inches of water in the bottom and place a bowl or pan on top. Turn the heat to low-medium and add the olive oil, shea butter, coconut oil and beeswax and allow it to melt, stirring gently.
    Remove the bowl from the double boiler. Add Vitamin E oil and essential oils.
    Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes to cool but not harden, then pour into the small containers.
    Essential oils for a masculine scent - Sandalwood, Vetiver, Idaho Blue Spruce
Whether your winter skin needs some TLC or you have a more acute need, make this Ultimate Skin Healing Balm and use it frequently and liberally. Use whatever essential oils you have that are listed.
  • To about 1/4 jar of Rose ointment add:
  • 10 drops Pine essential oil
  • 8 drops Helichrysum
  • 8 drops Myrrh
  • 4 drops Frankincense
  • 4 drops Lavender
    Apply to needed area(s) 2-5 times a day. Frequency and consistency are crucial for these big needs.
Make a simple DIY Roll-on Cuticle Oil. This also makes a great gift and pairs well with the Garndner's Hand Salve.
  • 1/2 tsp V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex
  • 10 drops Pine essential oil
  • 5 drops Frankincense essential oil
    Add all the above to an empty 15 mL essential oil bottle and add an AromaGlide Roller Fitment. Roll onto your cuticles anytime, anywhere.
Use Pine essential oil in DIY cleaning products for a fresh, sparkling home. Add 20 drops to Thieves Household Cleaner (option to add 20 drops of lemon as well).

Make a DIY Wood Polish
  • 1 cup Olive oil
  • 5 drops Pine essential oil
  • 5 drops Lemon essential oil
Diffuse Pine essential oil during meditation for a grounding and empowering experience. Pair it with Cinnamon Bark, Tangerine, Frankincense, Christmas Spirit or Vanilla.

Take a relaxing Epsom salt bath with Pine. Add 20 drops to 1 cup epsom salt and soak in warm water.

Add 5 drops to a large handful of massage oil and apply to the shinto relax tired muscles. Or whip up a DIY Massage Oil. To a 4 oz pump bottle, add:
  • 20 drops Pine essential oil
  • 10 drops Peppermint essential oil
  • 10 drops Cypress essential oil
  • a carrier of your choice
Use Pine to make any of the DIY Cleaning Recipes (below) or mix it with Lemon or Thieves.

Use this earthy tree oil blend to make DIY Beeswax Candles to fill your home with the warmth of the season - and make a few for your friends and neighbors.
R..C. Essential Oil Blend

R.C. essential oil blend is a powerful combination of Cypress, Spruce, and three types of Eucalyptus oils (E. citriodora, E. globulus, and E. radiata) making it an all time favorite for the winter months. The initials sand for Respiratory Care, as this oil feels like a deep, cleansing breath.

Make a DIY Chest Rub
  • 1 cup solid coconut oil
  • 30 drops R.C. essential oil
  • 20 drops Frankincense essential oil
  • 10 drops Peppermint essential oil
    Mix well and use on the chest, back and neck as desired.
    Optional - whip with a handheld or stand mixer for a fluffier consistency. You can also sub in shea butter for some of the coconut oil for a more moisturizing formula.
Add 15 drops of R.C. to a cup of magnesium flakes or Epsom salt for a relaxing bath.

Place drops of R.C. onto cotton rounds or small cloths and place them in inconspicuous area of your home, office, and even your car.

Make a DIY Mattress & Linen Spray to use every time you make the bed or change the sheets. To an 8 oz glass spray bottle, add:
  • 1 tsp Thieves Household Cleaner
  • 20 drops each R.C. and Lavender
  • 10 drops Tea Tree
  • Fill the rest with water
Add R.C. to wool dryer balls and Thieves Laundry Soap for fresh-scented laundry.

Make DIY Scented Sachets to bring a fresh, spa-inspired aroma to any area of your home.
  • 1/2 cup uncooked rice
  • 1/4 cup Epsom salt
  • 1 cup dried lavender buds
  • muslin cotton drawstring pouches, approx 5 inches long by 4 inches wide
  • 40 drops R.C. essential oil
    In a medium bowl, mix rice, Epsom salt, flower buds, and essential oil to throughly scent the moisture.
    Spoon the mixture into your muslin pouch.
    Place anywhere you want to add to a fresh lavender scent.
    Refresh your pouch every 2-3 weeks by opening it up and adding more drops of essential oils.
Use R.C. to make DIY Laundry Scent Booster. This is also a fun handmade gift for a new homeowner or homemaker, especially paired with Thieves Laundry Caddy or a diffuser and your favorite diffuser blend. To a large glass jar with airtight lid, add:
  • 1.5 cup Epsom salt
  • 1/2 cup baking soda
  • 30 drops R.C. essential oil blend
  • 15 drops Thieves essential oil blend (optional)
    Whisk together until all ingredients are well combined.
    To use - add 1-2 tbsp into the washer before adding any laundry. Add laundry and the normal amount of laundry detergent.
Use this purifying blend to make DIY Cleaning Fizzies for yourself or a handmade gift.
  • 1 cup baking soda
  • 1/2 cup citric acid
  • 1/2 cup cornstrch
  • 4 tsp water
  • 40 drops R.C. essential oil (or Thieves or Pine)
  • 3 tsp V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex or other carrier
  • Ice cube tray or candy mold
    Step 1 - In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix evenly.
    Step 2 - In a separate bowl, combine water, essential oils or blends, and V-6.
    Step 3 - Pour liquids into the large bowl and mix together until combined.
    Step 4 - Use the mixture to fill an ice cube tray or candy mold about 3/4 full. If the mixture expands and spills over the mold, gently repack into the mold.
    Step 5 - Let sit overnight to dry in a room temperature area. When dry, pop tablets out and store in a glass jar.
    To use - When needed, put a tablet in the toilet bowl, hard to clean bottles, or sink full of dishes to help clean and deodorize. Let sit in the bowl bottle, or sink for 20-30 minutes to fizz and dissolve. Once dissolved, flush or rinse out.
Make a DIY Carpet & Rug Freshener. To a glass jar, add:
  • 1 cup baking soda
  • 1/2 cup salt
  • 40 drops R.C. essential oil (or Thieves or Pine with Lemon)
    Mix well. When ready to use, sprinkle over carpets and let sit for 10 minutes before vacuuming.
Make an Herbal Deodorizing Spray for pet beds, upholstered surfaces, car upholstery, etc. To a 4 oz glass spray bottle, add:
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar
  • 20 drops R.C. essential oil
  • 10 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 5 drops Peppermint essential oil
  • Pinch of sea salt or splash of witch hazel
  • fill the rest with water
    Spray lightly onto surfaces to remove unwanted odors.
Diffuse this spa-inspired oil blends anytime your lungs need a little TLC or you need a quick trip to the spa. Bonus points for adding running the diffuser during a bath or shower to allow the steam to help open airways even more.
  • Breathe Easy - R.C. + Thieves + Peppermint
  • Relax - R.C. + Lavender + Lemon
  • Gather Together - R.C. + Tangerine + Lemongrass
  • Goodnight Moon - R.C. + Lavender + Thieves
  • 2021 - R.C. + Pine + Thieves + Lemon
Thieves Essential Oil Blend

Thieves essential oil is legendary blend of purifying essential oils, Clove, Lemon, Cinnamon Bark, Eucalyptus Radiata, and Rosemary, known for immune support and cleansing properties when taken internally. This oil is definitely one we want to have on hand this time of year.

Make a Daily Wellness Roller
  • 20 drops Thieves
  • 20 drops Pine
  • 20 drops Lemon
  • 10 drops Frankincense
  • 10 drops Oregon (optional)
  • fill with carrier oil of choice
    Apply over lymph nodes, along the spine, on the bottom of the feet a few times a day or more as desired.
Add a drop of Thieves to your toothpaste or mouthwash for naturally fresh breath.

Make these Detox Bath Salts to use all winter long and to gift to those you love. To a glass jar, add:
  • 1 cup magnesium flakes
  • 1/2 cup Epsom salts
  • 30 drops Thieves essential oil
  • 10 drops Lemon essential oil (optional)
  • dried lavender, rose buds, rosemary (optional)
    Mix well. If gifting or storing add 1/4 cup baking soda or Himalayan salt to help prevent clumping.
Use this spicy-sweet blend to make DIY Beeswax Candles to fill your home with the warmth of the season.
  • Make a few for your friends and neighbors
  • Check out the November DIY for all the details
Dilute and apply to the bottoms of your kid's feet in the morning and for a great day at school.

Add a few drops to your dishwater or dishwasher to eliminate orders and boost cleaning.

Use Thieves + Orange to make the Scented Pinecone Fire Starters (directions above).

Add a drop of Thieves to a cotton ball and place in a zip top bag with holiday cards to infuse them with the scent of Thieves.

Make Oil-Infused Bottle Brush Trees with Thieves Oil. The directions are laid out in the Holiday Handbook blog post.

Make any of the DIY Cleaning Recipes above using Thieves or a mix of Thieves, Pine, R.C. or other favorites.

Add 3 drops of Thieves to organic wool dryer balls for festive laundry.

Ad a drop of Thieves Vitality to coffee grounds before brewing for a festive coffee or to hot cocoa for a spicy twist. (Thieves Vitality and Thieves essential oils are the same thing!)

Make a Thieves Tea to sip on before anytime for an immune boost. Add a drop of Thieves Vitality and Lemon Vitality to hot water in your favorite mug.

Diffuse this spicy-sweet blend all season long, and especially during and after gatherings.
  • Fresh Air - Thieves + R.C. + Tangerine or Orange
  • Sleep Tight - Thieves + Lavender + Vanilla
  • Lemon Cake - Thieves + Lemon + Vanilla
  • Blueberry Pie - Thieves + Valor
Find out more about Thieves in October's How to use Free with Purchase blog post.
Frankincense Essential Oil

Add Frankincense to your on-the-go wellness kit for the literal bumps in the road and make this simple, but effective Pavement Spray. The best part about this is that you don't have to rub it in onto tender skin. To a 2 oz glass or stainless steel spray bottle, add:
  • 10 drops Lavender
  • 10 drops Frankincense
  • 5 drops Myrrh or Helichrysum
  • 5 drops Tea Tree or Melrose
  • Fill with fractionated coconut oil
    Spray onto knees, elbows, any skin that needs some TLC.
Aromatically, it encourages spiritual awareness and is uplifting, making it wonderful addition to morning prayer, meditation or the mindful practices.
  • Diffuse with Frankincense and Tangerine
  • Apply a drop to the wrists and over the heart.
  • Apply a drop to the crown of the head.
Make a Meditation Roller to use during spiritual practices or even to help focus the mind. To a 10 mL roller bottle, add:
  • 15 drops Frankincense
  • 10 drops Cedarwood
  • 5 drops Peppermint
  • fill with a carrier of choice
    Apply over the heart, back of the neck, on the wrists liberally and frequently.
Add to your favorite skincare products! Frankincense is an incredible skin oil. Add to your Orange Blossom, Bloom or Art Light moisturizer.

Make this DIY Glow Up Beauty Serum. To a 4 oz glass dropper bottle, add:
  • 30 drops Frankincense
  • 30 drops Blue Tansy
  • 10 droppersful CBD Beauty Boost (optional)
  • Fill with carrier of choice (jojoba, Argan, etc)
    Add any other skin-loving oils - Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood, Myrrh, Manuka, Rose
For extra glowy skin, add a roller top directly to your Frankincense and roll it over your face every evening before bed. (Note, if you are very new to essential oils, we'd recommend diluting with a carrier oil.)

Frankincense is an incredible oil for supporting skin and tissues during times of injury, such as a gift to new mamas. Use this oil for a relaxing and healing bath (or sitz bath), no matter who's skin needs some help. To make a Healing Bath Soak, mix together:
  • 1/4 cup Epsom salt
  • 3 drops Frankincese
  • 3 drops Myrrh
  • 1 drop Helichrysum
  • 1 tbsp organic arnica oil (optional)
    Sit and soak for 30 minutes or as long as desired
Make and gift (or keep and use) the Gardner's Hand Salve (recipe above under Pine) to anyone who works with their hands.

Add a drop of Frankincense to Thieves Mouthwash for excellent oral health and add a drop of Frankincense to 1 tbsp of organic coconut oil for oil pulling

Make a daily perfume or cologne roller with Frankincense:
  • Frankincense, Tangerine, Jasmine
  • Frankincense, Lavender, Tangerine, Vanilla
  • Frankincense, Vetiver, Bergamot
Make a daily Gratitude Roller:
  • 10 drops Valor
  • 7 drops Frankincense
  • 5 drops Joy
  • Top with a carrier oil and roll on liberty and frequently
Now that you know how to use these Free Gifts with Purchase products and you want to get your hands on them, but don't know where to start, click here to get started.

As Always, I'm here to support you.
Your Oily Girlfriend
Jennifer

Gift with Purchase! - Dec 2021

December's gifts with Purchase


December's gift with purchase is here, and it's packed with winter essentials for a fresh and festive home. Pine, Christmas Spirit, Winter Nights Foaming Hand Soap, R.C., Thieves, and Frankincense are yours when you place a qualifying order. And enjoy the gift of free shipping on all orders of 100 PV or more.


For some of our favorite ways to use these oils and products, check out December's 'How to Use' blog post.

FAQs:
What is December's Gift with Purchase?
Basically, the best way to order! You purchase products and YL sends you free ones. Each month you'll have new picks for every tier.

Whats a tier?
Basically, the more PV (product volume) you order, the more free products you receive. Order at least 100 PV and your order ships free. Every time you increase your order volume (up to 400PV) and qualify for a new tier, you receive free products.

Earn points on products
Not only do you receive free goodies, but if you place a 50 PV+ order each month with Subscribe to Save program, you'll also earn loyalty  points on each purchase, which you can redeem for future products.

Earn exclusive gifts
If all those perks weren't enough, subscribers receive a free loyalty gift as a thank you each time you reach a benchmark anniversary of 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months of sequential ordering on Subscribe to Save.

Every month this generous company loads us up with free items simply for being loyal customers. We purchase items we’d be buying anyway - toothpaste, lotion, shampoo, makeup, supplements and cleaning supplies, etc - from Young Living, and we not only get amazing, high quality products that are safe for our families, we get free products, free shipping, delivered to our doorstep and product credits galore! I am ALL about boxes of safe, effective and healthy products showing up on my porch with fun freebies inside!


Freebies During the Month of December


With any order (Subscribe to Save or one time shop order) of 100 PV or more, you will receive FREE SHIPPING. Stock up on fall-time favorites and your order will ship for free.


190 PV Orders


With any order (Subscribe to Save or Shop) of 190 PV or more, you'll receive a free 5 mL CHRISTMAS SPIRIT oil blend and a 3 pack WINTER NIGHTS FOAMING HAND SOAP. If your order is a Subscribe to Save order (previously Essential Rewards), you'll also receive a free 5 mL PINE essential oil.



CHRISTMAS SPIRIT essential oil blend, 5 mL
  • Tap into the magic of the season. Diffuse Christmas Spirit for a warm, joyful aroma.
  • Cinnamon, spruce, and orange - oh my! Use this festive blend for all your holiday DIYs.




WINTER NIGHTS FOAMING HAND SOAP, 3 pack

  • Deck the halls! Place a bottle of Winter Nights Foaming Hand Soap by every sink for a festive touch.


  • Bring the spirit of the outdoors inside. Diffuse Pine for that festive, freshly cut tree scent (as well as some amazing health benefits).
  • Note: for Subscribe to Save orders only.

250 PV Orders

With any order of 250 PV, you'll receive a free 15 mL R.C. essential oil blend and all the above with FREE SHIPPING!


R.C. essential oil blend, 15 mL
  • Win your winter workouts. Breathe R.C.'s invigorating aroma before and during your exercise routine for happy lungs.
  • Bring the spa to your home. Add R.C. to the diffuser, add it to Epsom salts and soak those tired muscles after a long day.
300 PV Orders

With any order of 300 PV, you'll receive a free 15 mL THIEVES essential oil blend and all of the above with FREE SHIPPING!


THIEVES essential oil blend, 5 mL
  • Bring on the cozy. On chilly nights, keep spirits warm and bright with Thieves' spicy-sweet scent.
  • Give your immune system a boost. Dilute and apply this blend over lymph nodes daily, diffuse it all season long, even add to Epsom salts for a soak.
400 PV Orders
With any Subscribe to Save order of 400 PV, you'll receive a free 15 mL FRANKINCENSE oil and all of the above with FREE SHIPPING!

Frankincense essential oil, 15 mL
  • Create calm, peaceful spaces. Invite tranquility with Frankincense's grounding scent.
  • Rediscover the meaning of the season. Apply or diffuse this oil as you focus on gratitude and presence this time of year.
For more details and ways to use these amazing oils, check out this YouTube video from YL Corporate. Then get diffusing with these freebies with these yummy Diffuser Recipes in December.

Wonder how to use your gifts with purchase? Check out this post to see all the things.

Want to get the most out of your new oils? Check out these posts on the Lavender Life Blog:
Not sure what to do to get these freebies? Click here to get started.

As Always, I'm here to support you.
Your Oily Girlfriend
Jennifer

Essentials for Nov 2021

November Essentials
What should I order?


November is all about giving and thanks, finding gratitude for what is and hoping what is to come. We want to enjoy this season to the fullest by being completely present in each moment and by taking care of ourselves and our families. Join us this month as we use the following products daily to do just that.

Idaho Blue Spruce essential oil - for emotional centering and yummy diffuser blends
Tangerine essential oil - to add to your water, diffusers and DIYs
NingXia Red Combo Pack - packets for you, bottles for gifting
Gratitude essential oil blend - to use as you foster gratitude during the season
ImmuPro Chewable Tablets - for healthy immune systems
OmegaGize Capsules - for healthy hearts and minds

Idaho Blue Spruce Essential Oil

Idaho Blue Sprue is a crowd favorite tree oil with a woodsy blue slightly sweet smell. The oil is steam distilled from the wood, bark, and needles of the Picea pungens tree, an evergreen species native to the central Rocky Mountains.


Considered a sacred tree by Native American tribes in the Northwest, Idaho Blue Spruce was used tratidially for smudging and purification rites. Idaho Blue Spruce essential oil has a grounding, evergreen aroma that can be used during meditation or prayer to enhance your practice and inspire spiritual connection.


Learn more about Idaho Blue Spruce essential oil in November's Oil of the Month post.

Tangerine Essential Oil

Tangerine essential oil is a bright, happy citrus oil that pairs well with just about anything. It has a delightfully sweet aroma that can create a happy, contented mindset when diffused.

Tangerine Vitality essential oil offers a fresh, sweet, citrus flavor that can be used to elevate your favorites sauces, marinades and desserts. It may also provide digestive, lymphatic, and immune support when taken as a dietary supplement, making it an incredible oil for this time of year.

Note: Tangerine and Tangerine Vitality are the same essential oil.

Want to know more? September's Oil Spotlight blog post gives you all the details!
NingXia Red
Antioxidant Drink

Add a daily shot of NingXia Red to your routine to enjoy the benefits of this powerful whole-body supplement. There are MANY reasons we love this wolfberry puree (see the list of blog posts for all the ways).

NingXia Red is packed with superfoods to support overall wellness - plum, aronia, cherry, blueberry, and pomegranate juices and extracts, pure vanilla extract and Lemon, Orange, Tangerine and Yuzu essential oils.

The benefits of NingXia Red include support for energy levels, normal cellular function, and whole-body and normal eye health. A daily shot of 2-4 ounce helps support overall wellness with powerful antioxidants.

Learn more about NingXia Red:
Gratitude Essential Oil Blend

Gratitude is a practice and an attitude, both of which we want to foster year round, but specially during this season.

Gratitude essential blend has an uplifting aroma that fosters gratitude, thankfulness, and contentment. When you concentrate on things you are grateful for instead of things that bother you, you open yourself up to receiving more of your gifts.

Life flows better when your heart and mind are open with gratitude. One great way to do that is to apply and/or diffuse Gratitude essential oil blend while journaling, during prayer or during meditation.

Enjoy this blend of Grand Fir, Frankincense, Coriander, Myrrh, Ylang Ylang, Bergamot, Northern Lights Black Spruce, Vetiver, and Geranium, with us as we focus on gratitude this month and beyond.

Learn more about Gratitude blend (which is free with purchase this month) in November's How to Use blog post and how to use Gratitude in these yummy diffuser recipes.
ImmuPro Tablets

ImmuPro is a power-packed supplement that combines multiple immune support ingredients including naturally derived NingXia wolfberry polysaccharides as well as a unique blend of reishi, maitake, and agarics blazei mushroom powders to deliver powerful antioxidant activity to react the damaging effects of oxidative stress from free radicals.

ImmuPro also provides zinc and selenium for proper immune function, along with other chelated minerals that emerging science suggests are more easily absorbed by the body. It also delivers melatonin, which encourages restful sleep by promoting the body's natural sleep rhythm. Sleep is essential when the immune system needs to get its defenses going, making ImmuPro a favorite this time of year.

Read more about ImmuPro in this Supplement Spotlight bog post.
OmegaGize Capsules

We have all heard how important fish oil and omegas are for our health, but it can be so difficult to find a clean, sustainable source. Young Living has done that for us.

OmegaGize combines the power of three core daily supplements: omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin D3, and CoQ1-(ubiquinone). These supplements combine with a proprietary enhancement essential oil blend to create an omega-3, DHA -rich fish oil supplement that can support cardiovascular health and general wellness. Used daily, these ingredients work synergistically to support normal brain, heart, eye, and joint health.

Learn more about OmegaGize in this month's Supplement Spotlight.

Want to try the essentials for November (Idaho Blue Spruce, Tangerine, NingXia Red Combo Pack, Gratitude, ImmuPro, and OmegaGize), but don't know where to start, click here to get started.

As Always, I'm here to support you.
Your Oily Girlfriend
Jennifer

Gratitude Oil Spotlight - Nov 2021

Gratitude Essential Oil

Oil Spotlight for November

Gratitude essential oil blend has an uplifting aroma that fosters gratitude, thankfulness, and contentment. Life simply flows better when your heart and mind are open and grounded with gratitude.

Each month we focus on using an oil everyday to help us in accomplishing our goals. Join us in choosing a method of application and simply getting this oil on and around you every day in November. My goal is to use up an entire bottle for my personal use.

Just a Drop of Gratitude

Gratitude essential oil blend contains nine essential oils and has a spiritual aroma that promotes gratitude, thankfulness, and appreciation, helping foster a positive attitude and attracting all that is good in your life.
  • Has a uplifting and nurturing aroma that is perfect for daily use
  • Is a wonderful addition to your daily gratitude practice. Pair this oil blend with a daily gratitude journal.
  • Pairs well with Harmony, Forgiveness, Joy, Tangerine, Stress Away, Valor, and White Angelica essential oils
  • A great addition to the Feelings Collection kit
Background
Gratitude is a blend of Grand Fir, Frankincense, Coriander, Myrrh, Ylang Ylang, Bergamot, Northern Lights Black Spruce, Vetiver, and Geranium essential oils.
  • Idaho Grand Fir - opens emotional blocks and helps energize the spirit
  • Frankincense - carries historical and biblical significance as a grounding and uplifting aroma
  • Coriander - supports healthy digestion, which is often affected in emotional stress, also supports a healthy immune system
  • Myrrh - a holy anointing oil, Myrrh supports the endocrine and limbic system allowing it to support both emotions and hormones. According to legend, Myrrh also possesses the frequency of wealth.
  • Ylang Ylang - balances the energy within the body and promotes reaction and conficence
  • Bergamot - this sweet, spicy citrus oil is uplifting and calming and helps combat stress and anxious thoughts
  • Northern Lights Black Spruce - this favorite tree oils incredibly grounding & relaxing and helps to clear the mind.
  • Vetiver - high in sesquiterpenes, Vetiver helps to calm the central nervous system to a state of focus or meditation and eases anxious thoughts.
  • Geranium - this floral oil helps balance hormones, promotes relaxation and supports the liver (which is where negative emotions such as anger are stored).

Key Constituents

Constituents are naturally occurring compounds in plants (and therefore essential oils) that give them specific health-supporting properties.

  • Alpha-pinene - a powerful antioxidant, some studies have shown alpha-pinene to support the body through inflammation and to help calm the mind
  • Beta pinene - helps support the adrenal glands, which are responsible for our 'fight or flight' response
  • Linalool - can support the body during injury and sickness and helps relieve stress
  • Bornyl acetate - may help calm and focus the mind
Gratitude and Emotions
Gratitude is different than thankfulness. You can feel thankful but in order to express gratitude, you will have to tell or show someone else how you feel. Gratitude is moving into a place where you are acting on your emotion and belief. We have each been given powerful and amazing gifts of life and purpose. Are we acting on the truth of seeing what we have been given?

Gratitude Oil helps us to release old patterns of feelings "it is not safe' to be ourselves and to live in our circumstances. If you think about it, gratefulness is our way out. When we are grateful for even the most difficult and undeserved situations from our past, it help us to release them and move on into a new present.

We have learned, grown, been stretched, and that situation has served its purpose to make us who we are. It no longer needs to have any hold over us. We are safe to move forward and leave it behind. We are also safe to reveal who we truly are and those meant to journey with us wills that and choose to embrace us.

Daily Habits with Gratitude

Diffuse this uplifting aroma while inviting feelings of emotional and spiritual progress.

Use it during meditation, yoga, or personal spiritual practice while you uplift and elevate your feelings of gratitude. This can be a powerful practice when you combine Gratitude oil with daily intentions. A gratitude journal is a wonderful place to start.

Apply 1-3 drops topically behind the ears, over the heart, on your wrists, back of neck and base of spine.

Diffuse while beginning your day with an open, uplifting mindset of appreciation.


DIFFUSE

Diffusing is a wonderful health habit! We have our diffuser going almost 24/7 and love to choose blends that are supportive of individual needs or systems. Try some of these great combinations and add the uplifting aroma of Gratitude to the day.

  • Thankful Heart: 4 drops Gratitude + 3 drops Tangerine + 2 drops Frankincense
  • Enlightened: 4 drops Gratitude + 3 drops Joy
  • Meditation Space: 3 drops Gratitude + 3 drops Northern Lights Black Spruce + 3 drops Sacred Frankincense or Sacred Sandalwood
  • Visionary: 3 drops Gratitude + 3 drops Valor + 2 drops Lime
Companion Products

Join us in using Grounding daily this season to create great daily habits that supports our overall health - physical, mental, and emotional.


Want to try Idaho Blue Spruce essential oil, but don't know where to start, click here to get started.

As Always, I'm here to support you.
Your Oily Girlfriend
Jennifer

The Basics - DIY Supplies List

The Basics Series
DIY Supplies List

There is no wrong way to use your oils (aside from just not using them!), especially since oils integrate into every area of our lives - rollers, rooms sprays, DIYs, supplements, candle replacements and SO MUCH MORE.

From roller bottles to carriers to anything you want to DIY, here are the supplies you need to use your oils to the fullest.

Carrier Oils
Carrier oils are used to dilute essential oils for either topical use or internal use. When using oils internally, make sure to use ingestible oils, such as high quality olive oil or coconut oil.

Glass Bottles and Rollers
When using essential oils for DIY, we want to make sure to use glass spray, dropper or roller bottles. Here are some of our favorites.

Other Commonly Used Supplies
Whether your'e mixing up some body butter or making your own candles, here are the supplies we've used and love:

Printing Supplies
This website has many fun roller bottle, diffuser, and room spray recipes. Use yardstick or sticker paper to easily keep track of the blend you create.

Print this guide and keep it handy!

And if you're looking for how to use essential oils, check out The Basics - Where to Apply your Oils blog to get you started.

Want to give it a try, but don't know where to start, click here to get started.

As Always, I'm here to support you.
Your Oily Girlfriend
Jennifer

The Basics - Where to Apply Your Oils

The Basics Series
Where to Apply Your Oils?

If you're not sure how to get started using essential oils and natural products, you're in the right place! Not only is site full of resources, recipes, DIYs, tips and tricks just for you, we've got you covered with this printable card that you can print out and keep right next to your oil stash or save directly to your phone.

Each Young Living essential oil bottle has dilution recommendations printed right on the label. Some oils that are very gentle, like Lavender and Copaiba, don't require dilution except for the most sensitive skin. Most oils will be diluted in equal parts with a carrier oil, like V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex, but some are 'hot' oils and can cause a tingling sensation if applied without a carrier. These include Thieves, Peppermint, and Oregano among others and are usually diluted more. Of course, you can always dilute more or less depending on your personal preference.

  • Energy & Focus - crown of your head, back of your neck, chest or forearms
  • Respiratory Support - behind your ears, down the spine, check, neck and throat
    Immune Support - down the spine, bottoms of the feet, Vitality oils internally
  • Restful Sleep - big toe, forearms, forehead, wrists
  • Focus - temples, back of neck, around your ears
  • Emotional support - rub oils in hands and breathe in deeply, over the heart, behind and on the ears
  • Overwhelm - lower back, back of neck, shoulders and neck
  • Digestion - 1-2 drops in the belly button, rub clockwise on the stomach
A couple of quick tips:
  • Add an AromaGlide Roller Fitment to your favorite, most used oils to make them convenient roll-ons. If you have an oil you like to dilute, wait until its 1/3 or 1/2 empty then add a carrier and a Roller Fitment.
  • Make your own roller blends using your favorite oils, carrier oils and empty 10 mL roller bottles (or empty 5 mL and 15 mL bottles too). This way you can easily take them with you wherever you go.
  • Keep pre-diluted blends on hand for all ages in your household.
  • Pair topical use of your oils with diffusing and internal use, especially for acute needs.
Print this guide and keep it handy!

And if you're looking for supplies to make some of your favorite DIYs, check out my The Basics - DIY Supplies List for a list of where to purchase some of our favorite DIY supplies.

Want to give it a try, but don't know where to start, click here to get started.

As Always, I'm here to support you.
Your Oily Girlfriend
Jennifer

The Holiday Handbook 2021

The 2021 Holiday Handbook

Fill your diffuser with Vanilla and Christmas Spirit and grab a mug of peppermint cocoa because it's time to get festive. No matter what holiday (if any!) you celebrate this time of year, these fun and festive recipes, DIYs and diffuser blends are certain to create a cozy welcoming winter home using the unique and healthy items in the 2021 Holiday Catalog. Doing some gifting? Check out the 2021 Holiday Gift Guide for some great combos to git health and wellness to your family and friends. 
Under the Mistletoe Breath Spray

This little bottle will be your mistletoe BFF! Perfect to pack in your purse, backpack, or even stash in your car, this simple breath spray will h ave your breath feeling fresh whenever you need it. To a 10 mL glass spray bottle, add:
  • 3 drops Peppermint Vitality essential oil
  • 2 drops Spearmint Vitality essential oil
  • 1 tsp Thieves Mouthwash, optional
Add all ingredients into a spray bottle and shake well. Spritz into your mouth as desired.

Candy Cane Lip Scrub
This simple lip scrub is perfect for all the mistletoe moments this season.
  • 5 drops Peppermint essential oil
  • 5 drops Vanilla oleoresin
  • 1/4 cup white sugar
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil**
Combine essential oils and coconut oil, then add in sugar. Apply nightly to lips in a circular motion. Wipe off with a dry towel. Store in a glass jar. **To make this extra special and creamy, whip the coconut oil in a stand mixer or handheld mixer until its fluffy.

Winter Nights Holiday Body Scrub
If the North Pole had a signature scent, this would be it. This simple KIY leaves your skin silky smooth and its dreamy winter scent is perfect for the season. Make it for yourself or package it up with a cute ribbon and gift it to a friend.
  • 1/4 cup organic fractionated coconut oil
  • 3/4 cup organic cane sugar
  • 15 drops Winter Nights essential oil blend
  • 10 drops Vanilla oleoresin
Mix Winter Nights and Vanilla with fractionated coconut oil in a glass container, then add organic cane sugar to the bowl and stir until combined. To use, massage into skin in a circular motion and rinse well. After exfoliating, moisturize with Young Living's Winter Nights Hand and Body Lotion.

Peppermint Latte Coffee Scrub
This simple DIY is always a crowd pleaser and is great for winter hands, especially when followed with the Very Vanillamint Body Butter.
  • 1 cup organic ground coffee
  • 1 cup cane sugar
  • 1/2 cup melted coconut oil
  • 10 drops Peppermint essential oil
  • 10 drops Vanilla Oleoresin (or Eos of choice - Cardamom, Thieves, etc)
  • small glass jars
Mix coffee grounds and sugar together, then add melted coconut oil and essential oils. Mix well and place in a glass jar. Top with burlap and tie with twine and a sprig of fresh rosemary for a festive gift.

Vanillamint Body Butter
There really is no substitute for the Very Vanillamint set from Young Living, but if you missed the ordering deadline, this DIY is your next best bet.
  • 8-12 ounce glass container
  • 1/2 cup solid refined, organic coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup organic mango butter (or a mix of shea butter and mango butter)
  • 1/2 cup organic jojoba oil
  • 5 drops Spearmint essential oil
  • 10 drops Peppermint essential oil
  • 15 drops Vanilla essential oil
Place coconut oil and shea butter in a bowl and whip with a handheld or stand mixer until fluffy and smooth. Slowly add in the jojoba oil, then essential oils, mixing as you add.  Whip for about 5 minutes or so. The longer you mix, the fluffier it will become.

Easy DIY Bath Bombs
If you missed out on the new Sweet Maple and KidScents Bath Bombs or want to DIY-it for a custom scent, this recipes for you.
  • 1 cup baking soda
  • 1/2 cup citric acid
  • 2 tbsp epsom salts
  • 3 tbsp coconut oil, melted
  • 20-30 drops essential oil(s) of choice (see some suggested pairings below)
  • 1 tsp water or more if necessary
  • Silicone molds or large ice cream scoop
In a large bowl combine backing soda, citric acid, and Epsom salts. Stir well. In a smaller bowl combine coconut oil and essential oils. Slowly whisk wet ingredients into dry. It should reach a crumbly consistently.

Your mixture is ready when you can mold it into a shape and it sticks without coming apart. If it is too crumbly, add in water, 1 tsp at a time. Mixture should be dry but able to hold a shape. To shape your bath bombs either pack them into your molds or a large ice cream scoop. Leave in the molds overnight, then remove carefully and place on a baking sheet to dry.

Oil pairing ideas:
  • Peppermint + Vanilla
  • Lavender + Peppermint
  • Lavender + Vanilla
  • Eucalyptus + Lemon
  • Believe + Vanilla
  • Gratitude + Tangerine
DIY Room Sprays

This simple DIY will make your home feel cozy and makes a lively gift paired with a fresh rosemary plant, a festive dish towel, Winter Nights Foaming Hand Soap or a fresh fir wreath.
  • Winter Solstice - 10 drops each Thieves + Idaho Blue Spruce + Vanilla
  • Holly Jolly - 10 drops each Tangerine + Christmas Spirit or Winter Nights
  • Silent Night - 10 drops each Lavender + Frankincense + Valor
  • Baking Cookies - 10 drops each Thieves + Vanilla
  • Frosted Forest - 10 drops Idaho Blue Spruce + 5 drops each Pine + Cedarwood + Peppermint
  • Twisted Peppermint - 10 drops each Peppermint + Vanilla + Ylang Ylang
Add essential oils to a 2 oz glass spray bottle, add a splash of witch hazel and top with water. Spritz on all the things!

Winter Wonderland Tree Spray
Here is a spray that you can spritz on your trees, garlands (Fresh or artificial) and stockings to make things smell festive and cozy. to a 2 oz spray bottle, add:
  • 20 drops Northern Lights Black Spruce
  • 10 drops of Cedarwood
  • 7 drops of Orange
  • 5 drops of Cinnamon
Fill the bottle with witch hazel, vodka or water and shake before each spray. Spritz everywhere for a festive tree scent.

DIY Chai Spice and Candy Cane Forest Hand Soaps
We can't get enough of creating custom hand soap scents. These are a fun way to cozy up your home, make great host gifts and are simple to whip up to accompany the changing of the seasons. Chai Spice is lovely for the Thanksgiving season and Candy Cane Forest is wonderful for winter or holidays.
Add essential oils, Vitamin E oil and Castile Soap to the bottle, then top with water leaving 1" at the top.
  • Chai Spice - 6 drops Cardamom + 4 drops each Cinnamon Bark + Clove + Ginger + Vanilla
  • Candy Cane Forest - 10 drops Peppermint + 5 drops each Vanilla + Ylang Ylang
Holiday Spice Wool Dryer Balls
There's something about the smell of warm fresh laundry directly from the dryer - especially when combining Thieves Laundry Soap and essential oil infused wool dryer balls.

Add 4-5 drops of essentials to each dryer ball. Essential oils of choice:
  • Christmas Spirit
  • Peppermint + Vanilla
  • Cinnamon Bark + Orange
  • Stress Away + Peppermint
  • Cardamom + Orange
Let the dryer balls air dry for about an hour or to speed up the process you can dry them alone. This will allow the oil to absorb into the wool and not transfer to your clothes. When it's time to dry your clothes, toss the dryer balls into the dryer with your clothing. Refresh the oils every 4-5 loads or more often if you prefer a stronger sent. (Life hack - add essential oils to your dryer balls when you're done with laundry so they are ready for next week!)

Scented Holiday Cards
This simple holiday hack will give your family and friends (and your postal carrier) an instant jolt of goodness retrieving your cards from the mail.
  • Printed Holiday Cards and Envelopes
  • A gallon zip lock bag
  • Cotton balls or pads
  • Our favorite essentials oils. We recommend Christmas Spirit, Joy, Peppermint, Cinnamon Bark, Northern Lights Black Spruce, Orange or any combination
Place a few drops of oil on a cotton ball or pad in the zip lock bag. Add your cards to the bag and zip closed overnight.

DIY Oil Infused Bottle Brush Trees
Give your bottle brush trees a little something extra this year - infuse them with festive essential oils.
  • Large pitcher or jar (bit enough for your trees)
  • Distilled water
  • Witch hazel
  • Oils of your choice. We love Believe, Christmas Spirit, Northern Lights Black Spruce, Winter Nights, Orange or Pine
  • Bottle Brush trees
Fill the jar or pitcher almost full of water and add a splash of witch hazel. Add about 20-30 drops of oil and stir with a silicone or metal spoon. Hold your tree upside down for about a minute in the water, then take it out and let it air dry.

Spiced Orange and Cranberry Garland
This is one of our favorite things to do every year. it is beautiful, smells amazing, adds a festive touch to any room and is so easy to make.
  • About 5 oranges or a mix of oranges, clementines and grapefruit for varied sizes and colors.
  • Essential oils - Christmas Spirit, Cinnamon Bark, Vanilla, Clove, Believe, Thieves
  • Fresh cranberries and cinnamon sticks
Slice your oranges in circles to 1/4 to 1/2 inch thickness and arrange them on a non-stick surface or parchment paper. Pour 2-3 drops of essential oils on each slice, then set them in a cool oven and turn the temperature onto the closet setting your oven will allow. (If your oven does not go below 300, et it there and use a wooden spoon to prop the oven open slightly and allow some heat to dissipate.)

Leave the slices in the oven for about 5 hours, then shut the oven off and leave the oranges in overnight or until completely cool. They will be fairly dry, but will continue to dry out over time. You don't want to over dry them in the oven because they can start to burn. If you have a dehydrator, you can use the fruit setting to make the dry the citrus slices.

Once they are dry, string them with some twine, alternating with a few varying sized slices and add a cranberry or two, a tied cinnamon stick - whatever you like. Hang them in your home for some delicious smelling holiday cheer.
Bath and Body Works
Winter Candle Dupes

It's not just visible decorations that evoke warm, welcoming winter feelings, its the scents as well - cinnamon, spruce, orange, and spice. We ditched the toxic candles for oils years ago, so here are our top 9 candle-inspired favorites!

  • Mulled Cider - 4 Christmas Spirit + 2 Grapefruit + 2 Clove + 3 Bergamot
  • Fresh Balsam - 4 Idaho Balsam Fir + 3 Cedarwood + 2 Eucalyptus
  • Frosted Cranberry - 4 Cinnamon Bark + 4 Stress Away + 3 Ylang Ylang
  • Twisted Peppermint - 4 Peppermint + 3 Idaho Balsam Fir + 3 Vanilla
  • Marshmallow Fireside - 4 Stress Away + 2 Clove + 2 Nutmeg + 2 Lemon + 2 Peppermint
  • Tree Farm - 3 Northern Lights Black Spruce + 4 Idaho Blue Spruce + 2 Pine + 3 Bergamot
  • Tis the Season - 4 Frankincense + 3 Cinnamon Bark + 3 Orange
  • Fireside - 4 Pachouli + 2 Tangerine + 3 Vetiver + 2 Orange
  • Candle Apple Fruitcake - 4 Christmas Spirit + 3 Orange + 2 Peppermint + 3 Vanilla
Diffuser Blends for Gathering
It's the season of gatherings and get together, so fill your diffusers with any of these blends to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for guests.

  • Warm Welcome - 2 drops each Rosemary, Eucalyptus, Orange, Clove, Cinnamon Bark
  • Powder Room - 5 Bergamot + 2 Orange + 2 Nutmeg + 1 Clove
  • Fireside Chats - 4 Ylang Ylang + 4 Vetiver + 2 Cinnamon Bark
  • Around the Table - 4 Orange + 2 Cinnamon Bark
  • Grandma's Kitchen - 4 Christmas Spirit + 4 Lemon + 2 Stress Away
  • Goodbye Hug - 4 Lavender + 4 Northern Lights Black Spruce + Orange
Christmas Movie Diffuser Blends
Colder weather and cozy homes are the perfect thing for curling up by the fire with your favorite movie. Try one of these holiday movie inspired blends.

  • Elf - Vanilla, Orange, Peppermint
  • Its a Wonderful Life - Frankincense, Joy
  • Miracle on 34th Street - Idaho Blue Spruce, Cinnamon Bark, Orange, Vanilla
  • The Polar Express - Peppermint, Cinnamon Bark, Lemon
  • Charlie Brown Christmas - Wintergreen, Cinnamon Bark, Vanilla, Orange
  • Christmas Vacation - Stress Away, Peppermint, Vanilla
  • How the Grinch Stole Christmas - Peppermint, Spearmint, Vanilla
  • Home Alone - Clove, Vanilla, Cardamom, Orange
  • Love Actually - Joy, Bergamot, Orange
  • The Holiday - Christmas Spirit, Vanilla
  • The Family Stone - Frankincense, Peppermint, Vanilla
Roller Blends

How about a few happiest holiday rollerball recipes? Make these for yourself and make a few for some friends. Take a minute to make up some rollerballs so that you have them on hand when you need them.

All recipes are for a 10 mL roller bottle. Add essential oils and top with a carrier oil. Optional - double the drops of oil for a stronger scent.

  • Gather Roller (a great perfume for gatherings and sharing with friend)
    10 Lavender, 8 Northern Lights Black Spruce, 7 Frankincense, 3 Cinnamon Bark
  • All is Calm Roller (Great for a peaceful night of sleep - roll onto temples and wrists)
    10 drops each Lavender, Vanilla, Valor
  • Joy to the World (wear this as perfume on your neck or wrists to combat the hustle and bustle of the season)
    10 drops each Joy, Tangerine, White Angelica + 5 drops Vanilla
  • Do you Believe Roller (a lovely, festive perfume blend that supports all the emotions this time of year can bring)
    15 Believe, 10 drops each Idaho Grand Fir, Lavender, Tangerine
  • Winter Wellness Roller (stay well this holiday season, roll this on spines and bottoms of feet daily)
    15 drops each Thieves, Lemon, Frankincense + 10 drops Oregano or ImmuPower
  • Planes, Trains and Automobiles Roller (this roller is your best friend if the motion of travel makes your belly uneasy)
    15 drops each Peppermint, Spearmint, Eucalyptus Radiata
  • Easy on the Eggnog Roller (upset tummies from too much sugar around the holidays? Roll this one right around the belly button)
    15 drops each DiGize, Peppermint, Lemon
  • Son of a Nutcracker Roller (too much wine at the holiday party last night? Roll this on your temples and back of neck for some relief)
    15 drops M-Grain, 10 drops each Peppermint and PanAway, 1 dropperful of CBD Drops
Festive Food & Drink

Whether you are hosting family and friends, having a night at home with your family or just want a little something fun and festive in your day, try out these delicious food and drink recipes!

Peppermint Brownies
This might be the simplest essential oil recipe ever - just add 4 to 5 drops of Peppermint Vitality essential oil to your favorite brownie recipe (from scratch or even a box) after you add the wet ingredients and bake as desired. Once cooled, use your favorite holiday cookie cutters to create fun shapes.

Optional - top your brownies with a layer of chocolate frosting (with or without a few drops of Peppermint Vitality) or powdered sugar. These are fun to make for parties, neighbors, or just because.

Peppermint Mocha
  • 2 cups strongly brewed coffee or espresso
  • 2 cups milk of your choice
  • 1/4 cup cacao powder (you can also use 2 tbsp cocoa powder + 3 oz dark chopped chocolate)
  • 4 tbsp maple syrup or raw honey
  • 3-4 drops Peppermint Vitality
Pour milk into a small saucepan and place over medium heat. Whisk in the cocoa powder (or whatever chocolate you're using) and the maple syrup. Bring to a Bol, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 5-10 minutes, whisking as needed until smooth.

Remove from the heat and when slightly cooled, add 2 drops of Peppermint Vitality (the flavor is bold, so start with 2 drops and add more if you want). Place the peppermint cocoa mixture and the coffee in a Vitamin or other high-powered blender (or use a handheld frother) and blend on medium speed for 30 seconds until frothy. Divide into 4 mugs, top with whipped cream, marshmallows, or both.

Eggnog Chai
  • Chai tea bag and water to prepare it
  • 1/2 cup eggnog
  • 1 drop Nutmeg Vitality
  • 1 drop Cinnamon Bark Vitality
  • ground cinnamon
Prepare Chai tea according to directions. Heat eggnog on the stove or in the microwave unit it's hot to your liking. Once the tea is prepared and the eggnog is heated, combine in a mug and let cool slightly, then add the essential oils.

Use a hand-held frother, blender, or electric milk frother to combine. This serves one, so you can double or triple it if you need to, top with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and enjoy. You can easily make this with coffee and can add sweetener to taste (like honey or maple syrup if you want).

Homemade Hot Cocoa
"Tis the season for Jack Frost nipping at your nose! Wind down and warm up with your favorite mug brimming with homemade hot chocolate. You can add any Vitality oil to your recipe, but these are our favorites:

Pumpkin Spice Hot cocoa
  • 4 cups milk of your choice
  • 8 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 drop Cinnamon Bark Vitality essential oil
  • 1 drop Nutmeg Vitality essential oil
  • 1 drop Clove Vitality essential oil
Lavender Hot Cocoa
  • 4 cups milk of choice
  • 8 tbsp unsweetened coca powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 4 tsp honey, or more to taste
  • 4 drops Lavender Vitality essential oil
Peppermint Hot Cocoa
  • 4 cups milk of choice
  • 8 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1tsp honey, or more to taste
  • 2 drops Peppermint Vitality essential oil
Champurrado Mexican Hot Cocoa
  • 4 cups milk of your choice
  • 1/2 cup honey or agave
  • 2 Mexican chocolate tablets
  • 3/4 cups masa harina (corn flour)
  • 2 drops Cinnamon Bark Vitality essential oil
  • 2 drops Orange Vitality essential oil
For all recipes - Heat all ingredients except oils in a pot over the stove, until just hot. Don't boil. Remove from heat, add the essential oils and stir to combine. Serve in your most festive mugs and top with whipped cream, marshmallows, a candy cane, or all of it.

Holiday Mocktails
If you're having a party this season, these cocktail recipes are sure to impress. Family and guests will be so smitten with their look and taste that they won't even miss the alcohol!

NingXia Red Rosemary Mule
Pour all ingredients into a copper mug full of crushed ice. Stir well to mix and garnish with a spring of rosemary.
  • 2 oz NingXia Red
  • 6 oz ginger beer
  • 1 drop Rosemary Vitality
  • Rosemary spring
Holiday Mary
Salt the rim of a highball or old-fashioned glass. Fill with ice and set aside. Squeeze a lemon wedge into a shaker and drop it in. Add tomato juice, Vitality oils, a dash of hot sauce to taste, and ice to the shaker. Shake gently to mix. Strain into prepared glass and garnish with celery or your favorite toppings.
(The toothpick method allows you to get a more subtle flavor with the Vitality oils. Simply dip a toothpick in the top of the bottle and swirl through your ingredients.)
  • Lemon wedges
  • Sea salt
  • 6 oz tomato juice
  • 1 drop Black Pepper Vitality
  • Toothpick swirl of Lime Vitality
  • Toothpick swirl of Celery Seed Vitality
  • Toothpick swirl of Lemon Vitality
  • 1 drop hot sauce, to taste
  • Celery stick (optional)
Cranberry Mojito
In a tall, sturdy glass, place a few mint leaves, the sweetener, a squeeze of lime, and the essential oils. Use a muddler to crush the leaves and combine the flavors. Add ice to the glass. Pour a splash of cranberry juice and stir. Fill a glass to the top with NingXia Zyng. Garnish with cranberries, more mint leaves and a lime wedge.
  • Mint leaves
  • 1 tsp honey or sweetener of choice
  • 1 drop Peppermint Vitalty
  • 1 drop Lime Vitality
  • Splash of cranberry juice
  • 1 can NingXia Zyng
  • Fresh cranberries
  • Lime wedges
NingXia Red Punch
In a punch bowl, pour NingXia Red, apple cider, pomegranate juice, and honey. Add fruit and cinnamon sticks and mix well. Cover and chill in the fridge until ready to serve. The longer the fruit soaks in the liquid, the more flavors will combine. Serve in short glasses garnished with more apple slices, pomegranate seeds, and cinnamon stick stirrers.
1 bottle of NingXia Red
  • 4 cups apple cider
  • 2 cups pomegranate juice
  • 1/4 cup honey or simple syrup
  • Sliced apples
  • Pomegranate seeds
  • Cinnamon Sticks
Spiced Cinnamon Cider
A steaming mug of cider is the perfect remedy to cold, wintry days. Serve it after a day of sledding or an evening of caroling to warm up guests from he inside out.

Add all ingredients to a large pot and stir to combine. Heat until simmering, and simmer for 30 minutes. Serve warm in a mug. Garnish with sliced oranges and cinnamon sticks.
  • 8 cups apple juice or cider
  • 4 cups orange juice
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 9 drops Cinnamon Bark Vitality
  • 6 drops Cardamom Vitality
  • 4 drops Clove Vitality
  • 4 drops Nutmeg Vitality
  • 3 drops Citrus Fresh Vitality
  • Sliced oranges
  • Cinnamon sticks
Holiday Gifting

Our favorite gift ideas for everyone on the nice list! These also make great stocking stuffers or small gifts for neighbors, teachers, hosts, etc.

Pro Tip: Buy a 3 pack of foaming hand soap, the Under the Mistletoe Lip Balm Set, or the Sweet Maple Bath Bombs set to save money and time. Three gifts in one when you separate the sets.

For more gift ideas, check out this Holiday Gift Guide blog post.

  • Lavender essential oil + eyelash curler
  • Lime Vitality + Cocktail Shaker
  • Gentle Baby + Swaddle Blanket
  • Peppermint Vitality + Coffee mug + homemade powder cocoa mix (see above)
  • Purification essential oil blend + wool dryer balls
  • Cinnamon bark + festive tea towel
  • Thieves essential oil blend + loose leaf tea
  • Rosemary Vitalty + olive oil + measuring cups/spoons
  • Lemon Vitality + glass water bottle
  • Peppermint essential oil + cork yoga mat
  • Stress Away roll-on + good book or movie
  • Joy essential oil blend + diffuser jewelry
  • Christmas Spirit essential oil blend + ornament
  • Winter Nights or Christmas Spirit Foaming Hand Soap + festive hand towel
  • Sweet Maple Bath Bomb + cozy socks or slippers + lip balm
  • Lip balm + beanie or headband
Simple Crafts for the Holidays

Whether your kiddos are out of school for a few weeks or you just want some simple, fun activities for the season here are some of our favorite festive crafts to do together this season.

This simple craft gets everyone outdoors and can even be a school project with just a little imagination. It makes a lovely oil tray ro a handmade gift.

  • Air dry clay
  • Craft paper
  • Rolling pin
  • Craft paint + brushes
  • Modge lodge gloss or other sealer
  • Various leaves from your yard
Cut out a piece of air dry clay, then roll it out onto craft paper to about 1/2 inch thick, making sure your leaf will fit. Then press your leaf (vein side down) onto the clay. Remove the leaf from the clay, cut around the outline with a knife, then remove the excess clay from around the imprint.

Go around the perimeter of the leaf and gently press the sides up and in to create a small edge. Allow the clay to air dry and harden on a baking rack for 24 hours. Next Paint! Once the paint is dry, cover with a coat of modge lodge gloss, then dry for 24 hours. After the sealer is dry, have your children sign the back and write the year.

Essential Oil Infused Play Dough
This is a fun one to get your children to make with you OR to make and surprise them with after school.
  • 2 cups flour (can use gluten-free if desired)
  • 1 cup salt
  • 1 tsp cream of tartar
  • 1 tbsp olive or coconut oil
  • 2 cups cold water
  • 5 drops essential oil - Lavender, Peace & Calming, Tangerine, Believe
  • Natural food coloring - Optional
Mix flour, salt, cream of tartar, oil, and water in a medium saucepan. Stir over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until the dough has reached the right consistency.

Let cool, split into 3 balls, and knead in essential oils and optional food coloring until it is distributed evenly throughout each ball of play dough. Store in airtight container.

We hope you enjoy this Holiday Handbook. May your days be merry and bright!

Want to try these ideas , but don't know where to start, click here to get started.

As Always, I'm here to support you.
Your Oily Girlfriend
Jennifer

NingXia Red Ditch and Switch in Nov 2021

NingXia Red Hostess Gift

November's Ditch & Switch


As the gatekeepers of our home we have such a great opportunity to bring in healthy products and create healthy habits for ourselves and families! 

Join us as we share the gift of health and switch a conventional hostess gift of wine to one full of great benefits - NingXia Red. 

We love loving on our friends and family, and what better way to say thank you for hosting than to give them something special and delicious that can benefit their health in a huge way! Especially during a season where we are consuming more sugar and have a busier schedule, we want to do everything we can to give our bodies the good stuff they need. For more information, check out September's blog on NingXia Red.

Enter the NingXia Red Hostess Gift.

Why we Love It

NingXia Red is an excellent whole-food source of nutrients that tastes great, gives energy and strengthens the body without harmful stimulates. It also has an amazing low glycemic index of 11 that does not spike the blood sugar levels and makes a mean cocktail. NingXia Red...

  • Supports a healthy immune system
  • Helps us be proactive against all the germs coming our way
  • Provides energy support
  • Is a HUGE source of antioxidants
  • Supports brain and joint health
  • Supports healthy hormone levels
  • Supports healthy blood sugar levels
  • Can help curb sugar cravings
Key Ingredients

NingXia Red is rich in ellagic acid, polyphenols, flavonoids, vitamins, and minerals. In addition, it has 18 amino acids, 21 trace minerals, beta-carotene, and Vitamins B1, B2, B6, and E. It contains Yuzu, Tangerine, Lemon, and Orange essential oils that enhance the taste and add great health benefits.

Gift Ideas

  • Place a bottle of NingXia Red in a lovely reusable wine gift bag and tie with twine and a sprig of fresh rosemary.
  • Pair a bottle of NingXia Red with a festive dish towel and simple handmade sugar scrub to keep at the kitchen sink.
  • Make a hostess gift basket. The best thing about this is you can scale it however you like! Find a wicker to tin basket with a handle (thrift stores are great for this) and add any of the following:
    • A bottle or two of NingXia Red
    • A fresh rosemary plant in a ceramic or tin pot
    • A festive dish towel or pot holder
    • A Tranquil or Stress Away roller
    • A CBD Calm roller
    • Your favorite DIY roller blend
    • A small diffuser and premade diffuser blend
    • Homemade vanilla extract or an infused olive oil
    • A set of beeswax taper candles or a beeswax jar candle
    • A festive flavor of sparkling water to add to the NingXia Red
    • A set of fun, festive glassware
Check out these amazing DIYs, like NingXia Gummies, Smoothie bowls, and Chia Seed pudding, for more ways to use NingXia Red. And include a instructional card for this NingXia Spritzer.

Take a picture of your NingXia Red hostess gifts and tag us on Instagram @oilisliving so we can see how beautiful they are!

Want to know why we are ditching the wine for NingXia Red (besides all the health benefits)? How about a little wine background...

A few notes on Wine

Did you know that the only thing required to be on a wine label is the percentage of alcohol it contains? And even that doesn't have to be completely accurate. None of the fillers, additives or colorants used in the wine have to be disclosed.

Which sounds a little scary if we're being honest! Let's take a look at exactly what is in convention wines (yes, even the organic ones). You might be surprised.

Additives are added to wine to change the flavor, add coloring, increase sweetness anymore. And they aren't disclosed on the ingredients label either. Some commonly used additives (that are also approved by the FDA) include:
  • Sugars
  • Sulfites
  • Colorings like Mega Purple and Ultra Red
  • Tartaric acid
  • Yeast products
  • Food grade dry ice
  • Acetaldehyde
  • Albumen (egg white)
  • Milk products (pasteurized whole, skim, or half-and-half)
  • Silica gel (colloidal silicon dioxide)
  • Soy flour
  • Defoaming agents (polyoxyethylene 40 monosterarate, silicon dioxide, dimethylpoly-siloxane, sorbitan monosterarate, glyceryl mono-oleate and glyceryl dioleate)
  • The FDA has approved more than 70 additives that can be found in wine
These additives have to be below a certain level, but we know from our experience with household chemicals and cleaners that small exposures over time can be harmful as well. And this list doesn't even account for the pesticides sprayed the grapes themeslves.

With all the additives, the pesticides and even the naturally occurring constituents in grapes that come out during fermentation, it's no wonder wine (especially red wine) is the culprit for headaches. Tannins, sulfites and histamine are likely the instigators here. Tannins spur the release of the neurotransmitter serotonin which at high levels can cause headaches. Sulfites (yep, even in organic wines) can trigger headaches, asthma and allergic reactions. Histamine dilates blood vessels and can cause headaches that way. To make matters worse, some people lack the enzyme that helps metabolize histamine, which may make them more prone to wine headaches. Oy!

It's not all doom and gloom though. And we're not saying you can never have wine, but just like anything else we want to always be aware of what we are putting in our bodies.

Join us this month as we switch out conventional hostess gifts for the gift of health and NingXia Red.

Want to try NingXia Red, but don't know where to start, click here to get started.

As Always, I'm here to support you.
Your Oily Girlfriend
Jennifer

Omegagize Supplement Spotlight - Nov 2021

OmegaGize

Supplement Spotlight

We have all heard how wonderful fish oil can be for our health, and many people are supplementing with fish oil. Unfortunately, it is incredibly difficult to find a high quality fish oil supplement that is free of mercury, sustainably sourced, and contains bioavailable Vitamin D.


Enter OmegaGize. Young Living's OmegaGize is an incredible, sustainably sourced fish oil supplement full of healthy Omegas, Vitamin D, and CoQ10 that supports heart, brain, eye and joint health.

Why We Love OmegaGize

  • Supports cardiovascular and skeletal health
  • Supports normal, healthy brain function
  • Supplies critical EPA and DHA nutrients
  • Supports normal immune response and antioxidant levels
  • Promotes normal eye, skin, and joint health
  • Infused with Clove, German Chamomile and Spearmint essential oils
  • Trifecta of Omega 3 fatty acids, Vitamin D and CoQ10
OmegaGize combines the power of three core daily supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin D3, and CoQ10 (ubiquinone) in one capsule. The formula is further enhanced with essential oils to create an incredible omega-3, DHA-rich fish oil supplement. When used daily, these ingredients work synergistically to support normal brain, heart, eye, and joint health as well as overall health and wellness.

OmegaGize Sourcing
Sadly, conventional fish oil supplements are full of synethic fillers, artificial colorants and flavors and are irresponsibly sourced. Some even contain levels of Mercury you don't want to be consuming. Not OmegaGize - Young Living's supplements are the purest, cleanest ones around.

The fish oil complex in OmegaGize is derived from some of the cleanest waters on the planet. OmegaGize capsules are rigorously tested to ensure a lack of these pollutants. Even the capsule of OmegaGize is ocean-derived ensuring the best quality and no fishy taste!

"The oil in OmegaGize is produced from carefully selected wild-caught Peruvian and Chilean coastal marine fish oil, one of the cleanest ocean areas in the world. Consisting mainly of anchovy, sardine, mackerel, skipjack, yellowfin, albacore and bigeye fish species. The fish oil used in OmegaGize is in triglycerides form (research shows this is the best form). All of the ingredients used in their products are heavily reviewed and inspected for the highest quality. Their vendors are audited and their ingredients are tested in-house to ensure they only offer the most beneficial products."

Omega-3 Fatty Acids
The human body can make most of the types of fats it needs from other fats or raw materials, but that isn't the case for omega-3 fatty acids. These are essential fats, meaning the body can't make them from scratch and must get them from outside sources. Even if your diet is high in wild-caught fish, you still need supplementation.

Omega 3s are an integral part of cell membranes throughout the body and affect the function of the cell receptors in these membranes. that means they are vital for all of our cellular functioning and are especially important during pregnancy. Omega 3s provide the starting point for making hormones that regulate blood clotting, contraction and relaxation of artery walls, and inflammation.

Research has shown that Omega 3s can 
  • Help prevent heart disease and stroke
  • Support a healthy heart and blood pressure
  • support healthy hormone levels (by aiding the body in keeping the cellular receptor sites (where hormones bind) repaired and in optional condition
  • Support auto-immune needs and conditions
  • Support the body's natural response to inflammation
  • support the body's natural response to joint pain
  • Assist the body in hormone productions associated with mood disorders
  • support to those with ADHD and focus needs
  • Support normal brain and nerve function which is important for older individual
Other Key Ingredients

Vitamin D - is an essential supplement for optimal brain health, hormone levels, bone and joint health, and overall well-being. Vitamin D also plays a role in our immunity and general wellness. It can be hard to get enough Vitamin D each day through sun exposure and food alone, so taking supplements can help. And since Vitamin D is fat-soluble, it need to be taken in the presence of fatty acids for proper absorption. OmegaGize has all that covered for us!

Research shows that Vitamin D
  • Supports your immunity
  • Helps regulate mood and fight depression
  • Helps support the body's natural response to inflammation in the body
  • Supports normal growth and development of bones and teeth
CoQ10 - is a powerful antioxidant that supports every cell in the body. We can think of CoQ10 like a battery for our cells, helping with the production and exchange of energy. It is a great addition to OmegaGize because the two work synergistically to improve the health benefits of both supplements.

CoQ10 helps to facilitate the production of ATP, the energy currency within the body. Every cell within the body utilizes ATP to perform its functions, so a lack of CoQ10 could cause a shortage of energy to every cell and system in the body. CoQ10 levels naturally decline with age, making supplementation a great health habit.

Several studies show that CoQ10
  • Helps protect the body from free radical damage
  • Produces energy your body needs for cell growth and maintenance
  • Boost the immune system
Clove essential oil - Cloves have long been used in eastern medicine for its health promoting properties. Clove essential oil is a powerful antioxidant that supports overall heart health

Spearmint essential oil - is high in carvone and limonene, spearmint is wonderful for digestive health and soothing intestinal discomfort.

German Chamomile essential oil - is a powerful antioxidant that supports healthy cholesterol levels, support liver and gallbladder health and supports the body's natural response to inflammation.

Vitamin E (as rice bran oil) - minimizes free radical damage within the body, promoting healthy cell function and overall health.

OmegaGize and Cardiovascular Health
We are always thinking about cholesterol from the diet. Most people don't realize that cholesterol in the body comes from two places: from the diet and from your internal production of cholesterol. Cholesterol is quite important to your body, because cholesterol is one of the major components of cell membranes. It's also the precursor for all the sex hormones. Its not all bad. Its just bad when there's too much and that depends on what kind of cholesterol is out of balance as well.

The primary way that omega-3 fatty acids support heart health is through their ability to reduce triglyceride levels. Triglycerides are a type of storage cholesterol in the body. When we eat, our bodies convert any unused calories into triglycerides and store the in fat cells. Later, hormones release the triglycerides for energy between meals. When triglycerides levels become too high, this can cause health problems, so most clinicians will monitor triglyceride levels along with other cholesterol levels. Omega-3 fatty acids are a simple may to help support healthy triglycerides levels. Omega-3 fatty acids may also modestly raise HDL ('good' or 'protective' cholesterol) levels.

The vast majority of Americans needing support for healthy cholesterol levels are taking a 'statin' prescription drug to lower cholesterol. Here is some food for though on that topic.

"At least 1 in 4 American adults over the age of 40 are currently taking a statin drug to lower their cholesterol. Soon that number is expected to reach 1 in 3. Statins work by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which is one of the facilitators of your body's production of cholesterol. But statins also impair production of CoQ10, and the resulting depletion can have very severe consequences.

"This is a very important topic," Shulman says. "Many who take statins have the side effects of muscle pain, fatigue and memory loss - to such a point that compliance becomes and issue; people don't want to be on statins anymore. It's been documented and recognized medically that these are real effects and that they're due to the statins. What's actually happening? The way a statin works is that it blocks your body's production of cholesterol."

Besides shutting down your body's ability to produce ubiquinone, statin drugs also shut down the conversion of Vitamin K1 to Vitamin K2, which is critically important in many body function, including heart health.

Imparing these three pathways - the production of cholesterol and CoQ10, and the Vitamin K1 to K2 conversion - has adverse effects on the production of energy and on cardiovascular health. And here's why: when you reduce your ubiquinone levels, the conversion of your food to energy becomes less efficient, which leads to lower energy, fatigue, and muscle pains.

And the longer you're on a statin drug, the more ubiquinone-starved your body becomes and the more severe the side effects become. Recently published papers have also detailed the cardiovascular repercussions of statins. As it turns out, they actually end up causing many of the diseases endpoints the drugs promised to prevent."

OmegaGize and Emotional Health

Several studies have shown the importance of omega-3 fatty acids when it comes to emotional health, especially in females and especially during pregnancy and the surrounding time frame. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for cell growth and development, and they assist with mental clarity - functions that are often 'off' during times of increased emotional need or stress.

Studies have also found that reduced omega-3 status may predispose individuals towards needing mood support as well as other conditions. As always, we want to do all we can to stay able the health line and support our bodies on a daily basis, so supplementing with OmegaGize is a great staring point! If you're needing extra support, we always recommend finding a healthcare provider that you love and trust.

Learn More:
How To Use

  • Take 2-4 capsules 2 times daily.
  • Do no exceed 8 capsules per day.
  • Store in a cool, dark place.

Join us this month as we use OmegaGize this month and beyond to support overall wellness and emotional health!

Want to try OmegaGize, but don't know where to start, click here to get started.

As Always, I'm here to support you.
Your Oily Girlfriend
Jennifer

 
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