Thieves Hacks

I don’t know about you, but I can’t live without Thieves products. And surprisingly, neither can my husband. Like many husbands, he was an oil-skeptic—until I introduced him to Thieves. Now the man is Thieves-obsessed.

So let’s talk about some Thieves Hacks:

1. Thieves Spray—I carry this in my purse and diaper bag, and it’s also always in our park backpack on our many Disney trips. It’s perfect to spray on restaurant tables, grocery carts, and high chairs—really any surface that lots of people have touched—like the door handles in public bathrooms, yuck! I have even been known to spray utensils at restaurants after one of the kiddos has dropped them on the floor.

2. Thieves Household Cleaner—When people first see the price tag ($22 wholesale for 14.4 oz), they are a little taken aback—until I explain that that one bottle can make up to 30 gallons of cleaner. That’s about $1.05 for each 32oz all-purpose solution that you make, which is a steal! A non-toxic cleaner that can replace EVERY cleaner in your home? Yes, please! You can find hundreds of different ways to use Thieves Household Cleaner with a quick Pinterest search, but here are a few of my favs:

• A capful in the jet dry dispenser of your dishwasher
• A capful in your laundry during the wash cycle
• Mix a capful with baking soda when you need a little extra scrubbing power
• Use the all-purpose solution to spray shoes, especially stinky soccer cleats or running shoes
• Spray lunch boxes to help get rid of food odors

3. Thieves Vitality Oil—this is a must for us all year long, but especially during the fall and winter months

• It tastes wonderful in your morning coffee or tea, plus you have the added benefit of immune support.
• A drop in a spoonful of local honey when you need a little immune boost
• A drop in your holiday baking items—sugar cookies with a little taste of cinnamon and clove or added to your homemade chocolate goodies—yum!
• Add a drop in your daily Ningxia Red shot and enjoy the wellness benefits of both Ningxia Red and Thieves—this is actually my favorite NR shot.

While I’ve only talked about 3 Thieves products today, Young Living offers over 20 items in our Thieves line—there is something for everyone’s needs! If you’re not a member yet, check out our Thieves Premium Starter Kit—it’s the perfect way to get your non-toxic journey started. If you ARE a member, then make sure you are on Essential Rewards, and add the Thieves ER Kit to your order. The Thieves ER Kit is just one of the many reasons you should be on ER—it’s only $115 instead of the $151 you would pay for all the items if you aren’t on ER. Don’t be caught this season without Thieves!

Savvy Minerals Hacks & Tips

Today we have more tips from Jaynelle! This time on Young Living’s new all-natural makeup line Savvy Minerals. Enjoy:)

I am loving the new Savvy Minerals Makeup by Young Living! Each product is designed to let your true beauty shine without an artificial appearance. It is the perfect missing puzzle piece for a non-toxic, healthy lifestyle.

So, of course, no oily hacks series would be complete without tips for this fantastic line. So, I present my (drumroll) …

Top 10 Savvy Minerals Hacks

1. Create a Cream Foundation

Grab your favorite moisturizer and add minerals to it for an easy to apply cream foundation or concealer. You can even make a cream blush if you want!

2. Stretch Your Mascara

Mascara drying out? Spray your wand with the Misting Spray and get weeks more use out of it.

3. Easy Facial Cleansing

Feeling tired at the end of the day? Grab a YL Seedlings baby wipe to remove your makeup and cleanse your face.

4. Easy Brush Cleansing

Seedlings baby wipes are awesome at cleaning makeup brushes.

5. Unexpected Eye Primer

Apply a thin layer of Lavender Lip Balm on your eyelid as primer before applying eyeshadow for all-day staying power.

6. Stretch Your Eyeshadow

When applying your eyeliner, only clean your brush every other day and get multiple uses from it. Just spritz with misting spray on the second day and apply with the leftover minerals. Great for those mornings you are on the move!

7. Get Creative

Don’t worry about what the label says on your makeup – foundation can be bronzer, blush can be eyeshadow and eyeliner can be brow filler! Mix it up and play with the colors, they are all natural minerals and can be used for anything. Even try tinting your lips with some blush and lip balm OR my mom’s favorite, tint your cheeks with lipstick for a “dewy” glow – you can thank me later!

8. Make a Holiday Statement

Want a festive holiday look? Use some of the fun Savvy colors and shimmer as eyeliner for a dramatic look that everyone will notice.

9. Don’t Blow It

When using any mineral makeup, you never want to blow on the brush after you apply minerals to the brush, it can create a breeding ground for bacteria over time.

10. Makeup Ordering 101

I don’t like to run out of makeup and so I ALWAYS make sure I have a backup of whatever my staple products are. As soon as I finish a product, I grab my backup and then order a new backup. This also helps when things might go out of stock.  

And, while we’re on purchasing, also make sure you are getting YLs wholesale pricing! What woman wouldn’t want to get their makeup at a 24% discount every time they purchase?!

Are we missing any big Savvy Hacks? If so, be kind and share with us! Thanks:)

Oily Hacks for Mamas

Today, Natalie Mechell, first time-contributor and busy mom of two, shares some practical Oily Hacks for mamas. As she puts it, “Because we can always use a little more convenience and a lot more time.” We couldn’t agree more!

These little tricks have made naps and bedtimes go a little smoother, walking out the door before a busy day easier, and dealing with the seasonal-ick not quite so daunting.

So what do I do to make things easier, simpler? Here are a few of my …

Oily Hacks for Mamas

These roll-on oily hacks are easy to make and even easier to apply! Perfect for the busy oily mama. 

Immune Support

We use Thieves and Oregano Daily! This helps my family maintain healthy immune systems and protect us during the seasonal yuck we all dread come Back to School days! Here’s how to create a quick and easy immune-supporting rollerball for each of these mama must-have oils:

Thieves

What You Need

• 5 ml or 15 ml bottle of Thieves Vitality
• Fractionated coconut oil
• Roller fitment

What You Do

1. Dilute: When our Thieves bottle is about half full, I fill it back up with fractionated coconut oil for dilution. You can play with ratios to find the dilution that is best for your family!
2. Top: Click a roller fitment into the top of your bottle.
3. Roll: We roll on our spine, bottoms of feet, wrists, and – for us – wherever we can swipe really!

Oregano

What You Need

• 5 ml or 15 ml bottle of Oregano Vitality
• Fractionated coconut oil  
• Roller fitment

What You Do

1. Dilute: I pump fractionated coconut oil when our Oregano bottle is a little less than half way and then fill to the top. I dilute Oregano more because it can be quite uncomfortable when not diluted properly.
2. Top: Install roller fitment.
3. Roll: Apply on spine daily.

Sweet Dreams Support  

We love lavender! My daughter and I are big fans of this calming oil, especially when comes to our sleep routines. Here’s a quick DIY recipe for my favorite sleep blend, turned into, you guessed it: a convenient roll-on.

What You Need

• 25 drops of Lavender
• 25 drops of Stress Away
• Fractionated coconut oil
• Roller fitment
• Empty oil bottle
• Essential oil funnel

What You Do

1. Combine: Use funnel to help you neatly add oils to empty oil bottle.                                  Pro Tip: Use an empty Lavender or Stress Away bottle for the best results.
2. Dilute: Fill bottle with fractionated coconut oil.
3. Top: Place a roller fitment on top.
4. Roll: We roll this on the sides of our neck before naps and bedtime daily! (Daddy uses Lavender and Cedarwood.)

Of course this is what we use for our sleepy times, but you might love Cedarwood, Vetiver, Frankincense, or R.C.

Student Support

I use this tip to encourage my son (who is 3 years old) to not only smell great, but stay focused and tuned in to his fun-filled learning day!

What You Need

• Bottle of KidScents Geneyus
• Fractionated coconut oil
• Roller fitment

What You Do

1. Dilute: take an almost full bottle of Geneyus and fill with fractionated coconut oil. I barely dilute.
2. Top: Place roller fitment on top.
3. Roll: Roll on wrists and sides of neck before heading out the door.

Mama Support

Last but not certainly least, mama has her "perfume" I like to call it. I use a little Joy, Stress Away, and Grapefruit to give me a signature scent that keeps me bright for days.

What You Need

• 7 drops Joy
• 25 drops Stress Away
• 15 drops Grapefruit
• Fractionated coconut oil
• Roller fitment
• Empty oil bottle
• Essential oil funnel

What You Do

1. Combine: Add drops to your empty bottle carefully, using your funnel.
2. Dilute: Top off with fractionated coconut oil to dilute a little.
3. Top: Pop in a roller fitment and voila!
4. Roll: Apply wherever you would commercial perfume: neck, wrists, chest, even the back of your knees.

Of course you can change drops to your preference, but I love to smell the Stress Away!

Easy, Right?

These practical tips have helped mornings, naps and bedtimes go a little more smoothly without compromising time with too many steps.

What would you mix in a bottle and keep on hand for daily use?

Oily Hacks: Double Duty Products

Today, Jaynelle Leek-Binns – Tree of Life founding member and fearless leader – shares some of her top Oily Hacks. And believe us, she knows her stuff, so ... These. Are. Good.  

The last two weeks we’ve shared easy ways to use every last drop of your fave Young Living products. Check them out! And thanks again to our contributors Cynthia and Lindsey!

Today, I am continuing our Oily Hacks series with 20 (!) Young Living Products with more than one purpose! I call them our Dynamic DuOils, and I hope that by the end you’ll be singing my tune and trying these tips. Finding new ways to use a product you love is always a win-win and a toxic-free choice.

Did you know that you could use Young Living Lavender Lip Balm 3 different ways in your diaper bag?! Check out all of our Double Duty Products! 

1. Seedlings Wipes

Clean Savvy Mineral makeup brushes. Quickly remove makeup at night and cleanse your skin.

2. AlkaLime Powder

Make a paste with water and apply to skin for soothing benefits.

3. Mineral Essence

Apply topically to sooth skin.

Pro Tip: Can apply behind the knees(where the skin is thin) at night for kids who won’t take it.

4. Lavaderm/Misting Spray

Comb through to detangle hair. Use Lavaderm instead of Misting Spray with Savvy Minerals

5. Lavender Lotion

Use just a dab as leave in conditioner.

6. Lavender Lip Balm

Keep in your diaper bag for:

• diaper changings
• sun exposure
• aid the skin after a fall on the playground

7. Mirah Shave Oil/Seedlings Baby Oil

Add to your cosmetic bag for:

• deep conditioner for hair
• eye makeup remover
• cuticle oil
• light face primer before makeup
• razor bumps/burns

8. Rose Ointment

Keep in your bathroom for:

• smooth lips
• dry winter noses
• flyaway hairs and frizz

9. ClaraDerm

Facial moisturizer and primer for Savvy Minerals makeup.

10. Art Toner

Spray on hair for frizz control and beautiful shine.

11. Tender Tush

Soothe stretch marks and help to tighten skin.

12. Animal Scents Ointment/Rose Ointment

Use these versatile ointments in two ways:

• Coat inside your nose with q tip to help protect from toxins and outdoor exposure.
• Apply to the feet and elbows at nighttime for beautiful skin in the morning

13. Thieves Dishwasher Detergent

 Use as a scouring scrub for pots, pans, grout, sink or anything stubborn.

Pro Tip: Add a drop of lemon or orange oil for an extra punch!

14. Thieves Dentarome Plus Toothpaste

Stay fresh & clean, use as a deodorant.

15. Thieves Hand Purifier

Use to remove permanent marker and pen off of surfaces. Use to wipe down tech devices and sunglasses.

16. Thieves Household Cleaner

Achieve a deeper clean by using in carpet-cleaning vacuums - I have even seen it remove pink nail polish from carpet! Also use as stain remover for clothes or a boost in your automatic dishwasher.

Pro Tip: Use to soak and clean jewelry, but not recommended for pearls. Add baking soda for an extra punch.

17. Thieves Mouthwash

Soak oral night guard or retainer for cleansing.

18. Thieves & Lavender Foaming hand soap

 Use as facial wash.

Pro Tip: Thieves can be great for stubborn skin.

19. Thieves Dish Soap

 Clean glass stovetop (just a dab). It is the only thing that works on mine! Be sure to make your product last longer by dispensing in a foaming pump.

20 Thieves Spray

Use under your arms on  hot days and inside your shoes. Keep in your bag as an "on the go" spot remover.  

Did we miss any of your Double Duty Products? If so, keep the conversation going and share below!

Oily Hacks: Get the Most out of Your Favorite Products (Part II)

Lindsey Barger is our guest contributor today. We love her product-stretching hacks that solve some real head scratchers...How do you get the kids not use half of the shampoo in one shower? And what do you do with empty oil bottles? Read on and then check out the rest of her posts here.

If you are like me, you probably had a little bit of sticker shock when we joined Young Living. It seems like quite a lot for just a little. As time went on, I began to understand the quality and purpose put into each and every product that Young Living creates. It is kind of frustrating to think back to before I joined the company and realize how much money I was actually wasting on day-to-day products.  

Back in the Day: The Biggest, Cheapest Shampoo

Back in the day of weekly trips to Walmart, I would browse the shampoo aisle for the biggest, cheapest bottle of shampoo. I recall going through those massive bottles so fast that shampoo was a frequent item on my shopping list. I would always run out of conditioner first, even after buy two bottles to the one bottle of shampoo. Comparing that to my family’s wash routine now blows my mind. All of those bottles add up! Not only was it harming the pocket book, but our skin was absorbing all of those dangerous synthetics!

A Better Alternative

Don’t freak out, people! There is a better alternative.

If you are a Young Living product user you know “a little goes a long way.” Everything is very concentrated. Or is it just that everything else is so watered down? Whichever perspective you use, we can both agree, we want more bang for our buck. Now, how can you do that without sacrificing quality? If you answered Young Living, you are right! I’ll share with you a few of my product extending hacks.

Even Better: Product-Extending Hacks

Hack #1: Foam Pumps FTW!

Let’s see a raise of hands from those of you who have children with soap moderation issues. You know what I mean. You’ve just purchased a new bottle of shampoo, you’ve sent the kid to be responsible and wash their own hair and body. And to NOT make a mess! (Why do we do this to ourselves? We know they are incapable.) When you do follow up with the process, you know you will find the bathroom flooded and the brand-new bottle of shampoo half-empty. Oh, wait! And the top of your precious child’s head is still dry. Am I right? Where did that soap go?!

Foam pumps means you don't have to monitor your kids' shampoo habits. A win all around. 

Prior to this my husband or myself would have to ration the Young Living Shampoo. They were not allowed to dispense their own shampoo. It was just too costly to watch swirl down the drain.

The day I came across this trick I nearly fell out of my seat. (I can’t recall who it was but whoever you are THANK YOU!)

Drum roll please!...........

Foam pumps!  Yes, you can put shampoo in them too! And the kids won’t go through it all in one night! I know, right? Why didn’t I think of that sooner!

So here we are with a 8oz Lavender Volume Shampoo, $19.75 (wholesale), $25.99 (retail). I tell you they can last as long, or longer, as giant bottle of shampoo without all of the unwanted additives.

You can also duplicate this with Young Living’s Bath and Shower Gels.

When it comes to the conditioner it’s just so thick that you can feel that it will take a fraction of the average big glob of the standard store-bought kind.

Stretch this awesome face wash for a year of use with our foam pump hack. 

You can use a foam pump for the Orange Blossom Facial Wash too. This is especially nice with the face wash. I have used and love the Art Cleanser, which is already in a foam pump. However, I can make the Orange Blossom last much longer. I’ve had my tiny 4oz bottle for more than a year and I think it will last a couple more months. Note that I wash my face twice a day. Paying $41.00 (wholesale), $53.95 (retail), for luxurious face wash that will last almost a year and a half, I would say, is well worth it.

Hack #2: Empty-Bottle Solutions!

When you’ve been using oils as much as I have, over the years you acquire quite the collection of empty bottles. I know that I don’t want to throw them out because they still smell so strongly of oils it seems like a waste. I have learned a few tricks for squeezing out every last drop of oil from the bottle.

Option 1: Oil-Infused Soaking Bath

My favorite way to make use of these beautiful empty bottles is to toss the separated orifice reducer, lid and bottle into a bath with Epsom salt and baking soda. Make sure the bottles you choose are not of the hot oil variety for a soaking bath. If you prefer a shower put these things into a big bowl on the floor of the shower, allowing the water to collect in the bowl. This will have a similar effect with the diffused steam. You will be surprised at how much oil still resides in those empty bottles. It is a great way to ensure you have used every last drop available.

Option 2: Oil-Powered Baking Soda

These bottles are good to the last drop! Don't miss even one with this awesome (and easy) natural cleaning hack. 

Try making an powering baking soda with essential oils. Baking soda can be such a blessing when it comes to cleaning house. Having Purification scented baking soda, Thieves scented baking soda, or any innumerable combinations of oily smells, would be even nicer. Just open up and uncork an empty bottle and seal all three parts of the bottle in a bowl of baking soda. Now you can freshen a smelly trash can, a cat litter box, a musty broom closet, smelly sneakers, the list goes on. A bowl ready with a little scoop inside for scrubbing the bathtub and toilet is another of my favorite ways to make use of empty bottles.  Chemical free cleaning, that smells great, brought to you by an empty bottle. Pretty cool, huh?

Hack #3: Double the Use of your Seedling Baby Wipes!

Make your Seedling Baby Wipes last twice as long: You just need scissors and five minutes, woo hoo! 

I have one last trick for you.

Have you smelled the new Seedlings Baby Wipes? If you haven’t you are missing out! They are AMAZING! I don’t have babies anymore but I love the smell so much I have found a few good reasons for keeping them handy. A package of 72 wipes is $11.75 (wholesale), $15.46 (retail). How about doubling those wipes? Do you remember those refillable flushable wipe containers? They are half the size of a standard baby wipe container. Now the Seedlings wipes are really sturdy wipes. They are almost wash cloth material! I believe half of a wipe could hold up better than a full store bought wet wipe any day. Take one package of the Seedlings Baby Wipes, with a good pair of scissors, and cut them in half. You could divide them between two refillable wipes containers or into one or more zip storage bags. I keep some in my car, a few in my purse, and of course in the bathroom as well.

Any Hacks to Share?

With great products comes great responsibility! How will you extend the life of your Young Living treasures?

Oily Hacks: Get the Most Out of Your Favorite Products

Our  guest blogger today is Cynthia Lengefeld: wife, mom, grandma and a Young Living Silver. We love her practical approach to oils and we’re excited to share her budget-friendly post today! Get in touch for more tips!

Did someone mention oily hacks?  Let’s talk!  Everyone loves a money-stretching product tip, am I right?!

Don't leave a bit of product in the packaging! We share our top tips on how to stretch product life and get the most bang for your buck.

Squeeze Out Extra Value: Thrifty Tube Trick

Let’s start with all the products in the squeeze tubes: Thieves Aromabright Toothpaste, Thieves Dentarome Toothpaste, Satin Facial Scrub Mint, Shutran Shave Cream, Seedlings Diaper Rash Cream, KidScents Tender Tush, KidScents Slique Toothpaste, Cool Azul Pain Relief Cream, Cool Azul Sports Gel, and Prenolone +.

When these tubes seem empty, they aren’t! They hold (what seems like to me) an endless supply of product. When the squeezing stops producing results, use scissors to cut the tube about an inch or two below the crimped edge. Open that baby up, and you’ll see ALL the goodness still screaming to be used. Don’t discard that cute little crimped top. It acts as a lid and protector as it slips right inside the end of the tube.  Don’t be afraid to dip that toothbrush or your clean fingers inside the tube, to grab the last bit of product. It could last another week! Who doesn’t want a week of “free” product?!

Recipe for Savings: Just Add Distilled Water

Since we are all interested in maximizing our dollars, let’s talk about how a little distilled water could change your life!  How about that Thieves Hand Soap?  Purchase the refill (always), and then when refilling the foaming pump bottles fill ½ with the soap refill and the other half with distilled water.  You’re welcome!  

Oh, the distilled water trick? Try it on your Orange Blossom Face Wash, too. In fact, repurpose a foaming hand soap dispenser for your Orange Blossom Face Wash/distilled water mixture. Combine 1/3 OBFW + 2/3 distilled water = instant OBFW foaming awesomeness!  

Smells Like Savings: Get the Most Out of Your Deodorant

I almost forgot about the Mountain Mint or Mountain Mist deodorant! When the deodorant pad has been rolled up as far as it will roll, and you KNOW (because you can see it) there is more deodorant but the silly things keeps falling off the stem, just take the deodorant pad off the stem. I keep the deodorant pad face down in the deodorant cap and throw the rest of the pieces and parts away.

Around my house, I never get the new deodorant! I get the pad off the old one when my husband is ready for a new stick. My “pad” lasts me as long as it takes him to use the whole stick! If you are a bit squeamish about using a “used” deodorant pad, just take a tissue and wipe it off before you apply it the first time.

Need More? Get in Touch!

Follow this blog, or message me for more oily hacks. Like hacks for the Seedlings Baby Wipes and Thieves dish soap and lemon oil and cedarwood oil and Thieves cleaner…...  Did you know you can use it for……  ??   Message me OilTogetherNow@gmail.com☺  Blessings to you, Cynthia Lengefeld, #1339187

Oily Hacks for Any Budget (Our New Series!)

Did you know that adding 1-2 drops of Lavender oil to you mascara not only purifies your makeup, but also promotes beautiful long lashes?

Or did you know that essential oils can help you cut energy costs? Just add a few drops of your favorite aromatic oil to wool dryer balls (we LOVE Purification, so good!) to help reduce drying time by 50% (!!). Your clothes will also be fresh, wrinkle-free and non-toxic. Plus, banish dryer sheets from your shopping list for good!

Oily Hacks: Use Your Oils the Smart Way

If you're just getting started with essential oils or you're ready to dig deeper, we’d love for you to check out our next series. We've asked our Tree of Life members to share their best Oily Hacks (think quick beauty tips, budget-friendly strategies or easy household tricks) to help you use your oils everyday, the smart way.

Like did you know that adding 3-5 drops of lemon oil to your automatic dishwasher detergent (like the awesome Thieves automatic dishwasher detergent!) will give your dishes commercial-worthy sparkle every time? Yes, really.  

We hope you're loving these hacks! And you'll want to come back for more soon and often, right? Follow us on Facebook or Pinterest to make sure you don’t miss a post. More to come in October!