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?

{DIY} Homemade Butter!

I love making homemade butter.

Lot's of times I will find a really good deal on heavy cream, when I do I like to use that to make homemade butter and butter milk.

it's a great thing to get the kids involved in, so if you have a little helpers have them help you!

today I thought I would show you how to make your own homemade butter and butter milk.

so let's get started!

What you will need:

• 1 Quart Heavy Cream
• 3/4 Teaspoon Salt
• Mixer
• large Bath Towel

Instructions:

1.) using your whisk attachment put your heavy cream into the bowl of your mixer, add the salt cover the mixer with the bath towel you will need this due to a lot of splashing trust me you don't want to skip this part.

2.) put your mixer on high and whip until it becomes whip cream turn off mixer and change your whisk to your paddle attachment cover again with towel, mix on high, the mixture will become liquid again with some small butter chunks.

(at this point the splashing will get bad so keep that towel on)

3.)keep mixing on high until a large clump of butter is made, there will also be a lot of liquid in the bowl that is butter milk. once the large clump is formed the butter is done.

4.) stranger buttermilk out of the butter and set aside for baking or place in a jar and store in the fridge. (I like to use a mason jar)

5.) take your clump of butter and using your hands pressed out the excess of buttermilk under cold running water until the water runs clear. 

6.) shape the butter into sticks or balls.

Notes:

•  the butter will last up to four weeks in the refrigerator you can freeze it also.
• this butter is the best on bread and for baking
• use the buttermilk to make buttermilk pancakes.

{CHICKEN} Crock Pot BBQ Chicken Drumsticks!

With Super Bowl around the corner many people are planning there party's and there menu.

That's one thing I'm working on right now.

One thing that is a must in my home for the Super Bowl Menu is Wings, Yes Messy, Saucy, Yummy Wings.

I love this Recipe Because its so easy to do and they taste so good.

What You will Need:

• 12 Drumsticks and/ or wings (or you can use Boneless thighs but be prepared that people will need a fork if you use these) You can use Thawed or Frozen.
• 1 Large Bottle of your favorite BBQ Sauce (I used Half Sweet Baby Ray's Original & Half Sweet Baby Ray's Sweet & Spicy, Because my Hubby likes a little hot)

Instructions:

1. Spray Crock Pot With Cooking Spray.
2. Place Wings In Crock Pot.
3. Pour 1 Cup BBQ Sauce on Top, Let Cook On High for 3-4 Hours. If using Frozen Cook for 4-6 Hours. 
   
4. Remove Chicken from Crock Pot and Place in Large Bowl or Serving Tray. If Desired, toss with with more BBQ sauce depending on how messy & Saucy you want them.
   

Notes:

• After cooked if you leave them in Crock Pot Chicken will Fall off the Bone.
• You can use as much Sauce as you want.

I hope you enjoy this as much as My Family and I do.

Please Leave a Comment Below!

Do you Have a Super Bowl Favorite Food?

Have you Tried cooking Wings This way?

Any Tips or Ideas?

If you try this recipe feel free to Send us a email of what you think and any photos you may have at contactus@ultimatehousewife.com

Panhandle Beef Brisket

This Tender, Texas-style brisket is so yummy. and pretty easy to make. It's a good meal to make when your having cooler weather.

What you will Need:

2-1/4 cups ketchup

1-1/2  cups beef broth

1 large onion, chopped

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup white wine vinegar

2 tablespoons chili powder

2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce

3 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 fresh beef brisket (5 to 7 pounds) most people will trim it but I don't.

2 Tablespoons liquid smoke, Optional but dose make a big difference. 

                                                                                                                                                                   

1.) In a large saucepan, combine the first nine ingredients. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat. Remove 2 cups sauce to a bowl; cover and refrigerate for serving.

2.) Place brisket in a shallow roasting pan; brush with liquid smoke if desired. Pour remaining sauce over meat. Cover and Back at 325F for 3 hours or until meat is tender.

3.) Let stand for 5 minutes. Heat reserved sauce. Thinly slice meat across the grain. Serve sauce with meat.

Notes: This Dish is very nicely served with Mash potato's and Steamed veggies.

Spicy Beef & Veggies

This recipe is perfect if you have some beef & veggies that you need to use up.

This is a spicy dish but you can make it more or less spicy.

                                                                         What you will need:

Print Recipe

-Beef (I'm using angus beef here but I normally use whatever I have on hand)
-Chili garlic sauce (to taste)

-Hot chili sauce (about 10 drops)
-Veggies, what ever you have on hand.  Peppers are a must (I'm using celery, carrots, mushrooms & mini peppers)
-Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp. (optional)
-Teriyaki sauce 4 Tbsp.

• Step #1Cut beef into bite size pieces and start to cook.  Add 2 Tsp. Chili Garlic Sauce, Hot Chili Sauce, Worcestershire & Teriyaki. Cook on medium heat.

Step #2

Add veggies, stir and cover with foil.

Let simmer on low for 5 min. If it gets a little dry looking add more Teriyaki sauce.

While you're waiting, relax with a glass of wine. AWWW yum!

Housewife Tip: Clean the kitchen as you go! You will never regret doing it but you will regret it if you don't.

Now eat & enjoy!
I hope you like it! Let me know what you think.
Have a Recipe You want me to try or publish? Email me at: contactus@ultimatehousewife.com

Get Fit Get Healthy Week 6

Wow we are already at week 6. This is crazy.

I'm getting such and good response from all of my readers. I love it! I want to give you all a big thank you!

This is just a reminder (and for those of you that are new, this is what you need to do):

1.) If you haven't already, join the challenge here: Get Fit Get Healthy "Starting"

2.) Every Monday, come back to Becoming the Ultimate Housewife to read the tips on how to get fit, get healthy, and feel more sexy and confident.

3.) Weekly, write a post (or email me about your progress) following the goal chart below, and link up with us.

4.) Don't forget to grab the Get Fit Get Healthy button on the Sidebar and display it on your blog or on your update post.

Now for this Week, I'm going to give you some healthy recipes.

Fruit Splash

*This drink is so good, but do be careful. Alcohol is not good for weight loss, but if your going to have something this is a good choice.*

What you need:

Vodka

Pomegranate juice

Blue Machine Naked juice



Directions:

Mix to your taste. 

Kale Avocado Salad w/ Vinaigrette:

(makes 2 servings)

What you need:

4 handfuls kale, chopped

1 handful red cabbage, chopped

1 tomato, chopped

1/2 avocado, diced

1/2 cup olive oil

1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar

1 Tbsp. honey

1/2 Tsp. dried basil

4 cloves garlic, chopped

sea salt and ground black pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Cut kale off of stems and chop (you can save the stems for juicing)
2. Chop red cabbage, tomato and avocado (for a little change up on this dish sometimes i will leave out the tomato and avocado or just leave one out)
3. Mix all together
4. In a separate bowl, mix dressing: Blend the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, basil, sea salt and pepper.
5. Add dressing to the mix and toss. 

This dressing is also very good on meat as you grill it or as a marinade for roasted veggies.

                                                         

Carrot & Sweet Potato "Fries"

I love this one!

Sometimes I will do carrots and yam fries. So yummy!

What You Need:

2 medium sweet potatoes (sometimes I use yams)
2 large carrots
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1/2 tsp. sea salt

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 F 
2. Peel the sweet potatoes and carrots. Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise and slice like fries. Do the same for the carrots.
3. Put the potatoes and carrots into a bowl and toss with oil, cumin, pepper and salt
4. Arrange on baking sheet lined with parchment paper or on a stone.
5. Bake for 30 minutes or until the flesh is tender and the outside is lightly browned and the edges slightly crisp.

Green Citrus Juice

What You Need:

2 green apples
2 oranges, peeled
6 big handfuls of leafy greens (kale, chard, spinach, romaine etc. I like to use kale)

Directions:

Rinse all ingredients and cut to size for your juicer. Juice and enjoy!


Let me know what you think of this weeks post.
Also, I would love to hear how you're doing on Get Fit Get Healthy!
Comment below or email me at: contactus@ultimatehousewife.com

Providing Meals

Providing Meals for your Family!

Everyone has to eat and feeding the family is one of the main duties of the homemaker.

You will Need to Plan meals for the week. for help with this see Blog Post Planning Meals. the meals you will do is breakfast, lunch and dinner, including snacks, and desserts.  

Think about this too, food is central to all cultures and family life. As a homemaker you are not only taking care of your family, you are also creating traditions. Enter into this endeavor of feeding your family with the intention of not only providing nutrition for their bodies, but family time and building good memories.

Dinner in particularly is a meal that has traditionally be prepared by the housewife for her husband after he returns home from work. 

Here's where you get to prepare those scrumptious, nutritious meals for your family!

Think you can't cook? Experiment with easy recipes. Enroll in a cooking class at your local community college or parks department. 
and Coming soon we will have a Cooking School Video!

Wives in the 1950's: She began by cooking breakfast for her family; there were certainly no drive-through restaurants where members of her family could grab a bagel and latte. There were no government-sanctioned school breakfasts, sometimes not even a hot lunch program for the kids, so she also had to make and pack lunches -- often for her husband as well. In the late afternoon when her children were home from school and her husband had returned from work, the homemaker of the 1950's was already busy preparing dinner.