Summer Refresh for Kids’ Bedrooms: DIY Décor & Essential Oils

Is your child’s bedroom in need of a summer refresh? 🌞 Creating a fun, calming, and organized space can make a huge difference in their well-being and happiness. Let’s dive into some simple DIY decor projects, essential oils to transform your child’s bedroom! 🛏️✨

🖼️ DIY Decor Projects 🖼️
Diamond Art Paintings

Diamond art paintings are a fantastic summer project for kids!

These kits come with everything you need to create sparkling, beautiful artwork that can be proudly displayed in their room.

  • Supplies Needed: Diamond art kit, extra storage containers for diamonds
  • Pro Tip: Choose kits with their favorite characters or themes for added excitement.

Here are the kits my kids have finished and/or are working on:

  • The Nativity (The kids worked on it together! Then we framed it and gave to grandparents!
  • Space (for my tween son)

This organization kit was super helpful getting started and we’ve reused it three times already!

When the kids finish, we will grab a frame from Amazon or a local thrift shop and hang it in their room!

🌸 Essential Oils for a Calming Atmosphere 🌸

Benefits of Essential Oils Essential oils can help improve sleep and reduce anxiety, creating a peaceful environment for your little ones. Lavender is particularly known for its calming properties.

Using a Diffuser A diffuser is a great way to disperse essential oils in your child’s room. It’s easy to use and safe for kids.

  • Pro Tip: Use a few drops of lavender oil before bedtime to help them unwind.
  • Shop Kits: Diffuser and oils bundle (we have used this brand almost 11 years!)

KidScents Line from Young Living Young Living’s KidScents line is perfect for children! These oils are specially formulated for kids and include blends like SleepyIze for bedtime and GeneYus for focus during homework time.

  • Why Young Living? My kids have sensitive skin and broke into a rash with other brands of essential oils. I’m not sure what fillers were in the other brands, but they aren’t in YL’s! We are going on over 11 years strong of using YL in our home for our children, pets, cleaning, and hormone support!

Additional Resources for Busy Parents:

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Summer Refresh for Kids’ Bedrooms: DIY Décor & Essential Oils

Easy Summer Kid Menu

Summer is supposed to be a time of relaxation and fun, right? But for us parents, it often feels like a juggling act between keeping the kids entertained, managing household chores, and, oh yeah, feeding everyone! That’s where this Summer Kid Menu comes in handy. My husband and I have our own protein and health goals with a separate meal plan – so this kid menu keeps meal planning for the kids super easy! Here’s how:

Time Management

Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt like there just aren’t enough hours in the day, especially during the summer. With the kids out of school and activities filling up the schedule, finding time to plan and prepare meals can seem like an impossible task. But fear not! Our meal plan is designed to save you time and sanity. No more staring into the fridge wondering what to make for dinner. We’ve got you covered with breakfasts, snacks, and lunch ideas!

Healthy Eating

Ah, the eternal struggle of getting your kids to eat their veggies. Trust me, I’ve been there. But with our meal plan, you can say goodbye to mealtime battles and hello to nutritious, balanced meals that even the pickiest eaters will love. We’ve packed each day with fruits, veggies, and protein to help keep your kids full and happy all summer long.

Stress Reduction

Let’s face it, mealtime stress is real, especially when you’re trying to juggle a million other things. But with our meal plan, you can say goodbye to the chaos and hello to calm, stress-free dinners. No more last-minute scrambling or staring blankly at the pantry wondering what to make. We’ve taken the guesswork out of mealtime so you can spend less time stressing and more time enjoying quality moments with your family.

Weekly Shopping List

And here’s the best part: our Summer Kids Menu download comes complete with a weekly shopping list! That’s right, no more wandering aimlessly around the grocery store trying to remember what you need. We’ve done all the hard work for you. Simply print out the list, head to the store, and you’re good to go. It’s that easy!

How to Use

Ready to give our meal plan a try? Great! Here are a few tips to help you get started:

  • Set aside some time over the weekend to look at the grocery list (included in the download!) for the upcoming week.
  • Get the kids involved in choosing their favorite fruits and veggies for each week.

Our easy Summer Kid Menu is here to save you time and energy, making your summer a whole lot easier. Give it a try and see the difference it can make for your family.

Posted in Healthy Eats | Comments Off on Easy Summer Kid Menu

Improving Mother-Daughter Communication

Navigating communication with our daughters can sometimes feel like deciphering a secret code. If you’ve ever wished for a more open and meaningful connection, you’re not alone.

Here are practical steps to break down communication barriers and foster a stronger bond with your daughter.

Set the Stage:

  • Create a comfortable and safe space for conversations.
  • Find a cozy corner or designate a “talk time.”
  • Monthly Mother-Daughter Dates

Active Listening:

  • Practice active listening to understand your daughter’s perspective.
  • Avoid interrupting, and show empathy and understanding.

Use Prompts:

  • Introduce conversation starters or prompts (Check out this free download with a list of 50 conversation starters!)
  • Consider using a mother-daughter journal to guide discussions. Is is a safe place where daughters can express themselves openly and honestly, free from confrontation or judgment.

Express Feelings:

  • Encourage your daughter to express her feelings openly.
  • If she is shy, this might take some time. But each time you meet and talk, she might open up a little bit more! I actually have a Mother-Son Interactive journal with my quiet, tween son, and he has been opening up more and more each month. When we journal, we are writing our answers for the other person so read, so it is low confrontation and a very comfortable way to “talk!”

Be Patient:

  • Understand that building communication takes time.
  • Be patient and persistent in fostering a trusting relationship. Journaling just once a week has greatly improved communication between my children and me.

How Our Interactive Mother- Daughter Journal Can Help: Our empowering mother-daughter journal provides prompts that specifically target improved communication. From sharing daily thoughts to exploring deeper emotions, this journal is designed to unlock hearts and enhance your connection.

Unlocking hearts is an ongoing journey, and the key is consistent effort and understanding. Embrace these tips, explore new communication avenues, and consider integrating our mother-daughter journal into your routine. My daugher and I have journaling together for only a few months for about 10 minutes a week — and there is already a huge improvement!!

Unlock more communication insights with our Interactive Mother-Daughter Journal.

Posted in Parenting | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Improving Mother-Daughter Communication

Delicious Pumpkin Pie Recipe: A Fall Potluck Favorite

Hey there, fellow foodies! 🥧 Are you ready to elevate your autumn dessert game? Today, I’m sharing a delightful recipe – Pumpkin Pie with a twist! 🍂

🍁 By adding a dash of Cinnamon, Clove, Nutmeg, and Ginger Vitality Essential Oils, we’re taking this classic treat to a whole new level of yumminess. Trust me; the aroma alone is worth the journey! 🍂 And, YES, these vitality oils are approved for us to ingest and they are more flavorful than their powder counterparts!

✨Let’s roll up our sleeves and savor the flavors of the season together!✨

Ingredients:

• 1 prepared pie crust
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin
• 2 drops Cinnamon Vitality Essential Oil
• 1 drop Nutmeg Vitality Essential Oil
• 1 drop Clove Vitality Essential Oil
• 1 drop Ginger Vitality Essential Oil
• 3 eggs, separated
• 1 cup sour cream

Directions:

  1. Combine sugar, salt, pumpkin and essential oils.
  2. Separate eggs, reserving whites. Beat egg yolks well.
  3. Stir egg yolks into pumpkin mixture.
  4. Add sour cream and mix.
  5. Beat egg whites until soft peaks form: fold into pumpkin mixture.
  6. Pour into unbaked pie crust.
  7. Bake 10 minutes at 450⁰, then lower oven temperature to 350⁰. Bake 1 1/2 hours longer.

Cool before serving. Serve with whipped cream if desired.

What else can you make with these fall essential oils above?! You’ve got so many DIY recipe choices using the same 5 essential oils:

  1. Easy Crockpot Spiced Cider

2. Pumpkin Spice Room Spray

3. Homemade Elderberry Syrup

This article contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase, I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Posted in Going Oily | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Delicious Pumpkin Pie Recipe: A Fall Potluck Favorite

Why You Should Start a Mother Daughter Journal

The bond between a mother and daughter is unlike any other. It is a relationship filled with love, understanding, and support. However, as daughters grow older, it can sometimes be challenging for them to express their thoughts and feelings openly. This is where a mother-daughter journal can play a significant role in nurturing their connection and fostering effective communication. In this article, we will explore the benefits of starting a mother-daughter journal and provide tips on how to improve this special relationship.

mother daughter journal

Understanding the Importance of the
Mother-Daughter Relationship

The mother-daughter relationship is a powerful and influential bond. According to a study published in the Journal of Neuroscience, this relationship is even stronger than other parent-offspring relationships (1). It lays the foundation for a woman’s future relationships and plays a crucial role in shaping her self-confidence and emotional well-being.

Throughout a daughter’s life, this relationship evolves and undergoes various changes. The generation gap and differing perspectives can sometimes create challenges, but understanding, respect, and trust are key to maintaining a healthy connection. Building a strong mother-daughter relationship is vital for both individuals involved and can have a profound impact on their overall happiness and fulfillment in life.

The Benefits of Starting a Mother-Daughter Journal

A mother-daughter journal serves as a tool to build trust, establish effective communication, provide non-offensive advice, and strengthen the bond between a mother and daughter. Let’s delve into these benefits in more detail:

1. Building Trust

Trust is the foundation of any healthy relationship, and the mother-daughter bond is no exception. By sharing their thoughts and emotions in a journal, both the mother and daughter can develop a deeper sense of trust and security. When a daughter knows that she can confide in her mother without judgment or criticism, she will feel more comfortable opening up about her experiences and seeking guidance.

2. Establishing Communication

Sometimes, verbal communication may not effectively convey all of one’s thoughts and feelings. Writing in a mother-daughter journal provides an alternative means of expression, allowing both parties to articulate their emotions more clearly. This form of communication encourages reflection and thoughtful responses, fostering a deeper understanding between mother and daughter.

3. Providing Non-Offensive Advice

As daughters grow older, they encounter a multitude of challenges and decisions. A mother-daughter journal provides a safe space for a mother to share her own experiences and offer advice without sounding judgmental or overbearing. By sharing stories and insights through writing, a mother can guide her daughter in a non-offensive manner, helping her navigate various aspects of life with confidence and wisdom.

4. Strengthening the Bond

In today’s fast-paced world, finding quality time to spend with family can be a challenge. Engaging in a mother-daughter journaling practice creates a dedicated space for bonding and connection. Through the exchange of thoughts, feelings, and experiences, both the mother and daughter can deepen their understanding of one another, nurturing a strong and enduring bond.

5. Enhancing Acceptance, Love, and Security

A mother-daughter journal acts as a conduit for acceptance, love, and security. By actively participating in this practice, a mother demonstrates her unwavering support and acceptance of her daughter. This provides a sense of security for the daughter, knowing that she is loved and valued, regardless of her successes or failures.

Effects of a Faulty Mother-Daughter Relationship

A damaged mother-daughter relationship can have profound effects on both individuals. Here are some potential consequences of an unhealthy dynamic:

1. Low Self-Esteem

The mother-daughter relationship serves as the first attachment for a daughter and significantly influences her self-esteem. A healthy bond fosters confidence, while an unhealthy relationship can instill self-doubt and low self-worth.

2. Depression

Research suggests that maternal disengagement can contribute to depressive disorders in children and young adults (2). When the mother-daughter relationship is strained, the daughter may experience symptoms of depression. The mother may also suffer from emotional distress as a result of the fractured relationship.

3. Attachment Issues

A damaged mother-daughter relationship can impact a woman’s ability to trust and form healthy attachments in her future relationships. Insecurities and difficulties in connecting with others may arise as a result of a wounded mother-daughter bond.

4. Hostility

Consistent conflicts within a dysfunctional mother-daughter relationship can lead to hostility and aggression, not only between the mother and daughter but also in other areas of the daughter’s life.

While these effects may seem daunting, it is essential to remember that a faulty mother-daughter relationship can be repaired with effort, understanding, and open communication.

Repairing and Strengthening the
Mother-Daughter Relationship

If you find yourself in a strained relationship with your mother or daughter, take heart in knowing that there are steps you can take to improve and strengthen the bond. Here are some strategies to consider:

1. Active Listening

Effective communication starts with active listening. Instead of assuming or interrupting, truly listen to your mother or daughter’s perspective. Ask questions for clarification and strive to understand their point of view without judgment.

2. Empathy and Understanding

Put yourself in your mother’s or daughter’s shoes to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences and emotions. Empathy can bridge gaps and foster mutual understanding and compassion.

3. Open Communication

Healthy relationships thrive on open and honest communication. Create a safe space where both mother and daughter can express their thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment. Share your concerns and desires openly, using “I” statements to convey your feelings effectively.

4. Establish Boundaries

While a mother-daughter relationship can be close, it is crucial to establish healthy boundaries. Respecting each other’s individuality and personal space allows for mutual growth and maintains a respectful relationship.

5. Forgiveness and Letting Go

Grudges and past resentments can weigh down a relationship. Practice forgiveness and let go of past hurts to pave the way for healing and growth. Embrace the opportunity to start anew and focus on building a better future together.

6. Quick Resolution

Instead of letting conflicts fester, address them promptly and seek resolution. Avoid prolonged periods of withdrawal and silence, as this can increase the distance between mother and daughter. Engage in open dialogue to find common ground and resolve disagreements.

7. Acceptance

Recognize that both the mother and daughter are unique individuals with their own perspectives and desires. Accept that there may be times when you agree to disagree, and focus on maintaining a respectful and loving relationship despite differences.

By implementing these strategies, you can take proactive steps toward repairing and strengthening your mother-daughter relationship.

Which Journal?

There are so many to choose from online! Here is the journal my daughter and I wrote for each other that we have shared on Amazon. Abbey is 10 and this is a great fit for her. We take turns every week answering questions to each other. We love it!

Conclusion

The power of a mother-daughter journal lies in its ability to build trust, establish effective communication, provide non-offensive advice, and strengthen the bond between a mother and daughter. Recognizing the types of unhealthy mother-daughter relationships and their potential effects can help guide you toward a healthier dynamic. By actively engaging in open communication, empathy, forgiveness, and acceptance, you can repair and strengthen your mother-daughter relationship, fostering a lifelong connection filled with love, support, and understanding.

Remember, it’s never too late to rewrite the story of your relationship and create a brighter future together. Embrace the journey of building a stronger mother-daughter bond through the power of sharing thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a dedicated journal.

Posted in Parenting | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Why You Should Start a Mother Daughter Journal

Easy Crockpot Spiced Cider with Essential Oils

Winter is near, and what better way to cozy up than with a warm cup of spiced cider? This crockpot recipe is not only delicious but also infused with the aromatic goodness of essential oils. So grab your favorite mug (here’s mine!), slow cooker, essential oils, and let’s get started!

Ingredients:

Don’t have these vitality essential oils yet? These 5mL bottles have 85-100 drops of oil so you’ll be able to make this recipe 17-20 times! WOW! You can also use them in your favorite diffuser. Win-win!

Instructions:

  1. Pour the apple and pineapple juices into your trusty crockpot.
  2. Now, it’s time to bring in the essential oils. Add cinnamon, orange, and clove vitality essential oil. These oils will not only enhance the flavors but also fill your home with a delightful fragrance.
  3. Give everything a gentle stir, making sure all the ingredients are well combined.
  4. Set your crockpot to low heat and let the cider simmer for 2-4 hours. This slow cooking process will allow all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
  5. Once the cider is ready, serve it hot in your favorite mug. The warmth and aroma will instantly make you feel cozy and content.

Tips and Variations:

  • If you don’t have a crockpot, you can easily make this recipe on the stovetop. Just simmer the ingredients in a large pot over low heat for the same amount of time.
  • Feel free to experiment with different essential oils to create your own unique blend. Some popular choices include ginger, nutmeg, and cardamom.
  • Leftover cider can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Simply reheat it whenever you crave a comforting cup.

So there you have it – a simple and delicious crockpot spiced cider recipe using essential oils. It’s the perfect beverage to warm you up on those chilly winter nights or to enjoy with friends and family during holiday gatherings. So go ahead, indulge in this aromatic treat and let the flavors transport you to a cozy winter wonderland!

Why Young Living?! Glad you asked! About ten years ago, another brand of oils gave my kiddos a rash so I was nervous to even try Young Living. But during a stomach bug, I gave in and am so glad I did! You can read more about which oil helped us over here!

Posted in Going Oily | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Easy Crockpot Spiced Cider with Essential Oils

Introducing the Mother-Daughter Interactive Journal: Making Time for Each Other, Fostering Communication, and Creating Lasting Memories

Hey there fellow mom friend,

I am so excited to share with you the news about a just-released mother-daughter journal that is truly a game changer for our relationships with our daughters. This journal is designed to address so many of the challenges we face on a daily basis, and I know you will absolutely love it!

Let’s dive right in and talk about the 10 common problems that this journal can help us overcome:

  1. Communication Barriers
     Facilitate open and meaningful conversations
     Overcome communication challenges
  2. Generation Gap
     Bridge the generation gap
     Share experiences, values, and perspectives
  3. Stress and Anxiety
     Serve as a therapeutic outlet
     Express feelings and reduce stress
  4. Lack of Quality Time
     Encourage bonding time and shared activities
     Fit into busy schedules
  5. Conflict Resolution
     Foster understanding and empathy
     Enhance conflict resolution and problem-solving
  6. Self-Confidence
     Promote self-reflection and self-awareness
     Boost self-confidence and self-esteem
  7. Daughter’s Goal Setting
     Aid in setting and tracking personal goals
     Promote accountability and motivation
  8. Memories and Milestones
     Preserve cherished memories and milestones
     Create a lasting legacy
  9. Empathy and Understanding
     Cultivate empathy and deeper understanding
     Connect through experiences and emotions
  10. Building a Stronger Bond
     Strengthen the mother-daughter bond
     Foster closeness, trust, and emotional connection

I hope you’re as excited as I am about this amazing mother-daughter journal! If you want to grab a copy for yourself and start experiencing the benefits firsthand, you can find it on Amazon!

Sending you lots of love and joy on this beautiful journey of motherhood!

Your fellow mom friend,

Dayna

Posted in Parenting | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Introducing the Mother-Daughter Interactive Journal: Making Time for Each Other, Fostering Communication, and Creating Lasting Memories

☕️ Your Coffee Maker’s New Best Friend ☕️

Do you love the aroma of freshly brewed coffee as much as we do? ☕️ Let’s keep that coffee maker gleaming with the power of Thieves Household Cleaner! 🌱✨ Embrace eco-friendly, plant-based cleaning that’s both effective and aromatic.

Why Thieves Household Cleaner? 🌿

  • Uses naturally derived ingredients to cleanse.
  • Ultra-concentrated, gentle on surfaces, and packed with the signature Thieves premium essential oil blend for a warm and spicy aroma.

Easy-Peasy Directions 🧼

  • For most cleaning tasks: Mix 1 capful of Thieves Cleaner with 2 cups of water.
  • For a bit more muscle: 1 capful of Thieves Cleaner with 4 cups of water for light degreasing.

Versatile Wonder Spray 💫 Thieves Cleaner is your genie for kitchen counters, walls, hard floors, carpets, mirrors, highchairs, appliances, and more! 🧽🍳 It’s the super-solution you’ve been waiting for.

Why Choose Thieves Cleaner? 🌟

  • Mix it up! Concentrated formula adapts for various cleaning needs, indoors and outdoors.
  • Say goodbye to residue. Thieves Cleaner rinses clean, leaving surfaces sparkling.
  • Kid and pet-approved! Safe when used as directed.
  • No more bad smells! The rich, spicy aroma of Thieves blend offsets unpleasant odors.

Deeper, Greener Clean 🌱 Let’s talk real power – the natural power of Thieves. It’s tough on dirt, grime, dried-on food, and even pet stains! 🐶 Let Thieves Cleaner show you its magic!

Bring the Aroma of Thieves Home 🏡 Not only does Thieves Cleaner sparkle, but it also fills your space with the comforting fragrance of Thieves premium essential oil blend. 🍂✨

Cleaning your coffee maker has never been so delightful! With Thieves Household Cleaner, every cup of java comes with an extra dash of freshness. 💫✨

Embrace cleaner, greener, and fresher mornings. Make Thieves Cleaner your coffee maker’s new BFF! Grab your capful and let the cleaning magic begin. ✨🧼

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on ☕️ Your Coffee Maker’s New Best Friend ☕️

Essential Oils Storage: Before and After

Tired of cabinet chaos? Say goodbye to the clutter and embrace zen-like organization with these little essential oil bottle trays! 🌈 Dive into our before-and-after journey of transforming part of our essential oil collection from a cabinet catastrophe to a drawer dreamland.

Before: Cabinet Conundrum 🤯

Opening that cabinet felt like a wild treasure hunt, with bottles tumbling like mischievous gems. Each search for an oil resulted in an accidental oil spill or a minor avalanche. Talk about an adventure!

After: Drawer Delight 🎉

These little trays on Amazon have space for up to 40 bottles of 5mL to 20mL, and fits right into your drawer. It’s like magic – your oils are tamed and accessible in one joyful space! I have left over trays for the kids’ bathroom drawers and the master bathroom drawers too!

What We Love: 🌈

  1. Efficiency Galore: Farewell to crowded cabinets and hello to extra space!
  2. ID at a Glance: Bottles stand tall, letting you identify oils in a breeze.
  3. Grab-and-Go: No more bottle tumbles – your oils are always ready to use!
  4. Stylish Display: Functional and fabulous, it’s organization with flair.

Revamp Your Space: How-to Guide 🌼

  1. Measure and Marvel: Measure your drawer and set the stage for a transformative fit.
  2. Nestle Your Storage: Place the trays inside, adjusting its size like a puzzle piece.
  3. Bottle Ballet: Gently slide each oil bottle into its own groove.

Elevate Your Experience Today 🌟

Trade chaos for serenity, and transform your drawer into an essential oil haven. Begin the journey today and sprinkle some blissful order into your life!

Posted in Going Oily | Comments Off on Essential Oils Storage: Before and After

DIY Pumpkin Spice Room Spray

Hey there, fellow essential oil enthusiasts! 🍂 Ready to welcome fall into your home with open arms and a spritz of coziness? Get ready to take your senses on a spicy journey with our DIY Fall Room Spray. Grab an amber spray bottle, because we’re about to blend some autumn magic!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • 1/2 tablespoon of witch hazel (it’s like a wizard for this potion!)
  • 3 drops of Clove (that warm, comforting embrace)
  • 3 drops of Orange (sunshine and oranges, all in one)
  • 1 drop of Cinnamon Bark (because cinnamon makes everything better)

(These exact oils are also in our DIY Elderberry Syrup!)

Creating Your Autumn Elixir:

  1. Witch Hazel Wonder: Start by adding that half tablespoon of witch hazel to your spray bottle. It’s like our potion’s secret helper, making sure everything mixes perfectly.
  2. Drops of Autumn Joy: Now, add those precious drops of Clove, Orange, and Cinnamon Bark essential oils. It’s like bottling up the essence of a crisp fall day.
  3. Fill ‘Er Up: Almost there! Fill your bottle almost all the way with water. Leave just a tad of space at the top, so there’s room to shake things up.
  4. Shake, Shake, Shake: Attach the spray top securely and give your potion a good shake. You’re basically a mixologist of autumn scents now. Impressive, right?
  5. Time to Spritz: Ta-da! Your DIY Pumpkin Spice Room Spray is ready to dazzle. Give it a little spritz in any room for instant fall vibes.

Pro tip: Give it a gentle shake before each use to make sure those essential oils mix their magic perfectly.🍁🍃

It’s time to cozy up and let the scents of fall dance around your home. Plus, you can totally impress your friends with your newfound potion-making skills. They’ll be asking, “How do you make your house smell like a dreamy autumn wonderland?” 🍂✨

Remember, essential oils are potent, so a little goes a long way. Enjoy the warmth of Clove, the zing of Orange, and the comforting embrace of Cinnamon Bark. Happy fall, ya’ll! 🍁🍁

Posted in Going Oily | Comments Off on DIY Pumpkin Spice Room Spray