So I have been thinking a lot lately about what my purpose is and where do I find joy..... I have made some big changes in my life that have shifted my thinking... it has been super scary but very exciting at the same time. One of the things is quitting my nursing job for this season in life.  I want focus on being a mama and on my AK Essential Wellness business.... this was SO hard for me to do... 
I have never quit anything in my life... all the previous jobs I have had either came to an end because they were seasonal and I was in High School and College or I just transitioned to a new department or position.... 
I have learned so much these past 10 years working as an RN at Alaska Native Medical Center, and really I grew up there.... so many huge life events and shifts from when I started as a new grad RN at 24 yrs. young. :) 
I will keep my license current and will work with patients again but for now I feel that I had to chose my priorities and do them well.. 
It has been difficult though... I have found myself questioning my decision when I am feeling exhausted, haven't showered, have had no adult conversations in 12 hours.... and changed one too many poopy diapers... 
I started writing gratitude lists first thing in the morning a couple months ago and have quickly found how many blessings I have and my whole mindset shifts when I focus on all the good in my life and look at even the most difficult of situations as opportunities to grow and learn. 
HERE IS WHERE I FIND JOY and ABUNDANCE!!!!
I LOVE the BEACH!!!! I love to smell the salty sea air, and to beach comb at low tied in Southeast Alaska. I grew up on the ocean, and its my most favorite place.... I grew up walking the beaches at every low tide I could as a little girl with my two brothers... looking for treasures.... glass balls are the epitome of OCEAN TREASURES!!!! I love to find unique shells that have been vacated by beautiful sea creatures... I love the salty sea air on my face, and watching the waves crash, while seals and sea lions splash... I like to refer to these memories as my "Eden Memories".... its where everything is well, and I find so much serenity and joy. 
I LOVE watching my babies play and giggle together... My heart nearly skips a beat when they hug each other, or when Selah says, "it's ok Gray, we can do this together"..... there is no better place I would rather be than with them. 
I LOVE having my first cup of coffee in the morning and reading some news or turning on my favorite podcast and waking up in peace and quiet by myself... I look forward to that every morning... 
I LOVE hiking mountains with my girlfriends or my handsome husband... I love being outside more than anything and love the fresh air and great conversations.. 
I LOVE splashing in mud puddles with my two littles and or blowing bubbles outside and watching them chase the bubbles and laugh. 
I LOVE bedtime. For one, I know that I will soon get to have my own downtime in a matter of minutes... but more than that I LOVE to review the day with them, read books, talk about what we are grateful for and pray. Its such a gift to hear what an unfiltered, raw and so honest 3 year old has to say about what she feels, loves, is sad about and wants to pray for. 
I LOVE having tea with my husband and chatting about life, goals, and dreams on the coach... Yes, we have more coach dates these days, but I love them. 
I LOVE driving in the car and rocking out to country music with my kids and singing our hearts out... best time ever... or I often ask Selah, "do you want to chat or would you rather sing?" she always tells me what she prefers, and I tell you what this little peanut loves to chat just like her mama and I get more out of her in the car than anywhere else... 
Yesterday in the car she said, "mama, do you miss your friend Amy?" 
Me: "Yes, I miss her very much."
Selah: " She is in heaven and I think that she is having a good time... we can see her some day mom."
Me: " Yes, we will see her"... 
This about made me run off the road... my eyes welled up with tears at her rawness and also I just miss my friend...
I am so grateful for all these little moments that create a full life. These are just a fraction of what brings me joy. My life is full and abundant and I get to live it well. I get frustrated at times, feel insecure, question decisions I have made, compare myself, and then I get to pause, breathe deep and connect to myself and I know that I am right where I need to be. This is what brings me joy. 

Blend for Joy!
2 drops of Clary Sage
2 drops of Lavender
2 drops of Lime
Diffuse and enjoy,
Holly

Note: Both of these beautiful picture was taken by my talented friend and artist, Savannah Plank!

Whipped Body Butter 
​This is my favorite body butter recipe after many many attempts at finding the perfect one. This luscious, organic, whipped cream will leave your skin feeling supple and moisturized for days. 
 
Ingredients:
½ cup of Raw Shea Butter
½ cup of Raw Cocoa Butter
¼ cup of Organic Coconut Oil
¼ cup of Organic Almond Oil
15 Drops of Grapefruit Essential Oil
15 Drops of Wild Orange Essential Oil
Double Boiler or any Pan you want to use.
Hand/Stand Mixer
 



    Method:

1. Measure out all butters in glass jar.
2. Fill large skillet/saucepan with 101.5 inches of water. Bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the glass jar to the center of the saucepan to melt and combine ingredients.
3. Stir frequently until the ingredients are completely melted and combined.
4. Remove from heat and let cool in the refrigerator until body butter is hardened, about 4 hours. 
5. Once chilled, take out of refrigerator. With your Kitchenaide Mixer start on low to slowly whip the mixturer, start on low and slowly turn the speed higher until the body butter becomes light and fluffy like whipped frosting (around 3-5 minutes).
6. Then add essential oils. Note, there are many different essential oils you can add or create your own combination. I also love to add Lavender or Peppermint. You can create whatever scent you desire. 
7. You’re done! Store in a glass jar and keep in cool place. May add more essential oils to the mixture as you whip it if want to have a stronger aroma.

Note: The body butter should be stored in a cool place. If you need to re-fluff the body butter you can simply whip it back up to the consistency you like with a hand mixer.
*Citrus oils can cause photosensitivity so we don’t recommend using them if you plan on being in direct sunlight after topical application. 

Let me know what you think, love to hear from you!
​Cheers. xo

​

How do you start your day? What are your morning rituals? What do you do to really jumpstart your day and pave the way for a great day, no matter what obstacles or challenges you may face?

These are questions that I was asked 7 years ago when I was in a tough spot really having to reevaluate my perception of my life and how I showed up in life. I was sitting across the room from someone I really trusted and had shared much of my story with and was asked by this person some great questions that would altar the course of my life. There were hours and hours of deep conversation and connection, however I remember being asked about my morning routine... " I have no morning routine... I just get up and do whatever I feel like doing and see where the day takes me...."  Oh boy have the times changed for me... 

I now find it imperative that I have a morning routine, have a quiet time with my Higher Power, and am able to meditate, pray, and set my intentions for the day. The days that I don't do this go completely sideways.... I need to get up before my kids, have my time to get coffee going, wake up and just be still and quiet. 

A big part of my morning routine has been the Serenity Prayer, it has really helped me with seeing what I can do in difficult situations and what I can let go of and trust my Higher Power with... I have learned to pause, and to be quiet and wait and that I don't need to have an immediate answer or react... I get to respond when the time is right... this was super hard at first because I was so use to getting instant results, and feeling in control , and felt the need to figure things out... I have now learned that most things are not that big of a deal and will sort themselves out. 

SERENITY PRAYER
God grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
And wisdom to know the difference;

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is,
not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.

April Shower Blend is excellent to put in your diffuser when you are getting going in the morning and getting centered for the day. 
2 drops of Lemon
2 drops of Sandalwood
2 drops of Patchouli

Love,
​Holly

Lavender, Lavender, Lavender you had me at hello and have quickly become a household staple for so many things. From bug bites, to sleep, to bath time fun, to cleansing the air... You are all things calming and oh so versatile.  I am gonna give you a little history on this gem and then tell you the top 10 ways I use Lavender!

 ~ Lavender is one of the most aromatic and versatile plants in the world. Widely known for its sweet, calming floral aroma it has become the most used essential oil in many personal care products. 
~ doTERRA searches the globe to find the where the best Lavender grows that is free of pesticides and pollutants, therefore yielding a powerful essential oil that can gives us some amazing medicinal benefits. doTERRA has found that the Black Sea climate zone in Bulgaria is ideal for harvesting our Lavender. 
~ Lavender comes from the flowering mint family and has beautiful, delicate purple flowers that provide a calming aroma. 
~ Primary benefits of this plant include, soothing all things skin, including minor irritations, cuts, scrapes and burns. It provides calming support when one is experiencing anxious feelings, and can help promote restful sleep. It is scientifically proven to calm the central nervous system, slow down one's heart rate, and maintain an already healthy blood pressure levels, and support one who may be experiencing anxious feelings. 

1. I love to make a Sheet spray with distilled with a glass bottle, distilled water and 15 drops of Lavender. I spray our pillows before bed. 

2. Lavender in my Diaper Spray. I use 10 ml roller ball with 6 drops Lavender, Melaleuca, and Frankincense and fill the rest with Fractionated Coconut oil. My kids have never had a major diaper rash. 

3. I add Lavender to my baths with 1 1/2 cup of epsom salts and soak when I am tired and need to relax. Supportive, calming and I sleep like a baby. 

4. Mosquito Bites be gone.... AK Mosquitos are like small birds... I use Lavender and Melaleuca to aide and relieve the itch and the sting if I get a bite... super supportive to the skin. 

5. Allergy season is coming upon us and I love Lavender to support me when seasonal threats are high and I may have some discomfort. I take 3 drops of Lavender, Lemon, and Peppermint in a shot of water internally and or make a 10 ml roller ball with 10 drops each and fill the rest with FCO and apply on bottoms of feet and along spine and chest. 

6. I love Lavender Late's!!! I love to add just 1 drop to my coffee with cream or a Late' and its amazing!!!!

7. For promoting restful sleep. I will take 2 drops Lavender, and 2 drops of Patchouli in a veggie cap and then I put Lavender on the back of my neck and sleep so soundly. 

8. I love to diffuse Lavender and Wild Orange together. It's called, my Spring Bliss Blend. I add 3 drops each in a Petal diffuser and its cleansing to the air and supports a beautiful, calming environment. 

9. When I am experiencing head tension, discomfort, I apply Lavender to my temples and the back of my neck. 

10. Finally I love to use Lavender to support my littles when they are having tummy discomfort, or sleep issues... I take 1 drop of Lavender diluted and apply to the bottoms of their feet, or back of the spine and massage in and they calm right down. Super soothing and supportive. 

Enjoy yourself some Lavender and get to know her, she is great. 
Cheers, 
Holly :)

                                               Epsom Salt Bath
 
I have been incorporating Epsom Salt Baths, otherwise known as "detox baths", in my weekly rhythms for the past 5 years and they have definitely supported my body in managing stress, decreasing muscle and tissue soreness, gently detoxing my body, and supporting healthy magnesium levels. I try to take two to three Epsom Salt Baths a week. I consider this time, “My Mama Wind Down Time”.
 
Method:
 
1 ½ cup of Raw unscented Epsom salts.
 
5-8 drops of Essential Oil

1-2 Tablespoons of bath oil, or vegetable oil. 
 
Pour your bath add in the Epsom salts and your bath oil to bind to the essential oils. Then add in your favorite essential oil or combination of essential oils. Then jump in with your favorite book or listen to a podcast and sip your favorite beverage and soak for a good 30 minutes. The Epsom Salts are an excellent source of Magnesium, which most of us our deficient in. You will feel amazing and sleep so soundly. 

I also give my kids "detox/epsom salt baths" a couple times a week. I use 1/2 a cup of epsom salts and then just add in 3-4 drops of essential oil with some bath oil. They love them they sleep so well. 

Here are some of my favorite combinations of essential oils for the bath:
1. Lavender & Breathe: 3 drops each
2. Frankincense & Lavender : 3 drops each
3. Aromatouch & Lime: 3 drops each
4. Rosemary & Lime: 3  drops each
5. Serenity & Aromatouch: 3 drops each

For more science behind how epsom salts support the body, cleanse the body of toxins, and balance magnesium levels, check out Dr. Axe's article on epsom salt baths. 

Enjoy yourself some great " mama time". 
Holly xo