Blog

Fitness, Health, Recipes

Ningxia Red – The Best Antioxidant Supplement

Everyone is saying that you should eat a diet high in antioxidants. The easiest way to do that… NingXia Red. This class will cover all the amazing benefits of Ningxia Red and give you tips, tricks, and recipes for making it a part of your family’s daily regimen.

place of origin

Residents of the Ningxia region of northern China, where the wolfberry grows, have been enjoying the incredible wellness-supporting benefits of the wolfberry that grows in the area for thousands of years.

Luckily we get to use them in our NingXia Red products due to the amazing relationship Gary Young built with the people there. After discovering Ningxia wolfberries to be one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet, Gary became convinced that this superfruit needed to be made available to the world. This is how our beloved Ningxia Red was born.

quality matters

Young Living has a Seed to Seal promise that ensures you are getting the best oils and products sent to your home.

  • Their farms and partner farms abide by strict standards.
  • They select the strongest seeds from strong thriving plants.
  • They hand-weed and use their own oils on plants for pest control to avoid the use of toxic chemicals.
  • They harvest at peak times to ensure quality oils.
  • They distill on site without chemicals.
  • They test every batch. If it doesn’t meet their standards because of weather conditions or for any other reason, they do not bottle it up.

All of these factors make a huge difference in quality and effectiveness! You can trust what you’re buying!

Check out more info on their Seed to Seal promise HERE!

ningxia for breakfast

NingXia Red is 25% NingXia Wolfberry puree. The puree includes the juice, pulp, and peel of the plant, which contains vitamins and minerals such as Vit C, Vit A, calcium, potassium, zinc, selenium, riboflavin (B2) and more. The puree also allows you to get fiber and protein. You need all of these things to maintain health.

A smoothie is a great way to start your morning. It’s quick, easy to grab on- the-go, and tasty!

Here are two ways to make sure your breakfast smoothie is complete.

  1. Add 1-2 ounces of NingXia Red.
  2. Add two scoops of Young Living’s Protein Complete powder to make it a “complete” meal with 25g of protein!

smoothie recipes

Banana-Berry Protein Smoothie

  • 1/2 banana
  • 1/2 cup of frozen berries
  • 1/2 cup spinach
  • 1 scoop Vanilla Protein complete
  • 2-oz. NingXia Red
  • 3-oz. Orange Juice

PB&J Smoothie

  • 1 cup mixed frozen berries
  • 1/2 frozen banana
  • 2 T almond butter
  • 1/2 T ground cinnamon
  • 8-oz. unsweetened almond milk
  • 1-oz. NingXia Red juice

Green Goddess Smoothie

  • 2-oz NingXia Red
  • 1/2 cup Almond Milk
  • 1 cup spinach
  • 1/2 banana (peeled)
  • 1 mandarin orange (peeled)
  • 1/4 cup of ice
  • 2 tablespoons plain or greek yogurt (optional)

ningxia red shots

NingXia Red tastes so good you can drink it straight up as a shot! If you have one of individual packets, you can just grab-and-go. If you have a bottle, pour yourself a shot (or a double) and take ‘er down!

In addition to the beneficial vitamins and minerals mentioned before, NingXia wolfberry contains a ton of amino acids including the essential amino acids L-arginine and L-glutamine. The combo of these two offers many health benefits. A quick google search and you can see for yourself! Sure you can eat some shiitake mushrooms to get your L-arginine, but wouldn’t you rather take a shot of NingXia Red with a yummy berry taste? And just to be clear, NingXia Red has more L-arginine than shiitake mushrooms!

PRO TIP

Add a drop of your favorite oils from the Vitality line to your NR shot… Thieves Vitality, Copaiba Vitality, Orange Vitality and Frankincense Vitality are among our member’s top picks!

OIL-INFUSED SHOTS

  • IMMUNITY: 1-oz. NingXia Red + 1 drop Thieves Vitality, 1 drop Copaiba Vitality
  • ENERGY: 1-oz. NingXia Red + 1 drop Peppermint Vitality, 1 drop Orange Vitality
  • WEIGHTLESS: 1-oz. NingXia Red + 1 drop Grapefruit Vitality

ningxia bomb

Take your NingXia Red after lunch! If you ever feel that post-lunch slump, you can mix up this NingXia Bomb that will give you a ton of energy for the rest of the day.

NingXia Bomb

  • 1 can of NingXia Zyng
  • 1 packet of NingXia NITRO
  • 1-2 oz. NingXia Red

Mix these three ingredients into a glass with ice, stir, and enjoy!

NingXia NITRO is 20ml of healthy, natural ingredients that support your health and keep you focused. With naturally occurring caffeine, it will help you stay energized without the crash. NingXia Zyng is a light, sparkling beverage with 35 mg of naturally occurring caffeine and only 35 calories! You can always enjoy these individually, but together they are magic!

Fun Fact

The NingXia Wolfberry is also a complex carbohydrate, which means your blood sugar will rise slowly, reducing the risk of a sugar crash afterward. This is one reason why this energy drink is a much better alternative than conventional gas-station energy drinks that are filled with junk and catapult you into a sugar high and end with a post-sugar crash.

make it fancy!

NingXia Red is packed with superfoods to support normal eye health and your immune system. It contains plum, aronia, cherry, blueberry, and pomegranate juices and extracts, plus Lemon, Orange, Yuzu, and Tangerine essential oils. These ingredients make NingXia Red a guilt-free fun drink. How awesome is it that you can support your health while you drink a fun mocktail?

Berry Mimosa Mocktail

  1. Mix 1-oz. NingXia Red
  2. 1-oz. sparkling water
  3. Top off your champagne glass with Orange Juice & enjoy!

Sparkling NingXia Red Mocktail

  1. Muddle a few berries in the bottom of a champagne glass
  2. Add sparkling water and 2-oz. of NingXia Red.

NingXia Red Sangria

  1. Combine equal parts red wine and NingXia Red
  2. Top with sparkling water and your favorite fruit!

PRO TIP

Grab a NingXia Packet and take it with you to your favorite restaurant. Add your NingXia Red packet to your favorite beverage!

ningxia red dessert

Having an antioxidant-rich diet is REALLY good for your health. Thankfully, NingXia Red is insanely high in antioxidants. NingXia wolfberries are one of the fruits highest on the ORAC scale, which measures antioxidant levels. Just a few ounces a day of NingXia Red will give your body the antioxidants it needs. The best part is that it tastes GREAT!

Make a quick & easy popsicle by tossing a NingXia Red packet into the freezer! Once frozen, cut the top off and eat it like a push-pop.

Another easy option is to take your favorite smoothie recipe, add your NingXia Red, and pour it into popsicle molds. Kids love making these… and eating them!

NingXia Red Popsicles

  • 1/2 banana
  • 1/2 apple
  • 1/2 cups frozen berries
  • 1/2 cup spinach or another vegetable (optional)
  • 6-oz of NingXia Red (or 4-oz. NR and 2-oz. orange juice)

Adjust quantities based on personal preference. Drop a few unblended berries into each mold to add some fun fruit texture.

Note: blueberries will turn the popsicles a very dark color and spinach will turn it brown.

not a member yet?

Get started with Young Living by picking out your Starter Kit! You can pick from the the NingXia Red Kit, the Premium Oils Kit, the Thieves Kit, a Savvy Minerals Makeup Kit… OR you can choose the Basic Kit and add on all the supplements you want to create a personalized kit! Since this entire class is all about NingXia Red you might want to grab the NingXia Red Starter Kit!

The NingXia Red Starter Kit is $170 (100 PV) and comes with the following products:

  • Lifetime Membership
  • NingXia Red 2-pack bottles
  • 30 NingXia Red Singles (2 fl. oz. ea.)
  • NingXia Nitro
  • Stress Away™ 5-ml
  • AromaGlide™ Roller Fitment
  • Thieves Household Cleaner 1-oz. sample
  • 10 Love It? Share It! Sample Business Cards
  • 10 Love It? Share It! Sample Oil Bottles
  • 2 NingXia Red 2-oz. samples
  • Product Guide and Product Price List
  • Essential Oil Magazine
  • Essential Edge
  • Member Resources

As mentioned, you will automatically get a LIFETIME membership with Young Living!! That means you can forever take advantage of the 24% discount! You will also have access to our private Facebook communities where we offer support, encouragement, and a place for you to ask questions! You will even have the ability to refer your friends for cash!

Pick out your Starter Kit … HERE!

When joining ER, you will also receive ER points back (10% in months 1-3, 20% in months 4-24, 25% thereafter) and gifts at month 3, 6, 9, & 12 for being a loyal ER member. Your Starter Kit can NOW count as your first Essential Rewards order! That means you can earn 10% back in points right away! You can cancel ER anytime with no penalty or fee. For more info on Essential Rewards go HERE

already a member?

Image 12-12-18 at 4.39 PM.jpg
 (Moderate)

Try the NingXia Red Essential Rewards Kit! It comes with FOUR bottles of NingXia Red and 30 2-oz. packets of NingXia Red. You will save about $38 when you purchase it this way!

If you want FREE SHIPPING you can also join the YL GO or YL GO+ free shipping subscription as an Essential Rewards member.

  • YL GO includes 12 months of shipping to cover your ER orders.
  • YL GO+ covers 12 ER orders and 24 Quick Orders. The Quick Order credits come in handy when you run out of something, need to order a last-minute gift, or want to take advantage of a pop-up sale.

You also get 2-4 day shipping AND if you need to overnight something, it’s only $10!

a recap

ningxia worksheet.jpg
 (Moderate)
Fitness, Health

7 Tips to Eat Less and Lose Weight Faster

Food cravings make life difficult – just when we have planned to lose weight, we seem to feel the urge to take a look at the fridge. In simple activities, we place some snacks before us, and bang – the chips bag is suddenly empty. Time for a little self-control!

If you want to take food more consciously and, thereby, lose weight, you should learn to curb your appetite and eat less. This does not mean that you are going to suffer from feeling hungry, but that you will simply change small habits in your everyday life. With the next 7 tips, it won’t be so hard to eat less.

1. Do not go shopping hungry

You have heard this tip many times because it makes sense. In a hungry state, our body thirsts for all things that are tasty and, unfortunately, this is not limited to our favorite biscuits or vegetables. So just go to the supermarket to get only the most needed items (best with a shopping list).

2. Eat smaller portions

If there is a lot of food on our plate, we feel compelled to eat everything, especially when it is particularly delicious. In order to eat less, you only have to get smaller portions – try not to cheat!

3. Do not eat in front of the TV

Even as children, mom often left us with a delicious snack in front of the TV, and, as adults, we continue this tradition. It is so convenient to watch your favorite series with food on your lap. Unfortunately, this is a mistake, because, when we eat in front of the TV, our brain focuses mainly on what we see and hardly perceives what we eat. The sensation of saturation occurs much later. So, when you eat, concentrate on your meal only.

4. Eat more fiber

Foods with a lot of dietary fiber do not only fill you up faster, but are also good for digestion. Nuts, whole-grain products or legumes are good snacks, just like fruits and vegetables, in order to combat the heat of starvation and, thus, to eat less. However, be careful not to overdo it with these foods, because, otherwise, constipation may occur.

5. Avoid all-you-can-eat buffets

This tip is self-explanatory. Fully packed tables, which present us with endlessly many delicious dishes definitely looks so tempting. Although such buffets can save money, they are not at all useful for our purposes.

6. Avoid food containing flavor enhancers

Products that contain flavor enhancers such as glutamate (E 621) or inosinate (E 630) stimulate the appetite a lot. That’s why we want to keep eating. So, when shopping, do not buy products where taste enhancers are listed in the ingredients list.

7. Chew more consciously

Do not cut your food down, but chew it more intensely and slower. By soaking the food with enough saliva, you can ensure good digestion, and the nutrients will be absorbed more easily. In addition, a feeling of saturation becomes faster and you eat less – faster weight loss guaranteed.

With a little discipline, you can easily change your eating and shopping habits. Eating less and more deliberately, that is what matters. This way, you can definitely lose weight without having to give up too much.

DIY

New year, new diffuser blends: Stay motivated with a blend for every month

The new year sparks a surge in setting and achieving goals! Maybe you’ve got your sights set on climbing a mountain, finishing a scrapbook from cover to cover, or building a successful business. But when February rolls around, does your New Year’s energy dim ever so slightly? Ignite your motivation each month with a fresh diffuser blend to keep your goals on track!

January diffuser blend

As you assemble your goals, diffuse a blend bundled with these essential oil favorites. Start your year with this brisk, inspiring mix of Northern Lights Black Spruce, Peppermint, Rosemary, and Tea Tree essential oils.

2 drops Northern Lights Black Spruce essential oil  2 drops Peppermint essential oil  2 drops Rosemary essential oil  1 drop Tea Tree essential oil

February diffuser blend

Love is in air—especially when diffusing this romantic blend of Ylang Ylang, Tangerine, Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood™ , and Cedarwood essential oils. Remind yourself that when you truly love yourself, you can achieve anything!

2 drops Ylang Ylang essential oil  2 drops Tangerine essential oil  2 drops Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood essential oil  2 drops Cedarwood essential oil

March diffuser blend

Positive surroundings pave the way for a fruitful year! Send a fresh, bright, clean scent wherever you are with this blooming blend. It features Lime, Purification®, Spearmint, and Lemongrass.

3 drops Lime essential oil  3 drops Purification essential oil blend 2 drops Spearmint essential oil  1 drop Lemongrass essential oil

April diffuser blend

Spring cleaning has arrived! Declutter the negativity for easy breathing and laser focus. Put the finishing touches on your space by clearing the air with soothing, inspiring scents like the lovely Lavender, Lemon, and Peppermint essential oil blend.

3 drops Lavender essential oil  3 drops Lemon essential oil  3 drops Peppermint essential oil

May diffuser blend

Just like the flowers are in full bloom, so are your goals. Diffuse a spicy, fresh blend of Eucalyptus, Bergamot, Frankincense, and Patchouli essential oils for notes of inspiration and upward growth.

3 drops Eucalyptus Radiata essential oil  3 drops Bergamot essential oil  2 drops Frankincense essential oil  1 drop Patchouli essential oil

June diffuser blend

While you’re soaking in free vitamin D, treat your senses with fresh, floral, sweet notes. Match the sunny weather and positive attitude with this happy aroma, thanks to Lemon, Rosemary, Neroli, and Grapefruit essential oils.

3 drops Lemon essential oil  3 drops Rosemary essential oil  2 drops Neroli essential oil  2 drops Grapefruit essential oil

July diffuser blend

Electric evenings filled with barbecues, fireworks, and lawn gatherings? Must be July! Ignite those nostalgic summer nights by diffusing a warm, sweet blend of Citrus Fresh™, Vetiver, Black Pepper, and Cedarwood. Who knows—it may reignite your goal-getting spirit.

2 drops Citrus Fresh essential oil blend  2 drops Vetiver essential oil  2 drops Black Pepper essential oil  2 drops Cedarwood essential oil

August diffuser blend

Before fall arrives, enjoy nature with fun in the sun! Go for a hike, plan a picnic at the park, or camp under the starry night sky. Keep the outdoor vibes flowing with an invigorating blend of Citronella, Pine, Blue Cypress, and Wintergreen essential oils.

3 drops Citronella essential oil  2 drops Pine essential oil  2 drops Blue Cypress essential oil  2 drops Wintergreen essential oil

September diffuser blend

Appreciate all you’ve accomplished, but then focus on that final push to achieve your goals. Bring on that back-to-school energy with inspiring scents of Peppermint, Frankincense, and Cardamom essential oils.

3 drops Peppermint essential oil  3 drops Frankincense essential oil  3 drops Cardamom essential oil

October diffuser blend

Welcome the brisk breeze and layered attire with a warm, cozy blend, featuring the star players in your oil arsenal: Northern Lights Black Spruce, Clove, and Marjoram. Keep your diffuser running throughout the month to support you as you go for your goals.

3 drops Northern Lights Black Spruce essential oil  3 drops Clove essential oil  3 drops Marjoram essential oil

November diffuser blend

’Tis the season to give thanks! Maybe someone helped shape you into your amazing self. Diffuse this sweet treat of Roman Chamomile, Nutmeg, Cinnamon Bark, and Stress Away™ as a reminder to show appreciation to yourself and others you invite into your surroundings.

3 drops Roman Chamomile essential oil  2 drops Nutmeg essential oil  2 drops Cinnamon Bark essential oil  2 drops Stress Away essential oil blend

December diffuser blend

Jingle bell rock your way to the end of a successful year with a seasonal scent! Diffuse a festive blend of Christmas Spirit™, Cypress, Pine, and Wintergreen in celebration of your success and the start of a new year of goals!

3 drops Christmas Spirit essential oil blend  3 drops Cypress essential oil  2 drops Pine essential oil  2 drops Wintergreen essential oil

Keeping simple habits such as diffusing each day can propel you to achieve bigger goals. Infuse your life with nature’s favorites scents in your quest to success!

Animals

Essential oils for dogs: Pawsome tips for your furry friend

Man’s best friend. Doggo. Pupper. Colonel Princess Fluffernugget. Whatever you call your canine companion, your dog is an important member of the family. It makes total sense that you’d want to share your favorite essential oils with your four-legged friend.

How do I apply essential oils to my dog? Is diffusing oils safe for dogs? What essential oils are good for dogs’ itchy skin? What essential oils can I use with my dog? If these questions sound familiar, you’re barking up the right tree!

Grab your furry BFF and get comfy—we’re about to share the ultimate guide on essential oils for dogs.

How do I apply essential oils to my dog?

First and most important: Dogs are highly sensitive to essential oils. What smells like the faintest hint of Lavender to you might smell like 100 acres of lavender botanicals to little Beethoven. Gradually introduce oils by using them on yourself first. Acting as a human diffuser keeps all those new scents from overpowering your pup.

If you’re the proud owner of new puppy, patience is a virtue. Fur reals. Avoid using topical oils on newborn dogs. For medium- or large-breed puppies, wait until they’re over 8 weeks old. For toy or small-breed puppies, wait until they are over 10 weeks old.

Once you start applying essential oils, pay close attention to Lulu’s behavior. Remember, she wants to be near you and will stay by your side even if she’s feeling uncomfortable. Contrary to popular animated films, pets can’t tell us if something is working or not. Please exercise caution—use oils on that loveable lapdog safely and responsibly.

Should I consult a vet?

YES. Note the caps—we’re super serious about this one. If your dog is pregnant, nursing, or has a medical condition, consult a vet knowledgeable in essential oils prior to use. The following are general recommendations for use. If your pet has a known health issue, please consult your veterinarian before administering essential oils. If your vet suggests other usage, defer to those recommendations. Even if your dog is healthy as a horse, please consult a vet to ensure that there aren’t any underlying issues.

Topical application:

When you’re ready to give Teddy some essential oil TLC, topical application is the way to go. But before you apply, dilute those drops! And remember, size matters. Dilute 1 drop of essential oil to 4 drops of V-6™ for small to medium dogs; 1 drop of oil to 3 drops V-6 for large dogs.

Speaking of dilution, did you know that our Animal Scents® oils come prediluted? Even though they’re not as potent, you’ll want to ease into using them by adding 1 drop of the Animal Scents oil to 1 drop of carrier oil. If your dog tolerates it well, you can try it without diluting.

When you’re ready to give it a try, rub the oil and carrier oil between your palms until your hands are no longer shiny. Rub over your pet’s back, on the belly, and behind the ears. Take extra care to avoid the eyes!

Here are a few more ideas for topical application:

  • Try Animal Scents Ointment or KidScents® Tender Tush* on dry or irritated skin or to soothe the occasional scrape or burn.
  • Use Seedlings® Wipes* to wipe off paws and clean ears instead of the petrochemical-based wipes from the store.
  • Apply Seedlings Diaper Rash Cream* on warm, irritated areas you want to keep dry.
Animal Scents - Ointment

Is diffusing safe for dogs?

Yes! You’ll want to diffuse in small doses—small amounts of oil for shorter periods of time—to help your darling Daisy get used to the scent. Again, pay close attention to how your dog acts with the new aroma. If she seems uncomfortable, use fewer drops or do away with the diffusing entirely.

What essential oils can I use with my dog?

Animal lovers, rejoice! We created Young Living’s Animal Scents line with your pets in mind. The oils in this collection are prediluted and formulated without synthetic perfumes, dyes, and artificial colors and fragrances. Because they’re paws-itively perfect, you can feel confident using them on and around your animal sidekicks.

You can also feel all kinds of warm fuzzies when using Animal Scents products on your fluffy friends. A portion of the proceeds from the line supports Vital Ground, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting the habitat of grizzly bears and other wide-roaming wildlife.

PuriClean

PuriClean™ is the first step in our three-part system: PuriClean, Infect Away™, and Mendwell™. PuriClean starts off the system with an impressive list of pet-lovin’ benefits:

  • Soothes and moisturizes dry, flaky, irritated skin
  • Helps clean minor scrapes and scratches
  • Promotes feelings of health and wellness with its warm, comforting aroma
  • Refreshes and prepares the skin for the next step
Animal Scents - Puriclean

Infect Away

Infect Away is the second stage in our three-part system and offers just as many perks for your pet as PuriClean and Mendwell. Here’s what you and your pupper will find behind this bottle’s bright green label:

  • Healthy recovery from minor scrapes and scratches
  • Support for your pet’s natural defense system
  • Protection against harmful contaminants
  • Prep for the final step of our terrific trio
Animal Scents - Infect Away

Mendwell

Mendwell wraps up our three-part system. Use it after PuriClean and Infect Away for a trifecta that packs a powerful pooch!

PUNCH. We meant punch.

Here are the perks you’ll find inside every drop of this essential oil blend:

  • Soothes and moisturizes dry, sensitive, distressed skin and improves the appearance of healthy-looking coats
  • Creates an uplifting environment with its inspiring aroma
  • Aids in healing minor scrapes and scratches as part of the three-part system
  • Contains powerful essential oils that support your pet’s natural healing process

Animal Scents - Mendwell

ParaGize

Love the smell of Peppermint but prefer something super safe for your pet? Try ParaGize™! This essential oil blend:

  • Supports your pet’s natural cleansing system
  • Offers a calms and quieting blend you can gently massage on your pet’s belly
  • Helps release feelings of discomfort when diffused
Animal Scents - ParaGize

T-Away

T-Away™ is one of our most popular essential oils for pets, thanks to a combination of Trauma Life™Harmony™, and Peace & Calming™ essential oil blends. The citrusy, slightly spicy scent supports a new level of emotional freedom and joy in pets, making it ideal for shelters and rescues. It also:

  • Promotes a calming and peaceful environment
  • Encourages relaxation and emotional balance
  • Supports pets during times of emotional stress, anxiety, and trauma
Animal Scents - T-Away

Are any other essential oils Fido friendly?

Feel like trying something outside the Animal Scents line? The following list of essential oils are safe for your pet.* After ensuring your mini Marley is acclimated to these oils, dilute as needed, rub into your hands, and gently massage into your dog’s fur. Rub her back and belly and scratch behind the ears.

You should prepare yourself for an extra dose of doggy kisses. All that attention’s gonna get you a whole lot of extra love!

Frankincense essential oil
Stress Away essential oil blend
Geranium essential oil

Which essential oils should you be extra careful using on dogs?

Dogs seem to be sensitive to the high levels and/or combination of certain constituents in the following oils, so we highly caution their use. Dilute these oils heavily and watch your dog for a reaction:

Fitness, Health

#1 reason your supplements are probably worthless and what to do about it

Bioavailability refers to the amount of a given nutrient found in supplements, food or medication that is absorbed and actively used for the biological activity of your cells and tissues. Despite this, bioavailability is often overlooked when it comes to comparing supplement brands.

The determinants of the absorption of supplements into your bloodstream include: nutrition form, time of the day taken, the body’s nutritional needs and the level of absorption of the uterine wall. All these influence the level of bioavailability. 

Absorption of Nutrients

Not all the nutrients that you consume will be absorbed and enter your bloodstream. The body can only use a portion that it takes in. Vitamins and minerals have varying bioavailability this can be due to its source, as well as other foods you ate during the meal or how the food is cooked.

After absorption, the number of nutrients retained depend on the needs of your body. This is determined by sex, age, health and the number of nutrients already in your body. The nutritional needs of a young boy and an old man are very different.

Keeping track of your nutrients and minerals

You don’t have to stress about how you are going to keep track of your vitamins with a calculator because you don’t have to.  First, make sure to eat a balanced diet. Introduce variety to all your meals including dairy foods, fruits, and vegetables.

Second, avoid popular diet trends because this deprives the body of nutrients that it may need. Eliminating some beneficial interactions among nutrients can amplify negative ones.

Lastly, first try to get your nutrients from whole foods instead of relying only on supplements. Although supplements help with dietary gaps, the nutrients from food are the most important. 

There is a huge difference between supplement brands. Regular store-bought supplements tend to yield a much lower absorption rate than premium supplements (another you get what you pay for example). Young Living supplements have an 80% absorption rate compared to conventional supplements, which only have a 30% absorption rate! That is a whopping 50% increase! This tells me you get way more bang for your buck and the supplements will be that much more effective! ⠀

The difference in these supplements is in their bioavailability and their essential oil content. Dr. Gary Young was the first to formulate nutritional supplements with essential oils. Essential oils infused into a supplement make the nutrients and vitamins more bioavailable in the body. This means the body can absorb them and use them as nutrients.⠀

Are you wondering how it works? Essential oils help increase the assimilation (absorption) of other nutrients on a cellular level and they help remove waste from the cells, which helps detoxify them, in turn causing the cells to function at a higher level!⠀

So… The bottom line is that you should 100% be taking Young Living’s supplements over your store bought ones! Start making the switch with an easy one like your Probiotic and get that into your Essential Rewards cart stat!⠀

Click here to see what supplements I use and trust

Gardening

How To Keep Your Garden Healthy In Winter

Old Man Winters’ arrival doesn’t mean that the Winter garden can be neglected. Keeping the garden on an even footing against the ravages that winter can bring is an ongoing. Neglecting proper garden closing chores and winter maintenance tasks is only a recipe for a headache in the spring. Follow a few of these winter garden tips and a bountiful spring will be waiting in a few months time.

Setting the winter garden table

An interesting to look at and healthy winter garden depends upon taking steps in the late fall or early winter. Clean up the garden. Make sure that any garden trash is picked up before the snow flies. If this “trash” is left behind it presents an opportunity for bacteria to find its way into any cuts in the plant or onto the plants roots. Bacteria growth, and possible disease, on the plant is the biggest danger to a winter garden.

Watch out for color when trimming

If you have had your garden for at least one winter season you know what has color during winter and what does not. Trim this color judiciously looking for maverick branches, but be sure to keep the overall form of the shrub so that winter color can shine in a uniform way. If you are not sure, leave it alone and get a feel for what has winter color for next winter. If a shrub has a winter bud on it, leave it be as this is where the flower will come from next spring.

Trim out the cut or torn limbs

Chances are that a torn or cut (looks like a knife cutting into an apple about an eight of an inch deep) limb will end up dangling, or on the ground, as winter progresses. Take care of it early and your garden will look sturdy and ready for whatever the winter has to offer. Look for a nodule on the limb (looks like a knuckle of sorts) and cut about one quarter of an inch above it on an angle for a proper cut. 

Weed to a clean ground

Weeds also present a messy problem through the winter. Not only will they decay and offer disease potential, they will also continue to grow their roots until the ground freezes hard. This will only make them more invasive in the spring. Besides, if you weed to a clean ground you will have a nice clean contrast to the dormant plants in the garden.

A nice clean edge

Unless you are going for a more informal look, give a nice edge job to your garden flower beds before the ground freezes. Not only will this make for a crisp look during the winter months, as the edge freezes, but it will put you one step closer to a solid start in spring.

To wrap or not to wrap

If you look at many winter gardens you may notice that people have wrapped burlap or some other material around their evergreen shrubs. Generally, this is to prevent a snow load or high wind from damaging the plant. Unless you have the potential for a snow load or predictable high winds this is not necessarily needed. The wind issue is an issue, but remember that all plants need air circulation, no matter what type of plant they may be. If you wrap a shrub/plant to tightly air circulation will diminish and present the opportunity for moisture build up and disease. If you wrap your shrubs make sure to do it securely but with air circulation in mind.

It cannot hurt to mound

Mounding around the base of a plant is intended to give the root systems of a shrub/plant a little extra insulation during hard winters. Depending upon which zone you happen to be gardening in the need for mounding rises and falls. In any case, you want to make sure that you compress the dirt of the mound with a firm push of the hands. This gets some of the air out of the mound and generally makes a mound of dirt look a bit nicer. It also shows that you took a little care in your gardening. This sometimes impresses people that visit your winter garden.

Trees are plants too

Take a few moments to assess your trees before the winter winds start to howl. Look for any branches that may have grown old, look to be growing across the desired vertical path of a properly trimmed tree or have died during the season. What you are looking for is any limb or branch that may rub constantly on another opening a wound in the bark. Generally, you would not want to cut a branch as winter approaches, or during the winter months, but sometimes you need to.

Fitness, Health

Weight Management Protocol – Slique

Young Living’s powerful line of Slique weight-management products can help you achieve amazing results! As you begin to incorporate Slique into your diet, shift your mindset, make better choices, and start to move (a.k.a. exercise), you’ll be able to maximize your efforts and discover a slimmer you. Let’s go!

Quality Matters

From essential oils to weight management supplements, quality matters! When you shop with Young Living you are getting quality products backed by a ‘Seed to Seal’ guarantee that you won’t find anywhere else. You can expect that Young Living will provide you with only the BEST!

  • plant material that is grown on corporately-owned farms or carefully vetted partner farms (that you CAN visit!)
  • sustainable farming and sourcing practices, providing the purest oil
  • great care taken to preserve and protect natural resources
  • hand-weeded fields and ZERO use of pesticides
  • oils that retain all their natural constituents and therapeutic properties
  • use of food-grade distillers with state-of- the-art design and distillation methods
  • low pressure and low temperature distillation, without the use of solvents or synthetic chemicals
  • rigorous testing on each batch by internal labs and third-party facilities
  • oils that are carefully reviewed through every step of production in order to meet or exceed industry safety and purity standards (beyond organic!)

And the best part… if these products do not meet their high standards they are rejected and will not be bottled or packaged as a Young Living product. Now that’s amazing!!

Mind Over Matter

Before we dive into the products, we must talk about mindset. When you start on a journey to better health, it is uber important that the thoughts you think and the words you speak line up with the outcome you wish to achieve.

If you are like me, you probably have said “I need to lose weight” time and time again. What I didn’t realize was that when you speak of something being ‘lost’, the mind automatically begins to search for ways to find what is ‘lost’. I don’t know about you, but I definitely DON’T want my mind looking for ways to find weight!

When you use the words ‘want’ or ‘need’, it signifies lack or being without. It speaks to limitation and not having a choice. But you DO have a choice! Every decision, every change begins with a choice. You will feel more empowered, more in control, and more equipped to tackle this lifestyle change when you make the CHOICE to do it and you start consciously shifting your thoughts and words.

Repeat after me:

“I choose to make better choices.”

“I have the ability to take care of my body.”

“I deserve to be healthy!”

Can you feel the shift in energy?

Slique

Now that you have made the CHOICE to better your health, let’s take a look at some tools that will make this journey easier. Young Living’s Slique line can help you manage your weight, create feelings of satiety, and provide nutritional support when combined with proper diet and exercise.

A ‘Slique in 60 Satisfaction Guarantee’ is even available for Slique Kits. If you’re unsatisfied at the end of the trial period, Young Living will give you a product credit equal to the amount of your purchase. That’s incredible! For full details on the guarantee, click here.

*For most Slique products: if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult a health professional prior to use.

Slique Essence

Now let’s take a closer look at the individual products within the Slique line. Slique Essence is a blend that contains Grapefruit, Tangerine, Lemon, Spearmint, and Ocotea. These all work together to help control hunger. #praisehands

Slique Essence can be used as a tasty addition to a hot cup of Slique Tea or as an extra splash of flavor in your water (which you should be drinking plenty of!). The addition of Spearmint can also aid in digestion, while the stevia gives it a hint of sweetness without the calories. #winwin

Usage: Add 2-4 drops to 4-6 oz. of your favorite beverage, Slique Tea, or water. Use as needed throughout the day whenever hungry.

Slique Shake

This vegan-friendly meal replacement shake is formulated with Slique Essence (the blend we just talked about), making it very satisfying so you won’t reach for that chocolate bar later in the day. The high protein content also helps maintain lean muscle mass.

Slique Shake’s berry flavor is delicious mixed with almond milk or fruit (in a smoothie). It contains no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives or GMO ingredients. Instead, Slique Shake is naturally sweetened with Stevia, organic coconut palm sugar, wolfberries, and strawberries. The formula also includes pea protein, quinoa, wolfberry, pumpkin seed protein, and alfalfa grass juice, making it an excellent source of dietary fiber and extra tasty! Slique Shake also includes a fruit and vegetable blend that provides essential vitamins and minerals that many meal replacement options don’t offer.

Usage: Just replace a meal every day with one shake! Easy enough, right?

Try this recipe!

  • 12 oz. almond milk
  • 1 handful of hulled strawberries
  • 1/2 small banana
  • Fresh mint or a drop of Spearmint/ Peppermint Vitality
  • 1 Slique Shake packet

Blend until thoroughly combined and enjoy!

Slique CitraSlim Capsules

Slique CitraSlim is an all-natural formula that includes a proprietary citrus extract blend, which some studies suggest may help support the body in burning excess fat when used in conjunction with a healthy weight-management plan. This polyphenolic mixture of flavonoids offers powerful antioxidants that are touted for their health benefits. This blend may also support the release of free fatty acids, which help break down fat.*

Bottom line: These natural ingredients all work with your body to achieve healthy weight management, burn excess fat, increase antioxidant activity, support energy levels, and boost your metabolism. Yes please!

Slique CitraSlim features a two-capsule formulation in a convenient dual-serving daily sachet.

  • Once-Daily Liquid Capsule: The liquid capsule delivers pomegranate seed oil, Lemongrass, Lemon Myrtle, and Idaho Balsam Fir essential oils. This blend is high in citral, which is a constituent that may increase metabolic activity.*
  • Powder Capsules: Three power-packed powder capsules contain a proprietary citrus extract blend, cinnamon powder, bitter orange extract, feungreek seed, ocotea leaf extract, and a customized blend of enzymes and four essential oils: Ocotea, Cassia, Spearmint, and Fennel.

Usage: Consume 2 powder capsules in the morning with 8 ounces of water. Consume 1 powder and 1 liquid capsule with 8 ounces of water in the afternoon, before 3 p.m. If you miss taking your capsules in the morning, you may take all 4 capsules together in the afternoon, before 3 p.m.

Sounds amazing right? Learn even more about this gem here.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent any disease.

Slique Tea

Slique Tea is yummy!! If you haven’t tried it yet — you need to! Just imagine sipping on an exotic drink made from jade oolong tea, Ecuadorian cacao powder, and Sacred Frankincense powder! Oh my goodness, that sounds like a drink fit for royalty. Well, adjust your crown, my friend, because it can be yours.

Slique Tea is a great alternative to sugary drinks and sodas thanks to its natural ingredients that help support individual weight goals. The jade oolong tea leaves are handpicked from the high mountain regions of Taiwan, and are sought after for their rich aroma and powerful antioxidant content. The Ocotea leaf was traditionally used by natives for health and wellness. This unique blend is then enhanced with Sacred Frankincense powder…. and you know what Frankincense can do, right? If not — look it up! This drink is delicious hot or cold when you start to crave something naughty.

Usage: Bring 8 ounces of water to a rolling boil, let cool for 3½ minutes. Place one pouch in a cup, mug, or filter and add water. Steep for at least 3 minutes. Add your favorite Young Living Vitality essential oils as desired. Use daily before and after workouts, with meals, or any time you need a natural boost. Contains naturally occurring caffeine and tea antioxidants.

Slique Bars

Finally, a healthy low-calorie snack that actually tastes good! Slique Bars have a medley of exotic fruits and nuts that can help you feel fuller longer, moderate unhealthy cravings, and provide healthy calories and essential nutrition.

These bars come in Tropical Berry Crunch (only 140 calories) and Chocolate-Coated Tropical Berry Crunch (only 150 calories). Any chocolate lovers out there?

Usage: Consume before or between meals with 12 ounces of water to help control hunger. Individuals who may be sensitive to high-fiber diets should exercise care when consuming more than 2 bars daily.

Allergens: Contains baru nuts, almonds, coconut, and soy. Manufactured in a facility that also processes tree nuts, peanuts, soy, milk, and eggs. Contains bee product.

Slique Gum

Did you know that ancient travelers throughout the Middle East used raw frankincense resin for its nutritional content and ability to help control hunger? Slique Gum offers those same benefits in a modern-day form to help control food cravings and improve oral health. Cool, huh?

The natural sweeteners and the act of chewing can help alleviate snack cravings. The Peppermint and Spearmint essential oils also help to freshen your breath. #LearnSomethingNewEveryDay

Slique Gum is certainly different from the typical ‘gum’ purchased at the store but it’s a great way to curb those cravings!

Usage: Chew one tablet before or after meals.

Slique Kits

To help take the guesswork out of creating your own wellness plan, Young Living has put together FOUR pre-made Slique kits suited for any budget. You set your goals, then decide on the best kit to help you achieve them.

If you aren’t a member of Young Living yet, grab a Basic Starter Kit THEN add on one of these Slique Kits at the wholesale price! You will continue getting that same 24% discount on all your future YL purchases.

Slique Complete Kit includes:

  • (2) Slique® Shake (30-Day Supply)
  • (2) Slique Tea, 25 ct
  • (2) Slique CitraSlim™ (30-Day Supply)
  • (5) Slique Gum, 8 ct
  • (1) Slique Essence
  • (4) Slique Bars, 6 pk

Slique Advanced Kit includes:

  • (1) Slique Tea, 25 ct
  • (1) Slique CitraSlim (15-Day Supply)
  • (1) Slique Shake (15-Day Supply)
  • (3) Slique Gum, 8 ct
  • (1) Slique Essence
  • (2) Slique Bars, 6 pk

Slique Assist Kit includes:

  • (1) Slique Tea, 25 ct
  • (3) Slique Gum, 8 ct
  • (1) 15-ml Slique Essence
  • (1) Slique CitraSlim (15-Day Supply)

Slique Maintain Kit includes:

  • (1) Slique CitraSlim (15-Day Supply)
  • (1) 15-ml Slique Essence

Get the Best Deal

slique essential rewards.jpg

Who wants to pay full price when you can get the same thing at a discount?

Young Living has several options to help you get started and snag the best deal possible. Even if you already have your own Young Living account, there are still some money-saving tricks you need to know!

Not yet a member? Pick out your Starter Kit … HERE!

A Few Side Notes

slique extra.jpg
  • Information obtained here is meant for educational and informational purposes ONLY, and to motivate and empower you to make your own wellness journey based on your own research and partnership with your healthcare provider.
  • The statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Fitness, Health, Recipes

3 Powerful Slimming Drinks You Can Make at Home

In the fight against excess pounds, slimming drinks play an important role. In the modern world, obesity is becoming a problem for an increasing number of people, regardless of age, gender or social status.

Sedentary work, a sedentary lifestyle, a huge number of places for a snack on the run sooner or later lead a person to increase in body weight. Fighting excess weight has subsequently become a priority in many countries around the world.

The use of beverages for weight loss also promotes:

– body cleansing;

– the restoration of health;

– an elevated standard of living.

It is not a secret for anyone that it is much more difficult to lose weight than to gain some. To cope with this difficult task, you need exercise, fitness, a balanced diet, as well as tasty and healthy drinks for weight loss.

Everyone who has faced the problem of excess weight begins their path to weight loss with attempts to limit themselves in what concerns food. Often, this method does not bring the desired result. What, in this case, does a person need to achieve their goal?

They are going to seek additional means that will help get rid of the life-threatening pounds. First of all, this will come in the form of sports, and secondly – it will be a diet tailor-made for their own body. One contribution to that diet is provided by fat-burning drinks. They are low-calorie, taste good, and are easy to make.

Types of drinks for weight loss

Drinks that effectively fight excess weight are special herbal teas with spices and honey, fruit and vegetable cocktails, berry smoothies and a novelty that has recently made its way into the world of slimming – Sassy Water (named for the nutritionist who created it).

It should be noted that, along with the consumption of these drinks, not only does one lose weight, but the human body will also be relieved of any slag, the antioxidants will eliminate toxins, the metabolism will be accelerated, the digestion process will improve, and, as a result, the person will feel an unprecedented burst of energy.

Recipes for weight loss drinks

Recipe #1. The Miracle Sassy Water

There’s nothing complicated about Sassy Water. To make it, you need a couple of liters of pure still water, a ginger root, fresh mint or melissa, a small cucumber and lemons.

Prepare it in the evening, so that during the night, it has infused and absorbed all the useful substances. Prepare only one helping if you want to enjoy a fresh drink the next morning.

All of the solid ingredients must be thoroughly washed, crushed and mixed with the two liters of water. That’s it, the drink is ready!

Keep Sassy Water preferably in a cool place. Every night, you will have to prepare a new portion of the cocktail. It is recommended to drink it the next morning on an empty stomach. The first portion is one glass, then, during the day, you need to drink the rest of the mixture.

The ingredients in the drink have a beneficial effect on the body. The fiber-rich cucumber kills the feeling of mild hunger and slows down the transformation of carbohydrates into fats.

Recipe #2. Green herbal cocktails

The green herbal cocktail is jam-packed with vitamins, antioxidants, amino acids, macro- and micronutrients.

To make this truly healing drink, you need a set of your favorite fresh herbs, a little water, a blender, any vegetables or fruits (cucumbers, tomatoes, asparagus, broccoli, bell peppers, avocados, apples, grapefruit, kiwis…), a pinch of spice (a mixture of peppers or Provencal herbs would be great for a vegetable cocktail), cinnamon, vanilla, ground sweet paprika, cloves and other seasonings.

All of the prepared ingredients should be simply ground in a blender, then half of the result splashed with water and put in a refrigerator for a while. This green cocktail fights off hunger well and can easily be used as a pre-lunch snack.

Recipe #3. Beetroot and carrot-apple juice with celery

In the application of beet juice, one very important point needs to be considered: this juice cannot be consumed in its pure form, in order to avoid problems associated with cardiac activity and digestion. To accustom the organism to beet juice, it is necessary to up the dose gradually, starting from 50 ml and diluting it with juice or water.

So, for the preparation of beetroot-carrot-apple juice, you will need beets, carrots, green apple, celery and pure filtered water. All of the ingredients must, as usual, be ground in the blender, splashed with water and left in the cold for a couple of hours. You can drink this juice throughout the day.

This super-useful cocktail will contribute to the removal of toxins, cleanse the vessels, improve the general condition of the body and fill it with energy.

The use of beverages for weight loss has a beneficial effect on the human body, helps it get rid of excess weight and accumulated slag, and also improves mood and appearance.

Fitness, Health

new year to wellness

Get ready for a fun-filled post with tips for making small, sustainable shifts; recipes for healthy snacks; and practical, toxin-free self- care products that will have you excited to put on your skinny jeans! Join the revolution to live a healthier, happier life where you feel energized and empowered to create lasting memories with your loved ones.

quality matters

Before we get into all of the amazing ways you can stay healthy in 2019 with essential oils and Young Living products, we want to share with you why we believe in and trust Young Living and their quality products.Young Living calls it a “Seed to Seal” promise and they stamp it on every single one of their products. They abide by very strict guidelines to fulfill their promise to send pure, safe, and effective products to your home.

Here are some of their guidelines:

  • Their farms and partner farms all abide by strict standards.
  • They select the strongest seeds from strong thriving plants.
  • They hand-weed and use their own oils on plants for pest control to avoid the use of toxic chemicals.
  • They harvest at peak times to ensure quality oils.
  • They distill on site without chemicals.
  • They test every batch. If it doesn’t meet their standards because of weather conditions or for any other reason, they do not bottle it up.

All of these factors make a huge difference in quality and effectiveness. Check out more about their Seed to Seal promise

usage & safety

Before we dive into specifics, let’s talk about usage and safety.

AROMATICALLY: Put 6-8 drops of an oil or a combo of oils in your diffuser. The diffuser will send the oil into the air and fill the room with your essential oils.

TOPICALLY: Apply essential oils to your skin.

Diluting first is recommended. A conservative dilution would one drop of essential oil with 10-15 drops of coconut, grape seed, or almond oil and then apply it to your skin.

Citrus oils like Lemon are photosensitive. Please avoid sun exposure for 12 hours after application to areas where you have applied citrus oils topically.

Avoid putting essentials oils in the eyes or ears directly.

INTERNALLY: Young Living oils are pure and are labeled as Generally Regarded as Safe by the Food and Drug Administration. Because of their purity, some people like to ingest their oils to avoid “smelling” like an oil, or to support their body from the inside out.

There is no right or wrong way. Chose one and try it out! Try out each option to see which ones you prefer.

personal growth: turning inward

Once your mindset changes from within, everything on the outside will change with it. The mind is a VERY powerful thing. What you THINK becomes what you DO and what you DO becomes who you ARE.

Spending the time and energy to reflect on yourself, through journaling, meditation, or other mind/body connection activities like yoga can help you uncover your goals and shift your mindset in a positive and productive way.

Try these 4 tools to help you turn inward and reflect:

1. Use conscious language to speak with positive intention.

2. Write down a list of things you are grateful for each day.

3. Train your brain to think your future into existence with personal affirmations.

4. Write down or reflect your future goals coming to life with visualization.

Essential oils can take these daily practices to the next level.

OILS FOR MEDITATION or QUIET TIME

  • Frankincense* – used in meditation for its ability to ground, balance, and uplift.
  • Peace & Calming™* – The Ylang Ylang in this blend has been said to balance male and female energies; great for meditation.

OILS FOR SELF-REFLECTION or JOURNALING

  • Release™ – a blend with a relaxing aroma that facilitates the ability to let go of anger and frustration. It also promotes harmony and balance when diffused. Use this when journaling or reading.
  • Gratitude™ – foster a grateful attitude and embrace the blessings in your life. The uplifting aroma of Gratitude™ invites a feeling of emotional and spiritual progress.

*Come in the Oils Premium Starter Kit

physical activity: preparation

Most excuses for not working out have something to do with “not having enough time.” One easy way to remove this excuse from your vocabulary is to plan for your workouts ahead of time.

  1. Plan your workout time the day before and keep it sacred.
  2. Tell people you are planning to workout a certain number of times a week so that they can help hold you accountable.
  3. Pack a gym bag and keep it in your car so that you can stop at the gym or a fitness class while you are out and about.

GYM BAG FRESHENING SPRAY

  • 2 T. witch hazel
  • 15 drops of preferred essential oil*
  • 3 oz. of water

Combine ingredients in a spray bottle and use as needed.

*Purification is great for getting odors out of shoes and a stinky gym bag. Thieves is preferred when wet gym clothes will be sitting in your bag all day.

PRO TIP: Apply a few drops of diluted PanAway to sore muscles after your workout. This will prevent the excuse “I’m too sore to workout” on day two! And good news… PanAway comes in the Oils Premium Starter Kit!

diet: tips for success

TIP 1: PLAN FOR THE WEEK AHEAD

Make a list of things you can cook at the beginning of the week and enjoy multiple times. Soups, chili, grilled chicken breast, & sauteed veggies are examples of foods that can be made in larger amounts and spread out throughout the week.

TIP 2: MAKE IT EASY TO STAY ON TRACK

Store healthy foods in clear containers on the top shelf of the fridge and at the front of your pantry. This is a mental trick!

TIP 3: SNACK TIP FOR BUSY BEES

Prepare your snacks in advance to make them easy to grab and go. If you have a snack on hand, you are less likely to turn to something sugary and processed that will make you feel sluggish while hindering your new healthy habits.

TIP 4: DITCH AND SWITCH

When focusing on your diet, swap out unhealthy ingredients for healthy ones.

Here are a few easy swaps:

  • DITCH Spaghetti & SWITCH to zucchini noodles
  • DITCH chips and crackers & SWITCH to air popped popcorn
  • DITCH soda & SWITCH to sparkling water or tea (hot or cold)
  • DITCH sugary breakfast & SWITCH to overnight oats or hard boiled eggs and a side of fruit

EASY GRAB-N-GO SNACKS FOR A BUSY LIFESTYLE

Wolfberry Trail Mix

Mix together your favorite nuts and seeds (almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, etc.) and add in Young Living Dried Wolfberries. Store in ziploc snack bags for easy an grab & go snack.

  • 1 cup Young Living Dried Wolfberries
  • 1/2 cup banana chips (optional)
  • 1 cup Almonds
  • 1 cup Cashews
  • 1/2 cup Pumpkin seeds
  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

Veggie Dip

  • 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
  • 6 drops Dill Vitality™ essential oil or 1 tablespoon dried dill weed
  • 2 drops Lemon Vitality™* essential oil or ½ teaspoon lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon Himalayan pink salt

Mix together and enjoy with your favorite chopped veggies!

*Come in the Oils Premium Starter Kit

self-care

A morning routine might be the most important thing you do in a day. A solid morning routine will set you up for success throughout the rest of your day. It will make you feel GREAT and ready to tackle the world. Spend a half an hour a day taking care of yourself and you will optimize your productivity all day long.

Here are ten activities for you to accomplish in the morning. They will set you up for success!

1. Make your bed

2. Drink a glass of water right when you wake up

3. Take a lemon juice and a Young Living NingXia Red Shot

4. Wash your face and brush your teeth

5. Take your Vitamins

6. Eat a balanced breakfast

7. Exercise or set aside time to move, stretch, foam roll, etc.

8. Pamper yourself (use a skin brush, take a bath, or exfoliate with a coffee skin scrub)

9. Take three deep breaths

10. Find gratitude in your life/journal

Coffee Skin Scrub

  • 8 oz. glass jar with lid
  • 10 drops Grapefruit essential oil
  • 5 drops Cypress essential oil
  • 1 cup unbrewed ground coffee
  • ½ cup olive oil or other oil of your choosing

Combine all ingredients. Mix together well. Store in a cool, dark place. Apply scrub in the shower a few times a week to desired areas such as thighs, belly, and arms; rinse off. Apply a screen over your drain to catch the coffee grounds if needed.

relationships with others

Whether you are spending time with your kids, enjoying a girls night in, or catching up with some friends, cultivating deep, intentional relationships with others is important for growth and balance in your life.

TIME WITH FAMILY

Finding time and space for family and maintaining those relationships is crucial for a balanced life. Setting boundaries and carving out time each day can help you keep your family time sacred. Here are a few tips:

  1. Apply or diffuse Present Time essential oil to help you focus on the here and now, so you can get beyond the past and move forward while re-establishing your boundaries and committing to family time this year.
  2. Be vocal to your friends and team members about what time of the day you are turning off your phone and checking out of social media. Write down three “non-negotiables” and stick to them!
  3. Don’t be so quick with your answers when your team reaches out with questions. This sounds harsh but if you set the expectation with your team that you will get back to them during your business hours, it will empower them to look for the answers first and practice patience and respect your boundaries. This can be applied to many scenarios!

TIME WITH FRIENDS

“We are the average of the five people we associate with most.” Reflect on that for a moment. Who is in your tight circle? Who is your tribe? Are they positive, motivated, excited about life, about the future, about their goals? If not, start to invest your energy in surrounding yourself with more positive people. Invite them to a girls night out and get ready together with Young Living Savvy minerals makeup or plan a night in cooking or crafting. If you haven’t tried Savvy Minerals or YL skincare products yet, they are AMAZING – no harmful ingredients – only ones that are beneficial to your skin!

career & life purpose

The average person will spend 90,000 hours working in their lifetime. That is a lot of time spent NOT doing something you love. The modern employee changes career paths 12-15 times throughout their lives! What might that say about people’s satisfaction in the work that they do?

Eighty-six percent of people today report making extra money from a “side hustle”! Having a side hustle is not only a way to bring in extra income, it provides a creative outlet to do something you’re passionate about. For some, it could be building a business helping others find health and wellness through Young Living products. For others it could be coaching a sport or starting an Etsy shop to sell homemade goods and art. It is encouraging to know that more and more people are feeling inspired to do things they love!

You are the only person in your life that can discover your true passion. Maybe you already know what that is or maybe it will take a lifetime of exploration. Wherever you are in the process, there’s an oil to support you on your journey.

OILS TO SUPPORT YOUR PASSION OR GOALS

  • ABUNDANCE: This blend combines oils such as Orange and Ginger, which were used by ancient cultures to attract prosperity and magnify joy and peace.
  • STRESS AWAY*: This blend of Copaiba, Lime, Cedarwood, Vanilla Extract, Ocotea, and Lavender includes soothing and calming oils to help you feel stress-free during the daily grind or while exploring your life’s passion.
  • EN-R-GEE: Diffuse or apply topically during your morning routine before work or during that mid-day slump to enjoy the stimulating, spicy-pine fragrance of Rosemary, Juniper, Lemongrass, Nutmeg, Balsam Fir, Clove, and Black Pepper essential oils.

*Comes in the Oils Premium Starter Kit

get the best deal

Who wants to pay full price when you can get the same thing at a discount?

Young Living has several options to help you get started and snag the best deal possible. Even if you already have your own Young Living account, there are still some money- saving tricks you need to know!

Not yet a member? Pick out your Starter Kit … HERE!

  • Information obtained here is meant for educational and informational purposes ONLY, and to motivate and empower you to make your own wellness journey based on your own research and partnership with your healthcare provider.
  • The statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Animals

Top 5 Reasons Why to Raise Chickens and How to Get Started

Raising chickens should not be a fuss. There are actually several reasons why people want to cultivate chickens in their backyard. Some of these are written below.

Reason # 1 Chickens love leftovers.

A chickens appetite is incredible. They can eat almost everything, even their own kind! You can now say bye-bye to those unwanted leftovers being left rotten in your fridge. You feel less guilty of throwing them out into the garbage can. Plus, you can save on chicken feed. But be very careful with what you give for it may be their last supper. Tone down on the onions and garlic.

Reason #2 Eggs!

Who doesnt love eggs? Have them boiled, scrambled, sunny side up, etc. Admit it, pets that live comfortably inside your houses dont give anything more than barks, meows, purrs, and sometimes, chirp. Fishes, in general, can be eaten, but who would want to eat Goldie? None of these domesticated animals produce something edible. Well, chickens, on the other hand, have lots of benefits. One of the many benefits chickens give is their egg. 

Who doesnt love eggs? Have them boiled, scrambled, sunny side up, etc. Admit it, pets that live comfortably inside your houses dont give anything more than barks, meows, purrs, and sometimes, chirp. Fishes, in general, can be eaten, but who would want to eat Goldie? None of these domesticated animals produce something edible. Well, chickens, on the other hand, have lots of benefits. One of the many benefits chickens give is their egg. 

You can eat fresh eggs right from the source. Eggs taken from chickens minutes or hours ago are more tasty and nutritious than those purchased in the grocery store. Youll notice the texture and color is way different than that of the fresh ones.  We have a variety of different breeds of chickens that all lay different colors which makes it more fun for the kids (and us!).

Reason #3 Source of natural fertilizers

Your lawn or backyard couldve never looked better. Chickens love to freely walk around. Chickens also love to peck on anything they see that can be considered as food. And what is food to them? Possibly anything thats organic. If you let your chickens roam around your space, youll find out how reliable they can be. They eat pests living in your backyard grubs, beetles, insects, earwigs, and anything that comes close.

After the digestion has set its due, they will transform what theyve eaten into poop. But this is not just any kind of poop but a treasure called natural fertilizer. And you know what natural fertilizers do right? They keep the soil healthy for plants to grow. Cool. 

Reason #4 Low Maintenance Pets

Unlike dogs that need combing and brushing everyday to keep their fur alive and shiny, chickens doesnt need such soulful treatment. All you have to do is provide them their daily needs like food and water. You also have to clean their pad at least twice a month and change the beddings too. In return, you can gather all the eggs. Aside from just gathering, you can also start a small business of your own by supplying poultry stores with fresh eggs or chicken meat.

Reason #5 Grass and weed clippers

Got that right. Now you can save on mowing your own lawn by getting yourself chickens! For chickens, grasses, weeds, and leaves are treats. Its like a lifetime dessert offering. Its like having a cow in your own backyard. They will dig through whatever it is without even complaining about the hard work. Chickens will clip it then clean it all at the same time.

With these reasons, why bother getting yourself a dog or a cat? No offense but they cant even water the plants nor lay eggs for breakfast. All they do is prove to their masters that they are either ones best friends. In cases of chickens, you can have a best friend, a lawn mower, a supplier of organic fertilizer and an egg producer all in one.

So how do you get started?

Certain equipments must already be present upon the arrival of the chickens in your own backyard. You have to be geared up before presenting your not so baby chicks outside the world. The transition period can be quite stressful therefore being prepared can help you rid of half of the stress.

You have to purchase a lot of items for your chicks to stay comfortable from where they would lay. You need to pamper them so that when selling or butchering day comes, there are no regrets. 

1. Food

Without this, who will live? The food you will give will entirely depend on the kind of chicken that you have. But to sum it up, just give something that is complete. It must contain the right food substance that your chickens will need like carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and minerals and if the budget can still take it, buy them vitamins. There are two kinds of feeds: conventional and organic. Either of the two can be purchased online or at an agricultural poultry store. We choose Scratch and Peck foods for our chickens.

If the time has come for your chickens to lay eggs or is about 20 weeks old, purchase a layer feed. But if they are younger than 20 weeks, starter or grower feed is highly recommended. 

2. Waterer and Feeder

Purchase a waterer and feeder that are suspended from the ground if possible. They should hang at least a couple inches off it. A very good advantage when purchasing such items is that they will prevent your chickens from jumping on top of it and smudging off their feet filled with feces inside the container. An automatic refill feature is also included which is very reliable during times when you have to go somewhere and will take you a couple of days before you come back. Worry-free. 

Our favorite water is one with little refillable cups. Our chickens love to use this, almost year round. During the really cold months, we use a heated waterer. Remember that food and water should be left outside of the coop to avoid unwanted visitors (rodents) and frostbite during the winter. The increased humidity in the coop is the top culprit of frostbite for chickens.

3. Bed

Yes, no matter how absurd it seems, you have to provide them with the proper bedding to keep them warm, comfortable, healthy and happy. But this doesnt mean that you have to buy them sheets from Best Buy. Beddings can be in the form of a pile of clean haystack, old or used newspapers, or if you wanted it to be extra special, there are beddings that can be bought online or in a poultry store. 

Beddings are best inside the coop where it can provide chickens a soft surface to roam around with. Beddings are also beneficial for your flock because it absorbs the odor and droppings. You dont want a foul-smelling coop, right? Another advantage of the bedding is that is saves the eggs from cracking making it an area where eggs are safe to land. 

Our favorite is hemp bedding. There are so many reasons we love it!

  • GIVE YOUR PETS THE POSHEST PAD – Premium Hemp Fiber is the highest quality bedding you can provide for your pets. Super warm, cozy and comfortable, Hemp Bedding is loved by a wide variety of animals big and small.
  • SUPERIOR QUALITIES – Hemp bedding is highly absorbent meaning less mess and less odor. A high thermal rating means your animals will stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Low dust means cleaner, fresher air to breathe.
  • LONGER LIFE = LESS EXPENSE – Hemp bedding lasts much longer than traditional paper and wood bedding materials making it the economical choice. When it does finally expire, hemp bedding makes great compost!
  • GREAT FOR PETS AND THE PLANET – Hemp grows super fast, needs very little water or fertilizer and no pesticides making it the eco-friendly and sustainable choice. Naturally Processed and free of chemicals and dyes.

There are a lot of bedding varieties. But whatever the bedding that youve chosen, always make it a point that it is at least two inches thick and is truly absorbent. 

4. Dust Baths

If you see your chickens digging a shallow hole and creating a mess with dirt, they are dust bathing! Chickens enjoy bathing in dust. But did you know that when chickens take dust baths, they are actually protecting themselves from parasites and those creatures that find it interesting to live inside their legs and feathers. Therefore, it is necessary to have dust baths.

If you have a dry area in your chicken run that has patches of fresh ground, its the perfect spot to do their thing. But if your pen consists of entirely cement, worry not, because there are artificial dust baths (like this one) available in agricultural stores.