Essential Oils 101: Cypress

Cupressus sempervirens

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The clean, fresh aroma of Cypress essential oil promotes vitality and energy, while topical application helps to invigorate the senses.

Description

Derived from the branches of the tall evergreen tree, Cypress essential oil has a fresh, clean aroma that’s energizing and refreshing. Cypress is frequently used in spas and by massage therapists. Cypress contains monoterpenes, making it beneficial for oily skin conditions. It has a grounding, yet stimulating effect on the emotions, making it a popular oil to diffuse during times of transition or loss.

Uses

• Prior to a long run, apply to feet and legs for an energizing boost.
• Apply two to three drops to chest before gardening to promote vitality and energy.
• Diffuse with Lime essential oil for an invigorating scent.
• Mix together Cypress and Grapefruit essential oil with doTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil for an invigorating massage.
• Add one to two drops to toner to help improve the appearance of oily skin.

Directions for Use

Diffusion: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice.
Topical use: Apply one to two drops to desired area. Dilute with doTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil to minimize any skin sensitivity.

Primary Benefits

• Promotes vitality and energy
• Helps improve the appearance of oily skin
• Commonly diffused with citrus oils for an uplifting aroma

Aromatic Description

Clean, fresh, woody, herbaceous

Collection Method

Steam Distillation

Plant Part

Leaf

Main Constituents

α-pinene, δ-3-carene

Cautions

Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas.

Essential Oils 101: Coriander

Coriandrum sativum

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While Coriander has long been used to promote healthy digestion, it is also known to aid in maintaining a clear complexion and promoting feelings of relaxation.

Description

Coriander is an annual herb that grows three feet high and is very aromatic. Coriander seeds have been used for centuries to aid digestion and are still used today for this same benefit.* Coriander has a high linalool content, which helps skin maintain complexion. Coriander can be soothing to the body. Coriander’s sweet, herbaceous aroma is both relaxing and stimulating, making it a good rotation oil to use in blends to add a fresh, herbaceous note.

Uses

• Take a few drops internally after eating large meals to assist with digestion.*
• Apply to oily skin to maintain a clear complexion.
• Apply to the back of neck or bottom of feet to promote relaxation.
• After a short workout, apply to legs for a soothing massage.

Directions for Use

Diffusion: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice.
Internal use: Dilute one drop in 4 fl. oz. of liquid.
Topical use: Apply one to two drops to desired area. Dilute with dōTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil to minimize any skin sensitivity.

Primary Benefits

• Promotes digestion*
• Helps maintain a clear complexion
• Promotes relaxation

Aromatic Description

Green, floral, herbaceous

Collection Method

Steam Distillation

Plant Part

Seed

Main Constituents

Linalool, α-pinene, γ-terpinene, camphor

Cautions

Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas.

Essential Oils 101: Copaiba and Copaiba Softgels

Copaifera reticulata, officinalis, coriacea, 
and langsdorffii

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Copaiba, similar to Black Pepper, can help soothe anxious feelings and, when taken internally, supports a healthy immune and cardiovascular system.*

Description

Copaiba essential oil is derived from the resin of the copaiba tree which can grow upwards of more than 100 feet and can be found in tropical South America. Copaiba oil is widely used in cosmetic products including soaps, creams, lotions, and perfumes. Since the 16th century, copaiba essential oil has been utilized in traditional health practices by the natives of north and northeastern Brazil. Similar to Black Pepper essential oil, Copaiba can help soothe anxious feelings and it can be applied to the skin to promote a clear, smooth complexion. Taken internally, Copaiba essential oil supports the health of the cardiovascular, immune, digestive, nervous, and respiratory systems.* Although Copaiba does not contain psychoactive cannabinoids, the main component caryophyllene may be neuroprotective and have cardiovascular and immune benefits.* It’s also a powerful antioxidant that promotes immune health.*

Uses

• Add 1 to 2 drops to water, juice, or tea to support the health of the cardiovascular, immune, digestive, nervous, and respiratory system.*
• Provides antioxidant support when ingested.*
• Take internally to help soothe and calm the nervous system.*
• Apply topically combined with a carrier oil or a facial moisturizer to help keep skin clean and clear, and to help reduce the appearance of blemishes.

Directions for Use 

Diffusion: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of choice.

Internal use: Dilute one drop in 4 fl. oz. of liquid.

Topical use: Dilute one to two drops with a carrier oil, then apply to desired area. See additional precautions below.

Primary Benefits

• Supports the health of the cardiovascular, immune, digestive and respiratory systems*
• Powerful antioxidant*
• Helps calm, soothe, and support the nervous system*
• Promotes clear, smooth skin and reduces the appearance of blemishes

Aromatic Description

 Spicy, woody

Collection Method

Steam distillation

Plant Part

Resin from Copaifera reticulata, officinalis, coriacea, and langsdorffii

Main Constituents

β-caryophyllene

Cautions

Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas.

Copaiba Softgels 

Copaiba Softgels provide a daily dose of Copaiba Essential oil in a convenient easy-to-swallow softgel. When taken internally, Copaiba essential oil may help support the nervous, cardiovascular, immune, digestive, and respiratory systems.*

Description

Traditionally, Copaiba has been administered orally to promote the health of cardiovascular, immune, digestive, respiratory, and nervous systems.* When taken internally, Copaiba essential oil may be calming, soothing, and supportive to the nervous system.* Antioxidant support of Copaiba essential oil promotes healthy immune function and response, while supporting cellular health and function.* The many benefits Copaiba Softgels provide to the body also include supporting the healthy functioning of the circulatory system and soothing anxious feelings.* Copaiba Softgels are easy to swallow and provide a convenient way to receive the internal benefits of Copaiba essential oil.

Directions for Use

Take 1 softgel as needed. 

Primary Benefits

• Convenient, easy-to-swallow softgels deliver the internal benefits of Copaiba
• Supports cardiovascular, immune, and digestive systems*
• Powerful antioxidant*
• Soothes and supports the nervous system*
• Supports the health of lungs and respiratory system*

Key Ingredients 

• Copaiba Resin  

Other Ingredients 

Extra virgin olive oil, Modified tapioca starch, Glycerin, Purified water, Maltitol.

Cautions

Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor's care, consult your physician. Store in a cool, dry place. 

Dare: Straight Talk on Confidence

One of my girlfriends from Dell, Michelle, recommended this book to me as I have become an avid listener of personal development books. Michelle did say the target audience of this book is women who are vying for the C-level officers positions, which I am not. 

I appreciated the specific, tangible advice Becky Blalock provides in this book. Yes, the book is designed for business women but there is advice throughout the book that can be applicable to anyone who wants to do better, not only professionally but personally as well. 

In Chapter 4 of the book, Blalock talks about "Dare to project a confident attitude and embrace the behaviors and mindsets of powerful leaderships". She breaks confidence down to three pillars:  attitude, knowledge, and experience. 

One of the pieces of advice that resonated with me was to be as "through and data driven as possible.  Backing up your arguments with data, protects you from personal attacks. If you can prove that you are right, you win people's respect. Even if its grudgingly." This bit of advice was powerful for me as my older daughter has taken to having passionate philosophical discussions, which I enjoy. I have encouraged her to do research so her arguments will be fact-based instead of emotionally charged.

Blalock provides numerous tips to develop a positive attitude. I will share a few. Surrounding yourself with positive people is a must. Start the day with a positive gratitude. Smile and laugh. Do something nice for someone. Do appreciate the importance of a healthy diet and exercise. Clean out and organize your work space. If you are feeling down, list the positive things that have happened to you to review. Monitor your self talk (check out the Ted Talk Video on her website and she address self talk). 

http://www.beckyblalock.com/

Blalock's list "13 Easy Ways to Teach Yourself to Be More Confident" from Time.com as a wealth of information.

http://time.com/107218/be-more-self-confident/

Of course being a huge exercise and nutrition advocate, number 10 on her list sparked my interest. "There’s ample evidence by now that getting enough sleep, exercise, and good nutrition profoundly affects both your mood and your effectiveness. “Just moderate exercise three times a week for 20 minutes does so much for the hippocampus and is more effective than anything else for warding off Alzheimer’s and depression,” Blalock says. “Yet it always falls of the list when we’re prioritizing. While there are many things we can delegate, exercise isn’t one of them. If there were a way to do that, I would have figured it out by now.” Blalock's last statement always makes me think of Oprah. She is one the wealthiest people in the world and yet, still struggles with her weight. If there was a magic weight loss pill, you know Oprah would be using it and endorsing it. There's not. There is only hard work and effort. 

Below is the link to "Dare" from Amazon. I do recommend this book, not only for women in the corporate world wanting to advance their career, but for anyone who seeks specific, actionable advice to improve their personal and professional lives. 

Essential Oils 101: Clove

Clove Eugenia caryophyllata

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Known for its ability to cleanse teeth and gums, Clove essential oil is also a stimulating and energizing oil that produces a warm, woody aroma.

Description

Clove has been used for years in dental preparations, candy, and gum for its flavor and ability to cleanse the mouth, yet it provides a myriad of benefits. Its main chemical component, eugenol, makes it a very stimulating and energizing essential oil that can be used as a warming massage oil. Clove contains powerful antioxidant properties and supports cardiovascular health when taken internally.* As a cooking spice, Clove adds a spicy flavor to any dish or dessert while providing internal health benefits.* One drop can clean the teeth and gums while promoting fresh breath.

Uses

• Add one drop to toothpaste to clean teeth and gums.
• Place one drop in two ounces of water and gargle for a soothing effect.
• Take in veggie capsules to support cardiovascular health.*

Directions for Use

Diffusion: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice.
Internal use: Dilute one drop in 4 fl. oz. of liquid.
Topical use: Dilute one to two drops with doTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil then apply to desired area.

Primary Benefits

• Powerful antioxidant properties*
• Supports cardiovascular health*
• Helps clean teeth and gums

Aromatic Description

Very spicy, warm, woody with subnote of leather

Collection Method

Steam Distillation

Plant Part

Bud

Main Constituents

Eugenol

Cautions

Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas.

2019 - Year of Adventure!!

Hi Friends! I know it's been quite a bit since I've posted on my blog! Thank you for checking it out today! One of my priorities this year is to spend time on my blog. I may shift the focus a bit as it's always a bit daunting to know how much to share. It is always interesting to see which posts resonates with folks.  

One aspect of my life I do definitely want to share and I don't know why for the life of me I haven't done this before but is to share reviews of the books I read. Nothing fancy pants like you'd see in Goodreads, but a thumbs up or down. One of my favorite questions to ask my friends is "what are you reading?" And now, you'll know for me!

Today I want to share with you the girls gift from Santa. This gift idea is not my own. I absolutely borrowed this gift idea from Facebook. An ingenious and creative grandmother made a year of adventures for her grandchildren. The envelopes were beautifully decorated and the main gift was a trip to Disney. That aint happening here. I am many things but crafty, I am not. Also, with our current living situation with my Mom, I don't see a long vacation this year. But that is A OK because there are quite a few things to do in our lovely town.

See, I told you I am not crafty.

Yup. Not crafty at all. I had to label the envelopes so we know which girl opens which month. Gotta be fair, you know!

So month one was Painting with a Twist!

https://www.paintingwithatwist.com/

A crowd pleaser!

Honestly, I was inspired by this month because my lovely niece asked for a Painting with a Twist gift certificate for her birthday in December. Soooo...figured what a perfect way to start the year! 

The girls have done a painting or two already. The children's options are always fun. 

I was happy to see the outline was drawn on for them.

Finished project. Grace's super powers are in the art arena for sure. She wasn't in love with this painting but was able to experiment with texture. 

Caroline enjoyed herself more than in the past. She is a harsh critic of her art so I was pleased this experience didn't end up with her in tears. 

If you haven't been to Painting with a Twist, I do highly recommend doing so! I've gone with girl friends and enjoyed the wine and snacks. I've gone with my girls and enjoyed that experience. I've seen single folks enjoying the quiet time and of course, this is great as a date night.