WILD ORANGE DARK CHOCOLATE MELTAWAYS

I've been eating more of a Ketogenic diet lately and have been feeling great.  I'm not as tired as I have been, my workouts have been better and I feel way more focused. Maybe the new found perkiness has nothing to do with a Keto meal plan, but for now I'm going to just say it does. 

Low carb does not mean NO carbs and it also doesn't mean I can't have a treat here or there. 

These meltways are actually one of my pre-workout breakfast as well as a night time treat. Don't get me wrong, I don't have it twice a day, it's either or, but having a treat before a workout feels so naughty, yet so right. 

The recipe calls for doTERRA Wild Orange Essential Oil, however you can omit.  Keep in mind when it comes to consuming essential oils you want an incredibly high grade. Not all oils are alike. Many of the less expensive oils you can pick up at health food stores are for external use only, so please be sure to read the label.  doTERRA's Wild Orange IS can be taken internally.  Like I said, you can omit if you want, but I like the hint of citrus with my chocolate. 

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 c. coconut oil, melted
• 6 Tbsp. cocoa powder
• 6-8 drops doTERRA Wild Orange Essential Oil  
• 4 Tbsp. coconut butter (sunbutter with oil drained works well too)
• 2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 packet Stevia (omit for 21DSD modification)
• Topping of choice (chopped nuts, shredded coconut, dried fruit etc)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a medium glass bowl, combine melted coconut oil, Wild Orange oil and cocoa powder until lump free
2. Add coconut butter , ground cinnamon and stevia to oil-cocoa mixture and blend thoroughly 
3. Divide mixture evenly into 4-6 silicone cupcake cases, top with chopped nuts, dried fruit or whatever you want, refrigerate until hard
4. Do not leave out because they WILL melt

3 WAYS TO PURCHASE doterra ESSENTIAL OILS

1. Purchase them from my online store.  

2. Order as a  Preferred Member
Preferred Members pay only $10 for a lifetime membership which allows them to purchase all products for 20% off retail price.
Preferred Members can also take part in the Loyalty Rewards Program. 
Click here to sign up as a Preferred Member.

3. Get Wholesale Prices
As a doTERRA Wellness Advocate you’ll receive the best discounts possible. Everything you purchase will be at wholesale price, which is 25% off retail. It costs $35/year to sign up as a Wellness Advocate.  Membership renewal is only $25 each year, PLUS you will receive a free bottle of Wild Orange Oil to perk your senses.   

CINNAMON PECANS

Oven roasted pecans coated in cinnamon are by far my new favorite snack.  It takes very little preparation, minimal dish washing, low carb, gluten-free and Paleo. 

This is a very basic recipe and when it comes down to it I only have to wash a bowl, spatula and my hand; I use my hand to toss the ingredients together.  This is the best lazy person treat and I say "lazy" proudly.  

INGREDIENTS:

• 8oz. pecan halves
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1-1/2 Tbsp. cinnamon, ground
• 1 pack Stevia In The Raw (or sweetener of choice)
• omit stevia for a 21DSD compliant treat

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Pre-heat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper 
2. In a medium bowl toss the pecans and olive oil together until pecans are well coated
3. Add cinnamon and sweetener and continue to coat the pecans
4. Spread the coated pecans onto the parchment lined baking sheet and place in the oven for 15 minutes; checking every 5 minutes to prevent burning
5. EAT

Wanna add a little zing to your pecans? Try adding a few drops of essential oils to the olive oil.  Wild Orange and Lemon pair really well with the cinnamon. 
It's another way of adding flavor, without the calories.

3 WAYS TO PURCHASE doterra ESSENTIAL OILS

1. Purchase them from my online store.  

2. Order as a  Preferred Member
Preferred Members pay only $10 for a lifetime membership which allows them to purchase all products for 20% off retail price.
Preferred Members can also take part in the Loyalty Rewards Program. 
Click here to sign up as a Preferred Member.

3. Get Wholesale Prices
As a doTERRA Wellness Advocate you’ll receive the best discounts possible. Everything you purchase will be at wholesale price, which is 25% off retail. It costs $35/year to sign up as a Wellness Advocate.  Membership renewal is only $25 each year, PLUS you will receive a free bottle of Wild Orange Oil to perk your senses.   

           

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HOW TO PREVENT & TREAT INSECT BITES NATURALLY

Summertime calls most of us to spend time outdoors. Alas, bugs can be a real buzz-kill at best, and carriers of disease at worst. Additionally, most commercial insect repellants contain a chemical known as DEET, which should be used with caution, if at all.  

Luckily, there are loads of ways to keep bugs at bay that don't call for harsh chemicals.  Personally, I love doTERRA Terrashield. It has a great scent, works on animals and is still gentle enough for children. 

  

In addition to repellents, it's important to make sure to wear protective clothing.   A determined bug will completely disregard your oils and elixirs, so cover up in areas that are overrun with weeds and pools of stagnant water. 

Should your preventive measures fail, there are well over a dozen different home remedies that can help, from herbs to baking soda to ice packs or heat, whether in the form of a heated or cold spoon.

Treating Bites and Stings Naturally

You've been bitten; now what?  There are plenty of natural remedies to try that will relieve the pesky itch and swelling. 

Aloe vera:  130 active compounds and 34 amino acids that are beneficial to your skin.	Calendula:Soothing, moisturizing and rejuvenating properties.	Chamomile: The most soothing herb of all, whether used in a tea or applied to the skin.
Cinnamon: Said to repel mosquitoes, it also has antibacterial and antifungal properties.	Cucumbers are helpful for reducing swelling.	Basil: Relieves itching. Either crush up some fresh herb and apply directly to the bite, or buy the essential oil.
Lavender: One of the most popular essential oils for its calming scent, lavender is as antimicrobial as it is soothing.	Lemon:  Anti-itch, antibacterial and antimicrobial actions. Avoid applying citrus juices to your skin when outdoors.	Peppermint: Its cooling sensation can block other sensations, such as itching, providing temporary relief.

Place a cooled chamomile tea bag over your bite to reduce swelling. For bites all over your body, take a long soak in a bathtub filled with warm water and 2 cups of apple cider vinegar. The acidity of the vinegar can help stop the maddening itch.

No apple cider vinegar? Dissolve some baking soda in your bath and soak for about 30 minutes. 

Not into soaking? Mix some baking soda with a small amount of water or witch hazel to create a paste, and apply directly to the bite. This concoction will aid in reducing the swelling

"Where do I pick up these oils Jess?" Don't worry, I've got you covered. Visit my Essential Oil page on ways to purchase doTERRA oils of your very own. 

Want to know more about essential oils? 

Join the ESSENTIAL OIL LOVER'S Facebook Group

So, you've read what I have to say about natural bug remedies, but now I want to know what you use.  Share your bug repellent and remedy favorites by commenting. 

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OREGANO OIL BENEFITS

Oregano, the fragrant herb commonly used to flavor pasta and meat dishes, is renowned for its versatility in the kitchen. But did you know that it can also be transformed into an herbal oil with a wide range of benefits? Read on to learn more about oregano oil.

What Is Oregano Oil?

Oregano oil is derived from the leaves and flowers of oregano (Origanum vulgare), a hardy, bushy perennial herb, and a member of the mint (Lamiaceae) family. It's native to Europe, although it grows in many areas around the world¹ The plant grows up to 90 centimeters (35 inches) high, with dark green leaves that are two to three centimeters long.²
The ancient Greeks and Romans have a profound appreciation for oregano, using it for various medicinal uses. In fact, its name comes from the Greek words "oros" and "ganos," which are words for mountain and joy,– oregano literally means "joy of the mountain." It was revered as a symbol of happiness, and it was an ancient tradition to crown brides and grooms with a laurel of oregano.³
There are over 40 oregano species, but the most therapeutically beneficial is the oil produced from wild oregano or Origanum vulgare that's native to Mediterranean regions.⁴ Beware, though, as many of the oregano oils sold in grocery stores are not made from this variety, and may have little to no therapeutic value. Opt only for oregano oil made from Origanum vulgare and Thymus capitatus, a variety that grows in Spain.⁵
To obtain oregano oil, the dried flowers and leaves of the wild oregano plant are harvested when the oil content of the plant is at its highest, and then distilled.⁶ The resulting oil is golden to dark yellow, with a strong spicy odor.⁷

Uses of Oregano Oil

I highly recommend adding oregano oil to your arsenal of natural healing tools, as it has a wide range of uses. This herbal oil is a powerful antimicrobial that can help fight off infections. Oregano oil also has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.
Other ideal uses for oregano oil are:⁸

• Treating foot or nail fungus. Put a few teaspoons of oregano oil in a basin of water and soak your feet in it. You can also dilute the oil (mix a drop with a teaspoon of olive or coconut oil), and then apply it on your nails or skin.
• Killing parasites and infections. Dilute the oil (mix a drop with a drop of a carrier oil such as coconut oil), and place it under your tongue. Hold it there for a few minutes, and then rinse it out. Repeat this at least four times a day.
• Alleviating sinus infections and colds. Put a few drops of oregano oil in a pot of steaming water, and then inhale the steam.

I also encourage using the antiseptic powers of this herbal oil to clean your home. Here's one way how: combine four drops of oregano oil with 10 drops of lemon oil and a quarter-cup of white vinegar, and then add to a bucket of water. Use this mixture to wipe and clean surfaces.⁹

Composition of Oregano Oil

Oregano oil is high in phenols, which are natural phytochemical compounds with beneficial antioxidant effects. The two most abundant phenols in it are:

• Thymol - a natural fungicide with antiseptic properties. It helps boost your immune system, works as a shield against toxins, and even helps prevent tissue damage and encourages healing.
• Carvacrol – found to be effective against various bacterial infections, such as candida albicans, staphylococcus, E. coli, campylobacter, salmonella, klebsiella, the aspergillus mold, giardia, pseudomonas, and listeria.

Other healthful compounds in oregano oil include:¹⁰

• Terpenes – known for their powerful antibacterial properties.
• Rosmarinic acid – an antioxidant that prevents free radical damage and has shown promise in treating allergic asthma and preventing cancer and atherosclerosis. It also works as a natural antihistamine that reduces fluid buildup and swelling caused by allergy attacks.
• Naringin - inhibits the growth of cancer cells and helps boost the antioxidants in oregano oil.
• Beta-caryophyllin (E-BCP) - this substance inhibits inflammation and is also beneficial for conditions including osteoporosis and arteriosclerosis, as well as metabolic syndrome.^{11, 12}

Nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium, manganese, copper, boron, and niacin are also found in oregano oil.

Benefits of Oregano Oil

Oregano oil has wide-reaching health benefits, but is most associated with respiratory and immune system health. It is known for helping prevent and treat infections, such as:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by bacteria like E. coli, Proteus,and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.¹³
• Respiratory infections brought on by Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria strains.¹⁴
• Yeast infections, even those that are resistant to the commonly used antifungal drug Diflucan.¹⁵
• Parasitic infections caused by the amoeba giardia – it was even found to be more effective than antibiotics like Tinidazol.¹⁶
• oregano oil has strong antibacterial properties that can kill this deadly superbug.
  Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection – A team of Indian and British researchers found that oregano oil has strong antibacterial properties that can kill this deadly superbug.¹⁷

Oregano oil has also shown promise in preventing food-borne illnesses caused by pathogens like listeria,  salmonella, E. coli, and Shigella dysenteria. Adding it to foods not only helps kill the bacteria, but may also alleviate food poisoning symptoms. An animal study from University of Arizona researchers also found that oregano oil can help kill norovirus,¹⁸ which causes gastroenteritis.
Oregano oil is also a prized antiseptic essential oil in aromatherapy because its proportion of phenols is said to be the highest of all aromatic plants. Aside from using the steam method to relieve coughs and other respiratory illnesses, you can also use it to:

• Ward off insects. Carvacrol in oregano oil works as a natural insect repellant. Try putting a few drops on outdoor furniture, or apply a diluted mixture on your skin when heading outdoors.
• Relieve bug bites and rashes, including poison ivy rash. Apply oregano oil diluted with olive oil on the affected areas.¹⁹
• Help heal cold sores, dandruff, and other skin conditions. Some experts also advocate using a diluted version to treat acne and rosacea.
• Ease sore throat. Simply add a few drops to a glass of water. It can help alleviate toothache as well.
• Relieve muscle and joint pain, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), sprains, and cramps.²⁰

How to Make Oregano Oil

Extracting oregano oil requires a special distillation process. However, there is a simple way to make your own oregano oil at home. Here's a basic recipe from HomegrownandHealthy.com:²¹
Ingredients:

• Oregano leaves, chopped orcrushed
• Olive oil, almond oil or grape seed oil
• Sanitized jar with lid

Procedure:

1. Boil some water in a sauce pan. Once it has reached a rolling boil, turn off the heat.
2. Place your oil of choice and chopped oregano leaves in the jar.
3. Put the jar in the hot water and let it sit for about five to 10 minutes. This heats up the oil and helps the oregano release its natural oils.
4. Remove the jar from the water bath and place beside a sunny window for one to two weeks. Shake the jar every few days.
5. Once the two weeks is up, strain the oil from the leaves and place into a sanitized jar. Store the oil in a dark, cool place.

To preserve the oil, add a few more drops of grapefruit seed oil.

OR you can buy some  

Visit my essential oil page for more information on retail and wholesale pricing. 

How Does Oregano Oil Work?

The compounds in oregano oil work together to provide the antimicrobial effects this oil is so well-known for. Carvacrol is its most important component, and is responsible for many of its health benefits. Carvacrol has powerful antimicrobial properties, and has been shown to help break through the outer cell membranes that help protect bacteria from your immune system.²²
Oregano oil can either be applied topically or ingested, depending on the condition you're using it for. However, I advise against using the oil full-strength, as it can irritate your skin. Do not apply it to broken skin and open wounds as well.
Oregano oil is meant for short-term use only, and, if using orally, should be taken in small doses of four to six drops for only seven to 10 days.²³

Is Oregano Oil Safe?

Yes it is, as long as it's diluted in water or with a carrier oil (some of my top choices are jojoba, olive, and coconut oils). Clinical herbalist Michelle Lynde says the ideal ratio when diluting this herbal oil is one part oregano oil to three parts carrier oil.²⁴
I recommend doing a spot test as well to check if you have any allergic reactions to oregano oil. Simply apply a diluted drop on your arm and see if any irritation occurs.
Be careful when buying oregano oil because some manufacturers sell adulterated oils and oils made from thyme, Spanish oregano, or cultivated oregano, which DO NOT provide any health benefits.

 Join the discussion in the ESSENTIAL OIL LOVER'S Facebook Group.

Side Effects of Oregano Oil

Some people may experience stomach upset when ingesting oregano oil (or even the herb itself). Those who are allergic to plants from the Lamiaceae family (mint, lavender, sage, and basil) should also avoid this oil, as they may also develop an allergic reaction.
Oregano oil is also NOT advisable for infants and children. Pregnant or nursing women are also discouraged from using oregano oil both topically and orally, as it can encourage blood circulation within the uterus, which deteriorates the lining that encompasses the fetus within the womb. Oregano oil also has a potential to induce menstruation, and may be dangerous to your unborn chil

           

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BAKED CHICKEN STRIPS

Today I'm sharing my quick chicken strip recipe. I'm sure there are more sophisticated ways of doing this, but the way I'm about to tell you about works for me and my family. All I do is toss everything together, throw it on a baking sheet, cook and eat.  After long work hours, the last thing I want to do is spend more time than I need in the kitchen; I  much rather get to the eating. 

INGREDIENTS:

• 2lbs Organic Boneless Chicken Chicken Breast  
• 1/2 c coconut oil or bacon fat (melted)
• 3/4 c almond flour (fine ground)  
• 2 tbsp Old Bay Seasoning
• Salt (to taste)
• Homemade Catsup (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cut chicken into thin strips, approx. 1/2" thick, place in a large glass bowl and set aside
2. In a medium bowl, mix almond flour and Old Bay Seasoning
3. Heat oven to 350°F
4. Pour melted oil onto chicken strips and carefully coat all the pieces, being careful not to burn yourself
5. Slowly add the almond flour to the chicken, tossing until coated
6. Once coated, place the chicken on a foil lined and lightly greased baking sheet 
7. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown
8. Remove from oven and eat while warm

What kind of dipping sauce would you use for this meal?

This post is linked to Gluten-Free Wednesdays

           

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D.I.Y. LEMONGRASS FACIAL TONER

For years I've spent more money than I'm willing to be honest about,  on toners and serums for my skin. Ooooh my sad aging skin. Constantly looking for that miracle to save me. Alas, I'm aging and thats that. 

Anyway, in order to save my money (and sanity) I began playing with essential oils a bit more than usual.  I've always used them as a form of perfume and rarely used for any medicinal purposes. A little oil really goes a long way, which makes it a budget friendly household essential.  

With a bit of research and I found the perfect toner for my skin. Note the word "MY". Not everyone is the same, that's the one thing we all have that's the same...hmmm. Depending on what's going on in my life, my hormones get a little outta whack and I have to modify amounts slightly. However, my new favorite toner recipe below has worked really well on both my daughter and my skin. 

D.I.Y. LEMONGRASS FACIAL TONER

• In a large glass container combine
• 1/2c. rosewater
• 1/4 c. witch hazel (alcohol free)
• 1/4 c. distilled water
• 4 drops Lemongrass Essential Oil
• Apply at night with a cotton ball

This facial toner has been working wonders.
Of course, like everything, you may need to adjust according to your body chemistry.

     

   

STUFFED PORTOBELLO MUSHROOM WITH TOMATO BASIL AND SAUSAGE ~ Guest Post Tina of Oh Snap Lets Eat!

I'm so happy to have Tina, of "Oh Snap! Let's Eat!", as this weeks guest blogger. Tina's site is filled with amazing recipes, you most definitely need to try her chocolate chip cookies.  Today she shares her recipe for Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms, a delicious, nutrient dense, Paleo meal. 

I love the taste of tomato and basil together, so I thought they would go perfectly well in a Sausage Stuffed Portobello Mushroom!  What’s awesome is this is first time, I used the basil I planted in my backyard garden (thanks to my brother who gave me the seeds and what not) for a recipe!  I hope you enjoy this paleo stuffed portobello mushroom recipe :)

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 large portobello mushroom caps
• 1/2 lb. sausage
• 1 clove garlic, chopped
• 1/2 c. fresh basil
• 1 medium tomato
• Olive oil
• Salt and Pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

1.  Remove the stems from the portobello mushroom.  You can either throw these away or chop them up and use them as part of the stuffing.

 2.  Cook your sausage with chopped garlic and also the chopped mushroom stem if you decided to go that route.  Once done, put aside.

3.  Preheat your oven at 400°F.

4.  Chop up your tomatoes and basil.

6.  Rub each portobello mushroom with olive oil.

7.  Scoop your tomato basil sausage mixture in to each of the caps.  Try to cram it all in there, but if it doesn’t work you can still cook it on the side.

8.  Place on baking pan and bake for 15-20 minutes.

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WEEKLY MEAL PLAN ~ 5/26/14

Here's another week of gluten-free meal plans. To keep the shopping list to a minimum I make meals stretch and repurpose leftovers. 

Most of the meals will be prepared Sunday and ready to re-heat. 

As usual, leftovers paired with a salad are typically lunch.

BREAKFAST

Italian Sausage Frittata
OR
Bullet Proof Coffee
There's going to be a lot of breakfast on the go for me this week

TREATS

Sunbutter Cookies

ENTREES 

Zingy Chicken and Veggies

Slow Cooker Chili and Cornbread

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Chicken & Spinach Salad
Leftover Zingy Chicken, mixed veggies and spinach

Chili Leftovers and Salad

Gluten-Free Spaghetti Marinara
with chopped leftover stuffed bell peppers (if any)

Steak and Yucca Fries

           

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