Essential Oils - Let's Talk Allergies!

Today I want to talk about Allergies & Essential Oils! I'm not talking about seasonal allergies and how Oils can help them, No. I'm talking about those that have allergic reactions to the Taste, Touch or Smell of something.

*This post contains affiliate links to essential oils and other products I talk about in the post. Purchasing them here from my blog is no extra cost to you but I do earn a commission that helps in the cost of running this blog. Thanks for your support! Read full disclaimer here.

Yes we all love our Oils but for some around us it can be scary if they are allergic to something. I have family & friends who have severe reactions. My dad is allergic to Rose, and I have a friend who is very allergic to nuts if you eat nuts then even kiss her on the cheek she will start having a reaction(its really bad). Then I have another friend who is allergic to lavender.

So what does this mean for us Oil users? Do we stop using our Oils? Do we need to be scared to use them? or just never invite these ones over to our homes? No, like I'm going to not have my dad over to my house (are you kidding me). No we just need to do the loving thing and educate ourselves with our oils, friends and family.

Chances are if they are your family then you know there allergies, and if its a close friend then you probably know as well. But what about those that your not sure, well Simple Just ASK! Most people will be very pleased that you care enough to ask.

But now there are those ones that just don't like something or don't like smells of any kind whats so ever, so how do you know, well you will never really know but the loving thing would be avoid what your friend tells you. One way you can ask without just saying "what oils can I not use around you?" Simple just invite them over for a meal and ask "I would like to have you over for dinner, Do you or your family have any Allergies? Or and Allergies to Pets or Smells?" This shows that you care and that you want them to feel at home when they come over.

So Your First Step would be finding out what you need to avoid, when you are around that such

person.

Your next step is finding out what oils to avoid when either around that person, when there in your car, when you are inviting them to your home or wherever you use oils around them.

Of course with some oils it can be obvious what ones you should avoid. For example when my dad comes he's allergic to Rose so I make sure I don't use my Rose Essential Oil. But that not all i need to avoid there are many blended oils that contain Rose that I cant use when I'm around him.

So don't just think about the main oil, Remember to check your blends. It's very easy to check before you use them just simple go on Young Livings website and search the oil you want to use and at the bottom of the page it will list the ingredients. Now some blends can be a mix of other blends, so if it list a blend in the ingredients don't forget to check that one as well.

Don't be scared to use your oils just educate yourself on your friends and family and know what's in your oils.

Here is a short list of oils that I have put together. It does not list all oils just a few so be sure to still check Young Living's website

Essential Oils Containing NUTS:

• Awaken
• Acceptance
• White Angelica
• 3 Wise Men

Essential Oils Containing ROSE:

• Rose
• Joy
• Dream Catcher
• Gentle Baby
• Acceptance
• White Angelica
• Trauma Life
• Australian Blue
• Release
• Egyptian Gold

Essential Oils Containing LAVENDER:

• Lavender
• Stress Away
• R.C.
• Dragon Time
• Brain Power
• Gentle Baby
• Awaken
• Trauma Life
• Build Your Dream
• Release
• Egyptian Gold
• Cool Azul
• M-Grain
• Motivation

If your interested in buying oils you can do so HERE or if your Interested in becoming a member of Young Living I would love to have you on my team! you can do so by Clicking Here

*Disclaimer: The information on this website is based upon my research and personal use of Young Living essential oils. The statements made and the products mentioned on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent and disease. Please read the full disclaimer here.

First Trip To Cancun Mexico

Hubby and I love to travel, We like to try and take a vacation at least one a year. This Year (Oct 2013) we went to Cancun, Mexico for a week, it was so wonderful. We went with a group of  9, my Inlaws, 3 friend's & my cousin Tianne and her new hubby. We all had a blast! I can't wait to go back.

*This Post Contains Affiliate Links

Arrival:

We all had different flights so we all arrived at different times of the day.

Hubby and I had a very early flight out of SFO so we ended up arriving in Cancun around 9:30AM by the time we got our bags, got on our shuttle (the Mayan has a shuttle you can request), and made our way to the resort 30 min away we arrived around 10:30AM. 

One thing about arriving early is we could not check in until later in the day, but we planed on this. we hate to waste one whole day of our vacation flying so we always try and get there as early as possible. In our Carry Ons we put our bathing suits and anything else we would want for the day, so that way when we got to the resort we checked our luggage in with the front desk and with our one little tote headed for the pool. After changing into our swimsuits and putting on some sunblock (a very important item). we grabbed ourself a spot at the swim up bar and started our vacation.

Around 2PM my In-Laws and 3 friends arrived so we met them in the lobby and went ahead and checked in and went and settled into the room and then headed right back down to the pool for some more relaxing.

My cousin and her Hubby arrived around 5PM so again we headed to met them in the lobby and helped them get set up in the room and get dressed for dinner. We all had dinner at the resort and then swam the night away.

* Image Credit Vidanta.com


   *Image Credits Vidanta.com

This Resort is 1000 Acres of Paradise, Over half a mile of beach, 17 Bars & Restaurants and my personal favorite swim up bars, 15 pools that are all connected in some way. This resort is known for its extra large pools, which means more space for you to find that perfect spot to lounge next to the pool. One of my hubbys favorite things is there Jack Nicklaus designed Golf Course.

We did two 2 bedroom suits for all nine of us. They are set up so nice with 2 master suits and then a livingroom and kitchen between the two, makes it more private. then you have a large balcony with a small pool on it. my favorite part of the room would be the bathtub. it a large two person tub that opens up to the bedroom it's so relaxing and romantic.

Day 2 Resort & Town:

We all spent the morning exploring the resort together and finding our way around. Had some breakfast at Green Break at the golf course at the resort. This ended up being our groups starting point most mornings.

Then we all took a taxi (little did we know that our taxi driver was amazing and would end up being our driver for the rest of the week, we loved him) into Playa Del Carmen to checkout the town, have some lunch and then did a little grocery shopping for some stuff for the room like, snacks, water, beer, and stuff to make some mix drinks etc... My hubby always likes to get beer that he can put in a small cooler and take down to the pool with him so he don't have to pay as much for beer.

Day 3 a day at XPLoR:

We went to XPLoR, Oh man this place was so much fun, If I ever go back I will definitely want to do this again!

Our Taxi Driver told us about this place and said him and his family like to go here rather than some of the other parks so we thought let's give it a try. so in the morning are wonderful Taxi driver picked us up and took us to this wonderful park.

Here we did Zip-lining (witch Tianne and I were so scared to do because we are scared of heights but this experience was so worth it.) The zip-lines are such a experience as you fly over the jungle you will get incredible views of the Mexican Caribbean. Some of the lines even have you going through waterfalls and some have you ending in the Cenotes. 

We Also did the Underground Rafts they give you a Raft and 2 Hand Paddles and you paddle with your hand underground in rivers that are within caverns & caves this was amazing. I can't even explain the experience.

After this we Headed to the restaurant at the park that is all you can eat buffet and is included in your admission price to the park. The park also have snack and drink shacks that our also included.

Next we did Amphibious Vehicles this was my hubbys favorite, of course he jumped in he driver seat. the vehicle's seat 4 but we asked if we could do 4 cars with 2,2,2 & 3 and they were happy to let us do that, this way all the guys got to drive. You drive through 10km (about 6 miles) of rocky jungle paths, bridges, caves and spots filled with water, you will for sure get muddy but that's ok because right after this we went swimming in the Cenotes.

Swimming in the Cenotes was my favorite part but honestly I wanted to try it but I thought I was going to hate it because I'm terrified of water, Yes I still get in pools, ocean and lakes but it still terrifies me. even shadows in pool scare the crap out of me. But I try very hard to not let it hold me back from trying something and experiencing something new. And oh boy am I so glad that I didn't let it hold me back because this was probably the highlight of my trip. When swimming you are swimming it the caves and when you look up you can see tree roots and even once and awhile you see a old hole for a well.

*Image Credit XPLoR

The last thing we did at the park was Zip-lining in a Hammock, You fly sitting on a hammock that's been converted into a zip-line. It takes you over the water of a cenote to a complete dunk into its refreshing water. This was a nice way to end the day.

If we wanted we could of gone and repeated something but by the time we did all 5 we were exhausted and ready for some dinner and relaxing. So we all headed back to the resort for a night there.

here our some thing I would Suggest taking to the park with you: 

• Sunblock- I like this one.
• Waterproof Camera 
• Change of clothes for ride home. (They have lockers there that u can use to put your stuff in.)

Here is what I would suggest wearing:

• Comfortable bathing suit
• Rash Guard
• Swim Shorts- I have these and love them
• Swim Shoes- I have these My Hubby like these Click Here

Day 4 Relaxing and Recovering at the Resort:

After a very long fun filled day yesterday we all felt like just having a nice day handing out by the pool at the resort. And we had a blast!

We spent the day playing mexican bino, We did a in the pool dance class, We met a family from oregon that was also a group of 9 they were a fun group. 

We had a Oregon vs California Pool Vollyball Game and even has this really old man from germany be the ref lol he was so cute up until the moment he mooned us for playing so poorly lol.

It was a fun day just getting to hang by the pool.

Day 5 Cancun & Isla Mujeres

We called our taxi guy and had him take us 30 min to Cancun for the day we spent a little time driving around looking at stuff and then decided we would jump on a boat and go to the island of Isla Mujeres, as we started talking to our taxi driver we found out that he was just going to wait for us in Cancun until we came back, so we decided to just ask him to come along for the day:)  so now all 10 of us hopped on a boat and headed to Isla Mujeres.

once we got there we took a little time walking around seeing the little town, and then rented 2 golf carts and 2 Mopeds My Inlaws & Taxi Guy Took one Golf cart, our 3 friends took the other. Tianne & her hubby took a moped & hubby and I did as well. Hubby and I always try to do Mopeds at least once wherever we go, It's a fun way to see stuff. 

Once we were all set with the Golf Carts and Mopeds we headed out to find a bar that my hubby really wanted to go to. We drove up and down looking for this place.

Finally found a sign for it but all there was was a house...interesting... we ended up walking in this places back yard and bam there it is Soggy Peso Bar This place is a must try. I had the best Chicken Wings & Margarita here yum ( I just asked for no ice, and they had everything else cold so it didn't need any). They had Goanna's running around and they had this one really big one, the bartender told us that they love chicken wing day because they love the bones. Then he throwS one at the Goanna and yep he ate the bone...crazy. If you ever find yourself in Isla Mujeres you have to check this place out.

Hubby was very happy we found this place.

• Beach Towles

• Waterproof Camera- We have a GoPro

• Snorkel & Mask- We Have these I always have a problem with my long hair getting stuck in the rubber strap on my goggles so i replaced it with this Strap click here

• Beach Tote to put everything in- like this one

• sunblock

• Ice Chest with water (and maybe even beer) trust me this will save you. we use one like this click here

resort, they were all pretty excited to get to go golfing. its a 18-hole, par 54 golf course. As you play you weave in and out of the jungle. The first tee time is at 7:30AM and I highly recommend doing that because later in the day it's just to dang hot. Also no need to lug all your stuff on the plan you can rent a set of clubs at the course.

• Golf Hat - he has this one

• UV Golf Shirt - He has this one

• Golf Shorts

• Golf Shoes

Where We Stayed:

We stayed at The Grand Mayan at Vidanta Riviera Maya the rooms here are amazing. It's located on the Yucatan Peninsula. It's approximately 30 minutes from the Cancun Airport, in between Cancun and Playa Del Carmen, Seated in the lush Mayan jungle.

After lunch at Soggy Peso's we headed out to find a good spot to snorkel we took our snorkel gear with us cuz we knew we were going to look for a spot.

After a couple hours of snorkeling we were ready to head back to Cancun, By the time we got back it was around dinner time. Once we got back to the van we asked the Taxi Guy to take us to his favorite dinner spot, so he did we drove up to this dead end into the beach were there is a fences all around but with one of the gates open. he said this is it, We see all these locals going in, so we follow him in (and of course we had Taxi Guy join us for dinner) and wow it was a cute little Mom & Pop Restaurant right on the beach, as we sat there and ate the most delicious food, the candles flickered on the table as we hear the waves hit the beach and our toes are in the sand it was a little peace of paradise. The people there were so nice and so welcoming it felt like we have been eating there all our life. Now I have no clue where it was or how I would ever find it again but I was so Happy to of gotten the privilege to eat there and have that experience.

After that it was time to no longer keep Taxi Guy hostage and say good night lol.

Here was what we took on our day trip:

Day 6 Golf & Relaxing

After a day away we wanted to do another day hanging out at the Resort. After all this was our last day and we wanted to really take in the beauty of the resort.

The Guys started there morning off with Golf at the Nicklaus Design Golf Course at the

Items My Hubby Takes with us for Golf.

As the boys went Golfing 2 of the girls went to the Spa, another went to the gym, and Tianne and I Found a nice little Island in the pool to hang out at. We drank and ate the morning away lol one thing I love is this Resort has so many waiter walking around at all times. 

After the guys were done and the other girls were done with what they were doing the group all hung by the pool and played some games and relaxed for the rest of the day.

That evening we went to dinner at the resort and then headed to the Dance Club at the resort and dance until closing then after dancing we went for a swim.

Yep you swim a lot in Mexico lol is so dang hot.

Day 7 Leaving Day :(

It was very sad to see this day come, none of us wanted to go home yet. however our flights didn't leave until 5PM so we had a little time in the morning to still swim and hang out by the pool. The night before I packed up all my bags so I could get back to having fun in the morning and enjoy my last hours here. I packed in my Carryon bag a change of clothes to wear to the airport, alone with a large ziplock bag to put my wet swimsuit in. when we left our room that morning we just took all our stuff to the lobby and gave it to them to hold. yes it was not checkout time yet but we didn't want to have to stop the fun and have to go deal with it we wanted to keep having fun until the very last second and we definitely did.

When the time came to say good bye it was kinda sad we all didn't want to part ways, I especially didn't want to say goodbye to my cousin Tianne she lives 5 hours from me and I don't get to see her that often and so it's always hard when we have to say good bye.

It was even sad to say goodbye to Taxi Guy. And yes I do know his name but for privacy I don't say names unless I know the person is ok with it. In the end he gave us all his contact info and told us that next time we come we should give him a call aww so sweet.

One little Hiccup we had was when we got to the Airport my Father-in-law realized he didn't have his passport he forgot it in the safe in the suit...oh no... luckily we called the hotel and they found it and gave it to a driver to bring to up at the Airport and it got to him in the nick of time.

So there you have it our First Visit to Cancun Mexico.

Have you been to Cancun?

What's your Favorite thing to do?

A Calendar Every Family Need's!

Ever Family Needs A Family Calendar and Planner.

My Hubby and I use the Cozi App! We love it, it works so good for us.

Cozi is a free app and website that helps you manage the craziness of family life with a shared calendar, shopping list, to do list and more.

Cozi helps you keep track of everything from school schedules to sports activities, grocery lists, meals and chores- all in one place accessible by every member of the family and from any computer or mobile device.

Get the App by clicking the link below

Cozi Family Organizer - Cozi

For Mom's - Sick Day's!

It's So hard Being a Mom and Getting sick! What Do you do?

When you are sick  its easy for everything to get out of control, the wash and dishes get left and start to pile up. Dose this sound about right?

Well when your sick and just need some time to rest and get yourself back to good health how do you keep your home from looking like this...

Or Maybe you have a very Nice hubby or Older Child to help you out when your sick, Lucky! 

But for those of us who are on our own and the wash and dish have to wait tell you can pick yourself up and clean.  It can be over whelming once you feel better, how out of control the home got. 

So today we are going to look a a few ways to help us through this hard time so that its not so over whelming once we start to feel better. So we will not just want to go crawling back in bed and never come out.

 1 Plan Ahead:

You never know when your going to be sick, it can hit you at any time. So here are somethings you can do ahead of time, to help you when your sick.

• Stock your medicine cabinet
• Stock some tissues in you cabinet

I always have some kind of frozen meals in my freezer, homemade or from the store. I Always have it on hand for those times that I just don't have time to cook, or I'm just to lazy. This is also a good idea for if/when you get sick.

• Stock easy go to meals in your freezer/pantry
• Have healthy pre-made snacks on hand and were the kids can get to then easy by themselves. 

2 Keep on Top of The Laundry

When were sick we sometimes have that little window of time about 10-15min that we feel a little better then were down again. Most of the time this comes after taking a shower or bath.

Use this OK Feeling time 10-15min to do a load of laundry. Try to at least fold, but if your to sick then lay each peace flat on top of the dryer so it will not get wrinkly then the next time you feel a little OK fold it. 

don't bother with trying to put it away if your to sick. but at least try your best to do the above.

3 Switch Things Out

How to help keep the Germs in check!

• Change your pillow case

It would be ideal if you had the energy when your sick to change all you bedding but then again your sick so of course you don't, However changing to just a fresh clean pillowcase can make such a big difference. you should do this for your kids when there sick as well.

• Change or Clean You Toothbrush

Each Time after brushing your teeth run you toothbrush under Hot water for 2 min. Then once you done being sick toss that toothbrush out and get a new one! 

If you have a Electric Toothbrush with a LED lite. (Photo to right) to kill germs every night put it in and press start. Once you are All over being sick get a new head.


4 Dirty Dishes

I hate if after I'm sick i walk into the Kitchen and the sink is piled with dirty dishes. Nothing more then that makes me what to just be sick again... (Not really but you get my point)

This is a good job to give to your kids when your sick, But if that's not possible. Try to find at least 10 min to wash even just a few dishes. if you have a dishwasher this will be much easier. But not all of us do so if you don't then wash them and just let them air dry. You can put them away later. its better then having dirty dish's around. But again if you feel up to it then put them away.

5 Be Kind To Your Body

last but not least the most important part, Be Kind to your Body. When Can't always be super Wife or Mom and do Everything, and trying to when your sick is just going to make you worse or make you sick for longer.

So when your sick try and take some down time and get some sleep and take a hot bath, what ever your body needs.

Don't Not ask for help, sometimes our partners can be a little blind to our needs so don't not ask when you need some help. all you need to say most of the time is please.

example: "Honey I've washed the dishes would you mined putting them away for me please."

Caring For Your Husband

A housewife is a married woman who is not employed outside the home.

(But this dose not mean she doesn't have a Job Because Caring for your Children, Home & Husband is a big Job!)

Most often, the husband works during the day and earns income to support the family, while the wife takes on most of the non-financial responsibilities, such as maintaining the home and, if applicable, caring for the kids. It is up to the couple whether this arrangement works for them.

Sometimes it's a temporary situation, such as if children are too young to go to school and the cost of daycare is greater than the woman's salary.

For other couples, it may represent a commitment to traditional values.

Whatever the reason, if you have chosen to be a housewife, reading this post and others on our Blog will help you flourish in the role.

Caring for your husband is very important!
For many reason!
To name a couple:

-Your Marriage, things will run more smoothly and your Marriage is better when you really want to Care for the other.

-You, There is more happiness in giving then getting!

-Him, he will feel that you care for him, love him & Cherish him.

-Your Children, when thing are better with Mom & Dad it's always better for the kids. Pulse you set a good example for them.

-The People around you, when your happy and have a happy marriage the people around you take note. They learn from you and want to be around you. ( have you ever been to dinner with a couple who fight or you can tell they are just not happy with each other. Yea you never want to go to dinner again with them. Don't be that couple.)

First Thing First:
Discuss expectations with your partner. Discuss realistic expectations, and how to meet them as best as you can.

The definition of a good housewife depends on which house you live in. It is also very culture-dependent.

Do not presume that you have the same expectations because you may find out the hard way (through arguments) that you don't.

Sit down and talk it over.
-What are the things he is hoping you will keep up with in the home?
-What are his responsibilities in the home?

If you are primarily responsible for keeping the house clean, he may take responsibility for cleaning up after himself: putting his dirty laundry in the hamper, placing things where they belong after he has finished using them, emptying the trash near his desk, putting his dishes in the dishwasher, etc.

What you can do to Care For your Husband:

1.) Cook For Him
The saying is "away to a Mans heart is through his stomach" and that not 100% true but I tell u it dose help!

Having a meal ready when he gets home is a good way to let him know that you have been thinking about him and are concerned about his needs.

A good meal can be an expression of love and a warm welcome for your partner when he gets home.

2.) Give Him some Guy Time.
Be mindful and considerate of your spouse's needs. Lots of men need space when they come home from a hard day at work, so welcome him home with a big smile and allow him to relax and unwind.

Have his favourite meal and drink ready, and let him relax after a tough day of work.
Be available to spend time with him and comfort him, but if he wants to spend time alone or with his friends and not you, take a step back and let him have his way. (Yes he don't need to be with his friends every night but he dose need some Guy Time, from time to time.) it's all about being balanced!

3.) Listen to him.
A good wife listens to what her spouse has to say without interrupting.

Show empathy and learn how to have great conversations. The key idea is that to be a good conversationalist, you should strive to listen more and talk less, by engaging the other person to talk more about his interests. That is the mark of humility, respect, selflessness, and generosity.

4.)Improve your skills in the bedroom.
It never hurts, and will only help to learn more about the sexual side of marriage.

There are lots of books and websites that can help you improve your sexual techniques.


Some thing you Need To Do:

1.) Maintain a great appearance.
It is all too easy to stop paying attention to your appearance when you have a husband, but maintaining attraction is a key element of a long-term relationship.

While it was important to keep a good appearance during dating/courtship, it is even more important in a married relationship, or any committed relationship.

Try to spend some time each day making yourself look pretty, wearing clothes that delight him. If your husband oftentimes tells you he likes when you wear a certain garment or outfit, by all means, take the hint.

Good grooming and hygiene are vital, so keep yourself neat and feminine by having a pretty hair cut, nice nails and smooth legs/underarms etc.. (No man wants to be married to a beast. Lol)

2.)Tidy up the house!
make your home a clean and pleasant place to live in.

3.) Find a balance in arguments, but avoid them if possible.
Nagging never works, and will only serve to irritate your spouse. Not speaking your mind is just as bad.
Husbands are not tyrannic creatures:
if you find a balance in arguments, and take turns to speak, things will surely improve. And try not to raise your voice or belittle your spouse!

4.) Love your spouse for who he is.
Don't criticize him in an unconstructive, cruel, or nagging way.

Whatever your image of the 'ideal' man may be, everyone is unique in his own ways, so try to respect that.

Before you try to improve others, try to improve yourself first. If you find things disagreeable about him, let him know in a mature, sensible and loving way: chances are that he will agree on some things and/or explain others, plus it will build trust between both of you and save unnecessary conflicts.

5.) Let him take control.
of certain situations, more so if they are extra personal situations like choosing his hobby, his meals, his clothes, etc.

When you are home a lot, it can be easy to want to take control of everything your husband does in the home, but this may not be your husband's preference.

It's all right if you want to give him your input in a polite way, more so if he asked you. Otherwise, let him have his space, just as you'd want yours. He's a separate human being from you; always remember that.

6.) Don't gossip.
Gossiping is in bad taste, no matter how fashionable it might look.

Talking behind people's backs will make you seem untrustworthy and if your husband finds out he will have every right to question if you have been talking about him behind his back as well.

Always be respectful, so people will treat you (and your husband!) with respect.



Tips:
1.) Live joyfully.
Make sure that you create a routine and role for yourself that brings you and your family joy.

Being a good housewife is about doing the best you can for the welfare of the entire household, so make it work for you, your partner, and everyone else in the family.