Brazil | Sorocaba & Boituva

Brazil | Sorocaba & Boituva

July 25, 2022

 If you think I've been blog absent this month, I have. 

Shortly after putting up this month's Simply Earth post I ran off to New Orleans to beg for a passport and then board a plane after dropping the kids off and packing. 

Traveling to Sao Paulo was equally as interesting, our flight leaving Lafayette was delayed. We half made it to Dallas in time only to be stuck on the plane because the jet bridge wouldn't attach. We were just making it (part of our team had said they were waiting on our group) only to get to the gate just as it had been closed. 

24 hours in Dallas later - we finally boarded our flight and made it to Sorocaba a day late. 

Here's the view directly from our hotel window. We had time to drop off our bags before heading to our base church for lunch. 

I wish I had photos of the lunch we had a Boas Novas, but I seem to fluctuate between taking too many photos and being so present in the moment that no photos are taken at all. They served Feijoada, and it was probably my favorite meal of the week. 

We went back to the hotel with roughly an hour of nap available before Jeremy and I were being picked up by Sabrina and Gustavo so that Jeremy could preach in Boituva. That night, while I was running on one hour of sleep, was a great kick off to the week. Turns out Sabrina and Gustavo are both in youth ministry (like us) and dinner with Pastor Geraldinho and his family was like spending time with long time friends.

I've developed a whole new respect for the interpreters and pastors. By the end of the week I realized I turn into an ADHD child when trying to speak and have someone translate what I'm saying. (note to self: learn Portuguese) At times I would accidently listen to the wrong language by accident. 

The Farias had us all over for esfihas after church - where I ate way too much, decided I also needed a box of the chocolate they had, and had such a great time. 

I thought about adding another day to this post, but I'll wait until tomorrow. There is a lot, and it just becomes more and more. And if at any point you think "Dang Emily you look rough." Just keep in mind that 1) very little sleep and I like my sleep plus 2) the one day I wore makeup Deanne had me laughing so hard at the mall that I cried it off my face. So no more makeup.

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July Simply Earth Essential Oil Recipe Box || Energy

July Simply Earth Essential Oil Recipe Box || Energy

July 1, 2022

This month's Simply Earth Recipe Box theme is Energy, and after a sprint through June I think we could all use some. 

At least at our house where we are on week two of unexplained sickness.  

The Energy box comes with Cinnamon, Sage, Lemongrass, and the Energy blend. 

You may have seen this blend in a previous box, it's on the top five list of my favorites. When I run out you'll often find me diffusing Spearmint and Eucalyptus together. mint just goes so well with eucalyptus and creates such a fresh scent in the home (especially helpful if you've recently cooked something like bacon). 

I always share this, so for reference I'll give a bit more info about each oil. 

Energy (blend) | boots energy, kids safe 10+ & pregnancy safe

Sage (single) | energizes, calms, centers, kid safe 10+

Lemongrass (single) | cleans, deodorizes, detoxifies, kid safe 10+ & dog safe

Cinnamon (single) | promotes circulation, comforts, respiration, cleanses skin, kid safe 10+

The extras included in the June Essential Oil Recipe Box are an aromatherapy inhaler, massage stone, and floating wicks. 

In this box you will also get to learn how to make your own massage oil, bath melts, aromatherapy inhaler, floating candle, roll-on, and diffuser blend. 

All of the recipes are a mix of energizing and calming to create a spa-like experience in your own home. 

I always jump into the diffuser blend first, but this month I also got the floating candle going. It has the same oil combo in the recipe. 

For the candle, you can use any container, but I pulled down a piece of my grandmother's blue carnival glass. I really thought making a floating candle would take a bit, but it came together extremely fast. I was also shocked how well the scent carries with a floating candle. 

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 Call to Freedom. They provide safe housing, mental health counseling, medical assistance, transportation, and many other supportive services to those who have survived slavery and sexual exploitation. 

As always head over to Simply Earth to order your JULY 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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