How I Use Essential Oils

Ever since my prior pregnancy, I have been dabbling here and there with essential oils, and it is always more apparent in the winter time when I spend more time indoors.

I don't necessarily buy into all their magic, but I find it fun and soothing to incorporate them into my daily life.

Here is how I am currently using them:

1. On My Skin

As part of my quest to eliminate a lot of nasty chemicals that are slathered on me each day, I found Everyone Lotion. They combine essential oils to create beautiful scents without things like parabens. EO used to be sold at Target, but I haven't seen it stocked in recent months. These days I buy the large 32 oz. bottle every few weeks from Amazon (yes, I go through it that quickly).

My current favorite is the Lavender + Aloe scent.
When it's warmer I go with Coconut + Lemon.

It's light and totally moisturizing, even for these disgustingly cold days.
As a former slave to Jergen's Cherry Almond lotion, this is a welcome alternative.

2. For Sleep

I had the worst stuffy nose when I was in my first trimester last year. From a suggestion from a fellow infertility warrior, I purchased a cute diffuser and a trial set of oils from Amazon.

I really had no idea what I was doing, but the set came with some helpful combos for different ailments.

These days, to help me sleep (especially during full moons and daylight savings) I add a few drops of Lavender, Peppermint, and Pine Needles or Eucalyptus to the diffuser and leave it on all night.

I swear I fall asleep so much easier when it's on!

3. On My Wrist

I didn't know essential oil diffusing bracelets were a thing until recently.

I love this raw wood bracelet from Leland's corner for two reasons. I can diffuse great smells that are way better than perfume, PLUS, all current bracelets in her Etsy shop go towards my good-friend's adoption fund.

Giving good AND Self-Care?..It's a win-win in my book.

4. As a DIY Sugar Scrub for Self-Care

Anyone who knows me knows I love my baths.
I found a super quick tutorial on how to make my own sugar scrub a while back and make a batch every so often when the mood strikes.

It's super easy to make!

For one batch combine the following in a air-tight glass jar.

1 cup sugar
1/4 cup coconut oil (microwaved for 30 seconds to soften. I get mine from Trader Joe's)
5 drops Lavender (Lavender is really having a moment with me, isn't it?)
5 drops Rosemary

Stir until fluffy and combined.

Fill your mason jar.

To Use: sprinkle into bath or spoon out and rub into skin during a shower!
just be sure not to get water into the jar. it hardens pretty quickly that way. live and learn. YOLO

5. As an Alternative to Candles

While I am pretty much obsessed with B&B 3-wick candles for the holidays...sometimes I like something...lighter.

I'll drag my diffuser downstairs (I really should just buy another one), add some drops of Tea Tree and Eucalyptus and pretend I'm on Fixer Upper.

For something more festive, Orange, Peppermint and good ole' Lavender are divine smelling!

See? Nothing crazy!
Do you use Essential Oils?! Share your tips!

Thanks for reading! XO

Morning Bath + Body Products for Infertility

In my quest to max out whatever eggs I have left in the ole' baby-making reserve, I started reading It Starts With the Egg.

There is a lot of knowledge within these pages, and I spent many months incorporating as many lifestyle changes as I could to try and yield the best possible results.

If you missed my post on the supplements I started taking to help egg quality, check it out HERE.

To be honest, this goes far beyond me and my struggles with IVF.
I'm sure we could ALL benefit from applying a few less chemicals, right?

The good book says that among the many ingredients on the back of the bottles of goop we apply to ourselves daily, many of them aren't so good for us.

Additives like parabens and phthalates are among the worst.
Their descriptions don't necessarily sound intimidating, but the damage far outweighs their benefits.

In regards to male and female infertility, both of these chemicals cause major hormone imbalances within the body, that can lead to poor ovarian quality and reserve, uterine disruption, abnormal fetal development, and even cancer.

And the worst part? These words are disguised as less angry words like fragrance and additives.
Sneaky, right?

Prior to me seeking out better alternatives, I used common brand-name products like Pantene, Noxema, Suave, Oil of Olay, Jergens, Aveda (yes, even this one has the bad chemicals), and the list goes on.

And I threw them all out.

Over the last 3/4 of a year I have searched out cleaner brands that don't bother my skin (sensitive and oily, HELLO!) or break the bank.

Here is my morning routine!

EO Lotion
For years I used only Jergens brand (you know, the cherry-scented almond), but it always seemed like I had to keep re-applying. My skin would always feel dry and itchy. Enter this beauty. The texture is light and smooth and I swear, even in the dead of winter, I only have to apply to my body once!
Bonus that this product does NOT test on animals, and you smell like the beach!

Face Moisturizer

I use this African Black soap option since it literally reads problem skin on the label. That's me. I have combo oily and dry skin. This moisturizer goes on after a shower and before make-up. It helps mattify my T-Zone and leaves my skin feeling hydrated but not weighed down. 

Body Soap
This soap really is magic. There are a million other uses for it besides just soap, but right now I am using it as a body wash and shampoo. The light rose hemp smell is fresh, and the bottle lasts for-e-ver. In the summertime I switch to the peppermint option to cool off!

Shampoo

Shea Moisture brand has a million options and I love so many of them. The 10 in 1 renewal system has been excellent for me. It rinses away clean without any weird leftover residue. 

Conditioner
For the size of this bottle, it sure does last a long time. Again, all good ingredients, makes my hair feel super clean and silky, and after about a week's worth of use, I swear it feels thicker, which I could ALWAYS use.

Face Wash

I was nervous to make the switch as I have been burned before when attempting to try another face wash. My skin is just too sensitive. But this wash is just amazing. It's gentle even when I get it in my eyes (which is a daily occurrence) and leaves my face feeling clean, but not too try. 

Plus, a little goes a loooong way which is a huge bonus considering it's pricier than my $3 Noxema. 

Hand Soap

Who doesn't love the smell of grapefruit? It reminds me of summer and I'm pretty sure we could all use a little bit more of that right now. I have two bottles, one for each bathroom. I also use the lemon scented one in the kitchen.

I hope you find some of these products to be as great as I have found them. I feel more calmer in my skin, which in turn, makes me less bitchy. And I'm sure the world is a better place because of it. :)

Thanks for reading. XO