Monday, September 1, 2014

Camping on a Whim with Essential Oils - Menus - and more

 It was a Friday afternoon, the kids relaxing inside from a rough morning of playing. I was outside when I received a phone call from my husband. 
“Hi Honey, would you like to go camping this weekend?”  What? No I couldn’t possibly get everything ready. So we hung up and I was walking back into the house and I said to myself, Why not? Why can’t we go camping it is only 1pm in the afternoon. I can do it and have everything ready by the time my husband gets home from work.



I walk in the house and ask my children if they would like to go camping this weekend. They all jumped up and said Yeah!!! I told my kids I would need their help and we need Team Chambers to come together to make it happen. Then we did. I put some a Blend that helps me focus on the back of my neck and end of my nose to see if helped me stay focused. 


Planning is very important when camping, once you get there, there is no going back for what you forgot. Well you just won’t want to.  (It is a good idea to do a trial camp at the beginning of summer to make sure you have all camping gear ready)

I knew if I planned and organized in the short amount of time I had to get to the store, pack clothes and the trailer that we would have a successful camping trip. We are camping in the  national forest, not to far from our house. It is about 40 minutes where we like to go, there no fees and a wide open for camping.

There are a few steps in organizing and planning a last minute camping trip. 


PLANNING THE MENU

First I planned the menu and the food
A well planned menu for the camping is key. Healthy snacks, breakfast, lunch and dinner. 1.5  gal water per person per day, a half of bag of ice per person per day. Make sure you have enough food for everyone, and don’t forget the dog. We love to do a meal in Dutch Ovens, BBQ or over the fire.

If you do not have a well-planned menu, you will be without sides or seasonings. You learn to compromise. You could end up with hot dogs all weekend if you do not plan a good menu. This is fun, you get to be creative and enjoy any good meal while camping. (For Cooking with Essential Oils, click on the cooking tab above for tips and tricks on cooking with essential oils.)
You will want to make sure you have plenty of food and even extra in case you get stranded. Always be prepared and make sure you tell someone where you are camping. Again I can not stress, make sure you have Plenty of water. 

Note: Lemon Essential Oil purifies any water, also great for cooking.. I also love diffusing it in the trailer as soon as we get set up. 

CLOTHING
The next thing is you want to pack your clothes. Just like vacation you have to pack the appropriate clothes. Be prepared for the woods, lake, beach, wherever you are camping. We were headed to the woods out back behind us so we needed our ski coats, yes it gets cold at night. Jeans, long shirt, tennis shoes, remember Utah’s weather and how unpredictable it is. Don’t forget your toiletries, toothbrush, hairbrush etc. even though you may not use them, they are there if you decide to.
It can be life threating if you are not prepared with the appropriate clothing. Even in the summer you can get hypothermia.
There was a gentleman this summer who lost some fingers from hypothermia when he got trapped between two rocks. I let my daughter pack her clothes and she was not prepared for the weather we had one time and it was scary. We had enough for her, but still what if we didn't.

Finally Preparing for Trailer or Tent?


At the beginning of Camp season whether you have a tent or trailer you want to always have certain things ready so you can be ready to camp anytime. Preparing the Trailer with dry goods or Dry Good Bin for Tent. You will want to have all pots and pans, Cups, plates, silverware, cookware, BBQ, camping stove, toilet paper, paper towels, wipes, seasonings, canned goods, other dried goods, and Emergency kit and First Aid Kit and Your Essential Oils. Ice Chests, you can never have enough ice for camping, and if you come home with it, refreeze it for the next trip. Accessories you may want, chairs, table, generator, shade, mats to lay on outside, firewood, paper and matches, propane heaters.

These are good to have on hand and ready to go. If you do not have your Camping bin or trailer ready it could take a little more preparation.

If you do not have a well prepared trailer with appropriate supplies, again it could be life threatening. Our trailer was without batteries one trip and then we ran out of propane, so not fridge or stove either. We had extra supplies so we were okay, but if we didn't we might not have been.

One time we forgot to put the wood blocks behind the tires and the hitch fell in the dirt, I was inside cooking the corn for dinner and the trailer tilted sideways. I was so scared and my husband jacked it up and had us fixed up in no time. But he was prepared. Also remember to tell someone where you are at and when you will be home.

While I ran to the store, the kids were packing their clothes, books, pillows, toys, match box cars, BB guns, targets, fishing poles, bikes, helmets and whatever else they wanted to bring. They also checked the Trailer for TP, paper towels, pillows etc. We came together as a team and made camping on a whim fun and easy. 

We had the trailer prepared and ready to go with most everything, I just needed fresh food, clothing and to make sure the trailer was still stocked with dry goods etc. Also make sure you have a deck of cards, dice for Yahtzee or a game to play in case the weather turns.

Camping is quality uninterrupted time together. It is a lot of work, but worth it and it can be very simple, when you involve teamwork. Camping is relaxing, you get away from everyday life and electronics, and you are in the moment with the ones you love.  In today’s world, we are all so busy. It is hard to take some time to find peace and relax. When you are out being adventurous, it slows down time, you are living in the present, you stop, relax and enjoy.

Remember to prepare and organize, plan the menu, pack your clothes and prepare Trailer or Tent. You will have a successful camping trip on a whim. I invite you all to go camping, we are so lucky to have this beautiful national forest in our back yard, find your perfect camping spot and Enjoy!

Below is our camping list for trailer or tent preparation, clothes, food, menu, etc.


Camping Checklist for Trailer Beginning of Season
Propane Tanks (depending or trailer or tent get appropriate size, small for tent, large ones for the Trailer)
Propane Heaters (little ones are always good to have on hand)
Fire wood
BBQ
Toilet Paper
Fishing Poles
Generator (optional)
Table
Fake Grass Rugs (optional but really nice to have)
Chairs
Batteries
Flash Lights
Bug Spray
Trash Bags
Shampoo, Conditioner and Soap for sinks,
Dish soap
Cups
Plates
Silverware
Utensils
Pots and pans
Wipes
Seasonings and Salt and Pepper, Sugar
Towels
Bedding, Pillows
Canned goods – Beans and assortment of them, always a good easy side dish. Canned Fruit & Veggies is great while camping if you are tenting it, but also well anytime.
Dried goods
Coffee
Coffee Pot
Smore’s Sticks (Over the fire sticks to roast Marshmellows)
Ice Chest

Tent – All of the above that you wish to put in a bin. Tent and Bedding, Flash lights are a must.

Menu and food
Dinner Idea’s
BBQ Drum Sticks
Burrito’s
Burgers
Hot dogs
Hotdog and hamburger buns
Dutch Oven BBQ Ribs and Veggies (Yum our favorite)
Dutch oven Peach Cobbler
Crock Pot Chicken with Salsa, cook the day you leave. Great for easy Burrito’s for dinner and left overs for sandwiches the next day. Pasta dishes, Soups, Chili, and Salads are always great too!
Sides – Beans, Corn on the Cob, Fresh Veggie and Hummus, Carrots, Steamed Veggies, Fresh Green Salad.

Dessert Idea’s – S’more’s, or whatever you would like. Peach Cobbler, homemade ice cream in zip lock bags, fresh fruit

Lunch Idea’s – Chicken Burrito’s, Ham or Turkey Sandwiches, Cucumber Sandwiches, Hot Dogs, Salad.
Sides – Fruit and Chips, Hummus and veggies.

Breakfast Idea’s – Corned Beef Hash and Eggs over easy. Bagels, Donuts, Cereal, Bacon, sausage, Protein Shake with Almond milk and Wild Orange or Lemon Essential Oil. Fresh Fruit.

Grocery List
BBQ Sauce
Onions
Cheese
Chips
Fruit (pick fruits that travel well)
Veggies- broccoli, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, celery
Hummus
Chopped Veggies
Ham and Turkey for lunch meat (or Veggies for a Veggie Sandwich)
Spring Mix or Power Greens for salads
Ranch Dressing or Dressing of choice
Water, Water, and Water (1.5 gallons per person per day)
Sun Screen
Paper towels
Trash Bags
Coffee
Chocolate Syrup (for my husbands coffee)
Marshmallows
Hershey’s chocolate bars
Gram crackers
Catsup
Mustard
Mayo
Butter
Eggs
Corn beefed Hash
Bacon
Beans
Rice
Corn on the Cob
Honey Combs (Any Cereal is great to have camping, this is my daughters favorite)
Milk
Bagels and Cream Cheese
Almond Milk and Protein Shakes
Chips
Cookies
Donuts or breakfast treat are a nice treat for kids one morning
Ritz Crackers
Drinks for the kids
Drinks for the Adults

What to Bring
For the Mountains
Jeans
Winter Coat, gloves, hat
Baseball cap or visor for the day
Socks
Tennis Shoes
Ski Coat or winter coat
Sweat shirt
Extra Blankets and Socks
Hand Warmers
Fleece pants and shirt
Long Sleeve Shirt
Essential Oils, Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint, Frankincense, Melaleuca and OnGuard, TerraSheild, are a must when camping. 

For the Lake
Bathing Suite
Life Vests
Towels
Water Toys (rafts, canoe, kayaks, etc)
Pump to blow up rafts and air mattresses
Blanket
Shade
Sunscreen
Extra Ice
Jeans
Jacket
Tennis shoes
Socks
Essential Oils, Lavender & Peppermint a must for sunburns, Peppermint cools the body 3-5degrees, Frankincense, Melaleuca (soothes minor skin irritations), (bug repellent Blend), and OnGuard are a must when camping. 

It can get cold late night by the lake as well. Remember to be safe, use your smarts, drink responsibly, be prepared for the unexpected and enjoy!

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
















Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Summer Salve

There are a ton of great Salve Recipes out there and I finally found the one I like. It was given to us a gift from my friend Tracy Despres.  I am going to share the base of the Salve and you can use your oils of choice and I will let you know what I use for the Summer Relief Salve, plus Tracy's original recipe. We use slave all the time in our household. We use it instead of lotion and it has done wonders for our skin. The salve is very soothing and moisturizing and feels wonderful and it is all natural. You can make it for specific needs. It is wonderful and it is fun and easy to make and share with others. It is also a great gift.

Different oils work for different people so use what you would like and try different things until you find what works best for you.

The Summer Relief Salve

What you need...



Organic Raw Coconut Oil, Organic Olive Oil, Organic Bees Wax white granules and Frankincense, Lavender, Peppermint or Eucalyptus and Melaleuca.

The Recipe


  • 1 cup Raw organic coconut oil 
  • 1 cup organic olive oil
  • 5 tablespoons beeswax pastilles

    Add the following amounts of Essential oils to the Pyrex dish about 3-5 min after removing from heat:
  • 20 drops Lavender essential oil (The Swiss Army knife of oils, Soothes occasional skin irritations)
  • 16 drops Peppermint essential oil (Promotes healthy respiratory function and clear breathing)
  • 12 drops  Melaleuca essential oil (Soothes minor skin irritations)
  • 12 drops Frankincense  (Reduces the appearance of blemishes and rejuvenates skin) 
  • Four - 4 oz containers of your choice or two 8 oz containers or eight 2 oz. containers
  • You can cut the recipe in 1/2 if you don't need that much or double it and give for gifts

Other oils you can use are Geranium, Sandalwood, Jasmine, Rose, Lemon. I recommend keeping Lavender and melaleuca (these two oils alone are amazing for the skin) and switching up Peppermint and Frankincense. 

Have your containers washed and ready.




Start by taking a pyrex measuring dish and a pan with water or a double boiler. Add all ingredients except the essential oils. Heat at medium heat.



Next wait for all ingredients to melt and be patient you do not want to burn the oils. The beeswax will take the longest, if you stir with a wooden stick or spoon it will melt faster. 


Once the oils have melted then remove and let it cool. 


Wait about 3-5 minutes for it too cool and then add the Essential Oils.
Stir, then pour into containers right away.


Once in containers, let it cool and harden, then put the lid on and keep in a cool place. 

The Summer Relief Salve is great for sunburns, dry skin, itchy skin, dry cracked heals, dry lips, wounds and much more.  You can double the recipe and it is a great gift to share with others. I hope you enjoy it as much as we have.

Simple Salve 
1 Cup Coconut oil
1 Cup Olive oil
5 tbs Bees wax

20 drops of Lavender
12 drops of Melaleuca
16 drops of Lemon
12 drops of Frankincense

Enjoy your summer and enjoy this wonderful salve. 

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



Saturday, March 29, 2014

Cedarwood - The Oil of Community and Calming

Do you ever feel like you are on an emotional roller coster ride sometimes? Do you experience the ups and downs of life or know someone who does? Cedarwood is a great calming essential oil. It helps you  occasionally stay calm and relaxed naturally.  If you are down, just open a bottle and smell. It just might make you feel better right away. It is also great for the skin. 



The Cedarwood I use comes from North America. The oil is steam distilled from the heartwood of the tree and is a base oil high in cedrol. Like the other base note oils Cedarwood has calming and relaxing properties. Cedrol also enhances fibroblast growth in the skin so it is very good for skin issues. This oil can be used aromatically and topically but is not recommended for internal use.

I recently had some energy work done (highly recommend) and Cedarwood was the oil I needed. What a great oil. One thing I love about sharing essential oils is that I am always learning something new everyday. Not only about essential oils, but listening to others stories, advice and opinions, and about myself. I invite you to try them and feel good and enjoy life. Learn to love yourself so you can enjoy this amazing life. This oil helps individuals in seeing that they are not alone.  

Cedarwood juniperusvirginiana



Cedarwood is steam distilled from wood.

Common Application Methods

Topical use: Dilute with a carrier oil for children and for those with sensitive skin. Apply to reflex points and/or directly on area of concern. 

Aromatic Use: Diffusing in a diffuser or inhale the aroma directly from the bottle. Place on a cotton ball to carry with you and smell throughout the day or place in car vent for diffusing in the car. 

Internally: Not for Internal Use

Emotions Addressed

Inability to form bonds or social roots, loneliness, feeling disconnected or separate from the human family, antisocial. 


Companion Oils

Marjoram, Birch, White Fir, Balance Blend, Clary Sage, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Juniper and Rosemary

Body Systems Affected

Nervous and Respiratory Systems

Odor

Type: Bast Note (5-20% of the blend): Scent: Warm, soft, woody; Intensity: 3

Recipes

To occasionally calm your mood -  add 4 to 6 drops to your diffuser or open a bottle and inhale, take three deep breaths. 

Insects - blend 4 drops in diffuser or place on cotton balls and wipe around doors to keep insects out. 

Occasional Scalp issues- Apply 2-3 drops to shampoo. You may also put a few drops on the tips of your fingers and rub on scalp.

Soothing the skin - Add two drops of cedarwood to 1 teaspoon of Fractionated Coconut oil and apply to area of concern.

Surface cleaner - combine vinegar and water and spray countertops and bathroom surfaces, then a couple of drops or as many as you choose to countertops and wipe down.

Supports Immune System - Diffuse 2-4 drops in the diffuser, rub on chest and nose. Apply warm compress on chest for coughs. 

Too Much Salt - Apply 2-4 drops to 1 teaspoon Fractionated Coconut oil and apply to the bottom of your feet twice a day. 


Yoga - Diffuse 2-4 drops of Cedarwood while practicing Yoga or apply to back of neck during the relaxation at the end or the bottom of your back. 





Enjoy Emotions and Essential Oils. If you know someone who suffers emotionally, this is a great book and it comes with a CD that explains how to use essential oils to heal emotionally. There is a story at the beginning of the book about a little girl named Kali, this is an amazing little girl and I am so grateful her parent shared this story to give us all hope to help those we love. Enjoy.




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


References:  Modern Essentials book fifth addition,  See Disclaimer on this website. 

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Cassia - The Oil of Self-Assurance

When this oil was added to my collection it was because of my cousin, she shared a story that a woman lost weight with this oil. She would put it in her water when she wanted something sweet. So I tried it and WOW, this is a very strong oil, so be careful and make sure to dilute heavily. The Cassia I use comes from the family Lauraceae, grown in China and is distilled from the twigs and leaves of the tree.

It is great for so many things, but what I use it the most is for cooking. I just had a wonderful visit to San Diego to share the oils and my cousin hosted a cooking class. It was so much fun and we had a whipped cream cheese dip with Cassia oil in it and dipped fresh fruit. It was delicious. 

Cassia Cinnamommum cassia - The Oil of Self-Assurance



Cassia is Steam distilled from Bark.

Common Application Methods

Topical use: Dilute heavily with a carrier oil, I use Fractionated Coconut Oil, but any vegetable oil will work. A great oil to blend with a milder essential oil before applying on the skin. Apply to forehead, muscles, reflex points and directly on the area of concern.

You may diffuse with caution: it could irritate the nasal membranes if it is inhaled directly from the diffuser and from the bottle so again, BE CAUTIOUS. 

Internally, Cassia is recommended for soothing digestive problems. Add a drop to warm water with a honey and sip. You may use this oil as a flavoring in cooking, it is more intense in flavor than cinnamon. Cassia is not recommend for children under 6 years of age. 

Historical Uses

Cassia has been mentioned in recorded medical records dating back to the sixteenth century BC. Recording showed uses that include, ceremonies, anointing of soldiers and virgins, rituals of recognition, teas for distress, immune support, and reproductive complaints. Also used with other oils for spring cleansing. It is also mentioned in the Bible as the Holy Oil.  

Possible Uses

 Can provide some powerful support to blends when used in very small quantities. 

Emotions Addressed

Embarrassed, hiding, fear, humiliated, insecure, judged, shy, worthless.


Companion Oils

Cypress, bergamot, coriander, grapefruit, lavender, fennel, and melissa. 

Odor

Type: Middle Note (50-80% of the blend);Scent: spicy, warm, sweet.
Intensity: 5



Recipes

To lift your mood -  add 4 to 6 drops to your diffuser 

Sooth muscles and joints- blend 4 drops cassia and 2 drops patchouli with 12 drops fractionated coconut oil. Apply to painful areas several times a day and remember to drink plenty of water. 

To warm cold feet - Especially when associated with diabetes. Blend 4 drops of cassia, 4 drops frankincense, and 6 drops of lavender. Apply to bottoms of feet and put on cotton socks.

Need a Pick me Up - Add two drops of cassia and 4 drops of line to a veggie capsule and ingest.

Surface cleaner - combine cassia with fractionated coconut oil. 4 drops of cassia and 20 drops of fractionated coconut oil. 

Cream Cheese Dip- Use any cream cheese recipe of choice with 1 drop cassia per 2 cups of dip. You can also try Lime or Wild Orange. 








Enjoy Living Healthy and Happily Ever After. Great read and is where some of the recipes come from. This book includes recipes and affirmations. These women are amazing. I love this book. 




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


References:  Living Healthy and Happily Ever After. Modern Essentials Book, Emotions & Essential Oils, EverythingEssential.me See Disclaimer on this website. 
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. 

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Black Pepper - The Oil of Unmasking

Black Pepper, I didn't know what I was going to use this oil for when it first came out. But I have grown to love it. I cook with it most of the time, but when I used it on my moms leg for joint discomfort, she was amazed how quickly it worked.  It also aid in those who are trying to quit smoking by reducing craving for nicotine and helps calm withdrawal anxiousness. Here is more on Black Pepper.....

Black Pepper Piper nigrum - The Oil of Unmasking



Black pepper is steam distilled from berries, it is primarily used for flavoring in cooking and for Tobacco Addictions. 

Common Application Methods

Topically Dilute with a carrier oil for children and for those with sensitive skin. Apply to reflex points and or directly on area of concern. Mix very sparingly with juniper and lavender in a bath to help with chills or to warm one up in the winter. Aromatically diffuse or inhale the aroma directly.

Historical Uses

Pepper has been used for thousands of years for things the FDA won't let me list, but it is in the Modern Essentials Book and several digestive problems. 

Possible Uses

• Rich source of antioxidants • Supports healthy circulation • Aids digestion  Enhances food flavor
• Helps ward off environmental and seasonal threats • Soothes nerves and lessens anxious feelings

Emotions Addressed

Emotional dishonesty, repressed emotions feeling trapped, prideful, superficial, judgmental

Aromatic Guide

Pepper is comforting and stimulating.


Application

Topically – Apply to reflex points and or directly on area of concern; diffuse. Mix very sparingly with juniper and lavender in a bath to help with winter chills or to warm one up. 

Odor

Type: Middle Note (50-80% of the blend);Scent: Spicy, peppery, musky, warm with herbaceous undertones; Intensity:3.


Recipes

Stimulating the Appetite especially when recovering from being under the weather or the side effects of chemotherapy. 
Blend 2 drops black pepper and 2 drops lemon. Diffuse or inhale to encourage feeling of good energy and interest in food. 

Occasionally Soothing Digestion - To aid in digestion and for relief from constipation, gas or diarrhea blend 1 tbs coconut oil, with 2 drops of black pepper and 5 drops of marjoram. Massage on the abdomen throughout the day.

To warm cold hands and feet - Blend 1 tsp coconut oil with 2 drops black pepper and 1 drop thyme. Rub on hands and feet.
Regulate Blood Flow - Blend one drop black pepper with 4 drops wild orange. Pour in hands, rub together and then apply on the forearms or the bottoms of feet. 

To occasionally prevent Leg Cramps - during a race, blend 2 drops of black pepper and 5 drops rosemary with 1 tbs fractionated coconut oils. Apply to calves before a run and again when finished. 

Determination Blend -
Roman Chamomile/Black Pepper/ Geranium 2 drops eachApply to the back of your neck and use affirmations

I release all resistance to forming new patterns for success for me.
I am allowing my creative self to flow and surprise me with new
Spontaneous ideas on how to have more fun each day.
By Dr. Susan Lawton









One of my favorite books, Living Healthy and Happily Ever After. Great read and is where the recipes come from. This book includes recipes and affirmations. These women are amazing.




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

References:  Modern Essentials Book, Emotions & Essential Oils,See Disclaimer on this website. 

Monday, January 13, 2014

Sugar and Gluten Free Blueberry Lemon Muffins

Sugar and Gluten Free Blueberry Lemon Muffins.  I made it this weekend and my family and I loved them. They had no idea that it was gluten and sugar free.

What you need

2 cups gluten-free-all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon xanthan gum
1/2 cup brown rice syrup
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
8 drops of lemon essential oil
1 egg
1 cup of milk
1/2 cup butter melted
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

Can substitute syrup with honey and add more if you would like it sweeter. I added 10 drops of lemon essential oil and I used honey because I didn't have the brown rice syrup.

Directions

1. Mix flour, xanthan gum, baking powder and salt in a large glass bowl.
2. Beat egg in medium bowl; add lemon essential oil and blend together.
3. Add egg mixture to dry ingredients.
4. Mix in blueberries.
5. Fill lined muffin tines 2/3 full.
6. Bake for 20 minutes at 375˚ fahrenheit.

Enjoy!

This recipe is from the  Living Magazine Winter 2014 addition. For more tips and recipes email me at kollette@weeklyessential.com

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

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