DDR Prime....Why I Will Never Run Out Again!

For months now, I have been dealing with migraines that have progressively gotten worse.  The symptoms would linger for weeks and I was told by doctors, "well sometimes that is normal."  So I did what I always do and asked everyone I knew who suffered migraines what their symptoms were like, how long they lasted, what the doctors prescribed for them, etc etc.  My symptoms were NOTHING like theirs so I dug a little deeper.

I felt the aura and sensation of another migraine attack and due to a good scolding from my doctor over my "self treatment with oils" I tried his way.  The previous headache lasted 3 days.  One of those days I was completely out of commission but the other two I felt lousy but I could get my stuff done.  In his professional opinion, that was too long to suffer.  

OK fine, I will try these drugs he gave me.  So it hits, I take the meds.  The side effects were awful but the headache did go away by morning.  The problem.....my right side weakness, tingling, numbness and pain from head to toe did not and in fact got much worse.  It stayed around for a month by the time he ran a second MRI.  It is still around 3 months later.

Throughout that month, major diseases were tossed around such as MS.  Very scary and put me in a horrible state of mind.  Not only did I not know why my body felt so terrible, the doctor's weren't really sure and kind of suspected what I consider a major illness.

Anxiety and stress levels were at an all time high.  Life around here was not fun.  I did not feel like blogging.  I did not feel like doing much that worry.  Fear ruled me.  It is a bad place to be for anyone but when your kids can't figure out why mom is in such a bad mood, it just spirals into a much worse place.

The MRI took place and the clouds opened up.  It was NOT MS.  I have a neck that is a trainwreck with a potentially torn disc between C5 and C6.  Can you say OUCH?!  But I will say, thank you Lord!  This is so much better than a degenerative disease.  Now, to deal with this naturally.

After, I took some very needed deep breaths I looked back at the course of events to see why the situation flared up so badly.  One product came to mind - DDR Prime.  We ran out of it for 2 weeks right before all hell broke lose.  Once I got back on, it took another few weeks to calm everything back down.  That had to be it but what makes DDR Prime so amazing?

• Frankincense: Promotes a healthy inflammatory response
  
• Wild Orange: Supports healthy cellular response
  
• Lemongrass: Protects against environmental threats
  
• Thyme: Broad-spectrum activity in promoting immunity and cellular health
  
• Summer Savory: Helps reduce oxidative stress
  
• Clove: Powerful antioxidant properties
  
• Niaouli: Supports cellular immunity 

For me, it was keeping the inflammation down therefore the pain in check.  By taking it out of my daily regiment I took away a powerful tool of health.  Never again will I be out of it!

I use the softgels but it comes in the straight oil form where you can apply or make your own veggie caps.  And yes, I now have a bottle of that which I apply to my neck prior to physical therapy.  

This video will highlight the many other uses and give such a better in depth explanation of DDR Prime.  I highly reccomend it!  And for January it is on sale!!!  

Catching ZZZ's

As I was watching the news a few mornings ago, I was pleasantly surprised to hear an update to some sleep studies.  Conventional wisdom has ingrained in us "get your 8 hours or else."  I don't know about you but getting 8 hours of sleep a night sounds fabulous but not attainable all the time.  I have kids, a job, friends, stuff to do and while I know sleep is important, sometimes it is just really hard to get 8 hours.

Well, this story was a nice change letting us off the hook of 8 hours and that the sweet spot for sleep might actually be 6 1/2 to 7 1/2 hours of sleep per night.  Even though it is less, I know that for many that still seems like a huge task to accomplish.  

Some of the highlights of the study I thought were interesting said less than 6 hours and your cortisol levels rose causing you to crave foods, store fat and loads of other bad stuff.  Too much sleep on the other hand....more than 8 hours could contribute to diabetes and depression.  The study does emphasize that everyone is different and your perfect amount of sleep might be different than mine.  

There are some options to help you get better sleep.  I still think quality sleep trumps quantity any day.  One of the best combos I love is Cedarwood and Lavender.  

I apply 1-2 drops of each oil per feet at bedtime and sleep it greatly improved.  

This picture was shared with me online.  I found this to be amazing and really great proof that the oils make a huge difference in your sleep.  Her comments are below the picture.  

"This is my fit bit read out if sleep. Top picture is no oils (the little blue lines are times of restlessness, stirring, etc. Bottom picture is with oils (serenity in bath tin and Cedarwood on feet and in diffuser). I'd say oils worked!"

Other great sleeping oils are Vetiver. Frankincense, Clary Sage, and Serenity.  Diffusing these, especially Vetiver and Serenity combined will really help with sleeping.   It fills the whole room and really helps everyone in the room.  

And for anyone who says "I hope you sleep like a baby" I laugh, they must not have been around babies sleeping.  I will wish a happy deep sleep......and your perfect 7 ish hours!

Calm, Peaceful & Less Crazy

As I sat down to write today, I noticed that my ideas were not flowing.  I did what every mom does, I asked my daughter, "hey what should I write about?"  Her response...."me and my favorite oils."  

She is 5 and unafraid to tell everyone that she loves her "Mommy's oils" and her "favorite oils are Lavender & Serenity."  I love that she never feels awkward about telling perfect strangers about her love of oils.  On occasion it has prompted questions and led to me giving a one on one.  She is a great little oil sharer.

Why are these her favorites?  "They make me feel calm, peaceful and less crazy." 

And yes, yes they do!  She along with her sister and brother can get wild and crazy which makes their momma crazy.  

Lavender is one of the most well known oils on the market.  Many call it the "swiss army knife" of oils.  It can calm bug bites, burns, headaches, and much much more.  It is lovely.

 

Serenity is one of the four oils of the Mood Management matrix.

These oils include Serenity, Elevation, Citrus Bliss and my own personal favorite Balance.  

They really do improve people's moods. It can occur in minutes.  The transformation around my house is truly amazing.  We will go from so wild you would think no one has an inside voice to chill, fun and relaxed.  

I know I rely on the oils' ability to keep the chaos in check.

So what can Serenity do for you in your house?  

Diffuse Serenity to fill the room with scents of Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Ylang Ylang, Vanilla and a few more to help everyone feel less anxious and calm.  She requests it in her own diffuser nightly because she said it helps her sleep and have good dreams. 

It is also great to rub on your feet, apply to your wrists or down your spine to help you release those knots in your stomach from the anxiety.  I know I use it frequently on my little oil sharer when her "tummy hurts" but really it is just her nerves.  

For me, I use it on myself when the kids get so crazy and I need a mommy time out.  I will take 1-2 drops and rub my hands together then cup over my nose and mouth.  Take multiple deep breaths until you feel the calming effects.  

Yes, she needed a drop so I could keep typing. For the record, after her "modeling session" she decided she needed to go find a book to read so I could finish.  It is so awesome when it helps her break her cycle of asking the same question over and over.  

We are truly grateful to have the doTERRA essential oils in our home.  I would love to help you get them in your home.  Just let me know if I can help you!

Busy Busy Busy

This morning I was watching The Today Show when they asked the question, "Is saying you are 'so busy' a new buzzword of our society?" or something along those lines.  The discussion they had went on for a minute or so but it got me thinking…..how many times do I respond with "Oh been busy" to the question of "How have you been?"

Then I thought, it really is a bit of a silly answer.  Everyone is busy.  Somehow it seems that using the term, "Oh gosh, I have been so busy" has become more of a competition.  For me, I think that term has come to really mean, "I am stressed and please don't get mad at me if I have forgotten something."  For others, I think it might be a way to say no when they are just too afraid to use the two little letters with tons of power.  Maybe they don't want to hurt feelings because like I said, everyone in our society is busy.  

So today's blog is all about using that phrase "I am so busy" when you really are busy and just saying what you want to say the rest of the time.  Be authentic, be truthful, be confident that when you are asked "How have you been?" you can answer with your own personal truth.  The person asking more than likely cares about you and really wants to know.  

Now, the Oil of Truth is one of my all time faves…..Frank!  I have blogged a few times about the power of Frankincense.  From the book Emotions & Essential Oils it says, " This oil helps creat new perspective based on light and truth."  Light and truth…..doesn't that sound much more appealing than "busy".

Inhale directly from the bottle at regular intervals through the day or place 1-4 drops in a diffuser.

Topically, you can apply 1-3 drops on the crown of your head, forehead, behind the ears or on the bottoms of the feet.

If you are one that just can't say no, you need the Oil of Boundaries….Clove.  "It reignites the inner soul-fire and can assist anytime there has been damage to the Self,…"  Clove can help you say no and not fear rejection for being true to yourself.

This often comes up when I invite people to experience the oils.  They say yes but then give me reason after reason why they cannot attend a class, meet one on one or even try to use samples for 3-5 days.  Me, being a somewhat hopeful but rather direct person hears the "yes" then is confused by the behavior later.  Then a bit of frustration kicks in because I would rather hear, "no that isn't my thing."  Often, I hear, "I am really just so busy I can't meet you."  Then social media gives them away……damn that social media.  

That is where Thyme comes into play….the Oil of Releasing & Forgiving.  Funny how Thyme helps you heal over time.  Serenity is another great one for forgiving.

Now, if you are busy and really thriving because of it then keep that motivation going.  Empower yourself!  Ginger is the way to go.  Ginger has a purpose and will fulfill it!  Now that definetly sounds awesome to me.  This oil can help you be successful in life when you fully commit to it.

Again, inhale directly from the bottle at regular intervals through the day or place 1-4 drops in a diffuser.

Topcially, apply 1-3 drops over the stomach.  Dilute with a carrier oil is you desire.  Bonus…..no more tummy aches.












My goal in all of this is to actually say how I feel.  I remember my grandpa griping that "You kids say FINE when I ask you how your day went or how you are.  Don't you have anything else to say?"  I love that man!  He just wanted to talk to us.  He wanted to listen to us.  Isn't that really what we all want?!  Let your friends and family hear you so they feel connected to you.


Life is best when spent with people you love.  Be authentic and abundant!

Oh yes….there is an Oil of Abundance….Wild Orange!  Love it!

Serenity.....NOW!!!!!

Around my house, we are preparing to welcome a new baby.  Our third.  It has made our house a bit busier than normal.  Our oldest child will be 4 very soon.      She is busy with dance and Pre-K.  Our second child just wants to be like her big sister.  Sisters are sisters so they argue and fight over toys, clothes, who is closest to mommy.  They are loud!

On top of just their activities and projects, we have to get a nursery ready.  I am at the point in pregnancy where my stamina fades fast.  Thank goodness for my husband who still has his energy.  The man is getting stuff done for me.  I am eternally grateful although out of breath, it is hard to tell him.   

In the last few weeks, I have noticed my oldest showing signs of stress and anxiety.  She has always been a kid who puts everything in her mouth.  Rocks, mulch, thumbs, toys, utensils.  It truly has driven me crazy.  It was getting better but as I said, the last few weeks it seems her habit is back.  Then the comments about her tummy hurting.  All I can think of is she is anxious about another new person coming soon.

I have talked to her and praised her for being such a great big sister.  She really is great.  She can teach her little sister faster than I ever could teach her.  ABC's, 123's, songs, dances, drinking out of cups.  If only potty training was as easy to teach.

I asked her if she was excited or nervous.  She says, "I'm am so excited to have a brother!  I want to do EVERYTHING for him."  Still, her behavior indicates something is up.  

We have tried a few oils on her and I have found the best daytime oil to keep her grounded and focused is Balance.  But at night, she needed something different.  Lavender wasn't cutting it.  Serenity.....oh sweet serenity has done the trick.  

I rubbed 2 drops of Serenity of down her spine.  She loves the smell.  It is divine I must say.  Last night, after this application, she wanted to cuddle next to us on the couch.  Shortly after asking to cuddle, she asked to get in her bed.  For the first time in weeks, she slept in her own bed ALL NIGHT!  

No nightmares, no fight to get to sleep, no fight to get out of bed.  It was a great night followed by a great morning.  She woke up telling me her favorite colors instead how she was fighting some monster in her dreams.  She was excited to see her friends at school.  The morning was meltdown free. 

It feels so good to have helped my child find her serenity!  Stress is fine in small doses for short periods of time but held for too long or holding too much can wreck your life.  I don't ever want to be the stress of my child's life!

Do you need some Serenity in your life?