Notes from Two Lectures/Thoughts on Resiliance, Shame & Becoming a Person

I sat in on my husband's class today and took the following notes from his class with Professor Dan Zink. I also wove in some notes from another lecture I attended two days ago, given by Dr. Curt Thompson. Here they are:

"Be Becoming a Person"
Ephesians 1:1-15; 3:14-20. 
To be a person means to be open-hearted; resilient. Resilience has not been studied much. Some fascinating research; Hawaiian study. Emmy Werner studied people for 40 years.
Resilience: more than bouncing back. (no back to bounce back to!) Sense of a person being real and risk having people know them though they are a mess is a sign they are resilient. In counseling, the goal is to help the client be resilient; to not have them close down despite their circumstances. 
"...eyes of your heart enlightened...strengthen your inner being." (see verses from above portions) We are image-bearers, which means we have agency, which means we have capacity. We must be encouraged to relate to life open-heartedly in the face of what life throws at us. Resiliency DOES NOT equal "tough." 
Dan Allender's book "Wounded Heart." He talks about the aftermath of sexual abuse (or any other big or little trauma/nurturing absence we have experienced), and how we end up with relational strategies (styles of relating to other people). He categorizes three responses: "good," "tough," or "party girl/[lguy.]" Tough girls are not strong if there is much vulnerability. They think they are tough as they keep you at a distance so that no one knows who they are. The isolation in reality makes them weak. Party girls give up. They have the attitude of "eat, drink, and be merry." The good girls believe deeply that something is wrong with them so they work really, really hard. They work hard so that they can become worthy enough for people to love them. These styles of relating are all defensive.
How and when are we to be vulnerable? It takes committed connection.  It is assessing whether or not a "...relationship has an expiration date on it far enough out that it's worth taking a risk to be vulnerable." 
Edward Teyber: "Interpersonal Process in Therapy" addresses this issue.
Dr Curt Thompson ("Anatomy of the Soul") talks about the importance of being in tune with the 8 senses. So there are the typical 5 (taste, smell, see, hear, and touch), and then the sixth is the sense of what is going on inside our bodies, the seventh is the capacity of being aware that we are sensing these things, and the eighth is the capacity to sense the same thing in other people. Pay attention so we can do the eighth one well. It is important to learn this yourself before you can do it with others. Focus on yourself so that you can focus on others. If we don't pay attention to what our body is saying we will miss what God is saying to us. I Corinthians. 6:19.  When working with others simple questions are best. "What are you feeling towards me?" It helps people pay attention to their own hearts. Ultimately you will get to shame. Another good question: "How do you perceive yourself?"
Two types of secrets: mouth secrets and heart secrets. Better to have secrets of the mouth, more than secrets of the heart (Reference Patrick Rothfuss' book "The Wiseman's Fear," pg. 448) . "They [heart secrets] are private and painful, and we want nothing more than to hide them from the world. They do not swell and press against the mouth. They live in the heart, and the longer they are kept, the heavier they become...Given enough time, they cannot help but crush the heart that holds them." (pg. 489). The person with heart secrets is near, but not "with" you. [Professor Zink now pauses to take notice of the atmosphere change in the room. It is heavier]
Shame's primary purpose is to isolate us. We must be willing to go those places in the heart and share these in safe community.
We cannot change unless we present our whole bodies to God (Rom. 12:1,2). It's not just the mind. Our emotions are included in this. 
Ways to change:
1) Aerobic exercise: stimulates biochemistry which leads to neural growth and aids in depression.
2) Good sleep/rest: sabbath was made FOR man). Cut screen time an hour before bed. Are we living hurried or restful lives?
3) Appetite & diet: cut portions by half or a third and chew more slowly. 
4) Mindfulness. Pay attention to the present moment.
5) Meaningful Novelty: explore creativity.
6) Cultivate deeply connected intimate relationships: change is impossible apart from community
All change takes HARD WORK. Perseverance changes the brain.
How do we help people wrestle with their shame?
The best answers are less rational and more wholehearted. 
What is the relationship between forgiveness and resilience? We mess up in the church by starting with forgiveness. First, we must start with the process of grief, particularly anger. We need to be ambassadors of anger. We must get realistic about loss. We can get stuck by shutting the anger down. There are definitely wrong ways of expressing anger, but there are good ways of being angry at losses and abuses. Not to stay in the anger, but to be realistic about what happened. After the grieving process, we can now talk about why the abuser, for example, might have been the way he or she was without covering up what they've done. It takes courage to face this. Grief and forgiveness together is a letting go process. Forgiveness: letting go of making people pay. Reconciliation and forgiveness are not the same thing. This is not a quantitative process. It may take days or it may reoccur and you will have to work through it again. Grief: the process of letting go of hope (Have to be careful here to define this. Hope here means: "it doesn't really matter.").        

Gluten-Free Spicy Candied Ginger Cookies

These cookies are warm and spicy; dense and slightly crisp. They explode in your mouth as a burst of flavor...and, they are gluten-free! Delicious by themselves, but would also make a wonderful pair to a cup of coffee or tea.

Here's the recipe:

1 cup of Red Mill Gluten-Free Flour
1/4 cup almond meal
2 T flax meal
1 teaspoon soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 teaspoons each: cinnamon, freshly ground cloves, ground ginger
3/4 cup sunflower oil
1/2 cup plus 4 T brown sugar
2 T finely minced candied ginger
1 large egg white
2 T dark agave nectar
Additional sugar for rolling

1) Put a rack in the center of the oven; preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease 2 cookie sheets. Set aside. 

2) Whisk together flour, almond meal, flax meal, soda, salt, and spices in a bowl. 

3) Whisk sunflower oil, 1/2 cup plus 2 T brown sugar, egg white, and candied ginger until thoroughly combined. Add the egg white and agave nectar and mix well. Add the flour mixture and mix well again. Put the leftover brown sugar for rolling in a bowl. 

4) Roll about a tablespoon of the dough into balls with your fingers and roll the balls into the sugar; place on the prepared baking sheets spaced 2 inches apart. Dip the bottom of a glass in sugar and press each ball into a 2 1/2-inch round

  

5) Bake until lightly browned, about 12 minutes. Let the cookies rest on the sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a rack or plate to cool. 

Eye Infection Cured

 

 

I desperately flipped through this book one morning when my husband Matt woke up, looked in the mirror, and proclaimed that his eye was infected and swelling up yet again. 

He'd already been to his primary doctor three times in just a couple of months for antibiotics to get rid of the staph infection in his eye that keeps producing styes, swelling, redness, pain, and discharge. He was beyond frustrated. "I'm going to an eye doctor this time!" he exclaimed. We knew he just could not do another round of antibiotics.

That's when I grabbed the book. I looked up antibiotic in the index and was directed to a section on what oils had antibacterial properties. I saw a little box off to the side that gave a instructions for an 

Essential Oil Antibiotic Regimen

In a "00" capsule put 12 drops of Thieves, 6 drops of oregano, and 2 drops of frankincense. Ingest one capsule every 4 hours for 3 days, and then every 8 hours for 4 days. 

I ended up using 10 drops of Thieves, 5 drops of oregano oil, and 3 drops of frankincense because the original amounts seemed to overflow the capsule. We did the treatment for 7 days as instructed and my husband's eye swelling went down and returned to normal. He's not had to return to the doctor. This is a FIRST. His eye has always gotten worse even after compresses and washing it regularly with diluted baby shampoo. 

Needless to say we both were thrilled, but especially my husband! 

Essential oils are amazing! If you want to learn more, click here: http://on.fb.me/VIWiNP

From Lotion to Music: My Massage Favorites

I am always reading reviews and looking at blogs for help in making decisions to purchase or use a product so I thought I'd share a few of my favorite things with you so that you can enjoy these as much as I do!

Quality is important to me, so is a naturally-made product. While plain, cold-pressed oil is still the best choice for massage, it's not always practical when it comes to trying to get the product washed out of hair, clothes, and sheets. The best lotion I've used so far is Soothing Touch Ayurveda Massage Lotion. It's free of parabens, propylene glycol, formaldehyde, TEA, DEA & PEG, phthalates, and synthetic fragrance. It is also gluten-free. 
It contains coconut, castor, and mustard oils and produces a very faint tingle. I enjoy smelling it, and I can pick out the mustard and coconut when I sniff it. The glide is perfect too!

I usually order mine from Massage Warehouse: http://www.massagewarehouse.com/products/soothing-touch-ayurveda-massage-lotion/

I have a client who loves lavender and usually comes in for a massage just to relax. I adore the boost and mellow affects even I benefit from when I use a few drops of Young Living lavender oil in my client's massage. The smell is absolutely wonderful. You can order here: 
http://on.fb.me/VIWiNP

Three other essential oils I use regularly in my massage are copaiba, Aroma-Siez, and spearmint. 

Copaiba is an anti-inflammatory and useful for muscle stiffness.

Aroma-Siez helps muscle spasms, aids circulation, loosens muscles, relaxes, and relieves pain. It also has an uplifting and refreshing smell. 

Spearmint is what I use for the end of the massage on the scalp. It enlivens and awakens after the deep relaxation affects of the massage. 

Here's the link again for the oils: http://on.fb.me/VIWiNP

Another important aspect of massage is music. Have you grown tired of Midi flutes and fake bird sounds? Me too! It's hard to find good albums out there that are conducive to relaxation and a snobby musical ear. A couple of albums I've been using recently that I've enjoyed are Breathe In, by Dustin O'Halloran, and Avalon Sutra by Harold Budd. 


Breathe In is contemplative and relaxing with a bit of an ambient sound, woven together with beautiful piano and violin phrases. 

  
Avalon Sutra, by Harold Budd, is a dreamy, melancholy, and enigmatic album with contemporary classical and ambient flavors. Piano, synth pads, violin, saxophone, and electronic instruments combine to make this a unique and eclectic treat. 

 

I use Spotify (https://www.spotify.com/us/), a digital music service, which is $10 a month. It allows me to stream and download unlimited music, which I play via Bluetooth through a wireless speaker.




 

Sore Throats, Sneezing, & Superpower Plants

I love essential oils! I use them every day. When did this obsession start? Not sure when, but it was a very long time ago...

It's still going. 

Recently I've come to love not just the scent and the emotional benefit of essential oils, but also their physical effects. It never ceases to amaze me how these little "healers in a bottle" do such a big job for our bodies. 

I was down in Florida visiting my in-laws a few weeks ago. Usually when there I am forced to take an antihistamine. I had seen many online posts about using lavender, lemon, and peppermint to combat the effects of allergies. I decided to take my Young Living oils with me and try them instead of the medication if need be. 

Sure enough, after a day or two in the muggy and mildewy air I began sniffing and sneezing. The symptoms would not go away until I popped a capsule (3 drops each) of lavender, lemon, and peppermint. A few minutes after I swallowed, the symptoms would abate for a few hours. Sometimes I rubbed 1 drop each of the oils on my shoulders to give the internal dose an extra kick. It worked every time and I never once had to take an allergy pill. Quite impressed, I have to say! 

Then there was my parent's home, and Tigger, our family's overgrown and very fluffy kitty. I love me some Tigger, but my body doesn't react too well to her fur. I popped the oils and was fine.

My sister graduated this year and Mom did her wonderful and usual thing of making mounds of decadent and delicious food, some of which was off our diet, like the rich, creamy macaroni and cheese, and the almond cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. There were also the nightly binges of ice cream, chocolate, and candy. Got to love a foodie family! 

After a couple of days I started to feel a sore throat coming on. Uh oh. Getting a sore throat on a vacation usually does not end well for me. (insert sad violin track here)

Surprise, surprise, the story had a good ending! Thanks to the hero: Thieves. (applause track here)

Yes, I took 1 drop of Thieves oil (a blend of lemon, clove, rosemary, cinnamon, & eucalyptus oils) in a glass of water once or twice a day for the next couple of days and the sore throat went away. Phew! 

I'm pretty sold on the these oily gems and I'm looking forward to finding new ways to use them! 

Message me to find out how you can start on your own oily journey, or click on the link below: 
https://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youngliving.com%2Fsignup%2F%3Fsponsorid%3D1641212%26enrollerid%3D1641212&h=9AQFV5yeJ

Check out the "Seed to Seal" video below!

Mexican Black Beans ~ Essentially Summer Recipe Series

Welcome to the Essentially Summer Recipe Blog Series!

We just learned from Courtney how to make Rosemary Roasted Potatoes. Click here if you missed it: http://www.goinggranolablog.com/2014/06/essentially-summer-recipe-series.html

Look what's on the menu today!

I'm super excited about this recipe! I've used a variety of ingredients and the flavor result is delicious.The essential oil additions not only bolster the flavor, but add extra nutritional value, as well. 

Here's the recipe:

Mexican Black Beans
Serves 4-6

(2) 15 oz. cans black beans, drained
(3) ears fresh corn, boiled in water for 8 minutes, drained and cut from cob
(2) tablesp. olive oil
(1) sweet onion or white onion, chopped
(2-3) jalapeños, chopped
(1) red pepper, chopped
(2) cloves garlic, minced
(1) cup beef broth
(1 1/2) teasp. cumin
(1/2) teasp. garlic powder
Frontera habenero sauce or other hot sauce to taste (optional)
(3) drops Young Living lime essential oil 
{http://www.youngliving.com/en_US/products/essential-oils/singles/lime-essential-oil}
(2) drops Young Living coriander essential oil 
{http://www.youngliving.com/en_US/products/essential-oils/singles/coriander-essential-oil}
(1) drop Young Living oregano essential oil 
{http://www.youngliving.com/en_US/products/essential-oils/singles/oregano-essential-oil}
(2) tablesp. chopped cilantro
salt & pepper to taste

Directions:
Sauté onion, jalapeño, and red pepper in olive oil until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for another 2 minutes. Add beans, corn, broth, cumin, garlic powder, and hot sauce, if using. Bring ingredients to a near boil then remove from the heat and thoroughly stir in lime, coriander, and oregano oils, along with the cilantro.
Serve as is, or use as a filling for tacos, compliment to white or brown rice, etc. 

Are you ready to jump into the wonderful world of caring for your family with therapeutic grade essential oils?
Click here https://www.youngliving.com/signup/?sponsorid=1641212&enrollerid=1641212
to learn more or contact the person who introduced you to the "Essentially Summer" blog recipe series!

Next up is Tara at Feels Like Home: http://www.feelslikehomeblog.com/2014/06/cilantro-lime-rice-with-beans/   
  
Be sure to check out all 35 posts in the "Essentially Summer" blogger recipe series. Click here: http://myblessedlife.net

Accidentally Helped My Heartburn

I accidentally helped my heartburn. In the process of trying some oils for allergies and potential cold bugs going around, I discovered instant relief from another problem I encounter from time to time: acid reflux.
I had read about the benefits of using lavender, lemon, and peppermint in a capsule for allergies. I started mixing this for my husband a week or so ago as he has been suffering with continual styes and weepy eyes for months now. We live near downtown St. Louis and Missouri is known as the allergy state. 
I thought that adding a drop of Thieves would boost the immune-building quality of the mix, so I put the four oils in a capsule for him. I put a lesser amount in a capsule for myself and began taking it, as well. 

About five days ago I began experiencing burning up my esophagus, burping, and just a general uncomfortable feeling in my stomach and chest. I've dealt with this off and on for awhile now. After taking my routine allergy capsule, the pain completely vanished and the symptoms went away. I had the same experience yesterday. I started feeling that acid-like sensation and after popping my oil capsule the pain was gone. 
I realize that there is more to this than just taking away the symptom, but it was a blessing to get quick relief when I've usually had to suffer with it for hours until it goes away and this includes after taking enzymes. 
Here's my concoction:
1 gelatin capsule
1 drop lemon
1 drop peppermint
1 drop lavender
1 drop Thieves
Drop oils into capsule and assemble. Take capsule with a glass of water. 
The oils mentioned above come in Young Living's Premium Startup Kit. For more info, click here: https://www.youngliving.com/signup/?sponsorid=1641212&enrollerid=1641212

Deep Relief Lives Up to Its Name

I forgot we had it. It was the free product I received in the mail with my last Young Living order. I went to the medicine cabinet and pulled the little bottle of "Deep Relief" from the shelf. I rolled it on a few sore spots, and I handed it to my husband who applied it to some of his problem areas. 

Wow! The cool spice penetrates through the top of the skin into the muscle, enveloping the deeper layers of the muscle and providing instant comfort. This is probably one of the best topical muscle analgesics I've ever used. My husband was amazed, feeling actual physical relaxation in his tense spots and claiming his sleep was helped, as well. Even the smell is invigorating and not too medicinal. We love Deep Relief! And no wonder! Look at the oils it's made of:
Peppermint oil 
Lemon peel oil 
Balsam fir, Idaho oil
Copaiba oil
Clove flower bud oil 
Wintergreen leaf oil 
Helichrysum oil
Vetiver root oil
Palo santo oil 
For more info, click here: 
https://www.youngliving.com/signup/?sponsorid=1641212&enrollerid=1641212

Flowers & Citrus: Revamping An Old Recipe

It started probably a couple of years ago. 

My husband said, "No more Febreze in the bathroom. 
I'm tired of smelling poop and flowers." So I created my own aromatherapy sprays, one of them specifically for the bathroom: "Stinky Pete." I launched into full creative mode, and for the next several months sniffed, blended, mixed, and jotted down in my notebook a number of smelly concoctions, maybe a little like Perfume: Story of a Murderer's Giuseppe Baldini in his upstairs office when a moment of olfactory inspiration hit. 
Another blend that came out of the whirlwind of smelly production was "Summer Bloom," a light and fruity floral spray that has a high citrus top note and sweet jasmine middle. 
This one has been in our bathroom serving as a "post-poop" spray for months and it finally ran out. I revamped my old creation with some of my on-hand Young Living oils and I think it turned out better this time. Think bee-kissed blossoms and sunshiny citrus. 
Here's the recipe: 
                               Summer Bloom Spray 
makes a 4 oz. spray 
1/2 cup filtered water  
21 drops Young Living Sensation
15 drops Young Living Lemon
6 drops of Young Living Orange  
Spray as needed to freshen air, or use as a light body mist.  

Orange is an antiseptic, while lemon keeps germs from multiplying. Sensation is the blend I used to make the Couple's Massage Oil last month and adds a mellow floral softness that invites and pleases.   
Young Living oils are some of the finest out there, with a very small percentage of their crops making it to production because of rigorous quality standards. For more info, click on my link: https://www.youngliving.com/signup/?sponsorid=1641212&enrollerid=1641212

 

Clean Air Aromatherapy Blend

What's in your diffuser today? I'll tell you what's in mine! Today I have a refreshing mix of three Young Living oils, infusing my small loft space with their bright and cleansing scents. 

 

Our diffuser runs pretty much nonstop in our home, and we get rather creative with the oil combinations we use. With spring upon us and the usual itch of deep cleaning, reorganizing, or household decorating that accompanies it, I felt the desire to throw together this bright and refreshing blend to compliment the mood. It also helps clean the air from all the molds, allergens, and bacterias that are floating around right now.


Here it is:

Tea Tree is a warm, clean, and fresh oil that is antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal

Spearmint is antibacterial and good for lifting the spirits

Orange is cleansing, safe for children, antibacterial, tolerated by most people, and helps to promote happiness

Want to know more about how you can diffuse oils in your home? Click here: https://www.youngliving.com/signup/?sponsorid=1641212&enrollerid=1641212

DIY All Natural Couple's Massage Oil Recipe -- {Detox Your Home Series}

Happy Spring! 
I am super excited about the "Detox Your Home" series! I love making natural products. They not only smell great, but are safe and effective. 
Kristi Sawicki just showed us how to make Thieves Household Cleaner. If you missed it, check it out here: http://savingdollarsandsense.com/frugal-diy-nontoxic-household-cleaner.

Today I'd like to show you how to make a wonderful-smelling and exotic couple's massage oil. As a massage therapist, I am always looking for great products to use on the body, especially when they include good quality aromatherapy oils. 
Making your own massage oil ensures that you will be putting an all-natural product on your skin, not something loaded up with animal by-products, harsh chemicals and preservatives, or synthetic fragrances. 

In this recipe, sweet almond oil is the base, or carrier oil. Make sure to purchase cold-pressed oils, and even organic, if possible. Almond oil has a light feel and a mild nutty odor. It is nourishing and well-suited for massage, as it provides the right slip and glide without being too heavy. It is also great for those who are gluten-intolerant. 


The Young Living oil blend I've added to the base is called "Sensation," which is made up of rosewood, ylang ylang, and jasmine. 
Rosewood: encourages feelings of tranquility and works as an antidepressant.  
Ylang ylang: an aphrodisiac; relaxing, helpful for frigidity, promotes arousal. 
Jasmine: also an aphrodisiac; dissolves apathy, and encourages confidence. 
These are all great ingredients for a couple's massage oil! Sensation has a rich, floral smell with earthy and spicy notes. A heavenly fragrance that is sure to put you in the mood!

Here's the recipe:
(Recipe credit to Melissa Poepping, author of "The Chemical Free Home.")

 














 Next, learn how you can make a homemade shower spray from Denise Bowen: http://wp.me/p4gx5D-39.


Be sure to check out all 30 posts in the "Detox Your Home" Spring blogger series! Click here: myblessedlife.net.
Sign up today with a Young Living Premium Starter Kit and receive a free copy of Melissa Poepping's "The Chemical Free Home." This invaluable resource contains information on the benefits of essential oils, harmful ingredients in household products, and natural recipes to help you keep your environment and your body safe.  

Are you ready to jump into this wonderful world of caring for yourself and your family naturally with essential oils? The time is now! Click here: https://www.youngliving.com/signup/?sponsorid=1641212&enrollerid=1641212 to learn more or contact the person who introduced you to "Detox Your Home" Spring blog series! 

ADD? Go Back to Your Roots

Go back to your roots. 

Vetiver oil, that is. It's extracted from the root of the vetiver grass. I purchased a bottle from Young Living a couple of weeks ago because I'd read that it benefits people with ADD. 
My husband has struggled with this condition off and on his whole life. After getting on Adderall a couple of years ago, his life dramatically improved. Being the natural couple we are (some would say "hippy"!), however, we would like to not be so dependent on drugs to regulate symptoms like this. We realize this is not always possible, and medications definitely have their place.
We are trying the oil combo Valor and Vetiver. It's only been a couple of days, but I've been putting the Valor on the back of my husband's neck and the Vetiver on his big toe, or on his wrist. 
I asked him today if he's noticed anything in particular. He says that it hasn't been long enough to report significant symptom changes, but one thing he has noticed is less anxiety. 
No surprise there. Vetiver is a wonderful earthy smell, and as it fades, becomes sultry and exotically powder-like. It lingers, and even after applying it to my hubby, I've benefited from its calming effects.
We will keep you posted! 
 

The Dam: Go There. Now

After much deliberation about what and where to eat the other night, my husband and I got into the car and drove over to the Tower Grove South neighborhood to the little hole in the wall burger place called The Dam on Morganford Rd.

It was late. We both had worked all day. We were tired, and we also were in need of groceries. The cupboard was bare. The conversation went something like this:

"What do you want to eat?"
"I don't know. What do you want to eat?"
"I just don't know!"
"What about Domino's pizza."
"Well, they've been delivering their pizzas cold lately."
"Yeah, that's true."
"What about Chipotle?"
"I don't want Chipotle."
"It's really cold and dark outside. I just wanna stay in."
"I know...but there's really nothing to eat here."

And so it went, on and on for about half an hour. I remembered reading in a local magazine about this restaurant called The Dam. They were getting great reviews, and they boasted antibiotic-free meats, and local, fresh ingredients. We both finally agreed to check them out. (See menu below)

http://thedamstl.com/dam-slow-food-fast-thedamstl-com/menus/

After making a U-turn and calling the restaurant to see what their cross street and nearby landmarks were, we found a side street to park and walked over to the little hole-in-the-wall "Dam." Quaint, and hip at the same time, The Dam gets you excited on the first walk through the door. A large chalkboard with menu items adorned the wall on one side, and on the other was a small bar shelf lining the wall with a few stools.  

My husband ordered a single burger with cheese, which he claimed was one of the best he'd eaten ("so fresh, and better than Five Guys.") and I ordered the vegetarian specialty burger that had coleslaw and curry mustard sauce on it. Can you say, "Yum"? Of course we didn't skip the side order of Belgian style fries, with a curry and jalapeno dipping sauce. Oh my, was it a treat! And we kept it all under $20, though I think we went over that a little at the end when I decided to buy one of their large and chewy chocolate chip cookies.

Yep, we'll be back. 

Do me a favor. If you're hungry, don't want to cook, desire good quality fresh food without preservatives, and you want to save a few bucks, head on over to the Dam. You won't be disappointed. Just do it.

Cedarwood Oil & Sweet Dreams

I asked my husband before our much-adored nap today if he'd like me to diffuse some essential oils. Occasionally I'll do that before we sleep to help us drift off better. He said, "Sure!" That's one of the many things that I love about my husband. He enjoys natural fragrances as much as I do, so it makes it especially fun to experiment. 
I did some poking around on Pinterest to see which oils might enhance sleep. I came across a Young Living pin on cedarwood oil that recommended dabbing a drop on the wrists and forehead to promote rest. 

After I anointed my husband and I, we lay down and soon were floating away to a slightly narcotic slumber, the earthy and grounding woody fragrance penetrating our subconscious. We will be trying this again before bed tonight.
Later this afternoon, I mixed and burned in the diffuser rosemary, cinnamon, fir, black pepper, and nutmeg for a very stimulating and energetic blend. It filled the air with a robust aromatic scent that was stimulating to inhale.

Raindrop Therapy?

Aromatherapy. I've been interested in this subject for years now. I love me some plant oils! On my shelf in the laundry room sits a big tackle-like box of various kinds of bottles: eucalyptus, spearmint, orange, rose, lavender, fir, geranium, frankincense, black pepper, and others, including some rare and precious ones, jasmine (I think a night-blooming variety), and sandalwood in tiny dram bottles.
I have often thought that if I could just work with oils every day I would be so happy! Right now, in fact, I have Roman chamomile, jasmine, peppermint, and rosemary diffusing. It smells heavenly.

Lately I've been looking into Raindrop Therapy, a technique using essential oils in massage developed by Young Living. I am excited about it, but still researching all I can before I can chunk down the money to buy the kit required. 
If you read this, and have used Raindrop or been successfully treated by the therapy, please take a moment to comment on this blog. I'd love to hear from you!

Missouri History Museum

My sister and I laughed as we made our way up the sidewalk to the Missouri History Museum on Lindell Boulevard today. The sign said, "Caution. Ice." 
It's hard to believe that most of the ice and snow has melted since last Monday here in St. Louis, when everything was a blanket of white.
We spent a little over an hour wandering around, first checking out the Thomas Jefferson room, and then upstairs we meandered through the St. Louis history displays. 
Andrea, my sister, told me she wished she'd had more time to spend reading everything on the walls and examining each exhibit.
This is definitely a two-day or so field trip. I got stuck absorbing crinkly-looking framed newspaper reports of the 1896 south St. Louis tornado that killed around 200 people. Back in that day, they didn't have the means to handle a disaster like that. The mounds of rubble and broken down homes looked pretty dire. 
Sitting on make-shift bleachers in a darkened room decorated with St. Louis Cardinals' memorabilia, Andrea and I watched a documentary on a large screen. There were several interviews about favorite memories connected to the team. 
We'll be back! This is a great place to learn all about St. Louis and I highly recommend it!