DIY Eczema Cream

I found these mini mason jars in the Target One Spot and I knew they'd be perfect for using for some oil blends and creams. Ava has super sensitive skin and over the years we've tried just about every over the counter cream and lotion to help her skin. After taking a look at the list of ingredients in these I didn't feel comfortable continuing to use them. Most lotions from the store are filled with these chemicals and tons of things I can't even pronounce. 

That's why I'm so thankful for my essential oils, they are safe for my family to use on a daily basis, and I don't have to worry about harsh chemicals. I whipped up some exzema cream for Ava's skin and it's been working wonders. Here's how you can make your own. 

I use coconut oil from Trader Joe's, it works great, it's organic and you can get a jar for $5.99 that lasts a long time. For this blend I used lavender & melaleuca oils both from Young Living. Mix it all together using the recipe above and store in a glass jar. This recipe is the perfect portion for these mini jars, you could also double this if you wanted to make more. 

That's it! Store in your medicine cabinet and apply liberally where needed. If you need help ordering oils or want more info on them email me (andreaworley@live.com) and I'll be happy to help! 

What are some of your favorite oils to use? 

All Natural Toothpaste

We've made so many changes in our home over the last year an a half to improve our overall health and adding essential oils into the mix have been apart of that. I love using essential oils to help keep our family healthy. After finding out the number of toxic ingredients in regular toothpaste I've recently started making my own toothpaste using my essential oils and naturally safe products. 

Making your own is really simple and easy here's how you can make your own:

Mix your baking soda with a few tablespoons of water till it's the paste consistency you'd like. Then add in your peppermint oils (for taste) thieves oil (for germ fighting) and orange oil (for whitening) and mix them all together till blended. 

Store in a glass container. 

Simple and easy. We've been using it daily and I love the clean we get from using this toothpaste. 

If you haven't already given this a try I invite you to try it, need help finding the right essential oils? Drop me an email (andreaworley@live.com) and I'll help you get started! 

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Check out This Is How I'm Eating Mindfully in 2016

by Bliss Editor at Mode

How I Started My Weight Loss Journey: 3 Helpful Tips!

I wanted to share a quick video of some tips that helped me when I was just starting my fitness journey! Three things that helped me stay on track and lose weight. Hope you enjoy this video, if you have any questions you can leave them in the comments below. 

I'd love to hear your tips & tricks as well! 

Products Mentioned:

30 Day Shred DVD

Mason Jar Water Bottle

*affiliate link used.

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What I'm Eating During Whole30 Round 2!

Finishing up my second round of Whole30 in just a few short days. Today I thought I'd share some of my meals and what I've been eating. Below are the basic guidelines to follow. 

Dairy and alcohol are the easiest for me since they aren't in my diet anyway. Before this round I'd been binging way to much on soda, especially when we'd be out to eat. This time around the sugar cravings have been fierce probably because I'd been eating so much lately. One of the reasons I love Whole30 is for the re set it gives your body. Getting rid of the sugar has been great. 

Breakfast- usually eggs, bacon and black coffee. I don't mind making eggs each morning, I really love that I can eat bacon and eggs. I also make these egg muffins regularly ahead of time and keep them in the fridge.

Lunches- Are usually whatever is left over from the night before's dinner. But for a quick lunch I love to wrap some Applegate turkey in an avocado. So, so good! I pair that with fruit, you can see it in one of the images above.

Dinners- I basically pair a meat with lots and lots of veggies. We've been having steak and mixed veggies or squash. We've made Buffalo Chicken wraps, Beef Taco Soup, and Spaghetti with Zuchini Noodles. 

Snacks- Mostly fruit, or these copy cat Lara Bars are my jam, I also love fruit with almond butter. La Croix is also a fave of mine for replacing soda. I drink them anyway but for Whole30 it's so nice! 

A few of my other fave Whole30 approved eats are:

Paleo Taco Salad, Beef Taco Soup, Tuna Avocado Sandwiches

I'm also loving the Practical Paleo cookbook, and whole9life.com for more resources and recipe ideas. 

My Fitness Journey: Keeping the Weight Off for ONE Year!

It's been a whole year of keeping the weight off! From losing 65+ pounds you can read more about that here. 

Last year around this time, I was so happy to have met my goal after a year. I wanted to loose the baby weight and get back to a healthy weight since I was over weight to begin with when I got pregnant with Zane. At the time I knew I was over weight but looking back on photos and videos of myself during that time it was really eye opening to see just how off track I was.

I started my fitness journey in April 2013 and spending much of the rest of the year and into 2014 loosing weight and developing a healthier lifestyle. My goal after that year was over was to maintain my weight loss and continue to try new things fitness wise. 

I tried new fitness programs, started running, did my first 5K, did one round of Whole30 and currently working on my second. Daily trying new things and pushing myself was part of the goal. 

I'm not perfect, sometimes I don't work out everyday. I have ice cream with my kiddos every now and again. Sometimes I indulge in a few to many Dr. Peppers. But the one thing that remains the same is my commitment to my health, to living a better life. To practicing healthier habits, to never stop trying and never giving up on myself and this one body God has given me to do great things.

After two years now fitness, exercise and eating well are all apart of my everyday life. They are things that have become habit to me that I incorporate daily into my life. 

If you're starting a fitness journey of your own I encourage you to not stop, don't give up and surround yourself with people who can cheer you on! 

It's worth it, so very worth it. You won't ever regret making a change to be a healthier version of yourself.