Essential Oils

Essential Oils 101: Why I Use Them and Supplements

Some people think the increased use of essential oils in the home by Americans is just a trend. Some people think that it will be eventually poured out with the bath water once something better comes along. Even my own husband thinks it is a fad. I disagree. I think there is power in essential oils and they help a person with many things, but people need to be educated on them.

Essential Oil Use 101


Just last week in Marshalls, I saw diffusers and essential oils labeled for sleep at deeply discounted prices. Essential oils are as mainstream now as boxed mac and cheese. The problem is that stores are now catering to this growing essential oil trend with synthetic junk manufactured in some chemist's lab. The oils may smell good to the user, but that is about it. It probably won't even help you sleep, and the smell is probably not even real. 

True essential oils have been around since Jesus, and they had medicinal purposes. Real essential oils do not have synthetic anything in it. A buyer needs to buy essential oils reputable companies that are in the essential oil and/or aromatherapy business, or spas. Ebay, Amazon, the drug store, health food stores or your local commercialized home good store is not the best place to buy true essential oils.

What are Essential Oils?


I have friends who make lice spray, bug spray, detangler, and DIY beauty regimens. Even I have made my own bug spray.  I have two diffusers and diffuse several blends. I use Young Living products and I use them because I trust its seed to seal guarantee.  Yes, I have my favorite oils now.  I love peppermint and lime together.  It smells like a mojito. I love the blend called Abundance, and R.C. when my nose is stopped up. When I'm cleaning, I like Citrus Fresh, Lemon, Thieves, and Grapefruit. Each one of these oils has specific uses. And one of the best places where you can learn more is on health/informational websites. Some of the oils came in my diffuser starter kit, and that is how I learned about them. 

Get Outdoors with Essential Oils


I have put Manuka on my skin with fabulous results. I've soaked in a tub with Purification with Epsom Salt when my muscles were sore.  I've used Tea Tree for mildew and skin itching. My dimpled thighs almost look swimsuit ready thanks to my most recent purchase called Cell-Lite Magic.,  And I love Young Living's Vitality line for cooking. 

I looked at my son's report card today and he had no absences this year.  He said, "Mom, I really wasn't sick this year.".  He's right. He had a slight bug in the fall and that was it. 

My daughter had strep throat and missed school a few days. Other than the strep visit, we went to the doctor for well visits aside from a few specialists where we are under their medical care. 

How fast do Esssential Oils work?


I have rid our lifestyle of toxins and am eating fresh foods. I try to cut out processed foods out of our diets as much as possible. I am diffusing oils in my home that are quality and are known to have health and wellness benefits. Has it made a difference in our lives? I think so. 

 I decided to stop using my cleaning people this past August and decided to clean my own home chemical-free. I now buy Norwex from a friend, and use Young Living products for my laundry, bathrooms, disinfectants, and mildew.  I use and recommend Beautycounter cosmetics and skincare.

I diffuse quality essential oils, and I've eliminated toxins in our personal care products.  Those are some of the steps I've taken in the past year.

I am by no means have 100 percent clean living in any way, but this is the lifestyle I have decided I want to live.  I do drink wine. I will indulge in a dessert, and I live life to the fullest. 

At the same time,  I also enjoy knowing that the products I am buying and using are safe with no toxic chemicals in them. 

Number of drops in Essential Oil Bottle


A lot of people aren't educated on essential oils and may even roll their eyes when someone says essential oils, but I stand by my decision to be a Young Living member with confidence. I have done my research and have taken this past year to learn. I have several friends who are members. I earn points back on the money I spend, and I buy essential oil infused products regularly more than I actually buy essential oils. After much research and cost comparisons, I use Young Living's Probiotic, and  Super B   tablets regularly and they think they are the best bargains out there, even at retail prices. 

Why do I use Young Living instead of another company? A friend introduced me to Young Living first and that is how I became familiar with their products. It's that simple. I didn't choose one over another. It's just what I started with first and have been a pleased customer. 

I also like being able to have an online store with an online support group. With the company's voluntary program,Essential Rewards perks, I am able to save money on my purchases. They have a blog and it gives me ideas on uses. 



This is why I am a Young Living Member and use essential oils. I save 24 percent on my purchases, and buy what I want and need whenever I want. I enrolled in Essential Rewards to get points back on my purchases. Joining as a member is also risk-free - you don't have to signup for any kind of shipments.

 I have energy and feel good. I'm a 47-year-old mom with two kids under the age of 10. I need all the energy I can get. Super B, I love you!

And here is a little bonus. Young Living rewards members who give referrals. It's an online store with an extensive catalog. The company passes the money they save on advertising to its consumer. It's not a special blogger perk. It is available to all customers who are members.  It can be available to you.

If join as my referral, you will receive a great essential oils reference book and the opportunity to be in a special Facebook group for the EnjoyLifeOils family.


Photos from Enjoy Life Oils, Young Living, and Oily Families. Disclosure: Affiliate links where income could possibly be generated.  Opinions about Young Living and Essential Oils are my own. 








Essential Oils 101: Why I Use Them and Supplements

A Periscope Spa Chat with the Umstead Hotel and Spa on Fall and Winter Spa/Skin Tips

The Umstead Hotel and Spa, North Carolina’s premier Forbes Five Star, AAA Five Diamond retreat, has revealed a newly conceived menu at The Umstead Spa with a strong focus on whole body benefits and seasonal inspiration. Body treatments are now offered in 80 and 100-minute increments, affording guests more time to maximize the healing properties of each therapy. Seasonal treatments are another fresh addition; a selection of five autumn services debut with the menu refresh.

I sat down with Carolyn Doe, the spa director, to talk about what is best for winter skin during a live Periscope broadcast. When you start chatting on Periscope, the chats can get long so let me summarize three things that you must know now.


Bergamot is the essential oil in the spotlight at the Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary, N.C this fall and winter. You can purchase bergamot to use in your home for spa treatments at home.

  • Bergamot is one of the essential oils that the Umstead Spa is featuring this month. Carolyn says this has a lemon/citrus fragrance and is perfect for relaxation. She says it has proven benefits to help one become calmer. Yes, we know the holiday season can cause us all to be anxious and stressed.  Bergamot is found in Earl Grey Tea, and they will be offering a great luxury pedicure which will be combined with a cup of tea. That's sounds like a spa treatment meant for me. 
  • The Red Island Ritual is Carolyn's favorite spa treatment. This is a body treatment that enhances body exfoliation with orange and apricot fruit seeds, essential oils, spice and nourishing oil. It follows up with a relaxing body treatment with warm exotic essential oils that gets rid of tension and stress. 
  • Moisturize. Moisturize. Moisturize. It's the best thing to do during the winter. 



Here are the new menu items at The Umstead Hotel and Spa.


The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary, N.C. is a beautiful place to relax. The HinesSightBlog has the latest scoop on the spa menu.



·       The Piedmont Experience (available as of Nov. 1), designed to increase blood and lymph circulation through acupressure and a rocking rhythm technique. It includes a warm herbal compression ball infused with herbs and spices that relieve the body of toxins and tension. Guests are encouraged to take the ball as a complement to an at-home bath soak. (80 minutes, $205)

·       Bergamot Aromatherapy Massage, which heralds the relaxing aroma of Bergamot to ease the mind, while light broad strokes of a Swedish massage relax the muscles. (80 minutes, $165)

·       Monarch Ritual, a warm cocooning wrap that banishes stress and leaves skin supple. A moisturizing body milk application thereafter hydrates and softens skin. (80 minutes, $165)

·       De La Terre Autumn Skin Care Package, an organic skincare experience ideal for the autumn season. Guests will be left refreshed and renewed following their De La Terre Organic Facial, with a De La Terre Natural Skin Purification System of products to bring home for maintenance. (50 minutes, $205)

·       The Bergamot and Grey Luxury Pedicure, includes a luxurious soak, exfoliation and massage with bergamot aromas to ease tension and reduce inflammation. The service concludes with nail care and a Morgan Taylor color application while guests enjoy a cup of soothing Earl Grey tea. (75 minutes, $85)

New additions to The Umstead Spa’s permanent menu include:
·       The Emerald Experience, inspired by the detoxifying properties of North Carolina’s most precious gemstone, considered the purest crystal of the green ray. It is centered on balancing and purifying guests, beginning with a dry brushing treatment to start the detoxification process. Next, guests soak in a chromo therapy tub of warm water blended with mineral salts and herbs, offering relaxation for both body and mind. A calming Swedish massage with warm massage oil, followed by a detoxifying juice beverage, completes the experience. (100 minutes, $275)

·       Facial enhancements such as LED Light Therapy ($35) and Microcurrent Therapy ($45 face; $60 face and neck).

·       Pure Manicure (30 minutes, $35) and Pure Pedicure (40 minutes, $45), both designed to quickly trim and shape nails for a fresh, clean look.


The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary, N.C. is a beautiful place to relax. The HinesSightBlog has the latest scoop on the spa menu.


Time-tested favorites remain on the menu, including The Umstead Spa’s Valmont Facial and Jurlique Brightening Vitamin C Facial, the Red Island Ritual exfoliation treatment and the Walk in the Woods four-hour escape experience.

The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary, N.C. is a beautiful place to relax. The HinesSightBlog has the latest scoop on the spa menu.


About The Umstead Hotel and Spa
The Umstead Hotel and Spa is a singular, sophisticated triumph in North Carolina’s northeastern Piedmont region, an area rich in beauty and rooted in innovation. The state’s most highly rated hotel, it boasts stunning interiors punctuated with privately curated fine art, 150 spacious guest rooms, and suites, world-class cuisine, a stimulating spa, gracious staff, and a serene woodland setting. The Umstead is a recipient of both the AAA Five Diamond award and Forbes Five Star rating.  You may enjoy these past posts on the Umstead Hotel and Spa.

Instagram Travel: A look at the Umstead Hotel and Spa 
Luxury Hotel Secrets: White Hot Chocolate at Home from The Umstead Hotel and Spa
Spring Clean Your Skin With This DIY Facial Tip from The Umstead Spa in Cary, N.C
Luxury Spa Secrets: DIY Beer Body Scrub 
Where to Stay for 36 Hours in Raleigh, N.C. 

  

If you love hotels, be sure to subscribe to my hotel newsletter or if you are only interested in North Carolina hotels and travel, sign up for the #OutaboutNC newsletter. Be sure to follow me on Periscope.


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A Periscope Spa Chat with the Umstead Hotel and Spa on Fall and Winter Spa/Skin Tips

Seven Essential Oil Recipes to Diffuse to Replace Candles

I used to like to burn scented candles in the fall and winter. There is something about this time of year that makes me want to hibernate inside my home and take in pleasant aromas of nutmeg and pumpkin, Since I now own a diffuser, I rarely use candles now. Instead, I'm using my diffuser several times a day. The fresh scents in my home are now coming from essential oils. Here are seven great fall diffuser recipes I have discovered.

Bring Fall Into Your Home with these Diffuser Recipes


Seven fall diffuser recipes that give you the aroma of autumn and Thanksgiving with scents like Pumpkin Pie, Spiced Cider, and even fresh forest. Just a couple of drops of essential oils are needed. Let your home awaken your senses this fall without the fear of any toxins and allergens.


Essential oils have been a staple in high-end spas for years, and the use of essential oils have been very common in holistic family circles for quite a long time because of the oils therapeutic benefits to support overall wellness and health.  In today's world, the phrases "environmental-friendly, non-toxic and natural" are now huge buzz words for the mainstream population, including me.  We've been educated. We've read the research. We listened. Now, we are making changes in our lifestyle. I buy produce now from farmers via a local delivery service. I care about what I breathe and put into my body, and I care about what I give my children to put in their bodies. I care a lot more about them than me, honestly.

Young Living Essential Oils recently received a Better Business Bureau's A+ rating for its business practice, and I've been pleased with their seed to seal quality on the products I use regularly.


And yes, you can use essential oils that you buy at Whole Foods for these same recipes. It's just important that you know you are buying 100 percent therapeutic grade essential oils when you purchase so ask the clerk. Of course, I would love it if you purchased from me.  You can either do it at regular Young Living retail prices or at a basic membership price, which is always 24 percent off of retail prices. If you already own a diffuser or are only interested in wellness supplements then a basic membership for $45 may be the most economical. Once you are a member, there are no yearly renewals like at clubs like with BJs or Sam's Club. Members always receive 24 percent off prices, and there is a great Essential Rewards program where you earn free products back.

Enjoy Life Oils  with YL Member 2481355.


If you do not have a diffuser in your home or own any essential oils then I recommend the Premium Starter Kit with a diffuser and eleven oils, including the popular Thieves, Lemon, Lavender, Frankincense, Peppermint, Purification, RC, DiGize, PanAway, Copaiba, and Stress Away. 
($170 cost for $300 worth of products)  as the most economical way to get started as a member.

Seven fall diffuser recipes that give you the aroma of autumn and Thanksgiving with scents like Pumpkin Pie, Spiced Cider, and even fresh forest. Just a couple of drops of essential oils are needed. Let your home awaken your senses this fall without the fear of any toxins and allergens.


Once you order the starter kit then also order the Christmas Spirit essential oil at the same time. As
a thank you for ordering from me, I will send you a bottle of Clove Essential Oil as my gift to you.

Seven fall diffuser recipes that give you the aroma of autumn and Thanksgiving with scents like Pumpkin Pie, Spiced Cider, and even fresh forest. Just a couple of drops of essential oils are needed. Let your home awaken your senses this fall without the fear of any toxins and allergens.


 You will then be able to make the Thanksgiving Diffuser Recipe in time for the holiday. This offer is good until October 31, 2015.  It can take several weeks before a starter kit arrives after ordering so don't delay. 

EnjoyLifeOils.com has a great member Facebook page, and it's a great way to connect and learn about products.

Small Victories Sunday Linkup 


Small-Victories-Sunday-Linkup-banner-pink

 At Small Victories Sunday Linkup, we celebrate all the good ideas our bloggers have to offer. Our co-hosts have been busy commenting, sharing and inviting the best bloggers to participate in our linkup.

This linkup is designed to share your BEST posts to inspire our fast growing community of readers. Share with us anything that will help others live a happier and healthier life. Sunday is the perfect day to reflect and celebrate the week that passed and look forward to the week ahead.

Ways You Can Follow Your Hosts:
Your Small Victories Sunday Linkup Hosts: Mom's Small Victories, Sunshine & Sippy Cups, The Mad Mommy, Frugal & Coupon Crazy, GeminiRed Creations, Keystrokes by Kimberly, Tidbits of Experience, Hines-Sight Blog, Simply Save, All Inspired Mom, Oh my Heartsie Girl, O Taste and See, Shandra White Harris & One Hoolie Mama! Tanya M from Mom's Small Victories (books, food, chronic illness)| Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Google + 

Meagan from Sunshine and Sippy Cups (lifestyle) | Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Google +

Echo from The Mad Mommy (family/parenting, humor)| Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Google +

Gail from Frugal & Coupon Crazy (saving money) | Pinterest | Facebook | Twitter | Google + 

Heather from GeminiRed Creations (crafts, handmade, small business) | Pinterest | Facebook | Twitter | Google +

Kimberly from Keystrokes by Kimberly (lifestyle, travel, entertainment) | Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Crystal from Tidbits of Experience (family, entertainment, books) | Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Google + 

Leigh from Hines-Sight Blog (lifestyle, food, travel) | Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Google + 

Heather from Simply Save (saving money, DIY, crafts) | Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Google +

Tiffani from All Inspired Mom (family, crafts, planning)| Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Karren from Oh My Heartsie Girl (food, crafts/DIY, blogging tips)| Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Danita from O Taste and See Blog (food) |Pinterest | Facebook | Twitter | Google +

Shandra from With Heart Wide Open (life, faith, family)| Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Suzanna from One Hoolie Mama (family, recipes, fitness)| Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Featured Bloggers

Be sure to check out Mom's Small Victories to see the most popular posts from our linkup, but you all know I like to pick out a few posts that caught my eye. 

Last week, I ate in a the Raleigh French restaurant, Coquette, and the person I was with ordered mussels. I'm not sure I know how to eat a mussel much less cook one. As a result, this post from Adrenne of Reviews, Chews, and How-tos on How to Prepare Mussels interested me. She makes cooking them seem very easy. 

How to Prepare Mussels


Jenna of 24 Cottonwood Lane makes me want to get out the flour and Greek yogurt with Lemon Blueberry Greek Yogurt Muffins. 


Lemon Blueberry Greek Yogurt Muffins

Be sure to check out the  Small Victories link up weekly.

Seven Essential Oil Recipes to Diffuse to Replace Candles

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