Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Essential Oils. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Essential Oils. Sort by date Show all posts

Monday, 23 January 2017

On Natural Living // Everyday Essential Oils


When I first stumbled onto essential oils about a year ago, I knew I was onto something. Natural, organic, invigorating, remedial... they ticked all the boxes. But experience has taught me, that you should only recommend something once you've had experience, so I held myself back and refused to write this blog post until I was sure I could genuinely endorse with a genuine voice.

So here I am.

Wednesday, 3 November 2021

3 Simple Sprays for the Autumn // Creating a Natural Home


One of the easiest switches we made when I began to become more aware of the kind of chemicals we were using in everyday life was to start making my own sprays. Essential Oil sprays are so easy to make, take zero skill and actually function much more effectively than their synthetic counterparts! They also happen to be completely free of respiratory triggers, skin irritants and hormone disruptors, so it was a no brainer really!

Wednesday, 16 May 2018

Essential Oils on a Budget // The Shocking Discovery


One of the biggest barriers I hear to people starting out on oils is the cost. I get it. I was just the same. As a one income family, I loved the idea of essential oils as part of our everyday life (mainly for health support), but the price point just seemed out of our reach... these tiny little bottles just seemed so much more expensive than their synthetic counterparts.

The thing was, the more research I did, the more convinced I became that I wanted the synthetic stuff out of my home. There are a lot of toxic products that my kids come into contact with every day that I have no control over. But I could influence what I exposed them to at home. A quick google into the ingredients of my shampoo, my cleaning spray, my make-up and just about every other product I was using showed I was daily dealing my family a toxic diet of endocrine disruptors, potential carcinogens, allergens and developmental toxins. It was a shocking discovery. I had always assumed that if these things were being sold, they must be safe. But the truth is that there is still much research to be done, companies can hide their ingredients inside the word "fragrance" or "perfumes", and though individual products may only harbour a small amount of these ingredients, combined together, we are throwing chemicals, perservatives and pesticides across our bodies with reckless abandon every day.


I thought at first it was the pessimistic few with just another conspiracy theory, but it soon became evident that there was no-one arguing the other way. These ingredients are recognised dangers (BPA, parabens, heavy metals, formaldehyde, Triclosan, Phthalates, Sodium Lauryl Suplhate) and are scattered across our cleaning and beauty products. Grab a product within reach and take a look!

And so the search for natural, safe alternatives became more important, and I began to seek a way to make it affordable for us. 

So I thought I'd share my findings here... mainly because I want everyone to know that there are other options available, that we don't need to feel forced to buy the cheap stuff and wonder what its doing to our families. So over the next few Wednesdays, I'm going to be sharing a little bit of my journey, and a few top tips for how to make it do-able!

If you'd like to find out more about Essential Oils, click here and have a read!

Some brands that I use with safe products...
- Young Living (I don't buy my essential oils from anyone else! There are DIY options that make oils cheaper than buying ready made products below)
- Faith in Nature (bath and body products)
- Neals Yard Remedies (deodorant)
- Tropic Skins Care (make up and sun cream)
- Child's Farm (Children's bath and body)
- Dr Bronner's Castille Soap (cleaning products, DIY hand soaps - its a huge bottle!)



Tuesday, 21 November 2017

Homemade Linen Spray // Creating a Toxin Free Space


It was probably two years ago that I started label reading. Once you start, there's no going back. An article in the telegraph last week stated that "Our homes are reservoirs of a toxic 'chemical soup' that can cause asthma, eczema, allergies and other autoimmune disorders" - from our cleaning products, to our quick dry paint, we are filling our homes with chemicals that with new insulation advances, are now not being aired properly... its a well stated fact that inside our homes is up to 50% more toxic than the outside air. Its a chilling statistic.

Monday, 5 November 2018

By the Light of Beeswax // Homemade Scented Candles


For a couple of years now, we have gradually been making baby steps to a more toxin free home. It started with essential oils, then self-care products, and moved to cleaning products and gradually, bit by bit, I've been more intentional about what I allow into our home in terms of synthetic chemicals and fragrances (the research on this stuff is scary).

One of the early, heartbreaking, discoveries, was how bad scented candles are for us. Seriously. Go have a google... or don't, if you'd rather remain blissfully ignorant! Once I was informed, though, I just felt I couldn't return to my old favourites (excepting one wonderful American Soy Candle company I love who use Essential Oils to scent) and instead used my faithful diffuser to make our home smell fabulous.

But despite all that, I missed the Hygge of a good old candle.

Friday, 27 April 2018

Little Loves in the Spring


It has been SOOOO long since I've written one of these posts, and I've missed it! These are the kind of posts that are fun to look back on - the day to day details, the little memories and interests and ordinary things that so easily get forgotten. And so I thought it was about time I jumped on the linky bandwagon once again and joined the fun!

So here's what we've been loving this Springtime!

Wednesday, 4 October 2017

Natural Support for Seasonal Sniffles // Getting our Bodies Ready forAutumn


It's the same old story every year. We return to school, to routines and structures, to early starts and rushes out the door, to earlier nights and cooler weather and without fail, within a week, we'll be battling some attack on our immune system. Whether it be a sick bug, a cold or a sore throat, the changing seasons seem to invite those viruses and infections as part and parcel of the Autumn.

And September was no different.

Tuesday, 16 May 2017

A Little Oily Love / Farewell Verruca!


It all began back in November when, after her swimming lesson one week, Ava came to me complaining of a sore foot. We looked at the sole of her foot... And there it was - the little white circular culprit.

A verruca.

Friday, 27 January 2017

January Favourites // Little Loves


As January rolls towards it's close, I am wondering where it has gone! Whiled away in quieter hours, daily routines and much needed rest. I am feeling so much more like myself this month. December was wonderful, but hectic and chaotic and mad and everything that December always is, and January has been a welcome reprieve. My yearly friend who instills a little calm into the madness and mayhem. I always do love January...

Friday, 3 May 2019

Little Loves in April


Wow! April was a jam-packed month! We spent a week away in Wales with our church family, enjoyed the sunshiney Easter weekend, celebrated Elias' 2nd birthday and spent many happy hours in the garden. It was so full that its taken me until May 3rd to get this blog post written! It has been full, but so much fun! And we're heading into a new month with lot's of happy memories from the last!!

So here's what we've been up to!

Thursday, 30 March 2017

Spring in the Home // Simple Springtime Touches...



Whenever the season changes I always have this internal argument with myself. You see, at the season's change, regardless of which season is coming round, it always seems to be my "favourite"... when summer's blues skies turn to crisp autumn afternoons, Autumn is my favourite... When crisp autumn afternoons turn into cosy winter nights snuggled up under a blanket with a movie and a hot chocolate, winter is my favourite.

But spring? There is something super special about spring, don't you think? A new awakening... that scent of buds breaking through, new life, doors swung open, hope, sunshine, joy...

Sheer bliss.

As I sit here, hyacinths bloom on the table in front of me, their scent cheering my spirit... the patio doors behind me are open, welcoming in the sight of blue skies and the sound of birdsong. Nature celebrates the springtime, and I think we can't help but join in the song...

But it is spring, and that means that each day there is beautiful sunshine and each day the hum of the lawnmower rings, is more than likely to be followed by a day of those spring rains, and the return of that chill in the air which sends us reeling backwards.

And on those days? That's when I'm grateful to have a little bit of spring in my home...


Bringing a little piece of springtime into the home can be so simple... and yet so many of the glossy magazines recommend paint work, and expensive furniture changes. Bringing spring home can cost you next to nothing... so I thought I'd share a few things we do around our home to brighten up the day when those spring showers hit... And to do it on a budget! Prettiness doesn't have to cost!

Blooms everywhere...



Flowers can be a cheap and cheerful way to brighten up your home instantly. This simple bunch of daffodils cost me £1 and adds an instant pop of colour to the room. The local florist have so many lovely options, some of which will be out of price range, but I'm always amazed by how many simple, beautiful little bunches can be bought for £2-3. As soon as I get home, I grab every glass bottle and jam jar I have, and spread that one bunch throughout the house. It took me years to realise I didn't need to use up all my flowers in one big bunch on the dining table... lots of cute little bunches, or even single flowers, were much more appealing!



Springtime scents...


Whether scented candles or essential oils are your thing, there are loads of lovely springtime scents, even if you aren't so into the floral thing. I love spending a morning perusing our local garden centres selections and pick up a few tea lights on offer, or a couple of votives. You don't have to buy a £20 Yankee Candle to fill your home with a beautiful scent...

Some of my favourites...

Price's Open Window Candle



This is my FAVE spring candle... its really low profile, not at all flowery or floral, but totally fresh and clean and spring like! I love it, and it comes in a really cute little pot/cup thing!

Essential Oil blends for your diffuser...
Fresh and Clean
- 2 drops lavender
- 2 drops lemon
- 2 drops rosemary
Season Changer
- 2 drops lavender
- 2 drops lemon
- 2 drops peppermint
And I haven't tried this one, but it sounds amazing...
Sunny Day
- 2 drops bergamot
- 4 drops orange
- 2 drops ylang ylang

Oils may seem expensive, but one little bottle will honestly last you years!

A Spot of Spring Cleaning...



There is something about the spring that actually puts me in the mood for cleaning... I made the switch earlier this year to natural products, and I've never looked back. Water and a few drops of lemon oil, with a bit of white vinegar thrown in and the house will be glistening, smell amazing AND non-toxic. Somehow having a good deep clean makes my home feel ready for a fresh start too... And isn't that what Spring is all about?!

Open those windows...
It sounds simple, and it really is! Let the fresh air in! Swing wide those patio doors! There is this incredible scent in the air at springtime, that just rejuvenates the soul!

A Little Seasonal Decor...


Decorating to the season has become part and parcel of our home life. I think it was my years in Austria that did it... Celebrating each season, not just Christmas, with decorations that highlight the joys of each new time of year. I've gathered bits and bobs over the years, scoured charity shops, and picked up bargains along the way. I have a box for each season and use the same stuff every year, just rearranged in different ways... And my mantel is always at the heart of that decoration. Having a seasonal hub, somewhere central in the home, makes for a seasonal centrepiece, and I love the fact that there's a constant change of feel in our family space as a result. I've always purposefully gone for neutral walls so that I have the freedom to chop and change the details as my heart so desires. The kids are always so excited when we get to whip a new box out and pack the old stuff away, and they love finding their own treasures in nature to add to our display!


I recently picked up these bathe copies of the Observer Books from our local antique shop... They are getting daily use and we're learning lots about our local birds and wildflowers!

And yes, I know that's an 'autumnal' scented candle... But it's my fave! And it pretty much gets a look in all year round!



Springtime Tablescape...


And of course, on special occasions, it's always fun to go to town on your table settings. A pack of sprung napkins, your best crockery and a bunch of seasonal flowers and voila! A feast is served!

So here's my question! What do you do to bring the season into your homes? Do you have any little traditions? Do you feel the need to spend a fortune? Or is decorating to the season something you've never even considered before?? Leave your thoughts in the comments!


Wednesday, 22 August 2018

Dear Ava... You're Seven!


My Ava,

They don't lie when they say "the days are long, but the years are short". Those early days where it was just me and you seem a lifetime ago. I sometimes see mothers around and about with one kid in tow and feel a strange sense of longing and loss and thankfulness all at once. Having a large family means one on one time is scarce, but perhaps therefore more savoured... the days of mothering one little soul, of investing all my time and energy in just you, are a very, very distant memory. It was only nine short months really... nine months before we realised we had been gifted a second little soul to cherish, a little sister for you... and at the age of five, you already had three little siblings to mother and fuss about and care for. You truly were made to be a big sister.



Your Papa and I were talking about you the other day -  all of you actually - about the character traits we see growing in each of you, the gifts, the challenges, the joys... and for you we talked about how you have always been a people person, and how you have always taken a proactive interest in the interests of others. We love that about you... you don't enter a conversation with your own agenda... with a desire to talk about what you want to... you are, for seven years old, an incredibly patient and good listener (except when the TV is on!) and you are always so enthusiastic and positive about the interests of others. You loved your first football match with your Papa this summer - because you enjoy football, but also because you love him, and take an interest in what he loves. You created your own Essential Oils book - because you find them fascinating, but also because you took an interest in something I was interested in. I need to learn from you Ava girl... to take an interest in the interests of others, purely out of love for them.


You have also become a veracious reader. The speed at which you not only devour books, but are also able to discuss them, is unfathomable. I took eight decent sized chapter books away to Norway this summer for you (knowing you would be book hungry!), and we bought another en route... and it still wasn't enough. I literally LOVE sharing literature with you... because you love the classics, but also devour a good adventure book. This summer you have discovered Enid Blyton, and have now read no less than 17 of her books since May... madness! Together we've worked our way through the Little House series, classics like "Anne of Green Gables", "The Secret Garden", "The Railway Children", "Little Women" and we have just begun the first in the Harry Potter series. I'm so excited for all the books we have yet to discover together!

You are fascinated by the world - by cultures and people and geography. When I asked you what you would like to do for your birthday this year, you answered with complete conviction and sincerity; "I'd like a Global Adventure Party" - a trip around the world! You love information books about nature, about other countries, and you love a good atlas! You certainly didn't get the geographer gene from me!


You have an ever-increasing desire for independence. Your favourite memory from Norway this summer was without a doubt having the freedom to run up the lane to your Bestemor and Bestefar's house all by yourself. We didn't tell you but we watched you running up that hill, and when we lost sight of you panic called to check you'd arrived. It's hard, releasing independence. And yet I see how important it is to you, to feel trusted.

We are so very thankful for you Ava... for so many reasons - for the huge support and help you are to me around the home, for your generous nature and kind heart, for your willingness to drop everything for your siblings. You aren't perfect, of course, and you get frustrated with the childish games of the younger children sometimes, but I can always rely on you, and for that I'm truly grateful.

But most of all, I'm truly grateful for the work the Lord is doing in your heart - for the way you love to read his word, and the habit you've formed of reading scripture every morning. For your truthfulness and willingness to admit when you've done something wrong... for your desire to be more like the Saviour. Our prayer, as it has been since the day we found out I was carrying you, remains the same...

That you would know how how long and wide and high and deep is the love of Christ, and that you would be rooted and established in that love your whole life long...

We love you darling girl!

Happy 7th Birthday!

Mama and Papa xx


Tuesday, 9 April 2019

Waving Goodbye to Winter: Our Little Loves


Oh my... it has literally been SOOOOOO long since I've done one of these, but I have missed recording the silly little details of our weeks... the little ordinary bits and bobs that together make each week have its own unique feel and memories. There is the day to day routine... the hooks we hang our week on, but really the vibrancy of life is made of the details surrounding those repeated responsibilities... the little spots of sunshine.

So here's what we got up to over the past four months...

Monday, 15 July 2019

A Busy Little Summer Season...


I ummed and aahed about what to title this post... I feel like every post has the same message at the moment - life's busy! But truly it is... the end of term bring's a whole new flurry of activity - class swaps, sports days, nursery graduations and end of year parties... it does at times feel a little like we're living in a whirlwind and there isn't an exit!

Friday, 24 February 2017

February Favourites // Little Loves



February has been a blur... of busyness, of rollercoasters, of hospital trips and high temperatures, of visiting friends and memories made. Half term took an unexpected turn when our 26+3 baby decided to threaten an early entrance. It was a scary and stressful few days, but thankfully baby has decided to stay on the inside for now.

Hospital days enforce rest, however, something I'm not very good at, so a lot of my reading and listening were done in the confines of my little antenatal bay last week!

Here are some of the things we've been loving this month...

Friday, 18 November 2016

November Favourites // Little Loves

In this season of social media silence, I have revelled in appreciating the artistic gifts and creativity of others... it was only a couple of weeks ago that I stumbled across this quote below and it really struck a chord with me...

        

I stuck it on our blackboard straight away, and there it still remains. A daily reminder.

There is something so refreshingly satisfying about recognising beauty around us, for no other purpose than savouring the beauty of the thing, admiring the skill of the artist and giving glory to THE creator who gave the gift in the first place. I am always on the look out for new musical artists, great reads and thought-provoking creativity... and so on that note, after a long time away, I thought it was about time I returned to little loves and shared some of the things I've been enjoying listening to, reading, watching and appreciating... I love a little recommendation from others, and so I thought I'd share in case any of you wanted some new creatives to follow and watch.

And as I said, if there's anyone I'm missing out on, go ahead and let me discover them by leaving a comment below!

Our November Favourites...

Read // Getting lost in those pages...

       
    
Reading feels like a bit of a long lost love at the moment... my very favourite hobby, and yet one I seem to have far too little time for these days. And yet, we have at least managed to instill daily read aloud time with our little people, and it is one of my favourite times of day. Little girls, cosy in their jammies, tucked up in bed, staring at the ceiling and taking in words from my own childhood. We have been revelling in the delights of the effervescent Pollyanna (by Eleanor H. Porter) over the last few weeks, playing her infamous "glad game" and really truly learning what it means to be thankful in every circumstance. I love exposing the children to rich, wholesome children's literature... there are so many life lessons to be learnt from heartwarming characters like Pollyanna Whittier (click on the picture for more info!)


For myself, I have been pouring over the pages of an old classic "The Home Beautiful" by J.R.Miller with highlighter in hand... there is SO MUCH wisdom in these pages. It was first printed in 1912 and is just timeless on issues of marriage and parenting and home life and cultivating sibling relationships... ah... I can't recommend it highly enough. There is so much goodness in it, that I'm needing to take my time. Reading a chapter, pondering and chewing it over for a week or so, and then reading some more. But its one of those books I feel is sharpening me, and challenging me and making me think more about being purposeful about those key relationships in my life... and that's always a good thing. (Click on the picture for more info...)



In the blogging world, for sharpening, thought-provoking, quality writing, no-one comes close to Bethany Douglass for me at the moment. Her blog, Cloistered Away, is a little online haven and you just want to go and glean wisdom and I always leave feeling refreshed. If you haven't ever been there, do it! I promise you'll get as inspired by Bethany's thoughtful, purposeful style just as I have!

And in term's of reading of the best kind, I have been wallowing in the lengthy delights of Psalm 119 for the past 3 weeks (yes... it ACTUALLY is that long!) and I'm still not finished! I've been using Tim Keller's fantastic devotional "My Rock, My Refuge" to help direct my thoughts, but genuinely... this one Psalm just has SO much to chew over. Inspiring, helpful stuff that is rooting me firm in Scripture amidst some pretty chaotic going's on around here at the moment. Its loooong (176 verses long!) but each verse is full of treasure to be unearthed!



Watched // Admiring a fine picture...

There are so many angles on this "watched" category, and rather than taking one, I'm going for all of them... but I think it'll be worth it, so stay tuned!! My eyes see so many images over the course of a day - photographs, film, illustration and real life! So here goes...

Instagram - Is still and I think will always be my favourite little online community... its lovely to find kindred spirits all over the world, and the lovely Sarah over at @timeourjoy has become one of those for me. Her Instagram account is utterly gorgeous and well worth a follow if you want beautiful images, seeing the beauty in life's little moments, but also a healthy dose of reality. And she's just such a lovely person to boot!

TV - The incredible Netflix drama "The Crown" absolutely steals this month for me. I've always been a royalist, and never have been quiet about that fact, but boy, it's given me a whole new respect for our Queen. She's lived a pretty eventful life, and yet has remained firm and steadfast throughout (a quality she famously attributes to her faith in the Lord Jesus). So inspiring... and I'm a sucker for a bit of historical drama!

- Art - Literally, nothing comes CLOSE at the moment to the illustrations in the D'Aulaire books. I've been reading "Leif the Lucky" with the children, and I actually want to wallow on each page... so incredibly beautiful. If you haven't read any of the D'Aulaire's books with your children, you MUST invest. Seriously! They are a little on the pricey side, but worth every. single. penny.


- Real Life - the biggest delight has been seeing the hugest grins on our Jonas' face as he has begun to take off on his own. He's still wobbly and has that definite toddler toddle, but its delightful just to sit and watch him take so much pride in his newfound freedom! First steps... so precious!

Made // Creative hands...

I have started dabbling in crafting Christmas decorations already (yes... I know its still November), but we've been preparing for our women's Christmas Craft Night up at Church and so I can't give too much away just yet... but I'm excited... this year's crafts are all super cute and made from reusable and natural materials.  I will share once I can!


I've also been making up lots of oil blend concoctions to diffuse around the house. I found, over the summer, that having some essential oils diffusing just added a sense of calm and serenity to our home that is sometimes lacking when you have three under five! As soon as the morning sickness hit though, I had to bury them... I couldn't bear the smell of anything at all... but this week, I've whipped them out again and been diffusing lavender and eucalyptus to my hearts content. I have a post in the pipeline about some of my favourite oils... and a little bit about the health journey we've been on, but finding time to write is proving difficult these days! Watch this space!

Wore // No longer hiding...


Something other than my green jumper. Seriously, it was the only thing that even remotely hid my ever growing bump, but after three weeks of wearing it, washing it, wearing it, washing it on repeat, I was glad to be able to show the bump off to the world and not feel the need to keep it under wraps any more!

Such a relief!

Heard // A little music...
Click for the links... all absolutely fantastic and pretty much forming the soundtrack to my life at the moment!


- Sovereign Grace Music Acoustic Sessions


- Lauren Daigle

- The Overscheduled Life - AtHome06
^^^ SO helpful and thought provoking! Now just to put some things into action!

Oops...that was mammoth... I guess that's what happens when you go silent on the social media front for a while! But seriously, that's been our November.... now I would LOVE some recommendations for things to read, listen to and watch as we gear up for the advent season... the season of waiting and expectation and excitement!

I hope you find some gems to love for yourself in the above!

This post contains Amazon Affiliate links and 
have been included with our genuine endorsement