Monday, August 31, 2015

Stir Fry Summer Veggies

This is a super easy recipe perfect for this time of year!  Produce from farmer's markets/stands is very abundant. All I did is put about a Tablespoon of olive oil into the bottom of the pan and add a couple of cloves of minced garlic. Then heat your pan to medium heat to brown the garlic.  As soon as the garlic is ready, add the rest of the veggies.  I used zucchini, onion, and mushrooms because that's what I had at the time. However, this is great with any veggies you have on hand!  Saute them until they are just turning soft and that's it.  Dinner is served.  Enjoy!

Quick and Easy Cheesy Potato Soup

This recipe is the same as my other recipe called Cheesy Potato Soup but a lot easier! 

Ingredients:
1 Tablespoon Butter
3 cups Onion, diced
8 Potatoes, diced
9 cups Chicken broth
3 cups fat-free Half & Half
4 1/4 cups Cheddar, shredded
1 1/2 teaspoon Dill Weed
1 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
1 1/2 teaspoon Salt


First, cut the onions into quarters and remove the skin.  Then pop them into a Ninja blender/food processor and dice them.  Add the butter to the bottom of a large stock pot and cook them until they are soft and translucent. 





While the onions are cooking, cut the potatoes into 4 pieces give or take depending on how large they are.  Leave the skin on.  Then toss those into the Ninja blender/food processor and dice them too. You may have to readjust the potato chunks as sometimes they are too big.  


Add the potatoes to the onions then add everything but the shredded cheddar.  Simmer everything until soft.  Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth.  Add the cheese and half and half then stir until melted.  Serve right away.  Enjoy!

This recipe makes a ton of soup.  I like to make large batches of soup so there is lots left over to freeze.  See My Trick to Freezing Soup for more information.  The recipe can easily be halved if you don't want to end up with so much.



Essential Oil Homemade Night Cream with Frankincense, Lavender and Lemon

This is the easiest, most economical way to make your own night cream using essential oils. Not only does this oil smell amazing but I have found that it makes my skin softer than anything else I've used (which is a lot!).  It is also helping to reduce fine lines and dark circles.  In short, it is amazing and you won't be disappointed!


I only recommend Young Living's essential oils because they are "100% pure essential oils backed by our Seed to Seal® promise."*  All of the oils are therapeutic grade and many of them can be beneficial when ingested, and used in cooking.  Please see the Product Guide for more information on which oils can be taken internally vs. externally.  All of the oils can be beneficial when diffused and of course they make your house smell great!

Ingredients:


  • 3 Tablespoons Organic Coconut oil
  • 1 Teaspoon Extra Virgin Olive oil
  • Small jar - I like to use the smallest of the mason jars
  • Mixer





In your mixer, add all of the ingredients and blend on low until they are combined. Then carefully whip on high until the cream is nice and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Unless you have a spatter guard on your mixer, increase the speed slowly otherwise it will splatter all over!  Use a spatula or a spoon to scoop out your new night cream into the jar you've chosen.  Don't worry - the cream will harden as it sits.  If you have a small bathroom that gets really hot (like mine) the cream may liquefy again but don't worry, just shake it up then let it sit and it will harden again.  I've left mine out while taking a shower and this has happened.  Try leaving it in your medicine cabinet when not in use.  

This Night Cream makes a great gift for any occasion!  If you use the small mason jars, you can put a small circle of pretty fabric in between the jar lid and the screw top part.  (The lid comes in 2 parts).  Enjoy!





Thursday, August 20, 2015

Using Essential Oils to Help Relieve Headaches




















I have been suffering migraine headaches for over 26 years. Recently, I have started to supplement my prescription medication with essential oils to battle all of my symptoms. Here a a few that have really helped me:


Peppermint  "is one of the oldest and most highly regarded herbs for supporting normal digestion, including promoting healthy intestinal function and gastrointestinal system comfort.*" 






I add 1 drop of Peppermint essential oil to hot water to make a soothing drink.  I also add one drop of it to the site of pain which for me is usually above my left eye on my forehead or on my temples. Make sure not to get it too close to your eyes, as it will irritate them.



Eucalyptus Globulus "has a fresh, penetrating scent. It contains a high percentage of the constituent eucalyptol, a key ingredient in many mouth rinses. Applied topically, it is often used to support the respiratory system* and to soothe muscles after exercise.*" 



One of the migraine medications I take always causes my nose to become stuffed up.  Using 1-2 drops Eucalyptus Globulus essential oil (aplied to my upper chest in the center under my collarbones) really helps to relieve that feeling.



Lavender - "has a sweet, floral aroma that is soothing and refreshing. It's aroma is great for relaxing & winding down before bedtime; add to bath or diffuse to create a calming & comforting environment. It also may compliment your favorite shampoos, lotions & skin care products.*"



I find Lavender essential oil to be very comforting and soothing.  I apply 1-2 drops across my forehead along the hairline and gently massage in.  

After applying these three essential oils, I go lie down in a quiet, dark room if possible.   This whole process really helps me to relax and compliments my prescription medication(s) to work better in my humble opinion.


*Information taken from the Young Living website.  This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

The Story Behind Thieves Essential Oil

"Thieves® essential oil blend was inspired by the legend of four 15th-century French thieves who formulated a special aromatic combination composed of clove, rosemary, and other botanicals they used while robbing the dead and dying. Young Living’s one-of-a-kind Thieves blend, crafted in the spirit of that legendary combination, can be found in all of our Thieves products. When taken internally, Thieves supports healthy immune function*, and it includes Eucalyptus Radiata essential oil, which may help maintain a healthy respiratory system.* When taken as a dietary supplement, Thieves is an ideal complement to a daily wellness regimen.*"
- taken from the Young Living Website















*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Young Living Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Use Lemon Essential Oil When Cooking Fish or Chicken

Last night I made Tilapia for dinner.  I was out of lemons, so I decided to try cooking with my Young Living Lemon essential oil instead.  I used 3-4 drops of the Lemon essential oil added to about a tablespoon of olive oil in the bottom of a skillet.  I then sauteed the tilapia in the oil adding salt and pepper to taste.  Wow did it turn out great - the whole family loved it!


Spring Diffuser Blend Recipes