Silver Club {my trip to Utah}

Two weeks ago I had the amazing privilege to take advantage of an all expenses paid trip to Utah to visit Young Living corporate offices and the Mona, Utah Lavender farm!! So awesome! I was supposed to go last year, but we had previous plans, so I deferred the trip to this year. It's neat how it worked out - my mom got to go this year, which was really fun for us to spend time together! 

It was my FIRST TIME EVERRRRR to get on an airplane!! What a fun experience! On the first flight to Atlanta, I had a talkative lady sitting next to me. She seriously talked the whole time - which was so nice to keep my mind occupied! 

It was NOT easy for me to leave my babies. I cried a lot during the trip because I missed them so much. Thankfully Jacob was off work and able to care for them (and he did GREAT btw) - I'm just not cut out to be a traveling mama. :) 

I had a window seat on the long flight from Atlanta to Salt Lake City. I loved getting to watch the landscape changing as we flew west. The mountains took my breath away - spectacular!

The resort we stayed in was amazing! 

Ready for the opening fancy dinner night.

Gorgeous sunrise from my window.

I love Young Living's unique Seed to Seal guarantee that sets them apart from all other companies. Amazing!

I took a walk in downtown SLC one day. It was SO hot - dry heat unlike the humid heat we have here in Alabama. Even though I was drinking TONS of water, I think I got a little dehydrated during that short walk. 

During the afternoon meeting I decided to rest and drink lots more water. Thankfully I was feeling better within an hour or two. It was nice to get a little reading done...and LOTS of chatting with new oily friends!

This was when our tour bus broke down on the side of a mountain, 14 miles from civilization, in 100 degree temperature! Thankfully we were rescued within an hour!

Incredible sunset.

I got up super early to participate in the lavender fields 5k! 

A field of Clary Sage.

Lavender fields.

SO beautiful and SO fragrant! 

I couldn't get enough of the scent and beauty. Such an incredible experience!

28 weeks pregnant with Baby #5!

This is part of the Young Living store at the farm. 

The horse barn.

The horses are used for plowing/harvesting, etc to keep the plants free of tractor fumes/pollutants. I love how committed Young Living is to unadulterated oils - even in small ways like this.

Gorgeous lavender and mountains.

Heading home. I was SO ready to get home and see my babies.

Homemade Pasta Sauce

I made up this recipe tonight while making sauce for Eggplant Parmesan. You won't believe how delicious and full of robust flavor this sauce is! The oils give such a better flavor than dried or fresh herbs. 

Now, just a disclaimer - I am not suggesting that you go and buy Basil, Oregano, and Rosemary oils at the health food store and use them in your food - many of those are labeled for aromatic use only and/or say DO NOT INGEST. Young Living essential oils have supplement labels on them (if you peel up the corner of the label) and are GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe) for ingestion. If you would like more information about Young Living click here or email me. :)

Homemade Pasta Sauce

1 lb. ground beef or turkey

1/4 cup finely chopped onion

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 28oz can tomato sauce

1/4 cup water

1-2 drops Young Living Oregano essential oil

2-3 drops Young Living Basil essential oil

2-3 drops Young Living Rosemary essential oil

Cook meat and onion until browned. Add remaining ingredients and simmer for 20-30 minutes. I added my oils one drop at a time, then tasted the sauce before adding more.

Here is the Eggplant Parmesan recipe too, because I don't want to forget it. It was that good!

Eggplant Parmesan

2 small eggplants, peeled

1/2 cup flour (I used white spelt flour)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

2 eggs

2-3 Tablespoons olive or grapeseed oil

1 recipe of pasta sauce (recipe above)

2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded

1 cup Parmesan cheese

Cut eggplant into very thin slices (no thicker than 1/4 inch). Salt slices and let them soak in cold water for 30 minutes.

Drain eggplant and rinse in cold water to remove salt. Pat dry.

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Line two baking sheets with foil (for easy clean up) and let preheat in the oven.

In a gallon sized bag mix the flour, salt, dried oregano, dried basil, and garlic powder.

Crack eggs into a shallow dish and beat with a fork.

Once baking sheets are hot, carefully remove them from the oven and drizzle oil evenly on them. Tilt the pan to spread the oil to the edges.

Quickly dip eggplant slices into egg and then dredge in the flour mixture. Carefully place each slice on the hot baking sheet.

Bake for 5-7 minutes, then flip slices and bake 5-7 more minutes or until lightly browned and crispy.

Reduce oven heat to 350 degrees.

In a 9x13 baking dish spread 1 cup of pasta sauce. Layer with half of the eggplant slices. On top, add another cup of sauce. Spreading evenly over eggplant. Top that with 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese and 1 cup Mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers of eggplant, sauce and cheeses.

Bake for 30-35 minutes until cheese is golden brown.

Lemon Cupcakes

Today I'm participating in the Essentially Summer Recipe Series that has been going on this week. I am looking forward to trying lots of new recipes! Sondra finished up yesterday's Main Dishes with her Veggie Lasagna.

To start off the Desserts today, I'm excited to share this recipe for Lemon Cupcakes. I have made these cupcakes for 5 different events and they always get rave reviews - they are quick and easy, and they are yummy! Win-win! :)

Lemon Cupcakes

Yield about 20 cupcakes

Ingredients

for the cupcakes:

1 yellow cake mix

3 eggs

1 cup water

1/3 cup oil

5 drops Young Living Lemon Essential Oil

zest from one lemon

for the frosting:

1/2 cup softened butter

3 oz softened cream cheese

6 cups powdered sugar

3-4 drops Young Living Lemon Essential Oil

2-3 Tablespoons milk

To make cupcakes, preheat oven to 350. Line cupcake pans with paper liners. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients together on low for 30 seconds. Scrape down sides of bowl and mix on medium speed for 2 minutes, scraping down bowl as needed.

Divide the batter evenly between prepared cupcake liners, filling each half full. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in pans about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

To make frosting, cream butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, lemon oil, and milk (start with 2 Tablespoons and add more if needed). Mix on low until combined and then beat well on medium speed. Frost cupcakes. Store in the refrigerator.

I love adding oils to many recipes. I hope this series inspires you to add some flavor with your oils!

Are you ready to jump in to this wonderful world of caring for your family with therapeutic grade essential oils? The time is now! Click here to learn more or contact the person who introduced you to the “Essentially Summer” blog recipe series! :)

Next up is Becky at Rooted Blessings with Paleo Key Lime Cheesecake. Yummy!

Be sure to check out all the great recipes in the "Essentially Summer" blogger recipe series.

Best weekend. (and how I kick the "mama funk")

This post was started about a month ago...forgive my delinquent posting.

Last weekend was just the best weekend we've had in a long time. Well, honestly, the last few weeks have been the best we've had in months. I have a little secret that has changed my life...it's called Frankincense. Yes, an essential oil. I started using is about three weeks ago on my face because it is so good for skin. I had no idea that it would help kick the "mama funk" (or whatever it was) out the window! 

For months I had been feeling so blah about everything and I wasn't getting out of the house with all the kids by myself, like at all. I just felt like I couldn't handle it. So after I started this routine of applying Frankincense on my face every morning, I started noticing that our days were going much more smoothly. Why? you might ask - because I was in so much better spirits, because I was feeling better emotionally. We've been getting out of the house a ton, and I have renewed vigor for being a mama. I am so, so thankful! I know it probably sounds crazy, but don't knock it til you've tried it! :)

A family walk.

Sweet Ava.

These babies are my sunshine.

We have lots of climbers in the family.

I've even managed grocery shopping with all 4 several times in the last month. You mama's with littles know that's quite an undertaking. :)

Detox Your Home - DIY Dishwasher Detergent

Good Morning! A special welcome to those visiting from A Happy Healthnut! I'm excited to kick off the 4th day of the Detox Your Home series. Be sure to follow the links today and check out this post for all the links from the previous days.

I have to admit I was a little skeptical of trying this recipe because I have made 2 other homemade dishwasher detergent recipes in the past and they were both a big fat FAIL! My drinking glasses came out cloudy and my dishes had a weird film on them. 

But, I'm here to tell you that this recipe is amazing and it really does work! I've used it for about a week and my dishes have been clean and sparkling! The best part is that this recipe is quick and easy to make, and very inexpensive! I do recommend using Young Living essential oils as that is the only difference in this recipe and one of the recipes I made before. 

Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

(from The Chemical Free Home by Melissa Poepping)

1 cup baking soda

1 cup borax

1/4 cup citric acid (found near canning supplies at Walmart)

15 drops lemon essential oil

10 drops orange essential oil

Mix together in a quart jar or a bowl. Add a sachet of white rice to absorb moisture. Add 2 Tablespoons of detergent per load.

I know this is not the greatest before and after picture because my glass has a bunch of scratches on it, but hopefully you can tell the difference! :)

I hope you are inspired to try the great non-toxic recipes for your home, personal care, and pets that we are sharing during this series!

Are you ready to jump in to this wonderful world of caring for yourself and your family naturally with essential oils?? Click here to learn more or contact the person who introduced you to the "Detox Your Home" Spring blog series! We are all offering a FREE copy of The Chemical Free Home to anyone {in the U.S.} who signs up with premium starter kit through April 7th!! 

To continue the series, head over to The Home Life {and Me} and learn how to make probiotic deodorant. 

Be sure to check out all the posts in the "Detox Your Home" Spring blogger series, click here.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. I’m just a mom who has experienced amazing results with essential oils in our home.

A Day in the Life of an Oiler.

(If you are visiting from Rooted Blessings, welcome!)

Woohoo! I'm so excited to participate in this series - A Day in the Life of an Oiler! I hope you will follow the links and enjoy learning how other mom's use their oils on a day to day basis.

First off, since many of you probably don't "know" me, I'm Kelly and this is my family: my amazing husband (he's a hard-working violin teacher, talented conductor and professional violinist) and our four rambunctious children, ages 4, 3, 22 months, and 10 weeks. I am a busy, busy mama! :) You can read more about me here. 

We started using Young Living oils in March of 2013. At first I ordered a few bottles here and there through my sister while I saved up to invest in the premium kit. Best investment ever! We have used our oils everything imaginable and have never been disappointed! 

Ok, so here's a look at a typical stay-at-home day in my life. The times are approximate. :)

4:30 am - Baby Girl (Ava) is up to eat and finishes just in time for me to drink part of my Lemon or Citrus Fresh water and go meet my Dad at the gym at 5:30 (going to the gym is hit and miss right now since Ava is still waking up between 4:30 and 5:30, but I try to make it a couple times each week.)

6:30 am - I'm home from the gym and finish my citrus water. After a nice hot shower I massage coconut oil and Lemon over areas of skin that can use some toning...um, basically my whole body thanks to 4 babes in 3 years, ha!

7:00 am - I make my husband an omelet for breakfast (he drinks lemon water in the morning too) and fix my cup of coffee. I love adding a drop of peppermint to my coffee for a special treat! Not only does it taste amazing, it also gives me an energy boost and clears my sinuses. Then I head into the living room and have my quiet time with the Lord. 

7:15-7:45 am - Jacob leaves for work, Ava wakes up and has a bottle and the three older children start waking up and joining me on the couch. We go ahead and read a Bible story and go over our memory verses (sometimes this happens after breakfast, just depending on the day.)

8:00 am - I start Christmas Spirit in the diffuser. It smells soooo good! Then I fix oatmeal for the kids and a bowl of granola for me. We all take our supplements (B vitamins, probiotics, cod liver oil, vitamin d and vitamin c), I empty the dishwasher, and get a frozen meal out to thaw for supper (I did a bunch of freezer cooking before Ava was born - best thing ever for busy mama's).

Since we are staying at home today, I don't put Thieves on everyone's feet like I would if we were headed out. Lily asks to have Joy on her wrists every morning and the boys usually pick Joy or Valor to put on.

9:00 am-11:00 am - Ava takes a nap, I start laundry, we do some preschool work and play legos.

11:30 am-12:30 pm - Ava is up to eat again and we have reading time while I feed her. She sits in the bumbo and older three color at the table while I switch the laundry and fix lunch. After lunch we read a few chapters of The Milly-Molly-Mandy Storybook. 

1:00 pm-3:00 pm - All four children go down for naps (the youngest two) and rests (the older two). I do some cleaning/dishes/laundry, reminding children that it's quiet time, and check my email and facebook. I start Thieves in the diffuser in the bonus room where Jacob teaches violin lessons in the afternoon. Ava is up to eat and then seems a little gassy so I rub diluted lemon on her belly. Works like a charm!

3:30 pm-4:15pm - I pop supper in the oven and put some laundry away. The kids have a snack and then go out in the sunroom to jump on the rebounder. Some issue comes up between the boys and one of them gets hit on the head by the other one. I apply Lavender and Purification along with ice and the bleeding stops quickly. Thankfully no stitches are needed!

4:30pm-4:45 pm - I use some Valor on my wrists to help me get through the rest of the day (don't mind the tape on the bottle...kiddos. ha!). It smells wonderful and gives me strength to deal with settling arguments and the seemingly-constant training that children the ages of mine need. The kids watch an episode of Daniel Tiger while I finish getting supper ready. Jacob has his supper and then leaves to conduct youth orchestra rehearsals. Ava is up from her nap and ready to eat again.

5:30 pm-6:30 pm - The children and I have supper, play a little, read some books, and clean up the toys.

7:00 pm-7:30 pm - I get the kids jammies on, then we do our nightly oil routine - all four get Thieves (immunity) on their feet and Peace and Calming (sleep) on their spines and Levi gets Lemon on a swollen lymph gland (it's draining and much smaller than it was!) and Purification around his ears to keep them clear of fluid.

8:00 pm-10:30 pm - Ava eats again and then goes down for the night. I put a little boy back into bed several times while I work on loading the dishwasher and making Ava's formula for the next day. Then wipe down the kitchen counters and table with amazing Thieves cleaner - it is the best non-toxic cleaner and I use it on everything! I do some computer work and catch up on facebook until Jacob gets home. We hang out a little bit before getting ready for bed. 

11:00 pm - Jacob and I both put Thieves on our feet before bed and I use Deep Relief across my shoulders where I tend to get tension. Just as I'm getting in bed Asher wakes up and says his teeth are hurting (he has two coming in right now). I give him teething tablets and rub diluted Thieves on his gums. Finally I crawl into bed and sleep as soon as my head hits the pillow. :)

So there you have it! I hope you enjoyed this peek into our lives. If you'd like to learn more about these wonderful oils, click here to learn more or contact the person who introduced you to "A Day in the Life of an Oiler" blogger series!

Next up (tomorrow morning at 7:00 am) is Shannon @ For the Mommas. 

Be sure to check out all 20 posts in "A Day In the Life of an Oiler" blogger series!