The "Diet" drink does opposite of what you think!

As the weather gets warmer, finding refreshing drinks become a must!

You know that water is healthiest for you, but it may get a little boring sometimes. Maybe you love juice or are tempted by a diet drink.

Diet drinks have been around for years! It seems to offer a good alternative for those who are watching their caloric consumption or just want less sugar in their diet. But are they really as healthy as it sounds? Or is there more to the chemicals used in place of the sugar than may meet the eye? The answer is Yes!

Do Artificial Sweeteners Work?

According to research done by Brooke Alpert, RD and author of The Sugar Detox, "the artificial sweeteners can have a more intense flavor than real sugar, so over time products like diet soda dull our sense to naturally sweet foods like fruit. Even more troubling, these sugar stand-ins have been shown to have the same effect on your body as sugar. They can trigger insulin which sends your body into fat storage mode and leads to weight gain."

Let me say repeat that last part.... "and leads to weight gain."  Say What?! That's right. Most likely if you are trying to lose weight and are drinking diet drinks, you may be having a hard time getting the weight off or keeping it off!

Also a study done back in 2009 of over 3,000 women found a link between diet drinks and kidney problems.

Researchers found that women who drank two or more diet pop/sodas a day had as much as a 30% decrease in kidney function.

Are There Safe Alternatives?

While water is always the best solution for hydrating your body, sometimes it can be nice to have something a little sweet or bubbly. I know that diet pop/soda offers that kick of caffeine that may be needed for the morning or afternoon pick me up but you may see that by hydrating your body with proper food and liquids, that your need for that caffeine fix will diminish.  

What options are available that can be safe and delicious?

To give you multiple options, I've put together a list of drink ideas and substitutions! Remember that these healthier options help support healthy metabolism, energy, mood and more!! Things such as a few slices of fresh fruit mixed with a few drops of essential oils can be fun and refreshing! What is your favorite combination for a healthy drink substitute?

Stay hydrated and feel free to post on our Facebook page or below in the comments, your favorite Essential Oil twist on water or other healthier alternative recipe blend! I would love to hear your ideas!

Have a great week!

xoxo

April

P.S. Join me LIVE on Facebook- everyday in June at 9am Eastern. If you can't catch me LIVE,  the recordings will be posted there, so click on the link above to join in on the 30 Days of Coffee Connections with April. Successful tips on how to live your live full of Purpose, Passion and Persistence! (with the emotional benefits of essential oils tucked in too).

P.S.S.Wanting to make that positive step towards a healthier you but don't know where to start? Email me: april@yourvibrantessence.com and I will help guide you in that direction!

Whipped Foot Lotion with Essential Oils:)

Are your mom's feet resembling sand paper at all?

No worries, we have it covered!  This amazing Whipped Foot Lotion is just what her dry feet needs. It is a light and very moisturizing lotion that she can really use anywhere on her body. For the best results, add a generous amount to feet with socks before sleep. She will love the results and she will love you for making it for her!

What You Need:

1 teaspoon beeswax
2 tablespoons cocoa butter
4 tablespoons shea butter
1 tablespoon  virgin coconut oil
2 tablespoons Fractionated Coconut Oil
5 drops certified pure Peppermint essential oil
5 drops certified pure Melaleuca essential oil

Directions:

1.In a small glass container, combine all ingredients except essential oils. Place in saucepan with 1-1.5 inches of boiling water.
2. Stir ingredients until combined (around 5-10 minutes).
Note: Use a popsicle stick for easy cleanup.
3. Once melted, remove from heat and let rest for 3 minutes.
4. Add essential oils and stir.
5.Let mixture come to a solid. To quicken the process, place in refrigerator.
6. Once solid, use an electric mixer to whip the lotion. Gradually come to high speed and whip for 3-4 minutes or until light and fluffy.
7. Place into container. To use, rub on heels to help soften and soothe them. For the best results, add a generous amount to feet with socks before you go to sleep.

Can you say Ahhh?!

If you are like me,  you love home made gifts! Treat mom with this natural, non- toxic lotion with no synthetics! It smells amazing!

WONDERING WHERE TO GET ESSENTIAL OILS?
There seems to be new essential oil companies popping up every day, but I’ve used the highest quality essential oils for over 3 years and I’ll never go anywhere else. The oils are third-party tested for purity (you can SMELL the difference if you compare them to other brands), ethically sourced around the globe, and I love that they are a humanitarian-geared company. I’m happy to personally help you know the difference and have you experience them for yourself!
Click here to connect with me!

To join the Your Vibrant Essence FaceBook Group! Click Here

To your Health and Happiness,

~April

Get access to your Free eBook "Essential Oils for Beginners" HERE

Aromatic Benefits of Essential Oils

The olfactory bulb transmits smell information from the nose to the brain, and is thus necessary for a proper sense of smell. The olfactory bulb is a part of the limbic system. It performs the important task of controlling the nerves related to odor in the brain system. Even if someone does not have a sense of smell, they can still benefit from inhalation of oils because of the wonderful work of the olfactory bulb.

Using essential oils can influence you in a variety of ways, including aromatherapy to improve moods.

Just simply inhaling the aroma of an essential oil can be effective for calming nervous or anxious feelings, but here are a few examples of aromatic benefits targeting specific purposes.

• An inhalation of the Elevation joyful blend (lavender, hawaiian sandalwood, tangerine, melissa, ylang ylang, elemi, osmanthus, lavandin and lemon myrtle) or Citrus Bliss invigorating blend (wild orange, lemon, grapefruit, madarin, bergamot, tangerine and clementine) first thing in the morning can help you wake up and get motivated.
• Diffusing eucalyptus and basil throughout the day can help you stay productive.
• Peppermint and wild orange can help you stay focused. 
• Peppermint or Breathe respiratory blend (eucalyptus, peppermint, laurel, melaleuca, lemon, ravensara and cardamon) can help you through a workout.
• Diffuse or drop a few drops to your pillow of lavender or vetiver at night for a more restful sleep.

Try These Diffuser Blends to Help You Get Through Your Day!

Sunshine For Your Day
3 drops Bergamot
3 drops Wild Orange
1-2 drops Ylang Ylang

Avoid the Afternoon Blahs
2 drops Lemongrass
4 drops Wintergreen
3 drops Wild Orange

Time to Relax
3 drops Vetiver
3 drops Lavender
4 drops Cedarwood

WONDERING WHERE TO GET ESSENTIAL OILS?
There seems to be new essential oil companies popping up every day, but I’ve used the highest quality essential oils for over 3 years and I’ll never go anywhere else. The oils are third-party tested for purity (you can SMELL the difference if you compare them to other brands), ethically sourced around the globe, and I love that they are a humanitarian-geared company. I’m happy to personally help you know the difference and have you experience them for yourself!
Click here to connect with me!

To join the Your Vibrant Essence FaceBook Group! Click Here

To your Health and Happiness,

~April

Get access to your Free eBook "Essential Oils for Beginners" HERE

6 Quick & Easy Tips for a Less Toxic Home

Are you committed to a healthy, happy family-- beginning with your home? Get ready to walk through your house and see how many of these tips will make a dramatic impact in eliminating toxins!

Get Rid of Plastic and Switch to Glass

Plastic, unless it is BPA free it will leak chemicals you don’t want in your water or food.  Also if you like to add essential oils to your water, the plastic will want to soak the oil in. The plastic doesn’t deserve my oils! Glass is better than plastic for leftovers (especially in the microwave), water bottles, storing food, you name it, it is just better, period.

Switch Out Your Toxic Cleaning Products

I began with changing all my toxic products out for non-toxic cleaning products. Instead of using Bleach, Windex, furniture polish, and corrosive bathroom cleaners, I switched all of my products to environmentally safe,effective and kid friendly! You can use whatever organic non-toxic product that speaks to you. I personally like Shaklee and Norwex. But I mostly use essential oils and water! Easy and very inexpensive too!

Use Non-Toxic Skin Care and Hand Soaps

You might not think of it but everything you put on your body matters. From what you wash your clothes and dishes with, to what you put on your body. Foaming soap is less messy and better all around as a hand soap option as a opposed to liquid soap. I make my own Peppermint foaming hand wash and it doesn’t dry out or crack my hands! I use body soap and facial products that are made with natural ingredients and essential oils.

Eat More Organic

I know it is hard to make the shift because it costs more. But think of it as an investment to yourself and your family, it costs less than the price of illness or cancer. Organic is safer and meets higher standards.  Try to eat very little packaged and processed foods.  Try to eat more natural food than processed foods. Think or your body as your car, what you fuel your car with will make a difference on it’s performance and life expectancy.

Clean Up Those Messes!

The cleaner the environment you surround yourself in will make a world of difference between how you feel emotionally and what you are able to get done.  A clean house also keeps you healthier, germs are cleaned up and you are less likely to get sick. Running a diffuser with essential oils like lemon, peppermint or wild orange will not only fill the air with a wonderful aroma but will have therapeutic effects for uplifting mood and killing germs!

Use Essential Oils

LEMON: Diffuse to neutralize odors and elevate mood. Use to clean kitchen counters, or to polish wood and stainless steel appliances. Dissolves sticky residue, and works to remove marker and crayon from surfaces. Add to baking soda to make a scrub cleaner.
PEPPERMINT: Mix with water and mist in corners for a natural deterrent for spiders and ants.
WILD ORANGE: Use to clean surfaces and polish wood. Elevates mood while it degreases and shines. Mix with fractionated coconut oil for hand sanitizer.
ROSEMARY: Refreshes musty smelling laundry and washing machines. Degreases surfaces.
LAVENDER: Diffuse or mist onto bedding for a restful sleep. Add to laundry soap for fresh smelling linens.
EUCALYPTUS: Add to washing machines to get rid of dust mites in bedding.
THYME: Mist onto surfaces to keep germs away.
OREGANO: Use for your most germ ridden places, such as toilet bowls and most heavily used surfaces, to prevent illnesses from spreading in your home.

WONDERING WHERE TO GET ESSENTIAL OILS?
There seems to be new essential oil companies popping up every day, but I’ve used the highest quality essential oils for over 3 years and I’ll never go anywhere else. The oils are third-party tested for purity (you can SMELL the difference if you compare them to other brands), ethically sourced around the globe, and I love that they are a humanitarian-geared company. I’m happy to personally help you know the difference and have you experience them for yourself!
Click here to connect with me!

To join the Your Vibrant Essence FaceBook Group! Click Here

To your Health and Happiness,

~April

Get access to your Free eBook "Essential Oils for Beginners" HERE

DIY Bunny Bath Fizzies

To Your Family From Ours, We wish you a very wonderful weekend! Wishing you time spent with family and creating memories that will last a lifetime! Enjoy this fun bunny recipe! Happy Easter!!

DIY Bunny Bath Fizzies

1 cup baking soda
1/2 cup Citric Acid
1/2 cup cornstarch
3 tablespoon epsom salt
2 teaspoons Sweet Almond Oil
3/4 teaspoon water
15-20 drops Lemon Essential Oil
or Lavender Essential Oil
food coloring or soap dye (optional)

Wilton Bunny Silicone Treat Mold

In a large bowl combine baking soda, citric acid, cornstarch and epsom salt. In a small bowl combine almond oil, water, essential oil, and food coloring.
Pour wet mixture into dry mixture. Mix with a whisk until fully combined. Use your hands to press bath bomb mixture into mold. Dry overnight before removing from mold.
Tip: if the mixture needs more water use a spray bottle and lightly spray until you reach the right consistency. Be careful not to add too much water or the mixture will start to fizz. Test the mix by grabbing a handful, if it holds it’s shape it’s ready.

WONDERING WHERE TO GET ESSENTIAL OILS?
There seems to be new essential oil companies popping up every day, but I’ve used the highest quality essential oils for over 3 years and I’ll never go anywhere else. The oils are third-party tested for purity (you can SMELL the difference if you compare them to other brands), ethically sourced around the globe, and I love that they are a humanitarian-geared company. I’m happy to personally help you know the difference and have you experience them for yourself!
Click here to connect with me!

To join the Your Vibrant Essence FaceBook Group! Click Here

To your Health and Happiness,

~April

Get access to your Free eBook "Essential Oils for Beginners" HERE