#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!!

Bedtime Essential Oil Roller Bottle #swapped4yl

DIY  Bedtime Sleep Support with Essential Oils

We all struggle with getting a good night sleep from time to time. This is an

easy recipe to add to your bedtime routine. This is a basic recipe we use,

 but there are plenty of ways to mix it up and make it work for you. 

I like to add frankincense to my roller. My kiddo loves orange in hers. 

I recently tried adding a couple drops of vetiver - a great addition!
Other great additions are Valor (helps with snoring) or Peace & Calming. 

Try rolling on kiddo's feet before bed.
I prefer to roll on the back of my neck and spine. Experiment to see what works best.

Wishing you sweet dreams! Angels on your pillow!   

Get oils from Youngliving.com and tell them I referred you by using #10089755 in the Enroller and Sponsor box.  As a 'Thank You' for using my number, I'll send you all the oily recipes I use in our home and a little guide book.  Find more of my recipes by searching #swapped4yl

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!

Make It Monday: Hand Soap with Essential Oils #Swapped4YL

Happy Monday!
Time to make something new that will support wellness all week through! 

 DIY Hand Soap!! 
Makes a great housewarming gift or baby shower gift! 
Teachers love it! 
It's nursing home approved!
And kiddos need this after school each day!   

TIP:  I love to use this recipe in a foaming container because it
comes out a little fast, and the little hands at my house
seem to go through it faster if it is in a regular pump bottle. 

   Let us know what oils are your favorites with this recipe!! 

Essential Oil Basic Tips to begin oiling #Swapped4YL

PREPARE to begin Oiling!

Your premium starter kit is ordered!!!  Congratulations!!! …now what? Time to think about how you plan to USE the oils. Prepare to use your kit!!!

1^st - A few quick Oily tips you need to know before cracking the lid on that first bottle:

     *Every Young Living bottle has a great label to explain ingredients, recommended uses, and cautions
     *Some bottles have white labels and are "Vitality" oils, meaning they are labeled for internal/food/beverage use. The actual oil inside the Vitality bottle is the exact same oil as the colored labeled bottles marketed for external use. The FDA doesn't allow a label to say the product can be used internally AND externally, so YL makes two different labels (note that some oils aren't for internal use).  

     *NEVER apply essential oils in eyes, ears, nose or private areas. 
     *Some bottles have a different lid (childproof). These bottles contain an oil that would be a known irritant to children's skin. So to help ensure children don't use or ingest, a safety lid is used

     *If you spill too much essential oil on your skin, or an oil feels too tingly (like wintergreen and peppermint might), or you just want to remove the oil - ADD CARRIER OIL-- Not water!  Water and oil repel, so the water will only push the oil deeper into your skin. Instead, apply a carrier oil (olive, coconut, almond, etc) to the area which will dilute it, then wipe off with a cloth. Repeat as necessary. 
     *Pets respond differently to oils so use in an open area or where pets can escape to a different room if needed. Young Living has oil blends/products designed for pets! And there's lots of info online about safe use around pets and animals.
     *Kiddo's are also more sensitive to oils. There's a product line called Seedlings for infants and Kidsents for children. Most of the common oils can be used with kiddos, just dilute more and research first.  

     *Some Essential Oils (especially citrus) can pull chemicals out of plastics, so its recommended to use glass bottles to store your mixtures (since the point of oils is to avoid synthetic chemicals). 

     *Citrus oils can cause skin to be UV sensitivity, so check the label before going into the sunlight. (Meaning if you put a little lemon on your finger then swipe it across your neck before a run outdoors, you may find that spot turned red when the rest of your neck wasn't as affected) 

     *Since oil and water don't mix - an 'emulsifier' is needed to help them mix in most recipes. Commonly used emulsifiers are witch hazel (for cosmetic mixtures), vodka or witch hazel (for room sprays), honey (for tea/drinks), and Epsom salt (for baths). This is not an inclusive list, and most recipes will advise what to use.  

Whew- Deep breath! That may have seemed like a lot, but you'll get the hang of it. It's easier than that list made it sound! haha!
Young Living provides a full FAQ Guide (that I email to my new members) to help answer any starter questions. When you have questions, don't hesitate to contact your enroller/sponsor, that's their role.

2nd- Think about your WHY,  and gather the recipes/supplies to make oily concoctions
  Did you purchase oils to support a specific health/wellness issue? To replace cleaning chemical products? To swap for cosmetic/beauty products? For cooking? As air freshener? You will likely eventually use oils for all these reasons, but choose a few closest to your WHY first, gather some recipes, and gather what you need to make the recipe happen when your oil arrives.

For example – I knew my first plan was to diffuse lavender in our bedroom, but next, I wanted to make a 'summer outdoor spray' but did not have a glass spray bottle or witch hazel to complete the recipe. I wanted to make a roller bottle of peppermint, lemon and carrier oil to re-energize on car rides home, but I didn't have a roller bottle. So I had the oils, but I was missing parts to the recipes.  

There are definite ways to use the oils without purchasing anything extra since your starter kit comes with a diffuser. Pinterest is full of creative ways to use your oils! I found a wooden clothespin and added drops of peppermint and lemon then clipped to the car vent as a mini diffuser.


But to really play with your oils, I would suggest getting a carrier oil, rubbing on some lavender and lemon, then browsing this blog, Pinterest and YouTube to compile recipes. I screenshot some recipes then write them on an index card and put them in a photo album. 

Here are some common "extra" items you may want to pick up at the grocery (or click to order from my Amazon affiliate links):

*Gallon of Distilled Water (for diffuser and sprays)

*Bottle of carrier Oil 
*Witchhazel 
*Castile Soap
*Glass soap dispenser 

*Glass spray bottle(s) 

*Glass roller bottle(s)  
*Assortment of  mini spray bottles and rollers (pictured here)
*DIY Chapstick tubes
*DIY Deodorant sticks
*Wool dryer balls

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!

Also - Here's a link to a quick guide you can print and share the steps to Becoming a Member!

Share your oily journey with me! #Swapped4YL
Follow our Facebook page
Visit my Pinterest boards for oily recipes and
YouTube videos of recipes! 

3. HOW to purchase Young Living Essential Oils #Swapped4YL

Today I wanted to answer some questions about enrollment and explain the process.

*How do I purchase from YoungLiving or set up a login 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. This will take you 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 starter kits with different overall costs, so choose what makes sense for your family's WHY. Maybe it is an oil starter with the 11 oils and diffuser, or the Thieves cleaning kit, Antioxidant drink/supplement kit, or the Savy Minerals Make up kit. 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 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.

*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 purchase requirement! To stay active as a wholesale member, just 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 (more below about these rewards).

*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 $160, the cost 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 ($50)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, and you can get more money for your oily purchases. 

*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 you can change the products you order each month, change the amount you 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. After being on the rewards program for 3 months you'll find an extra oil as a "thank you" in your order. They give free oils at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. This is like doing your grocery list – but delivered to your door!  For more about Essential Rewards visit the Young Living Essential Rewards FAQ Page

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.

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
Visit my Pinterest boards for oily recipes and YouTube videos of recipes!

1. WHAT are Essential Oils? #Swapped4YL

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

Essential Oils start with a seed. Those who are learning about oils are referred to as 'seeds' as well. I remember when I first heard about essential oils (when I was in the seed stage) and I had no idea what oils are, where to buy them, why we needed them, or how to use them. But oh how things have changed!!! 

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 plants (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 oil to swap out chemical toxins in your home. This is why I'm hooked on oils!  (Check out my post on MY ‘WHY' and do your own research about the chemical effects on your family). I use Thieves cleaner throughout our home (a mixture of oils used in ancient times, but now modern hospitals are swapping their synthetic cleaners for this pure one). I diffuse RC oil blend when our noses get stuffy from Kentucky weather changes.  I rub lavender oil 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. (Read more about how I use oils in other posts and YouTube video)

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!)

*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. And I have a bracelet of lava beads that also diffuse the 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, but an average family only needs 10-20 oils to build a great kit. 

So WHERE do you purchase oils?

As oils are returning to popularity, they are becoming available at local drug stores, big box stores, and online retailers. But buyer beware! 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 - and the label won't list the 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 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 started oiling. Below is a picture of the bundle I started with, and it includes: a diffuser, 11 oils, sample of Thieves Household Cleaner, sample packaged oils, small bottles to mix your own blends or share the oils, 2 NingXia Red (antioxidant) drink samples and lots of informational booklets/magazine/info cards. This is how I got started! The kit cost $160 (+shipping & tax). Check out the "How to purchase" article for more info.

*

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 

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!

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

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