Naturally Soft Skin

I have a vast preference that the things I intend to absorb into my skin should be things that are healthy/belong there (ie natural stuff). 

The bad news is that retailers want to charge you an arm and a leg for "natural" anything. 

The good news is that it's pretty cheap to make it yourself. 

Here is the simplest recipe I know. 

1 1/4 cup hot water
1/4 cup emulsifying wax (Don’t use beeswax)
1/4 cup olive oil (I like to use coconut oil or sunflower oil) 
24-36 drops essential oil

1. combine the olive oil and emusifying wax and microwave for 1 minute until it is all melted. The temperature on this reads about 155 degrees.

2. heat  1 1/4 cup of water for 1 minute or until about 120 degrees

3. While that is heating up  add the essential oil into melted wax/olive oil mixture.

4. Then pour the hot water into the wax/olive oil mixture and watch it turn milky white. At this point the temperature is about 125 degrees

5.  then pour the hot lotion into wide mouth pint size jars and let cool overnight. The next morning you’ll have a fresh jar of homemade natural hand lotion!

My favorite is lotion bars! They make great gifts!!

• 1 part coconut oil
• 1 part shea butter, or mango butter 
• 1 part beeswax (can add an extra ounce or two if you want a thicker consistency, which leaves less lotion on the skin when used)
• optional: Vitamin E oil to preserve. I added 1 tsp vitamin E oil for  this recipe made with 1 cup of each ingredient)

This recipe can be adjusted to make any quantity that you’d like. I made with 1 part=1cup so I used 1 cup of coconut oil, 1 cup beeswax and 1/3 cup each of shea butter, cocoa butter and mango butter (though I could have used 1 cup of any of the individual ones). I also added about 50 drops of lavender essential oil. I set them in silicon baking cups though any mold or shape would work. The recipe I used made exactly 12 lotion bars.

How to Make:

Combine all ingredients (except essential oils if using) in a double boiler, or a glass bowl over a smaller saucepan with 1 inch of water in it.

Turn the burner on and bring water to a boil. Stir ingredients constantly until they are melted and smooth:

Remove from heat and add the essential oils.

Gently stir by hand until essential oils are incorporated)

Carefully pour into molds or whatever you will be allowing the lotion bars to harden in. I used these silicon baking cups, though any mold would work.

Allow the lotion bars to cool completely before attempting to pop out of molds.

Naturally Beautiful Hair!

I am a wee bit particular about my hair. This is not to say that I have amazing hair, or something... it's more to say that I insist on it being long and soft to the touch because it's playing with my hair is a compulsive, self soothing, habit. Sometimes my husband will even come up to me and say "you're playing with your hair a lot. Are you OK?" 

So I have done some experimentation and research about natural hair care, and this is what I've come up with. 

Naturally Beautiful Hair: 

My favorite shampoo recipe: 

1 c. castile soap 

3 c. water

1 tsp sunflower

3-5 drops or rosemary oil 

2-3 drops lavender

My favorite conditioner recipe: 

1 c  coconut oil 

1 c rosehip oil 

2-3 drops ylang ylang

1-2 drops geranium

Not to sound vane... but I love the way my hair looks and feels with this stuff. It also smells soo good!! 

My favorite website to buy essential oils and natural ingred. (it's local)

www.libertynatural.com 

http://www.experience-essential-oils.com/essential-oils-for-hair.html

http://www.anandaapothecary.com/articles/hair-growth-essential-oils.html

http://www.longlocks.com/hair-care-recipes-cookbook.htm

You know you're a mom when....

This is a common trend among blogs, but it's because it's fun and true. 

You know you're a mom when: 

1. You have hard-core wrestled a toddler to the ground to administer cute little pigtails
2. You spend more time talking to friends on Facebook, than you do in real life.
3. 1/2 or more of your FB status updates involve cute things your kids have done/said 
4. You have a blog that's content is at least 50% stories of your children. 
5. You can read a variety of children's books to your kids without looking at them. (strictly from memory)
6. Your idea of a vacation is to go grocery shopping by yourself. 
7. One of the most common phrases shared between you and your friends/acquaintances is "We should hang out some time" 
8. "Hittin' the town" likely involves taking the kids to the park
9. Priorities in your choice in clothing alter toward comfort over style. 
10. You use "baby talk" phrases in your house. 
11.  You find yourself singing children's songs in public places
12. You have or have considered having a pet that you hate for the sake of your kids. 
13. You've played in a sandbox, as an adult. 
14. There is at least one children's movie that you can quote and sing along with (even when it's not playing)
15. You have more fun in the children's section of the dept. store than in the adults
16. You have no idea what size you wear
17. Mots of your pants are "stretchy" (ie yoga pants)
18. You want more children every 2 years or so, without fail... or reason... ;) 
19. Silence is a precious commodity
20. Taking a nap seems glamours
21. Eating, during the day, is a bit of a chore
22. You can type reasonable efficiently one-handed 
23. You're "post pregnancy" belly demands a one-piece swimsuit
24. You take your camera everywhere you go
25. You always have a "pony-tail holder" around your wrist. 
26. You have a stroller in your car
27. You know that you probably stink, but leave the house anyway, with a spritz of perfume
28. Have come home from a store or other public place only to realize that you spent the day with spit-up or like fluids plastered on your sleeve.
29. You've "leaked" in public
30. You can describe the unique sensation of "milk dropping"
31. Your boobs have been twice the size of what God originally gave ya.
32. You've read articles about making your kiddos sleep better.
33. You save your major housecleaning for guests
34. You prefer to wear your jeans a few times before washing them, to save on laundry, and COMFORT. 
35. You have ever tucked your stomach into your pants
36. You spend more time sitting on the floor than on furniture. 
37. You have a house full of organic or "alternative" snacks (ie veggie chips)
38. You cut coupons
39. You know the cheapest places in town to by second-hand kids clothes. 
40. You take garbage bags full of clothes to your friends houses. 
41. You enjoy baby showers
42. You spend all year planning Christmas presents and Birthday Parties
43. You spend your summer planning around your friend's kid's bday parties
44. You spend more time bathing others than taking a bath yourself. 
45. You've said the phrase  "Because I said so!!!" 

Tricks to Weight Loss

OK, so just to clarify there is a difference between "trick" and "shortcut". If you are trying to take a "shortcut" it won't work out for you, long term. Sorry. Our bodies just don't work that way. 

So here are the things that I have come across that actually work for me: 

1. Wake up in the morning and think to yourself "What am I doing for exercise today" and plan to do something everyday that is gong to make you sweat. (bedroom activities excluded) ;) *It doesn't have to be something you hate. I like to swim, dance with my kids until I'm sore, work on my yard, Go for walks, Take my kiddos for bike rides, do Yoga, etc.*
2. Start the day right!! Eat something high in protein for breakfast! If you start the day with carbs it will affect your diet for the rest of the day. 
3. Avoid Sugary stuff. Allow yourself a couple  treats a week so that you don't feel deprived, but don't eat sugary stuff on a daily basis. 
4. Get a 32 oz water bottle and drink 2 of them a day. (people can be carrying around 10 lbs of just water weight) If you can, drink filtered water. 
5. Eat Protein and a fruit/vegetable with every meal. 
6. Try to eat an apple, cheese stick, handful of carrots, handful of almonds, handful of sunflower or pumpkin seeds, or other carb free snack between meals. 
7. GET ENOUGH SLEEP!!!!!!!! 8 hours, people!
8. DO NOT eat past 6PM! Late dinners/snacks turn to fat/bloating, simple as that! If you are really feeling like you're starving to death, have some vegetables. 
9. Take a Vitamin D supplement. 
10. Avoid Hard Alcohol. It turns to straight sugar in your body which in turn transforms into... you guess it... FAT (and a slower metabolism)
11. Mineral Salt Baths! It will help purge your skin of "puffy" water retention, and icky toxins. 
12. Skip the starch! I was raised with the concept of a "balanced" mean including some sort of starch (ie potatoes, bread, etc) but starch=sugar=fat. So, make yourself some extra veggies and skip the starch. (I hear you complaining... don't worry... you'll survive) 
13. Chia seeds! Get some chia seeds, mix about 1/3-1/2 c with a pitcher of whole juice and start your day with about a 1/2 c swig of the stuff. It's loaded with omegas which can help with weight loss and lowering cholesterol, protein, and fiber which "fills ya up". 
14. Last, but not least.... consider your hormones. They dictate a lot of your weight loss/gain. If you are a woman and you have an imbalance, try supplementing with Royal Jelly. If you are a man GET MORE EXERCISE. When you exercise your body produces Testosterone!

Oh and... PS: DO NOT TAKE ADVICE FROM/COMPARE YOURSELF TO PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN SKINNY THEIR ENTIRE LIVES. IF THEY START TO GAIN AN EXTRA POUND OR TWO, ALL THEY HAVE TO DO IS WALK AROUND THE BLOCK AND THEIR METABOLISM WAKES BACK UP!!!!!!! 

You're stuck with you

Society often makes us apologize for self esteem. 

Are we really supposed to dwell in a constant state of insecurity? 

How much can we accomplish while feeling insufficient? 

Contrary to the apparent consensus, you can be both secure and humble. 

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

  ^"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. ' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me...For when I am weak, then I am strong."

Does this mean that you should face the day as an underachiever, saying 

"Yes! I suck!" 

Um... NO!

It mean that you can make peace with your flaws and shortcomings because the Lord knows them all and, if you let Him, is prepared to shine through them. 

Do not deny yourself the joy of taking pride in your accomplishments .

Do not regret feeling attractive. 

We have enough sadness in the world without robbing ourselves of any more joy. 

As long as self appreciation does not transform to a beast of "entitlement" or superiority/judgement.

Remember... you're stuck with yourself... might as well get along! 

Dear Lord, please always make your strength known in my shortcomings and help me always seem myself through your eyes.


http://youtu.be/eWvJadrTG34

Brain VS. Biology

Sometimes the right decision, for my family, is challenging. 

Before John and I were even married, we both agreed that we wanted 2 kids. So, after our second (Gabriella) was born we, after much prayer and deliberation decided to have John get a vasectomy.  I knew that I would get the "baby craves" eventually. 

It's biological. 

It's inevitable. 

In the end, however, I knew that 2 kids was right for us, and if God disagreed.... a silly little surgery wasn't going to prevent Him from giving us another child. 

I don't for a minute regret our decision. 

That being said.... 

I definitely have my moments of "insanity". I see a pregnant woman or a newborn baby and I think "I'm never going to get to do that again!!" and I start to panic. 

Eventually my logical brain kicks back in and I am content in our decision, but not being an overly logical person (much more emotional) and prone to distraction

...OOOO SHINY...

What was I saying? 

Oh right!

I tend to get wrapped up in emotion and hormones.  

...but... I also have to acknowledge the  "selfishness" of me occasionally wanting more babies. It would be putting my will over my husbands, which is not fair. 

respect...respect...respect... 

Moral of story: 

Sometimes vasectomy is the right choice! 

That doesn't mean it's always easy!    

Giving like a child

No one gives like Jesus, like a child. 

We heard of a family who lost everything in a fire. I proceeded to gather up all the "extras" lying around in garbage bags and decided that maybe I should explain the situation to my son. Use it as a teaching opportunity about giving/loss. 

This is how I chose to explain it

"Gideon, there is a family that has a little boy and a little girl. A fire came and ate their whole house! It ate their clothes, all their toys, and all of their other stuff. We have lots of stuff. Is there anything you want to give the family who lost all their stuff?" 

He eager responded "YES!" and ran to his bedroom. He looked around his room for awhile and eventually said 

"Let's give them all my toys!" 

"No, Sweety! That's very sweet, but you'll be really sad if all your toys are gone!" 

".... but... they will be really happy! Everybody needs toys!" 

I'm not ashamed to admit that I cried a little! 

I lovingly explained that one toy would be sufficient and he spent about an hour decided which one as "cool enough" and in the end he picked several toys and a couple books! 

I am proud!!!

Confessions

Confessions: 

1. I am terribly jealous of perfectionists 
2. I HATE driving
3. I am afraid of big groups of people
4. I love to eat Lunch Meat right out of the package for a snack
5. I can be what could be considered excessively nurturing 
6. When people blatantly reject my nurturing,  I get my feelings hurt (this is why I sometimes avoid friendships)
7. I despise competition 
8. I tend to obsess about things until I burn out. 
9. I received negative reinforcement regarding my singing, when I was young, and now, even if I want to I can't force my voice above a whisper if I think anyone might be listening. 
10. I am a pathological people pleaser, even people I don't get along with.
11. As a result, I can be a touch sensitive 
12. I'm very forgiving
13. I tend to take all criticism personally. 
14. I had to use spell check to spell "criticism"
15. I have a natural desire to "swim against the current"    
16. I have a hard time asking for help
17. I'm cuddly 
18. I was painfully shy when I was a kid and forced myself out of it with theater.
19. I yammer on like a chipmunk on caffeine when I am in social situations to avoid  "awkward silence". I hate awkward silence.
20. I HATE being winked at. I find it condescending. 
21. I day dream of having enough money to buy about 5 acres, build a house, and have a small farm/epically amazing greenhouse.   
22. I have a hard time saying "no" to people. 
23. I am incredibly impulsive. 
24. I feel most "at home" in water, even though I'm not that great of a swimmer. 
25. I'm not very flexible. 
26. I am always explaining or apologizing for things, in case someone is judging me (which I always assume that they are) but find it quite funny when other people do it, because the chances that I'm judging them are quite low. 
27. I am always afraid that people don't know how much I love them and so I spend a lot of time trying to show it to them. 
28. I love naps. 
29. I somehow think that everyone else's problems are my problems and always want to fix them.
30. I am empathetic and cry easily. 
31. I don't feel like I deserve my family. 
32. If I feel "condemned" by someone and/or if major conflict arises in the relationship, I tend to retreat from the friendship. 
33. I didn't finish High School
34. I hate clutter. 
35. I can't run. If someone was chasing me, I'd probably try and hide. 
36. I have yet to discover what I'm "good for". 
37. I can be a touch "free spirited". 
38. I procrastinate laundry way more often than I should. 
39. I am pretty sure I get worse separation anxiety than my kids do when they are with a "babysitter" 
40. I hate cleaning when my husband is home. I feel like I'm being punished.  

Sad Monster

Dealing with Depression as a Christian can be confusing. 

So many Christians will preach that if you just have strong enough faith, that it will take away your sadness and it can really hurt your relationship with God when prayer doesn't always take away the tears and/or tension. 

You can trust God and take care of yourself!!! 

You don't have to be suicidal or unwilling to get out of bed to have depression. It can be a lot more subtle.  It can just sap the enjoyment out of everything in your life. 

• You get up in the morning
• Do whatever you need to do
• Take good care of your family
• Go to bed 

and feel "disconnected" from the world and/or you can find yourself constantly tense or angry and you don't know why. 

It's nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, if you ignore it, you are doing not only an injustice to yourself, but also your family, because they deserve the best "you". 

Am I saying that you should run to your doctor and load yourself up with pharmaceuticals? 

No, of course not. 

In an act of transparency, I will say that I am medicated for anxiety/depression. (please try not to judge) BUT I tried everything else natural first, before I had to face facts and realize that I had a "mental cold" and I needed a little help.

Some natural treatments to try: 

  

"Alternative Treatments for Depression

Alternative treatments for depression rely on the fact that depression, at heart, is a biochemical illness. Whether the main triggers are physical or emotional, these triggers then induce a broad range of neurochemical changes that, in turn, leads to the feelings of depression and to the physical and psychological disruptions that being depressed then causes.

Once one thinks about the biochemistry it should not be surprising that alternative treatments for depression often play an important role. Almost every biochemical in our body is either directly derived from a biochemical found in food, or else is the product of the body’s processing of such foodstuff. Especially important are the co-factors or small molecules that help our metabolic enzymes assume their proper shape, so that enzymes can make our metabolic pathways do their work. In almost every case these enzyme enabling co-factors are vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins, magnesium, and selenium. The following tables list selected natural treatments for depression that have good scientific support for a beneficial role for treating depression.

Alternative Treatments for Depression: Nutrients and Herbs

Nutrients and Herbs	Presumed Mechanism of Action
Inositol	Intracellular Second Mechanism
S-Adenosyl Methionine (SAMe)	Improves Methylation Pathways
Fish Oil	Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acid
Tyrosine	Amino Acid, body uses to make Norepinephrine and Dopamine
Eliminate Wheat Gluten	May apply if blood antibody test is abnormal
Anti-Hypoglycemia Style Diet	Mood Stabilizing Effect
Folic Acid	Improves Methylation Pathways
Vitamin B12	Improves Methylation Pathways
Tryptophan	Amino Acid, body uses to make Serotonin
L-Carnitine	Improves mitochondrial energy metabolism
Thiamine (Vitamin B1)	May help energy pathways
“Allergy” Elimination Diet	May be helpful for some

See also: Anxiety and Depression Treatments | Metabolic Systems|Mood References| back to top

Alternative Treatments for Depression: Herbs and Hormones

Herbs and Hormones	Presumed Mechanism of Action
St. John’s Wort	Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor
Estrogen	Often helps in perimenopause; usually does not help during menopause
Testosterone	Possibly helpful for both men and women
Thyroid, especially T3 form	Double Blind Studies Show Improvement even if thyroid blood tests are normal
DHEA	Adrenal gland hormone
Appropriately paced exercise conditioning	Many studies show benefit

Other Natural Depression Treatments

If you are vulnerable to depression due to biochemical, psychological, medicine side-effects, or other factors, this vulnerability will tend to increase if you also have suboptimal function of one or more of your body’s functional physiological symptoms. For example, we will want to repair any nutritional deficiencies and metabolic imbalances we can identify whether or not that particular nutrient or metabolic pathway has been specifically studied as a treatment for depression.

---

Natural Anxiety Treatments

Anxiety, feeling tense or nervous is not the same thing as depression, although they often occur together. Many but not all of the alternative treatments for depression also improve anxiety, but others do not. The following natural anxiety treatments that have some scientific studies supporting their use:

• Magnesium
• Inositol
• Valerian Root
• Kava Herb
• Rhodiola Herb
• Appropriate Exercise (not too much, not too little)
• Hypoglycemia Diet"

(http://www.drpodell.org/alternative_treatments_for_depression.shtml)

ESSENTIAL OIL BLENDS:

http://www.aromaweb.com/recipes/depression.asp

http://www.aromaweb.com/recipes/anxiety.asp

Try natural remedies first (always combined with moderate exercise). Give them a couple months to work. If you get worse, or don't improve don't be afraid to temporarily get some medical help. 

Wannabe Aromatherapist

Since I was in high school, I have wanted to be an aromatherapist. I find the power of scent to be a fascinating science ( http://www.prolitec.com/science_of_smell.htm) . Also, it's a wonderful thing the way God designed nature to heal. It's meant to be a symbiotic relationship (we care for it, it cares for us).  

Essential oils are perfect for treating anxiety because a heightened sense of smell is a strong side affect of anxiety. (http://www.sciencebrainwaves.com/news/anxiety-enhances-sense-of-smell/)

It also treats so many other things.

Essential Oil Chart

Essential oil	Use oil to treat	Suggested usage	Blends well with	Warnings
Angelica	Skin irritation, congested skin, psoriasis, flatulance, anemia, detoxifying rheumatism, gout, fatigue and stress relief, insight, mediation
Anise	Aids digestion, antiseptic, eases headaches and respiratory problems, muscle relaxant. Stimulating and uplifitng, balancing, clears the mind
Basil	Bronchitis, Headache, Migraine, Digestive Aid, Mouth Ulcer, Gum Infection, cold sores	Massage, bath, hot compress, mouthwash	Lavender, Geranium, Bergamot	Undiluted it may irritate sensitive skin
Benzoin	Coughs, cold, flu, tension, aching joints, dry skin, dermititis	Massage, steam inhalation, compress
Bergamot	Cystitis, Anxiety, Skincare, Urethritis, Appetite Regulator, Digestive Aid, Acne	Massage, bath, compress, vaporiser	Cypress, Neroli, Jasmine	Sensitive to sunlight
Black pepper	Digestive Tract, Antispasmodic, Kidneys, Muscle Pain, Stiff Joints, Anaemia	Massage, bath	Sandalwood, Rosemary, Marjoram, Frankincense, Lavender	Don't overuse
Cajeput	Infection, Cold, Catarrh, Sinusitis, Headaches, Pain Killing, Sore Throats	Bath, mouthwash, compress	Lavender to balance	Don't use before bedtime, may irritate sensitive skin
Cardamom	Antiseptic, helps digestive problems and gas, used for nausea and headache.
Carrot seed	Clears oily skin and acne, dermatitis, antiseptic, soothes cold sores, aids digestion, cold, flu, antiseptic, immune system booster, anti-depressant
Cedarwood	Antiseptic, Bronchitis, Catarrh, Cystitis, Urinal and Vaginal Infections	Massage, bath, inhale, vaporize,local wash	Sandalwood, Bergamot, Jasmine, Neroli, Juniper	Do not use during pregnancy
Chamomile	Stomach Upsets, Anti-inflammatory, Eyes, Insomnia, Sprains, Earaches, Hair, Soothing, Aches & Pains, Eczema	Massage, bath, vaporiser, compress	Melissa, Lavender, Rose, Cedarwood, Neroli, Geranium
Cinnamon	Strong antiseptic, aids poor circulation, muscle aches, colds, flu, male aphrodisiac, stimulating, warming
Clary sage	Muscle Relaxant, Asthma, Digestive, Tonic, Stress, Tension, Menstrual, Cramps, Depression, Aches, Flu	Massage, bath, vaporiser	Lavender, Sandalwood, Jasmine, Geranium, Cypress, Orange	Do not use during pregnancy or with alcohol
Clove	Antiseptic, treats colds and flus and nausea, tooth and gum pain, acne
Coriander	Stimulates Appetite, Analgestic, Flatulence, Rheumatic Pains, Aids Digestion	Massage, bath	Jasmine, Sandalwood, Bergamot, Neroli, Rose, Geranium	Do not use during pregnancy
Cypress	Astringent, Antiseptic, Circulation, Asthma, Menstrual Regulation, Haemorrhoids	Massage, bath, vaporize, local wash	Bergamot, Juniper, Pine, Lemon, Lavender, Orange
Eucalyptus	Decongestant, Antiviral, Colds, Influenza, Antiseptic, Wounds, Burns, Muscular Pain	Massage, bath, hot compress	Melissa, Lavender, Lemon, Pine, Thyme, Chamomile	Do not overuse
Fennel	Carminative, Digestive, Flatulence, PMT, Regulates Menstrual Cycle, Detoxifying	Bath, massage, inhalation, mouthwash	Rose, Sandalwood, Juniper	Do  not overuse
Frankincense	Anxiety, Respiratory Infections, Soothing, Asthma, Uterine Tonic	Massage, bath, vaporiser	Neroli, Myrrh, Sandalwood
Garlic	High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease, Cough, Blood Circulation, Colds, Cholesterol	Hot compress	Lavender, Peppermint	Do not use during pregnancy
Geranium	Antidepressant, Astringent, Diuretic, Haemostatic, Promotes Healing, PMT	Massage, bath, vaporiser	Bergamot, Citronella, Lemon Grass, Lavender
Ginger	Catarrh, Diarrhoea, Rheumatism, Colds, Flu, Cramps, Nausea, Travel & Morning Sickness	Massage, warm compress, inhalation, bath,vaporizer	Lavender, Orange, Neroli
Grapefruit	Tissue toning, treats congested skin, cellulitis, diuretic, digestive, antiseptic, liver tonic. Relieves nervous exhaustion and stress, joyful and energizing	Massage, bath, vaporize
Hyssop	Very emollient, softens scars. Antirheumatic, hypotension, diuretic, relieves grief	Vaporiser, massage, compress
Jasmine	Uterine, Menstrual Pain, Antidepressant, Cramps, Coughs, Childbirth, Chest	Massage, inhale	Neroli, Sandalwood, Rose, Cedarwood
Juniper	Diuretic, Detoxifying, Astringent, Tonic, Eczema, Cystitis, Purifying	Massage, bath, vaporizer	Sandalwood, Bergamot, Geranium, Rosemary, Marjoram	Do not use during pregnancy, do not overuse
Lavender	Analgesic, Antibiotic, Antiviral, Headache, Menstrual Pain, Acne, Anti-inflammatory	Massage, bath, vaporiser, compress	Bergamot, Orange, Lemon, Geranium, Pine
Lemon	Stimulates Immune System, Corns, Warts, Bleeding Gums, Digestive & Circulatory Tonic	Dab with cotton swab, massage, inhalation	Lavender, Ylang Ylang, Eucalyptus, Fennel, Juniper, Cedarwood	Undiluted oil may irritate sensitive skin, do not overuse
Lemon grass	Infections, Fever, Digestive, Tonic, Headache, Deodorant, Footbaths	Massage, vaporizer, bath	Lavender, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Juniper, Rose	Undiluted oil may irritate sensitive skin
Lime	Very emollient, softens scars, antirheumatic, hypotension, diuretic
Linden blossom	Mild astringent, emollient, tonic, antispasmodic, diuretic, calming
Marjoram	Respiratory Problems, Cold, Insomnia, Blood Pressure, Rheumatism, Arthritis	Inhale, bath, massage, vaporizer	Lavender, Bergamot, Rosemary	Do not use during pregnancy
Marigold	Dry Skin, Nappy Rash, Promotes Healing, Varicose Veins, Chronic Ulcers	Massage, bath, local wash, hot compress	Mandarin
Melissa	Eczema, Skin, Allergies, Coughs, Shock, Menstral Regulations, Blood Pressure	Massage, bath, vaporizer	Lavender, Rose, Neroli, Geranium	Undiluted oil may irritate sensitive skin
Myrrh	Promotes Healing, Stomach, Eczema, Acne, Anti-inflammatory, Mouth Ulcers, Digestive	Gargle, bath, inhale, massage	Sandalwood, Frankincense	Do not use during pregnancy
Myrtle	Astringent, Acne, Catarrh, Bronchial, Chest, Haemorrhoids, Urinary Infections	Inhale, bath, massage, vaporizer	Lavender, Cypress, Neroli, Lemon, Geranium
Neroli	Antidepressant, Antispasmodic, Insomnia, Gentle Sedative, Shock, Gums, Mouth	Inhale, bath, massage, cold compress	Rose, Sandalwood, Lavender, Jasmine, Lemon, Bergamot
Nutmeg	Circulation, Heart, Digestion, Bad Breath, Rheumatic Pain, Appetizer	Massage, inhaltion, mouthwash, cold compress	Clove, Orange, Rosemary	Do not overuse
Orange	Antispasmodic, Stomach, Mild Sedative, Constipation, Chronic Diarrhoea	Massage, mouthwash, vaporizer, bath	Ylang Ylang, Juniper, Sandalwood, Cypress, Cinnamon	Do not use before bedtime, sensitive to sunlight
Orange blossom	Sensitive skin, diarrhoea, shock, fear, depression	Massage, skin tonic, inhale, bath
Patchouli	Antidepressant, Antiseptic, Astringent, Fluid Retention, Anti-inflammatory, Stings	Massage, warm compress, inhalation	Ylang Ylang, Rose, Bergamot, Lemon, Geranium, Jasmine	Do not overuse
Peppermint	Colic, Diarrhoea, Indigestion, Vomiting, Stomach Pain, Cold, Fever, Headache, bad breath	Massage, inhalation, mouthwash	Eucalyptus, Lavender, Majoram, Rosemary	Do not use before bedtime, may irritate senstive skin
Petitgrain	Memory, stress, irritated skin, fluid retention	Inhale, massage, bath
Pine	Chest Infections, Colds, Sore Throats, Circulation, Rheumatic Pains, Lungs	Massage, bath, hot compress	Eucalyptus, Lavender	Do not use undiluted
Rose	Antidepressant, Anorexia, Regulating Menstrual, Confidence Improving	Massage, bath, vaporiser, inhalation	Neroli, Sandalwood, Jasminie, Geranium
Rosemary	Heart, Liver, Colds, Gallbladder, Catarrh, Speech, Sinusitis, Asthma, Sight, Memory, dandruff	Inhale, massage, bath, cold compress,vaporizer	Peppermint, Lemon, Bergamot, Basil, Cedar wood	Do not use during pregnancy, do not overuse
Rosewood	Tissue regenerator, sensitive skin, tonic, antiseptic, analgesic, calming, balancing, anti-depressant
Sage	Aching joints, fluid retention, perspiration, sore gums, nervous exhaustion	Bath, massage, mouthwash
Sandalwood	Antiseptic, Dry Skin, Sore Throat, Cystitis, Bronchitis, Urinary Infection	Massage, inhale, bath, vaporizer	Frankincense, Rose, Jasmine, Ylang Ylang
Tea tree	Influenza, Fungi, Viruses, Warts, Ringworm, Cold Sores, Blisters, Acne	Massage, bath, vaporizer	Lavender	Undiluted it may irritate sensitive skin
Thyme	Cold, flu, muscle fatigue, arthritis, whopping cough, tonsilitis, sore throat	Inhale, massage, gargle, bath
Tuberose	Sensuality, fragrant, softening, relaxing, and euphoric, centers emotions
Verbena	Antiseptic, emollient, reduces skin swelling, antispasmodic, detoxifying, sedating, spirit lifting
Vetivert	Stress, aching legs, hysteria, stiff neck	Bath, massage
Ylang ylang	Relieves Sexual Anxiety, High Blood Pressure, Slows Breathing, Antidepressant, PMS	Massage, bath, vaporizer, skin tonic	Sandalwood, Lemon, Orange, Bergamot, Jasmine, Neroli	Do not overuse

Unfinished Project

My career of choice, mommy/wife/homemaker, is the most rewarding field that I could possibly be in. Watching my kids grow, and learn, and knowing that I am doing what I can to take the best care I can of my family, is a wonderful feeling.

That being said... 

I am a frustrating person. I require a great deal of mental stimuli or I get incredibly restless. This coupled with my tendency to be "ADD-ish" results me constantly plunging into endless endeavors that rarely see fruition. 

I am at a current point of restlessness. Some of my possible brainstormed projects of self entertainment/betterment are 

1.  Learning To Sew
2. Going Back To (online) School for natural medicine and/or *Aromatherapy*
3. Starting a business involving hitting local fields for in season crops and delivering them friends and family, for a charge... coupled with making/delivering my own laundry detergent, shampoo, soaps, etc. 
4. Somehow finding the funds to do the above project for charity instead of profit... 
5. Writing a book. 
6. Becoming a Practicing Lactation Consultant

Any ideas??? Thoughts??? 

The biggest complication I have is a wonderful husband who isn't entirely supportive of my adventurous endeavors. He has seen me "fall short" on so many projects that he it's difficult for him to take me too seriously on anything I say I want to do. 

He tends to roll his eyes and say 

"yeah, I don't think so." 

especially if it's going to cost us any money. 

I hate this about myself, but (apart from my family) quitting seems to be the only thing I'm faithful in. Sad story!  

Nail-Biter!

Life, it's a nail-biter!

The world is no longer a simple place (if it ever was), and it's so easy to get caught up in the anxiety. In fact, not to sound judgmental, but if you were to tell me that you never feel anxiety of any kind, I'd have to assume that you are either in a drug-induced coma, you have severe amnesia, or you're just pullin' my leg. 

Even children have things to be anxious about. Whether it be their first day of school, learning to share with others, or trying to compromise/communicate with their siblings. 

It's life. 

It always has been.

Psalm 94:18-19

"When I said 'My foot is slipping', your unfailing love, Lord supported me. 

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy." 

because that's kind of God we have. When you feel your foot slipping, does he let you fall and say "well next time, don't be so reckless!"? No! He waits only for us to reach out a hand, and he catches us and soothes our anxiety! 

He just wants us to ask.

Philippians 4:6-7

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  

Just trust Him with it, so he can comfort, protect, and heal. 

He will even bring people into your life to help build you up, in your anxiety, if you are willing to open up to them. Adopt transparency. 

Remember... We've all truly been there. 

Proverbs 12:25

"Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind world cheers it up." 

Our Lord is not a "just rub some dirt on it" Kind of God. He loves us more than we can understand, and desires to ease our stresses. 

Isaiah 41:13

"For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says 'Do not fear, I will help you'". 

He's desires to walk with you, holding your hand the whole way. 

Life with Jesus, reminds me of being in Labor. 

It Hurts!

My husband did not march into the delivery room, insisting that I take "drugs" for the pain, despite my desires not to.

Instead he put my health and the health of our child first, holding my hand, and encouraging me the whole way.

Just like labor has the payoff of a healthy, beautiful baby; so life has the pay off of eternal life, with Jesus. 

Let's stand firm in the knowledge that he's holding our hand the whole way. Ready to jump in and fight for us! 

Exodus 14:14

"The Lord will fight for you; you need only be still."

Life may not always look the way we expect. Sometimes you can't help but look up at the sky and wonder if He's paying attention to you.

Remember, just because you feel lost, doesn't mean the Lord doesn't know where you are going. 

Psalm 37:23-24

"The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand."

Anxiety is a force of nature that will inevitably sneak up on you from time to time, but remember who is on our side and remember not to be afraid of the unknown that lies around the corner because God is already there. 

John 14:27 

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" 

Lord, please take away my anxieties. You will never leave me. All I need to do is trust you!