Nov 6, 2015

Young Living, Mona Lavender Farm, Mona, Utah:: SILVER RETREAT 2015

Where do I even begin?

Over a year ago I purchased my Premium Starter Kit from Young Living.  I posted a picture on Instagram when it came in and people loved it!  They had questions and I had to find the answers.  In turn, that meant researching new questions and finding answers for them. The interest has grown from there and so has my knowledge on Young Living Essential Oils.

In Young Living we have different ranks, based on different levels of achievements we have reached. In January of this year, I hit the Silver rank.  When you maintain that rank of Silver for a period of 3 months, you get to take a trip to one of the Young Living Farms!

That trip was 2 weeks ago!  We arrived Thursday night and left Sunday morning.  We had an amazing trip!  On Saturday we got to visit the Lehi, Utah Corporate Office and the Mona Lavender Farm in Mona, Utah where they farm roughly 800 acres.  These are some pictures from both places.





One thing I LOVE about Young Living is the Seed to Seal process.
Literally, from SEED to SEAL we KNOW where our oil comes from. 
Seed.  Cultivate.  Distill.  Test.  Seal. 
That's our oils!

Does your oil company do that?  Mine does!


The Lavender had already been harvested but this was planted along the Farm for looks and smells EXACTLY like the oil in your Young Living Lavender bottle!

"Essential oils have also been used for thousands of years for cosmetic purposes, as well as for their spiritually and emotionally uplifting properties. Young Living has always been at the forefront of bringing this ancient tradition to modern users, introducing millions to a total mind/body wellness they may never have dreamed possible.
Primarily extracted through careful steam distillation but also through cold pressing, the purest essential oils are far more powerful than the botanicals from which they were extracted. Any time you hold a bottle of our powerful essential oils, you are holding nature's pure essence."

Beyond that fence and across the road, is rows and rows and rows of Lavender.

We had the honor (and good luck) to get on the distillery tour where Gary Young was sharing the process.
He told a story of wanting to figure out WHY no one was making a cone shaped lid on the distillery's. 
As you see in the back of the picture, there are some small distilleries.  With flat tops.  Those are some of the first ones that Gary Young built.  He told a story of wondering why the lids weren't coned shape and how he came to build his cone shaped.
He decided one day to GET IN THE DISTILLERY to see for himself what the steam did when it was inside the distillery.  He got in the cooker and they turned it on.  It would steam up, he'd hit on it with a hammer and they'd open it up.  It was too steamy for him to see. This took place a few times when he finally was able to see that on the flat lids, the steam condensed on the top of the cooker and rolled back off into the plants.  This lessened the amount of oil that came from the plants.  So he decided if he were to build a dome lid, with the tube out the top instead of the side, the steam would go up and out that lid, and not fall back into the plant.  Increasing the oil extraction by 18%.  

Does your oil company do that?  Mine does!


Lavender & Melissa plants 


This is normally full of Lavender, but it had already been harvested. 


WHAT AN HONOR TO MEET MR. GARY YOUNG!
Truly, a brilliant man!
He's been distilling oils for over 20 years and built the FIRST Distillery in the US.  


Yall. This isn't some big lab. Or plant. Or warehouse. This is a farm and a barn. And hand drawn drafts of distilleries. Gary is a brilliant, brilliant mind. This is the process of distilling juniper from harvested juniper to oils leaving the distillery headed to the warehouse. 
1. harvested juniper
2. Juniper in the 'cooker'
3. The oil separating from the steam/water
4: The oil from the separator transferred into stainless steal drums
5: Straining the oil to filter any impurities out of the oil before going to the warehouse for bottling. 
They test the oil for the first time at this spot.
They test again once it arrives at the warehouse.
And once again after its bottled. 
Our oil never touches ANYTHING but stainless steel or glass.  PURITY FOLKS.  That's what that is.  
If ANY OIL does not meet the Seed to Seal standards it is not bottled. Gary will NOT compromise his standards. Ever. The less than perfect oil is then used on crops for pest control, made into bug spray, it's reused any way they see fit. Gary doesn't waste anything!! 
This is truly amazing! 

"The human touch will never be taken away from Young Living Oils" Gary Young

Do your oil company do that?  Mine Does!


We finished off the day at the farm with the First Annual Young Living Rodeo.
It is SUCH an honor and privilege to be a part of this company!
This opportunity was absolutely amazing.
I never in a million years would have dreamed that I'd be using essential oils, that they'd change the way I care for my family and our health and wellness AND that I'd go on a trip to Utah to see firsthand the quality and standards of our oils.  

There may be others on the market selling essential oils, but I can assure you...

"There is NO competition.
You have the BEST because we created THE BEST."
Gary Young

Can your Oil Company say that?  MINE CAN!

If you want to know more about Young Living Essential Oils and their uses, I would LOVE to share more!  You can also go here for a quick little look at just some of the uses of essential oils. I truly believe in the power of these oils.  I have seen how they work on my family and countless others.  

Oct 14, 2015

You are My Rest- Release Video from Karyn Williams

I had the honor of taking pictures for Karyn Williams this Summer for her new album.
Karyn is a dear friend of mine and I was thrilled to have this opportunity.

Here are some of my favorites from our shoot....





Karyn sent me this song to Preview and release here on the blog and when I heard the words, tears filled my eyes.  This song could have been written just for me.  

Some of my favorite lines, I've cried out to Jesus myself. 

"i'm tired, i've tried my best, i've given all i have"
"feels like there is nothing left to give"
"my faith is wearing thin"
"you never said that the rain it wouldn't fall"

"you never said that the nights wouldn't feel so long"

BUT- GLORY!

"you only promised to be there through it all"
"but God you promised the sun with each new dawn"
"you are my shelter in every storm"
"you are my REST"

Friends, I pray you can find rest tonight.  

I know for me, as a mom, home with little ones every day, the days get long and they feel never ending at times.  The to-do list is long.  The chores piled up like the laundry pile that needs to be folded.  The demands that comes from precious little ones.  But friends, we are right where we are supposed to be.  HE made us for THIS MOMENT.  And He can give us REST.  The ONLY Rest that lasts.  I long for that Soul Rest.  Not just rest as in sleep (which, who'm I kidding???...I like some sleep rest too!...) but Soul Rest is so much better!  Rest as you listen to this song.  Soak it in.  Let the words work on your heart.  

It's been on repeat in my kitchen all afternoon as I remind myself that HE IS MY REST.  I hope you'll enjoy this song as much as I do.  Thanks Karyn for letting me be one of the first to share this song!


This song is available for download now at KarynWilliams.com and Karyn's entire record "Letting Go of Perfect" will be available on iTunes as of October 20th!

Oct 12, 2015

Quinoa Salad + Tangerine Vinaigrette Dressing

So, if my family didn't have to eat, I would eat this every single lunch & dinner.  It is THAT good!  I made Lance try a bite (GASP:: HE ATE SPINACH!!) and he said "this has really good flavor!"

I thought I'd pass along the recipe to you.  Last month with my Essential Rewards order with Young Living, I got a free Tangerine Oil so I decided to try it out in this salad.  It did not disappoint! Also, diffuse this oil.  It smells so fresh and clean!

For the Salad:
1/2 cup cooked and cooled quinoa
1/2 cup (or more) spinach, chopped
Pomegranate Seeds- I used half the pom for this.  Emerson ate the other half.  WIN!
And a few mandarins

I have also added fresh peaches, blueberries, strawberries to this.  Whatever is in season- USE IT!  You can't go wrong.


Now, here's the kicker.  THE DRESSING!
This dressing is, lick your plate, good!
2 TBSP Fractionated Coconut Oil (or oil of choice---but this is loaded with MCT so it's good for Emerson too)
1 TSP of Vinaigrette (or more---I like it with a little kick)
1 TSP of brown sugar
1 Drop of Tangerine Oil (not for use in children under 6)

Stir together and pour on top of the salad.


I hope you enjoy this yummy, fresh salad!  Try it and let me know what you think!




Aug 20, 2015

The Wilson County Fair

We made 2 trips again this year to our County Fair.
The Wilson County Fair never disappoints.  
The first night it had rained, but it cleared out enough for us to get out and enjoy, even on a school night.
The food, the lights, the animals, the smells, the rides.  
It's just wonderful.
It screams summertime!

Easton could ride every single ride.
It's so fun to see his bravery shine.
His favorite ride this year, was again, the Tilt-A-Whirl.
I don't know how they do it, I can't even watch without getting a little queazy.
But they ride every single year and Emerson & I watch.
Next year, she'll be big enough to ride the little Tot rides!














We LOVE the Fair!  we'd go every night if we could!
Except I'd have to pack supper, because I can't do that grease more than one night a year!
Now, that large sweet tea is another story.

See you next year Fair!  You were so fun!





Aug 16, 2015

RECIPE::: Fat Free Zucchini Carrot Muffins

It's been a while since I've logged into the ole Blogger Platform...but here I am with a YUMMY recipe. It's a great snack for Back to School!

I posted this recipe a few years ago, but I've since changed it to make it fat free for Emerson, so I thought I'd post it here! Several of you had asked for it, and I aim to please... It was a BIG HIT!

Easton took these to school a few days last week and Emerson had them for snack as well!  I love when I can find something they will both eat.  NOT TO MENTION it's got veggies!  

Zucchini Carrot Muffins



Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 
  • teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 egg whites
  • cup sugar
  • cup finely shredded, unpeeled zucchini **I used a half of a large zucchini and 3 carrots. I threw it in my NINJA and it was perfect for this!  Emerson also chomped on a raw carrot while I made these!  #winning
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a muffin pan.  I use mini muffin tins.  Set aside. In a medium bowl combine the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, baking powder, and nutmeg. Set aside.
2. In another medium bowl combine egg, sugar, zucchini + carrot mixture and applesauce. Add zucchini mixture all at once to flour mixture. Stir just until moistened (batter should be lumpy).  Spoon batter into prepared pan.
3. Bake for 20 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove from pan. Cool completely on a wire rack. 

Makes 24 mini muffins

ENJOY!!!

 

 

Aug 14, 2015

Kindergarten: Easton's First Day

Well, we survived our first day of school! Actually, the first week now.  

It's so surreal thinking that my first born is now in Kindergarten.  That's a big deal.  A really big deal.  

I knew he was ready, but I wasn't sure that Lance and I were ready.  
But we took the leap and he's done so wonderful!

After a full week in, he's made some friends, he's had his feelings hurt and he's learned new things.
I'm not sure he'll ever get past the little girl 'smacking' him on the first day of school in the cafeteria, however after seeing her response when I dropped him off on Monday, I'm certain that 'smack' was a love pat.  She seems a little boy crazy over my Easty.  #tooearlyforthis

They allowed us a week to walk them in and then we had to start dropping them off at the door with the rest of the kids.  I think this was the hardest for me, because it's a long walk from the gym to his room, but he did it with confidence.

I cannot wait to see how much he grows in this school year and see all that he learns.  
He amazes us daily with just how smart he is.  
His love for others and his tender heart is such a blessing.








Easton Garrett, you make us proud buddy!




Jul 20, 2015

Rosemary Beach: OUR Vacation

When your husband tells you he's booked a vacation for JUST THE TWO OF YOU...what do you do?
Well...if you're me, you get a stomach ache and you over analyze and you 'what if' and you have anxiety for 2 weeks.  

BUT! THEN YOU GO AND YOU HAVE THE BEST TIME and VOW TO DO IT EVERY YEAR!

Lance booked us a trip to Rosemary Beach, our favorite vacation spot before we had kids.
He arranged to have Honey take care of our babies and off we went.
Packing + Planning + Grocery Shopping prior to the trip was ALL WORTH IT.  
And the worry and anxiety was for nothing, as always!

I am SO thankful that he booked this trip for us.  He knew I'd never book it, but knew that we needed this trip.  This relax & unwind time.  Just us.

The first day was a little weird.  What do we do without kids?  What do we talk about?  Wait...we CAN talk without being interrupted.  We can eat what we want to eat.  We can do whatever the heck we want!  SUCH A STRANGE FEELING.  

After that first day, it got easier being away and just relaxing.  
The kids were in great hands and having a wonderful time.
Bedtime was going smoothly and they were all smiles every time we face-timed. 


That's Lance in the yellow going to get our chairs for the day.
I mean...going to the beach with 1 bag and 1 cooler...now, THAT is vacation!




Lance is definitely the more adventurous of the two of us. 
But I love that he made me do something that I wouldn't have normally done.
We rented a Kayak for an hour and did our best to find some sand dollars but with no luck.
Well, we found them...but with no goggles and news of shark attacks, we (he) played it safe.
He knew I wasn't dare getting in the deep deep ocean!
Next time, we'll bring the goggles for the big kid.  

We walked the beach in the early morning and found tons of shells.  
Something I always want to do but with kids we never make it out there that early.  
It was nice to just walk and collect.
Easton would have loved finding all these shells!

I'm pretty sure there's a spot just like this for me in Heaven.  
This is as close to Heaven on Earth as it gets to me. 

Our last full day was my favorite.
We didn't pack lunch.
When we decided we were ready to eat, we walked off the beach and found a little restaurant in town.
Swimsuit clad with sand on our feet we sat down and had a yummy little lunch, just the two of us.  
With full bellies we headed back out to the beach to soak up that last little bit of sunshine left before we had to come home.  


Now, I love a family vacation just as much as the next person, but to just be the two of us for a few days was so wonderful!  
We certainly missed the kids, but to know they were happy and well taken care of allowed us to fully relax and enjoy ourselves.
It is so important to make time for your spouse.  I would really love a monthly date night but we don't do that near as much as we should!  Hardly ever, to be honest. 
This trip was so wonderful and I'm so thankful for a husband who made the effort to plan this trip for us.

Until Next Time, Rosemary!
And in my dreams.

And thank you, Boo, for making this trip possible, with all your hard work for us!


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