#1 WHAT are Essential Oils? It starts with a seed! #swapped4yl

A SEED – The Starting Point - WHAT are Essential Oils?

Essential Oils start with a seed. When a friend offered an outdoor spray made from Young Living Essential Oils my eyes were opened to a chemical free lifestyle that I did not know existed. I thought we were taking care of our wellness and honoring God by caring for our bodies, but now I know about chemicals and I know better. I've spent hours reading and researching and experimenting - here's what I've learned, essentially growing from Seed - to Sprout - to Bloom - to Sharing oils. 

WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL OILS?

 Essential Oils are the natural organic oils of the plant (pulled from roots, petals, rind, leaf, or bark). – some call oils the ‘lifeblood’ of the plant or the 'essence' of the plant- thus the name essential oils. 

Since Biblical times, oils have been used to support every system in the body including muscular system, skeletal system, circulatory system, endocrine and hormones, respiratory system and immune system. An oil in a diffuser can promote restful sleep and support respiratory function. An oil massaged on the abdomen can support digestion. Oils on the chest and feet can improve respiratory function.  Oils can be added to beauty products, household cleaners, and air fresheners to replace synthetic chemicals and fragrances. Oils can add natural flavoring in food and drinks.

I primarily use essential oils instead of store bought chemical toxins in our home. I use Thieves cleaner (a plant based cleaner) throughout our home. I diffuse an oil blend named "Raven" when our noses get stuffy from Kentucky weather changes.  I rub lavender oil and cedar wood oial on our feet at night to support sleep. I roll peppermint and lemon oil on my wrists and behind my ears when I need a boost of energy to make it through the day. 

Essential oils work by penetrating cell membranes to travel quickly in the body (something man-made medicine can't achieve). Oils are introduced into our bodies the same way as other products:

*Topically- the English primarily add to a bath, rub or massage on the skin which is our largest organ and readily absorbs what we put on it (which is why the Nicoderm and other medication patches work). Oils applied topically reach the bloodstream in 26 seconds.    

*Ingest – the French cook with oils and apply to foods/drinks (some oils are ingestible- check the label first! Young Living marks ingestible oils with a white label - like a chef's apron!)

*Inhale – the Germans diffuse oils into the air. This is a very easy way to enjoy the smell and benefits of oils (diffused in the air, sprayed like perfume or sniffed straight from the bottle). If you order a starter kit, they give you a free diffuser!!!  I have a diffuser in every room of our house and one in my office. I also have a necklace with a locket that contains a felt pad that diffuses oils throughout the day. And I have a bracelet of lava beads that also diffuse oils. Inhaled oils reach the heart, liver, and thyroid in three seconds.

There are over 300 oils, and Young Living is one of the oldest oil producers and offers the widest variety of oils, but an average family only needs 10-20 oils to build a great kit. 

So WHERE do you purchase oils?

As oils are becoming increasingly popular, they are becoming available at local drug stores, big box stores, and online retailers. As you compare products, you’ll begin to find the ones at the stores aren’t just a ‘generic’ version – but in some cases a watered down version. There’s no rating system for Essential Oils in the United States. The closest we get is an FDA requirement that in order to label a bottle of essential “pure” or “therapeutic grade”, the contents of the bottle must contain at least five percent essential oils. 

    ONLY 5%! Which means 95% can be filler. 

You can think of oils ranked as follows:

-Grade A = Therapeutic Grade oil, made from organically grown plants and distilled at low temperatures. Young Living ensures no pesticides or herbicides are used during the growing process. They have also refined the distilling process to ensure the oils don't come into contact with plastics (that would leach chemicals into the oils) or solvents. Distilling at the right temperature for the right amount of time give a quality product with the highest level of therapeutic value. Young Living leads the way in this line of research and has set the bar for other oil companies. 

-Grade B = Natural Grade Oils are food grade but may contain synthetics, pesticides, fertilizers, chemical extenders or carrier oils (like almond, olive or other vegetable oil).

-Grade C = Perfume Grade Oils are perfume grade, often containing other chemicals or solvents left over from the harvesting/distilling process and may be diluted 80-95% with alcohol.

-Grade D = Synthetic Grade is also called ‘floral water’ and is aromatic like an oil but usually a byproduct of a higher grade distillation (the water that is leftover after the oil is pulled out) and is sold to companies that fill bottles with 5% of this water and fill the rest with carrier products and synthetic products, but often labeled as ‘pure’.                      
         A fraction of the oil = fraction of the price! 

Another way some companies cut corners is using pesticides (to have more crop to distill), using a chemical solvent to extract oil (so there’s more oil pulled out of the plant) and then diluting with a carrier oil (to stretch the oil they distilled). If you are using oils to support healthy functions, then using a low-grade oil would be as helpful as eating a salad that is 5% greens and 95% croutons. The value is in the oil, not the filler.

WHY Young Living?

Young Living has a “Seed to Seal” guarantee which means they control the process from farmland to the sealed bottle. Founder, Gary Young, said he never makes an oil for profit- but for a purpose. Young Living’s oils are Grade A. They control the seeds used, soil/farms chosen, plants are hand-weeded, oils are used to repel bugs (not chemical/pesticides), harvested at their peak and put through vigorous testing. Learn more about the process at seedtoseal.com.  

HOW to purchase Young Living Essential Oils and Oil products:

Young Living has compiled a starter kit of the most commonly used oils and samples of their popular products, and offer this bundle at a discounted rate to get you started. Below is a picture of the bundle I started with, and it includes a diffuser of your choice, 12 oils, a sample of Thieves Household Cleaner, small bottles to mix your own blends, 2 NingXia Red antioxidant drink samples and lots of informational booklets/magazine/info cards. This is how I got started. 

To become a Young Living member you must have a current member to Enroll/Sponsor you. Oils come with a learning curve, so your sponsor is there to share their experience and offer ideas to effectively use the oils. I would love to be your sponsor! Enter my sponsor number # 10089755 

         Purchase your starter kit and get oiling!

Visit GraceFull Day on Twitter our Facebook Page to see how I use the oils. 
                                          #Swapped4YL 
                         Wishing you a Grace Full Day Oiling!!

Trash Parabens Challenge! #trashittuesday #Swapped4YL #wellness2018

This weeks challenge = remove -PARABENS from your home!

It doesn't matter if you are watching what you put IN your body - if you aren't also watching what you put ON your body.  #truth

1. Look at the first 3 products you used this morning
(maybe face wash, shampoo, lotion, body wash, makeup, hair products, etc.) and look through the ingredient list for word(s) ending in 'paraben'

 Don't be shocked- the US doesn't regulate these chemicals, so it is up to you to check what is being used in your home.  Did you know -the European Union has banned around 1,300 chemicals while FDA has banned only 11! 

2. Read an article about Parabens effects on your fertility, thyroid, endocrine system, female health, your children's health, your pets health, and overall wellness. Here's an easy to read article: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/should-people-be-concerned-about-parabens-in-beauty-products/#  

The article explains "[...] cumulative exposure to the chemicals from several different products could be overloading our bodies and contributing to a wide range of health problems. 'Of greatest concern is that parabens are known to disrupt hormone function, an effect that is linked to increased risk of breast cancer and reproductive toxicity,' reports the non-profit Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (CSC). 'Parabens mimic estrogen by binding to estrogen receptors on cells.' Research has shown that the perceived influx of estrogen beyond normal levels can in some cases trigger reactions such as increasing breast cell division and the growth of tumors.  [...] CSC reports that parabens have also been linked to reproductive, immunological, neurological and skin irritation problems.
Health advocates are pressuring the FDA to ban parabens in products sold in the U.S.—like the European Union did in 2012—but concerned consumers must take matters into their own hands for now by reading product labels and avoiding products with parabens."  #themoreyouknow




Now the good news- you don't have to get a chemistry degree to protect your wellness. I started by using the EWG "Healthy Living" app to scan products at the store and find safer ones. Now I choose to make alot of my own products so I can add the benefits of essential oils (Google #Swapped4YL to find my DIY videos). But not everyone is crafty and enjoys DIY; so Young Living also makes safe, chemical free, products and delivers them to your door!

What makes Young Living products better than those marked 'Paraben free' at the big box stores? ALL Young Living products contain essential oils! You are getting added support and benefits -with SAFE fragrances!

   
Read more about 'What are essential oils?', 'Why I use essential oils ' and How to start your oily journey by clicking other articles on the right of the page.

Wishing you a GraceFull Day- free of parabens! 
Visit youngliving.com to see their oils and oil infused products.
When you set up a username and password to purchase,  tell them we sent you with Enroller & Sponsor #10089755  and we'll send you a free recipe book of DIY to try with your oils!

5. Oil Everyday & Bloom Wellness! #Swapped4YL

Essential Oils have arrived at your home!

Oil Everyday & BLOOM into Wellness!

First a quick confession! - When my oils arrived, I was ready to open every single one and fall in love. However, I actually only loved the smell of about half the bottles. Before you put the oils on a shelf - you need to know that most oils do not smell like the chemical perfumes or air fresheners that we have become accustomed. I now realize it was like I'd been eating Fruity Pebbles and then tried to eat an orange and expected the same flavor. Oils are natural, they don't smell just like chemical fragrances, and it takes a little time for your nose to adjust and appreciate. Just like an orange, which tastes sweet by nature, you will learn to love the organic scents over the chemical ones. So give your nose a chance to detox and acclimate. Like trying a new food or exercise, you will find it different at first, but then you will enjoy and eventually crave it - Especially when the benefits are undeniable! 

Time to rip open your premium starter kit! And crack the lid on each oil! You will find that oils smell slightly different straight from the bottle than on your skin or in a diffuser (Google "essential oil top notes" to understand this). First, pull all the bottles from the container and smell each one from the bottle. If one oil stands out as your favorite today, set it to the side. Next take the dropper lid off the bottle of Stress Away and add the roller ball lid and roll it across your wrists, neck, and/or spine as you explore your starter kit box. (Here's how to remove the bottle lids:  https://youtu.be/Vs4Gig4WVuk)



Next, open your diffuser! Plug it in, fill with water, and add two drops of the oil you noted as your favorite today. (I recommend you find a YouTube video about your particular diffuser as there are lots of options and the lights can be controlled too, but each model varies slightly) 

Make a commitment to diffuse every day and get to know your oils! Start with the ones that smell best to you. Then begin diffusing for a purpose, to support the system that needs it most. Maybe RC for respiratory support, or Digize for tummy support. We use lavender at night to unwind and Purification is great to cover crazy pet or kitchen smells. After diffusing each oil individually, begin mixing the single oils to make your own blends. I love a drop of lemon and peppermint in the morning or right after work for a pick me up. My husband likes a drop of Thieves with a drop of lemon. There are endless combinations! 

Next, open the small amber colored sample bottles that came in your kit (yeah- they seem tiny, but you'll love em!).  This is the best way to get oils in multiple locations so they are ready to use. Pull out those recipes you want to try and make a few tiny trial bottles. This is where you feel a little strange - like your one unicorn hair away from being a potion mixer - its okay! You'll get more comfortable dropping oils soon!  Start by adding a few (3-6) drops of lavender to a bottle and fill the remainder with a carrier oil and place it next to your bed. At bedtime drop a few drops on your wrists, feet or pillow. Then put a couple drops each of peppermint, frankincense, and lavender into a bottle and fill with a carrier oil. I keep this mixture in my purse and add to my temples, neck and behind my ears when my head gets foggy or needs support. Also, mix a couple drops of lemon with a couple drops of peppermint or purification and fill with a carrier oil. This one is great for a pick-me-up to smell as I drive home and it really freshens the car too!

Time to start making changes – baby steps. Young Living will be for your household wellness what Dave Ramsey was for your bank account. Decide where to start and make a few changes each month.  There may be products that you feel particularly convicted of ridding from your home and thus decide to swap for something better right away. (For me- it was dryer sheets!)
So when a product runs out

1. before getting rid of the empty bottle, look at the ingredient list
2. scan it with the "Healthy Living" or "Think Dirty" App and see how it rates
3. decide if it is a product that you will let back into your home, or if it needs to be swapped for something better

Next, start a swap box. I put an empty Amazon box in my laundry room and wrote "Swapped" on the side. I began filling the box with products I didn't want to purchase again. First was bug spray. Then chemical filled deodorant. Then shower cleaner. Then spray fabric refresher. Then countertop cleaner. Then Vicks. Then Tums. Then car air fresheners. Then hand sanitizers. And the list continued as the box began to overflow. Some items were easier for me to part with than others...and eventually, my 'smell good' body lotion/sprays, plug-ins and finally fancy candles were tossed into the box too. There was a part of me that didn't want to truly trash anything because 'what-if I need it again' or 'what if the natural products just don't work the same', or 'what if I can't afford the natural ones'. So putting items in this box, instead of the trash, gave me a backup plan if I decided to abort the oily mission.  But guess how many items I pulled back out of the box...NONE!  Now, the box serves as a visual of the products I've swapped and thus a reminder of the steps we've made towards a chemical free home.

Here's a quick rundown of some of my swaps and DIYs:

*Trashed plastic shower curtains and purchased cloth shower curtains

*Trashed dryer sheets and now put essential oils on these wool dryer balls (affiliate link)

*"Monster bedtime spray" for the kiddo's rooms

*'Summer outdoor spray"
*"Fruit and Veggie wash"

* 'face moisturizer'

* 'Body Butter' lotion (used throughout my second pregnancy and still use because I love it!)

* Lavender roller for bedtime
*Add couple drops of lavender to mascara for lash boost
*Homemade hand soap
*Purchased Thieves household cleaner from youngliving.com, then made into several spray bottles to keep strategically around the house

*Made peppermint sugar hand scrubs for Christmas gifts (in cute mason jars!)

*Added a few drops of lavender and peppermint to a mason jar of Epsom salt for a bath soak

*Purchased a diffuser necklace & bracelet to keep me oily at work
*Put vinegar in a spray bottle and added a couple drops of lemon for a window cleaner the kids can use
*Put drop of Purification in vacuum filter before use to freshen the room

The list goes on and on as I continue to find new recipes by reading oily blogs, searching Pinterest boards, and listening to oily podcasts.

Use your oils every day! 

If you want a quick and easy read about using your starter kit and why to ditch chemicals- pick up the book "Fearless" on Amazon (or order a Premium Starter Kit and use my sponsor # and I'll send you this book for free!) It's a great guide to playing with your starter kit!

You can also find more info at Young Living University which covers all you'll want to know about oils!

CONGRATULATIONS on making baby steps towards a chemical free life of wellness for your family! 

If you haven't ordered your starter kit, follow the info below, or read my full article on "How to Purchase Young Living Oils and Products"    Ready to start your oily journey? 

To become a Young Living member you must have a current member to Enroll/Sponsor you. Oils come with a learning curve, so your sponsor is there to share their experience and offer ideas to effectively use the oils.

I would love to be your Young Living sponsor/enroller!

Enter my sponsor number # 10089755 or
just use this link to Purchase your starter kit and get oiling!

Find more by Google searching #Swapped4YL
Follow our Facebook page and join our oily group GracefullDay Essentials for oily info and Young Living product news.

Time to trash parabens!

This weeks challenge is to remove one more chemical from your home -PARABENS!

Here's the challenge:
1. Read an article (like this one) about Parabens:
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/should-people-be-concerned-about-parabens-in-beauty-products/#
    Become educated! Do your research!

2. Look at the first 3 products you used this morning (maybe toothpaste, face wash, shampoo, makeup, hair products, etc.) and look through the ingredient list for word(s) ending in 'paraben'

3. Don't be shocked- the US doesn't regulate these chemicals, so it is up to you to check what is being used in your home. (The European union has banned around 1,300 chemicals while FDA has banned only 11!)
Now the good news- you don't have to get a chemistry degree to protect your  wellness. I started by using the EWG app to scan products at the store and find safer ones ('Think Dirty' is a good app too). Now I choose to make alot of my own products so I can add the benefits of essential oils (Google #Swapped4YL to find my DIY videos). But not everyone enjoys DIY, so Young Living also makes safe, chemical free, products and delivers them to your door! What makes Young Living products better than those marked 'Paraben free' at the big box stores? ALL Young Living products contain essential oils! Added wellness benefits and safe fragrances!

Read more about 'What are essential oils?', 'Why I use essential oils ' and How to start your oily journey below!

Wishing you a GraceFull Day- free of parabens!  Visit youngliving.com to see their oils and such, and if it's your first purchase, tell them we sent you! Sponsor #10089755

Dryer Sheets swapped for wool dryer balls #Swapped4YL

This week we are talking about one of the first things I ditched to rid our home of unnecessary chemicals - 

Dryer Sheets

Did you know that dryer sheets aren't required to list ingredients? Yup! Several studies have determined dryer sheets contain chemicals that are known ENDOCRINE DISRUPTORS (endocrine system includes: hormones, blood sugar, thyroid, weight management, fertility and more). The chemicals also inflame asthma issues, headaches and irritate skin.

There's a cheaper and better way!! 

I switched our family to wool dryer balls. (There's an affiliate link to the ones like we got on Amazon on the right of this page) Our clothes come out dry and fluffy, just like before, but without the chemicals. I add Young Living lavender essential oil when washing PJ's and towels, purification blend for a smelly load, gentle baby for the kiddos, and I can change the scents to match the mood or season. I've not missed the dryer sheets at all- nor the cost! 

Please - DO YOUR RESEARCH, check the brand you are using on EWG.org site and see how it ranks. I did my research and determined they aren't worth the cost or risk to my family. You can read more details about our health issues and WHY we decided to ditch household chemicals in my "WHY" post.

Here's a few articles to answer your questions about dyer sheets and how they affect you, the kiddos and even pets: from Dr. Axe, from Healthy Living, & The Spruce.

Ditch the Chemicals and swap for Young Living Essential Oils! 

Young Living sells chemical free cleaners, laundry detergent, soap, tooth paste, sunscreen, deodorant, baby wipes, etc. in case you don’t desire the adventure of making it yourself. (See my other posts and videos to see the products I make for our home)

Want to know what others are saying about oils? These websites provide more info and outcomes: www.oil-testimonials.com     YLSearch.com      PubMed.gov

Ready to start your oily journey?  
Here's how to purchase Young Living Essential Oils and Oil products: 
I started with the Young Living starter kit. This kit contains the most commonly used oils, a diffuser, and samples of their popular products. The Premium Starter Kit includes: a diffuser of your choice, 11 oils, sample packaged oils, small bottles to mix your own blends or share the oils, 2 NingXia Red drink samples and lots of informational booklets/magazine/info cards. 

To become a Young Living member you must have a current member to Enroll/Sponsor you. Your sponsor is there to answer your questions, share their experience and offer ideas to effectively use the oils.

I would love to be your Young Living sponsor & enroller! 
Enter my sponsor number # 10089755  
Watch this video on Vimeo to show you click-by-click process to sign up, then use this link to actually Purchase your starter kit and get oiling!   #Swapped4YL

HOW to enroll with Young Living to get Essential Oils

At the bottom of each post, I share a short statement about how to purchase Young Living products. Today I wanted to answer some questions I get about enrollment and gather some resources that explain the process.

*How do I sign up on the website?

At the top right of your computer screen or the bottom of your mobile screen, there is a "Become a member" link. You will be taken to a page where you choose to be a retail or wholesale member (more on these options below). Then it will take you to a page to choose a starter kit. There are various types, with different overall costs, so choose what makes sense for your family's WHY. Maybe it's the small cheap starter with sample oils, or the full Thieves cleaning kit, or the premium starter kit with the oils and a diffuser (best value and where I started). Here’s an easy to follow click-by-click video from Young Living that shows exactly how to sign-up on the website: https://vimeo.com/147354370

*What are the Pros and Cons? 

*What is a wholesale account?

By signing up for a wholesale account on the website you are getting 24% off Young Living products. This is definitely the cheapest way to purchase Young Living. By being a wholesale member, you are classified as a “distributor” for Young Living. This does NOT mean you are obligated to sell – ever (seriously!! I had a wholesale account for a year before I decided to sponsor/enroll others). It DOES mean that you are agreeing to a non-compete clause; basically, you can’t sell oils or work for another wellness company while you are a distributor or for six months after terminating your agreement.

*What if I’m not sure yet, but I want to buy a couple things to test first?

If you want to just try one or two oils or products, you can sign up for a retail customer account on the website. This means paying full price, but you are free from the distributor contract.

*Why a starter kit instead of just a few oils?
 I originally planned to just sign up for a retail account and purchase the five oils that I wanted to try; however, I started adding up the costs and realized that didn’t make good financial sense. The costs of those five oils at retail would be almost the same amount as the starter kit, but I was only getting 5 oils instead of 11, and the kit has a diffuser (which was a must for me!). So this helped me choose the wholesale account.

*What if my friends want to sign up with Young Living?

Even if you may never plan to sponsor new Young Living members, I can tell you from personal experience that people will ask you about the oils and want to know more. When someone signs up for Young Living and uses you as their sponsor, you get a ‘bird-dog fee’ (a check sent to you for referring someone else to the company which helps you get more oils!).Young Living doesn't spend money advertising, promoting their products in big box stores, shipping items to stores or training new members about the products. This they pay you when you preform  these duties.  (There's lots more about the compensation plan on their website). Just share your sponsor number and when your friends create an account and make purchases, you get repaid for sharing and educating! 

*How much do I have to purchase? Is there a monthly/yearly minimum?

Another reason why I love Young Living- there’s no minimum purchase and no monthly minimum purchase! To stay active as a wholesale member you have to place at least one order of 50 PM (PV = Point Value, which is about $50) per YEAR. If you happen to miss the minimum yearly order, you can call customer care and reactivate your account by placing a 100PV order. The first year after getting my starter kit I purchased sporadically as I was financially able to swap chemicals out of my home and replace with Young Living products and oils. I recently realized that since I’m now placing an order every month, I’m crazy for not joining Essential Rewards Program.

*Tell me more about the Essential Rewards program

This is an optional program that gives enrollees free oils, reduced shipping, and other promotions as a Thank You for purchasing monthly (which is how I’m able to build an oil stockpile on a budget!). Some products, like vitamins, come in about a 30 day supply so you can place these items on monthly auto purchase through Essential Rewards. But the order is also fully customizable so I change the products we order each month, change the amount we spend, and even change the date that the order is placed. You can also cancel this program at any time. Again - you are not required to purchase particular products, but of course the more you spend the more promotional items you earn. This is like your grocery list – but delivered to your door!  For more about Essential Rewards visit the Young Living Essential Rewards FAQ Page

*I'm sure what's holding you back from your starter kit is exactly what I wrestled with - the cost

First – I would never tell you to spend money that you don’t have. We have a family budget, and like I said before, sometimes oils were in our budget and some months they weren’t. I still make a “wish list” of oils I want and share that with my hubby and family for Birthday and Christmas gift inspiration. My main goal was to swap out chemicals from our home (read my post on why I ditched chemicals). As we ran out of an old cleaning product, I would write the product on a separate list (not my grocery list) with the amount that I would normally pay for that product next to it. I was amazed at how quickly that list reached $200, the cost (after tax and shipping) of the Premium Starter Kit. So this justified that I was going to spend this money on cleaning supplies anyway -but instead of chemicals, the starter kit was able to replace all the cleaning products on my list.

Second – You can share your oily journey with friends, coworkers, family, community and social media. When others use you as an enroller/sponsor, you get a check for referring them (in Kentucky we call that a ‘bird-dog fee’). A great video to explain this compensation process is: https://youtu.be/T9Mw-e5w9DE So snap pictures to share how you use the oils or host a party to let others try the oils so they can learn more about the wellness products offered by Young Living. 

Ready to start your oily journey? 

To become a Young Living member you must have a current member to Enroll/Sponsor you. Oils come with a learning curve, so your sponsor is there to share their experience and offer ideas to effectively use the oils.

I would love to be your Young Living sponsor/enroller!

Enter my sponsor number # 10089755 or just use the link below to sign up.

Be sure to include your correct email so I can send you a promotional $20 Amazon Gift Card (this is a limited time offer as a promotional to kicking off my Facebook Page)! You can use this gift card right away to order spray bottles, roller bottles, and carrier oils so you'll be ready to oil when your kit arrives!

Use this link to Purchase your starter kit and get oiling!

Share your oily journey with me! #Swapped4YL
Or PM me on our Facebook page GraceFull Day Essentials 
Visit my Pinterest boards for oily recipes and YouTube videos of recipes! 

1st - WHAT Are Essential Oils? - It all starts with a SEED!

A SEED – The Starting Point - WHAT are Essential Oils?

Essential Oils start with a seed. I remember when I first heard of Essential Oils (I was in the seed stage) and I had no idea what oils are or how to use them. 

I always felt we were living a healthy lifestyle with an attempt to honor God by caring for the gifts He graced us with. But when a friend offered use of her bug spray made from Young Living Essential Oils my eyes were opened to a chemical free lifestyle that I did not know existed. I've spent hours reading and researching and experimenting -
here's what I've learned, essentially growing from Seed - to Sprout - to Bloom - to Sharing oils. 

WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL OILS?

 Essential Oils are the natural organic oils of the plant (pulled from roots, petals, rind, leaf, or bark). – some call oils the ‘lifeblood’ of the plant or the 'essence' of the plant- thus the name essential oils. 

Since Biblical times, oils have been used to support every system in the body including muscular system, skeletal system, circulatory system, endocrine and hormones, respiratory system and immune system. An oil in a diffuser can promote restful sleep and support respiratory function. An oil massaged on the abdomen can support digestion. Oils can be substituted in beauty products, household cleaners, and as a flavoring in food/drinks to replace synthetics and chemicals. 

You can use oil to swap out chemical toxins in your home and live a cleaner/purer lifestyle. This is why I'm hooked on oils!  (Check out my post on MY ‘WHY' Oils story)

Essential oils penetrate cell membranes to travel quickly in the body. Oils are introduced into our bodies the same way as other products:

*Topically- the English primarily add to a bath, rub or massage on the skin which is our largest organ and readily absorbs what we put on it (which is why the Nicoderm and other medication patches work). Oils applied topically reach the bloodstream in 26 seconds.    

*Ingest – the French cook with oils and apply to foods/drinks (some oils are ingestible- check the label first!)

*Inhale – the Germans diffuse oils into the air. This is a very easy way to enjoy the smell and benefits of oils (diffused in the air, sprayed like perfume or sniffed straight from the bottle). I have a locket necklace containing a felt pad that diffuses applied oils throughout the day. Inhaled oils reach the heart, liver, and thyroid in three seconds.

There are over 300 oils, but an average family only needs 10-20 to build a great kit. 

So WHERE do you purchase oils?

As oils are becoming increasingly popular, they are becoming available at local drug stores, big box stores, and online retailers. As you compare products, you’ll begin to find the ones at the stores aren’t just a ‘generic’ version – but in some cases a watered down version. There’s no rating system for Essential Oils in the United States. The closest we get is an FDA requirement that in order to label a bottle of essential “pure” or “therapeutic grade”, the contents of the bottle must contain at least five percent essential oils. 

    ONLY 5%! Which means 95% can be filler. 

Globally, oils are ranked as follows:

-Grade A = Therapeutic oil, made from organically grown plants and distilled at low temperatures.

-Grade B = Oils are food grade but may contain synthetics, pesticides, fertilizers, chemical extenders or carrier oils (like almond, olive or other vegetable oil).

-Grade C = Oils are perfume grade, often containing other chemicals or solvents left over from the harvesting/distilling process and may be diluted 80-95% with alcohol.

-Grade D = This is called ‘floral water’ and is aromatic like an oil but usually a byproduct of a higher grade distillation (the water that is leftover after the oil is pulled out) and is sold to companies that fill bottles with 5% of this water and fill the rest with carrier, and label it as ‘pure’.                                            A fraction of the oil = fraction of the price! 

Another way some companies cut corners is using pesticides (to have more crop to distill), using a chemical solvent to extract oil (so there’s more oil pulled out of the plant) and then diluting with a carrier oil (to stretch the oil they distilled). If you are using oils to support healthy functions, then using a low-grade oil would be as helpful as eating a salad that is 5% greens and 95% croutons. The value is in the oil, not the filler.

WHY Young Living?

Young Living has a “Seed to Seal” guarantee which means they control the process from farm land to the sealed bottle. Founder, Gary Young, said he never makes an oil for profit- but for a purpose. Young Living’s oils are Grade A. They control the seeds used, soil/farms chosen, plants are hand-weeded (no chemical/pesticides), harvested at their peak and put through vigorous testing. Learn more about the process at seedtoseal.com.  

HOW to purchase Young Living Essential Oils and Oil products:

Young Living has compiled a starter kit of the most commonly used oils and samples of their popular products, and offer this bundle at a discounted rate to get you started. Below is a picture of the bundle I started with, and it includes the Home diffuser, 11 oils, sample packaged oils, small bottles to mix your own blends or share the oils, 2 NingXia Red drink samples and lots of informational booklets/magazine/info cards. 

To become a Young Living member you must have a current member to Enroll/Sponsor you. Oils come with a learning curve, so your sponsor is there to share their experience and offer ideas to effectively use the oils.

I would love to be your Young Living sponsor/enroller! 
Enter my sponsor number # 10089755  or just use the link below to sign up.  
Be sure to include your correct email so I can send you a promotional $20 Amazon Gift Card (this is a limited time offer as a promotional to kicking off my Facebook page)! You can use this card right away to order spray bottles, roller bottles, and carrier oils so you'll be ready to oil when your kit arrives!

Watch this video to show you step by step how to sign up and use this link to Purchase your starter kit and get oiling! For more info about how to enroll - see my detailed post of the Pros and Cons of Enrolling with Young Living. 

Visit GraceFull Day on Twitter @Gracefu11_ or Facebook Page @Gracefullday  and my videos on Vimeo to see how I use the oils. 
  Wishing you a Grace Full Day Oiling!!

Pretty as a Peacock!

I've been meaning to show you our little Peacock! And give you tips to make your own costume!!

I began looking for a costume I could make because my mom always made our costumes when I was a child. I also wanted something with pizzazz since this was her first Halloween. But I also realized we needed something functional. We travel between the two grandparents homes on the night of Halloween so I needed something that would be comfortable enough for her to wear for at least 4 hours and something that would work with a car seat. AND of course something that wouldn't break the bank! About a month before Halloween, I settled on the idea of a peacock. I downloaded a few good pictures of peacocks to channel some inspiration, then here's how it came together:

1- purple long sleeve outfit $4

1 -  yellow lace tights Etsy $10.00
1 - Orange socks (JC Pennies) came in 6pk of various colors ($4.00)
1 yard - aqua material $3.99
12 - peacock feathers Amazon $10.31
10 - Blue feathers Amazon 

$2.95
1 package of large Velcro squares $2.99
TOTAL: Money spent approximately $38.00, time spent: 2 hours (including purchasing items)

Here's the  feathers:






















After gathering all the supplies, I began by making the foundation for the feathers. I laid the purple outfit down and cut a piece of sturdy cardboard to cover the area under her shoulder blades to the top of her diaper. I wanted it to be smaller than the outfit so it didn't stick out on the sides or top and show from the front. I used cardboard from a diaper box, but any sturdy cardboard will do. Then I used the aqua material to cover the cardboard (I sewed it, but hot glue would work too). No need to make it too pretty because it won't show that much. Here's what mine looked like:

Next, warm up the hot glue gun and begin to position the feathers. I first glued a layer of the aqua feathers to cover the fabric and make a fuller looking base. I made a fan shape and wanted them to rise just above her shoulder line (so they would be visible from the front). It may be easier to lay the aqua board on the actual outfit and then position and cut the stems so you can visualize how tall the feathers should rise. Remember that the stems will be covered, so really lay the hot glue to them so they will stick! After the aqua feathers are glued and cooled, begin positioning the peacock feathers to make a pretty pattern. I did a tall layer and then cut some to make a shorter layer. Lastly, I used a few more aqua feathers (cut in half) to cover the stems. (It would be beautiful to use all peacock feathers, just a little pricey).  

                                                  Here's what mine looked like:

 

Now you need a way to attach this feathered piece to the outfit. I used large squares of Velcro. I attached the soft Velcro to the purple outfit (couple stitches on each corner to help the sticky self adhesive last through the night) and the other half of the Velcro squares were hot glued to the aqua material.



I used left over feathers to create a headband (but you can purchase cute ones on Etsy or Hobby Lobby too!). Then it was 'Show time'!

Here's the whole costume (our baby was 7 months old crawling but not walking yet). Also- it was cold that night, so I layered thicker white knit tights under the lace tights to provide some warmth.

The feathers are SO pretty!!! Especially in the sun!

Plus, she was comfortable and the back feather piece was just un-Velcro'ed to put her in the car seat.

The costume was a hug hit! She was able to crawl around, go in and out of the car seat without an outfit change!! 

She's outgrown the tights and purple outfit, but the feather piece will be used for dress-up for years to come!!! 

Hope this has inspired you!!! Please share photos of your little Peacock, Flamingo, or other creation!

Packing A Well Stocked Diaper Bag

Packing a well stocked diaper bag is an art form! As my due date approached, I began packing a diaper bag, but since that time I've modified what I pack and narrowed down the necessities. My blog about packing a hospital bag has been very popular on Pinterest, and several have asked what's in my diaper bag, so here's a peak - get ready for ALOT of photos!

I've found that my diaper bag contents have changed a little as my baby has grown. Items that I included when she was a newborn  have been phased out, and here's what my bag looks like for a 6-12mo+.

I have the Carter's Diaper bag 5 piece set and this is the larger bag that I use for outings. (I keep the smaller bag with a few diapers, a small pack of wipes and a change of clothes in the trunk of my car.) The smaller one is perfect for just those little runs into a store or to church, but  if we're going to be gone for the day, on vacation, or if she'll be staying at someone else's home, I send this big bag.

 Part of having a well stocked bag is being able to fit everything in the bag
     AND find it when you need it!
So here's my step-by-step process to putting together a perfect diaper bag.

•  First (and arguably most important): DIAPERS, Wipes & disposable changing table cover/mat. I prefer for the diapers to be stacked upright so I can see at a glance how many are remaining. These disposable pads have saved us- as there have been times we've changed her on floors and even in the trunk. The pads protect her from the surface we lay her on, and protect the surface from whatever may come out of her. Best of all,  its reusable until it gets dirty -then just throw it away! They are waterproof and can also be laid in the bottom of a car seat to protect from a wet mess.    

 

• Important Paperwork: This diaper bag has a clear pouch that's attached to the bag. I use this pouch to hold a copy of her health insurance card, emergency contact list, and any special medical instructions (allergies, immunization record, etc.) When a family member is caring for her, I just show them this pouch and pray they don't have a reason to need it!
  
  
• Bag of medications, creams and first aid items. This bag is from Dr. Mom but any little bag would work. I like this one because of the clear front side which makes it easy to see what's inside and it comes with several handy items. I use this pouch to hold all the hygiene items and medications. It zips up securely, protects other items from leaks, and fits easily inside the big bag.  
  

• Extra clothes: When she was an infant I packed 2-3 extra outfits because blow-out diapers were more common. I highly recommend packing each change of clothes in a gallon size Ziplock bag. Generally it makes the clothing easier to find in the diaper bag and grab when needed (pack a whole outfit in each bag from shirt, pants, socks, bib), AND the clothes that are being taken off the baby will probably need to be sealed in a mess free plastic bag! I keep a long sleeve top and short sleeve top because Kentucky weather is too unpredictable. Now just roll the bag and add it to the diaper bag.
   
  
  
• Next throw in a few all purpose cloths. I keep a nice looking burp cloth for wiping drool and basic rag for wiping anything else (we use Gerber cloth diaper squares because they wash easy, can be fashioned into a diaper/bib/shopping cart cover/nursing cover/etc. in case of emergency, and can just be thrown away if necessary)
  
  
• Feeding items: This is where the age of you child will be reflected. When she was an infant, I just carried food for me! But now that she's eating a mixture of baby foods and table foods, I pack extra gear. I keep disposable bibs because sometimes you just don't want to pack home a nasty bib that will sit in a hot car for hours before being cleaned. I also like the baby place mats that stick to the tables. Our daughter will just toss a plate in the floor but she's too independent to let us feed her. So we can stick these mats to the table in front of her and put pieces of food for her to pick up on the clean surface. (Some restaurants are now carrying these disposable mats with their advertising - Yea for Chick-Fil-A !)  I just keep a good mixture of baby food, teething cookies, and snacks. These items are continually changing based on our baby's tastes. But I always pack them in a gallon size Ziplock because it makes it easy to grab and take into a restaurant, and it keeps crumbs out of the bottom of my diaper bag.
  
  
  
• Lastly- Don't forget to access those outside pockets for the items you use often. This bag has a deep outside front pocket that runs the width of the bag, along with smaller outside pockets on either side.
  
  On one side I keep "mommy items" like nursing pads, nursing cream, chap-stick, and hygiene products in a little bag. That's also where I keep a drink and snacks for me. I did keep my Udder Cover in this pocket, but I've found it's better for me to keep it in my purse because my purse stays with me and sometimes I need it when I pump.
  
  
  
  On the other side I keep items the baby may need while we're out (extra paci, sunglasses, sun screen, shoes, gloves, etc.)
   
  In the front pocket I keep: paci wipes, hand sanitizer, nose wipes, and disposable diaper bags.
  

TA-DA -- Your bag is packed (and can even zip closed!)

               I usually clip some toys onto a handle and then we are ready to roll! 


I look forward to your comments and ideas! What am I missing? What do you carry that you wouldn't leave home without?


*Just a little note-  I have provided links to Amazon for several of my favorite products. I have an Amazon Mom account and therefore receive some benefits of Amazon Prime - like FREE SHIPPING!! Which I totally recommend as I shop on Amazon often. I have also enrolled in Amazon Associates program which means that I have a link/ad to Amazon on the side of my blog and any items you purchase after clicking through the link/ad will benefit me. Now- be certain that I will not be able to quit my day job based on this income, but it does provide me an incentive to keep purchasing new items through Amazon and then provide you with a true review! Thanks for your support!