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Essential Oils Product Launch

I am so excited to announce the upcoming launch of our new line of custom blended essential oils. Let me take the guess work of what and how to use each oil by blending them for you. MommieKate Home Brews are a dynamic blend of essential oils that promote health and well being. After years of research, I have perfected my kitchen remedies and am ready to share the benefits with you. Each blend is carefully and lovingly prepared to specifically combat the seasonal threats that can interfere with your daily enjoyment of good health. We will begin by offering an Allergy Blend, a Cold/Flu Blend, a Yucky Tummy Blend, an Immune Booster Blend, and a Sleep Sound Blend. We will also offer private consultations and custom blends. Stay tuned for the official product launch and web site store in January!

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and thus not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.

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Essential Oils Holiday Giveaway

**This Contest is Now Closed**

One of Santa’s Elves (not really, it’s me, you know full-disclosure legalities and all) stocked up on Holiday Joy, one of my favorite Christmas Season essential oils blends. I love diffusing this blend! it makes me so happy that I want to share it with you! Let’s have an essential oils  holiday giveaway! I’ll be randomly drawing one winner. Deadline to enter will be Tuesday, December 15, 2015 at midnight, Eastern time zone. Share a good thing- enter by subscribing, commenting, and at least one social media share:

  • Comment on this post below
  • Subscribe to this blog by email (see sidebar)
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on Instagram
  • Share on Google+

Good luck! I will contact the winner Wednesday morning by announcing on the above social media platforms. *Squeal* I just love freebies!

 

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An Interview with Janelle Lucido

Join me and Janelle as we discuss her new cookbook and her tips for a stress free holiday. You will be in love with her casual style and smart attitude toward food and holiday entertaining. Squeel- there’s even a freebie!

 

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Battle Seasonal Germs With Essential Oils

It’s that time my friends. Cold and flu season is upon us. I absolutely despise sinus crud, winter colds, stomach bugs, and coughs of every sort. Germs are the enemy! This time of year I turn into commando general. No kidding: it’s a full on battle. I plan to win. My main weapon? dōTERRA Essential Oils.

Here is my strategy against germ warfare. I’m proactive. I use OnGuard liberally. I diffuse it in the air, clean with it, drink it in a tea, and use it in place of hand sanitizer. Forget that it smells sooooooo good, this little product packs a punch. It’s ingredients include wild orange, clove, cinnamon, eucalyptus and rosemary.  Historical uses of the oils in this blend include antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, and anticatarrhal. This is my main antiseptic/anti-infectious weapon.

If one of my little soldiers (it’s war, people, get with it-war I tell you) succumbs to one of those nasty little evil cold/flu buggers, I have weapons for that as well. My go to bullet to stop icky germs in their tracks is a honey and essential oil tea. It is super quick and easy to prepare.

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Warm 6-8 ounces of water in a glass container

Add 1-3 teaspoons of honey (to taste, really)

Add two drops of each: OnGuard Blend and Lemon Oil.

Stir with a stainless steel of glass straw and enjoy. I always drink from the straw as the clove oil in the OnGuard can numb your lips. Since essential oils can draw out toxins, I never ever use them in plastic cups and straws.

Please visit http://mydoterra.com/cathykimball to learn more and purchase these battle weapons for your family’s germ warfare. (Some browsers may get an error message. No worries: click refresh.)

Please note, I have to include this disclaimer to appease the lawyers: the FDA has not evaluated these statements. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. I am sharing my personal experience with using essential oils. My statements should not be used to replace your doctor’s medical advise. Please consult your healthcare practitioner for any concerns. I am not a doctor. I am not an army general either. You didn’t really think I was, did you? I’m a mom keeping her family heathy with alternative methods.

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Getting Started With Essential Oils

I’m often asked about my use of essential oils. What are they? What brand do you prefer? How do I use them? Before I answer those questions, let me first tell you WHY I use essential oils: because THEY WORK! My son and I have experienced severe seasonal allergy for years. Prior to trying essential oils we experimented with almost every OTC and prescription out there. The results were marginal and the side effects were horrible! Who wants to stay medicated for nine months out of the year? Who wants to decide what’s worse, the allergies or the side effects? Who wants all those unnessary chemicals? NOT US!

From the first day we tried them, we were hooked! We were so successful that we tried essential oils for other things. We have used them for allergies, itchies, ouchies, grouchies, relaxation, muscle sprains, bruises, tummy yuckies, colds, headaches, migraines, edema, ear aches, infection, gout… I could go on and on. (Really. I could. All day. For real.)  I was so pleased that I became a Wellness Advocate for dōTERRA.®

So… now you know why I love, love, love, using essential oils. Let’s go further answering the what, why, and how of using them.

 

What are essential oils?

essential oil flower

If you have ever enjoyed the scent of a rose, you’ve experienced the aromatic qualities of essential oils. These naturally occurring, volatile aromatic compounds are found in the seeds, bark, stems, roots, flowers, and other parts of plants. They can be both beautifully and powerfully fragrant. In addition to giving plants their distinctive smells, essential oils protect plants and play a role in plant pollination. In addition to their intrinsic benefits to plants and being beautifully fragrant to people, essential oils have long been used for food preparation, beauty treatment, and health care practices.

Why dōTERRA® ?

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When you choose dōTERRA®, you are choosing essential oils gently and carefully distilled from plants that have been patiently harvested at the perfect moment by experienced growers from around the world for ideal extract composition and efficacy. Each dōTERRA essential oil is also carefully and thoroughly tested using the strict CPTG Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade® quality protocol. Experienced essential oil users will immediately recognize the superior quality standard for naturally safe, purely effective therapeutic-grade dōTERRA essential oils.

How do I use them?

dropping oil hands

Essential oils are used for a wide range of emotional and physical wellness applications. They can be used a single oil at a time or in complex blends in one of three methods:

Aromatic IconAromatic

Essential oils, when diffused, can be very stimulating, while others can be calming and soothing. Diffusing essential oils can also cleanse and purify the air.

topical iconTopical

Essential oils are easily absorbed by the skin and many can be safely applied topically when used in conjunction with a carrier oil, such as Fractionated Coconut Oil.

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Certain essential oils have a rich culinary history and can be used as dietary supplements supporting a variety of healthy conditions.

To learn even more, click here to visit my site. Note: depending on your browser, you may get a “site not found” error- no worries! Click refresh and you’ll be on your way.

The informational section of this post and photos are attributed to dōTERRA International, 2014. 

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dōTERRA Give-Away !

 

Now is the time to try dōTERRA Essential Oils! I am offering an introductory kit that includes lavender, peppermint, lemon, AND an audio CD.  Enter to win. Details below.

 

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The Introduction to Essential Oils Kit includes the introductory audio CD and booklet and a 5 mL bottle of dōTERRA’s Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade Lavender, Lemon, and Peppermint essential oils. The stunning presentation box also includes suggested uses of the included oils providing you with an immediate experience of the life-changing benefits of essential oils.

To enter the drawing for this awesome give-away, you must do all of the following by midnight eastern time on Friday, December 5, 2014:

  • Subscribe to this site (MommieKate.com) by email
  • Follow me on Twitter
  • Like me on Facebook
  • Share this post on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest
  •  And comment on this post

I cannot wait to inform the lucky winner! You are going to love these oils. I have used these three oils on myself and family for fever, stress, sleep, allergy, astringent, cough, sore throat, headache, and muscle aches just to name a few.

PLUS– Every person who enters (that’s right, I said EVERY) will receive a complimentary copy of “101 Uses,” outlining ideas for getting the most from these three oils. It’s a win for everyone!

 

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dōTERRA Essential Oils

I am just loving using my dōTERRA essential oils! How in the world did my family manage without them? We have treated allergies, fever, sunburn, gout, muscle cramps, migraines, and upset tummy just to name a few.

 I am pleased to offer a chemical-free path to wellness as an Independent Product Consultant. Visit http://mydoterra.com/cathykimball to learn more about how dōTERRA essential oils can totally revolutionize the way you treat health concerns.
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How To Survive Loss During The Holiday Season

You were expecting something more festive, right? I know, jingle bells and all…but tragedies don’t wait for convenient dates on the calender. Grief and coping with loss can be even more difficult when everyone else is celebrating.  I write this post hoping to help if you or someone you know is experiencing a loss or crisis.  It can be so hard but you can survive.  I know because I did…and this is part of my story.

Last year between Christmas and New Year my unborn baby died. For several days our world stood still while we waited to see a heartbeat.  We had seen it just two weeks before- blinking like a Christmas tree light.  And then nothing, only silent stillness on a sonogram.  The last thing I remember before surgery was trying so hard not to sob and wondering what in the world had caused that sweet little light to quit blinking.  While everyone else was celebrating my husband and I were grieving.  For weeks after, we waited on negative test results to rule out a rare form of cancer. I want to share what I learned through the healing process. Maybe it can give you a little hope.  Or at least I want to let you know that you’re not alone.  Someone knows and cares that your heart is breaking.  I do and that’s why I’m offering what worked for me.  Use what you can and dismiss the rest.

  1. Allow yourself to grieve.  Forget the stiff upper chin.  You don’t get extra points for suffering in silence. It’s okay to show your hurt. Whether its death, divorce, or a pink slip: loss HURTS and pretending that it doesn’t helps no one. That being said, you can’t wallow in it forever either.  We had a private memorial service at Church one week after my surgery.  I let myself cry and mourn that week but had determined that once the service was over I WOULD BEGIN TO HEAL.  It’s important to allow yourself to move forward.
  2. Hit the autopilot button. I had a hard time dealing with people’s (mostly stupid) statements so I just went into robot mode and mechanically replied “thank you for your prayers” to whatever comment was offered.  I figure that most people don’t mean to be hurtful- they just truly don’t know what to say. Side note: if your loved one has a miscarriage DO NOT say things like “something was probably wrong with it anyway,” “at least you didn’t get to hold it,” or “did the doctor say what you did wrong?” Just say “I’m sorry for your loss.  I’ll be praying for you.” 
  3. Quit asking “why.”  Talk about it with a friend or a professional but don’t get stuck in the “why” stage. There may be a medical reason that can physically help you; however, there is no emotionally acceptable or comforting answer.  Bad things happen.  Very bad things happen and trying to make sense out of the senseless only tortures you and prolongs your pain.  I remember crying out to God.  I didn’t get a reason why but I did get reminded that He knew exactly how it felt to lose a child. 
  4. Resume your daily routines- whether you feel like it or not.  Staying engaged is essential to keep short term grief from turning into long term depression. Shower, eat, work, exercise.  Don’t give up on life just because you’re hurting.  Don’t give up on God, either- even if your faith is wavering.  Keep plugging along.  Keep moving forward.  Baby steps count! You’ll get a little bit stronger and better everyday. You will get better.
  5. Realize that you won’t ever get over it but you will move past it.  There is a difference. It is vitally important to remember that while the feelings of loss and sadness will remain, the intense pain will one day subside.  Don’t feel guilty for beginning to get better, for enjoying others, and life again, or for growing beyond the grief. Life never stands still.  Everything changes: the good, the bad- it all moves along. 

Every one’s process and time is unique.  Don’t push yourself too fast or too hard.  Don’t beat yourself up- for feeling bad or for feeling good.  Emotions vary- it’s normal.  If you think you are not getting better or if you ever think about harming yourself or others, PLEASE GET HELP.  Your pastor, doctor, or mental health care center can direct you to available resources.

Over the past two years my husband and I have experienced several losses. I still cry a little sometimes. I am still healing.  I’m still growing. You will too.

Posted on

How To Survive Loss During The Holiday Season

You were expecting something more festive, right? I know, jingle bells and all…but tragedies don’t wait for convenient dates on the calender. Grief and coping with loss can be even more difficult when everyone else is celebrating.  I write this post hoping to help if you or someone you know is experiencing a loss or crisis.  It can be so hard but you can survive.  I know because I did…and this is part of my story.

Last year between Christmas and New Year my unborn baby died. For several days our world stood still while we waited to see a heartbeat.  We had seen it just two weeks before- blinking like a Christmas tree light.  And then nothing, only silent stillness on a sonogram.  The last thing I remember before surgery was trying so hard not to sob and wondering what in the world had caused that sweet little light to quit blinking.  While everyone else was celebrating my husband and I were grieving.  For weeks after, we waited on negative test results to rule out a rare form of cancer. I want to share what I learned through the healing process. Maybe it can give you a little hope.  Or at least I want to let you know that you’re not alone.  Someone knows and cares that your heart is breaking.  I do and that’s why I’m offering what worked for me.  Use what you can and dismiss the rest.

  1. Allow yourself to grieve.  Forget the stiff upper chin.  You don’t get extra points for suffering in silence. It’s okay to show your hurt. Whether its death, divorce, or a pink slip: loss HURTS and pretending that it doesn’t helps no one. That being said, you can’t wallow in it forever either.  We had a private memorial service at Church one week after my surgery.  I let myself cry and mourn that week but had determined that once the service was over I WOULD BEGIN TO HEAL.  It’s important to allow yourself to move forward.
  2. Hit the autopilot button. I had a hard time dealing with people’s (mostly stupid) statements so I just went into robot mode and mechanically replied “thank you for your prayers” to whatever comment was offered.  I figure that most people don’t mean to be hurtful- they just truly don’t know what to say. Side note: if your loved one has a miscarriage DO NOT say things like “something was probably wrong with it anyway,” “at least you didn’t get to hold it,” or “did the doctor say what you did wrong?” Just say “I’m sorry for your loss.  I’ll be praying for you.” 
  3. Quit asking “why.”  Talk about it with a friend or a professional but don’t get stuck in the “why” stage. There may be a medical reason that can physically help you; however, there is no emotionally acceptable or comforting answer.  Bad things happen.  Very bad things happen and trying to make sense out of the senseless only tortures you and prolongs your pain.  I remember crying out to God.  I didn’t get a reason why but I did get reminded that He knew exactly how it felt to lose a child. 
  4. Resume your daily routines- whether you feel like it or not.  Staying engaged is essential to keep short term grief from turning into long term depression. Shower, eat, work, exercise.  Don’t give up on life just because you’re hurting.  Don’t give up on God, either- even if your faith is wavering.  Keep plugging along.  Keep moving forward.  Baby steps count! You’ll get a little bit stronger and better everyday. You will get better.
  5. Realize that you won’t ever get over it but you will move past it.  There is a difference. It is vitally important to remember that while the feelings of loss and sadness will remain, the intense pain will one day subside.  Don’t feel guilty for beginning to get better, for enjoying others, and life again, or for growing beyond the grief. Life never stands still.  Everything changes: the good, the bad- it all moves along. 

Every one’s process and time is unique.  Don’t push yourself too fast or too hard.  Don’t beat yourself up- for feeling bad or for feeling good.  Emotions vary- it’s normal.  If you think you are not getting better or if you ever think about harming yourself or others, PLEASE GET HELP.  Your pastor, doctor, or mental health care center can direct you to available resources.

Over the past two years my husband and I have experienced several losses. I still cry a little sometimes. I am still healing.  I’m still growing. You will too.