It's no doubt that this back to school year looks a little different than years past. 

I really just wanted to use this post to see what you guys were thinking. How you were feeling about all the changes? Are you planning to send your kids back to school? Will your kids be doing remote learning? What about homeschooling? 

There are so many things to consider this year besides what outfits to choose while back to school shopping. 

I am very blessed and fortunate enough to be able to work from home, but I know that not everyone has that luxury. 

Will you hire a tutor? Do you have to go back to work? 

So many questions. 

So what exactly do you do? How do we get through this unknown territory? 

I'd love for you to share your thoughts below, but please, keep it friendly. We are all just trying to do our best! 

XXOO!

Y'all, there are a whole lot of supplements out there. And let me just be real honest and let you know that not all supplements are created equally. So I wanted to take a little time and share some tips for taking supplements and hopefully make supplements a little easier to understand. 

• Partner with quality-.Use supplements with optimal, not exaggerated or deficient, levels of nutrients by buying them from a reputable source. 
• Dose diligence. All products provide dose recommendations. Maximal benefit comes from the consistent use of a variety of specific and complementary supplements. When first starting a program, some individuals may choose to start with a lower dose and work up. The basic recommendations may be adequate or even excessive for a healthy person who has implemented a healthy diet, lifestyle, and regular supplementation program. However, someone with longstanding health issues may require an extensive regimen that may include consumption beyond label...

Detoxification also known as detoxing or cleansing is the term used to describe the deliberate use of programs, products, dietary, and lifestyle changes to support the body in the elimination of unwanted substances and circumstances. 

Releasing toxins allows your heart, body, and mind to dedicate greater amounts of energy to thriving rather than just coping and merely surviving. 

Listen y'all, we live, eat, and breathe toxic substances every single day. Just think about it, the pain on the walls, the carpet, the laundry and cleaning products we use, the pesticides, extermination products, preservative and the chemicals in foods, the "stuff" that goes in and out of cars; personal care products and makeup also contribute to higher toxicity levels in the body. 

Toxicity must be dealt with even when trying to limit exposure to toxins, since contact with chemicals and other toxic agents occur everyday by eating, breathing, living, and sleeping.

Cool, huh?

When our bodies...

I don't know about you, but I'm starting to accept this quarantine as the new normal. 

I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing, but it is most definitely a thing.

So, since I am who I am and that's a glass half full kind of gal, I decided that it would only be appropriate for me to finish off my "Friday Favorites" highlighting and finding the things to be most grateful for in a time where it's hard to be grateful at all.

1. Extra time with the family. This might be my most favorite part of the quarantine, actually. Being able to spend time with my children and my husband is invaluable. Time never stops and it's one of the things that money can't buy. When it's gone, it's gone. And too often we take the time we have for granted. So being able to spend all these extra minutes with the ones I love most has been the biggest blessing. 

2. The slower pace of life. Oh my gosh, y'all, but this part is amazing! No rushing around to be places. No waking up early if we...

Okay, so maybe the idea of swishing around oil in your mouth doesn't sound all that appealing, but hear me out on this one because the benefits certainly outweigh the ick factor, I promise. 

Okay, so what exactly is oil pulling. Oil pulling is an ancient practice and cleansing technique that involves the simple swishing of a specific oil in the mouth for a few minutes each day. 

One of the main purposes for the habit is "pulling" a variety of toxins from the bloodstream. Some of the benefits include improved gum health, whiter teeth, clear skin, elimination of bad breath, and a healthy complexion. (See, I told you it was good stuff!)

Not to mention that a wide range of additional benefits have also been reported that include positive changes in cellular health, immunity, and the ridding of unwanted toxins such as heavy metals and microorganisms, resulting in more energy and much more. 

Wanna increase the benefits even more? Add an essential oil that targets an area of...

I don't know if there's something I love more than a nice homemade, DIY, body scrub. 

Y'all, I'm obsessed with the way they smell and the way they leave my skin. Plus, they make adorable gifts to give for all occasions. 

Festive Sugar Scrub

• 3/4 cup white sugar, brown sugar, or sea salt
• 1/2 cup fractionated coconut or other oil
• 4 drops cassia essential oil
• 4 drops clove essential oil
• 4 drops ginger essential oil

Combine sugar and fractionated coconut oil in a bowl. Add essential oils. Stir until the mixture is the consistency of a slushy. Add more sugar or fractionated coconut oil to achieve desired consistency. Pour into airtight container. 

Sweet Orange Scrub

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 7-8 drops wild orange essential oil

Combine thoroughly in a glass jar, add a label and ribbon, and enjoy or share. 

Vanilla Lavender Sugar Scrub

• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 5 drops lavender essential oil

Combine thoroughly in a...

I know that sometimes choosing what oils you want or need or should have can be overwhelming. And when you ask someone to help you choose, it's hard because they truly all have a place in our lives and, well, I just hate choosing. 

So I thought I would just highlight some oils as we go along together. Maybe seeing what each oil can do and how many uses you can get out of just one bottle will help you choose as you build your oil collection. 

Let's start with one of my favorite oils, and yes, I'll probably say that a lot, but seriously, this is one of my favorites. 

Arborvitae. Think woody, majestic and strong. It actually means "Tree of Life" because the Arborvitae tree can live for over 800 years. 

It's main constituents are Methyl thujate, Hinokitiol, and Thujic Acid. It's great for antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial and stimulant uses. 

This oil blends well with Cedarwood, Frankincense and Birch.

And just as a safety precaution, dilution is...

Okay momma's this one is for you.

Let's talk First Aid. I don't know about you, but with all these kids running around I am constantly needing something from the first aid kit. 

I am especially grateful for these tips and tricks in the times we are in. Being able to have safe first aid products available at home without having to run to the store is a lifesaver, no pun intended. 

(Kidding, I totally intended a pun.)

Flu Shot in a Bottle

• 40 drops lemon
• 30 drops protective blend
• 20 drops oregano
• Fractionated coconut oil

Mix essential oils in roller bottle and fill with fractionated coconut oil. This is a great remedy for the onset of an illness. When you feel a scratchy throat or aches coming on, you will want to apply mixture to throat, bottoms of feet, and behind the ears. Because this mix contains oregano essential oil, it should be used for only five to seven days. Oregano essential oil can be hard on the liver when used for long periods of time. Protective blend...

I cannot tell you how many times people ask me "Why doTERRA?" 

What is it about this brand? This company? Why have I chosen to not only align myself with this company as a business, but why I have chosen to use these oils on those that I care most about? 

Easy, purity. 

I mean, don't get me wrong, I can sit here and come up with a 1,000 reasons why you should choose doTERRA, but for me, it all comes back to purity. 

Not all oils are created equally, unfortunately. And it can be tricky trying to navigate a virtually unregulated industry. 

I have personally bought oils from other companies and had them sent off for testing only to learn that THEY ARE NOT PURE! Sure, it cost me a lot of money, but it proved exactly what I have been shouting for years: that doTERRA is the ONLY brand on the market that proves their purity time and time again. 

And this is extremely important for consumers like you! You do not want to be ingesting these oils if they are not...

Okay, so today I wanted to tell you guys about my favorite oils to cook with. And I thought I would even share my favorite recipes with you too! 

First up, Lemon. I love our Lemon oil. You can add it to your water. You can add it to chicken recipes, but my favorite way to cook with Lemon oil is by making Lemon Fruit Dip. 

Try it, you'll see what I mean. 

Next, I love our Black Pepper/Pink Pepper oil. I make a mean peppered burger that the whole family loves. Even the pickiest ones. 

And finally, are you really cooking if you don't use Rosemary oil? One of my favorite comfort foods is mashed potatoes. My mouth is watering just thinking about them. And just when I thought mashed potatoes couldn't get any better, I found out they could...with Rosemary. 

Do you have a favorite oil to cook with? Or a recipe you're known for? You have to tell us! 

• 1 package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2...