I bet Summer weather is right around the corner or I should hope so.

I am still working on my Spring Checklist, but that's ok it'll still be here.  I just hope I can balance the chores, family fun and my full time pillow business.  Yes, you heard me right I said fulltime and you can read the exciting details here on the pillow website and then you can read about how I had to re-brand as well on my blog.

I started walking again and I love it, but my schedule is not consistent and it bothers me so I have to improve upon that.  The plan was to walk 30 minutes every other day and get some other form of exercise the off days.  I read that you don't even need to exercise 30 minutes all at once that you can break it down to 10 minute segments if it helps.

I have been thoroughly enjoying my front landscaping blooms this Spring.  The Azaleas were perfect but the Dogwood has had my heart this year, the beautiful pink flowers have  been my focal point for the past couple of weeks.  This was taken from inside my living room..

About my garden... the seedlings are doing well but I haven't planted them outdoors yet.  I never feel safe until the end of May with Michigan weather.  I promise to use every vegetable and herb this year.

This month's report is quick and easy relaxation tips.  You can download the report here. 

Safety Tips when Using Essential Oils


Aromatherapy has become very popular. With that, there are ten safety tips which should be followed when using essential oils or when making your own home blend.

1. Always use carrier oil to dilute the essential oil. Here is a general formula: 2% dilution for normal use by adults; 1% dilution for seniors and individuals with sensitive skin. Carrier oils to be used are: olive oil, emu oil, shea butter, coconut oil, cocoa butter, aloe vera, chamomile oil, and ylang ylang oil.

2. For skin applications, first determine if you are allergic to the oil by applying a drop of the oil on the skin. If, after a day, no rash occurs, you can safely assume you are not allergic to the oil. However, ascertaining what type of skin you have, i.e., dry, oily or normal can be a beneficial first step.

3. If you use Bergamot oil, note that it has a photosensitizing component and should not be used when exposed to the sun.

4. Pregnant women should avoid essential oils, especially in the first trimester. Some oils may cause uterine contractions; others may be harmful to the skin.

5. Due to the fact that most essential oils are highly concentrated, the rule of thumb is: less is more.

6. Essential oils are not for consumption.

7. Keep essential oils where children cannot access them.

8. Avoid synthetic essential oils as they can cause allergic reactions.

9. Read labels on essential oils to ascertain if they are natural and not processed.

10. Some essential oils can be toxic. Research any oil you intend to use before application.

You can also check the International Fragrance Associations online database to determine what oils are safe to use. Store the essential oils in a cool dry area. If you are using drops of an essential oil in combination with candles, add a drop or two away from the wick as essential oils are combustible.

For anyone with a medical condition, it is always a safe bet to consult your doctor before using any type of essential oil. In addition, if you develop any symptoms while mixing essential oils, you may be using too much. It is also recommended that when mixing or blending essential oils, you do so in a well ventilated area or outdoors.

If you are taking any medication, consult your doctor. This is especially true if you are taking any type of sedative or pills to induce sleep. There are essential oils that contain sedative components.

 

Product Name: Craving Secrets
Rating: 9
Where to Buy: www.cravingsecrets.com
author unknown

Description: This guide sets out 14 different cravings many people deal with everyday. It gives you information on why we have these cravings, what we can do to stop them and what we can replace them with to feel better and have a healthier lifestyle.

Review: I have cravings for certain foods and drinks just about every minute of every day. I crave coffee all day long. Sometimes it's so bad I can smell fresh brewed coffee that isn't even being made. Crazy huh? Well for me it's a fact of life.

Not only do I crave coffee but also I crave things like chocolate, cheese and even an occasional drink after a long day. My way of thinking is that I need to relax and unwind so I can sleep after a bad day.

Most of my cravings are given into and before I know it I'm full and don't want to deal with eating a meal that might really be good for me. I saw these cravings were starting to really affect my health and knew I had to do something to change it.

This guide gave me all I needed to know about some of my cravings, why I crave these things and what I can do about it. The first myth I learned was that just because your body craves something doesn't mean it has something in it your body needs. I always thought that and it made it easier to give in so to speak.

In this guide there are 14 different cravings. Each craving is specified and then it goes into the reasons we crave them. It explains reasons why our bodies crave such things as soda, salty foods, sugars and much more. This is great information and gives you the knowledge needed to help curb those cravings and make changes that are much better for you.

Included in this is a guide that has many questions and answers to things people think about when it comes to cravings. It also includes a checklist of different things you can do to keep from giving in to those cravings. One of my favorites is the healthy salad recipes included in the guide. I always like recipes and the ones that are good for me are my favorites.

Knowing why you have cravings and how to keep them under control doesn't have to be a losing game for anyone. Using this guide to help me understand and conquer these cravings was one of the best choices for me. Now I crave my Craving Secrets all day every day and I'm much healthier for it.

The following whole foods recipes are compliments of
www.naturalmomsrecipes.com




Chickpea Tacos

Ingredients:

2 cups or 1 can chickpeas, drained
2 cups salad greens
1/2 cup organic sour cream
1 avocado, chopped
fresh cilantro to taste
1 cup salsa
juice of one lime
one clove garlic
corn taco shells

Instructions:

Place avocado in bowl and mash. Add chickpeas, cilantro, garlic and lime juice. Add sea salt, cumin and pepper to taste.

Fill taco shells with chickpea mash, top with greens and sour cream and salsa. These are excellent with the rice recipe below.

Mexican Style Rice

Ingredients:

1 T olive oil
1 cup brown rice
1 cup frozen organic corn
1 cup frozen peas
3 cloves garlic
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp dried oregano
2 T tomato paste

1. Heat oil in saucepan, add rice and "toast" until you can smell a nutty aroma and rice turns darker. Add two cups water and tomato paste, and cook rice on low for 20 minutes.

1. Add vegetables and seasonings to rice and mix. Continue cooking for another 20 minutes or until rice is done. Fluff before serving.