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I am a pretty happy, glass-half-full kind of girl. I know what peace and joy feel like and I carry them with me throughout my days. I might not always be smiling or laughing or even feel like smiling or laughing, but I definitely have “something”. Even my husband comments on my overall attitude toward life, frequently. I’m still human, though. I have nights where I don’t sleep well, groggy mornings, cranky afternoons and impatient parenting days. I have a life history of anxiety, panic attacks, eating disorders, and insecurity. And yet, here I am, bursting with appreciation, gratitude, peace and happiness.

All that said, I didn’t know you could find JOY in a bottle. Really, I didn’t. I’m not a “magic pill” kind of person and I think we have responsibility and power within our lives to make changes. Things don’t happen overnight. (I could continue with the clichés, but I’ll stop.) Still, I have to tell you, I’ve found it: Joy in a bottle. The bottle actually says JOY.

So, with the redesign of our holistic medicine cabinet, we have been acquiring more Young Living essential oils (read why, here). With our Everyday Oils kit came the Joy blend. I was curious, of course, and a little skeptical. (I’m still a realist, after all, and I don’t buy into tons of “woo-woo” stuff.) It smelled scrumptious, like a beautiful flower garden on the perfect spring day. I had read about putting one drop above your heart; so, I tried it and moved on with my day. Typically, I don’t giggle or even smile while I do dishes, but on this day, I did both. I read through my text messages at the end of the day and they were filled with jokes and exclamation points. Even my “sister”, who I talk to (way too much), texted toward the end of the day, “No. More. Joy.” Apparently, I was out-of-control happy.

That’s just me though. How about another person? A wonderful lifelong friend was over. She has a lot of things to be stressed, anxious and sad about and we were talking, as women are known to do, about all of it. I gave her a drop of Joy to put over her heart and we continued our conversation. A little while later she said, out of nowhere, “I do feel happier. I can’t explain it. I think I need this in my life.” Then again, who doesn’t need a little joy?

And yet another friend, mid-conversation, several minutes after applying a drop of Joy above her heart, said, “This stuff must really work! I feel so blessed and happy!”

I really couldn’t (and wouldn’t) make this stuff up.

I love joy.

So, what is it? Joy essential oil by Young Living is a blend of the following oils: bergamot (citrus aurantium bergamia), ylang ylang (cananga odorata), geranium (pelargonium graveolens), lemon (citrus limon), coriander (coriandrum sativum), tangerine (citrus reticulata), jasmine (jasminum officinale), Roman chamomile (anthemis nobilis), palmarosa (cymbopogon martinii), and rose (rose damascena). It is used for emotional balance and uplifting, bringing joy to the heart. The Essential Oils Pocket Reference (5th Edition) states that the Joy blend “helps overcome deep-seated grief and depression”.

What do these oils do? I suppose this blend of oils can bring so much joy because each oil included in the blend serves a very specific purpose. To name a few: Bergamot calms emotions, balances hormones, and relieves stress. Geranium helps negative memories be released. Jasmine relieves sorrow and nervous exhaustion.  Lemon invigorates. Palmarosa enhances nervous and cardiovascular systems. Roman chamomile purges toxins and combats tension. Rose creates balance, harmony and elevates the mind. Ylang ylang is used for relaxation and confidence.

How can you use it? This oil can be put undiluted above your heart or on your temples, thymus and wrists. It can be massaged on your lower back, abdomen, heart and brain Vita Flex points. The joy blend can also be diffused (with a Young Living diffuser) allowing the oil to be spread throughout your room, benefiting everyone who enters.

The effects of these oils are profound and long lasting. They have been used and researched for decades, centuries even. The very smell of them alters brain chemistry, while the application to skin allows the oils to enter the bloodstream and cycle through the whole body within minutes. If you’re tempted to try Joy, you can read more here and sign-up for an account here. (Sponsor ID & Enroller ID: 1414775 Theresa Rosenthal) Remember, a wholesale account will save you 24% off retail price.

Learn more about Essential Oils with the Essential Oils Pocket Reference book (affiliate link below):

For the week of July 23, 2014.

I have so many favorite meals, but I am always looking for new things. I like the inspiration of a new recipe, new flavors and new scents filling the house. Can you relate?

Here they are for you and your inspiration:

Monday: Tilapia tacos with refried beans. I love the simplicity and coolness of tacos – lots of sides, mix and match and some great beans on the side. I have been canning my own beans, so I use the black canned beans and heat them with some oil and chicken broth until they’re mashable. Then I sprinkle some yogurt cheese on top and serve.

Tuesday: Chicken, asparagus, broccoli stir-fry over rice

Wednesday: Shepherd’s pie (this recipe says it’s a slow cooker recipe, but most of it is done on the stove anyway)

Thursday: Quinoa kale patties with roasted brussels sprouts – I haven’t made these patties in a long time, but they’re sooooo good!

Enjoy!

Are you following me on Pinterest? Check out my Favorite Recipes and Recipes To Try.

For the week of June 16th. Did you have a good weekend? Father’s Day? Graduations? Busy time, June is. We made some awesome oatmeal raisin chocolate chip pecan cookies for the Daddy in our house. Here’s the recipe – one of my favorites!

This week is going to be so hot! Trying to find some easy recipes that will be

Monday: Salmon, quinoa, bok choy (Wild Alaskan Silverbrite Salmon is on sale at Martin’s this week!)

Tuesday: Gluten-free Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Wednesday: Meatloaf, potatoes and asparagus

Thursday: Quinoa chickpea burgers with coleslaw (these “burgers” are a new-to-me recipe

Change is coming to our family medicine cabinet and it’s definitely for the better! I’ve actually thought about doing an entire post highlighting our family medicine cabinet, although it’s actually spread throughout our home. We are very particular about the supplements, foods and herbs that we use because quality is of the utmost importance. Most of our “go-to” remedies are not federally regulated; that being said, finding high quality remedies often requires an investment and a lot of research.

The newest change I’m going to talk about today is the use of essential oils. I’ve mentioned oils before here and here. I’m going to be editing those posts to specify which brand of oil to use. It has come to my attention through time, education and research, that the oils being sold on the shelves of grocery stores are not the same oils being used in various recipes for health and cleaning. I used to shrug it off and say, “I’m not signing up for something when there’s an oil right here I can buy.” Obviously, no harm came to me from doing that, but did I truly reap the benefits?

Now that I know the value of therapeutic grade oils, there is no going back. We are slowly making the investment of purchasing many oils for various recipes and uses. Our children already ask for certain oils over previous salves and medicines we were using for scrapes and bites.

Here’s one fact that made me rethink my oil purchases: Lavender oil is known for its healing properties, especially when it comes to burns on the skin. Much research is compiled describing how quickly lavender oil has healed skin. However, there is also research stating the opposite. People have applied lavender oil to their skin after a burn and actually experienced more pain and worsened burns. Do you know why? Because most lavender oils out there do not contain lavender oil; they contain lavandin – a hybrid lavender, which is very different, chemically, from pure lavender oil. This is just one example of one oil that has been adulterated… In my opinion, it’s not worth the risk.

Oils on the shelves of health food and grocery stores are aromatic and can be very pleasant, if not helpful in that way, but they are not therapeutic and should not be used for therapeutic purposes. A therapeutic oil is one that contains the original properties of the plant, tree, flower or bush from which it is derived. Do you know how complicated this is? It means from the very seed that is planted, to the environment the plant is grown in, from the weather to the absence of pesticides, from harvesting of the plant to deriving the oil from it, something can go wrong, rendering that oil non-therapeutic and potentially unhealthy!

I have found that one company meets the criteria necessary to create therapeutic grade oils that I’m choosing to put on myself and my family: Young Living. It’s likely you’ve heard of them and maybe even wondered the value or importance of their oils. Without going too much into the science behind the amazing work they do, I will say this: Young Living talks about “Seed to Seal”. Every step of their process, from the seed that is planted in the ground to the seal on the top of an essential oil bottle, has to meet absolute perfection or they will not sell it. There are times an oil will be unavailable for months at a time because they have not been able to guarantee the high quality they stand behind. For this reason, I trust them to provide us with the therapeutic grade oils we are coming to love and use regularly.

What can you use these oils for? I don’t even think I can begin to offer a comprehensive list, but here are some remedies:

• Lavender and lemon oils for seasonal allergies (I know people personally who have ceased using allergy medications because of this simple and easy remedy)
• Lavender and frankincense oils for skin abrasions, bites and bumps
• Juniper and lemon oils for gout
• Spearmint, fennel and wintergreen oils for colitis
• Jasmine, frankincense, rosemary and cedarwood oils for depression
• Peppermint and lemon oils for fever
• Helichrysum and juniper oils for tinnitus
• Fennel, tarragon and peppermint oils for IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)

From MS to cancer, cerebral palsy to neuropathy, pneumonia, polio, shingles, strep throat and countless other conditions, ailments, and symptoms – there’s an oil for that. Or a few oils. Or a proprietary blend of oils that are made specifically for what ails you.

How do we use the oils? There are many ways. Diffusing them in a diffuser so you breathe in the aromatic benefits is one way. Putting a couple of drops in your hands (or on a pillow case) and inhaling them will also work. Rubbing them on the bottom of your feet or on specific body parts like the neck or chest is very beneficial. Putting them in capsules and taking them internally, when specified, is helpful. Using them in recipes or beverages, when applicable, can also produce incredible results.

Here’s a challenge for you: Go to your search engine and enter “Young Living” _______ (fill in the blank with whatever ailment you are curious about). Put Young Living in quotation marks to assure that you get results specific to this brand of oils. Tell me what you find. What I’ve found are miraculous testimonies of people experiencing great health, wellness and recovery with these oils. My intent is to amaze you with the healing possibilities of these oils and perhaps spark some curiosity in you, the way it was sparked in me, to do some research and find some results that you’ve been looking for. You can also view my essential oils board on Pinterest here.

If you’ve thought about these oils and you’re ready to try them, it’s easy. Follow this link and select to be either a retail or wholesale consumer (wholesale members save 24% off retail price). Enter my Sponsor ID and Enroller ID as your referral (# 1414775) and my name (Theresa Rosenthal). That’s it! You can use their Essential Rewards program (ordering monthly to earn points toward free product, while getting cheaper shipping) or just buy as you need.

If you do sign up, look for a special gift from me in the mail and also know that I am here working alongside of you to help you realize your healthiest potential. I’m available to answer questions and help you create blends and protocols unique to your situation.

For the week of July 9, 2014:

How’s everyone doing? I had some great recipes last week that I was really happy with. Did you try any?

This week, here’s what we’re cooking:

Monday: Scallops (on sale at Martin’s this week), roasted asparagus and quinoa

Tuesday: Chicken paella (Nature’s Promise chicken drumsticks and thighs on sale at Martins) – new recipe

Wednesday: Spaghetti and meatballs with spinach – my daughter’s favorite! Won’t she be surprised?!

Thursday: Scalloped potatoes and roasted Brussels sprouts

I’m in love.

Seriously, in love.

Okay, I have a history of getting obsessed with new recipes and making them until I’m burnt out, but what if I never get burned out on this one?

Do you like chocolate? Fudge? Smooth, creamy, wonderful goodness with 100% healthy ingredients?

You know by now I’m really not big on exact measurements, so follow this loosely and then do what you want with it!

Melt chocolate chips in a small pot – approximately ½ cup.

When melted, remove from heat and mix in the following:

1 can of coconut milk

Dash of vanilla

2 TBSP of raw cacao powder (or more)

2 TBSP of raw, unheated honey (or more)

(See below for which ingredients I choose to purchase.)

Use an immersion blender to make everything creamy and then choose your adventure:

Do you want popsicles that are fudgy frozen perfection?

Pour them into a ZOKU popsicle maker and wait 7 minutes for your heaven.

Or, pour them into popsicle molds and wait however long those things take.

Do you want chocolate fudge mousse that’s so creamy it melts in your mouth?

Pour the mixture into a small jar or bowl and chill in the fridge for a few hours.

Please do this.
Immediately.
Then, please thank me.
Nah, just enjoy.

Below are the affiliate links to some awesome tools and ingredients. You do not have to purchase through these links but if you do, a small, very small, percentage of your purchase will go toward supporting this blog and my family!

For the week of June 2, 2014:
Welcome to June! It’s warming up here and we’ve finished our home school preschool, complete with a little graduation ceremony. We are coming up with things to do in the cool(er) mornings before we settle down for the warmer afternoons. And of course, coming up with good meals to enjoy each night as a family! I have a great recipe for you later this week for a sweet, cold treat for you and your family – keep an eye out for it!

Monday: Tilapia tacos and refried black beans with side salads (We substitute yogurt for recipes that call for sour cream)

Tuesday: Chicken Tikka Masala – this is one of my husband’s favorite meals out and I’ve never tried to make it. Wish me luck! (As an aside, I’m serving over rice instead of the cauliflower rice on this blog link.) Serving with steamed broccoli.

Wednesday: Beef stroganoff in the crockpot with coconut milk cream, mushrooms and spinach (I’m working on my own version of this to share with you)

Thursday: Chickpea vegetable curry with quinoa – new recipe

A couple of weeks ago, I posted a blog about Making Time for Mommy. It was a post that talked about my kitchen remodel and being a mommy above all else, while wondering if there was a “me” left in there. I received positive feedback on that post and got to thinking… What about Daddy? Again, this post is about my specific circumstances and the Daddy of my children. I hope, with Father’s Day around the corner, it will inspire and uplift.

In Mommy’s world, Daddy is gone for 10-12 hours a day. Mommy does it all: laundry, breakfast, diapers, play dates, errands, lunch, more diapers, more laundry, cleaning, nap times, stories, home school, crafts, dinner, dishes and the packing of lunches for the next day to start all over again. When Daddy walks through that door, Mommy takes his lunch bag, hands him a baby and serves dinner. Mommy wants to collapse on the couch, but Mommy cleans up after dinner, listening to Daddy play with the little ones, their giggling and games echoing in her head. When was the last time I had that one-on-one play time completely devoted to just them? Mommy sighs, clears the dishes, wipes the table, stove, counters and puts the dishes away. When Daddy collapses on the couch after the babies’ bedtime, Mommy starts planning the next day and getting things ready. Mommy’s brain is too tired for TV. Mommy crawls into bed, sets the alarm and passes out.

In Daddy’s world, Daddy is gone for 10-12 hours a day. His commute is almost an hour each day (a quiet time alone that sometimes Mommy envies). Mommy gets it all. Hugs, kisses, laughter, meals together, conversations like only toddlers can have, adventures, play dates, time with other mommy friends, snuggles, and short drives to the library or the grocery store. When Daddy walks through the door, he grabs his baby in his arms and talks to his toddler while trying to change into something more comfortable. He eats his dinner quickly so he can have as much time with them as possible. Sometimes it’s 10 minutes, sometimes an hour. He never takes his phone with him. It stays on the counter so he’s completely focused on his little people. Daddy plays “super heroes” and “flying” games until his arms are sore. Daddy asks all about the babies’ days and hears tales that range from fictional to very serious. He starts bath time and plays with them, speaking in different voices that make them giggle. When Daddy sits on the couch and checks his e-mail while flipping channels, he’s looking for something to help his mind unwind. After Mommy goes to bed, Daddy puts the diapers in the wash, starts the dishwasher, fills up the water bottles, feeds the animals, turns off the lights and locks the doors. Tomorrow it will begin again.

Behind Daddy & Mommy we are friends, lovers, husband and wife; we are an incredible energy healer and a holistic nutritionist, a gardener and a photographer. We are a guitarist and a pianist; we are singers and healers and nature-lovers.  We love cooking and researching, writing and reading… We don’t have to get lost behind our most important roles.

I still remember those first few months after our oldest daughter was born, when Daddy was unemployed and the stress of looking for a job and taking care of a baby who wouldn’t sleep wore us down. I remember how we did everything together with our baby. I remember how grateful we were when he got a job and my long days as Mommy truly began. I remember when I sent him a picture of our daughter with her first food (a half-eaten apple); he replied, “I’m missing everything!” I think about that all the time. How grateful I am that he’s employed. How grateful I am that I can be with our children every day. How long his days are away from his family. How blessed we are to have a home, two cars, healthy children, electricity, fresh water, good food, loving pets and good sleep at night. How “not having much money” means very little when we have “SO MUCH” of what matters. How hard he works. How much he loves us.

Here’s to you Daddy, for all that you do for us and with us, for coming home because you long to be with us, for working hard because you desire to take care of us, for silly voices, for your laughter, for grocery shopping on Sundays so Mommy doesn’t have to do it alone with two kids during the week, for giving our girls their bath, for feeding the pets, for playing with us even when you’re exhausted, for your hugs and kisses, for the all of you that you give us everyday: We See You. We Love You.

For the week of May 26, 2014:

It’s a short week! Yay! I hope you had a long weekend and a short week ahead of you, too! Yesterday, we barbecued and my husband’s recipes are secret so I can’t share them. We also had corn on the cob and our favorite: kale salad!

This week, I feel like we are fully embarking on the summer activities. We have the tiny backyard pool for the kids, we are taking a big group to the lake, my oldest is graduating from her home school preschool and it’s going to be pretty warm!

Some good things on sale at Martin’s this week including whole chicken, thighs and drumsticks (Nature’s Promise brand). We also picked up some yellow fin tuna at a good price. Unfortunately, berries still aren’t that cheap, but we found some at our local farmer’s market that were “no spray” – that was a big win for us. Four quarts gone in three days. Lucky kids!

Tuesday: Seared yellow fin tuna, rice, asparagus

Wednesday: Roast chicken with celery, carrots, potatoes and onions (going to make some broth with the leftovers later this week) and steamed broccoli

Thursday: Ground beef mac n goat cheese – it’s just like my original recipe except I brown a pound of ground beef with the onions and continue on as normal.

** All my meals are gluten-free and lactose-free – if you have any questions as to “how?”, please just ask! **