| | Pause | |

We live in such a busy, hustle, bustle world that we often forget to PAUSE.

Especially when people are rushing and on time restraints, pausing can be such a foreign thing.  Our lives can be mechanic or routine like, but we have to remember to take a moment (or many) to PAUSE.

Something happened last night that really got me thinking of this idea of PAUSE.  I was at a red light and I heard the sirens of an ambulance.  The light turned green and I expected other cars to rush through and go.  But no.....we all paused a few moments for the ambulance to pass.  And the most amazing part was after the ambulance passed, the cars in the front still paused.  I was pretty shocked.  We all know there are a-holes out there who would run the light to avoid having to wait just a few moments.  But no one did.  Maybe it was the silent prayer people often do for when ambulances pass or they were too busy looking at their phones. 

Then, last night we got our first snow.  Now for anyone who lives in an area where you receive snow, you know how magical the first snow is.  I took the garbage out and just stood there and listened and looked to my environment.  I could hear the thick, wet snow hitting the ground.  It was so fulfilling to just PAUSE for a moment and enjoy my surroundings.

So I want to challenge you.....at least once a day PAUSE.....  Put your phone down, don't worry about what you have to do, shut everyone out for just a moment to PAUSE.  Take some deep breaths, meditate, look at your surroundings, or smile.

Life is too short to let it pass so quickly.  We can't rewind our lives or fast forward, but we can PAUSE.

xoxo~K

DIY Laundry Detergent

I've made laundry detergent a few times and I always reverted back to the store bought kind.  I think it had a lot to do with the grating of the soap and always grating my fingernail.  LoL.

I just listened to a podcast that talked about all the chemicals in them that are mislabeled and lead to many complications.  Of course, I knew most of this and was so excited I had been using my DIY for a few months before.

But I've changed to a recipe that involves no grating (of soap OR my fingernail) and I am confident that this will keep me on track to always making my own.

Now I've always had the debate......powder vs. liquid detergent.  Our washer is very old, but still cleans so I am all about keeping it.  I feel like powder detergent gets them cleaner with an old machine but I also notice powder still in my pants that was left over.  Partly because I do not like to wash in warm so the powder never dissolves.  So I am reverting back to liquid.

I found this great recipe that uses liquid castile soap and no cook or wait time.  Also, it is Borax free!  Borax has a rating of an F on the EWG's website   because there’s “high concern” for developmental, endocrine, and reproductive effects.  I don't want any of that near my baby who now uses the same detergent as us.

DIY Chemical Free Laundry Detergent

• 2 gallon bucket
• 2 gallons water
• 1/2 cup Super Washing Soda
• 1/2 cup Baking Soda
• 3/4 cup castile soap (I use Dr. Bronner’s in lavender)
• 30 drops of Young Living Essential Oils (get your oils here)
• Large wooden/plastic spoon to stir
• 2 1-gallon glass containers

All you have to do it add the Super Washing Soda and a little warm water until dissolved, then do the same with the Baking Soda.  Add almost all the water and then at then end, add you castile soap and essential oils, mix and voila!   Use 1/3 cup per load.  

 May your clothing smell lovely and chemical free!

xoxo ~K

+ 1

Well hello there......

Shortly after my last post, I found out I was pregnant.  Naturally, everything came to a screeching halt and my whole perspective changed of everything!  I was so happy I had been delving into natural remedies, because there have been so many studies showing hundreds of chemical in umbilical cords.  And of course, I wanted what was only best for my little peanut.  

And since my last post, the Young Living Premium Starter Kit has changed their oils.  So I've decided to stop posts only about oils in the kit, but share other oils, natural remedies, DIYs, and recipes.

So I wanted to start by spotlighting the Gentle Baby blend from Young Living.  I used before and after pregnancy and LOVE it!

 

Gentle Baby is a blend of Coriander, Geranium, Palmarosa, Lavender,  Ylang Ylang, Roman Chamomile, Bergamot, Lemon, Jasmine, and Rose essential oils.  It has a soothing and calming effect for both mothers and children.  

My most favorite use for it was a stretch mark oil I made from Real Food RN.  It's called Miracle Stretch Mark Oil and let me tell you....IT WAS!  I gain 40 (!) pounds and don't have one stretch mark to show for it (except a C-section scar because baby had other plans.....may post about my birth story soon....).  

This was also a great to diffuse around baby. It just has a great smell and great calming when all you want to do is scream and cry your eyes out all at once after baby arrives.  

The Miracle Stretch Mark Oil is a great thing to make for those newly pregnant mamas out there.  If interested in ordering, please see my link.

In good health,

xoxo~K