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?

New (YAY!!) Young Living Products

Every year, the Young Living International Grand Convention is a little like Christmas. We are renewed by quality time with our team, and we eagerly await new product announcements. 

Let’s just say Santa was especially on point this year.

So much to be excited about! Natural makeup, gentle baby products and new OTC faves.

We are pumped. P-U-M-P-E-D about new convention products. We plan to share even more detail about new products in the next few weeks, but we wanted to introduce them asap. Some things are just too good to keep to ourselves.

Pro Tip: Most new products are available now and eligible for Essential Rewards order July 1.

New Product Lines

Two new product lines to LOVE.

Seedlings

Introducing Seedlings: Baby showers and restocking the nursery just got a lot easier!

Pure, plant-based and perfect for baby, the Seedlings line takes the harmful chemicals and guesswork out of infant care. New parents don’t need DIY projects (unless you’re up for super parent of the decade, then here you go), they need peace of mind. Plus, calming oil and linen spray? That’s something every care taker can get behind.  

Line currently includes:

• Body Wash & Shampoo
• Body Lotion
• Baby Wipes
• Diaper Rash Cream
• Baby Oil
• Linen Spray (Coming Soon)

Savvy Minerals

Stay tuned for much more on this line coming soon! For now know that Young Living’s makeup, Savvy Minerals, is everything you’d expect from Young Living: pure, quality, natural, none of the cheap synthetic stuff.  

Make room in your makeup bag for your new favorite cosmetic line including:

• Foundation
• Eye Shadow
• Bronzer
• Blush
• Lip Color (Gloss and Stick)
• Misting Spray
• Multitasker
• Veil Powder

And, There’s More …

A few more convention highlights!

New Desert Mist Diffuser

The Desert Mist Diffuser uses ultrasonic frequency technology to release the goodness of your favorite aromatic essential oils. Some of our favorite features of this humidifier/atomizer/diffuser:

• On-trend Moroccan styling
• 11 light settings
• Up to 10 hours of running time 

OTC Products

Communing with nature just got a natural boost from these OTC and EPA approved products.

• Mineral Sunscreen Lotion: Protect your skin from UV rays naturally with this water and sweat resistant 10 SPF (stay in the sun 10x longer or about 90min of protection) sunscreen.
• After Sun Spray: Moisturizes, soothes and cools skin. Reach for it with sunburns and minor burns, cuts and scraps.
• Insect repellent: Say bye bye bugs, and hello to DEET-free, natural repellent.

Nutrition Products

Young Living debuted 3 nutrition products that are all about helping you achieve better wellness.

• Super Cal Plus: Support bone health and density with this vitamin-packed calcium supplement.
• AminoWise: Give your muscles some love post-workout with this blend designed to build, repair and replenish.
• AlkaLime Single-Serve Packs: Reach for these convenient packs for stomach relief on-the-go.

Planning to try any of these products? Let us know or ask questions in the comments!

Oils for Mom

I have two boys. 1 and 3. Whenever I tell someone my kids’ ages, they say “You’re busy!” Then I get the smile ... that smile somewhere between “you can do it!” and lots of empathy, especially from mamas who are no longer in the toddler trenches with me.

And they’re right. Having two kids two years apart is no joke. I mean, we laugh a lot. But each day carries it’s own challenges. And that’s why I’m thankful for the help I get from wonderful little Young Living bottles.

So today, as a mom, I’m sharing which oils are on my and my fellow Tree of Life mom bloggers most-used lists. Use it as an inspiration for how to use Essential Oils in your family or as a shopping list for a special mom in your life.  

Joy, Rose, DiGize, Thieves, just a few of faves for moms! The best of the best #BecauseYouDeserveIt. Happy Mother's Day! 

Mood Support:

Full-time moms, working-moms, work-from-home moms: we all work a lot. And I hope I’m not the only one with a few racing thoughts now and then. (Have your recently cooked while your toddler gets out every pan you own and places them right where you need to stand? Bananas.) Anyway, mood support makes me think of a cheesy, but nonetheless true cliche: If mama ain’t happy, nobody's happy.

• Joy: I rub a little Joy over anyone’s heart in my family when a grumpy mood hits. That includes me down to my one year old. Want to learn more about Joy? We’ve written about it a lot. I especially love this mom’s perspective from Michelle McKool.
• Lavender: I love lavender for minor head tension. It’s also a great way to prepare for a sweet night’s sleep. As an oily MVP, it’s also great for DIY beauty creams and dryer balls for fresh laundry.
• Progessence Plus Serum: Hormone support often goes hand-in-hand with mood support. I love mom and grandma’s Cynthia Lengefeld’s post on how Progessence Plus Serum changed her life.  

Home Cleaning:

It’s not glamorous (and hopefully you have plenty of helping hands), but home cleaning is often part of the mom job description. I’ve been working toward a Chemical-Free house cleaning routine, and of course, essential oils and essential oil-infused products have helped a ton on that journey.

• Purification: Here’s a “Quick: guests are coming, let’s freshen up” tip. Just diffuse Purification. It (duh alert) purifies the air with a refreshing, welcoming scent.

• Thieves Household Cleaner: Love this stuff! I use it everywhere. The bathroom, kitchen, floors. Plus, it’s a great value. I’ve been using it for nearly two years and I’m still on my first bottle!

• Lemon: I add lemon and vinegar to my Thieves Cleaner all-purpose recipe for fresh, streak-free clean everywhere! Lemon is also a go-to any stubborn stickiness. As a bonus to teen moms: Lemon helps students concentrate while studying.

Wellness Faves:

As mamas, we also work hard to keep our kids (and husbands) healthy. In my family, this involves a lot of hand washing and a few of these bottles.

• Thieves: While some mornings get away from me, I try to put a couple drops of Thieves blend on everyone’s feet before they head out the door. This includes me! When I slack, I can tell. It’s truly an essential part of my daily routine.
• Peace & Calming or Peace & Calming II: My 3 year old loves (and requests) Peace & Calming before bed. A couple drops helps him settle down for a peaceful night’s sleep.
• Digize: We also write about Digize a lot. It’s great for pregnant mamas and little ones.

Pro Tip: Low on energy? Suzanne Rodolfich gives a great energy boosting suggestion  in her Postpartum Oils post.

Beauty Faves:

And what mama-must have list is complete without a little treat yo’self section? Using Essential Oils for DIY beauty serums is actually a way I have bonded with my own mom over Essential Oils.

• Ylang Ylang: We both have curly hair and have found adding a drop of Ylang Ylang to wet hair once or twice a week has really nourished our locks and encouraged our curls. Plus, it smells amazing.
• Rose: This is the treat yourself of all treat yourself oils. A valuable and highly-prized oil, this floral delight can be applied topically for healthy, youthful looking skin.  
• Myrrh: This oil is a great night time moisturizer. I was inspired to add it to my regular routine by Jaynelle, she included it to her top 5 oils!

Happy Mother’s Day from Tree of Life! Which oil would you share with a mom in your life?

Newborn & Baby Oils

Welcome to our Family + Essential Oils series. We plan to cover every age and stage: Oils for Toddlers, Moms, Dads, Grandparents and Family Vacation. Someone we left out? Let us know in the comments and we’ll add them to our plan!

This is actually our second week, so if you missed our Postpartum post, take the time to catch up (we’ll wait:). Oh, and while you’re at it, check out the Top 10 Oils for Pregnancy – it happens to be one of our all-time top 10 posts.

Ok, now that we’ve talked mamas-to-be and new mamas, we’re ready to share some general guidelines and tips for using oils with your baby.

Essential Tips for Your Oily Baby

Ready for baby's first oil? Try out these oily newborn tips. 

Ingestion Tips

Gotcha! No tips here. Young Living suggests waiting until after babyhood to try any of our vitality line with your child. We agree! The oils are powerful and highly concentrated for such little bodies.

Topical Tips

Young Living’s official recommendation for littles 0-1 is a 1:8 oil to carrier ratio. We say that’s a good starting point, but remember that every baby is different. Test dilution with your little one.

And if you are going to try a new oil on your child it’s a good idea to use just a drop or two on a small patch first, like the forearm. After a successful patch test (a few minutes with no reaction), you can apply as needed!

Pro Tip: Apply the essential oils first, followed by your favorite dilution oil.  

Aromatic Tips

Again, think “start gently” when it comes to aromatically sharing oils with your baby. You can create a bond with baby by simply wearing an oil while skin to skin. And, just like the topical patch test, you will want to diffuse an oil for a short time at first to ensure your child has no sensitivity.

First Oily Days

In their Oils for the Nursery post, Young Living lists a few oils to use with caution with your baby.

• Idaho Tansy
• Clary Sage
• Hyssop
• Wintergreen
• Eucalyptus
• Peppermint

While watching for these oils is a good idea, it’s an even better idea to try out some of our favorites to support your little one’s health.

• Ear Support: Melrose & Roman Chamomile, apply 1-2 drops behind and around ears
• Diapering Support:
  • Lavender & Frankincense, apply 1-2 drops on diaper area after a change with some coconut oil
  • Try our DIY Baby Powder
•  Respiratory Support: Lavender or Peace & Calming, apply to chest, bottom of feet and diffuse intermittently during nap. Also, try diffusing Lavender & SniffleEase during the night or nap.
• Sleep support: Lavender & Cedarwood,1-2 drops on chest and bottom of feet.
• Mood Support: Frankincense & Joy, 1-2 drops over the heart
• Digestive Support: DiGize/TummyGize, apply over the chest and belly 15 - 20 minutes before feedings. You can also apply after feeding, if needed.
• Gut Health: Fennel, apply 1-2 drops over the colon area, rub clockwise

And that’s it, baby! Again, let us know if there are any ages or family members you’d like to see included in our series and we’ll get a writer on it!