Best Spices in the WORLD, literally. Kick up your KETO meals.

This blog is a whole lot of things we ESSENTIALLY LOVE. And these spices sourced from around the WORLD are our latest addiction.

We have found the yummiest, freshest, and equitably sourced spices. Just like our favorite essential oils brand, this spice company searches the globe to find the BEST in the region, where they grow naturally + they support the local farmers first-hand. They serve those producing the herbs + spices, and they serve you by providing the best spices we have found out there yet.

Burlap + Barrel, WE absolutely LOVE YOU!

Here is a BIG reason why:

As they say on their website: “Most spice supply chains are completely opaque; where the spices came from, who grew them, and how they were grown is usually a mystery. That’s not by accident - the systems we live with today are legacies of the colonial spice trade, which was designed to disenfranchise farmers and shortchange consumers.

We're replacing those broken systems with equitable sourcing, direct supply chains, and mutually-supportive relationships with our partner farmers. It's not only better for our partner farmers and our world; it also makes for much fresher, more flavorful spices. You can tell that our spices were grown with immense expertise and care as soon as you crack open the jar.”

We don’t get any kickbacks for saying any of this. We simply FELL in LOVE with their product + believe in their mission. So naturally, we want to support them + share the good news. Try them. You won’t regret it.

Some of our PRODUCT FAVES (however we LOVE them all) is:

• Wild Icelandic Kelp

• Smoked Paprika

• Turkish Oregano Buds

• Cloud Forest Cardamom Seeds

• Fermented White Pepper

• Cinnamon Tree Leaves

Over the next few months, we will be sharing allllllll the recipes we have whipped up with them so far. They have some great ideas on their website as well. Let us know when you try them out + what you use the most.

Be well,

Great Deals on Essential Oils

Have you been waiting to invest? Today is YOUR DAY!

CLICK IMAGE TO PURCHASE

The BOGO Box is back!

Available TODAY only- March 22nd, receive all 12 BOGO products, plus Rosemary essential oil as a gift with your purchase.

*Available while supplies last. Limit of five per account

You do NOT want to miss this. Each bottle works out to be just $14.58 a piece. What??? Most bottles have 250 drops in them, the more exotic oils have 80. Each time you use them it is literally cents per use.

AND….

if you want, you can also include a FREE wholesale users account. That means 1 year of absolutely anything at any time for 25% off. Yep, for absolutely free. PLUS when you buy the whole set they throw in a free Rosemary as well. Yes, it just keeps getting better and better.

I’ll have all kinds of info going up on here to help you put these beauties to work for you. in areas like

• GRIEF WORK

• EMOTIONS

• LOW TOX CLEANING

• SKIN CARE

• KETO

• KIDDOS

• + MORE

Purchase BOGO Oil Kit here

Purchase BOGO + Free wholesale account here

Let me know if you have any questions or need help. I am SO HAPPY to be able to offer these to you!

Creamy Keto Cheesecake Whip with Berries

When you are doing a Keto Diet to try and lose weight one of the trickiest parts can be satisfying that sweet tooth. Especially in that first transition phase. And then there are the gatherings with the sweet yumminess options calling to you. These little Creamy Cheesecake Whips are super simple + quick to make. Because let’s face it, sometimes when we are cutting out the sugar our patience gets cut in half as well.

Can’t wait for you to try these and let me know what you think. Oh, and side note… if you don’t have doTERRA essential oil, or one that is labeled for internal use, don’t add it. So many out on the market are laden with additives. (I have linked the lemon oil for ya, if you want to snag a bottle - we have a lot of other uses for it listed here on the EL site.)

Keto Creamy Cheesecake Whip with Mascarpone

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Yield: 6

Author: Kimber Ryan

Prep time: 2 MinCook time: 15 MinTotal time: 17 Min

This recipe is the perfect little sweet after-dinner treat.

Ingredients

• 8oz mascarpone cheese
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 4 T. swerve
• 2 drops lemon essential oil
• 1 C. heavy whipping cream

Instructions

1. Soften the cheeses + whip.
2. Add swerve + lemon essential oil, whip until incorporated.
3. Whip heavy whipping cream in a separate bowl.
4. Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese/mascarpone mixture, mixing the two together well.
5. Dish into individual size serving dishes.
6. You can garnish with sprinkled cacao + strawberries, or raspberries + mint leaves.
7. Chill until ready to serve.
8. So good!

Calories

201

Fat (grams)

18.9

Sat. Fat (grams)

11.9

Carbs (grams)

4.2

Net carbs

2.2

Protein (grams)

6.1

2 grams of alcohol sugars per serving

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @essentially.loved on instagram and hashtag it #

Created using The Recipes Generator

BEST EVER Keto Reverse Seared Picahna Steak (Coulotte / Sirloin Cap)

THIS is DELICIOUS and SO EASY. You just pat it dry, score the fat, season, toss it in a low temp barbecue or oven until it hits 105 degrees. Then toss it on sizzling cast iron grill, 1-2 minutes on each side. YUM.

I’ll post the recipe for the Keto Cilantro Chimichurri sauce shortly, it was adapted from Umami Girl’s brilliant recipe using carrot tops. As I was scouring the web looking for best reverse searing methods for this cut of meat I saw her post using a chimichurri with it and OH MY… don’t skip this glorious addition. It is SO GOOD!

Also - side note, if you haven’t purchased from Butcher Box you may want to give it a try. GREAT quality grassfed beef and other quality meats and seafood.

Enjoy, and let me know how yours turned out.

Keto Reverse Seared Brazilian Picanha (barbeque or oven)

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Yield: 4

Author: Kimber Ryan

Prep time: 5 MinCook time: 25 MinInactive time: 10 MinTotal time: 40 Min

So

Ingredients

• 2 pounds  grass fed sirloin cap (this cut is available at Butcher Box)
• 2 teaspoons Maldon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black peppercorns (Burlap + Barrel brand is my current favorite for spices. They are single-source origin + so fresh)
• Cilantro Chimichurri (recipe below) for drizzling or dipping

Instructions

1. Pat down your roast and let it air dry on a rack (in the fridge) for about an hour before cooking. 
2. Preheat oven or BBQ to 250 degrees.
3. Score the fat layer without cutting through the meat in a crosshatch pattern about 1/8" deep and 1" apart. 
4. Then generously rub it down with salt + pepper.
5. Place it in barbeque (or oven in pan - middle rack) with the fat side up.
6. Cook over low heat, around 250 degrees. (I used the barbeque) 
7.  Cook until it reaches 105 degrees internally.  
8. To reverse sear first you will cook the steak over indirect heat until it reaches 105°F, then sear it on all sides for 1-2 minutes in a cast iron pan  (or other low-tox). Then voila... it is DONE. 
9. Now, make sure to let the meat rest for 10 minuts after searing to keep it plump  + juicy. 
10. Garnish with Keto Cilantro Chimichurri Sauce 

Recommended Products:

Butcher Box Sirloin Cap

Calories

550

Fat (grams)

30

Carbs (grams)

0

Protein (grams)

60

Created using The Recipes Generator

Cocktails + Mocktails with Essential Oils: Rosemary Grapefruit Moscow Mule + Grapfruit Lime Margarita

Here are two DELICIOUS cocktail recipes that include some of my very favorite ingredients. For my simple syrup I have been opting for low-carb, sugar-free. I either use SWOON or make my own with Swerve, because when you know better, you hopefully do better. Am I right? I also try to use as many fresh ingredients as I can, along with a drop of essential oil here and there.

Here is one of my absolute favorites, the Grapefruit Rosemary Moscow Mule w/ doTERRA Ginger & Rosemary essential oil. {Start with a toothpick tip of the rosemary and add as desired by taste.)

Check out the original of this recipe over at Domesticate Me. She has an AMAZING blog

(The photo above is hers I just added my modifications)

Here is some info on the 3 essential oils in this drink.

Rosemary Oil: Rosemary has many health benefits. Rosemary supports healthy digestion and helps soothe sore muscles and joints. Long revered by healers, Rosemary was considered sacred by the ancient Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Hebrew cultures. Rosemary’s herbaceous and energizing scent is frequently used in aromatherapy to combat nervous tension and fatigue.

Ginger Oil: Studies have been conducted on Ginger for its positive effect on joint health; however, Ginger is best known as an effective digestive aid and for helping to ease indigestion and nausea. As a powerful tonic for the entire digestive system, Ginger can lessen motion sickness, soothe an upset stomach, and help digest food after a large meal. Ginger essential oil can also be applied topically or inhaled to help with digestion issues.

Grapefruit Oil: Referred to as a “forbidden fruit” and one of the “Seven Wonders of Barbados,” Grapefruit was first documented in 1750 by Welshman Rev. Griffith Hughes. The name “grapefruit” is attributed to the fruits growing in clusters which resemble those of grapes. Known for its energizing and invigorating effect, Grapefruit helps reduce mental and physical fatigue. Grapefruit is also renowned for its cleansing and purifying benefits. It is beneficial for oily skin issues and helps to purify as it cleanses. Grapefruit is frequently used in skin care for its ability to promote clear, healthy skin and in weight loss products to support healthy metabolism.

How about a Watermelon Lime Margarita? Doesn’t it look beyond refreshing? Why, yes...yes it does!

Lime Oil: Cold-pressed from the peel of fresh limes, dōTERRA Lime essential oil is refreshing and energizing in both aroma and taste. Limes are frequently used in entrées and beverages for their fresh, citrus flavor. In the 18th century, British sailors drank lime juice daily to prevent scurvy while at sea, thus giving British seamen the nickname “Limeys.” Lime essential oil contains powerful antioxidants that enhance immunity. Due to its high limonene content, Lime provides internal cleansing benefits and can be diffused to help purify the air. It’s also an effective and natural surface cleaner. Lime is known for its ability to uplift mood, and balance and energize the mind and body. Lime is frequently used in facial and body cleansers for its purifying properties and uplifting scent.

Don’t worry, this isn’t the end of our list. We have SO MANY yummy recipes to share with you. Stay tuned!

Love My Skin Face Serum: DIY Recipe with Essential Oils

This serum is absolutely SPOT-ON. No, like literally. This is the perfect recipe to apply to troubled areas. I love having this in a roller bottle at all times, ready to swish the roller over any areas that need a little extra love.

Heart My Skin Serum 

1 T Camilla

1 t Calendula

1/2 t Prickly Pear

1/4 t Argan oil

ESSENTIAL OILS:

2 each : Neroli, Rose, Geranium, Melissa, Frank, Jasmine

1 each : Helichrysum, Roman chamomile

This recipe is enough to fill two 10ml roller bottles. One for you + one for a friend. Go bless someone!

Check out the list below that describes why I chose the particular oils in this blend. There are some real beauties. And if you are looking for an all over face recipe then make sure to check out this recent blog post on the Power-packed Plant-based Facial Skin Serum

Prickly Pear Seed Oil: the Protector

This oil offers you two beautiful moisturizing benefits:  light texture + deep penetration, which will gifts you with extremely soft and velvety skin. It is high in tocopherols (vitamin E) and omega-6 fatty acids, both of these get to work nourishing +  protecting the skin. 

The high levels of vitamin K and zinc in this oil help to lighten under-eye circles, heal dark spots, and reduce scarring. Packed with amino acids + antioxidants this beauty of an oil helps to improve skin elasticity and appearance, especially for dry or slightly aging skin types.

Camellia Seed Oil: the Deliverer

Camellia oil is a very lightweight, dry oil, that has a very similar makeup to our sebum, which is your skin’s natural oil. That means that when applied, the molecules are small enough to be absorbed into the skin immediately instead of sitting on top of the dermis, which helps to lock in moisture, which of course keeps your skin smooth and hydrated throughout the live-long day. Can I get an AMEN?

Not only that, it’s packed full of skin-perfecting nutrients which help preserve the youthful glow of your skin and combat those dreaded wrinkles. This oil delivers!

Fun fact: Historically, this is the oil the Japanese Geisha’s used to keep their skin smooth + gorgeous.

Calendula Oil: the Comforter

Calendula Oil is a great option for your skin. It has so many calming, healing, and anti-inflammatory qualities. It can calm sensitive skin, relieve redness + soothe the skin after acne breakouts.

Where does it come from? it is extracted from those cheerful + happy Pot Marigold flowers. Its mild properties relieve many types of skin conditions and also support your skin’s healing process.

Argan Oil: the Doer

Derived from the kernels of the argan tree, it’s packed with a slew of antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids that do absolute wonders for skin. It offers deep hydration + antioxidant protection without clogging pores.

You need this now, am I right?

Be Well,

Power-packed All Natural Plant-based Facial Skin Serum Recipe.

In this post we are going to cover the life-giving benefits of choosing some pretty power-house, nutrient-rich, FABULOUS, non-comedogenic (pore-clogging) plant-based oils in your make-it-yourself-and-save-a-TON-of-money Be Kind Facial Serum. It’s easy, it’s fun, it’s good for you, it saves you moolah, it makes you SHiNE… why not?

Stocking up on some of these oils may cost you a bit, but we are going to show you how to put them to work in many ways. Today… we start with our beautiful faces.

I introduce you to this gem. . .

Be Kind Facial Serum

• 1T Baobab Oil

• 1 T Calendula Oil

• 1 T Camillia Oil

• 1 t. Moringa Oil

• 1 t. Argan Oil

Essential Oils

• 6 drops each:

• Geranium - Blue Tansy - Lavender - Tea Tree
  Yarrow Pom - Frankincense - Neroli

  3 drops each:

• Helichrysum - Roman Chamomile
  

  Mix. Store in a 100ml (or 3 oz) opaque glass dropper bottle. Apply just-enough on your freshly cleansed face ( these soak in deep so make sure you cleansed your face thoroughly. )
  

That’s the basic recipe - of course, you can modify to make it work best for you as needed. Below we have a list explaining some of the benefits of the plant-based oils we chose. Oh, trust us… there are reasons + they are really great reasons. Keep reading to find out our why.

(We realize we haven’t covered the why behind the essential oils chosen here, but you can click this to learn up on a couple of them. )

Moringa Oil: the Wonder-worker

Moringa oil is one of those oils that covers a lot of ground… or skin. It has moisturizing and emollient properties, which help the skin hydrate and actually retain the moisture. Moringa also has the ability to purify, making it a wonder-worker at dealing with allergenic issues. The behenic acid in this oil helps protect the skin from damage. This oil can reduce fine lines, wrinkles, improve overall appearance, combat breakouts + SO MUCH MORE.

To top it off adding a little of this wonder oil can help to prolong the shelf life of your homemade beauty products. Muah… we LOVE you Moringa!

Baobab Oil: the Hydrator

Baobab oil is a natural moisturizer and an emollient. It is packed with moisture, making it a must-have for dry skin. It works to restore hydration and then it strengthens the skin barrier to keep moisture levels adequate.

Baobab oil is also skin microbiome friendly. Well, what exactly does that mean? The term ‘skin microbiome’ refers to the community of bacteria that live in the layers of your skin and keep it healthy. This is a GOOD THING - just like your gut, keeping that healthy balance is important.

Baobab Oil is not limited to these benefits, as it has many more that are also contained in the remaining oils we will cover.

Fun fact: This oil comes from the seed of the Baobab tree found in Africa. the tallest recorded tree was about 98 feet tall and had a trunk diameter of 36 feet. The trunks become so massive partly because they can HOLD WATER! As much as 1000 gallons of water have been tapped from one trunk. #hydrator

Camellia Seed Oil: the Deliverer

Camellia oil is a very lightweight, dry oil, that has a very similar makeup to our sebum, which is your skin’s natural oil. That means that when applied, the molecules are small enough to be absorbed into the skin immediately instead of sitting on top of the dermis, which helps to lock in moisture, which of course keeps your skin smooth and hydrated throughout the live-long day. Can I get an AMEN?

Not only that, it’s packed full of skin-perfecting nutrients which help preserve the youthful glow of your skin and combat those dreaded wrinkles. This oil delivers!

Fun fact: Historically, this is the oil the Japanese Geisha’s used to keep their skin smooth + gorgeous.

Calendula Oil: the Comforter

Calendula Oil is a great option for your skin. It has so many calming, healing, and anti-inflammatory qualities. It can calm sensitive skin, relieve redness + soothe the skin after acne breakouts.

Where does it come from? it is extracted from those cheerful + happy Pot Marigold flowers. Its mild properties relieve many types of skin conditions and also support your skin’s healing process.

Rosehip Oil: the Tamer

This oil may be best known for its ability to tame inflammation.

One study found that rosehip’s high levels of antioxidants are what make it a superstar in regards to dealing with oxidative stress + inflammation.

Rosehip’s fatty acids (linoleic and linolenic) make it an excellent option for dry skin.

Those same fatty acids are what have shown to bring relief with rosacea, psoriasis, or eczema, (see study)

Rosehip is also rich in Vitamin A + C + E which: Exfoliates - Boosts Collagen - Regenerates cells - Helps with Skin Damage.

So, what is Rosehip Oil?
It comes from the rose bush and is harvested from the fruit. You know those little bulbs that form after the petals fall? That little beauty is the power-packed rosehip.

This fruit is beautifully rich in vitamin C  + Provitamin A (not your common retinol vitamin A), vitamin D, vitamin E, flavonoids, carotenoids, beta-sitosterol, and a plethora of other beneficial vitamins and minerals.

Argan Oil: the Doer

Derived from the kernels of the argan tree, it’s packed with a slew of antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids that do absolute wonders for skin. It offers deep hydration + antioxidant protection without clogging pores.

Beautiful, right? Who wouldn’t want to go smother their faces with all of this gold now?

Stay posted. Up next is our AMAZING power-packed restorative serum. You won’t want to miss it…

Be well,

When grief tries to steal, don't believe it.

F A M I L Y

Hold them tight, cherish the moments, because you just never know.

This photo is missing a key player from it. The one that stood at the helm to navigate our course and he was the one who knew where to drop the anchor that steadied us in a safe harbor.

Honestly, he was my grounding person. I am the dreamer, the planner, the visionary, the creative force, the spontaneous let's go girl. And he was my, (what I often called), dream squasher. Haha. He brought all the practical into any situation that presented itself. "Okay Kim, so "HOW" are we going to do that?" At the time I didn't give the process the respect it deserved. I need that in my life to help me look at both sides of the same coin.

I miss that.

I miss him.

We all do.

There is SO MUCH that has changed + there is SO MUCH that we miss. There is SO MUCH that we have processed + SO MUCH MORE to work through. We have experienced quite the trauma during the process of fighting to lose, and in the defeat of cancer, we have been left with a thick residual of heavy grief.

BUT we have learned SO MUCH.

This is the gold in the story. This is where God redeems the broken. He doesn't rewrite stories, he adds on to them... bringing new strength, growth, or light in response to what happened. We can count on this. He never leaves us where we are at, He always has things to show us and places to take us. We just can't let ourselves lose sight of him in the process. EVEN IF it means just barely cracking one eye open-enough to squint in his direction. Or one cracky whisper of "You're here, right God? I'm not alone, even though every ounce of me feels like it."

"Yes baby girl, I'm right here. I haven't taken my eye off of you for one single second. I love you so much + I know how deeply you are hurting. Someday you'll be able to walk again... for now just find rest in the knowledge I am here + I am fighting for you."

That right there is what has carried me to this point. Knowing my God is here, and true to his word. He will never leave me and never forsake me... and I have just got to believe that because my, what I thought was “FOREVER LOVE” did leave me. Not by his own doing but never the less, he is gone. And that messes with a girl's mind + heart on all sorts of levels.

I have SO MUCH MORE to say on this. But for now I just wanted to stop on in with a quick update and encourage anyone who is suffering immense loss. YOU AREN'T ALONE... EVER. Not even in your darkest nights. YOU are being fought for and guess what... he already won! I pray you can find some peace and some rest in that.

YOU are loved,

Emollient Rich Cuticle Recipe for dry, cracked + brittle nails.

Easy, peasy all natural cuticle cream recipe. PERFECT for gift-giving. This nail salve is so emollient dense your nails will be back to strong and healthy in no time.

Be Well,

Kimber

and if that little fire video for the cuticle cream recipe is flashing too quickly before your eyes don’t fret… I am posting images below that you can revisit, or pin to pinterest for easy reference later.

Rise n' Shine Keto Coffee Recipe: an Anti-inflammatory Diet Recipe

This is a DELICIOUS Keto Coffee recipe that has incredible anti-inflammatory benefits. Golden Milk is filled with turmeric, ginger, cardamom + black pepper which really BOOST your bodies response to reducing inflammation within the body.

• 1 Tablespoon MCT Powder

• 1-2 teaspoon Golden Milk Powder

• Good Cup of Java

• 1 dash of Pumpkin Pie Spice

• 1 dollop Heavy Whipping Cream (no sugar added)

add first three ingredients into a cup and whisk or froth, top with whipping cream, sprinkle the spice and sip away. This is so delicious + so beneficial for your health!

Be Well,

Kimber

What to do when you feel stuck + overwhelmed with your home business.

In the last two years my life has taken a major about-face. March 2018, I would have never imagined my husband would be diagnosed with cancer followed by 14 months of extreme treatments, to end with him heading to his eternal home. Leaving me here to become the provider. All of this left my head reeling and my feet unable to gain traction underneath me. Where to start? I felt SO VERY OVERWHELMED!

I kept trying and just couldn’t get my thoughts and actions to line up in a way that felt right. I was missing some key, foundational, pieces to the process of developing my plan to move forward. I knew I wanted to move forward but the steps were hard to see, and even more difficult to try and execute. Until….

This recent shebang started a couple months back and I was DEEP in the trenches of gloom. I was ready to just give up. Then, one day as I was scrolling through the motions I ran across a free training on facebook. (this course has expired but BOY do I have content to share with you from it) Something pressed on me to click “going”. Possibly one of the most brilliant moves I have ever made! Thank you God for the nudge.

In walks this life-giving, enthusiast that was so straight-forward. I began a process of thinking back to the very core of who I am, what I stand for, what talents God has given me and how I could solve a problem with that resulting in being a blessing to others. BAM! Oh, give me purpose and give me hope for my future. And not only that, but I went all the way back to the HOW and WHY. Why do I do the things I do in business when God is in the lead? IT looks different, right? This was fresh air to my tired and weary mind. The knowing that God has a beautiful plan unfolding that includes using my past failures for a positive future, for myself + others.

You can hear it my words right? This insight has wrapped all my beliefs and passions into one beautiful package that I can get SO EXCITED about! It has been absolute GOLD. I kid you not. I would call it a core level booster, cutting through all the head stories we create to sabotage ourselves. NO FLUFF. Just straight forward, practical, go after it, make it count, valuable content, with all kinds of helpful resources. If you need to light a fire under your seat (or in your head), you can do it and you CAN also LOVE the process.

Going through these steps have COMPLETELY changed my approach and now I am SO EAGER to help other people find their way through the cycle of defeat. It is a blast figuring out what makes people’s hearts skip a beat and move mountains. That’s what you need to find, that’s what you need to do. That is AUTHENTIC + something to be passionate about. I am going to be posting some simple worksheets that will help your mind pull out from under the weight of burden or anxiety and start moving towards a bright, shining future.

In the meantime, pray and ask God for a light to shine in an area that has felt dim. Expect a nudge, a prompt, to reach out and love on someone. It all starts by serving others in love. ALWAYS.

Time to Worship: Quarantunes Playlist - best activity to relieve stress during quarantine.

Stressed or concerned yet? Going crazy? What day are we on of this home-bound quarantine? How many days do we have to go? So many thoughts and questions concerning quarantine.

The biggest one for me is how to manage my spinning thoughts around what the future will look like. ALL MY PLANS hinge on how this Corona virus plays out, here and around the world. So many “I don’t knows” right now. That is an uncomfortable place to prop yourself for any length of time.

This morning as God woke me up EXTRA early, He told me to turn on my portable speaker and listen. That the words to the melody had plans to minister to my soul and mind on this very day. So, I obeyed. I am SO GLAD I DID. As I listened He revealed song after song that spoke directly to all of my questions. They calmed the storm within me and reminded me of the bigger STORY. The story where I am not the author, and the one who is… well, He is OH-SO TRUSTWORTHY. It helped me to just breathe and find rest in not having to know, just needing to follow.

I decided to go ahead and take the morning worship song list and make it into a playlist on Spotify to share with all of you. I’d love to hear ideas of songs you would add to it. In fact, you can just pop on over and add it yourself because I made it a collaborative playlist. Here is the link: Spotify Playlist - Time to Worship: Quarantunes (please keep the list child friendly and Jesus centered)

I plan on running through this quarantine music playlist a few times a day… reminding myself that God is not surprised by this. He already has in mind what He is going to do about it. There is purpose in EVERYTHING. So the question is then, how do we show up in it? What does he have in mind for us to do in the space of it?

It is SO EASY to fill our heads with ideas of what our culture says will bring us peace, success, stability, comfort, and happiness. The fact is though, most of those things when acquired are very short-lived if fulfilling at all. So, let’s apply that thought to our current situation. WHAT IF God has different ideas for us than what we had been setting out to do? Wouldn’t this be THE PERFECT time to sit with him, soak in a little of His love, reconnect and LISTEN? I think this is a thing of beauty!

I am not saying this season is easy. I am not saying it is a good thing even. I am saying let’s make the MOST out of it! Let’s use these still days to allow God to speak to us. May we have eyes to see, ears to hear and willing minds to follow.

Listen to this song list and ask those very questions. He’ll speak to you, I just know it.

Psalm 46 The Message

A Song of the Sons of Korah

46 1-3 God is a safe place to hide,
    ready to help when we need him.
We stand fearless at the cliff-edge of doom,
    courageous in seastorm and earthquake,
Before the rush and roar of oceans,
    the tremors that shift mountains.

Jacob-wrestling God fights for us,
    God-of-Angel-Armies protects us.

4-6 River fountains splash joy, cooling God’s city,
    this sacred haunt of the Most High.
God lives here, the streets are safe,
    God at your service from crack of dawn.
Godless nations rant and rave, kings and kingdoms threaten,
    but Earth does anything he says.

7 Jacob-wrestling God fights for us,
    God-of-Angel-Armies protects us.

8-10 Attention, all! See the marvels of God!
    He plants flowers and trees all over the earth,
Bans war from pole to pole,
    breaks all the weapons across his knee.
“Step out of the traffic! Take a long,
    loving look at me, your High God,
    above politics, above everything.”

11 Jacob-wrestling God fights for us,
    God-of-Angel-Armies protects us.

We can choose to wrestle our own way through this, or we can seek God’s wisdom and find His peace in the thick of this. Praying these songs for quarantine will help you to slow down your worries and fears and find rest for your weary soul.

Be well,

Kimber

Tired Much? How to boost health, relieve stress and calm fear: Detox Bath Recipe

So, can a bath really boost health, relieve stress and calm fear? Absolutely!

We really value much of what Dr. Axe has to say about the importance of choosing natural options for best health practices. He has written a few articles on the benefits of a good detox bath. Here is a lil’ exerpt form one of his articles. “…allowing our bodies (and minds!) time to rest and rid themselves of toxins is essential to staying healthy. After all, if you’re not feeling your best, you can’t give anything — or anyone else — 100 percent.

Toxins are poisonous substances that negatively affect our health. We expose ourselves to toxins on a daily basis, from sources like pollution, processed foods, and pesticides. And when we don’t release these toxins, it’s reflected in our health and the way we feel throughout the day. That’s why I’m such a fan of detox baths.

Detox Bath Benefits

While there are many ways to detox, one of the easiest and most relaxing is through a detox bath. The best part? They’re insanely easy to make at home. You’ll get all the benefits you’d find in a high-end spa bath at a fraction of the price and in the comfort of your own home.

Using essential oils (which strengthen the immune system and support your inflammatory response), along with common household items like baking soda + epsom salts… can help flush impurities from the body by allowing it to sweat out toxins.” Tell me, who doesn’t need a little bit of that right now?

“I recommend doing a bath for about 40 minutes to an hour for best results. The first 20 minutes will give your body time to remove toxins from your system while the last 20 to 40 minutes will allow you to absorb the minerals in the water and help you emerge from the bath feeling rejuvenated. Make sure to use hot water — it’ll help you sweat out impurities.”

Here is what Dr. Mark Hyman has to say about the importance of a good detox. (Dr. Hyman is a practicing family physician and an internationally recognized leader, speaker, educator, and advocate in the field of Functional Medicine.)

“When our bodies become toxic it means that our natural method of ushering out metabolic waste from normal human metabolism, environmental pollution, and what has become known as the Standard American Diet (or SAD) has exceeded the threshold for what the body’s innate detoxification system can tolerate.  With this toxic load, every system in the human body can become affected.  From our head to our toes and everything in between, toxicity makes us sick!” - Mark Hyman

So basically you are getting the message that a good detox bath can induce a relaxing effect on the nerves and the brain, right?

And depending upon the essential oils you pick, you will see some additional benefits.

• For balancing a grounding go for some wood oils.

• For skin support and calming go for the florals.

• For uplifting and encouraging go for the citrus oils.

And whichever you choose for those I would add a few drops of the following to enhance and magnify the Impact of the detox: Blue Tansy, Frankincense, Vetiver, Copaiba. These oils have a huge variety of ways they support your body functions and your mental processes. They are TERRIFIC for the skin. They are also oils that have a very large variety of benefits for overall health.

With all of the stressors out there right now I can’t encourage this enough. Try it and let us know what you think.

Be well,

Kimber

In the Name of Fragrance... STOP! Natural Perfume Recipes That Won't Kill You

Okay, that title may be a little dramatic… but what if it’s not? I mean, have you checked out what your FRAGRANCES are filled with? Take a look. Now investigate what those redjsk;fwemlfadsjfk;dagna unpronounceable words are, what they were possibly created for in the first place, and IF you are BRAVE ENOUGH… see how they could potentially harm your health. (Check out ratings on EWG - environment working group) It’s crazy, and it should be illegal. But in the name of fragrance let’s stop once and for all. These chemicals are literally damaging our systems. Our chimneys (filters) are getting clogged and our cells are getting damaged. Enough is enough.

“But, it’s only a scent. It’s not like I am ingesting it.” Well, actually… breathing in toxic chemicals is very damaging and it does end up in your bloodstream. On top of that, you are applying it to your skin which also absorbs it into your bloodstream.

Now consider the other places that you have hidden “fragrances”: candles, sprays, plug-ins, cleaners, lotions, makeup, shampoo, and more. I wonder if you made an inventory list how long it would be? I know a few years ago my list would have been L-O-N-G. I still have a few but nothing like I used to. And absolutely no perfume whatsoever, outside of my yummy homemade, all-natural, DIY perfume made with fresh-smelling essential oils.

I know our team LOVES the benefits of these naturally delicious perfumes. They are so inexpensive to make and they help relieve feelings of tension, anxiousness + intensity. They start by encouraging BIG DEEP BREATHS. Next thing you know you feel more grounded and are thinking a bit more level-headed. Sometimes we just need to buy ourselves a little more time to reframe our thoughts.

I have been using Mel Robbins 5 second rule along with my little mini bottle of natural perfume I have stashed in my purse. So easy to grab it, breathe in, count backwards “5-4-3-2-1” and ask God to show me His truth over the matter at hand. This process is a thing of beauty and has TOTALLY tipped the cap off to release the pressure in the heat of the moment. Ahhhh.

Try it! Let me know how it works for you.

BTW: I highly recommend you check out Mel Robbins tips. She is a no-nonsense, straight shooter. She cuts right to it and gives really valuable resources for FREE! I have loved learning from her and applying it with the knowledge I have about detoxing other heavily loaded areas of my life. I have found she helps deal with a lot of core issues that contribute to the larger problem. So GOOD!

Be Well,

Kimber

Songs of Sorrow + Hope Found: The Next Right Thing.

For a few months now God has been pressing on me to share this. It’s pretty vulnerable and raw for me. Honestly, it just brings a ton of tears with every word I type. You see, music has been the healing balm to my heart. Well, hear me out for a minute, by healing balm I mean it is something I am applying to my life that is aiding the process towards healing. It isn’t a one time application. And that is why this post will eventually become a series of posts that God intends for me to share with you.

So, I’ll give you a little back story. Several months ago I was writing scriptures on my wall with my metallic gold pen while blasting worship songs from my portable speaker. At one point, as I was emotionally scribbling quite carelessly, the written words being scribbled on the wall began to match the lyrics sounding from the speaker… and then within minutes a text from daughter no.3 came in as the final reinforcement. God was colliding my actions + my intake to a very real place of awareness (that almost felt like an awakening jolt), He saw me, and he was in fact lining things up in my life. A VERY strong, in my face, reminder that He holds the POWER to align whatever he wishes and He is the pure love carrier that meets us in the thick of our chaos and dread. HOPE arrived in a flash that day.

Since then God has continued to use music to be the ONE thing my mind and heart can soften to. Spoken words seem to be quickly drowned out. For some reason people talking, instructing, giving advice… well, it all takes wayyyy too much energy. Probably because my mind is constantly at battle pushing back the memories. Reading leaves me wondering what the words said, and so I repeat, and again they disappear before my brain recognizes them. I don’t even make it off the initial page (other widows have told me this is very normal - that reading and retaining will take years to come back). But put WORDS to a melody? Ahhh, it just flows like honey in the direction of my pain, creating a bittersweet process of darn good grief. And that doesn’t mean it’s easy. It is painful, but it is beautiful, because it is progress. It is the NEXT RIGHT THING.

For some reason sharing this process I go through with the world seems a bit too exposed for me. BUT throughout this WHOLE SHABANG of my husband’s diagnosis and death I have told God to just use me. Pleading with him to constantly remind me to be willing, and to please let the end result be God bringing some form of goodness out of the pain. I’m a strong believer of that process. God wastes nothing! I have seen it happen over and over again, the broken story shared, the revelation of redemption, and the action of it reaching out its loving hope to lift another out of a pit.

So here I am today, sharing a song from a children’s animated movie. Why must it be a song from Disney’s Frozen 2? Well, I hope you will listen to the song and read along to the lyrics. I think you will understand the heart thumps of it as you do, even if you don’t have experience with deep grief yet.

I’ll tell ya, this song left me absolutely frozen in the theater, barely able to breathe. I kept my eyes stuck to the screen without a shift to the left or right where my kids sat. Hoping I could avoid the gasping cry that was forming in my throat. I just prayed through the whole song and asked God to hold me together. It’s heavy and it is OH-SO fitting for someone who has lost a spouse.

Take a listen and let me know how it speaks to you. (Click the title below to listen)

The NEXT RIGHT THING by Kristen Bell

I've seen dark before, but not like this
This is cold, this is empty, this is numb
The life I knew is over, the lights are out
Hello, darkness, I'm ready to succumb
I follow you around, I always have
But you've gone to a place I cannot find
This grief has a gravity, it pulls me down
But a tiny voice whispers in my mind
You are lost, hope is gone
But you must go on
And do the next right thing
Can there be a day beyond this night?
I don't know anymore what is true
I can't find my direction, I'm all alone
The only star that guided me was you
How to rise from the floor?
But it's not you I'm rising for
Just do the next right thing
Take a step, step again
It is all that I can to do
The next right thing
I won't look too far ahead
It's too much for me to take
But break it down to this next breath, this next step
This next choice is one that I can make
So I'll walk through this night
Stumbling blindly toward the light
And do the next right thing
And, with it done, what comes then?
When it's clear that everything will never be the same again
Then I'll make the choice to hear that voice
And do the next right thing

I pray this song finds you in a place where you are allowing yourself to FEEL the pain and recognize there is a light to walk towards. God is right here with us. With us in the next choice, the next step, the next tear. He understands like no one else can, and he loves us so deeply.

Be well,

Kimber

21 day Reduce + Reuse Project : Home Detox, Clearing out the clutter and anxiety.

Clutter. Anxiety can lead to clutter + clutter can lead to anxiety.

• Clutter WAY overstimulates our systems (visual, olfactory and tactile), causing our whole being to work overtime on stimuli that aren't necessary or important.

• It draws ALL our attention away from where we should be fixing our attention.

• Clutter makes it nearly impossible to relax, both physically and mentally.

• It constantly sends messages to our brains that we still have a huge to-do list.

• It magnifies levels of anxiety because the idea of pile clearing is overwhelming

• It creates loads of guilt and embarrassment, particularly when someone drops by unexpectedly.

• It frazzles and exhausts us by making it hard to find what we need, when we need it.

In Life at Home in The Twenty-First Century, anthropologists, social scientists, and archaeologists found a recognizable link between the over-abundance of household objects ( "stressful" home environments) and a person’s health. Women's long-term well-being was drastically impacted. (Men, not so much… apparently messes aren’t as stressful to them as a whole). They measured cortisol levels over a number of days and in cluttered or messy homes, they found a WAY higher rate of depressed moods were evident. Conscious consuming is key!

Why? We simply have too much surrounding us. An average room has over 2,000 visible objects in it. It's no wonder we're over-stimulated and anxious!

Getting rid of things can be emotional work. Even when you gear yourself up to declutter you can find yourself stuck in an emotional funk. The sentiment of the items (after all you kept it for a reason), guilt about the value of the items (shouldn’t I sell this, yep, let me put it back to sell later) and other factors can make the actual purging process slow down tremendously, if not halt it altogether. But we MUST find a way to just “Let it go, let it go….” (sing it if you must) in order to gain back a sense of calm + peace.

And hear this… Clearing clutter is not the same as organizing it to make it look pretty. Purchase all the bins you want, you can still be overwhelmed by TOO MANY + TOO MUCH. For those riddled with anxious levels of clutter you need to start at ground level. Making it look more managed temporarily doesn’t address the core issue of collecting or being unable to part with the items, which means you will just continue on with more of the same. For lasting change, you must PUSH OUT the clutter- and not just a scattering of items. You must do enough work that everything has its place and its purpose. Wait, let me switch that around into the proper order. So that everything has its purpose in your home and then find its place to reside and be easily found when needed.

With ALL of the family loss our tribe has experienced over the last 15 years I have had my share of holding tight to what was left… The STUFF, whether they held memories for me or not they were once held by my loved ones. That was the closest I could get to them this side of heaven and so I displayed it or tucked it (shoved it) into a storage place. It was chaotic, crammed and sad. It was out of control and boy was I stressed for a good decade. Thank goodness I found some things to help me start the process of decluttering and finding my way back to sanity (and boy did I try a host of things).

Here are some of my favorites - let’s call them TIMELESS CLASSICS:

The Slob Sisters introduced me to a great practical, go-get-it, purging system. AND they have this incredible file card system addressing daily, weekly, monthly and annual, bite sized chore lists that were so easy to use with the kids. I’d let them pick whatever daily card they wanted to do that day. At one point the kids were eager to be first to the file box to pick their card before the others and get cleaning. Say what? It also covers some of the easily forgotten seasonal tasks around the home. LOVE this one! So thankful it is still in print.

Get Your Act Together: A 7-Day Get-Organized Program For The Overworked, Overbooked, and Overwhelmed

The other fun and extremely helpful system came from

Sink Reflections by the Flylady

She taught me that the time of day can matter, and a host of other things. Who knew making the sink sparkle at night could really make me feel better in the morning? She did!

These two may seem a bit outdated in visual design BUT they are a timeless and trusted resource that will really give you a terrific foundation for detoxing the chaos in your home.

Which leads me to the main point, it’s important to find the way that works for how you are wired. Decluttering is KEY for ALL, no doubt. But how you accomplish, how you maintain it, finding your creative routine is critical to staying successful. AND identifying your mental process that contributes to the clutter party is essential.

Find your grove + your routine. Here is an interesting one I ran across that was posted in Apartment Therapy. It is all about a weekend cleaning routine, leaving your workdays a bit more relaxed. I imagine this would be a great concept for those with stressful jobs, where you just need to come home and relax at the end of the day. Do a little self care and catch those quality Zzzzzz’s.

Weekend Cleaning Only routine posted over on Apartment Therapy: ( Check it out here )

There are a lot of options out there… possibly too many. So don’t get your brain spinning too much on finding the perfect one before you start. Start with one and take away what works well for you. Then dig into another if you need to tweak it up a bit.

And just a reminder as you are going through the home detox motions: The STUFF is not the person. Whether you cling to things to remind you of days gone by, relationships lost, or because you think it contributes to your value… those are all lies. If you truly love the item to your core, keep it. Like if you would pay a pretty penny for it because you just love it that much, then yes, by all means let it spark joy for you. Otherwise free yourself from the bondage of uncontrolled THINGS contributing to a toxic home and/or mindset.

Most importantly. Have grace for yourself. It is going to be okay, you ARE okay. Take a deep breath and remind yourself that you are love-able just the way you are. Messy, chaotic, frazzled, feeling stuck, anxious. Whatever led you to this article I hope you walk away feeling encouraged to just take baby steps and move forward little by little. Don’t you worry, you’ll get there. And if you need a little extra help along the way I have posted some recipes for essential oil blends that will help your body to feel supported and relaxed. They are SO UPLIFTING that I just find myself doing BIG DEEP BREATHING. Well, the benefits of deep breathing, there is another whole post right there. For now, trust me, diffuse or roll these blends of essentials…. your emotions will thank you!

Let’s make the decision to be mindful de-toxers + conscious consumers from here on out.

Be well,

Kimber

Let Go + Let’s GO: Boosting your immune system

Man, it's being talked about everywhere. How many of you are starting to get a wee bit concerned? Well, word to the wise, the worst thing you can do is STRESS yourself over it. It's wreaks havoc on the immune system and that is the one thing you want stronger than ever..

BOOSTING the IMMUNE SYSTEM seems to be the focus of the month.

The immune system has a vital role: It protects your body from harmful substances, germs and cell changes that could make you ill. It is made up of various organs, cells and proteins.

As long as your immune system is running smoothly, you don’t notice that it’s there. But if it stops working properly – because it’s weak or can't fight particularly aggressive germs – you end up down for the count. Ugh. So let’s find out how to help keep it STRONG!

There’s a L-O-N-G list of things you can avoid and increase in order to support your immune system better. We are going to cover just a few of them that we know are KEY. Let’s check it out

Things to REDUCE for the health of your IMMUNE SYSTEM. This is where I would start. This is not a complete list by any means.

Cut out sugar.
Eating sugar may put your white blood cells into a temporary coma. Even as little as two sugary sodas a day can lower the power of your germ-busting immune cells by 40%. Don’t risk it. Find the hidden sugars in your foods and try to stay in a range 50-100 grams of carbs a day, if doing keto even lower.

Overexerting.
Prolonged stress, intense strain on your body, or operating on too little sleep leads to a weakened immune system. A healthy dose of daily exercise will boost your immune system and reduce your stress but don’t exhaust yourself when trying to build your immune system, or it will have the opposite affect you are looking for.

Alcohol.
There are SO MANY ways alcohol impairs your immune system, leaving you more susceptible to threats. It’s important to know that the microbes living in your intestines, your gut’s microbiome, play an important role in fighting diseases.

When you consume larger amounts of alcohol it has many negative effects on your digestive system. It damages the epithelial cells in your intestines, making it harder to absorb many nutrients. It also severely disturbs your gut’s microbiome, significantly altering the balance of healthy and unhealthy bacteria. Alcohol affects the way health gut microbes interact with the immune system. Alcohol also disrupts the gut barrier, allowing more bacteria to pass into the blood. These rogue bacteria can cause inflammation in the liver and may lead to liver damage. Alcohol doesn’t just affect the function of the digestive tract. It also affects the respiratory system. Excessive drinking may impair the function of immune cells in the lungs and upper respiratory system. Because the immunity of the mucus is impaired in both the lungs and digestive tract, any disease can become more severe. PLEASE be cautious with alcohol consumption during this critical season. I know it can help calm the nerves, but is it worth the risk?

And here are the SUPER IMPORTANT pieces to supporting a STRONG IMMUNE SYSTEM.

1. Hydrate.
Keep your immunity up by drinking plenty of water to stave off infection. Staying hydrated helps your body naturally eliminate toxins and other bacteria that may cause illness. It helps to carry oxygen to your body cells, which results in properly functioning systems. By adding a little lemon essential oil to your water it helps give an extra boost so your body can remove toxins with ease.

2. Quality Sleep.
Get a solid 7-9 hours of RESTFUL sleep. Getting DEEP sleep is different than shifting around trying to sleep. That solid state of peaceful bliss is what we want to achieve. I get it, when our minds are consumed this can be tough. We will post a few recipes this evening with ideas for relaxing before bed.

Personally I can’t even try to sleep without a diffuser running near my bed. Most nights I prefer a fresh respiratory support blend that helps me to breathe deeply while settling in to slumber. Since my husband ’s diagnosis, and his passing, peaceful sleep has been so hard to find. So I rarely go without a natural supplement that REALLY helps me to relax enough to fall into deep sleep without feeling groggy. I’ll post a sleep kit option below if you think this is something that could help you. And please reach out to me if sleep or stress is a struggle.

Click: >>—-> Bundle Deal Sleep Kit : comes with 12 months of 25% off everything + gobs of goodness from our crew 

3. Gut + Overall Health.
Your gut is the core of your overall health. Feeding it an immune boosting diet of nutrient dense foods, probiotics, proper supplements, and fermented foods is crucial to maintaining a strong, healthy body. And it helps your brain too! Getting what you need in your food can be tough these days, with the quality of food available. So a whole food supplement is a great addition, as well as digestive enzymes to make sure your gut is actually breaking down your food and absorbing all it can from it.

Overall Health. Your immune system uses nutrients to fight infections. That’s right , food is powerful. So like we just talked about in the gut health portion, finding best quality food is tough. Our land that grows the food is a bit depleted of resources so quality of nutrients is less than optimal for a strong body. That whole food supplement that lifelong vitality brings you really is your BEST every day key body strengthening option. It is balanced, not too much, not too little, perfectly adapted to boost our cultures dietary norm to peak performance.

And let me say this, with the weight of worries on our shoulders and minds right now, this is NO TIME to skimp on helping your body be as effective as it can in fueling its immune system. Having the basic building blocks in place is a MUST. Your body was created to fight what it needs to, it just needs the proper fuel and maintenance to do so. Omega 3’s are vital to a well supported immune system.

If you think you need to do a better job supporting your IMMUNE SYSTEM this set is perfect.

Click >>—> Immune Support bundle: comes with 12 months 25% off everything and a bazillion other perks from our team

We are here to help you find the best way to support your current needs. So please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We would love to help you.

Be well,

Kimber
Immune Support bundle

21 day Reduce + Reuse Project: In the kitchen

Toxins, in the kitchen. Where are they, what do they do? Do the toxins really hurt us that much?

Have you spent much time considering the toxins in your kitchen? I am guessing you have probably taken a look at your cleaners and considered what is included in the ingredients list. If not, that is a great place to begin evaluating on your quest to go toxin free. Prepared to be shocked at what you find. That isn’t what we are covering today though.

Did you know the most harmful way to come into contact with toxins is through ingestion? Anytime we ingest anything, it has a direct route to the bloodstream + begins affecting the body right away.

So is food the only way you introduce chemicals and toxins through ingestion? No, what you cook your food in plays a part too. Pots + pans play a huge role as our food comes into direct contact with it, sits in it, and transform through the process of being exposed to it.

And what about when you’re standing over the food you’re cooking, you are inhaling those gases, Inviting them straight into your body with full access. Using a vent fan can help minimize this, but the ultimate way to avoid this problem of inhaling toxins is by choosing safe cookware to begin with.

Toxic Cookware to Avoid:
1. Ceramic-coated pans

Ceramic pans and cutlery are usually metals coated with a synthetic polymer that is softer than metal. This coating can easily wear off and can only last for about one year. Once the coating begins to wear off and depending on the material beneath the synthetic polymer, toxic metals can begin leaching into your food.

2. Non-stick cookware (Teflon)

Non-stick cookware contains a similar synthetic coating of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which is a plastic polymer that can release harmful and carcinogenic gases at temperatures exceeding 500 degrees Fahrenheit. In humans, these fumes can cause flu-like symptoms several hours after exposure, resulting in a condition called polymer fume fever that is often misdiagnosed as the viral flu. The gases are so toxic that for most birds, they are fatal.

3. Aluminum cookware and aluminum foil

Aluminum cookware is often coated to prevent the aluminum from seeping off the appliance. However, these protective coatings easily chip and wear off. Aluminum can be affordable, but may not be worth the risk of transferring aluminum into your food and contributing to potential aluminum toxicity. Aluminum can accumulate in your brain, lungs, bones, and other tissues, causing tangles in nerve fibers and leading to muscular dysfunction and memory loss.1 Aluminum has not been shown to be a cause of Alzheimer’s disease, but increased levels of aluminum in the brain have been noted in autopsies of Alzheimer’s patients which suggests that aluminum toxicity may be a risk factor in the disease.2 Common sources of aluminum include antiperspirants, some toothpaste, aluminum foil, aluminum cans, and aluminum cookware. Simply ditching the aluminum foil for a glass baking dish can help you reduce your intake of aluminum.

4. Copper pans

Copper cookware is popular because it heats evenly over the surface. However, I do not recommend using it in your home. Uncoated copper can leach into your food and even protective coatings will break down over time. Too much copper can suppress your zinc levels and weaken your immune system,3 interfering with adrenal and thyroid function which most commonly results in fatigue.

 They say that small daily decisions lead to long term effects. If that is the case then choosing the right pan is one of the first places to start in reducing toxins in your home.

Here are some great toxic-free choices:

1. Enameled Cast-Iron

Coated cast-iron pans offer the non-stick benefits of Teflon without the harmful gases. Enameled cast-iron pots are easier to care for and available in various colors, but if you want the benefits of iron, then opt for the bare versions.

2. Bare Cast-Iron

When seasoned properly, bare cast-iron is the ideal non-stick surface. It can also transfer small amounts of iron into your food when cooking acidic ingredients. This can be beneficial for those who suspect an iron deficiency and need to increase their iron intake. Bare cast-iron requires a little more care than enameled cast-iron, but it is more affordable and heats more evenly than its enameled counterpart. Bare cast-iron can also be used in an oven or on a grill.

3. Stainless steel

Stainless steel cookware is affordable and very stable at high temperatures. This cookware is non-stick, lighter than cast-iron, resistant to scratching, and lasts significantly longer than coated materials.

4. Carbon Steel

Carbon Steel pans are extremely versatile. Very popular with chefs. They are broiler safe. Like cast iron, carbon steel pans become more and more nonstick over time, without the need for special coatings during manufacturing. Carbon steel pans are thinner and lighter than cast iron, and also more responsive to temperature changes.

5. Glass

Similar to cast-iron and stainless steel, glass is a sturdy material that will not release chemicals or toxic metals into your food. Glass dishes are ideal for baking and storing leftovers. We recommend using glass storage containers instead of plastic in order to avoid toxins.

So, do you have any pans you are ready to toss out with the trash? Which of the safe toxic-free cookware options above seems like the best fit for you? We would LOVE to hear from you.

COOKING TIP for CAST IRON: If you are looking for a terrific video that teaches you how to properly season a cast iron pan here is one from Tasty that we suggest watching! They have some terrific tips on how to care for your cast iron. Thinking the same method could be used to season your carbon steel pan. https://youtu.be/KLGSLCaksdY

Be well,

Kimber

21 day Reduce + Reuse Project : Plant Detox

How many of you have thought much about the quantity of plants you have in your home?

If you paid attention in science class you probably remember that plants improve air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen through photosynthesis. (Big sigh) Did you know they also increase humidity by transpiring water vapor through microscopic leaf pores? And.... they can passively absorb pollutants on the external surfaces of leaves and on the plant root-soil system.

NASA ran a study and suggests one plant for every 100 Sq. ft. Of living space in order to help remove harmful toxins from the air.

So what could be hiding unseen in our homes (but sucked into our lungs) through our air?
————————————————-
Trichloroethylene
Symptoms associated with short term exposure include excitement, dizziness, headache, nausea and vomiting followed by drowsiness and coma.

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Formaldehyde
Symptoms associated with short term exposure include irritation to nose, mouth and throat, and in severe cases, swelling of the larynx and lungs.

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Benzene
Symptoms associated with short term exposure include irritation to eyes, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, increase in heart rate, headaches, confusion and in some cases can result in unconsciousness.

Xylene
Symptoms associated with short term exposure include irritation to mouth and throat, dizziness, headache, confusion, heart problems, liver and kidney damage and coma.

Ammonia
Symptoms associated with short term exposure include eye irritation, coughing, sore throat. UM, no thank you!

(For more information on the study and these infographics go to: https://www.lovethegarden.com/uk-en/article/nasa-guide-air-filtering-houseplants )

Oh my word… does this make you wonder what is lingering in your air? May I suggest something? more plants + more diffusing. YES?

Or maybe you happen to have some of these air purifying plants on the list? If so, would you mind sharing which ones, and how you keep them healthy?

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I have two of them already (just by a fluke). However there is one I spotted on the list that I think needs to be added within the walls of my home. The “Kimberly Queen Fern”. Haha. I may be a bit biased seeing as how my name is Kimberly and my netflix favicon is “The Queen”. But for real, isn’t it charming?

So for those of us new to plants in the home, what are the best methods for keeping them alive? How do we keep them from shriveling up into a slow crispy brown death, Well, we need to begin by reading the instructions for placement, proper potting, and care. We can also give them a lil’ extra plant love. >>———>

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Click photo for AIR DETOX kit.

Here is a recipe we have for you, MAGIC GROW. A natural plant boosting recipe. Mix the ingredients, spray the soil/roots once a month and voila… healthy growing and protected plants.

And as for the air, and increasing health benefits through the air within your home, we have included a terrific air purifying diffuser blend. It will immediately improve air quality and also deter any little plant dwelling pests.

• Tea Tree oil is a fantastic insect repellent, it supports a healthy respiratory system, it is an excellent air purifier.

• Clove oil is a natural bug deterrent, boosts the immune system, supports healthy circulation, and so much more!

• Lemongrass oil boosts self-esteem, confidence, hope, mental strength, and uplifts spirits. It is also a wonderful deodorant. It is known for its detoxing properties, even when applied on the skin.

For those of you new to the idea of essential oils for natural options, I have put together a little PLANT CARE KIT that includes two ultra fine mist spray bottles and the three essential oils listed above. I will also post an AIR PURIFYING KIT for having what you need to detox the air in your home.

With these kits you will also receive a wholesale membership good for one year with it, saving 25% off anything you choose, at any time. AND best of all, our team is here to walk this oil life with you, and as if we aren’t enough you’ll also get full access to our members only education group, and (wait for it) as an added BONUS you’ll receive a beautiful customized welcome packet from our crew. Guys, you won’t look back, EVER. Go, now, run don’t walk.

Some of you may be wondering why you can’t just head to your nearest discount box store and get the same thing for cheaper. Trust me, you can’t. It’s that simple. I’ve seen it all and heard the feedback. This is one area you want to make sure you are getting what you pay for (and in most cases out there you aren’t…this is PROVEN over and over again!) … you want every little drop to be the most cost EFFECTIVE for you. You want this to actually work.

So here are two kits to choose from: (just click the name and it will link you)

• Essentially Loved PLANT CARE KIT

• Essentially Loved AIR PURIFYING KIT

If you are planning on snagging either one of these kits make sure to reach out to us to let us know. We want to tailor your welcome gift to your specific needs.

Can’t wait to share DAY TWO of the 21 day Reduce + Reuse Project with you tomorrow.

Be well,

Kimber

21 day Reduce + Reuse Project. A unique guide to low tox living.

Welcome to the 21 day reduce + reuse project. We are looking forward to spending a few minutes a day with you talking through some ways you may not have thought about to simplify, improve and save in this sweet life you have in front of you.

This concept of finding creative ways to reduce expenses, reduce stress, save time, improve lifestyle is something quite fun. We are running this as an event over on facebook but we realized something… there are quite a few peeps dropping off of facebook to be a bit more productive, so why not add it day by day to our blog?

So here we are.

We’ll start by introducing ourselves. This Essentially Loved Crew reaches out farther than the two of us but we are the ones hosting this event. We are the mother /daughter duo who dreamed up this beaut.

As the event rolls along we will also have several experts joining in but the two of us will be here day in and day out with you to share the glory of it all and answer any questions you may have.

Over the next 21 days we will focus on 6 main areas.

We’ve been shocked as we have discovered so many hidden delivery systems secretly adding toxins to our daily lives. Some you may be aware of, and others probably not so much. Hopefully you’ll identify a few new ones that will help you clean up your act a little.

We will also be looking at some fun additions to help increase JOY. Because who doesn’t need more of that?

and let’s talk STRESS… enough is enough is enough. We have enough to do, enough pressure, and not enough time… we need to prioritize + simplify. But it isn’t always that easy is it? We are hoping some of our creative ideas will help you to identify some fun ways to restructure and refresh.

We know your load is already heavy so we promise to keep our posts short and sweet. Just enough to have you soak it in, evaluate the impact in your own life and decide if you want to implement a change. Simple, right?

Well, let’s get this ball rolling. Day one is on PLANT DETOX. Say what? Okay… you may immediately think this has everything to do with eating, BUT you may just be wrong on that one. Think NASA. More confused? Check out the next article.

Be Well,

Kimber