Summer fun- make and take!

I love, love, LOVE throwing parties...and usually they go off without a problem...well...cue summer 2016 and all the craziness that it has held! Normally, my party is planned, food is prepped, house is somewhat clean and guests are arriving...not this time! This time, I inched by and barely made the party happen. So, here are some tips, what I would suggest NOT doing, and a few pictures (that I remembered to take).

Make and Takes are an amazing way to show your friends and family just how easy it is to live a toxic free life with essential oils. I think that as we get older, people often assume that adults don't like arts and crafts (I also think that the recent mania surrounding adult coloring books shut those critics up!) and we gather around and talk about boring adult stuff...or sometimes no talking...just awkward stares. Well, let me tell you that even with the craziness of this one, my make and takes are always successful and the guests seem pleased with their new items.

Down to business:
1. Have a theme. This one was 'Summer Fun,' so it was itchy cream, camping perfume and Thieves cleaner.
2. Create an event on Facebook- it's just the easiest way to keep track and to target all your guests at once. (Try to provide at least 3 weeks, but not more than 5...that seems to be too long and people forget).
3. Order supplies- abundant health is a great site- or Amazon. (Order a few extra from what your event RSVP list says...just in case!)
4. Order your oils, purchase any carrier oil you will need as well. (I forgot to order the proper amount of oils...luckily I am surrounded by oily peeps and was able to get what I needed on the day of the party!! PHEW!) Once you have your supplies and oils figured out, you can see what you will need to charge your guests to offset the costs. (I strive for $10 or under per party).
5. Food prep! This is fun, and I usually center the food around the use of essential oils in baking, too. Plan your menu in advance and print up some cuter labels than these ones! LOL! Another last minute reminder...

6. Print up recipe cards for your guests to take, and I buy clear frames at Walmart or the Dollar Store for an easy and clean look. I set them up at each station. Also, at the Dollar Store there are clear plastic bags that are perfect for guests to take their items home.

7. It's party day!!  Get your supplies and oils set up in their own area Example: itchy cream on the counter, camping perfume on the table, Thieves cleaner on the other counter. This helps it flow a bit better and allows you to break up into smaller groups rather than try to teach all at once.

8. Normally, when guests arrive, money is gathered and then a quick overview of each item is done...well...I was having a bit of trouble trying to figure out why the cream base for the itchy cream wasn't getting solid (then I remembered it was 88 degrees in my house...) and guests were allowed to mingle and shop! FYI- it was a joint party with my friend Tiffany's LuLaRoe clothes!! Thank goodness!! This was a great way for us to reach a multitude of guests as well. I suggest pairing up if you're able :)
9. Ok...good luck! I promise to do a better job of picture taking, recipe printing and overall remembering next time...until then, let me know how your party goes!!

Granola with dried wolfberries

I love granola. Like...a whole bunch!  I was very happy to find gluten free oats...not eating gluten is hard enough, but take away my oats?? Not cool.

Granola will always hold a special place in my heart and will forever remind me of my maternal grandparents. Man were they cool! When we visited them we would get to go check out their apple orchard in Washington, we'd pick cherries from their giant tree in the backyard, run through sprinklers, play the piano with grandma and there would always, ALWAYS, be grandpa with his pipe, the news on the television...and his granola. Grandma made huge batches of it and kept it in this big green Tupperware.  Recently, my mom sent me home with a similar bowl...it shall now be my granola bowl!! Cool, huh??

My mom and I have tried to recreate grandma's recipe...but it's one of those things that is never quite the same.  This recipe is pretty darn close, and it has such amazing ingredients!! I first learned about the benefits of wolfberries when I became a Young Living Distributor and tried Ninjxia red. So good! So, when I saw that I could order a bag of the dried berries and that I could use them in so many recipes....I. Was. Sold!

Ok....on with it. Let's get to this recipe!  So....gather those supplies!!
**Disclaimer...I am aware that the coconut oil is upside down in the picture. I decided not to change it so that it could drive my OCD friend crazy...this is for you, tiny human.

Ingredients:

o   3 cups of oats

o   ½ cup dried Wolfberries

o   ½ cup dried cherries (or any dried fruit...I like dried fruit!)

o   ½ cup raisins

o   ½ cup flax seeds

o   ¼ cup sunflower seeds

o   ½ tsp coconut sugar

o   ½ tsp cinnamon (or 1 tsp if not using the below)

o   ½ tsp vanilla cinnamon shake (Red Ape Cinnamon....ah-maze-ing!)

o   dash of salt (2-3 twists if you have a grinder)

o   ½ tsp vanilla extract

o   ¼ cup coconut oil

o   ½ cup honey

o   3 drops of Cinnamon Vitality Essential Oil

o   3 drops of Nutmeg Vitality Essential Oil

Directions

1.     Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a baking sheet with either a silpat or parchment paper.

2.     Mix the dry ingredients, fruit and seeds together in a large bowl.

3.     Melt the coconut oil and honey together on medium-low heat in a small saucepan.  

4.     Once the oil and honey mixture is melted, turn off the heat, remove the saucepan and add in the vanilla extract. Stir it up!

5.     Pour the oil and honey mixture over your dry ingredients and stir well, making sure to coat it all.

6.     Pour onto your baking sheet and distribute evenly.

7.     Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. (Your granola will still look wet even when it’s done, the coconut oil will harden and become delicious!! Trust me!)

8.     I usually let it sit on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to cool down.  During this time, prepare the container that it will be stored in with the drops of essential oils.

9.     Once it’s a bit cool, add to the container and stir it up, your house is going to smell amazing!!

10.  Enjoy!  Top yogurt with your granola, eat with almond milk, regular milk…the list goes on and on! I have found that it lasts (if I don’t eat it all…) up to 2 weeks in an air tight container on the counter.  Sometimes I’ll put in the freezer and then it’s ready to go when I want!! Let me know how it tastes!

 Why Wolfberries?? Here is some information from my Young Living website:

"Young Living’s Organic Dried Wolfberries are a sweet, organic snack from nature that’s easy to make
part of your daily diet. Our gentle drying process makes these USDA-certified organic wolfberries
versatile and easy to incorporate into lots of recipes, letting you add wolfberry benefits to anything from
stir-fry to baked goods!
With polyphenols and polysaccharides, this exotic berry is touted around the world for its taste and
nutrients. Documented use of wolfberries dates back to the Ming Dynasty, where they were part of
ancient Chinese culture."

Thieves toilet bombs! (updated 7/11/16)

Toilet bombs?? Why would I want to bomb my toilet??  Well....I'm so glad you asked!  My cleaning routine has become so much more fun and easy since I was introduced to these toilet bombs. They are so simple to make, too. It's raining pretty hard outside (yes, in July...but we needed it!), so this is the perfect day for making these.

Now, gather your supplies and let's get going! I like to use silicon molds and I like to find deals, so I have found quite a few at second hand stores for around $1! I find that it's easier to use my big Pyrex measuring bowl, but any bowl will do.

Ingredients:

o   1 1/4 cups baking soda

o   ½ cup citric acid (canning aisle or can be purchased online)

o   10 drops of lemon essential oil

o   1 ½ teaspoons of Thieves Household Cleaner (edited to add more liquid- they are staying in the molds better)

o   Silicone molds

Directions:
1. Put your baking soda and citric acid in your mixing bowl and stir them up.
2. Add your lemon essential oil to the dry ingredients and stir it up. (Smells so good already!!)
3. SLOWLY add the Thieves Household Cleaner, while mixing quickly...so, pour slow with one hand and mix quick with the other. (This is where having a helper can come in handy!! ****see what I did there?? Handy....haha).
4. Your mixture will look like the picture below (more directions below picture):

5. Once you have mixed it all up, put your molds near your bowl and use your spoon to add to the shapes. Usually, I try to be all neat and tidy, but for this, I'm okay with some getting on the counter...I will just add water and clean away!!
6. You want to add to each shape and press down.  These need to be firmly packed in there. Once you have filled them all (this recipe made 12, but can be easily doubled), let them sit for at least 6 hours, overnight, or place in the fridge to quickly harden for a few hours.

7. I leave my molds on the counter so I can occasionally walk by and pack them in (they will start to expand out if there is moisture in the air...and it's raining...and I have the screen door open...).

8. Once they are hardened, pop them out and place in a container (I found this one second hand, isn't it adorable??).  I keep mine on the counter in the bathroom so it acts like a cute little air freshener.

9. When your toilet needs a good cleaning, toss one of your Thieves toilet bombs in and watch it fizz away!  You can use your scrub brush to clean soon after, or, leave in overnight and scrub in the morning.  Leave a comment and let me know how yours work out!

Why Thieves? Here is a portion of the description from Young Living: "This all-purpose cleaner can be used on any surface in your home for dusting, spot cleaning, scrubbing, or any other cleaning need. Wherever you use it, you’ll feel good knowing it’s safe to use around everyone in your family, including pets. Spot test in an inconspicuous area before applying this product to woods, plastics, fabrics, and granite. If staining or damage occurs, discontinue use on the material."
Click here for more information on Thieves Household Cleaner from Young Living.

Thieves toilet bombs! (updated 7/11/16)

Toilet bombs?? Why would I want to bomb my toilet??  Well....I'm so glad you asked!  My cleaning routine has become so much more fun and easy since I was introduced to these toilet bombs. They are so simple to make, too. It's raining pretty hard outside (yes, in July...but we needed it!), so this is the perfect day for making these.

Now, gather your supplies and let's get going! I like to use silicon molds and I like to find deals, so I have found quite a few at second hand stores for around $1! I find that it's easier to use my big Pyrex measuring bowl, but any bowl will do.

Ingredients:

o   1 1/4 cups baking soda

o   ½ cup citric acid (canning aisle or can be purchased online)

o   10 drops of lemon essential oil

o   1 ½ teaspoons of Thieves Household Cleaner (edited to add more liquid- they are staying in the molds better)

o   Silicone molds

Directions:
1. Put your baking soda and citric acid in your mixing bowl and stir them up.
2. Add your lemon essential oil to the dry ingredients and stir it up. (Smells so good already!!)
3. SLOWLY add the Thieves Household Cleaner, while mixing quickly...so, pour slow with one hand and mix quick with the other. (This is where having a helper can come in handy!! ****see what I did there?? Handy....haha).
4. Your mixture will look like the picture below (more directions below picture):

5. Once you have mixed it all up, put your molds near your bowl and use your spoon to add to the shapes. Usually, I try to be all neat and tidy, but for this, I'm okay with some getting on the counter...I will just add water and clean away!!
6. You want to add to each shape and press down.  These need to be firmly packed in there. Once you have filled them all (this recipe made 12, but can be easily doubled), let them sit for at least 6 hours, overnight, or place in the fridge to quickly harden for a few hours.

7. I leave my molds on the counter so I can occasionally walk by and pack them in (they will start to expand out if there is moisture in the air...and it's raining...and I have the screen door open...).

8. Once they are hardened, pop them out and place in a container (I found this one second hand, isn't it adorable??).  I keep mine on the counter in the bathroom so it acts like a cute little air freshener.

9. When your toilet needs a good cleaning, toss one of your Thieves toilet bombs in and watch it fizz away!  You can use your scrub brush to clean soon after, or, leave in overnight and scrub in the morning.  Leave a comment and let me know how yours work out!

Why Thieves? Here is a portion of the description from Young Living: "This all-purpose cleaner can be used on any surface in your home for dusting, spot cleaning, scrubbing, or any other cleaning need. Wherever you use it, you’ll feel good knowing it’s safe to use around everyone in your family, including pets. Spot test in an inconspicuous area before applying this product to woods, plastics, fabrics, and granite. If staining or damage occurs, discontinue use on the material."
Click here for more information on Thieves Household Cleaner from Young Living.

Canning blueberry syrup!

Here in the beautiful state of Oregon, we sometimes get pretty lucky with our fruit and things ripen quickly!  This year has not yet disappointed. There is an amazing little farm with 6,000 blueberry plants and they had an early harvest....so a few of us were lucky enough to pick a few days ago!   At $1.50 a pound, the 30 minute drive was worth it (and not to mention, scenic....even if cloudy)!

We each picked 2 - 10 pound buckets (some are getting frozen for later) and off we went!

I decided that I wanted to can them and make a syrup.  My idea is to use this all year long....on pancakes, ice cream....the list goes on!!  I have yet to splurge on a pressure canner, so I have a water bath canner that I used for this. I have a flat glass top stove, so I pull one of the oven racks out, place on the stove top burners, and then it will allow me to water bath can. Otherwise, it will not work with the flat stove top. I usually fill the canner about 1/4 the way with water with the burner on high, and have other pots boiling as well to get it to a rolling boil faster.

Now....on to the recipe, lady! Ok, Ok, I hear ya!

• 6 cups organic blueberries (this was about 3 pounds)
• 1 1/2  cups of water (tap if you're lucky enough to have good tap, or filtered)
• 6 tablespoons of pure cane sugar (or coconut sugar, less or more of either based on taste)
• 10 drops of lemon essential oil
• 6 pint mason jars, lids and rings for canning 
  

Directions

1. Wash your berries and then place in a 6 qt pot on medium high heat with the water, smash them up a bit and wait for them to boil and be broken down.
2. While your berries are boiling, get your water bath canner boiling as well. (helps speed up the canning process).
3. Once your berries are boiling, turn down the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. 
4. I used a fine mesh strainer placed over a bowl and poured the berries out (squeeze out the juice real good), leaving the berries in the strainer...for now.
5. Pour the juice back into your 6 qt pot, add the sugar and lemon essential oil.
6. Bring back to a boil then simmer for about 10 minutes until it thickens up.
7. Using a canning funnel (or any funnel), ladle the liquid into your jars, leaving two inches from the top of the jar, then, ladle some of those berries in there! (If you aren't like me and don't want the berry mush in your syrup, then just fill with the liquid leaving 1/2 inch head space). 
8. Put the lid on, loosely tighten the rings on top.
9. Once your water bath canner is at a rolling boil, place your jars in (make sure they are not touching), I time it for 20 minutes on the rolling boil and then remove then and set them out on a towel on the counter...patiently waiting for the 'pop' to tell me that they are sealed! *Store in a cool, dry place and consume within a year. 
   
   Already delicious on some pancakes!!  Next up....ice cream topping!