I Got My Kit..Now What?

Got my kit...now what?

You got your kit...now what?  We can all remember how exciting it was to get that beautiful box with all of those little oils, but how do we start using them?  Below I outline a few ways to get the ball rolling with using your oils.

Get Them Out of The Box

Yes the Premium Starter box is beautiful and even has a way to keep them on display...but you will never get into a great essential oil routine until you get them out of the box! Getting them out of the box allows you to have an oil at an arms reach when you need them.  Remember you have not used essential oils before, so why would you use them now unless it is very easy.  Seeing that bottle of lemon sitting by your sink will remind you to add a drop to your water...placing lavender on your nightstand will prompt you to apply to your big toe before bed...place your Stress Away in your bag and apply before work. You get the picture, the easier it is to grab the more likely you are to use them. 

What Were Your Health Goals?

When you decided to buy the Premium Starter kit what were your reasons? Did someone have a good testimony that really stuck with you? Did you here all the cool uses and felt that these little oils might be a good investment? Whatever the reason you bought the kit is what your focus should be now that you have the kit.  Sit down and write out your health goals and focus on that as your first oil goal.

Get Out Your Reference Guide 

How are you to use these oils and know what oil is good for this or that? Your Reference guides! If you don't have one, Google "Essential Oil Reference Guide" and a million will pop-up.  Look at the reviews or ask whoever signed you up to recommend a book for you to use. You can even research your health goals or specific oil on Pinterest.  YOU are in control and must take this step to becoming an oily ninja.  Once you know which oil or oils to use, start using them often. 

Safety 

This is an important part of using essential oils. I would never use any oil outside of Young Living, why? because I did my research and only stand behind Young Living's quality and commitment to the Seed to Seal promise.  Number one safety tip...when (not if) you get essential oils in your eye, use a carrier oil (olive, coconut, almond ect.) and rub it around the outside of your eye to relieve the burning.  Water will drive the oil deeper, a fatty oil with dilute the oil.  Do not put oils directly into your eyesor ears on purpose...and dilute if it happens.  Use glass or stainless steel to drink your citrus oils out of...these oils will breakdown the petrochemicals in the plastic and ruin your cups.  Dilute oils on children and pets, also use a vita flex chart for ease of use with little ones.  Start using your oils slowly, they will detox your body (yay!) but we don't want that to happen too fast. When applying any citrus oil topically avoid the direct sun on that part of your skin for 12-24 hours. 

Complimentary Products 

There are a million products on the market for using our essential oils and making it even easier. From travel bags, roller top bottles, containers, and capsules you can find many ways to incorporate essential oils into your life. 

Two products I think everyone should order from YoungLiving.com after they get a kit are the roller fitments and veggie capsules:

AromaGlide Roller Fitments 10 pk item number 4578

Clear Vegetable Capsules 250 ct item number 3193

Get to a Class and Host a Class 

Going to classes is not only a great way to learn more but to make some great oily friends. I must be so dense because I learn something new at every single class I attend, which is awesome.  Some of the best people I have met have been through Young Living and hosting classes. It is so great to see people meeting their health goals and is the main reason I still host classes monthly.  Host a class...everyone should be sharing why they love Young Living essential oils, you do not have to be an expert to have a class, you can just share what you know or have your leader come and teach for you!

Wish List

With every Premium Starter Kit comes a Young Living catalog...open it and start making the products you think will benefit you!  There are dozens of wonderful products to help rid your life of toxins, maintain great health, and support every system in you body. When I opened the catalog I love that all the oil blends are labeled so you would know which one you need like "Common Sense" "Forgiveness" and "Joy".  I personally love the supplements and have made some break throughs in my health personally by getting in a good supplement habit.  

Cook With Your Oils 

There are so many ways to use essential oils in your life and my favorite is to add them to my drinks and food. The title is misleading because cooking is not my thing...but yummy tasting food is.  Essential oils should not expire for a very LONG time...making them great to use as seasoning! When I went through my seasoning cabinet I was shocked that most expired ten years ago...Gross. The best part of using essential oils for cooking is it only takes a drop in your already planned recipe and BAM the flavor is amazing! Thieves in your morning cup of coffee....Peppermint added to your favorite dessert...lemon added to your smoothie.  The list goes on and Young Living even has an awesome kit with a variety of oils for your kitchen..The Young Living Culinary Collection.

View a Recording of the Blog Here: https://youtu.be/Y-5ed5V7sFg

Top Three Favorite Products

My favorite products from Young Living are always changing.  I think it mostly depends on what we have going on at the current moment. Right now we are all fighting a little cold. Luckily, because of our essential oils (and products!) our colds never seem to get too out of hand anymore. This short list will reflect greatly on our little family "illness."

Inner Defense

Young Living has so many great products, and so many that I have yet to try. I love to get recommendations from fellow EO user. Recently I was talking to my friend about a product called Inner Defense. This is a liquid soft gel that you take when you are not feeling top notch. Gone are the days of making your own "wellness blend" capsules and getting Oregano or Thieves all over your hands. This little capsule has been a huge time saver for me and works like a charm! I also love that they travel well too. My husband travels often, so it is nice to be able to send him with a handful of Inner Defense capsules in case he comes down with something on the road.


Raven Essential Oil Blend

Raven has always been one of my favorites, but when I get under the weather I remember just how much I love it. Whenever I get sick I always get sinus infections or I just get really congested, so when I started my oily journey I knew resolving needing to take antibiotics was high on my list. Raven saves me every time. Its a blend of Ravintsara (cinnamomum camphora), lemon (Citrus limon), wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens), peppermint (Mentha piperita) and Eucalyptus radiate. I love Raven because it wildly aromatic which opens up my sinuses nicely. I like to diffuse Raven, wear it on my diffuser necklace,  or just simply apply right to my nose and forehead. WARNING: Its intense. You probably want to add a carrier oil. 

Thieves Spray

Everyone loves Thieves Essential Oil, but did you know about the whole line of Thieves cleaning products? We are serious Thieves addicts at my home and use all the products. I love this little Thieves Spray because its so small and convenient you can really use it on anything. I have one in my purse, the diaper bag, the car, and in various locations throughout my home. When I am sick I use it as a throat spray. Its just a quick (and intense) way to get some good old thieves in my system. The clove is also soothing to my throat.

What are some of your favorites right now?

December Young Living Promotion

First let me say that I honestly have never seen a promotion as good as the Young Living November promotion...and then December came! 

Bam!!

Retail of this amazing offer is $278.61...the most valuable PV promotion ever!

Here is the breakdown of what you get!

300 PV
Retail Value: $278.61

• 15-ml Lavender essential oil: Lavender has a sweet, floral aroma that is soothing and refreshing. Lavender’s relaxing aroma is great for winding down. Add it to a hot bath or diffuse it to create a calming and comforting aromatic environment.
• LBrianté Neutral/Winter Scent Lip Gloss: LBrianté Neutral/Winter Scent Lip Gloss offers two products in one convenient package: an essential oil scent roll-on that effortlessly glides over neck, wrists, and temples for a signature scent that’s all your own, plus a flattering neutral shade of lip gloss to add luster to your look. 
• Everyday Oils collection: The Everyday Oils collection is the perfect beginner’s kit, containing 10 of our most popular and versatile essential oils. This kit will become a useful part of your day, every day. It also makes an amazing gift to give as singles or as a full collection!
• Bonus Essential Rewards exclusive: 5-ml Black Pepper essential oil: Black Pepper has a pungent, crisp taste and aroma. Taken as a supplement, it may support the digestive system* and can add a peppery zing to recipes like glazes, soups, marinades, and more!

I am going to give you three tips to ensure you can swing this awesome deal this month...because it is too good to pass up! 

Share Your Discount:

This is such an easy way to get to the $300.00 pv. So many people are hearing about essential oils and are wanting to know more, but may not be ready to take the plunge with a kit.  Offer your discount and let them try Young Livings wonderful Thieves products or a bottle of Lavender essential oil.  Ask your friends, family and co-workers. Not only will this help you get to the PV amount to take advantage of the promotion but you are also sharing which brings me to the next tip. 

Get Enrolling:

If you have been sharing with friends most likely a few of them would like to start using essential oils also.  The enrollment kits are such a great value and when you spend $100 pv for the month the commission on the enrollment kit for you is $50.00.  How cool is that!? You want the promotion, your buddies want a way to promote wellness in their life...it's a win/win! The best way to get enrollments up  is to share your kit and experiences with others.  We often forget about the power of asking and can miss out on someone who is interested because we assume they will come to us.  make a list of ten people you would like to share with and start setting up those classes and coffee dates.

Replacement Buying:

This one is so easy and also a great way to eliminate toxins from your home.  Young Living has a plethora of products that you can be switching out your chemical laden products with.  Here are a few that I have started to order religiously and honestly love them more then the products I used before

• Thieves Household Cleaner

• Thieves Dish Soap

• Thieves Laundry Detergent

• Orange Blossom Face wash

• Satin facial scrub

• Skin Care System 

• Toothpaste and Mouthwash

• Deodorant

• Shave cream and oil

• Hand soap 

• Shampoo and Conditioner

• Kids Products (toothpaste, vitamins, Shampoo, lotion)

• Essential oils for cooking (Black Pepper, Rosemary, Basil, Thyme, Taste of Italy, Nutmeg, Cinnamon Bark, Coriander, Peppermint and so many more) 

• Energy Drink

Obviously I didn't include the vast amount of supplements and other healthy snacking options available, which can also replace other items you are currently buying.  Put your money into wellness and make it a priority, you will not regret it! 

Here is also another great way to really maximize this amazing promo:

Lets all take advantage of this amazing promotion and get the biggest bang for our buck by also being enrolled in Essential Rewards! 

Diffuser Blends- Fall Addition

Hi, my name is Christina and I was once a candle junkie this time of year. I always thought that candles created such a warm and inviting environment. That was until I found out they were really doing way more harm than good. It's time to ditch those chemical filled candles (and wax warmers) and go with something pure and beneficial to your family at the same time.

Now my diffusers are running pretty much non stop at my home. I have slowly grown my collection of diffusers to where I happily have one in each bedroom and one in the main living area. This is key when my whole family happens to be under the weather. I have different diffuser recipes that I use daily or at specific times depending on possible illness and mood. My preferred method of using my oils is via the diffuser because it's the fastest way to get the oils into our system to yield the quickest result physically and emotionally. Below I will share some of my favorite Fall diffuser recipes and also a couple DIY ways to get your oils into the air if you don't have a diffuser handy.

Germs! Everyone has them, and they're everywhere. We have a lot of people thru our house all the time, so a diffuser mix I get pumping whenever we're expecting people over is: Orange and Thieves. 

I think citrus oils are my favorite to diffuse because they are just so clean and crisp smelling. Pair Orange with Thieves and you have the perfect fall scent. Thieves is amazingly immune boosting and is a staple this time of year. They work well together to keep all the yuckies out of the air and your home. Thieves is a blend of clove, cinnamon bark, eucalyptus, lemon, and rosemary essential oils. 

The next blend that I tend to favor this time of year is: Ginger, Clove, and Orange. This one smells so sweet and fresh that you'll want to diffuse it all year long. It creates a cozy feel and I always notice that its very uplifting to the overall mood of the house. A definite must to try this year. 

Here are a few other great diffuser recipes: 

There are so many other great combinations with the amount of oils offered by Young Living. Don't be scared of mixing two oils (or three or four!)  that seem out of the ordinary.  Happy Diffusing Friends! 

Onward to the DIY Diffusers---- If you bought Young Living's Premium Starter Kit then you already have a great diffuser, but until you're able to build up your collection I will share a few DIY "diffusers."  These are all quick and temporary solutions to your diffuser woes. First, I find that sometimes when I'm in my car either traveling or after I've had a stinky (it happens!) traveling companion that my car needs a little reset. I simply use a handful of small cotton rounds, think make up remover pads, like these from Target. I drop a little oil on each pad, fold them, and place them in the air vents. That way when I turn on the air or fan the smell of the oils will fill my car. Brilliant, right? The next DIY diffuser is basically the same as the car version, but for your indoor fan. See the graphic below! 

What are some of your favorite fall diffuser recipes? 

Winter Wellness-- Be Prepared!

This is the time of year that I start getting asked: "Which oils and products should I have on hand as we enter the winter months?" This answer can vary a ton person to person, and bear in mind that I have not had the pleasure of trying ALL the Young Living products. This list is just what I have tried, and happen to love. My personal list is mostly oils, with Ningxia Red and Thieves products mixed in.

Remember I am NOT a doctor and I am not attempting to diagnosis, prevent, or cure any illness or disease. Please consult a doctor.

Ningxia Red: Once you start drinking this its hard to stop. I personally got hooked while I was at the Young Living Convention. Ningxia Red is an antioxidant drink made with the wolfberry and infused with essential oils. The wolfberry is alone is packed with tons of vitamins, calcium, potassium, iron, zinc, selenium, riboflavin, and vitamin C. More on the benefits of the wolf berry here.

So what are the direct health benefits of Ningxia Red?

• Supports whole-body health support
• Energy support
• Supports normal cellular function
• Supports normal eye health
• Healthy daily supplement
• Helps prevent against oxidative stress

There are a few other variations of Ningxia Red as well: Ningxia Nitro & Ningxia Zyng, be sure to try them both too!

Thieves Essential Oil: Thieves! This one is the heavy hitter! Immune supporting! This is a one of a kind blend of Clove, Cinnamon Bark, Eucalyptus, Lemon, and Rosemary Essential Oils that you can only get with Young Living. I like to make Thieves tea with lemon essential oil and honey. Its so soothing and really warms you up. This one can also be taken in a capsule, which is how I prefer to take it if my immune system needs a little boost.

There are SO many Thieves products offered by Young Living and they can all help this time of year in their own way. Check them all out here.

Oregano Essential Oil: Ok, people! This one is a must. VERY immune boosting and supporting. Pairs well with Thieves and Lemon to offer mega support. As you know we are super limited by what we can say on social media (thanks FDA!), so I am going to send you to articles and studies whenever I can. Here is a fantastic one about the health benefits of Oregano. 

RC Essential Oil Blend: R=respiratory C=congestion. I mean, do I need to say more? Diffuse this bad boy while you sleep or just whenever you are trying to...breathe. :) RC is a blend of: Eucalyptus Globulus, Eucalyptus Radiata, Eucalyptus Citriodora, Myrtle, Spruce, Peppermint, Pine, Lavender, Marjoram, and Cypress. 

Breathe Again Essential Oil Roll On: Another one that speaks for itself. However, this one only comes in a roll on, which I actually love! Its so easy and ridiculously convenient. Roll it on to enhance your respiratory health!!! Breathe Again is a blend of: Eucalyptus staigeriana leaf oil, Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil, Laurus nobilis oil, Rosa rubiginosa (Rose hip) seed oil, Peppermint oil, Eucalyptus radiata leaf oil, Balsam copaiba resin, Blue cypress wood oil, Eucalyptus bicostata leaf oil, and Myrtle oil. Thats four different kinds of Eucalyptus! 

Lemon: Lemon is labeled as dietary, so you can ingest it. Adding it to water will enhance the flavor, but there are many health benefits from drinking water that includes lemon essential oil. Learn more about them here. 

DiGize: Ever have issues with normal digestion? Yea, you and everyone else on the planet. This one will help you with that. This oil is a blend of: Tarragon leaf oil, Ginger root oil, Peppermint leaf oil, Juniper oil, Fennel seed oil, Lemongrass leaf oil, Anise oil, and Patchouli leaf oil.

Raven: This is one of my top 5 favorite oils. Raven provides me with comfort when I apply it to my nose, forehead, and checks. It supports healthy sinuses when applied topically. Raven is a blend of the VERY aromatic oils: Ravensara, lemon, wintergreen, peppermint, and Eucalyptus radiata.

Purification: Having this oil is key  if you want to clean the air after illness or having a stinky house guest. Seriously, it is borderline magical. Diffusing Purification can get even the most unpleasant odors to disappear, not just cover them up. The oils in this blend are: Citronella, Lemongrass, Lavandin, Rosemary, Tea Tree, and Myrtle. 

Product Tips from the Young Living Website: 

• Add Purification essential oil blend to your washing machine to freshen laundry.
• Add a couple drops of Purification essential oil blend to shoes to help neutralize odors.
• Add a few drops of Purification essential oil blend to a cotton ball to help eliminate stale air in the office or your child’s room.
• Diffuse Purification essential oil blend to dispel unpleasant odors and clear the air of impurities.
• Diffuse Purification essential oil blend to eliminate odors after the dog returns from playing outdoors in the rain.

That's my personal list! I know that there are A LOT of other products that are helpful for winter wellness, but just too many to talk about today. The supplements alone are fantastic for promoting and maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle, but thats another blog! The "other" Christina is the expert in the supplement department, so stay tuned for a blog on all their amazing benefits. But, in the mean time check out more about Young Living Supplements here. 

Happy winter wellness! Please tell us some of your success stories (compliantly) in the comments! 

Oils On The Go!

The Must Have Young Living Products For Every Bag In Your Life

As a mom, student, business owner, and working a full-time job I carrier a lot of baggage (not that kind). With all of these bags comes the need to outline the amazing Young Living products I cannot live without when on the go!  If you have not started bringing Young Living along for the ride yet you will (and should).  I have outlined what Young Living products I can absolutely not go without.  

In My Purse

Well, besides the million completely random things (like a rock and Lego) I have my beautiful essential oil clutch, from Sew Grown.  I have a tone of oils with me all the time but to keep this post short here are a few of my favorites: 

Dragon Time essential oil blend with a roller: I slather this on everyday, it has helped keep my hormones in balance and I love it!

En-R-Gee essential oil blend: The scent is invigorating and so easy to see where it got it's name. 

Lemon essential oil (or any citrus): I am a water snob now and only drink water with essential oils in it...that's just the way it is

NingXia Red Singles: Because I drive, have kids, and work..I need the antioxidant support! 

Other Young Living products I keep in my purse: Young Living Lavender lip balm, I love it more then I thought I could love lip balm. Thieves hand sanitizer and Super B capsules.

In My Diaper Bag

Technically I don't carry a diaper bag anymore, my twins are two and carry their own stuff now (including oils...so cute!). I will say that these are the Young Living items I did keep in my diaper bag:

Thieves Spray: This stuff is awesome, I would spray the shopping cart handle, swing at the park you name it I sprayed it!

Tea Tree essential oil: Supports health skin, a needed item in the bag!

Lavender essential oil: Wonderful soothing scent, great in a travel diffuser for the car like this the USB Orb. 

Balance Complete: As a new mom of twins eating was something that maybe never happened, so shaker bottle with a scoop (or two) of balance complete was perfect to have on hand.

In My Gym Bag

I love working-out and am very excited about a newer product that came out this year from Young Living which I will be adding to my gym bag Cool Azul Sports gel.

Here are a few other products in my Gym Bag line-up

Deep Relief: The name says it all, and believe me this was a go to when training for a half marathon.

RC: I enjoy diffusing RC while working-out, such an uplifting scent

Pure Protein Complete (chocolate or vanilla): Protein is great to have after a workout, and these shakes have been getting rave reviews. I like to keep a shaker bottle with me for after workouts, curbs cravings and replenishes the body 

Slique Bars:  I love to have a bar handy for a pre-workout snack. Young Living has a whole Slique line of products to support health weight!

In My Suitcase

The whole point of a vacation at this point in my life is to catch up on some sleep! I love my kids, but I need my sleep and a vacation is a great time for that.  Here are my suitcase essentials:

Cedarwood essential oil: I love how relaxing this oil is, and how well it supports healthy sleep and skin (bonus!)

Stress Away essential oil blend: My husband uses this on long drives mostly to ensure the safety of the other drivers. I love to apply this throughout the day, really helps to reduce tension.

Peppermint: On vacation we eat and love to add Peppermint to our water as a great way to support healthy digestion. 

Purification essential oil blend: We have all been there, the hotel room that smells like someone has been staying there for awhile..I love to bring my diffuser and get my fresh on! This works great to help freshen the stale air of a closed up hotel room.

Inner Defense: When I go on vacation the last thing I want is to feel less then normal. This great supplement will help to reinforce systemic defenses, promote healthy respiratory function, and is rich in immune-supporting ingredients.

Supporting Wellness with Young Living

Wellness is an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life.

"...a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." - The World Health Organization.

"a conscious, self-directed and evolving process of achieving full potential." - The National Wellness Institute

Wellness is defined by actions and choices every day that support our overall health!

One reason I use Young Living is for the large number of products to help actively support my overall wellness regimen.  Listed below are a few ways to use the Young Living products to incorporate into your wellness routine.

First Let’s Talk About Essential Oils:

Essential oils support our bodies normal and healthy functioning.  Essential oils have been used for wellness for thousands of years.  It is important to remember that essential oils may be popular now, but they are not new.  Essential oils are the purest form of an herb and crazy concentrated!  Essential oils aid in the body’s natural detoxification process, absorb easily into the body, and oxygenate the cells.

Here are a few (not the only) ways to incorporate Young Living Essential oils in your daily wellness routine.

• Citrus essential oils in your water
• Peppermint in your tea or coffee
• Cedarwood apply behind your ears before bed
• Lavender diffuse for soothing environment
• Add a few drops of Thieves to a vegetable capsules 

There are many uses for essential oils, if you are curious how to use check your bottle!

NingXia Red:

This amazing product is Young Livings Antioxidant essential oil wellness support drink

According to Young Living:

Balanced ingredients make NingXia Red a whole-body nutrient infusion for health and wellness support. Enjoy NingXia Red daily to energize, fortify, and revitalize the body and support overall health and wellness, from head to toe.

This tastes amazing and you only need two ounces a day! For the best deal get your booty on Essential Rewards and purchase NingXia Red in the Essential Rewards bundle!

Supplements:

This was one of my happy dance moments when I realized Young Living had a vast selection of supplements. I am going to list my daily supplements and a few others to check out!  

• Super B- B vitamins to increase energy levels and promote nervous and cardiovascular systems. I take this midday for needed boost in energy.

• Super C-promote immune and circulatory function, tastes good and part of the daily routine.

• Thyromin-promotes healthy thyroid function and has made one of the biggest impacts in my wellness.

• Life 5-high-potency probiotic that builds and restores intestinal health with five clinically proven probiotic strains. Gut health is very important to overall health.

• Inner Defense-reinforce systemic defenses, promote healthy respiratory function, and are rich in immune-supporting ingredients. I keep several bottles on hand, these are awesome!

Others to check out:

• SleepEssence- Young Living Therapeutic Grade essential oils with unique sleep-enhancing properties that enable restful sleep

• CortiStop- a proprietary dietary supplement designed to help the female body balance its cortisol levels to maintain its natural balance and harmony

•  Mineral Essence- supports a healthy immune system with a balanced ionic mineral complex enhanced with rejuvenating essential oils

*These are not all of the supplements offered by Young Living…so go check them all out!

Liquid Wellness:

• Balance Complete-Powerful nutritive energizer and a cleanser. High in fiber, protein, and minerals for a nutritionally dynamic meal. I will use this for a quick lunch at work, it tastes great.

• Power Meal- Meal replacement, rich in calcium and antioxidants, and each serving contains 20 grams of protein

• Pure Protein Complete (Chocolate and Vanilla)- a comprehensive protein supplement that combines a proprietary 5-Protein Blend, amino acids, and ancient peat and apple extract to deliver 25 grams of protein per serving

• Slique Tea- Natural ingredients support healthy individual weight goals and maintain healthy body function.

Beauty Upgrade:

• Rose Ointment-blends natural oils to nourish and aid the protection of dry, cracked skin.

• Sheerlumé Brightening Cream—an advanced formula powered by a proprietary blend of Young Living’s pure essential oils. I love this cream feels great on the skin!

• Orange Blossom facial wash- gentle, non-abrasive cleanser that removes dirt and makeup without removing your skin's natural protective oils

• Satin Facial Scrub Mint- supports the skin's natural pH balance with gentle ingredients that exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin for a fresher, smoother appearance

• ART® Skin Care System- safely and effectively cleanses, tones, and moisturizes your face to bring out your natural and inherent beauty

Home Improvements:

• Thieves Laundry Soap
• Thieves Dish Soap
• Thieves Fruit and Veggie Soak
• Thieves Household cleaner
• Thieves Wipes

The whole line of Thieves cleaners not only smell amazing, clean wonderfully but are not full of harmful chemicals like most cleaners on the market. I have used all other natural products and honestly just assumed that they were not meant to clean that well.  I was truly amazed at how well the Thieves Household cleaner worked, and on everything!!

Get on Essential Rewards, and start replacing some of those products in your life that are not supporting wellness and replace them with ones that will!