Simply Earth Essential Oil Recipe Box || December

Simply Earth Essential Oil Recipe Box || December

December 1, 2022

 The theme for the December box from Simply Earth is Beauty! 

If you're looking for a present for the oil loving person in your life, I always suggest buying one of these boxes. 

If you don't know where to start with using essential oils, but want to get into it, this sort of concept is a great introduction. Simply Earth believes that essential oils shouldn't be confusing or unnecessarily priced. 

Compare these oils price wise to other companies and you'll see what I mean. You aren't paying for a middle man that comes with multi level marketing. 

I know you're thinking, but Emily you're talking about them every month. It's not because I'm selling them. Like most products you see posted on my blog I write and share in exchange for products that I love. There is no upline and I really don't benefit from your purchase. 

Which all the more shows that I genuinely love and use products from this company and have for many years. 

Now, what is included in this month's box? 

The oils you will get are: 

Bumps & Boo-Boos | (blend) supports skin healing, kids safe 2+ and pregnancy safe

Lime | (single) supports respiration, kid safe 10+, pregnancy & dog safe

Geranium | (single) skincare and calming, pregnancy, dog, and kid safe 2+ 

Balsam Fir | (single) cat, dog, pregnancy, and kid safe 2+ 

The extras included in the December box are citric acid, bath bomb mold, blue mica powder, and a 1oz spray bottle. 

You'll use those extras to help make your recipes! 

In this box you will have recipes for a Christmas Vacation Diffuser Blend, Christmas Morning Shower Melts, Snow Storm Mini Bath Bombs, Breath of Pine Shower Spray, Let it Snow Bath Bombs,  and a Christmas Day Roll-On. 

A few things before I wrap this up - 

Every month Simply Earth donates 13% of their profits to end human trafficking. This month Simply Earth is supporting Exodus Cry, an organization that not only focuses on supporting survivors, but fighting commercial forms of sexual exploitation: 

- stripping

- pornography

- prostitution

Exodus Cry helps survivors break free from exploitation, and individuals break free from exploitive habits that drive the demand for sex trafficking. 

As always head over to Simply Earth to order your December box and use the code LABRIDEFREE to get a $40 gift card/credit towards your next order when you get your Bonus Box! 

Also -- here are a few things you can do with your box every month! 

1. Add items to your box to get free shipping. 
2. Exchange oils. 
3. Gift a month to a friend. 
4. Get 50% off your next box by sharing your unique voucher code with friends, they'll also get $10 off their first 5 months -  you'll get 50% off for every friend that subscribes! 

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Freezing in the Park

Freezing in the Park

November 15, 2022

 We did a touch of the wandering arounds this weekend. Those can be few and far between during the school year thanks to the insanity that is youth ministry life. 

Now, in reverse order. 

Sunday night our church had a night of worship at the pavilion downtown. (as per the youth pastor wife usual,  I was wrangling wild animals alone) It took a touch of convincing (threats) to get everyone to do as I wanted them to, but he combination of loud noises and open air will really test a little boy's ability to listen and do as their mother says. 

They'll still be getting trucked around with that wagon until they're in college. It's almost like dog training, they need a base point to know where they need to hang out at. 

I've spent a lot of time trying to figure out who this little milk man's baby looks like. Turns out it's me, with Jeremy's coloring. But he's looking more and more like I do. 

In the most fun news of the weekend we headed out to Moncus Park in Lafayette. I had won a giveaway from Cajun Acres and we took that chance to go out there and play. 

For a couple kids constantly complaining that they want to play at the park with the frog (Hoover Met in Alabama) this finally suited their fancy. 

We came out last Spring, but hadn't been back since the children's area was open. 

They got a huge kick out of the tree house. 

My child who clearly doesn't feel temperature... or probably runs so much that he gets hot even in freezing cold weather. 

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How to Make a Statement at Your Bachelorette Party

How to Make a Statement at Your Bachelorette Party

November 9, 2022

 Before your big day, you have a whole other type of party to plan: your bachelorette party. While you will undoubtedly be more focused on your wedding, it’s still important to put time and effort into this exciting event. It’s a chance to let your hair down and enjoy some time with your nearest and dearest, after all!

To make sure your bachelorette party is the best it can be, you want to make a statement. You want people to know that you’re on the lead-up to your big day and that you’re super excited about it! To ensure your party reflects that, read on.

Dress the Part

Now is not the time for a perfect white dress. Instead, you want to go above and beyond with your outfit. Of course, what you wear depends on the theme, location, and type of bachelorette party you are having. Generally, though, you should wear an eye-catching outfit that shows off your excitement!

Of course, no outfit is complete without accessories, so consider adorning a Judith Leiber bag from judithleiber.com for your bachelorette evening. It’s the perfect way to liven up an outfit while showcasing your bold personality. Wear a classic sparkly clutch for a classy evening, or be a little more fabulous with a novelty clutch that captures everyone’s attention. With a statement bag like this, you are sure to be the center of attention. Of course, that is the point at your bachelorette party!

Pick the Perfect Location

The location of your bachelorette party matters. If you’re looking to party, choose somewhere lively, vibrant, and fun. You could celebrate on the beach, or you could hit the town, visiting all the best bars. Wherever you pick, remember that the location makes the backdrop of the party, so you want it to be perfect.

Have a Theme

A theme can bring a party to life. Plus, it’s a fun way to ensure all your friends can have coordinated outfits! Some popular bachelorette party themes include a masquerade, tropical, Disney Princesses, 80s fashion, and disco.

Send Personalized Invitations

The art of personalized physical invitations has yet to be lost. Instead of sending out e-mails or messages to invite your girls, send customized invitations with all the necessary information on them. Make sure the invitations include the time, location, and dress code. Your friends will love receiving such a personalized invite in the mail!

Get Your Hair and Makeup Professionally Done

You have likely booked bridal hair and makeup slots for your wedding day. Consider going to a professional for your bachelorette party, too. You want to look your best, especially with how many pictures are likely to be taken! Plus, getting your hair and makeup done adds an extra bit of sparkle to the day. You could even get your friends together for it so that everyone looks incredible.  

Your bachelorette party is a chance to go wild and have fun with your friends. Whether you choose to party the night away, go to a retreat, relax at the beach, or head to a festival, make a statement with a great outfit and location backdrop. Then, when you look back at the pictures in years to come, you’ll be glad you put effort into such a special occasion.

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Simply Earth Essential Oil Recipe Box || November

Simply Earth Essential Oil Recipe Box || November

November 1, 2022

With Christmas just around the corner Simply Earth has brought back another popular box theme - Gift Giving. 

Honestly this entire box would make a great gift, and if you love a DIY just make the items and give them to friends. Save those delicious smelling oils for yourself. 😉

In this month's box you get three single oils and one blend. The November box includes: 

Ylang Ylang | single | calms, skin health; pregnancy safe & kid safe 10+

Frankincense | single | stimulates, supports respiration; Kid safe 2+, pregnancy, dog, and cat safe

Focus | blend | supports focus; kid safe 10+

Cassia | single | calms, supports immunity; kid safe 10+

Y'all I think this is my first time using the Focus blend, it smells incredible and very clean. But I'll be honest, anything with frankincense or eucalyptus gets me excited! 

Now for the fun bit, the recipes. 

You will learn to make a Mini Macrame Plant Holder, Royalty Facial Serum, Cheerful Giver Roll-On, Essential Oil Bottle Reed Diffuser, Holiday Spice Diffuser Blend, and Winter Flower Bath Salts. 

Here's a fun tip, add some lavender to that facial serum! It will be so calming to use at night. 

The extras that come with this month's box are a mini macrame kit, diffuser reeds + cap, test tube, & serum container. 

 

A few things before I wrap this up - 

Every month Simply Earth donates 13% of their profits to end human trafficking. This month Simply Earth is supporting Exodus Cry, an organization that not only focuses on supporting survivors, but fighting commercial forms of sexual exploitation: 

- stripping

- pornography

- prostitution

Exodus Cry helps survivors break free from exploitation, and individuals break free from exploitive habits that drive the demand for sex trafficking. 

As always head over to Simply Earth to order your November box and use the code LABRIDEFREE to get a $40 gift card/credit towards your next order when you get your Bonus Box! 

Also -- here are a few things you can do with your box every month! 

1. Add items to your box to get free shipping. 
2. Exchange oils. 
3. Gift a month to a friend. 
4. Get 50% off your next box by sharing your unique voucher code with friends, they'll also get $10 off their first 5 months -  you'll get 50% off for every friend that subscribes! 

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Survival Week 2022

Survival Week 2022

October 28, 2022

Also known as... the life of a youth pastor's wife. 

 Now that we have passed the "week Jeremy abandoned me during the school year for an entire week to got o Brazil" I can come out from hiding and discuss. 

1. This was easier than expected. 

Turns out I really don't want to talk to people in the evenings, and I was worried I would be lonely. 

2. The boys turned the trampoline into an MMA ring and are now banned from every witnessing wrestling. They don't need the encouragement. The natural drive to wrestle as a boy is unreal. 

3. When living alone dinner is insanely easy. I have no qualms about making one protein and eating it all week with minor tweaks. 

In other news, Harrison love to read, watch, and draw comic themed books. The child is obsessed with Dog Man. He was so proud of his little drawing... then his brother appeared. 

If this wasn't clear before, Elliot is the reason wrestling even occurs in our home. 

Once he shooed Harry off he wanted to take a pic with "my stuffy". 234

And because y'all know I love a good meme. 

Go ahead and call me Teddy, because I'm about to quit having thoughts just to improve my quality of life. 

This one was too funny! 

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A Balloon Race Weekend Where We Saw Zero Balloons

A Balloon Race Weekend Where We Saw Zero Balloons

October 20, 2022

 It occurred to me this morning that I have been in such a mental spin this month that not a single blog post has been posted for twenty days. 

Not on purposed, I promise. 

This past weekend we headed to my hometown of Vidalia, LA for the Great Mississippi River Balloon Race. On the docket was the new community pumpkin patch downtown, fireworks, Merry Markey, hopefully seeing a balloon, and eating out around town. 

I love these little people, but a cute photo of them posed as if they are normal functioning members of society and not wild little feral cats isn't possible. 

The feral cats were wrangled, and half fussed at to achieve this photo of them not smiling but instead making faces like the crazy people they are. 

It would actually be a lie to look back on photos from this time and have posed adorable children in matching outfits who didn't both destroy what they were wearing before we walked out of the house. 

I've honestly hit the "openly carries a wooden spoon" part of raising boys. 

This is our crew leaving Merry Market, mom and I not pictured. Elliot thought he was too cool with Jeremy's sunglasses on. 

I also got to run into a few high school friends and really enjoyed it. Quiet often I miss the simplicity of living in Vidalia, so hugging necks and catching up at events just does my heart good. 

This is up waiting on some really great PoBoys and not seeing a single hot air balloon. 

Saturday afternoon we tried again for balloons. 

We left an hour early to track the crews down. No luck. 

Checked every internet group we could find even though the local news paper was supposed to be putting up the updates. No luck. 

Sat on the River Walk with half the town of Vidalia waiting or the race that should have crossed over the river... again no luck. 

Turned out they took off from the Vidalia air port and only two went up, and those two went towards the lake. Thank you wind for a busted year. 

The upside of everything running so behind and awful was that Laura was able to make it into town after work. The boys got to play with their cousin and we all were able to go to dinner afterwards. 

Next year I'm taking off work on Friday to make sure we see the 7:30am race so if Saturday is a bust we at least got to see one nice lift off! 

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Simply Earth Essential Oil Recipe Box || October

Simply Earth Essential Oil Recipe Box || October

October 1, 2022

This month's Simply Earth theme is Home Remedies! 

In the height of football season (as a fan or player) the recipes included in this box are spot on. 

As a teacher who's been wandering all over creation for pep rallies and traipsing up and down the classroom teaching, all of these "relief" themed recipes are right in line with what I've been needing. 

This month's oils include: 

Bergamot | single oil. calms, soothes, and skincare. (kid safe 2+, pregnancy, & dog safe) 

Cajeput | single oil. soothes, supports respiration. (kid safe 10+, dog, & cat safe) 

Copaiba | single oil. soothes, supports immunity. (kid safe 2+, pregnancy, dog, and cat safe) 

Relief | oil blend. soothes. (kid safe 10+, pregnancy safe)  

    

If you haven't been around long, you might not know what got me started on using essential oils. 

As someone with awful allergies, cleaning products and candles are quick to give me a headache or stuffy nose. I immediately start sneezing when I go into someone's home who burns a lot of candles. 

To combat this in my own home I started cleaning with essential oils (before natural products had gotten popular (hello 2011). Later on when diffusers became a thing, I started diffusing oils to make the house smell lovely without the allergy issues sprays and candles caused me. 

At times I still need to be careful what oils I use. For instance, my mother is bothered by products with pine/tree oils. Pinesol is her worst nightmare. Turns out I can't use anything in the pine/fir tree realm of oils when she is around because it irritates those same allergies. 

The new recipe card design is still just so pretty to look at. 

Speaking of recipes. 

This month you will have the ingredients to make a cold or hot compress, relief lotion, foot soak, soother roll-on, massage oil bar, and diffuser blend. 

The extras included are a reusable compress pad, lotion base, and massage bar soap mold. 

I love the molds that Simply Earth sends, they're reusable and all made of silicone. So they're very easy to unmold. 

The lotion base though, this is another great item. I keep a jar of it mixed with lavender by my bed. 

A few things before I wrap this up - 

Every month Simply Earth donates 13% of their profits to end human trafficking. With an estimated 4 million victims globally, human trafficking is among one of the worst atrocities. No one deserves to be exploited, which is why Simply Earth donates to organization on the front lines. This month Simply Earth is donating to Rescue Freedom.  They are focused on preventing and end human trafficking through community awareness, anti-trafficking policies, law enforcement, culture change, rescue, aftercare, and more! 

As always head over to Simply Earth to order your SEPTEBMER box and use the code LABRIDEFREE to get a $40 gift card/credit towards your next order when you get your Bonus Box! 

Also -- here are a few things you can do with your box every month! 

1. Add items to your box to get free shipping. 
2. Exchange oils. 
3. Gift a month to a friend. 
4. Get 50% off your next box by sharing your unique voucher code with friends, they'll also get $10 off their first 5 months -  you'll get 50% off for every friend that subscribes! 

Read More

Meal Planning Thursday

Meal Planning Thursday

September 22, 2022

I don't know what has gotten into me, but I've had two awful weeks of meals. Like burning food and have never cooked a day in my life awful. 

Hopefully this week shows improvement. 

Thursday | Blacked Snapper with Rice & Sautéed Green Beans 

Friday |   Crockpot Tortellini Soup

Saturday | leftovers 

Sunday | Snack Night 

Monday | Eating Well Chicken Cutlets with Sun Dried Tomato Cream Sauce & a salad

Tuesday | Pesto Chicken Salad with Avocado 

Wednesday | Sam's Chick-fil-a knock off nuggets and fries (the kids fav and my fav on single mom night) 

Lunch - Beef Bulgogi with shredded carrots, cucumber, and red cabbage 

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Elliot Fell Asleep Again!

Elliot Fell Asleep Again!

September 13, 2022

 Nothing I'm about to tell you relates to any of these photos. 

This is just a series of Elliot falling asleep randomly yet again. Put him down for a nap you say? Oh no, he won't do that. He hit "old man nap" this past year and likes to rest his eyes while sitting on the recliner. 

Harry on the other hand, wraps up in blankets like we keep the house at a steady 55 degrees. 

Now for some Elliot stories. 

First up, he was very "upset" last night after church because apparently some big "friends" (as he calls people he doesn't know the name of) we "being mad for me" (not mad at me). He gave Harrison this long drawn out story about people being mean to him, probably not true at all, and it ended with Harrison saying, "Elliot, you now I'll beat up a big kid right?" 

During dinner yesterday evening before our church revival Elliot demanded Sprite, which wasn't an option. He snuck off from the table, and rather than stop him, I sat back and died laughing at his nonsense. 

He covertly snuck towards the drink table, hid behind a chair, and waited for the elderly man at the table turn around and not pay attention. When it was his chance he darted over and grabbed a drink. 

Poor mischievous child picked up water and not lemonade, took a sip, realized what he did, and had to start all over to return the drink. 

Again he hid behind the chair, and when the man turned around he returned the drink. 

I guess that's all for now. I really need to write these down. He is up to so much that I quickly forget what he's done. 

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Simply Earth Essential Oil Recipe Box || September 2022

Simply Earth Essential Oil Recipe Box || September 2022

September 1, 2022

This month's Simply Earth Essential Oil Recipe Box theme is Everyday Essentials. 

You'll definitely see that played out in the recipes that are included with this box. 

This month's blend is a restock of a favorite. Everyone seems to love Defender, no matter the name, every brand carries it. 

It's perfect for this back-to-school sickness time of year. 

Here's a bit more about each oil that is included in the September box: 

Defender || blend || supports immune system, cleans (kid safe 10+)

Bay || single || centers, supports respirations (kid safe 10+)

Eucalyptus || single || Boosts immunity, supports respiration (kid safe 10+, pregnancy safe)

Cedarwood (Himalayan) || single || calms, supports respiration (kid safe 2+, dog, cat, pregnancy safe) 

This month's extras include a cleaning tablet, homemade paper board tube, weighted eye pillow case, and lavender buds. You will need to have Epsom salt at home. 

As someone with a heavy commitment to an eye mask and a big need to destress, the weighted lavender eye mask is going to be a favorite this month. 

This month's recipe include: 

Breath of Fresh Air (facial steam)

Breathe Deep Roll On

Sleepy Bug Chest Rub

Home Defender Cleaning Spray

Beauty Rest Weighted Eye Pillow 

I love the idea of the chest rub being in the paper tube. Typically they're sold in jars. I just imagine the application with this being less messy. (And let me I tell y'all I'm still in love with the homemade deodorant... it was so good!)

 

A few things before I wrap this up - 

Every month Simply Earth donates 13% of their profits to end human trafficking. With an estimated 4 million victims globally, human trafficking is among one of the worst atrocities. No one deserves to be exploited, which is why Simply Earth donates to organization on the front lines. This month Simply Earth is donating to Rescue Freedom.  They are focused on preventing and end human trafficking through community awareness, anti-trafficking policies, law enforcement, culture change, rescue, aftercare, and more! 

As always head over to Simply Earth to order your SEPTEBMER box and use the code LABRIDEFREE to get a $40 gift card/credit towards your next order when you get your Bonus Box! 

Also -- here are a few things you can do with your box every month! 

1. Add items to your box to get free shipping. 
2. Exchange oils. 
3. Gift a month to a friend. 
4. Get 50% off your next box by sharing your unique voucher code with friends, they'll also get $10 off their first 5 months -  you'll get 50% off for every friend that subscribes! 

Read More