Category: Uncategorized

Happy Sleep Routine

by courtneyecollins, posted in Uncategorized

I don’t know where you fall in the gauntlet of the “my kids are young enough for a bedtime” years, but we are still somewhere smack in the middle.

We have five kids spanning 8 years between them. Sleep routines are a must around here.

And that starts with what we do to signal that it’s time to start pressing into the unwind.

Here’s what that looks like for all of our kids:

1. After dinner, three of them enjoy their Kidscents Unwind supplement. (All natural – hormone free- powder supplement that tastes like a watermelon pixie stick. It’s full of good ingredients that promote the production of a child’s natural sleep hormones.) –

( Synthetic hormones and even natural melatonin can disrupt the body’s natural production. It can become addicting and eventually not enough. We try to avoid that at all costs with ourselves and our children.)

2. Everyone heads to brush teeth and turn down the lights in the house. We all have low light lamps by our beds, so all overhead lighting goes off and lamps come on. This is the beginning of letting our bodies know through our eyes that the day is almost done.

3. Everyone starts their diffuser, climbs into bed, and picks up a book. This is a simple way to let the mind ease into rest without the overstimulation of an electronic or the damaging effects of the blue light from screens that stops melatonin production.

This sweet girl LOVED her time reading in the rocker.

4. Time with Mom and Dad. We try to be intentional about their first and last moments each day. Getting to bed at a decent hour so that there are a few hours of “before midnight” sleep, gives my children the opportunity to wake up tomorrow ready for the day. A few moments of reading together, praying, or simply listening to their thoughts will help them process and exhale everything swirling around in their minds.

Tip: On the nights that our routine includes a bath, we like to add epsom salts infused with Kidscent’s Sleepyize essential oil blend.

Always add oil to epsom salt, allow it to sit for a few minutes, and then salt to water. A way we love to do this is to prepare a cute jar in advance and then just add a little to each bath. (maybe 1 cup per bath)

So the only question is…. are you ready to transform bedtime?

Grab your Kidscents Unwind HERE.

Summer Mermaid Hair Tip

by courtneyecollins, posted in Uncategorized

So, maybe you got a corona cut.
Maybe your hair has lost it’s luster since this whole “stay inside. eat all the junk” phase started.
Maybe, you’ve faced some crazy challenges that have had a less than full, stunning, mermaid locks of hair.
For me, it’s stress that doesn’t do my hair any favors, but throw in the corona cut my husband gave me and here we are.

And between all of the fake hair from “real hair headbands” to hand tied extensions that cost as much as a car payment to maintain, along with all of the green washed shampoos that will somehow magically grow my hair that is a direct result of my internal health, I decided I’d better tell you about a little YL gem that’s more of like a diamond just waiting to be discovered by YOU!

It’s a simple cocktail. (Okay it’s a mocktail, but it’s delicious, trust me.)

First, let me tell you WHY this works.

The main ingredients in this are Ningxia wolfberries and MSM. The Ningxia Wolfberry is 30X the antioxidant power of a blueberry. Poor hair health can be directly linked to stress, inflammation, and poor nutrition. The wolfberry and the MSM are both naturally sourced ingredients that help the body dramatically reduce inflammation. MSM is also helps the body increase glutathione and increases keratin!
(It’s these same things that also make this mocktail perfecto for those with uncomfortable joints.)

So, here is what you’ll need.

The Zing is optional. If you love a good, natural energy drink, Zing is your answer! (When mixed with Ningxia Red, it’s called a “Zing Bomb”)

If you prefer zero caffeine, go for a Bubly or simple carbonated water.

Try this for 30 days and tell me your results!

I’ll be showing ours too since all 3 of my girls cut their hair off as well.

P.S. If you’re not a member of Young Living, you can still get these awesome products different ways.

ONE: Click here to order as a retail customer (same as ordering from any other online retailer)

TWO: Click here to save 24% by ordering as a new member. (I know that sounds fancy, but it’s like the costco or sams club of healthy products. Grab any starter kit – Basic is $35 Then simply add your Ningxia Red 2 pack and your Sulferzyme (+Zing if you want it)

OR : Ningxia Red PSK is $170 for 110 days of your mermaid cocktail!)

p.s.s. if you need to know a sponsor/enroller ID, that will be 1572452 (that’s me)

If you go this route, you’ll also be jumping in to our YL fam, Blissfully Oily (Instagram, FB) where we don’t leave you with just one tip. We walk through it all with you as you make clean, simple, choices for yourself and your family.

And, since you’re here for good hair tips, here’s a bonus DIY!

Don’t forget to come back and tell me all about your hair success!

Welcome Home

by courtneyecollins, posted in Uncategorized

I see you eyeing the oils. We all do it. And believe me, I wasn’t “sure” when I grabbed mine. After six years, I’m SURE now! (I was sure when I opened that first box and inhaled!)

But, I did know that we’re never truly “ready” for anything we choose on the front end. We’re never “sure”. When we choose anything, we become ready once we choose; once we start.

Today, Young Living made that start easier than ever with their addition of a diffuser to the already awesome Welcome Home Starter Kit. (Click to grab yours)

From June 24th – June 20th @ 11:59pm the Welcome Home Starter Kit includes the Dew Drop Diffuser AND a 15ml bottle of Citronella! Can we say #byemosquisha ?

Here is what this kit includes:

This Kit is for new members to YL only.

You can grab yours HERE: (I’m ready to grab this deal + join your community)

We never leave you hanging not knowing what to do and our goal is to make learning this amazing wellness hack fun! We have an online community with over 1000 families just like you who are sharing all of the ways they let YL serve them daily.

I’m so excited to walk this way with you.

Remember, a membership with Young Living is a lifetime 24% discount. No rules. No requirements. Just good, quality, health supporting and inspiring products for you.

“We never make a product for a profit. We make products for a purpose.” – Gary Young

Grab your Welcome Home Starter Kit here and watch for a welcome surprise from me in your mailbox! (Virtual AND at your house!)

Courtney

Conquer That Seasonal Cold

by courtneyecollins, posted in Uncategorized

Momma, I don’t know about you, but if we even sniffle right now I feel like I need to make a PSA that it’s just a summer cold or allergies or or or, but it’s not “it”. Do you feel me? And it doesn’t help when those memes pop up saying “rona, is that you?”

So I’ve been using all of the natural care I can think of to keep my kiddos well.

Vitamins C and D in abundance. Eating better. Getting outside more.

When I saw that YL was bringing out a 100% plant based, hands free (he no-touch awareness) chest rub, I was thrilled.

Did you know that the leading chest rub is made with petrol? As in the same product that makes motor oil?

I don’t want to rub that on my kids. After all, their skin is their largest organ.

Thieves Chest Rub relieves coughs, stuffiness, congestion of ears, noses, and throats due to minor bronchial and/or throat irritation as they may occur with a cold or allergens.

No DIY needed. Simply open and apply to chest, back, and/or bottoms of feet.

Now, you may be thinking “I’m not a YL member”.

YL memberships call in all shapes and sizes. The most budget friendly is the Basic Starter Kit at $35. All of our membership kits offer the same benefits. 24% off forever. That’s it. It’s clean, simple, and easy.

No rules. No fees. Just healthy products at the best possible pricing.

Grab you Thieves Chest Rub + any starter kit of your choice HERE.

And while you’re at it, if you want vegan vitamin D tablet and a chewable vitamin C for the family, simply add Super D and Super C chewable to your order.

You’ll be getting the natural, plant sourced tools you need along with a community to bounce questions off of as you walk in a new normal of healthy living.

I’m so glad we got to chat for a minute. I hope these tips give you life and open up more room to be in the moment and adventure with your family.

Courtney

Simplify your life, sister

by courtneyecollins, posted in Uncategorized

I don’t know if you know this or not, but I wasn’t always all of the things you find on in this blog space. I wasn’t making healthier recipes or DIY things.

But six years ago, my life changed forever and six months after that, I decided to help other people find their way.

I take the tools I have gained, simplify them, and bring them to you.

And isn’t that what this thing is all about? Press into your life hard, take the good, leave the bad, and help other people do the same.

You don’t have to bring anything but your eyes and ears and I’ll bring all of the know how easy breezy in manageable steps. No masters in chemistry or nutrition or motherhood or womanhood required.

Here are two ZOOMs I’m hosting in June:

Hi there,

You are invited to a Zoom meeting.
When: Jun 10, 2020 08:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Register in advance for this meeting:
Here

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Hi there,

You are invited to a Zoom meeting.
When: Jun 15, 2020 08:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Register in advance for this meeting:
HERE

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Both ZOOMS are no-pressure, simple tips deliveries designed to build confidence in caring for ourselves and our little people.
No need to be seen on screen or heard.

Simply drop in on this opportunity to learn good things made easy.

Register now.

See you there.

Father’s Day Gift Guide

by courtneyecollins, posted in Uncategorized

If you’re looking for a gift like he’s never had, look no further!

I recently heard Dave Ramsey talk about how he’s driven by helping people be constantly moving toward better versions of themselves. A forward momentum.

Isn’t that such a “Dad” thing. Dad’s are always encouraging us and giving us room to become better.

So what if this year, you gave your Father that same gift? The gift of moving in the direction of better.

Hear me out.

A few years ago (six years actually) I started doing something my husband thought was… well… he loves me and was super quiet about it but might have thought I had lost my mind.

But when he saw that he could sleep all night without a burning boiling acid throat, breathe better when running or crossfitting, and smell good without using things that would give him hormonal issues no guy wants, he was all in. An oil for his tired muscles? YES! One for his head? YEP!

It was the simplicity of it all that actually got him. Same with my dad. Carry around a bottle of Peppermint and Thieves. All is right in the world. They have something that does something right in their pockets. And we all know guys like practical and effective.

If there is a Dad or Father figure in your life, try one of these awesome gifts.

You can shop for any of these items HERE .

Or get them 24% off HERE when you join Young Living as a wholesale member. Think Costco, but you only join once. Membership is customizable and as low as $35. No requirements. Just order all of the pure, healthy goodness you want when you want.

And if you’ve never tried Young Living Essential Oils, find out all you need to know HERE.

Happy Father’s Day to the guy in your life that cares so well for you.

3 tips for night time bladder control

by courtneyecollins, posted in Uncategorized

I don’t know about you, but waking up multiple times a night because of my bladder was driving me crazy. I needed my sleep.

After five kids, most people expect that I have bladder issues, but our last child was born in 2015 and I haven’t struggled at all. I can run and jump rope with no issues.

A few months ago though, I began waking up every night as if I were pregnant again. I would literally have a completely full bladder several times a night.

I thought I simply needed to drink less, but that didn’t do the trick.

I was also having some pretty intense discomfort right above my pubic bone that I had assumed was maybe cysts associated with ovulation possibly since I had dealt with those when I was younger. And what’s worse is that I was starting to feel like my bladder wasn’t emptying properly during the day too.

I started doing some digging and came up with 3 simple steps that have helped my bladder understand that we are sleeping during the night.

Step 1: Cut out food and beverages after dinner.

I love to drink my Magic Mushroom “cocoa” from YourSuper each night so I make sure I do that right after we finish dinner. I think of it as my dessert. Not a drop or crumb after that. This gives me a couple hours before sleep to completely empty my bladder.

Step 2: Completely empty your bladder.

This is something that I hadn’t realized I needed to address and, if I’m honest, I think that my cell phone (gross, I know, but I’m a mother and sometimes that’s my only quiet time/space all day long) and my stress level (hello 3 months at home and a world gone mad) had a LOT to do with this part. When you go to the restroom, go alone. Literally. No phones, no books, no magazines. Leave your “to do” list at the door and RELAX your body. Breathe deeply and sit there long enough to fully empty your bladder. I can’t tell you how many times in the last two weeks I’ve sat there a tad longer only to find that there was still a lot more.

Step 3: Bladder care.

My bladder care looks like pelvic floor care and essential oils. Yes, oils. Hear me out. I was doing some reading about how essential oils can support the bladder when I came across a “hanging” bladder section. (Essential Oils Pocket Reference) I realized the pain I was feeling happened a lot when I needed to have a BM and when it was full. Furthermore, when I needed to poop, I couldn’t empty my bladder until after I was done with that part.

I decided to give the oils a try and wouldn’t you know that my nighttime AND daytime issues have significantly decreased in just 2 weeks. (Night one, I was only up once and now i’m sleeping through the night).

Here are the oils I use and where I apply them:
(Scroll to bottom to grab these oils for yourself)

I hope this helps you as much as it has helped me. If it does, I’d LOVE to know about it.

Sweet, uninterrupted dreams, friends!

xoxo
Courtney

P.S. If you don’t have those oils, you can grab them from Young Living Essential Oils HERE. (Even if you’re not a Young Living member)

I use only YL because they are the only company on the planet who owns and co-operates their farms all over the world where each plant is sustainably grown to be the best possible purity and potency. They do this via their Seed To Seal promise.

If you’ve never tired, YL, all three of the oils I mentioned can be found in the Premium Starter Kit (as well as individually when added to the Basic Start Kit) HERE. The Premium Starter Kit makes you a wholesale member of YL forever. You’ll receive 24% off of anything you need forever. No monthly required expenses. I call it the “Costco of Healthy Products”. Order what you want, when you want at the best price.

Easy Gluten Free Pizza Dough

by courtneyecollins, posted in Adulting, Gluten Free Meals, Hacks That Work, Uncategorized

pizza9Once again I find myself definitely not being a food blogger, but having a recipe worth sharing. Our photos are real life. The pizza was good.

I have been afraid of yeast recipes for years. I’m not sure why, but when you need to avoid gluten, you’ve got to get brave. Am I right? I don’t want to remove every pleasure of eating and I certainly don’t want them to never be able to eat in public. We are going for a “healthy alternatives at home” style of life so that if we go out, we can eat without concern because we know we are eating the cleanest possible things the majority of the time.

This recipe is so simple and customizable for flavor choices that I’m considering attempting to use it for a cinnamon roll situation. I’ll keep you posted.

Here are the goods:

– 3/4 cup of warm water
– 1 Tablespoon of raw organic sugar
-1 packet of yeast (1/4 oz)
– 2 cups Bob’s Red Mill One for One Gluten-Free Flour
– 1 teaspoon Pink Himalayan salt
– 1 large organic egg
– 1 Tablespoon organic extra virgin olive oil (Avocado oil if you are making something sweet)
– 1 Teaspoon Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar
– 1/2 Tablespoon Oregano
– 1/2 Tablespoon Basil
– 1/2 Tablespoon Garlic powder

Instructions:

– Preheat oven to 450 degrees F
– Line pizza pan with baking paper or use pizza stone
– Gently mix yeast packet and sugar setting aside until foamy (3-5 mins)
– With an electric mixer, gently mix flour and salt and seasonings adding in egg, oil, vinegar, and yeast mixture.
– Mix on low for 1 minute
– Using an oiled spatula, move the dough onto parchment paper. Oil your hands and gently press the dough out to your desired thickness. (We have found that thin crust is nicer with this recipe)


– Bake for 8-10 minutes
– Remove and add toppings


– Bake an additional 8-10 minutes


– Enjoy pizza night!

Is my cleaner “clean”?

by courtneyecollins, posted in Adulting, Essential Oil - DIY, Essential Oil FAQ, Hacks That Work, Uncategorized

Did you know this:

According to Eco Facts ,

“Women who work at home have a 54% higher death rate from cancer than those who work away from home. The 15-year study concluded it was a direct result of the much higher exposure rate to toxic chemicals in common household products!”

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I don’t think she feels like that is a very good way to thank moms for all we do. I’m pretty sure slowly poisoning us is way below minimum wage.

And the truth is, if we are poisoning us, we are poisoning them too. Our babies.

What do we do? 

There are SO many options at every store promising that their products are “safe” and also do the job, but how do we really know?

We take it back to middle school science class and we make them prove it.

Here is a fantastic test that shows many common cleaners and their effectiveness. I’m highlighting an example of a label from a super popular brand, Mrs. Meyers. Their website boasts “powerful plant-derived cleaners”, but when we take a closer look, we find so much more.
So many people see the cute soap caddy and brush and believe they are getting a clean product. Sadly, this isn’t the case.

Take a look at these results.

An Example of _Green Washing_

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(Original tester unknown. If it’s you: 1. thank you. 2. I’d love to give credit where it is due. 🙂 )

I’ll just tell you that I avoid the store altogether. The thing is that I’ve learned that for a product to be labeled 100% Natural in the United States, it only needs 5% natural ingredients. The other 95% can be whatever a company so chooses. cleaners

I bet you can guess which cleaner listed above I use. You guessed it… Thieves Household cleaner!

Thieves Cleaner is proven effective at killing 99.9% of germs and it is also the most cost-effective of all the cleaners listed. Coming in at $22.50 for a highly concentrated bottle that can make up to 42 bottles of cleaner, it is priced at .52 cents a bottle.

It is full of essential oils that are adaptogenic. (No creation of superbugs here).
It is safe and effective for people and pets.
It is budget-busting.

Here are the details on ways to get it:

1. If you’re not a member of Young Living, you can click HERE and grab yourself a Thieves Premium Starter Kit ($160 pictured below) OR a Basic Starter Kit ($35 also pictured below) and add a bottle of Thieves Household Cleaner ($22.50) to your order.
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The Premium Kit is like getting 84 bottles of cleaner for $1.90 a piece and ALL of the rest for FREE. Two bottles of Theives Household Cleaner last me around 18 months to two years.

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And whatever you choose, you can count on Young Living’s “Seed To Seal” Guarantee and their commitment to ingredient integrity.

Some FAQ:
Being a member of YL is the same as ordering from any other online store.
You don’t have “requirements”. You CAN order whenever you want and whatever you want.
It’s really as simple as the ingredients in their products.

Happy Cleaning

Clean Crispy Treats

by courtneyecollins, posted in Uncategorized

I’ll just cut to the point because I do NOT love recipe blogs that take one hundred scrolls just to find the actual recipe and instructions.

I decided to make this recipe for my six year old who faces some food allergies.

It is Soy Free, Gluten Free, Nut Free.

Here is what you need:
IMG_0091
1. Box (or 6 cups) of One Degree Organic Foods Sprouted Brown Rice Crisps
2. 3 bags of Smash Mallow marshmallows (We love the Cinnamon Churro)
* You need 48 of these mallows.
3. 5 Tablespoons of Kerrygold butter. (We use the salted)
4. 1/2 Teaspoon of Himalayan salt (optional)
5. 9×9 glass baking dish

Steps:

* Grease your 9×9 glass dish with a bit of the butter.

1. On low heat, melt butter in a large pot.

2. Add the mallows. Stir constantly. Resist the urge to turn up the heat. Hang in there. Remove from heat then they are *just melted. (Resist the urge to over melt or these will become hard instead of gooey goodness.)

3. Gently stir in the salt and cereal. I used a silicone spatula to prevent crushing the cereal to preserve the fluff.

4. Press into the 9X9 pan

5. Cool completely. Slice. Enjoy

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