How to Clean Your Essential Oil Diffuser

6
Mar
2019
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If you’re like me, I love my essential oil diffusers.  It is such a blessing to help my home smell amazing, but also help everyone in the family breath in healthy and emotionally balancing essential oils.  Diffusing essential oils has been a huge part of my journey to relieve years of hopelessness, irritability and ongoing sadness.  If you are experiencing any of those, I encourage you to check out how essential oils can truly provide some hope, along with Jesus!

My diffusers also get a lot of use and honestly, sometimes I just get lazy and don’t do a very good job of cleaning them after every use.  I have a whole bunch of different diffuser models in my house, most are Young Living diffusers, but I also have this large mist diffuser and I love it.

Well, here’s why and how to keep your cool misting friend in tip top shape or perhaps recover from some minor neglect. 😉

Most Essential Oil Diffusers sold by Young Living are ultrasonic diffusers, or cold mist diffusers.

If you take a look at your diffuser, there is a small disk inside the bottom of the water reservoir. Electrical current passes through this disk and creates a vibration, creating a cool water mist and also spreading out the essential oil in microparticles for easier distribution in the mist.

So why do I need to clean my diffuser?

In short, they can get to smell funky with multiple uses and I don’t want to fill my room with funk. Also, high viscosity essential oils (e.g. Sandalwood, Vetiver..) can gum up the ultrasonic disk and decrease the diffuser’s efficiency. You’re also diffusing a specific essential oil for a specific reason. Do you really want the previous essential oil in there? Finally, your diffuser will probably run a lot smoother, quieter, longer and more efficient with these cleaning tips.

Easy Daily Cleaning

Just wipe it out after each use. Unplug the diffuser, dump any remaining water and oil, and use a damp cloth to wipe the diffuser out. Sometimes a little Thieves Cleaner will help break up some of the accumulated gunk if there is any. Every once in a while, I use a Q-Tip and rubbing alcohol to clean off the ultrasonic diffusing disk.

Heavier Cleaning

Try using white vinegar to break us some of the accumulated oils and minerals on the inside of your diffusers and ultrasonic disk. Definitely do this outside to avoid stinking up your house. Personally, I use one teaspoon of white vinegar with two – three teaspoons of water. Plug the diffuser in and let it run. After about 30 minutes, unplug, dump, wipe, refill and run for another 30 minutes. Dump, wipe and bring your baby back inside for some more hard work. Just remember not to leave the water / vinegar solution in your diffuser for an extended period.

And finally, a disclaimer. You’re working with an electrical appliance. Always unplug it before cleaning or taking it apart. Definitely never submerge the motor in water. And follow your diffuser’s instruction manual. Also, take care not to scratch your diffusers exterior or interior finish.

These cleaning methods are for diffusers that operate with water, not atomizing diffusers like this one (affiliate link)

young living desert mist diffuser

Not an Essential Oiler User Yet?

Young Living is my essential oil company of choice, and I’ve used them for over six years now.  The company  is committed to establishing and maintaining the ultimate, industry-leading standard in its Seed to Seal guarantee, which exceeds Organic.   It’s also a company with a HUGE global heart, impacting thousands globally with it’s many programs of hope through the D. Gary Young Foundation.  I have seen first hand many of these projects, like the Young Living Academy in Ecuador.

I believe Young Living is full of integrity, the best oils you can find in the world and has the history of twenty-five years to show for it.  I’ve been sharing Young Living with people since I began using them just over six years ago and have a community of over 7,000 who are Confident Oil users.  I would be honored to help you get these oils in your home too – and start making wellness, purpose and abundance part of your story too – click here to see how you can connect with me.Essentiel Oils Made Easy

If you are looking for a bit more information you can sign up for this simple email series by clicking the graphic, or I am happy to invite you to a fun and fast paced Facebook event on Monday, March 11th.  No pressure at all, just great information for you to really get a grasp on how you could incorporate these oils into your life.  Just click this link to join.  I am also offering a very educational class on toxins and how you can replace items in your home that are really wreaking havoc on your body with all plant based items that work just as well, and sometimes better.  You can join that class here, and it takes place Tuesday, March 12th.  Both classes will be available to view for 3 weeks.

Ready to go now… just click here to grab your kit and join our online community – plus you’ll get a welcome packet from me with valuable resources and I’ll gift you $20 back as well.

Filed Under: Essential Oils

21 Day Challenge of Reading God’s Word

1
Feb
2019
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Reading God's Word 21 day challenge

Early this morning I opened up my Favorite Bible App, YouVersion to start my devotion time. I was welcomed with a message to participate in a 21 Day Reading God’s Word Challenge.

Now, I already do this, read the bible nearly every day, but it was laid on my heart to participate in a way that would include others.  My heart is to share in community, and so many feel pressed on all sides to fit in reading the bible.  We can all make time for the things that are important, am I right?

21 Days to Change

You likely have heard that it takes about 21 days to develop new habits and patterns of behavior.  So, it’s no mistake that this is a 21 day challenge.

I scrolled through the suggested 21 Day devotions and I chose, “Grace for the Pace.”

It felt fitting in this season, when we all struggle with finding space for our soul.

Will you Join Me?

I’d love to link arms with you and others who might need some encouragement, a friend to walk along with, or just an invitation to show up.  You can download the YouVersion APP and read ANYWHERE – literally… and you can even put it in audio to listen to.  Guys, there really is no excuse.

The YouVersion APP makes it easy to read anywhere – plus they have a huge selection of incredible devotions, you may find another devotion you want to read as well.

I’d love to challenge you to join me.

If you want to join, feel free to click this link. You’ll be in a small group where we can share our takeaways as we journey together.  Don’t worry, it’s really private and no one can see you in your messy hair or pajamas!

Join Me!

Would you read the Bible Plan, 21 Days Of Grace For The Pace, with me?

CLICK HERE to join

It’s not too late to join us.  We just started this morning.  Do not let that be an excuse.

Come on… click the link and hop on over.  We are waiting to say hello… and do not worry, if you choose to just read along with us, and not comment, we totally are cool with that.

Feel free to share this with a friend, they may need the encouragement too!

Filed Under: Faith and Family, Self Care

Renewal for 2019

16
Jan
2019
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Hello Sweet Friends….

I hope this note finds you enjoying your week and finding space to breathe.  That is my goal in this new season, to provide space to let my soul breathe.

Over the course of the past two years, I have allowed my schedule to be filled with things that do not inspire me, do not fill my soul and certainly have allowed me to become bitter and frustrated.  None of that is good for the soul.

After having a lovely getaway with my husband for FIVE days to share our vision for 2019, I clearly found my word for this year….. RENEWAL.

renewal - word for the year

Time for Change

It’ time…. to make some changes…. because what I’ve been doing is just not working.  And isn’t that the mistake we often make, we keep doing the same thing thinking things will change?

Are you in a season of needing some change, some refreshment, some soothing of your soul?  Walk with me friend… we can do this…. together!

Today I want to share with you a few things I’ve put into practice already that have already altered my frame of mind and given my soul a breath of fresh air.  Not the stifled, claustrophobic air I was struggling to take in… but fresh and clean air that is life giving.

Quiet

My quiet time is first thing in the morning.  I’ve shared about quiet time and what it can look like and how you can fit it in.  But the most important thing is to DO IT.  Determine when it fits your schedule and block it out.

I get up, making my coffee (which is a sweet process with my French Press, names Amelia and my hand grinder), sit down and open up my YOUVersion bible APP so I can read through four to six different devotionals I am actively reading.  I write notes in a simple journal, sometimes just a short scripture or a quote from one of the devotional authors.  I then take a few moments to just be….quiet.  And listen.  I was in a habit of rushing through my time and not allowing the space for God to speak to me, which handicaps our walk when we don’t.  It has been so fulfilling to change things up.

Feed Your Soul

I have found the loveliest podcast EVER and perhaps I am just slow to the program, but I need to share it with you!  The Next Right Thing Podcast by Emily P. Freeman.  If you need a friend to give you advice, Emily is the one.  She gently encourages and provides just the right balance of her story, relevant scripture and it certainly doesn’t hurt that her voice is just sweet and soothing.  I truly love that the podcast episodes are only usually around ten minutes, which for any busy mom, well…. you can find time for that for sure!

I am guilty of binge listening to catch up – but I’d say its an investment in my soul!

Move

I hate the word exercise right now, so I am really just changing the semantics a bit to just say MOVE!

When I hear the word exercise, I think of fitting into my schedule six days of running or T-25 workouts.  To be honest, my life just can’t handle that right now.  So, when I set goals like that, I tend to fail and then guilt and shame creep in…. which we all know just helps nothing.

Instead of lofty New Years goals, I am dedicated to get outside at least three days a week and walk the beach. I had my first true long walk yesterday, and I shared on Facebook, it was lovely.  As I slowly master this goal, I can add in a new element. I am finding relief in this new way to creating my schedule and it’s a sweet surprise.  Being successful in the little things, can leave room to add a few more things later.

Meditate

Yep, I  said that.  As a “doer” and one who loves to push themselves and accomplish a lot.  I could never see myself taking the time to meditate.  I mean, man…. I could do so much during that ten minutes…. instead of just sit there.  However, with anything…. it is often a good idea to truly give something a try before you make big judgements…. am I right?

So, a good friend shared with my about how she’d been doing meditation and her personality is very similar to mine.  After hearing her express her LOVE for this new activity, I decided to give it a try.  I downloaded the CALM APP, which I will see is simply amazing!!  I have started my own practice of meditating, and it has changed my day.  You can try it for seven days for free, so you truly have nothing to lose.  Do it!  Side-note – I have been using the sleep stories for kids with my nine year old – not for bedtime, but for riding in the car or takin this bath.  He is also a huge fan.

Sabbath

It means different things to different people.  Our family observed a “day of rest” for a period of about 9 months a few years back.  I shared some simple steps on implementing a day of rest.

Then life …..

I can’t really remember the exact reason to why it stopped appearing in our calendar – but it did.

With a husband who travels and has different work days, it takes some extra planning to determine “the” day of the week we will observe and pull back and rest.  However, one of the visions I shared with my husband when we had our getaway was to implement Sabbath back into our schedule.

So, we went through and blocked out the next two months – one day every week to observe Sabbath.

I’m not a theologian – but I know God wants us to rest our bodies, to seek Him and be obedient in working 6 days and resting on the 7th.  We observed our first Sabbath on Sunday and it was lovely.

So tell me, what are you changing to help you find refreshment and renewal?  I would love to hear and add a few more ideas to my list, because as I integrate these in, I will be looking for the next step.

Another note, you will find me back to blogging more here too.  I went through a season where I lost a bit of my creativity to be honest, and I feel the Lord is refreshing my soul, so I can write again in a new way.  I am excited to start this new season with you all.

 

Filed Under: Optimum Mom, Self Care

Supporting Your Wellness Journey

11
Jan
2019
by Leave a Comment

As we become more educated on what’s good for our bodies and what isn’t, more and more people are incorporating essential oils as part of their wellness journey.

The research is there, we only need to take time to embrace its messages. We’re surrounded by toxic chemicals every where we go, it’s in the products we use, it’s in our homes, and we’re even ingesting it. Nothing good will come from overloading our bodies with these toxins.

My Wellness Journey

Six years ago I began my own wellness journey, and I was shocked at what I had been doing to my body for, basically, my entire life. It’s no wonder I didn’t feel well.

But I’ve educated myself, and in doing so, I’m in the best health of my life. And it feels good to know I’m taking care of my family in the absolute best way I can for their health today and in the future.

Essential oils are a natural way to support your body without harmful toxins. I use them every day! The best way to get started using them is a Young Living Premium Starter Kit. It gives you a variety of our most popular oils.

Top Ways to Use Your Oils

Here are some of the ways I like to use the oils in the Premium Starter Kit that you might enjoy also:

  • Lavender. I love using Lavender on my little guy to help him unwind before bedtime. A couple of drops on the back of his neck, wrists, chest, or soles of his feet does the trick. It can also be added to a warm bath or diffused.
  • Peppermint Vitality. This is one of the oldest European herbs used for medicinal purposes. This is great for tummy troubles! I like to diffuse it for my little guy when he has a tummy ache, or for myself I might ingest a drop or two. (When it is labeled as “Vitality” that means it is safe to ingest!)
  • Lemon Vitality. I love this for immune system support! I add a drop or two to my water each day! It also freshens breath!
  • Citrus Fresh Vitality. What’s better than Lemon, Grapefruit, and Orange essential oils? Combining all of them PLUS Tangerine, Mandarin and Spearmint! Citrus Fresh smells divine and really kicks up the flavor in your water! Water with amazing flavor AND antioxidants and mild cleansing properties?  YES please!!!
  • Frankincense. I like to use Frankincense topically to calm and ease my mind.  It also has great benefits for my skin… and I am getting a little older!
  • Thieves Vitality. This is wonderful for supporting your immune system during the winter months! This can be taken in a capsule, but you can also diffuse Thieves!
  • Valor.  Have to speak to a group of people? Valor! Nervous about confronting something
    uncomfortable? Valor! Having a day that is threatening to get the best of you? Valor!
    You could start the day off by using Valor as your perfume/cologne and reap the
    benefits for hours. Courage in a bottle!
  • Raven. Do you adore fresh, invigorating scents? You’re going to love Raven.  I love making a chest soother with this oil!
  • DiGize Vitality. I love this one for supporting my digestive system when I’ve eaten something I shouldn’t have. I enjoy this one by adding a couple of drops to a little bit of honey. It also helps with my sugar cravings this way.
  • PanAway. I combine PanAway with a carrier oil to make a massage oil for use after a long run for tired, sore muscles.
  • Peace and Calming.  If there’s ever been an oil whose name says it all, THIS is it!
    This blend can help you unwind after a busy day. It’s a huge help for kids who are having a hard
    time settling down at bedtime. A little Peace & Calming topically or in the diffuser (or
    BOTH!) is a mom’s secret weapon!
  • StressAway. Ahhhhh Stress Away! The name says it all! This Lime-Vanilla blend has a citrusy scent that is relaxing and comforting. Long day at work? Soak it away with Epsom salts and Stress Away in a warm bath.

I love this video – short and sweet with all the details!!

If you are already using these oils, drop me a note and let me know your favorite way to use them!

READY, SET, GO!

If you are ready to add them into your wellness routine, I am offering $20 cash back on every Young Living Premium Starter Kit purchase!

Order your kit here »

Filed Under: Essential Oils, Healthy Living

How I Got Healthier – Continuing the Journey

5
Jan
2019
by Leave a Comment

It starts with baby steps, making changes that will help your body function better. If you missed the first post in this two-part series, you can catch it here.

If you are looking to live with more energy, vibrancy, and emotional stability, read on. These are the changes I have made to create space for these things.

Movement

You must move your body. Find an activity that you enjoy—and do not think it has to be intense to make a difference. I used to be a hard-core runner, training for half marathons because I truly enjoyed the challenge. Now I find myself taking walks, doing some stretching, pilates, or some simple weight exercises. Fit in 20-30 minutes of activity at least five times a week; your body will thank you.

Sugar

Remove sugar from your daily life. Sugar feeds illness—period. You can Google and find research all over that will testify to this fact. Sugar is in EVERYTHING; begin to read your labels. Sugar is addictive and the only way for you to reset your body is to cut it out, cold turkey. Two years ago I did my first 21-day sugar detox with a large Facebook group. It taught me a lot about my body, truly how addicted I was, and how sugar is in everything. You’ll find it in ketchup, salad dressing, salsa, and canned goods. Do not forget that pasta, potatoes, and fruit contain sugar, even though it’s not “added” sugar, even the natural sugar can affect your body. Do a bit more research on this and at least determine to remove the added sugar to items that are unnecessary as a first step.

Sleep

Your body heals itself during your sleep, so when you aren’t getting enough sleep or entering into a deep enough sleep, your body struggles.

I shoot to get at least eight hours of sleep a night. I am an early-to-bed person, usually in bed by 9:30 p.m. This allows me enough sleep to still rise around 6 a.m. and feel refreshed. By getting enough sleep you will reduce stress and improve your mood; this was a key area I wanted to improve. My emotions were all over the place. When you get enough sleep, you will also tend to get sick less. It’s important—for you, for you kids, for your spouse.

Eat Less Animal Products

Oh yes, I am going there. I just read Eat to Live by Joel Fuhrman and it truly opened my eyes. The book not only gave great information on eating a more plant-based diet, but gave countless study after study of research on the benefits. It is a must-read. You can easily begin eating less meat and dairy items. To be honest, for most people, typical cow dairy items cause inflammation in the body. So substituting items and removing most cheese is a beneficial change. If you are still drinking cow’s milk and giving pasteurized milk to your kiddos, I encourage you to read this article to perhaps shed some light on why this may not be the best decision.

No Microwave

I wrote previously on the blog about this change, so instead of going into details, you can easily click over to read it here. Using a microwave KILLS your food, period. I am in the corner with microwaves that it zaps the nutrients out of food—literally. In my opinion, the risk is just not worth the small convenience of reheating items using a microwave. In fact, in our new home, we are not even installing a microwave. We just do not use it.

Water

Drinking real, pure, GOOD water is the way your body removes toxins and flushes your systems. Two years ago we began filtering all our drinking and cooking water with a BERKEY water system that removed pathogens as well as fluoride. It was a game-changer for us. We also try our best to not drink from PLASTIC water bottles. So when we are headed out of the house, all family members fill up their own personal glass water bottle. Not only does this save us money, it is a much healthier alternative. When you drink water from plastic water bottles, store bought, or ones you personally fill, the plastic leaches into the water. I am not interested to drink leached plastic.

I hope you consider making one or two changes for the new year from my list of tips. These are things I have successfully implemented and have made a huge difference in my life.

If you missed me mentioning this healthy meal planning bundle, girl… you need it!  If you are looking for quick and healthy meal options your entire family will enjoy – you have found it!

Healthy Meal Planning Bundle 2019

Filed Under: Healthy Living, Self Care
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