I don't know about y'all, but this body ain't what it used to be. And not for a lack of trying, but you guys know what I'm talking about. The older we get, the harder it is for things to heal. Or we're just dealing with the effects of growing older with sore muscles and just some general aches and pains. 

Well, enough is enough! Am I right?! Okay, I'll calm down, but for reals y'all, sore muscles are no joke these days. And yet, they are bound to happen. Whether after a workout or after getting out of the bed. Totally depends on the day of the week. 

But I have some great news! I've compiled a list of my favorite top ten essential oils for pain, sore muscles, and swelling and I think you're going to love it! 

1. Peppermint- Because peppermint contains menthol it has a wonderful "cooling" effect on those worn out muscles. 
2. Marjoram- This oil is great for relaxing muscle spasms and tension. It is also well known for easing pain and inflammation.
3. Lavender- This...

I hope y'all know just how hard it was for me to choose just 3 reasons why EO's are awesome. 

Because there are like SO MANY REASONS, but I know we all have things to do so I'll keep it to my favorite 3. 

In no particular order here we go.

1. The DIY potential is endless. Like endless, endless. You can seriously make so many things, y'all. And with the holidays quickly approaching this is something you are going to want to look into. From at home spa products to crafts with the kids, there is seriously something for everyone. 

2. They're for the whole family. Headache? I got you. Belly ache? I got you. Restlessness? I got you. Germs? I got you. Whatever anyone in the family needs, I got them. And I love that I don't have to worry about if they're filled with icky ingredients or not.

3. They bring all the amazing benefits of nature right to you. Nature is kind of amazing, y'all. And I'm a true believer that the good Lord equipped us with all the...

Whether it's a tasty protein shake or a refreshing body spray, essential oils and fitness go together like peanut butter and jelly. And if you haven't started incorporating oils into your daily workout routine, you are seriously missing out! 

Speaking of peanut butter...

Peanut Butter Heaven Protein Shake

• 1 scoop vanilla meal replacement powder
• 3/4 cup vanilla almond milk (or other non-fat milk)
• 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter
• 1/2 banana
• 1 cup ice

Mix in blender until smooth and creamy.

Leg Cramp Blend

• 3-4 drops soothing blend essential oil
• 3-4 drops lemongrass essential oil
• 1-2 drops helichrysum essential oil

Mix together and apply directly to affected area.

Post-workout Bath

• 3 drops lavender essential oil
• 2 drops roman chamomile essential oil
• 2 drops marjoram essential oil
• 1 drop helichrysum essential oil

Add to bath and soak away your soreness.

Sanitizing Spray

• 1/2 cup water
• 2-6 drops protective blend essential oil

Add ingredients to a glass spray bottle. Shake...

Maybe it's because the dog days of summer are truly upon us and it's just too darn hot to even look at the kitchen, let alone actually go and cook in it. 

No thank you.

So lately, I've been eating SO. MANY. SALADS. And I thought it would be the perfect time to share some of my favorite dressing and marinade recipes.

Basic Vinaigrette

• 2/3 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup champagne or wine vinegar
• 2-3 teaspoons sugar or 1-2 drops stevia, to taste
• 1 teaspoon shallots or white onion, finely grated
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1-2 drops wild orange, grapefruit, or invigorating blend essential oils. 

Shake ingredients to mix well, and enjoy.

Creamy Cilantro Dressing

• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 package dry ranch buttermilk, dressing mix
• 2 drops cilantro essential oil
• 6 stalks green onions, sliced
• 4 golden pepperoncini peppers
• 1 drop lime essential oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Combine all ingredients in blender and refrigerate. Serve on...

Okay, I'm doing my best not to blush while writing this, but let's just say I'm glad you can't see my face! 

But in all seriousness, let's talk oils and intimacy.

Today I'm going to include some of my favorite blends. Blends for massage, blends for diffusing, and even blends for bubble baths. 

Aphrodisiac Massage Blend

• 1/4 cup fractionated coconut oil or unscented lotion
• 2 drops rose or geranium essential oil
• 3 drops sandalwood essential oil
• 2 drops ylang ylang essential oil
• 3 drops clary sage essential oil

Mix oils together and massage on skin to increase connection and arousal. 

Aprhrodisiac Blend for Diffusing

• 1 drop white fir essential oil
• 1 drop cinnamon essential oil
• 1 drop patchouli essential oil
• 1 drop rosemary essential oil
• 1 drop sandalwood essential oil
• 1 drop ylang ylang essential oil

Drop these essential oils into a diffuser and fill the air with excitement! 

Ecstasy Bubble Bath

• 1 1/2 cups liquid castile soap
• 2 tablespoons vegetable glycerin
• 1/2...

Okay guys, this one is for you. I didn't want you to think I was leaving you out! 

Today I will be discussing some of my favorite essential oils for men. From shaving cream to a shoe deodorizer, this one's for you.

Shaving Cream

• 2/3 cup shea butter
• 2/3 cup cocoa butter
• 1/4 cup fractionated coconut oil
• 5 drops sandalwood essential oil
• 5 drops peppermint essential oil
• 5 drop melaleuca essential oil

Place butter and oil in double boiler to melt. Mix in essential oils. Let shaving cream cool. Whip with hand mixer.

Earthy Aftershave

• 3/4 cup witch hazel
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 10 drops sandalwood essential oil
• 5 drops peppermint essential oil
• 3 drops rosemary essential oil
• 2 drops melaleuca essential oil

Place all ingredients into a bottle. Shake well and pat onto skin after shaving for a natural, great-smelling antiseptic and anti-inflammatory aftershave.

Spice Cologne

• 40 drops bergamot essential oil
• 10 drops clove essential oil
• 20 drops white fir essential oil
• 5 drops...

Okay ladies, you too guys! Let's talk anti-aging. 

Now don't get me wrong, I love growing older. I love learning and experiencing new things. And truth be told, getting older has only gotten better every year. 

With that said, however, what I do not like is looking old. I certainly don't feel old, well, not after I actually get out of the bed in the morning, kidding, sort of. So if I don't feel old why should I look old? 

The answer is: you don't. 

Our anti-aging blend is amazing, y'all. It's main ingredients are Frankincense, Hawaiian sandalwood, Lavender, Myrrh, Helichrysum and Rose.

You will want to use this oil to address wrinkles, fine lines, sun damage, scars, stretch marks, blemishes, tension and mood balance, skin cancer, and meditation.

This is a beautiful blend with time-honored essential oils for radiant skin. And they aren't lyin'! 

Have you tried this blend? Do you have other anti-aging secrets? Do tell! I'm dying to know all the things! 

...

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...

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...