healthy

Autumn is Coming!

Autumn is Coming!
Some days it feels like Autumn, other days the summer heat returns. Here in South Dakota, and at this time of year, I like to dress in layers in preparation for temperature swings and the wind that is almost always a factor. I do enjoy these slightly cooler temperature shifts after a hot, dry summer.
Besides weather shifts, people also seem to dig out the fall scented candles and we see signs for pumpkin spice at all the coffee house’s. While I love the scents of fall, we ditched candles a long time ago. I didn’t want to risk forgetting to extinguish them when not around and they actually lower our air quality. They're loaded with artificial fragrance and volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) that can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, as well as cause breathing issues and nausea. They can even damage the central nervous system and other organs. Yikes! (Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5093181/ ) 
 
So what did we use to replace ALL those? A diffuser, high-quality essential oils, and a spray bottle!
 
Diffusing vaporizes essential oils and gets them into the air so that we can breathe them in. We use cool mist ultrasonic diffusers so that the oils are protected from heat and retain their incredible properties!
 Diffusing also purifies the air, makes your home smell good without harsh chemicals, and helps get those awesome oils into your lungs and to your brains. (yes, that's a good thing) Simply add your essential oil drops to your diffuser, add water to the fill line, and start diffusing.  It’s so easy and I can change up the scent throughout the day. In rooms where I don’t have a diffuser I will mix up a room spritzer and just lightly mist the air… this is mostly done in the laundry room where our 2 Golden Retrievers hang out.
Here are some of my favorite fall diffuser blends.
Mulled Cider
3 drops Ginger
4 drops Orange
2 drops Cinnamon Bark
2 drops Clove
 
Snickerdoodle
3 drops Stress Away ®
2 drops Thieves ®
 
Falling For You
4 drops Orange
3 drops Ginger
3 drops Patchouli
 
Fall Frost
3 drops Cinnamon Bark
3 drops Northern Lights Black Spruce
3 drops Orange
 
One other super easy option is the Young Living Simplified Fall Collection by Jacob & Kait. This collection includes 3 blends with all the cozy fall feels with warm scents of Cozy Cabin (woodsy), Gingersnaps (spicy & sweet) and Orange Spiced Cider (rich citrus & cinnamon)
 
Whether you want to mix up your own, or you like the easy button, I hope this has helped you! 
 
Not all essential oils are created equal. We only use Young Living essential oils. I love their Seed to Seal promise and I have visited their farm in Mona, Utah. I have tried other oils in the past and they did not even come close to the Young Living standard. Are you ready to ditch the candles and shift to pure essential oils? Get started today!

Your Wellness Depends On It!

Your Wellness Depends On It!

Are you in the “prevent getting it” mindset?  It might be time to think “What will I do WHEN I get it?”   Even better, “How can I support my body now, before I get it?”

  • Are you getting adequate sunshine and fresh air?
  • Do you drink plenty of clean, filtered and fluoride-free water?
  • How do you take care of your mental health?
  • Are you staying active?  
  • Do you take care of your gut health?  Your immune system depends on it!
  • Do you eat whole foods? (think LOTS of fruits, veggies, green juices, bone broth and nutrient dense foods) Our Functional Medical Doctor recommends a Paleo type of diet.  
  • Have you reduced the toxins in your home?  Artificial fragrance is in everything and is the absolute worst.  GET.IT.OUT.OF.YOUR.HOME!  Replace your scented candles, wax warmers, air fresheners, dryer sheets, scented fabric softeners, detergents and scented cleaning products. I have replaced all of the above with pure essential oils, plant-based cleaning products and clean, pure, safe self-care products.
  • What supplements do you take?
    1. We all have to start somewhere, and baby steps add up to big changes.

Here’s a short list of some options!

  • Vitamin D (Super D)
  • Vitamin C (Super C Chewable or Super C)
  • Melatonin (Immupro)
  • NingXia Red (whole food antioxidant liquid supplement)
  • Multivitamins (MightyVites for the boys)
  • Mineral Essence (Combines the benefits of minerals with premium essential oils)
  • Longevity essential oil
  • Probiotics (Life 9 and MightyPro)
  • Inner Defense (reinforces systemic defenses & promotes healthy respiratory function plus offers immune support)
  • Thieves essential oil blend: diffused 24/7 in a diffuser and in a roller bottle; applied to our spines and feet every day and more often if we’re feeling off.
  • Thieves Chest Rub
  • Breathe Again applied to our chest area, RC and/or Raven in the diffuser.

 

  • Do you take Epsom Salt baths?  These can help pull out the toxins and ease the aches and pains.  Aim for at least 30 minutes of soaking.  Some lavender, peppermint and PanAway can be added to the bath for more support.
  • Prayer & meditation to help manage stress.
  • Do you get plenty of rest?  Every body is different, but on average, 8 hours of sleep certainly helps you stay above the wellness line!  A cool dark room, no electronics for an hour before bed and a quiet, calm environment to set the stage before sleep is also helpful.

There are plenty of ways you can support your health and adjust these suggestions for your own comfort.  If you are curious about any of the products mentioned they can be found here or click on the "Place An Order" button up in the right-hand corner!  

Just know, you are the only one in charge of your health and NO One cares more about your health than you.  Empower yourself and make self-care a priority.  You can do it! I believe in you.

Sending love,

Traci

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

Happy 2022!

I am on a mission to improve my exercise and eating habits; these improved habits also require a fair amount of grace J Are you with me?  I'm going for progress, not perfection. 

I started my morning with 15 minutes on an exercise bike and a few stretches, plus play with my two golden retriever puppies once we started to get some light outside.

My doctor recommended that I add in more avocados to my diet (and veggies as always), which I have incorporated with some success. This recipe allows me to enjoy my chocolate (which I prefer to veggies and avocados) and eat avocados too!

Chocolate Avocado Pudding

Ingredients

3 large avocado, soft and ripe

¼ cup cacao powder

3-6 tablespoons coconut milk (depending on what consistency you like, start with 3, then add a little more if you want)

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 tsp coconut oil

2 tablespoons raw honey

In addition to the above ingredients, I also like to add some cinnamon, so I add 1 drop of Young Living’s Cinnamon Bark Vitality essential oil.  It’s safe for consumption, great for satiety and oh so good!

 

Directions

  1. Combine avocado, cacao powder, coconut milk, vanilla, coconut oil and honey in blender or food processor; blend on high for 1 minute or until smooth.
  2. Add 1 drop Young Living Cinnamon Bark Vitality essential oil (peppermint would also be good!)
  3. Blend for another minute.
  4. Transfer to a glass container, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Enjoy!

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Meet Traci Stensaas, a horse loving, homeschooling, boy mom.

 
Our family used to face constant bouts of illness. My son suffered from reactive airway disease as a toddler. Every passing bug knocked him down. We became well-acquainted with doctor visits and nebulizer treatments, trying anything to ease his breathing troubles. I believed that cleaning our home using store-bought cleaners was a good thing and that I was helping him get better.

Then I discovered the truth. Those chemicals were causing more harm than good. I found there were options that not only cleaned effectively but also boosted our health. I started with simple swaps. We all started a healing journey. The transformation was incredible. He is an athlete and has enjoyed all kinds of sports like football, basketball, cross country, track, and Taekwondo. We're all healthy, happy, and thankful for these positive changes.

I now support other moms and families in replacing toxic products with safe, clean options, one step at a time. If that's you, get in touch—I’d love to help.

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