Essential Oils & How I Am Using Them In My Home

Okay, so I was fairly skeptical about essential oils before learning much about them. The thought of smelly incense, Indians, and dream catchers came to mind whenever I heard anything about essential oils. Really...I don't even know why. I did know some about a few essential oils such as Oregano oil which mom gave us sometimes to help when a cold was coming on. And, of course, Lavender and Lemon to scent things. But I did not know about the therapeutic benefits of these oils and that my entire medicine cabinet would be filled with them.

I was first introduced to Young Living essential oils, by my awesome doula, during my pregnancy earlier this year. She used a few different oils during my labor and delivery as well. She had just purchased her Young Living kit and after seeing the kit, hearing more about the oils, and the testimonies, my mom and I both purchased our kits! And, I can honestly say I have used them every single day since I ordered my kit. Our diffuser is on every night!

Guys, I'm seriously in love with my diffuser... Ask my husband. He really likes it too :)

The diffuser breaks the oils down into a micro-fine vapor through the air and does not heat them which insures the full benefits of the oils.

Here is a quick run through of what I have used each of these oils for!

 Thieves - I used this oil when that nasty bug was going around to support the body's natural defenses and immune system. Topically and diffused. 

Peace and Calming - One of my favorites and I'm out! I diffused this at night to promote a peaceful nights sleep. Loved this for Maylea too!

Panaway - This one is amazing! Cramps, headaches, etc...

Joy - This one is probably the least used out of all my oils, because it honestly doesn't smell that great to me....but they say that the oils that stink to you are the ones you need the most!

Purification - Love to diffuse this one while I'm cleaning the house to purify the air. Also love the smell!

Lavender - This one ran out a long time ago and I have a new one on the way :) I diffuse it at night, also helps to calm Maylea (always dilute the oils down with a carrier oil if using on small children). I put it diluted on the bottom of her feet. I use it in her shampoo that I make and in her baths at night. Also, have used it as mosquito repellent.

Valor - I have neck pain issues and have used this oil to help with the pain.

Peppermint - I have used this oil as well when we were sick and use it as an ant killer! Also, good in tea!

Lemon - I like to diffuse this in the morning and it helps me to feel more energized. Also drink it with water and cook with it.

Frankincense - So many uses for this oil. Love it for stretch marks, acne scars, infections, and stress.

Stressway - I think this one is pretty self explanatory.

Since buying my kit, I have also ordered many other oils...it's addictive.

In case you were wondering, Young Living oils may be inhaled, diffused, topically applied, and taken internally (which means you can also cook with them!) Not all essential oil brands are able to be taken internally, so please make sure you read the label before ingesting! 

Okay, so why Young Living? There are many essential oil companies out there but I have chosen Young Living for many reasons.  One of the biggest reasons is because of their Seed to Seal promise. They grow the plants, cultivate, distill, test, and seal their own oils. Their oils are pure. Their quality is amazing! You can even walk their farms in Utah...which I think is pretty amazing and would love to do someday.

Seriously?! Can I just go now?! I need to do a photoshoot in a Lavender field desperately!

There's so much more I haven't even covered...but the baby has awakened. If you want to know more about the oils or are interested in purchasing a kit, let me know!

Distributor #1929094

DISCLOSURE: The information on this site is not intended for the treatment or prevention of disease, nor as a substitute for medical treatment, nor as an alternative to medical advice.

5 Months & Then Some

Maylea Rose you have completely stolen our hearts. I didn't know I could love the way I love you until the day you were born and somehow, in the strangest way, I love you more each day. You are my joy. Being your mommy is most rewarding job I've ever had and I look forward to each new day I have with you, watching you grow and learn new things. 

You are 5 months old and are full of personality.

You found your feet a few weeks ago and must hold onto a foot while your eating.

You roll around like crazy to get where you want to go.

You smile at everyone.

You sleep through the night!

You have the most beautiful, big brown eyes.

You love playing with Daddy and light up when he comes home from work.

You love going! I put you in the carseat and you get so excited!

You sing along with mommy to the country music in the car.

You love apples and sweet potatoes...and bananas and pears. You pretty much just love food.

You are most certainly a people person!

{Pregnancy Week 39}

How far along: 39 weeks, baby is the size of a mini watermelon

Total weight gain: 25 lbs

Maternity clothes: Um....is it time to wear my regular clothes yet??! Ugh!

Stretch marks: Not that I'm aware of... :)

Sleep: Pretty uncomfortable. Restless leg syndrome, a bed that is overflowing with pillows (and having to re position them all every time I turn), and having to get up every hour to pee does not make for the most restful nights these last couple of weeks. Oh! Plus, a baby that likes to have a dance party every night.. :)

Best moment of this week: There have been many this week...I got to have another ultrasound and see our squished, little girl :), celebrate Easter with my family, and spend lots of time with Luke this weekend. 

Miss anything: Too many things to mention at this point, but that's okay as it's almost over.

Movement: Yes, maybe too much for how big she is! I think the inside of me is bruised from her.

Food cravings: Pineapple!! (and no, this does nothing to bring on labor for me).

Anything making you queasy or sick: Randomly, I will start to feel nauseous in the mornings but it usually goes away pretty quickly.

Happy or moody most of the time: Hmm...lots of different emotions these last few weeks. Lots of ups and downs. I have learned in the last week that the best kind of labor prep you can have does not come from anything I can read online, learn from other moms, my doula, my midwives, etc (don't get me wrong, I need these things too!) but from spending time with my Lord. There is nothing like the peace I have received from talking with him. I have an unrelenting need to be in control of situations in which I am fearful. Fear of the unknown. I have such a vision of how I want the birth to go and maybe have held onto that a little too tight. I have struggled with this over the last few weeks and finally realized that I cannot keep holding on and handling things the same way. I had to give my fears to the Lord and let go. When I was finally able to do that this past week, I have been filled with such a wonderful sense of peace and direction. I see Him reaching out his hand to me and telling me to walk with him. I was born to do this! So now...we just wait for her with excited anticipation :)

Looking forward to: Getting to meet our little girl!!

{Pregnancy Week 35}

How far along: 35 weeks, baby is roughly 18 inches long and the size of a honeydew melon.

Total weight gain: 21 pounds

Maternity clothes: Does this even need to be answered anymore...? :)

Stretch marks: Not yet :)

Sleeping: Starting to get uncomfortable. Certain nights are worse than others when it comes to the pelvic pressure. Turning from side to side is rather painful.  And, I'm starting it think it has to do with how much water I drink that day... Drink, drink, drink!!

Miss anything: I subconsciously almost laid on my stomach the other day while crawling into bed....that wouldn't have lasted very long. So looking forward to being able to do that again.

Movement: Yup, lots of movement still. Her feet hurt when she pokes them out :) She's getting strong.

Food cravings: Still fruit...still strawberries :)

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not much anymore.

Have you started to show yet: Of course...at this point I can't go anywhere without everyone asking, "when are you due," "what are you having?" Strangest one this week was an old man in Walmart who stopped next to me on a grocery aisle, guessed the gender, and then preceded to tell me his children's whole life story and exactly how much they pay a month on baby things... *Sigh* On a related note, my only goal in life at Walmart is to get in and out as quickly as possible...

Gender: Girl!

Favorite day this week: Hmm...I would say Thursday. I got to teach my brother how to drive a manual car. No better time to learn than when you just purchased a manual and have to learn to be able to drive it :)

Looking forward to: My cousin coming into town this week and hitting up the beach with her and her littles! And, a little babymoon/anniversary getaway to the sweet, little bed and breakfast Luke and I spent part of our honeymoon at last year. How is it almost a year!!?

We are so excited to meet you, little one!!

{Pregnancy Week 32}

How far along: 32 weeks and 5 days 
Baby is the size of a jicama (mexican yam), 16.7 inches in length, and 3.75 lb.

Total weight gain: 14 lbs

Maternity clothes: Yes, I have since graduated to all maternity clothes since my last post at 26 weeks. Maxi skirts/dresses & yoga pants are still my favorite.

Stretch marks: Nope! 

Sleep: Sleep is still pretty good...I can't complain too much. I do have to shift positions somewhat frequently as I start to feel achy if I haven't moved in awhile. 

Miss anything: Energy and running, the ability to bend over to pick up things   -_-

Movement: At this point they say there shouldn't be quite as much activity since the baby is running out of room to move...but not this little girl. She's still just as active as ever and loves sticking both her feet out on my right side. She enjoys doing this at night too... :)

I still enjoy feeling her little hiccups at night too :)

Food cravings: Chocolate almond icecream!! I've never been a fan of chocolate ice cream but Luke brought some home the other night and oh my...it is simply divine! Thankfully, it only takes a little bowl to satisfy my craving :)

Anything making you queasy or sick: Only feel sick if I don't eat enough.

Have you started to show yet: Most certainly...

Happy or moody most of the time: I would have to say happy :) Sometimes a little moodiness can get in there by the end of the day if I'm having a lot of pelvic pressure and I typically just feel rather uncomfortable by the end of the day. 

Looking forward to: Meeting our doula this weekend! And, finishing up this new site for my photography!

Over the last month or so, Luke and I found the cutest, little house and have since moved in. Here's a few pictures from around the house:

I love our yard! It seems like there's something new blooming every time I go outside!

Can I just throw this picture in here and say how in the world was this almost a year ago?!? I love this man more than I did the day I married him!

{Pregnancy Week 25}

How far along: 25 weeks, baby is the size of a rutabaga. Since that doesn't give a very good visual (in my mind at least), the baby is now 1 1/2 pounds and is roughly 13 1/2 inches long.

Total weight gain: I haven't weighed myself recently but it is somewhere over 10 pounds.

Maternity clothes: Wearing maternity shirts or loose fitting tshirts. Still loving my yoga pants and leggings.

Stretch marks: Not yet :) Still using my Palmer's lotion.

Sleep: If I'm able, I will usually take a nap in the middle of the day. That doesn't happen to often, but I do feel a lot better when I'm able to. Sleeping good at night...starting to get a bit uncomfortable shifting from my left side to my right.

Miss anything: Really wishing I could color my hair at this point... I also miss laying on my stomach.

Movement: She moves a lot. It's strong enough now where I don't even have to be looking, I will see it out of the corner of my eye while watching tv, etc. And, I feel it in more than one place now. The other night while laying on my stomach, she rested either her arm or leg high on my right side and we could feel it!

Food cravings: FRUIT FRUIT FRUIT! Even just typing it out is making my mouth water right now... Strawberries, nectarines, tangelos, and grapes (no longer frozen).

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not much anymore.

Have you started to show yet: Mmhmm

Gender: Girl!

Favorite day this week: Luke & I celebrated 9 wonderful months of marriage yesterday!

Looking forward to: Finishing up the baby registry this week & getting my new website designed and up (Here's my old one: www.ambermaliaphotography.com) :) Oh! And, a birth place appointment...I always enjoy those :)

The Week Before Christmas & {Pregnancy Week 21}

Far warning: This is a rather long post!

How far along: 21 weeks, baby is the size of a banana, 10.5 inches

Total weight gain: Somewhere around 9 pounds

Maternity clothes: Same as last time, though I do have a few maternity shirts I'm wearing now.

Stretch marks: Nope 

Sleep: Not anywhere as tired as I had been. Mornings are harder for me now though :)

Movement: Kicking even harder :) She surprises me with a really hard kick sometimes and she'll do it about 3 times just to make sure I felt it :)

Every time I feel her move I'm reminded of the miracle growing inside me and am amazed at God's grace and in the way he is has and is forming this little one. 

Food cravings: Can't say that I've had many cravings this week, but I will say that it has been extremely difficult not to eat all the cookies I baked this past week...okay not all of them but my favorites.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not eating is still pretty much the only thing that makes me feel sick, and getting up too quickly in the mornings.

Have you started to show yet: Yep!

Gender: Girl!

Favorite moment this week: Sleeping fireside :)

I love this poem:

Christmas Fire

We sit and watch the flames leap high,
And hear the crackling fire.
So wrapped up in the love we share,
We're living our desire.

This Christmas night the love we have,
Is precious and alive.
There's no place I would rather be,
Than here with you beside.

The only light that shines around,
Leaps from the fireplace.
And I can see the little shadows,
Dancing on your face.

Just sitting here in front of it,
With you the world seems right.
The snow is falling softly outside,
On this Christmas night.

I wrap my arms around you,
And we smile and reminisce,
Of all the Christmas nights we've had,
So beautiful like this.

I think about the Christmas,
I surprised you with a ring,
And then we planned our wedding,
And we married in the spring.

I think of our first Christmas,
That first year you were my wife.
In the little home we had,
When we started our new life.

We didn't have much money,
But we didn't even care.
We had each other and that's all,
We wanted then and there.

I think about the Christmas,
When the baby came along.
The decorations and the tree,
And playing Christmas songs.

I think about the Christmas times,
The house was full of guests.
The joyous times we always shared,
At Christmas were the best.

I think about the Christmas,
When our last child finally parted.
Again it was just you and I,
Just like when we had started.

So many Christmas nights we've had,
So different every year.
But always filled with love and laughter,
Full of Christmas cheer.

But now my love it's you and I,
This Christmas night again.
And now we sit and reminisce,
Of Christmas time back then.

I gaze into your lovely eyes,
And see your smiling face.
And feel your love just radiate,
Encompassing this place.

As I feel the warmth from you,
And feel your inner glow.
As we sit and reminisce,
There's something you should know.

Of all the Christmas nights we've had,
And there have been a few.
They all have been so special,
Because they were spent with you.

So on this Christmas night,
As we enjoy the Christmas fire.
And sit and watch the dancing flames,
While they keep getting higher.

Just to be here with you,
And to feel you close to me.
Is all I ever really wanted,
Christmas night to be.

All the joy and all the love,
Expressed this time of year.
Is magnified a thousand times,
For me because you're here.

You are my life and happiness,
You are the very reason.
You're the one who makes this such,
A joyous Christmas season.

So as we sit and watch the fire,
Change to a different hue.
My Christmas night is so complete,
Because I'm here with you.


James A. Kisner

Looking forward to: This little project...

Some pictures from our week and a few recipes too!

Love getting fresh veggies from Lee's farm each week! Luke's dad has been bringing us a bag each week and each week there is something different in the bag. Somehow it makes figuring out what to have for dinner or a side dish much easier because I can just figure out what to make based on what I have instead of figuring out something and then going to the store to get it. 

^ These are some of Luke's and my favorite cookies!! I originally got the recipe from my neighbor when she used to bring them over to our house around Christmas. They are so simple, but oh so yummy (if you like mint chocolate that is)!!

Andes Mint Cookie Recipe

1 Devil's Food Cake Mix

1/2 cup oil

2 eggs

1 package of Andes Mints

Mix cake mix, oil, eggs, and crumbled Andes Mints together. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 6-9 minutes. Don't cook any longer than that! They will flatten a bit and have a more crinkled looked once they cool for a few minutes. That's it!!

I use Wilton's Class Buttercream Icing for frosting. Out of every recipe I've tried, this one works the best and it stiff enough to keep shape but not too hard on your hands: http://www.wilton.com/recipe/class-buttercream-icing-stiff-consistency

Some more Christmas pictures!!