Gratitude S'attitude! ::: What You See

Sometimes 'seeing' just isn't enough.

A Leaf At My Foot?

Sometimes you really have to LOOK.

A Wild Camoflauge of Beauty!

Foodie Friday! ::: Rainbow Fruit Cup with Wild Orange Whipped Cream

Rainbow Fruit Cup with Wild Orange Whipped Cream

Hey, it's the weekend ~ Enjoy yourself!

One drop of Wild Orange, fresh whipped cream, and your favorite fruit make up this healthy and festive treat. The only thing hard about this recipe will be keeping the kids away from it.

Ingredients

Fruit (You can try grapes, blueberries, kiwi, pineapple, oranges, and strawberries to get the perfect rainbow.)

1 cup whipping cream

1-2 drops Wild Orange essential oil

Directions

Wash and dry fruit. Cut into small bite-size pieces.

Beat whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Add 1-2 drops of Wild Orange essential oil and stir.

In a glass cup, layer cut fruit by colors of the rainbow. 

Top with Wild Orange whipped cream and enjoy.

Taste the rainbow! 

Show us your results! Take a photo of your homemade recipes using essential oils products and post on here or on my Auntie J's fb page (https://www.facebook.com/AuntieJsApothecary), with the hashtag #FooiEOs for a chance to be featured!

Oil of the Week ::: Geranium

Spring has sprung & the Geraniums are in bloom!

Geranium ::: Pelargonium Graveolens

Earlier this week I shared a tip using Geranium in a
hair-strengthening de-tangler. Well, here are some more
amazing Geranium facts!

PRIMARY BENEFITS
• Promotes healthy skin & hair
• Helps calm nerves & lessen stress
• Naturally repels insects 

USES
• Use in an aromatherapy steam facial to beautify skin.
• Add a drop to your moisturizer for a smoothing effect.
• Geranium is great for both dry and oily hair. Apply a few drops to your shampoo or conditioner bottle, or make your own deep hair conditioner.
• Diffuse aromatically for a calming effect.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE 
Diffusion ~ Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice.
Internal use ~ Dilute one drop in 4 fl. oz. of liquid.
Topical use ~ Apply one to two drops to desired area. Dilute with Fractionated Coconut Oil for sensitive  skin.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Uses of Geranium essential oil date back to ancient Egypt when Egyptians used Geranium oil to beautify skin. In the Victorian era, fresh geranium leaves were placed at formal dining tables as decorative pieces and to be consumed as a fresh sprig if desired; in fact, the edible leaves and flowers of the plant are often used in desserts, cakes, jellies, and teas. (I've even had them in salad!)

A member of the Pelargonium genus of flower species, Geraniums are grown for their beauty and as a staple of the perfume industry. While there are over 200 different varieties of Pelargonium flowers, only a few are used as essential oils.

As an essential oil, Geranium has long been used to promote the appearance of clear skin and healthy hair — making it ideal for your own skin and hair care products. It calms nerves and lessens feelings of stress. Geranium is known to naturally repel insects.

Contact me TODAY for a 15% discount on the Oil of the Week!

Workaday Wednesday ::: Have a Good Time!

Look, there's enough huffing & puffing in the world already. So when it comes to how you spend the largest lump of your day ~ HAVE A GOOD TIME!

If you're not doing something you absolutely love, change it!

Live inside your passion ~ The rest will be provided.

Happy You = Happy World

Tipster Tuesday ::: DIY Natural Hair Detangler with Essential Oils

DIY Natural Hair Detangler with Essential Oils

There are few things worse than tangled hair–it can often lead to a tender scalp and lots of unnecessary hair stuck in your brush. Detangling Spray is a great way to get your hair tangle-free without the sore scalp. Marshmallow root and apple cider vinegar are natural detanglers and essential oils add additional benefits to help keep your hair healthy, beautiful & smelling great!

Ingredients
12-ounce or larger spray bottle
1.5 c distilled water
3 tablespoons marshmallow root (marshmallow root can be purchased at most health food stores or online)
1/2 c apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp conditioner
5 drops Rosemary essential oil
5 drops Patchouli essential oil
5 drops Geranium essential oil
5 drops Melaleuca essential oil

Directions

Boil water and marshmallow root in a small pan.

Reduce heat and let simmer for 20-30 minutes.

Let cool slightly and strain through a cheesecloth or very thin wire strainer.

While warm, pour into bottle and add the conditioner, apple cider vinegar, and essential oils.

Shake until combined.

To use, spray a generous amount on wet hair and comb through. Style as normal.

Show us your results! Take a photo of your homemade creations using essential oils products and post on here or on my Auntie J's fb page (https://www.facebook.com/AuntieJsApothecary), with the hashtag #beautEOs for a chance to be featured!

Magical Monday! ::: The Dream Begins

Did you ever postpone something that you really wanted to do? Ever wonder why?

Yes, there will always be lots of 'reasons' - valid & unquestionable - that get in the way of changing our lives. But haven't you ever achieved an unstoppable goal? ... something that no thing, no person, could  prevent?

Change Your Mind ~ Change Your World

It is the changing of our own minds that is at the core.

This is a daily deal. Even if yesterday stopped you, even if you're unsure of how it will all work... every day you get to look your limits in the face & say YES! I CAN! 

Each moment is only yours. Each day it's up to you to choose your beliefs.
No piece of history gets to write your future. This story is YOURS.

Your Beliefs ~ Your Story

Every day The Dream begins anew!

Sunday Spirit ::: What The World Needs Now ...

Love Is Always Beautiful!

In keeping with the Earth Day theme, the Dionne Warwick song has been running through my mind all day.

Thought I'd share a little love with you!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=w7CXpOAbPgo

Gratitude S'attitude ::: The Garden in the Forest

The point of my long & untold tale is that even pulling weeds can be a wondrous, enriching experience!

My Weeding Job? ... Feels More Like Meditation!

Yeah. I'm pretty blessed.
Bet you are, too. (I'd love to hear about it!)

Foodie Friday! ::: Honey-Lemon Chicken Stir-Fry

Honey-Lemon Chicken Stir-Fry

What's for Dinner Tonight?!

This stir-fry is easy to make and you can use whatever vegetables you have on hand. It has a sweet, mild flavor that is quite delicious and sure to please.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 large onion, sliced
4 carrots, sliced at an angle
1 small head of broccoli, cut into florets
4 tbsp soy sauce
3 tbsp rice vinegar
1 1/2 tsp curry powder
2 toothpicks Ginger Essential Oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
(lemon slices, green onion, &/or sesame seeds to top)

Sauce Ingredients
1 1/2 cups chicken stock
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder
1-1/2 tbsp honey
5–7 drops Lemon Essential Oil

Directions
Sauté heated olive oil onion and carrots, over medium heat for a few minutes*.

h/t AromaTools

Mix together soy sauce, rice vinegar, and Ginger Essential Oil in a small bowl.

Add chicken, soy sauce mixture, curry powder, salt, and pepper to the vegetables. Stir to make sure everything is coated and mixed well. Continue to cook until chicken is cooked through.

In a separate bowl, whisk together all of the sauce ingredients.

Once chicken is cooked, add broccoli, cover, and let steam for a minute. Remove from heat, and transfer the chicken and vegetables to a clean bowl, leaving the soy sauce mixture in the pan.

Pour the sauce mixture into the pan with the soy sauce mixture, and cook over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.

Pour the chicken and vegetables back into the pan, and evenly coat with the sauce.
Serve immediately over rice, and top with lemon slices, green onion, &/or sesame seeds.

* Always heat your cooking oils before adding food - it creates a more even cooking surface.

Show us your results! Take a photo of your homemade recipes using essential oils products and post on here or on my Auntie J's fb page (https://www.facebook.com/AuntieJsApothecary), with the hashtag #FooiEOs for a chance to be featured!

Workaday Wednesday ::: Change Isn't Failure

Cramped & Painful

Change.
Fail.
Security.

These are some pretty supercharged words ... fraught with fear & guilt, they can bring an entrepreneur to her knees wondering just what she did wrong.

I'm here to tell you ::: As long as you don't quit, you are succeeding.

Some days The Dream of self-directed employment may not look anything like you imagined. When you are your family's sole supporter the demand to get-it-right is extreme.  If you have a spouse, that brings in a whole new set of burdens.

But understand this ~ If you don't discipline yourself, somebody else will.

That's a powerful reality. For me, it's enough to keep going even when those first three words pop up.

Last week I picked up a part-time job. Building a business is expensive; right now my finances needed a tourniquet. That doesn't mean I've failed.

Quite the opposite.
It shows me and God's Green Earth my commitment to do whatever it takes to ensure my financial freedom.

So what about you?

If there is some boogeyman in the back closet of your entrepreneurial mansion, I challenge you to throw wide the door and shine a different light inside! It may be hard, it may be scary. But, Change isn't failure.

Be Willing to Become a Butterfly!

It is successfully adapting to the permutations of Life and business. By the very act of persevering,
YOU are transforming your home, your family, your Dream into a strong and glorious new design.

Tipster Tuesday ::: DIY Natural Dishsoap

Homemade Natural Dishwashing Soap

Clean & Toxin-Free!

I'm so excited to find this recipe! What about you?
Are you looking for a more natural soap to clean your handwashed dishes? 

This dish soap is thick like commercial brands and produces a good lather as you clean. Our scent is an excellent one, but you could try something new, too! Just add 15–20 drops (total) of your chosen essential oils to the mixture before whisking.

Ingredients & supplies
1 c liquid Castile Soap
2 tsp Vegetable Glycerin
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
10 drops lemon essential oil
4 drops orange essential oil
2 drops thyme essential oil

8 oz. plastic bottle with snap-top lid

h/t to AromaTools

Instructions
Place all ingredients in a glass bowl; gently whisk until the mixture thickens.
Pour into the 8 oz. bottle.
Place a small amount on a sponge and use to handwash your dishes, or add some to your dish water as the water is filling the sink.

Sunday Spirit ::: Happy Earth ... Celebration!

Honor Her Who Cherishes Us!

Yes, Earth 'Day' takes place on the 20th, but many festivities are taking place today in honor of Mama Gaia.
(I guess we're still missing the lesson that Mom comes before corporations -- ah, well. That will change.)

In any case, Happy Earth Celebration!
Revel in the wonder that is this Great Blue Marble ~ however she came to be.

Without her, we'd just be spaced out.

I Love You, Mother Nature!
Sure glad you love us, too. 

Gratitude S'attitude! ::: Grateful for Today

Yesterday was filled with fear & frustration. Money problems loomed BIGGERTHANLIFE ... I'd had a commitment for a Spring Bazaar today, but yesterday it seemed like too much work.

I just didn't have it in me.

Still, the car got packed and I went to bed early with the disgruntled agreement to go.

So Rise Again.

.............
My dreams must have been really good.
I woke up ready for a great day ... feeling excited,
and glad to be alive.

So what's my point?

I guess it's just that ... I don't know, things can be hard. Money can be tight. People don't always get along.
Your hours can be long, or work too far away.

BUT.
Every day is new. That's pretty terrific.
You get another chance.

And some days, we even get it right.

Foodie Friday ::: Black Bean & Ham Soup with Cilantro & Lime Essential Oils

CROCKPOT COOKERY - Black Bean & Ham Soup with Cilantro & Lime Essential Oils
So, I created this earlier in the week, and it was just too darn tasty to keep all to myself! Really, I think part of it's yumminess came from the ham glaze. If enough of you request it, I'll post that next week. This was good enough for my son - the critical chef - to say how much he liked it (and he doesn't like soup!) 

It's Fun To Be Creative In The Kitchen!

Ingredients for Base
ham roast leftovers, bone-in
1 onion, 1 carrot, 1 celery, cut into 4, 3, 2 sections, respectively
1 bag black beans*
1 box chicken broth
water to cover
10 or so whole peppercorns**

* treat the black beans first by soaking them for 1/2 hr in hot water with 1/2 c baking soda. Stir it a 2-3 times. Rinse it thoroughly (3-4 times)
** I used no salt in this - the ham was enough

Directions
Add all together in the crockpot, simmer on high for 1-1/2 to 2 hrs.
Pull out the ham & all cooked veggies (those were for the stock, discard or puree to add back)
Separate what meat comes easily from the bone. Put the meat & bone (& pureed veggies, if desired) back in the crockpot

Add in
1 onion, 2 carrots, 2 celery, all cubed
cracked pepper to taste (I have Southern roots - so I use a lot of pepper!)

Cook another 1-1/2 to 2 hrs on high (Test beans for doneness)
Remove bone & separate the rest of the meat. Return the meat to the soup.

Finish with
1-2 drops Cilantro Essential Oil
2-4 drops Lime Essential Oil
Simmer on low for another 1/2 hr

Enjoy with cornbread or tortillas, and a healthy salad!

Oil of the Week ::: Melaleuca

Add It To Your Favorite Shampoo!

Melaleuca Alternifolia 

Earlier this week you got a DIY tip on shampoo for soothing an itchy scalp with Melaleuca & Peppermint essential oils. Well, here's some more info on the many uses of amazing Melaleuca.

PRIMARY BENEFITS
• Renowned for its cleansing and rejuvenating effects on the skin
• Promotes healthy immune function
• Protects against environmental and seasonal threats

Commonly known as “Tea Tree,” Melaleuca essential oil has over 92 different compounds and limitless applications. The leaves of the Melaleuca tree were used by the Aborigines of Australia for centuries. They would crush the leaves and inhale the oil to promote feelings of clear breathing and apply the leaves directly to the skin for a cooling effect. Melaleuca is best known for its purifying properties. It can be used to cleanse and purify the skin and nails and to support a healthy complexion. Taken internally, Melaleuca promotes healthy immune function, and Melaleuca can be used on surfaces throughout the home to protect against environmental threats. Melaleuca is frequently used on occasional skin irritations to soothe the skin. Diffusing Melaleuca will help purify and freshen the air.

USES
• For occasional skin irritations, apply 1–2 drops of Melaleuca essential oil onto affected area.
• Add 1–2 drops to water, citrus drinks, or veggie caps to support healthy immune system function.
• Combine 1–2 drops with your facial cleanser for added cleansing properties, or apply to skin after shaving.
• Apply to fingernails and toenails after showering to purify and keeps nails looking healthy.
• Add a few drops to a spray bottle with water and use on surfaces to protect against environmental threats.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE
Diffusion: Use 3-4 drops in the diffuser of your choice.
Internal use: Dilute 1 drop in 4 fl oz of liquid.
Topical use: Apply 1-2 drops to desired area. Dilute with Fractionated Coconut Oil to minimize skin sensitivity.

The Amazing Melaleuca Plant!

Contact me TODAY for a 15% discount on the Oil of the Week!

Workaday Wednesday ::: The Oxygen Mask

This may sound obvious.
Put on the oxygen mask before you start giving cpr to the rest of the plane.

This goes for all us entrepreneurs, too.

There's simply no way to save the/share the/help the or even love the ... when your own business is turning blue.

We all want to change the world.
It's imperative to take care of ourselves while we do so.

Tipster Tuesday ::: DIY Scalp Relief

This tip comes from one of my customers, who blended his own potion to help soothe his scalp concerns:

Get Creative With YOUR Oils!

Add
10 drops Melaleuca
10 drops Peppermint
to your preferred shampoo,

Wash as normal.
Blend well by shaking before each use,
as the oils can separate.

He says it leaves his scalp feeling tingly & clean ...
and has calmed his itchy head!

Show us your results! Take a photo of your homemade creations using essential oils products and post on here or on my Auntie J's fb page (https://www.facebook.com/AuntieJsApothecary), with the hashtag #beautEOs for a chance to be featured!

Magical Monday! ::: It's a Beautiful Day

Sounds like a great band, right?!*

Well, for any & all of you who may be having a sluggish start, just remember ~
Today is a gift ... that's why it's called The Present.

* Couldn't resist -- Enjoy!

Gratitude S'attitude! ::: Don't Quit 5 Minutes Before the Miracle Happens

You Are Closer Than You Know!

Don't Quit.
That could be my Life's Motto.
And it's a good one.

Face it, there are some difficult parts to this life. It doesn't all go our way. Sometimes it even gets downright scary. Harsh. Overwhelming.

But Hang In There!

That next Miracle IS just around the corner. Remember to count on more than just yourself. Your Higher Power, your family, your community ...

Today I am grateful that I didn't quit.
How about you? What's on YOUR gratitude list today?!

Foodie Friday! ::: Minty Peas

Today's dish is easy-peasy:

Frozen peas with a few drops of Spearmint oil. Great as a side dish with lamb!

Oil of the Week ::: TerraShield

What is TerraShield & Why Do I Need It?!
Because it's BUG SEASON - Yikes!

When it comes to outdoor protection, no defense is better than
Mother Nature’s offerings. Essential oils provide a vapor barrier for plants, protecting them from potential threats in their environment. From these comes TerraShield Outdoor Blend which contains powerful essential oils and other plant oils known to provide outdoor protection
in a natural, safe way.

PRIMARY BENEFITS
• Acts as an effective, natural barrier
• Can be used safely by everyone in the family

USES
• Apply TerraShield to the legs, arms, and neck before going outdoors or diffuse on your patio
• Take TerraShield on camping trips or to outdoor events
• Spray TerraShield around your door, window seals, and tent.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE
Diffusion: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice.
Topical: Apply to desired areas before outdoor activity. Reapply every few hours as needed.

Contact me TODAY for a 15% discount on the Oil of the Week!

Workaday Wednesday ::: Give a Little

Generous.

Even the word sounds rich & juicy.

Yet we can get so tied up in our 'Workadays' that - even though we mean to be thoughtful & caring - our focus can be entirely tied up in ME.

What if, instead, we woke up and thought, "What can I do today to make his/her/their life better?" It could be your family, your neighbor, your colleague, or even the new kid at the market. What would happen if we focused on helping them, instead of fixing ourselves?

As I recall, Life Improves.

Tipster Tuesday ::: DIY Cleansing Wipes with Protective Essential Oil

DIY Cleansing Wipes with Protective Essential Oil

Cleansing wipes are extremely convenient and are great to have on hand when wiping down surfaces. Making your own wipes is easy, fun, effective, and affordable. You probably already have everything you need in your home, so get going!

Ingredients

Sweet & Easy!

1 roll premium paper towels
2 c warm water
2 tbsp Fractionated coconut oil
3 drops Protective Blend
3 drops Lemon essential oil
1-2 tbsp Protective Foaming Hand Wash

An airtight storage container

Instructions

Cut paper towel in half width-wise with a serrated or electric knife. Use half the roll now, and half later.

Combine water, Fractionated Coconut Oil, essential oils, and Protective Foaming Hand Wash in a small bowl.

Pour the mixture over the paper towels and then cover with the airtight lid letting the mixture absorb for 10 minutes.

Turn the container over and let sit for another 10 minutes.

Remove and discard the cardboard middle. Just store in the airtight container, and pull the wipes from the center when you are ready to use.

Magical Monday! ::: Planning The Path

Plan for Success!

You've joined the team. You're pumped to start using & sharing the oils.

So, HOW do you do it?!

First, stay in touch! Reach out to your upline, crossline, and, yes, your downline to help inspire & teach you.

Second, write it in a schedule. If you plan the time you will have the time.

And, third, PICK UP THE PHONE!
Yeah, yeah. I know it weighs 500 lbs ... but try this:
Set a timer for 1/2 hour. That's not long, you can do that much, right? Call or text for that limited time only, and it won't seem so hard next time.

Blessings on your journey of sharing health & happiness with the world!

Sunday Spirit ::: Faith Rocks

Have Faith.
Seriously.
Have. Faith.

Faith doesn't mean you are never afraid or you have no doubts. Those are normal, and healthy.
Faith means you get up & walk through it anyway.

It doesn't matter what your Faith looks like ... even within a particular genre we each have our own picture. What matters is that it is Loving. And bigger than you or your problems put together.

Faith. It's pretty amazing.

Foodie Friday! ::: Raw Blueberry Bars with Wild Orange and Cinnamon Essential Oil

Raw Blueberry Bars with Wild Orange and Cinnamon Essential Oil

From brunch, to hiking, to bridal showers, to school lunches, these bars are beautiful and filling enough for any occasion. Sweet, and super easy, they’re sure to please a wide variety!

INGREDIENTS

Base Layer - 
1-1/2 c oat flour
4 tbsp water
2 tbsp coconut oil
2 tbsp maple syrup
2 tbsp molasses
1 drop Cinnamon essential oil

Blueberry Layer -
4 c blueberries (Frozen is fine but be sure to thaw first;
also, fresh will give you a more vibrant color.)
3 c oat flour
1/2 c maple syrup
5 tbsp coconut oil
2-5 drops Wild Orange essential oil

DIRECTIONS

Base Layer - Melt coconut oil in microwave and combine with other ingredients, adding the Cinnamon essential oil last. Mix well. Press mixture into a layer an 7×11 pan. Place pan in refrigerator to firm up.

Blueberry Layer - Puree blueberries in a food processor. Melt coconut oil and combine all remaining ingredients, adding the Wild Orange essential oil last.

Press blueberry layer evenly on top of bottom layer. Dust with unsweetened cocoa power like we did or leave them blue and bare-y. Place in fridge to chill until desired consistency is reached.

TIPS - Cover leftovers with plastic; the air will cause the bars to darken in color. You can enjoy the bars now or freeze for later. In the fridge the bars last about 5 days. We recommend storing in the pan and cutting at the last possible moment to preserve the color and smooth, moist texture. For a fruitier taste, halve the amount of flour in the blueberry layer and halve the entire base layer recipe.