"The Spot"

I have previously posted about my love for Frank!  Frankincense that is.  This next entry makes my heart sing with joy and Frank is once again involved.

Some of you know I have three kids.  My youngest just turned 4 months old.  He is just a perfect, happy, baby boy.   This sweet boy started life with a small spot on his forehead.  Having a sister with a similar feature at birth but in a different location, I knew what the doctors would say.

While sitting in the hospital, waiting for the pediatricians from the practice to stop in during rounds my husband and I talk about the "spot".  The doctor comes in and in a very careful and solemn tone, tells us that "your son has something on his head that I want a specialist to check out."

Now, if I had been a first time mom I am pretty sure tears would have started flowing, my heart would be racing and I would go into a panic.  As he is my third, I took the news much better.  Now, we wait for the specialist.

"Hemangioma."  As I suspected when I first saw him and the "spot".  No, I am not a doctor but I am a mom who had another kid with the same thing.  I am a firm believer that ALL babies have something at birth.  Jaundice, hemangiomas, tongue tied, etc.  And yet, they are still perfect!

What is a hemangioma?  According to the Mayo Clinic, it is a birthmark that most commonly appears as a rubbery, bright red nodule of extra blood vessels in the skin.  Many people refer to them as "strawberries".  

Hemangiomas can be very small and harmless or they can be much scarier.  It really depends on the size and location.  Luckily for us, my little guy's seemed very small.  It's location was not the best since it was right over his right eye brow.

The doctors warned me that it would most likely get larger and more prominent.  "If it gets so large that it disrupts his vision, we will have to consider surgery."

Not exactly what a mother wants to hear.

Break out the Modern Essentials book!  The protocol called for Geranium, Cypress and Frankincense.  I had two of the three.  Once we got over the jaundice, it was time to tackle "the spot".  

At the East Coast Conference held in May, I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. David Hill from doTERRA.  I introduced him to my sweet baby boy and asked about the best treatment for the spot.  He said my research was well done and geranium and frank would be the best way to go.  

1 drop of each gently massaged into the area.  

Geranium then Frank.  

We have done this faithfully for 3 months.  I have to say is spot is almost gone.  At the pediatrician's office yesterday, the doctor said he was very impressed.  Of course, he still thinks I am a bit crazy for believing in these oils but I can see the progress on my son's head.  These oils work!

Here is the progression of "the spot".  You can see for yourself.  All this done, without harmful drugs or scary surgery.  Sure he smelled a bit like little old lady with the Geranium but I know I feel much better about his aroma over scars and stitches.

A final photo for this entry, taken yesterday.

11/12/13:  Update on my not so little guy these days:

 As you can see, the spot is almost completely gone.  The texture is flat.  We do not get any comments or questions on "what is that?"  The oils are truly amazing!

UPDATE:  My little baby is not a baby anymore.  He is 6!  Can you all believe it?  At Leadership in San Diego Dr. Hill and Andrew were able to meet again.  It was the most fantastic moment of the entire retreat.  I think we all cried a bit.  The quote of the night was "It's remarkable!  I am amazed how the oils worked for him.  It's just remarkable."   Then....Andrew told him and many other owners and leadership all about the Titanic.  I think they realize just how powerful Frankincense really is now.  It was probably more about that ship than they ever thought they would know.   Such a fabulous day!

Dr, Hill & Andrew 

Get on the bus, it's back to school time!

As summer winds down....based on the calendar, not the weather.....I am having a whole new set of emotions surface.  My oldest child will start Pre-K in just a couple weeks.  In my mind, she was just born.  It is truly bittersweet for me.  I am so glad she is growing up but at the same time, full REAL school....oh my!  Before I know it, she will be driving and dating.....bring on the anxiety.  

Despite my mild case of denial, I know that I have to get ready for the "back to school" frenzy that is upon us.  I will get the new pencils, crayons, backpacks, lunch boxes and this year....essential oils!

Let's face it, you put kids in a room together, add a change in weather and Boom!!! you have germs.  To help my kids fight off as many as possible, we are using a daily dose of OnGuard as well as the A2Z Vitamins..  This year, we are using OnGuard beadlets.  They are tiny beads that are easy to swallow.  If you don't have the beadlets, a drop of OnGuard on each foot will help beat down the germs as well.

Diffusing the oils will be another big thing to help with the transition to school.  doTERRA Living magazine has a great article to help with kids in the classroom.  Citrus Bliss in the morning will help everyone get up and go.  More importantly, they will be happier.  Peppermint can help them wake up as well.  It puts pep in your step!  I find it is a great afternoon pick me up.  Just a drop with some Frankincense on the back of your neck and you won't want that energy drink.

                 

Topically, the kids will get their daily dose of Balance!  Everyone needs a little balance in their life don't they?!  1 drop down the back of the neck and on the spine is a great way to get it into their system fast. Another great place to apply is the feet.  Balance has a great scent too.  It helps them stay calm and grounded and yet be kids.  

When bedtime rolls around, the go to oils are Lavender or Serenity.  If you have a really tough time getting to sleep there is a great blend called The Hibernation Blend that will do wonders for your sleep.  Many people swear by this blend for sleep because it just helps them relax and drift off to dreamland.

Hibernation Blend

• 20 drops Frankincense
• 20 drops Bergamot
• 20 drops Roman Chamomile
• 20 drops Vetiver

Add to a roller ball topped bottle.  Top with Fractionated Coconut Oil.

For kids, use a 10 mL bottle.

For adults, use a 5 mL bottle.

I pray for an easy transition to "big girl school" for my oldest and quite frankly, me.  I know I will need a little Elevation blend to get through the first day.  

Here is to a happy, new, school year filled with lots of learning fun!!!!

Mother Nature, I shake my fist at you!

Ladies, this one of for you.  Guys, I apologize but think of this post as a way to help the women in your  life.  Just forward this blog to the ladies in your life and don't say another word.  It is for your protection!  Today, we are talking about that time of the month and woes of womanhood.

I am unhappily reporting that my benefits of pregnancy seem to have come to an end.  I have found bruises from bumping into things again.  When I am pregnant I never seem to bruise.  It is a beautiful thing.  Thank goodness for Helichrysum now that superpower has faded.  But this is not about bruising, it is about that dreaded visitor, Aunt Flow.  Despite breastfeeding and pumping my little heart out, my cycles have returned.  It is amazing how a year off can make you forget just how bad cramps, bloating and headaches can suck the life out of you.

I have read on Facebook posts and from fellow oilers that you can get through your time of the month using oils.  So since the time was right, I gave it a shot.  My oils of choice...Citrus Bliss, Past Tense, DigestZen and Solace.

Why?  Glad you asked!

Citrus Bliss makes me happy.  Let's face it, I was pretty darn grumpy at this event taking place just 3 months into breastfeeding.  I mean seriously, the people who keep from getting a period the entire time they breastfeed are probably those who "the weight just fell off."  OK.....BITTER party of one, your table is ready.  I hear  ya!  Moving on.....

I applied a drop to each temple and the back of my neck.  It did help me to feel the more bliss.  I call Citrus Bliss sunshine in a bottle for good reason.

Past Tense helped relief my headache.  I rolled that blend across my forehead.  It has a nice minty smell and really knocks out a headache.  It will help kick a migraine too.  Luckily, I don't need it much but it really does the trick.

DigestZen might be the one that surprises everyone.  They typical use of DigestZen is for tummy trouble and it works great.  After numerous Facebook suggestions, I gave it a try.  I rubbed a couple drops on my abdomen.  You know what?  The cramps went away.  It was amazing.  

Finally, I used the Solace.  Solace is a blend especially designed to help women with all sorts of hormonal issues.  It can help with PMS, hot flashes, cramps, you name it.  I rolled it across my abdomen and soon after I found I just felt better.  Less of the ick feeling I always get.   It will be my go to oil during the next round of monthly ick.  





Although, I was truly hoping not to need any of the oils for quite a bit longer, I am glad I had them on hand.  I made it through without taking any OTC meds.  I felt better since I am still breastfeeding that I only used natural products that will not hurt my little boy.  The oils did not mess with my supply issues either.  They truly are a gift from the earth!  

Need some retail therapy during your time of the month, check out my website!  But contact me so you don't have to pay retail.  

Yoga is not for wimps!

About a month ago, I started back on my weight loss journey.  I joined Weight Watchers and started using Slim & Sassy essential oil blend to help with my intense sugar cravings.  You can reread it all right here if you desire.

Well, I am happy to report a few things.....
I have lost 5 pounds.  
I have been able to keep my breastfeeding going through the whole thing.  

The weight loss is much slower than I would like but I am assured by both my doctor and other super moms out there that slower is better when you are trying feed a baby.  Losing too fast can release lots of junk into your milk which is not good for babykins.  So I will learn to be content that the scale though slowly moving is slowly moving down.

Now that I am established on the eating portion of it, I started adding exercise.

Let me say, 3 C-sections in 4 years have taken a huge toll on my midsection and core stength.  I have had to start with baby steps.  No Jillian Michaels style training here.  I don't want to risk an injury that would keep me from taking care of my household, going to work, being on some silly pain medcine or worse.  So walking....specifically Walk Away the Pounds and Yoga have been my go to workouts.

Yoga envokes a picture in my mind of blissful, happy, strength and stretching.  You come out of the workout feeling uplifted and glowing.  Namaste!!!!  Ohmmmmmmmm

Reality.....after doing a 15 minutes with Rodney Yee I am sweating like pig,  panting like a dog and wondering what have I done to myself?!

Then I wake up at 3:30 am to feed my baby and OUCH!  I felt stuck in bed.  My back, my legs, my abs, even my earlobes were sore.  OK OK, maybe not my earlobes but my goodness was I sore.  I did YOGA!  Not crossfit.  I was supposed to be rejuvinated not mamed!

Break out the Deep Blue Rub.  I dab about a nickel size amount along my lower back and within minutes I feel the back loosen up.  I can bend and twist again.  I can pick up a hungry baby.  Good things!  Deep Blue rub saves that "morning" or do we still call 3:30am night?  haha

Straight from doTERRA:

DEEP BLUE^® RUB

dō̄TERRA’s Deep Blue Rub is a rich, topical cream infused with Deep Blue Soothing Blend of Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade essential oils that provides targeted comfort to tired and sore joints and muscles. Formulated with a proprietary blend of natural plant extracts and other powerful ingredients,Deep Blue Rub provides a comforting sensation of cooling and warmth to problem areas. With close to 5 ml of dōTERRA’s top-selling Deep Blue essential oil blend of wintergreen, camphor, peppermint, bluetansy, German chamomile, helichrysum, and osmanthus, Deep Blue Rub is an essential addition to your bathroom cabinet, gym bag, or first aid kit. Deep Blue Rub is blended in a base of moisturizing emollients that leave your skin feeling soft, not greasy and is the choice of massage therapists and sports practitioners for applying dō̄TERRA’s Deep Blue essential oil blend.

I woke up this morning still sore but mobile.  I can tell I got in a good workout.  I have not needed any OTC medications to deal with my discomfort.  I can't really call it pain but discomfort fits the bill.  Not enough that I won't be doing another workout tonight. 

Deep Blue also comes as an oil blend in a 5mL bottle or a 10mL roll on.  It is great to help with sore joints and muscles.  If the pain is more arthritic, add some Frankincense with the Deep Blue for a more powerful pain killer.  My mother uses that combo on her knee frequently.

For more information on how you can use the oils to transform your gym bag check out the  Gym Bag makeover from doTERRA.  

To me, if I am going to bust my butt to get in shape, I really don't want to add a bunch of chemicals to the mix.  Exercise releases toxins.  Why add more?  Go natural and use Mother Nature to help you get healthy and happy!

Oh Frank, I love you!

Frank is not the name of my husband, it is the nickname of one of my favorite oils.  Frankincense.   Many call it "The King of Oils" for good reason.  

Many of you know Frank from the Bible.  Three wisemen journeyed to bring Baby Jesus the gifts of Frankincense, Myrhh and Gold.  Three precious gifts for one precious child.  Have you ever wondered why?

Well, one researcher said it this way:

 "Frankincense has been touted for it’s medicinal and soothing properties. Herbalists say it is calming, restorative, gently clarifying, and meditative. Frankincense oil is thought to have stimulating, toning, and warming properties. The ancient world used it for treating depression. We recognize the word “incense” in its name and we understand that ancient people burned frankincense, believing it to carry their prayers to heaven."

In our modern world,we can still use Frank for many of the same reasons.  It does have calming and restorative properties.  Here is a video showing the power of Frankincense.

How do I use Frank?  I do 2 drops under my tongue once a day.  I will be perfectly honest and tell you it is not the best taste.  It is short lived in taste but provides long term benefits.  As a woman with hypothryroidism,  I have noticed over the years my eye brows and lashes thinning.  As a mother of three kids under 4, I have noticed my brain feeling scattered.  When I take the Frankincense under my tongue I notice my head is clearer and my eye lashes and brows are thickening.

I have read testimonies of sciatica and carpel tunnel pains disappearing after daily use.  Studies have been conducted showing the power of Frank over cancer.  There are so many benefits.  Add a drop of Frank to your Deep Blue rub to enhance the pain killing properties.  Feeling the afternoon drag...check out this video:

I have heard so many times from other oil users, "when in doubt, go with Frank!"  I now know why!  What a precious, potent oil to use daily.

Sugar, we are breaking up!

Yes, I said it.  I have set a new goal to break up with sugar.  I fully accept that it might just result in a long distance relationship.  Let's face it, sugar is in so much stuff and it makes things taste better.  The problem, it makes my backside only available in a widescreen shot.  

Overall, my diet is healthy.  We eat organic, well balanced, lots of fresh fruits and veggies.  My problem is I want to finish these healthy meal with a sweet treat.  I don't stop at a small portion though.  One bite and I become a less blue version of Cookie Monster!  One cookie is never enough.  Yum yum yum cooooooookies!!! 

This week I joined Weight Watchers.  My excuse of "I just had a baby" will only be acceptable for so long.  To be perfectly honest with you, I had to start this because I just feel so lumpy.  I fully accept that my body will need time to recover but I decided I am helping it along this road.

So how does this all relate to the oils?  What have I chosen?  

There is a lovely little blend offered by doTERRA called Slim & Sassy.    From the official doTERRA site:

SLIM & SASSY®
METABOLIC BLEND

dōTERRA’s Slim & Sassy is a proprietary formula of grapefruit, lemon, peppermint, ginger, and cinnamon essential oils. Just add 8 drops to 16 oz. of water and drink between your healthy meals throughout the day to help manage hunger, calm your stomach, and lift your mood. Slim & Sassy is 100% pure essential oils, does not contain diuretics or stimulants, and has zero calories.

There are a few ways to take this product.  You can add it to your water as suggested above.  I have chosen to add 5-7 drops to a veggie cap and  drink with a large glass of water 3 times a day.  

After one week of using the product I have noticed my craving for sugar is more controllable. I can resist as I walk by the large tray of donuts at work or the cake at work or the candy the kids bring in the house.  I do like the taste of the blend, though I have heard some do not.  It gives my mouth a tingly feeling because of the cinnamon.  For me, the veggie cap makes it easier for me to get the product in my body.  I drink water all day but my job can make it tough to add oils to the water.  

Another thing I have noticed after the first week is a large reduction in my water weight.  My ankles are back in view and I couldn't be happier.  This is due to the grapefruit in the blend.  It helps the body release retained fluid.  It is effective!  

Sugar not only can make your backside bigger it can contribute to an overgrowth of yeast.  It is called Candida.  This overgrowth of yeast can cause skin issues, thrush, and a whole list of health issues.  

Vaginal infections

Urinary tract infections

Body rashes

Acne

Oral thrush

Allergies

Cystitis

PMS

Joint pains

Asthma

Hayfever and other respiratory illness

Athlete’s foot

weight gain or weight loss

Fatigue

Taking sugar out of the equation could truly help me transform my body to a healthier, leaner and hopefully not meaner me!  Slim & Sassy will help you control that urge for sugar.  Controlling that urge can transform your body inside and out.

I will update the progress over the journey to drop the weight.  I have a large amount to lose.  Like 60 pounds, maybe more.  I am not looking to be super model skinny, just a healthy maintainable weight for long term health and happiness.  

Here is to the journey!  One pound at a time!

Nutrition matters!

For years and years I have taken a daily multivitamin.  You have seen the commercials telling you that taking their daily vitamin will help keep you healthy, full of energy and happy.  I eat a pretty balanced diet which is mostly organic.  I truly feel that we can achieve better health by eating real food in a balanced diet and avoiding processed GMO free food.  It is a shame my sweet tooth rears it's ugly head so often but I am working on that. Thank you grapefruit oil!!!!

Prior to starting doTERRA's oils, I had tried both the store bought one a day type vitamins, the vitamin store specialty vitamin packs, and a vitamin company's line of "superior nutrition".  All worked well for me and my family.

I have been with doTERRA and loving their oils since October.  During my pregnancy, I took the store bought prenatal vitamins but knew I wanted to see what the hype about the doTERRA Lifelong Vitality pack was all about.  Many women use the LLV as their prenatal but I had a BIG bottle and needed extra iron.  My baby boy was born in April so in May I decided to give them a shot.

The doTERRA description goes as follows:

LIFELONG VITALITY SUPPLEMENTS

dōTERRA’s Lifelong Vitality supplements are formulated with potent levels of essential nutrients and powerful metabolic factors for optimal health, energy, and longevity. Coupled with dōTERRA’s CPTG Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade® essential oils and a lifelong commitment to dōTERRA’s Wellness Lifestyle, they naturally support a lifetime of looking, feeling, and living younger, longer.

The dosage is 2 of each pill for a total of 6 in the morning and the same at night.  If you have never taken vitamins, you might want to start with a half dose.

So after a month of using them you are probably asking, do I notice any difference?   Do I like them?

YES! I really do.  The XEomega has a strong fishy smell but that can easily be dulled by storing the bottle in the fridge.  All are formulated with a "tummy tamer" so you don't have that vitamin taste in your mouth after taking them.  They are the first vitamins I can take before I eat breakfast without ruining my appetite.

What changes have I noticed?  I could give you the standard...more energy blah blah blah and that is true but my biggest change is in my skin, nails and hair.  I have never had exceptionally strong nails.  My hair has always grown normally.  After a month on the LLV, my hair and nails are growing exceptionally fast and remaining strong.  It kind of freaks me out to be perfectly honest.  But I have always heard, you can judge your health on the state of your hair, skin and nails.  I am less sick and have more stamina which is helpful for survival with 3 kids.

Today while getting things ready for work, I hit my thumb nail in such a way I expected to have the nail break and hurt.  Instead, it took a tiny notch out of it and the rest of the nail stayed intact and strong. I have had to cut them back weekly because they are just growing and too long to function.

I had my hair cut two weeks ago and my bangs have already needed to be trimmed.  Prior to the vitamins, it would have easily been 4 to 6 weeks before I had anything to worry about.  Being two months postpartum, I have expected to lose significant amounts of hair. So far, it isn't happening.  Fingers crossed that continues since I have never had exceptionally thick hair.  I am not asking for super thick hair but just a nice shiny head of hair.  Is that too much????

My mother has started giving the half dose to my 90+ year old grandfather.  He is a healthy guy but starting to suffer from dementia.  After a month on the vitamins, he actually came to her and told her he wasn't sure what she was giving him but he felt better than he had in years.  This from a man of very few words!

Finally a testimonial from my husband....another man of few words.  He is an oil user but just doesn't have much to say.  I know he likes things when he continues to use them and not just to be nice.  He actually started the vitamins before I did.  I would ask him, "do you feel different? better? blah blah blah"  His response was usually, "no, I don't feel bad but I can't say I see a huge difference."  And then, he ran out of them for two weeks.  He actually asked me when I was placing the next order because he needed his vitamins.  He had picked up a cold, felt tired and generally lousy in the two weeks of being off the vitamins.  He has not run out since!

So yes, I love the vitamins.  They are the best selling product offered by doTERRA and I now know why.