DIY Gifts for Chicks

This is the year to give the gift of wellness! I have decided that many of the gifts I give to my family and friends this year will be based on essential oils, in some way. Be that, handmade, or bought. What are some great gifts to give to family and friends that are inexpensive, useful, and LOVED! Anyone can buy a gift for someone, but if the recipient doesn't think it's useful or lovely, WHY BOTHER? I have always found great joy in giving gifts that have meaning to the people I love. It makes me so happy to see them love something I spent time making or picking out just for them.

That's what this post is all about! What are some great DIY gifts that your would love to give and love to receive. Let's get started!

All Natural Healing Salve

I started making the all natural healing salve from a recipe I found on Camp Wander. It's an amazing blog with GREAT essential oil ideas. The salve has worked wonderfully for my dry hands and feet but has also worked wonders on some of my friends psoriasis and chapped lips! It has amazing uses. You can find the original Camp Wander All Natural Healing Salve recipe and post here.

Bath Fizzies

Aren't these cool!? Who knew you could make something that every woman would love with a few simple products you can purchase through Spark Naturals (essential oils) and some general cooking supplies! This is way too cute! I found this recipe from The Thrifty Mama blog. Here's the original recipe for DIY Bath Fizzies.

Bees Wax Candles

These are just gorgeous and make a great gift to bring to the hostess for a Christmas Party. And sooooo simple! Check out the recipe from Oh Happy Day Blog here.

Vanilla Extract

Heck yes! DIY Vanilla Extract! Who knew it was this easy? And it includes BOOZE! HELLO? This is too good to be true! Check out the recipe here from Bethany Actually blog.

Dahlia Corsage

Isn't this darling? What a cute gift to give some of your lady friends at a Christmas gathering! My mom actually made these last year and they turned out WONDERFULLY! Here's the original instructions from Megan Reardon. Check out how some of the variations my mamajamma's made using wool felt below:

Flower Essential Oil Diffusers

Are these not the cutest!? My mom is actually making these too. Usually when I find something like this that I really want to make but know that I would totally F it up, I give it to my mom to do. I buy, she makes. It works! (LOVE YOU MOM!) Check out these step by step instructions from Jen's Ink Spot blog. She made them to be book marks, but on another blog I follow (Created2Fly) she makes something similar to this and uses it as an essential oil diffuser. Attach the paperclip to anywhere in your house or your car air vents, add a few drops of your favorite Spark Naturals Essential Oils, and you are GOOD TO GO!

DIY Essential Oil SMASH Book

I just think this is the coolest thing to give to someone who is starting to dabble in essential oils. Buy a SMASH Book Kit from a craft store (I bought mine at Michael's but they have them at Target too), print out all these great printables from One Good Thing by Jillee blog and put it together for them. OR...if you are lazy, you could just give them the SMASH Book Kit, printable from One Good Thing by Jillee and maybe a bottle of Lemon Essential Oil from Spark Naturals. Who wouldn't love that!?

Alrighty! Now, get to it! Make this Christmas less stressful and more meaningful with inexpensive, DIY gifts that your loved ones with LOVE LOVE LOVE!





The Many Uses of Lemongrass Essential Oil

 

Lemongrass is one of those essential oils that I bought in a kit and never used. I could never figure out what to do with it, so I just ignored it. That's the spirit, right? Out of sight, out of mind. Hmm. Well, I decided that it's pretty pointless for me to have spent money on this essential oil and not find a way to put it to good use. So, I started my research. And what do you know!? It's good for a lot of stuff! Yes, STUFF!

Lemongrass can be used for:

• digestive problems
• stomach aches
• diarrhea (my son calls it "pee-poop")
• vomiting
• sore throats
• coughs
• fevers
• anxiety
• calming insomnia
• nervous disorders
• vertigo
• Alzheimer's
• Parkinson's
• high blood pressure
• reducing fluid retention
• athlete's foot
• acne
• tendonitis
• sprains
• broken bones

That's quite the list!

Have you ever seen what lemongrass actually looks like? It looks like green onions. You know those things that look like green straws with white deals at the bottom. THOSE! It's weird! Here's a picture!

Okay, so now that we know it's great for helping with all these things (and looks weird), how do we use it? Here's a breakdown for you, ma lady!

Topically:
Lemongrass can be quite strong, so its important to dilute it with a carrier oil like Fractionated Coconut Oil. Mix it in a roller bottle (50/50 mix) and roll it onto the affected area. This is a great method for skin ailments as well as mental ailments. For mental ailments like Alzheimer's, nervous disorders, vertigo, insomnia...etc., roll the mix on the bottom of your feet, toes (rub it in), on your wrists (rub it in) and the back of your neck (as close to the base of your skull as possible).

Diffusing:
Lemongrass has a yummy sweet aroma that is very refreshing and soft. It is a great scent to diffuse with. Simply put a few drops in your essential oil diffuser and let it run all day for a nice smelling home and to reap the benefits without having to rub it on yourself. Diffusing lemongrass is a great way to help with anxiety, uplifting moods and calming insomnia.

Internally:
Lemongrass is safe for consumption as long as you purchase a therapeutic grade like that from Spark Naturals. Suffering from the flu or a cold? Add 2-3 drops to a shot glass of water and chug it. Or, add 2-3 drops to some hot tea and honey and sip it. It tastes delicious (just like lemon).

Next Steps...

It's time to get the ball rolling. If you don't already own Lemongrass essential oil, pick some up for CHEAP from www.sparknaturals.com. Seriously! It's only like $5.99!

If you plan on using it topically, purchase a roller bottle and some fractionated coconut oil, too. Here's a list of what you will need. ANNNNDDDDD, be sure to use coupon code CURLY to save 10%! What a deal!

Here is what you'll need:

1. Spark Naturals Lemongrass Essential Oil
2. Spark Naturals Fractionated Coconut Oil
3. 10mL Glass Roller Bottle

 



Jeddy's Blend Salve...YES! SALVE!

I have discovered my new favorite way to apply essential oils; in a salve! The typical Camp Wander All Natural Healing Salve recipe is amazing, not only for healing purposes (hence the name) but also for moisturizing. So, I've been lubricating my body with this loveliness day and night. It smells amazing and is a great way to heal the dry, cracks on my hands, as well as moisturize.

So, why would I NOT do the same for my family?

My son, Jamie was having some trouble focusing at school and keeping his attention on the books, so I started using Spark Naturals' Jeddy's Blend on him (and on myself for anxiety). I simply take a 1/8 oz roller bottle, fill it half full with Jeddy's Blend and half full with Fractionated Coconut Oil (all available from Spark Naturals by clicking the links) and apply it to certain areas of his body (and my body) each morning before school (or work). I apply it to his wrists, bottom of his feet and toes and to the back of his neck. When I rub it in, I use my wrists so I get the benefits without having to reapply it to myself. Pretty nifty, AHHH? We have noticed a HUGE improvement in his attitude, behavior and well...on his "smiley face" chart from school. YAY for "all smiley face days!" It's the little things, right? Okay...but anyways, back to the salve.

So, since my son really digs the smell of my all natural healing salve and loves the smell of his Jeddy's Blend, I thought it, "Why not put the two together?" Are you with me?

I brewed up a batch of all natural healing salve (original recipe can be read on my blog HERE or on Camp Wander's Blog HERE) and instead of adding the essential oils instructed for the healing salve (lavender, lemon and melaleuca), I added 20 drops of Jeddy's Blend! Okay, it smells SO FRIGGIN' GOOD! I am loving it! I mean...uh um...my son is loving it! Okay Okay, I made it for him, but I use it too. OKAY!? BUSTED!

Don't forget, when you order from www.sparknaturals.com, be sure to use coupon code CURLY to save 10%! WHAT A DEAL!

Here's what you do to make your own JEDDY'S BLEND SALVE:

**Original recipe for All Natural Healing Salve is from one of my FAVORITE blogs, Camp Wander!

1  Cup Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
1  Cup Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
4  T. Beeswax Pastilles (Available from Spark Naturals, too!)
1/2 t.  Vitamin E oil (optional)
5, 4 oz. glass mason jars (Ball brand, can be found at JoAnn's or on Amazon)

To each jar add:
20 drops Spark Naturals' Jeddy's Blend
1/2  teaspoon Vitamin E oil (optional)

Fills {5} - 4 oz glass mason jars or small glass jars of choice.
Apply to hands, wrists, arms, feet, legs...ANYWHERE!

Melt the coconut, olive oil and beeswax in a warm bath, stirring with a knife every few minutes until melted.

This will take at least 15 min, you want a slow melt.

Add the Jeddy's Blend  to the empty jars and pour into glass jars of your choice and let cool.

Put a paper towel over the jars while cooling and wait to cover with lids until completely cooled down.  Shelf life is approximately 8 months.

Want to make your own? GO FOR IT!!
Be sure to order your Jeddy's Blend from Spark Naturals by clicking on the product names above. THEY ARE LINKS :)

All Natural Aches and Pains Blend Salve

I have been trying to find something to handle the pain I have in my back, neck and shoulders for years. I've tried lots of name brand stuff and haven't been happy for several reasons. The smell is strong and hard to tolerate, especially if I want to use the ointment during the day. Nothing says sexy like smelling like a 101 year old woman in a nursing home. I also disliked that the ointment didn't provide relief for more than a few hours, or less in most cases.

So, I went looking for an all natural alternative and found it! In essential oils! OH YES! Rebecca at Camp Wander created the Aches and Pains Blend Salve. It's recipe is nearly the same as the All Natural Healing Salve I wrote about earlier this month. The only difference being the essential oil combination. Now, I was skeptical at first but that soon went away when I reflected on it a bit. So many of folks think all natural treatments are nothing but hippie quackery. I use to think that too. Even about the generic brands at the drug store. It was always, "No no, get the name brand stuff. It works better." Pshhh, not so much. I kept buying it even though it didn't really work that great. Why? Because we are all convinced that chemically developed medicine is the ONLY way to get rid of illness. This is NOT true. I firmly believe that many cures for common ailments are available to us right here on our Earth. Climbing down from my soap box now....

I made 5 jars of the Aches and Pains Blend Salve and started using one of the jars every morning and before bed. I wanted to be able to tell people about how great it works by using it myself; another thing I firmly believe in! So here is my testimonial for the Aches and Pains Blend Salve.

The Aches and Pains Blend Salve, developed by Camp Wander, is amazing! The blend contains several essential oils that are known for their all natural healing properties, and work together to make each other more powerful healers. I know it sounds crazy to think that birch, white fir and frankincense essential oils can have a better effect on healing aches and pains then the common muscle ointment (Icy Hot, Bengay...etc.), but it works! The scent is soft, with just a hint of birch essential oil (a wintergreen scent). I usually put the salve on my mid and lower back, as well as my hips. I have also started putting it on my shoulder blades and neck. The best part, I don't stink! And it don't get that terrible burn and cold feeling like most other creams provide. Not to mention, it lasts all day! ALL DAY! WHAT!? I know, right? It's great!

So, I hope this article helps anyone considering trying the Aches and Pains Blend Salve to manage their own pain, like I have mine.

Camp Wander's All Natural Aches and Pains Salve Recipe:

1 Cup Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
1 Cup Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
4 Tablespoons Organic Beeswax Pastilles
1/2 teaspoon Vitamin E Oil (optional)

Fills a total of 5, 4oz glass mason jars.

Add these essential oils to the 5, 4 oz. mason jars BEFORE filling with the salve mixture.
30 drops of Birch
10 drops of Frankincense
10 drops of White Fir


Coconut oils is a natural moisturizer as well as antibacterial. Olive Oil has lots of antioxidants, including Hydroxytyrosol as well as anti-inflammatory properties. Now that Birch EO, the most powerful essential oil for pain relief with aspirin like qualities is available from Spark Naturals, the ability to make your own powerful Icy Hot - like pain reliever is a reality. PURE Birch essential oil is hard to come by and in high demand for a reason - natural pain relief.  Combine Birch for pain, White Fir EO for inflammation and Frankincense EO to further enhance the properties of all three EOs, driving them deeper into the affected tissue.  

 

Melt the coconut, olive oil and beeswax in a warm bath, stirring with a knife every few minutes until melted.
This will take at least 15 min, you want a slow melt.

Add the EOs to the empty jars and pour into glass jars of your choice and let cool.
Put a paper towel over the jars while cooling and wait to cover with lids until completely cooled down.  Shelf life is approximately 8 months.

As always, I highly recommend Spark Naturals Essential Oils. Purchase the required essential oils HERE.

Use coupon code CURLY to save 10% on your purchase 
with Spark Naturals.

Allergy Sufferers UNITE! L.L.P. to the Rescue!

I don't know about you, but my  allergies have been kicking my buttocks for a few weeks now. Seems like spring and early fall are the worst. I tend to have the most trouble with my nose and sinuses. Congestion, and pressure. NO THANK YOU!

Every four hours, I take an over the counter anti-inflammatory for nasal swelling. At night, I take a generic allergy medicine that is "suppose" to last 24 hours. Yeah...okay. ::::insert eye roll here::::

So, I started looking around for what else I could try. I am a huge follower of Camp Wander and One Good Thing By Jillee; both blogs have an abundance of information related to essential oils, crafts, DIY and other goodies. I love these blogs! They have changed my life for the better, both health wise and financially.




Both Jill (One Good Thing By Jillee) and Rebecca (Camp Wander) STRONGLY recommend Spark Naturals L.L.P. Allergy Blend. This blend is an equal combination of Lavender, Lemon and Peppermint essential oils. It can be applied topically to your feet or taken internally (in a shot glass of water twice a day or in a veggie capsule twice a day). Pretty cool, huh!? This combination is an awesome anti-histamine that can help all allergy suffers! So, (everyone scream) ALLERGY SUFFERERS UNITE! Say "goodbye" to the yucky chemically designed pills we are all filling our bodies with and "hello" to more effective, all natural alternatives!




Read One Good Thing By Jillee's Post About Allergies HERE.
Read Camp Wander's Post About Allergies HERE.

Here's what to do:

Antihistamine Protocol in a Capsule:
Purchase Spark Naturals Veggie Capsules. They are inexpensive and a great way to take the L.L.P. internally. Simply fill a capsule with 9 drops of Spark Naturals L.L.P. Allergy Blend, and then close it up. Take 1 capsule, two times per day. THAT'S IT! EASY!

Antihistamine Protocol in Water Shots:
This is my choice way of taking my Spark Naturals L.L.P. Allergy Blend. I notice relief from my allergies right away and it seems to last longer than taking the blend via capsule. So, what you do is fill a GLASS (not plastic) shot glass with cold tap water. Add 3 drops of Spark Naturals L.L.P. Allergy Blend to the water. Drink it in one gulp. Swoosh your mouth out with water if you like. That's it! Do this two-three times a day.

That's it my dears! When I started taking my Spark Naturals L.L.P. Allergy Blend, I overlapped with my over the counter drugs. I would take my standard dose of my over the counter allergy meds, as well as my shot glass of water and L.L.P Allergy Blend. I did this for about a week before stopping the over the counter meds all together. I haven't touched an over the counter allergy med in over a year....I couldn't be happier! Remember, consistancy is KEY when it comes to essential oils.
 

And, as always, use coupon code CURLY to save 10% on all your purchase from www.sparknaturals.com

Take Care of Fatigue and Insomnia with Essential Oils

 

 

 

 

Fatigue, sleepy, exhausted…whatever you call it, they are all disgusting words. Besides taking multiple pills to receive some sort of restful sleep, what else can be done to either stay alert during the day or to help get some good sleep!? I think this has been the number one question I have been asked since I started spreading the word about essential oils.  

So, I started looking more into this and wanted to put together a super juicy blog post to help out all the heavy eyed people out there.

In my research, I have found a few all natural things that have worked for others that I completely support. It just depends on what method of delivery you want.  I’m going to break this down a bit more than usual so I can help those who have trouble falling asleep and help those who have issues with fatigue during the day.

 

Falling Asleep and Staying Asleep

 WHAT I RECOMMEND…

Bliss Blend from Spark Naturals (Purchase HERE)

·         Bliss is a special blend of lavender, sweet marjoram, roman chamomile, ylang ylang, sandalwood and vanilla.

·         Bliss can be used throughout the day to combat stress and anxiety. Then diffuse or apply to the bottom of your feet at bedtime to assist in peaceful, resting sleep.

o   Put Bliss in a roller bottle (50/50 blend of Bliss and Fractionated Coconut Oil). Roll on the bottom of your feet and on your wrists before bed time.

o   Diffuse the EO in an essential oil diffuser throughout the evening and while sleeping. This is a great way to get all the same benefits of essential oils without having to smear yourself in them. Spark Naturals has two AMAZING diffusers that can be purchased HERE.

 

OR...THESE WILL WORK TOO… 

Sandalwood Essential Oil (Purchase HERE)

·         Known to stimulate a gland in your brain that produces melatonin. The melatonin then provides your body with natural sleep. Sandalwood is a great essential oil to use instead of melatonin tablets.

·         Historically, it has been used to assist in meditation because of its ability to relax and focus an individual. 

o   Apply several drops (2-4) to temples, ankles and wrists before bed.

o   Diffuse the EO in an essential oil diffuser throughout the evening and while sleeping. This is an AWESOME way to get all the same benefits of essential oils without having to smear yourself in them. Spark Naturals has two AMAZING diffusers that can be purchased HERE.

 

Roman Chamomile Essential Oil (Purchase HERE)

·      Roman Chamomile is known for its relaxation properties. It is wonderful for those suffering from insomnia, anxiety, PMS, digestive issues and to calm the nervous system.

o   Apply several drops (2-4) to temples, ankles and wrists before bed.

o   Diffuse (see explanation under sandalwood)

 

Vetiver Essential Oil (Purchase HERE)

·         Vetiver EO is perfect for anyone who suffers from insomnia, anxiety, ADHD, ADD, mental fatigue and postpartum depression.

o   Apply several drops (2-4) to temples, ankles and wrists before bed.

o   Diffuse (see explanation under sandalwood)

 

Overcoming Fatigue During the Day

 

WHAT I RECOMMEND…

Lemongrass Essential Oil (Purchase HERE)

·         Known to energize, relieve fatigue and lethargic feelings.

o   Diffuse! Diffuse the EO in an essential oil diffuser throughout the day. This is a great way to get all the same benefits of essential oils without having to smear yourself in them. Spark Naturals has two AMAZING diffusers that can be purchased HERE. Be sure to stop diffusing the essential oil 2 hours prior to bedtime.

 

OR...THESE WILL WORK, TOO… 

Grapefruit Essential Oil (Purchase HERE)

·         Known to help with hangovers, mental fatigue and headaches.

o   Add 3-6 drops of grapefruit EO to a 8oz glass of water and consume rapidly 1 hour before bed.

o   Diffuse! Diffuse the EO in an essential oil diffuser throughout the day. This is a great way to get all the same benefits of essential oils without having to smear yourself in them. Spark Naturals has two AMAZING diffusers that can be purchased HERE. Be sure to stop diffusing the essential oil 2 hours prior to bedtime.

o   Apply several drops (2-4) to temples, ankles, and wrists before bed. (Do not dilute with fractionated coconut oil. In other words, apply NEAT.)

 

 

 

And, as always....

Save 10% on all your purchases from www.sparknaturals.com

with coupon code CURLY

The Benefits of Drinking Lemon Essential Oil Water

Lemon Water is Good For You!

Do you know about the benefits of putting lemon essential oil in your water? I didn't, until about a year ago. I was reading online about how amazing lemon essential oil really is!

Drinking lemon essential oil in water, on a regular basis, is highly beneficial. This is a powerful, internal body cleanser that brings noticeable improvements to the skin. Lemon essential oil is exceptional for the lymph system, stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and spleen. It is also a great way to prevent kidney stones! OUCH! Not to mention these other benefits: detoxification, strengthens nails, helps digestive problems, soothes sore throats, rids bad breath, helps ease cold and flu symptoms, great for allergies, and a natural stress reliever. OOF-DA! That's quite the power house essential oil!

So, are you convinced that drinking 8 cups of water a day with 2-6 drops of Spark Naturals Lemon Essential Oil is a good idea? Huh? Do ya, Do ya?! Well it is!

Wondering what it tastes like? Well, when you add the lemon EO to your water bottle (WARNING: ONLY use steel or glass water bottles with lemon EO), it will smell like fresh squeezed lemonade, but when you take a sip, it will taste like water with a lemon wedge squeezed into it. It's very subtle and yummy. I drink it every day, all day.

Are you ready for it? Here it comes.....

THE INSTRUCTIONS

Okay, that wasn't very exciting....

  

Step One: Purchase or use a steel or glass water bottle you are comfortable using all day long.  I bought a glass one made by ZULU at Target not too long ago. It was only $14.99 and is excellent quality. Here's what it looks like....mine is a cool hot pinkish/purple color. Pretty jazzy! For a water bottle....

Step Two: I have also heard great things about the steel HydroFlask bottles. They are a little pricey but they will keep your hots hot, and colds cold for 24 hours.

Step Three: Next, buy PURE Lemon Essential Oil. DO NOT BUY THE CHEAP CRAP FROM THE GROCERY STORE! Spark Naturals Lemon Essential Oil is high quality, therapeutic grade and safe for internal consumption. Buy it by CLICKING HERE. I recommend the 15mL bottle because you will be going through this quickly if you are drinking it all day every day...YEP! Good thing its cheap! ;)

Plus, use coupon code CURLY at checkout to get 10% off!

Step Four: Finally.....DRINK UP, BUTTER CUP! 8 cups of water a day is best. Fill up your tall water bottle 3 times a day and you'll be set! Easy Peezy...LEMON SQUEEZY! hehehe get it? get it!?

 The End :)