Baby Spa Day!

"Oh,mama,I love your scalp massages--just a little more to the left please!"

My son Gunnar, age 1 month

Healing Reepicheep: My Own Story Part 1

Hidden in an unused drawer waits Reepicheep. Waiting to be wrapped in tissue and tucked into an empty Kleenex box. Waiting to be placed under a glittering tree to be opened by my son on his fourth Christmas morning. This is how Reepicheep came to me so long ago and became my dearest treasured toy. I am looking forward to passing him on to my little boy, who may or may not cherish him as much as I did.

My Reepicheep is pretty unimpressive really. Kind of a 1970's version of a large Beanie Baby mouse. His gray fabric body is quite pilled now,but still has that familiar softness that comforted me in my bed most of my childhood. He has a large pink face with black shiny button type eyes and no tail. I discovered that his body was filled with plastic pellets when one day, to my dismay, they began to fall out of poor Reepicheep's crotch. I would always run to find my mom whenever this happened and you will notice a variety of her gray stitches in the groin and underarm areas of this beloved stuffed rodent.

Why am I telling you all this? Well, everyone was so surprised when I named this mouse Reepicheep. You see, my older sister was reading Prince Caspian from the Chronicles of Narnia
by C. S. Lewis at the time and sometimes she would read portions to me. I just loved how Reepicheep rolled off the tongue I guess. It wasn't until recently that I realized Reepicheep was the mouse who was healed in the story! I have been wanting to share the story of my journey to becoming the "OilGirl" since the beginning of this blog. I believe God has purposed me to be an aromatherapist in His service. Often we receive little clues along the way that point to our unique purpose, some are whimsical like naming my stuffed mouse Reepicheep and some are monumental like, well, I will explain more later. This is where my story begins.....

"For at that moment a curious little procession was approaching--eleven
Mice, six of whom carried between them something on a litter made of
branches, but the litter was no bigger than a large atlas. No one has

ever seen mice more woebegone than these. They were plastered in

mud--some with blood too--and their ears were down and their whiskers

drooped and their tails dragged in the grass, and their leader piped on his

slender pipe a melancholy tune. On the litter lay what seemed little better

than a damp heap of fur; all that was left of Reepicheep. He was still
breathing, but more dead than alive, gashed with innumerable wounds,

one paw crushed, and, where is tail had been, a bandaged stump.

"Now, Lucy," said Aslan.

Lucy had her diamond bottle out in a moment. Though only a drop was
needed on each of Reepicheep's wounds, the wounds were so many that
there was a long and anxious silence before she had finished and the

Master Mouse sprang from the litter. His hand went at once to his

sword hilt, with the other he twirled his whiskers. He bowed.

"Hail, Aslan!"

AromaTalk Quick Tip: Smelly Gym Bags

"My daughter plays high school volleyball and after her last game she left her sneakers, knee pads, and foot brace in her gym bag, zipped it closed, and let it sit for two months. You can imagine the odor that greeted me when I finally opened that bag! I ran everything through the washing machine with some Thieves Household Cleaner. Then I took two capfuls of the Thieves cleaner, put it in a plastic tub and immersed everything for four hours. When I took everything out, not only was the locker room smell completely gone, but everything actually

smelled good as well!" Maria G. Turchi

The Medicine Peddler

Ten years ago when started my Young Living Essential Oils business, aromatherapy wasn't quite a hot trend yet. Being an aromatherapy lover before it was "cool", I often felt that people viewed me like this guy! When I found this photo recently it sure made me laugh!

Quote of the Week

"Rest is not idleness,

and to lie sometimes on the grass

under trees on a summer's day,

listening to the murmur of the water,

or watching the clouds

float across the sky,

is by no means a waste of time."

~J. Lubbock

AromaHelp Quick Tip: Carpal Tunnel Relief

Carpal Tunnel Essential Oil Blend:

5 drops Wintergreen EO

3 drops Cypress EO

1 drop Peppermint EO

3 drops Marjoram EO

3 drops Myrrh EO

Mix EOs in a amber or dark blue glass bottle. Dilute 50:50 with jojoba, grapeseed, or other carrier oil. Apply 2-4 drops of the blend to entire wrist areas 3-5 times daily. Cold compress on location 2-3 times daily.

*If you don't have all the single oils above, try Young Living's PanAway EO Blend, Relieve It EO Blend, or the convenient Deep Relief in a roll on applicator for on-the-go relief.

Young Living's Grand Convention Keynote Speakers

If you love natural medicine, you will find a wealth of information at the Young Living Essential Oils Grand Convention this year in Minneapolis, Minnesota September 16th-19th. There will be four keynote speakers highlighted below as well as 20 awesome workshops that I featured last week. Become an independent distributor now and attend Grand Convention for only $50! For wellness, purpose, and abundance, this is the ONE place to be this year!

Gary Young
Founder and President of Young Living Gary Young is considered the world's foremost authority on essential oils and has spent the past 23 years teaching others about the healing powers found in nature. His life-changing odyssey has helped millions of people in their quest for wellness. Gary is now living with his family in Ecuador and this is a rare opportunity to hear Gary educate on essential oils and on all of the new Young Living products!

Dr. Tieraona Low Dog
Dr. Low Dog will offer a keynote at the 2009 Young Living Annual Grand Convention in September 2009. Her extensive career in studying natural medicine began more than 25 years ago. She studied midwifery, massage therapy, and was a highly respected herbalist, serving as President of the American Herbalist Guild and running a teaching clinic in Albuquerque, New Mexico, before going on to receive her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. Tieraona opened and ran a successful integrative medical clinic in Albuquerque before moving to Tucson, Arizona, to join the faculty of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona. She currently serves as the Director of the Fellowship.

Dr. Low Dog is an internationally known speaker on topics ranging from the responsible use of herbal medicine and dietary supplements to integrative approaches to women’s health; with more than 30 publications to her credit. She serves on the editorial/advisory boards of Menopause and Explore journals, Prevention magazine and the American Botanical Council. She has appeared on E!, ABC’s 20/20, CNN, and is a frequent guest NPR’s The People’s Pharmacy.

Colette Carlson
Colette Carlson, MA, comes to the platform with over 20 years of experience. After spending 7 years as a top-notch administrative assistant, she found the courage to leave the safety net of a monthly paycheck and step out into the realm of a bold, commission-only sales livelihood. Her high-flying success led to an opportunity to join sales guru Brian Tracy's international organization. Mastering these sales strategies led her to become the premier, national sales trainer for US West. Her sales experience, coupled with being married and raising two teenage daughters, led her to question, "Is there a method to this madness?" The result, a master's degree in human behavior, which still managed to leave some questions unanswered.Today, Colette brings every lesson, module, technique and real-life experience to her role as a nationally-recognized motivational speaker on communication and balance. Her book, Speak Your Truth, is due out in 2009. She is a contributing author to the book, Conversations on Success, and writes a monthly column, "Tactfully Speaking," for the National Institute of Business Publications. Today, as a woman business owner, Colette recognizes that every day is the perfect day to begin to think it, speak it and live it!

Kurt Schnaubelt
Kurt Schnaubelt holds a PhD in chemistry and is the scientific director of the Pacific Institute of Aromatherapy in San Rafael, California. He is the author of several books, including Advanced Aromatherapy: The Science of Essential Oil Therapy, and is considered a leading expert in the fields of aromatherapy and alternative medicine.

Creamy Beet Salad Recipe

Beets have been one of my very favorite foods since childhood. I found this recipe at AllRecipes.com and totally fell in love. Kind of a weird purple color but oh, so yummy as an alternative to those same old, same old, potato salads at summer BBQs!

Creamy Beet Salad

6 medium beets
1 SWEET onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cucumber, sliced
5 tablespoons plain yogurt
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon prepared Dijon-style mustard
1/2 teaspoon prepared horseradish
2 tablespoons dried dill weed
1/3 teaspoon salt
1/3 teaspoon ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS
Scrub, top, and tail beets. Boil in salted water about 45 minutes, or until tender. Drain hot water from pot, and fill with cold water. Set aside until beets are cool enough to handle.

Slice beets thinly, and transfer to a salad bowl. Add onion and cucumber.
In separate bowl, combine yogurt, mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, horseradish, dill, and salt and pepper. Pour over vegetables, and toss to combine. Refrigerate 2 hours, or BEST overnight. Serve chilled.

Happy National Relaxation Day and Giveaway!

August 15th is National Relaxation Day, so as a massage and aromatherapy practitioner this is a perfect opportunity to share some ideas for stress relief.
1. Get a massage!

2. Give a massage or gift certificate for a massage to a spouse or friend "just because".

1. 3. Take a walk without the iPod....take time to listen to life happening all around you.
3. 4. Put your hands in some soil or walk around barefoot on the grass to dispel electromagnetic charges and calm your nervous system.

5. Buy a friend some flowers and deliver them to their home or office to brighten their day.

6. Enter the Oils For Wellness Relaxation Giveaway!

Winner will receive a bottle of Young Living Relaxation™ Massage Oil
Relaxation Massage Oil can help create a state of relaxation and restore vitality to body, mind, and spirit.
Contains essential oils: tangerine, peppermint, rosewood, lavender, spearmint, ylang ylang

When combined with the proper essential oils, massage therapy can be a powerful boost to any health regimen. Use Young Living’s exclusive essential oil massage blends to pamper yourself, rejuvenate body and mind, or help the healing process through therapeutic touch.
Many diseases originate with people’s inability to cope with stress. While stress is a normal part of life in this fast-paced world, massage can help manage stress. Those who receive frequent therapeutic massages can experience an aligned perspective and clarity of thought.

How To Use Aromatherapy Massage Oils:
+ Drop a quarter-sized amount of oil into the palm of your hands. Rub your palms together and apply to skin as needed.
+ If using at home, create a warm, quiet, relaxed environment.
+ Use a firm comfortable surface such as a bed, massage table, or floor mat.
+ If doing a foot massage, have the person receiving the massage recline against a large pillow (on a sofa or bed) to fully relax the entire body.
+ Choose soothing music to help you relax during the massage.

TO ENTER GIVEAWAY: Be or become a follower of Oils For Wellness and leave a comment sharing your favorite way to relax.

EXTRA ENTRIES:

Tweet about the giveaway

Blog about the giveaway

Become a Facebook fan (see sidebar)

Winner randomly drawn on August 31st!

My First Product Review!

Thanks so much to Jennifer at The Dirty T Shirt blog for her review of Young Living's Peace and Calming essential oil blend! She will also be reviewing Young Living's Peppermint as well as Young Living's Valor essential oil blend this week. Be sure to check out The Dirty T Shirt and leave some comment love!

AromaTalk Tip of the Week: Enhancing Exercise With Aromatherapy

"A tip for runners: Use Young Living essential oils to help keep you going on races-or just that jog before or after work. Use a terrycloth or fabric headband. Put a small amount of lukewarm water in the sink or a bowl, soak the headband, and gently squeeze out the moisture. Then add drops of lavender and peppermint essential oils in a few spots across the headband where it will wrap at the back of your neck and at temples.

Or you can try other oils, such as Citrus Fresh essential oil blend (don't apply to skin that will be exposed to direct sunlight) or Clarity essential oil blend-the oils work with your intention to help you reach your goal!" Nancy Davis

Jen's note: I really like the Highest Potential EO blend during exercise!

Singin' In The Rain!

This is my son Gunnar at our very soggy campsite in Itasca, Minnesota. We attended the Family Gospel Bluegrass Festival last weekend. Gunnar loved the music but not this poncho!!

Young Living Convention Workshops= Priceless Education

Young Living Essential Oils is holding their annual Grand Convention September 16th-19th in Minneapolis, Minnesota this year. Many people wonder what goes on at Young Living's Grand Convention. If you enroll to become a Young Living independent distributor before convention and purchase a Start Living kit, you can attend this amazing educational opportunity for just $50 (regularly $125)!
Enhance your personal well being and perhaps become inspired to help others by sharing the gift of Young Living essential oils. To enroll click here and click sign up, select Independent Distributor, then choose a Start Living kit. Once you get a member number you can register for Grand Convention by phone or online. Below are some of the workshops attendees can choose from and I will be posting on the keynote speakers later this week.
Hope to see you there!



Over 20 educational workshops on a variety of topics—there's sure to be something for everyone!

Leading Large: Skills for building & leading your "dream team"By Mary Christensen, best-selling author and president of the Direct Selling Association of New Zealand
Description: Learn to build your business utilizing the seven principles of personal, team, and business leadership while serving as a respected role model and mentor.

Yoga Essentials: Simple & effective therapies integrating essential oils with yoga By Rodney Yee & Colleen Saidman-Yee, world-famous yoga instructors

The Mind-Body Connection: Quantum physics & essential oils By Dr. David Stewart, PhD
Description: The science of essential oils involves both physics and chemistry, in combination with the human heart and mind. This is an interactive workshop where you can learn how oils, science, thought, feeling, and prayer maximize the benefits of essential oils.

Essential Oils & Emotional Well-Being By Debra Raybern ND, MH, ICA, CNC; Dr. Benjamin Perkus, Young Living Platinum; & Carl Janicek, Young Living Platinum
Description: Young Living’s first-ever panel discussion. Experts will address how essential oils can help us move beyond emotional barriers and enjoy a greater quality of life. Topics of discussion will be emotional behaviors and psychological conditions like anxiety, depression, fear, guilt, anger, sadness, and trauma.

Insulin Overload: What's causing the rising tide of syndrome X and diabetes and what to do about it By Dr. Thomas Reed, board-certified medical and surgical specialist

Essential Oils Healing & Relief: A case studyBy Dr. Larry Padgett, MD Orthopedic Surgery & Dr. Jamie Naughright, PT
Description: Hear nationally-recognized orthopedic surgeon Dr. Larry Padgett and his colleague, Dr. Jamie Naughright, as they walk you through a case study of a knee injury. Padgett will address prevention, evaluation, and treatment of acute and chronic injuries related to physical activities, and will explain how the use of essential oils can help relieve pain and inflammation while accelerating recovery.

Young Living as a Vehicle to Wellness, Purpose, & Abundance By Connie McDanel, Young Living Diamond
Description: Learn how to communicate, mentor, and build your business the right way! Connie McDanel will explain the basics of the Young Living opportunity in less than ten minutes, what common objections to prepare for, and the skills and strategies to make a living and a difference in the lives of others. This workshop will serve as a quick guide—complete with outline—to growing leaders so you know how to best support your Young Living organization.

Feel Alive at 55: A lesson in aging gracefullyBy Teri Secrest, Young Living Diamond Description: Discover 12 ways to enjoy a life of longevity and vitality with NingXia Red— including delicious recipes for NingXia Red power shakes—by examining the ingredients and the positive affects they have on the body. This workshop also includes tips on how to get your clients to take part in the 90-day NingXia Red challenge.

Build to Last: Finding, motivating, & inspiring members for life By Shannon Hudson, Young Living Gold, & Ashlin Burton, manager—marketing communications, Young Living Description: This dynamic duo will present the critical components to making a strong Young Living presentation. You will learn about delivering a powerful experience from introduction to membership. Shannon will share her fantastic 12-week wellness education and business series.

More Than a Party: Hosting a successful Home Experience By Karla Berger, Young Living Gold, & Star Moree, Young Living Gold
Description: Learn to share Young Living products in the comfort of your own home. This workshop will introduce the newest Young Living kit. You will also receive education from two successful distributors who use their own homes for sharing the Young Living vision.

Click Here: Successful online marketing strategies By Rich Nelson, Web Marketing Specialist, Young Living
Description: Learn how to multiply your power of one online. This is an information-packed session that will include easy-to-implement strategies to build and promote your business via the Internet. Topics will include: Search Engine Optimization 101, Pay-Per-Click, The Do's and Don'ts of a Website, Online Promotional Tools, and a Q&A session.

Animal Oilers: Essential oils & pet health By Nancy Weber, Young Living Gold
Description: Learn how the mind, body, and spirit of our companions can be supported with Young Living essential oils and supplements.

The Young Living Difference: How & why YLTG oils are the ones that work By Marc Schreuder, director of product formulation, Young Living; Dr. Peter Minke, PhD; & Vicky StewartDescription: Explore what it means to be Young Living Therapeutic Grade™ (YLTG). Workshop will include information on how Young Living verifies and tests the potency of essential oils, and examples of YLTG oils that are easily adulterated and how Gas Chromatograph and Mass Spectrometer analysis catches them.

The Red Life: Energize, fortify, & replenish your business with NingXia Red. Moderated by Young Living distributors: April Travis, Carol & Ben Howden, James Niederland, Janie Leek, Karen Douglas, Kortni Harting, Linda Martin, Mary Ann Wallace, Martha Wertz, Mary Starr Parmley, and Tracy Ulrich

Natural or Not? Ensure your products are as safe & non-toxic as you thinkBy Janet McBride, Young Living Platinum, & Steve Pitcher, director of product development, Young Living

Sweet Dreams: Natural remedies for improved sleep & relaxation By Dr. Cole Woolley, PhD

Real Solutions for 7 Top Women's Health Concerns By Dr. Dan Purser, MD Description: Dr. Purser will detail protocols using Young Living products that dramatically ease PMS and menopause concerns. He will also show how correcting these hormonal imbalances creates a cascade of other benefits that reduce the risk of top health concerns, such as cardiovascular disease and breast cancer, as well as chronic conditions like migraines, osteoporosis, and fibromyalgia.

The Good Life: Reaching financial abundance with the YL comp plan By Mike McLean, general manager—the Americas, Dave Goodman, regional business director & Jordan Gould, regional account manager.

Young Living International Horizons By Matt Warner, vice president of international markets, Young Living La Vida Young Living By Victor Darquea, latino business manager, Young LivingFUNdamentals of Financial Management By Steve Bentley, chief financial officer, Young Living.

A Dangerous Flame: What you need to know about inflammation & essential oils By Marc Schreuder, director of product formulation, Young Living. Description: Learn about inflammation and its connection to modern degenerative diseases. Focus is on the history of copaiba, its unique sourcing process, as well as how and why it is the most effective essential oil against inflammation. Also includes a summary of essential oil research.

Motivate & Organize with Sales Tools: By Sound Concepts

Essential Oils Education Tools: By YL Wisdom

If you need assistance with enrolling as a Young Living independent distributor to enjoy wholesale prices on your products and go to convention for just $50 ,please contact me via the Ask The Aromatherapist message box on my sidebar.

I am now a Health Maven on Wellsphere!

I am very excited about becoming a Health Maven for the Complimentary and Alternative Medicine Community on Wellsphere! Hope you will stop by and visit my page. Oh, and ask me anything!! Thanks for your support, Jen

Wordless Wednesday: My 100% All-Natural Boy

Essential Encouragement for Your Health!

"…..because essential oils are far more complex than any
laboratory produced drug and because essential oils are never
exactly replicated year to year,

bacteria can never figure them out and become resistant.

Microbes are smarter than synthetic drugs,
but essential oils are smarter than microbes."

The Raindrop Messenger
Sept./Oct Issue Newsletter,
with permission from Dr. David Stewart.

AromaTalk Tip of the Week: Removing Adhesives

" Those waterproof adhesive bandages really stick to the skin, and after taking one off my son's knee, a lot of adhesive was still there. I just gently rubbed Young Living's Lemon Essential Oil on the adhesive and it came off instantly! Thank you Young Living!" ~ Sally McKenna