5 Essential Oils for Coping with Mass Tragedy

My heart is broken.

This weekend my hometown has been host to multiple shootings which have killed or injured so many people. We lost a great talent, Christina Grimmie, on Friday and countless others when a night club was attacked on Saturday. The worst shooting in US history. My heart is breaking for the victims, their families and my city.

Although I know that there are more good people and more love in this world than hate, violence and psychopaths-- it can be a scary place. There are no clear answer on how to stop this trend of violence, but one things is clear: we have a duty to be persevere. We have a duty to honor those lost.

Thankfully there are some natural ways to help strengthen ourselves and our resolve while allowing us to grieve the great loss and honor the victims of these horrible attacks.

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DIY Cooling Summer Spray

I don't know about where you live, but Florida is hot in the summer. HOT. Today I went outside to get my mail and I was sweating bullets before I even got back inside. Ridiculous!

This "Cooling Summer Spray" is a great way to stay cool in the heat. You can take anywhere when are going to spend more than 5 minutes outside (or get the mail). It would be awesome to take on vacations, camping, to the beach or lake, outdoor weddings, theme parks, hiking, dog parks or anywhere else that you may be outside for longer than 5 minutes.

This DIY Spray is a fantastic way to make the outdoors more inviting, smell amazing, and you won't be a big pile of sweat at the end of the night. Sounds pretty great, huh?

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DIY Shoulder and Neck Roll-On

Have you ever thought "Oh. I'm normal!" before? You're wrong. Trust me, you're never normal.

A few weeks ago my acupuncturist told me that she was worried about how tight my shoulders and neck were. This was news to me! I never knew the muscles in my shoulder and neck were anything other than perfect. I asked her why that could happen and I got a laundry list of answers.

• Stress
• Bad posture
• Sensitive to other's energy
• Recent physical labor
• Working out
• Sleeping on the wrong pillow
• Sitting at a desk for too long

And the list goes on!

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5 Favorite Aromatherapy Diffusers

Have you ever wanted to make your house smell great for guests? Or maybe you were just looking to remove some unwanted odor (there is a reason there are no wet dog candles, you know). If so, join the club! That's why there are so many air fresheners in the world!

But did you know that air fresheners are so toxic? They currently undergo little or no testing and can say anything on their bottles! Many which say "all natural" are even full of artificial chemicals (read more here). That's why it's so important that we take matters into our hands!

And what better way to keep our families healthy while also sticking it to those shady air freshener manufacturers, then to use a diffuser!

Now only if we knew which ones were good to use.... hmm....

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Easy Garbage Disposal Cleaning Cubes

Do you have a love-hate relationships with your garbage disposal? Wanna join my club? Seriously, what is more annoying than a garbage disposal that tries to attack you with stinky water every time you turn it on?

I'm a big believer in offense when it comes to most kitchen situations, don't you? I mean isn't it better to prevent stinky water attack than trying to fix it after the sudden onset of the deadly kitchen geyser? I think we can agree on that.

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How To Use The Feelings Kit

So let's get this out in the open right now. Do you think essential oil can help with your emotions? Do you think the idea that a scent can change how you think is nuts or do you think it's so cool?! Or maybe you just don't know yet.

So let's cut to the chase-- they work. It's in research. It's a fact. It may sound crazy, but it's awesome. Don't trust me? Check out PubMed or How Emotions Are Released Using Essential Oils if you want to learn more.

I've been using essential oils to help with my emotional "issues" for years! I've used them for grief, nervousness, stress, sadness, negativity, confidence, anger, and pretty much any other emotion you can think about! What's crazy is that they also help with the physical manifestation of negative emotions!

You probably already know that emotions and the body are connected. After all, have you ever been so sad that your body hurt? Or maybe you have been so nervous that your stomach was upset? Emotions are so powerful that they can impact how we physically feel! Many times when we have no answer as to why our body is behaving a certain way-- it may be due to emotional blockages or negativity stuffed away. Once we release those patterns we can help regain control over our lives!

If you still think I'm crazy then just listen to Gary Young talk about what the feelings kit can do for your mind and body by clicking here.

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4 Ways to Clear Negativity Naturally

You are awesome. The fact that you are here reading about how to release negativity means you are taking actions to create a more authentic, happier version of YOU. How cool is that?! If I could give you a hug or a high five, I would!

Negativity is like dust-- it can just keep collecting and piling up. Eventually our piles of dust can be so thick that it's hard to see or even remember what's underneath them. But as soon as we start brushing that dust away, then we start to see the glimmer of the awesomeness that is there. It may be a negative space or a negative part of ourselves, but with a little TLC we can make it radiate with all the things that make it (or us) so amazing.

Let me share with you four very simple way that you can start taking that step forward out of negativity, but first let's have a little chat....

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Homemade Tinted Lip Gloss Recipe

Do you ever just want to make something beautiful? And how would you feel if that something beautiful helped your gorgeous self to look even more smoochable?  I know. I know. You are stunning already and you don't need anything else for your fine self, but DIY tinted lip balm (or gloss) can be a fun way to show off those amazing lips.

And if you are afraid that it just wouldn't be fair to the other ladies in your life if you looked THAT good, then you can always make a large batch and give them out spread the love!

This recipe is fun, easy and anyone can easily customize the recipe to suit any personality and style! My favorite part is that the color is just a soft tint and the lip balm is ultra-moisturizing which I need this winter!

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Breathe Deeply Chest Rub for Exercise

Did you know that you could be breathing incorrectly? Most of my life I've blamed my shoes, but lately I couldn't quite find the logic in that. I mean-- does this make sense to you?

"I hate these running shoes! They are so old. I need to upgrade. In fact, I almost died because I couldn't breathe... due to my, um, shoes." 

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DIY Foundation Powder

Wanna be a natural beauty? Of course you do! One of the best things in the world is finding a DIY that is gentle on skin and when you wear it consistently-- your skin glows!

This powder is soft and sheer. It truly is a light coverage which is exactly what I wanted. If you're looking for full coverage, you won't find it here! This works well over liquid foundation (there is a recipe at the bottom of this post) or by itself depending on the coverage you want. But the good news is that using this regularly can help improve the appearance of skin naturally. WIN!

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DIY Cuticle and Nail Serum

Do your hands need some help? I hear you. This season always gets to me too! I am totally in love with my Homemade Lavender Rose Hand Lotion. Have you tried it yet?! I hope so because it's one of my favorite DIYs in the entire world! And apparently it is so amazing that someone decided to steal it and put it in a book (which is 100% illegal. Google it). Oh, Tina... for shame! 

Life is funny like that. When life gives you lemons, you just got to make more DIYs. Seriously, it's therapeutic! You should totally try it the next time you are frustrated with something. Just make some salt scrubs and knead that salt so good. It will be so mixed up by the time you're done with it and your friends will be like "Daaaaaaaamn, girl. This is the best salt scrub ever."

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Easy DIY Car Freshener

Cars can be stinky. Especially when you have a dog and an active man who frequently ride in them. Also, I may or may not be the best at cleaning my car, but that doesn't matter and it is not important at all. What is important is that we don't have to tolerate the stink! There is a simple solution: air fresheners!

And noooo... I am not talking about those popular retail brands. I stay a million miles away from all retail air freshener products because they are one of the MOST TOXIC substances you can find! Seriously. Google it and you will probably toss out every air freshener product you own lickety-split.

FUN FACT: Did you know that most retail air fresheners are derived from petroleum and can aggravate the respiratory system? True story. If you have respiratory goals (or if you simply like to, you know, breathe) then you may want to consider ditching those plugins and sprays ASAP!
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DIY Winter Skin Care Routine

Ahhh... the weather is cooling down, but so is the humidity! I don't know about you, but my skin absolutely loves moisture and as soon as it gets a little dryer outside my face revolts! Dry skin everywhere. WATCH OUT! Stand close enough to me and you might think it's snowing. I'm serious. It can be bad!

I've gotten a few questions about what I do when the weather cools down and our skin starts to dry out so I thought I'd share with you my winter skin care routine! I just make some simple swaps in the recipes I already know and love.

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Immune Supporting Winter Tea

Do you agree that it is important to keep your immune system healthy during the fall and winter months? I totally think so! You may have doubts and if so just answer this one itty bitty teeny question..

Which sounds better? Keeping your immune system strong and helping your body naturally handle anything it encounters OR waiting until you get sick, going to the doctors and taking days off of work? It's up to you! If you answered A, then keep on reading, folks! I want to share with you one of my favorite ways to help keep my immune system strong! 

Now I am not a saying this Immune Supporting Tea will STOP you from getting sick, but it will help your body to stay in tip top shape so that it can better handle itself and the surrounding world. After all, I'm not a doctor so I can't make claims that anything would cure or prevent anything because that's just crazy (and illegal). 

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DIY Bountiful Bosom Serum to Support Breasts

Ah! October. The month where all the toxic, chemical filled products become wrapped in beautiful, pink labels to help support breast cancer. It's just so heartwarming to know that so much of the money donated to the cause is helping CEOs of companies live happier, richer lives and wrap even more toxic products in pink each October. They are doing so much for breast cancer awareness!

And since they have the topic of breast cancer on lock down, I thought that I'd just talk about breast support in general. Let's face it! At the end of the day we can all admit that happy, perky boobs are pretty great. And in a world where there is so much conflict, there is one thing that can unite us all together: the best boobs are happy both on the inside and outside.

Awwwww.... get your tissues folks! I am blowing the cap off of this sentimental thing today!

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Easy DIY Mattress Cleaners

Let's talk about mattresses. Can we just all agree right now--- mattresses are dirty.  Really, really dirty!!

In fact, they are so dirty (aka gross) that there are studies showing that preventable harmful contaminants were found in over 50% of mattresses that were cleaned regularly!! They estimated that typical home and hotel mattresses are much, much dirtier due to lack of regular cleanings! And that doesn't even begin to touch the air quality issue with dust mites and other air pollutants that surround a dirty mattress! And if you like to sleep as much as I do-- then that's a problem!

It is recommended that you wash your sheets weekly, but at most every 2 weeks. But what about your mattress? How often should you clean it? Well, it depends on some variables...

• Is your mattress without a Organic Mattress Pad?
• Are pets allowed in your bed?
• Are their "accidents" at night?
• Do you eat in bed? 
• Do you go to bed without showering first?
• Is your bed the location of sweaty hanky panky?
• Do you use your bed for more than just night-time rest?

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Essential Oil Wall Display & Storage

I am beyond excited about essential oils (duh) and I have collected quite a few of them in my years of natural living. When you start one oil at a time a single big way to store the oils seems insane (it's not) so I've been using these smaller methods: 5 Essential Oil Storage Solutions. But then I had a moment. My brain exploded when I saw my friend's visual essential oil display.

GORGEOUS.

After all, I love essential oils so YES! I WANT ONE!

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Moisturizing Serum for Feet and Dry Heels

Sorry to break it to you, but your feet need some TLC.

Our feet are under appreciated for all that they do! They holds us up and supports our bodies so we can move--- which is actually pretty important! It's vital that we take care of our feet so that when we are older, we can maintain our comfort in mobility. Plus, have you seen gross old feet? Ew. Nobody wants that.

So MAINTAIN YOUR FEET! Treat them like the amazing things they are and give them a little love. They deserve it.

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Spicy Guacamole with Lime Essential Oil

BRACE YOURSELF! One of my favorite oily cooks has offered to write a guest blog for us!! {shrieks} I am so excited! If you know Darlene Somers and follow her on social media, then you KNOW how good her food looks (I think I drool daily over her pictures) so I was so excited when we chatted about her writing a post or two for Overthrow Martha! I hope you like it and show her some love in the comments below! 

Take it away Darlene!!! {drum roll}

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25 Diffuser Recipes with Essential Oils

Alright you guys! I have polled all of my Facebook groups, my friends, my family and I have come up with the top 25 Essential Oil Blends for you to try in your diffuser! I would like to thank everybody for their suggestions!! There were so many great recipes that it was sooooo hard to narrow them down! I'll need to make Part 2!!! MWAH! Love you guys!!!

Are you ready to see the top 25 Diffuser Recipes with Essential Oils?!? This is about to get serious.

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