On Guard by DoTerra Essential Oils with Connie Koerth

I met a lovely lady at a Women In Management event a few years ago. She patiently explained essential oils to me and sporadically through the last few years, I would contact her with questions, to make purchases, etc...

This lovely lady is Connie Koerth and she is a DoTerra wellness advocate who lives not far from me (she's in Brillion, WI and I'm in Reedsville). I found her knowledge and expertise, as well as her DoTerra products to be irreplaceable during my last two pregnancies and continue to use oils in my every day life. I recently had the opportunity to test out DoTerra's 'On Guard' product line. Connie provided me with cleaning spray, a roll on applicator, hand sanitizer, some cough drops, and a small bottle of the oil. The timing for testing couldn't have been better as we just had the stomach flu, the common cold, and pneumonia going through our family.

The primary benefits of 'On Guard' blend by DoTerra:
* Supports healthy immune function
* Protects against environmental threats
* Cleans surfaces
*Purifies the skin while promoting healthy circulation
*Energizing and uplifting aroma

The ingredients are:
* Wild Orange Peel
* Clove Bud
* Cinnamon Bark
* Eucalyptus Leaf/Stem
* Rosemary Leaf/Flower

The flu that was going around was said to take 24-48 hours to get out of your system. I truly believe that by cleaning with 'On Guard' and using it on my hands, that it was the reason I was better within 18 hours. This was important because I needed to care for the rest of the family. Thank you to Connie and DoTerra for the opportunity to learn more about this great product line.

And now...for a fabulous interview with the lovely Connie Koerth!

...interview by Crystal J. Casavant-Otto

Crystal: How Long Have You Been using Essential Oils and what drew you to them initially?

Connie: We started using essential oils in the fall of 2011 after being introduced to them from another mom. They intrigued me because the mom who introduced me to them knew our story about our daughter who had leukemia at the time. She offered us to try a sample of peppermint to help with her many headaches. It totally worked and I became very intrigued after that.


Crystal: What led you to DoTerra and what keeps you loyal to this particular company?

Connie: That mom was using doTERRA and I hadn't even heard of essential oils so I wasn't brand loyal. However, after using them on our family and learning more about the integrity of the company and how they will never sacrifice quality, I quickly knew I was with the right company.


Crystal: Was it difficult to start your own business - what advice would you give someone who is interested in becoming their own DoTerra boss?

Connie: Not difficult at all to start my own business, though interestingly I had NO intention of doing it as a business in the beginning because like so many of us, I didn't have time, too busy, can't "sell", and so on. However, I couldn't help but share samples of oils with others because that's what we do. If someone is suffering with allergies or trouble sleeping or stress, I can't stay silent! I find out if they are open to using essential oils and offer them a sample. From there, they always came back to me stating how much they helped and asked how to get their own. Before I knew it, I was making enough to cover the cost of my oils each month and then decided to make this a business. My advice would be for anyone thinking about owning their own doTERRA business is to find a mentor who will keep you accountable as you set goals and will celebrate with you through every success.


Crystal: If you could only have 2 DeTerra oils in your cupboard, which would you chose and why? (I know it's a hard one...sorry)

Connie: If I could only have two oils, one would for sure be On Guard. I always tell me people if my house was burning down and I could only grab one oil, it would be On Guard. It is so effective for immune support. The other oil would have to be Balance. It's a grounding blend that smells amazing and is my go-to oil when I feel overwhelmed and stressed and have way too many things to do and not enough time to do them. It totally helps me center myself and focus.


Crystal: I feel really special now that I know that - and you were willing to share your favorite with me! Thank you!!!

What upcoming classes are you planning on offering?

Connie: I'm SO excited about my upcoming classes! I always offer a monthly Intro to Essential Oils class but I have many new classes coming up that I haven't taught before. One of them is called Essential Emotions which helps us understand our emotions and how essential oils can help us. I also have a few Make & Take classes planned including Fido &Felix which is sprays that guests can make for their pets, Mamas & Babies which will include making roller bottles to help both mom and baby. In the spring I will for sure do my Cleaning with Essential Oils class which is always a big hit because I demonstrate how quick, easy, and incredibly cheap it is to make your own cleaning supplies for pennies and there's no harsh chemicals in them! My classes can be found on our Team Bloom Eventbrite page which will list not only my classes but others on our team as well which stretch from Green Bay and beyond: http://www.eventbrite.com/o/team-bloom-8023234234


Crystal: I can't wait to share these opportunities with my other mom friends!

As a nursing mom, I'm cautious. Are there any oils that nursing moms should completely avoid?

Connie: For a nursing mom, the main oil that I've learned you should probably avoid is peppermint as it has the potential to diminish milk supply. However, many moms do use it with no problem. It comes down to what you feel comfortable for your body.


Crystal: I'm glad you mention that, I'm very cautious when it comes to ingesting oils. Some people are comfortable with that and it's great for them and yet some of us are more comfortable with topical applications. I appreciate how you respect that about each of your customers.

What's next for you and DoTerra? Anything exciting in the works?

Connie: Next for me is potentially going to the national convention in the fall in Utah. I went a few years ago and it was absolutely amazing and would love to go back again. Otherwise, I continue to grow my team and am always looking for that next leader to join our team. I really enjoy supporting, developing, and nurturing these leaders so they can live their dreams.


Crystal: Thank you again for this opportunity Connie. I want readers to know that you graciously provided me the oil and 'On Guard' products to try but the opinions expressed in this post are completely my own.

I'm sure people want to know, what is the best way for people to get in touch with you to learn more?

Connie: The best way to get in touch with me is through email at eojunkie@bugnet.net as well as Facebook messaging (Connie Koerth). I also have a Facebook page called "Gift of the Earth Essential Oils". And of course they can call/text me at 920-645-1735. I do have a newsletter that goes out once a month that is open to anyone who would like to receive it.

Crystal is a church musician, babywearing mama (aka crunchy mama), business owner, active journaler, writer and blogger, Blog Tour Manager with WOW! Women on Writing, Publicist with Dream of Things Publishing, as well as a dairy farmer. She lives in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin with her husband, four young children (Carmen 8, Andre 7, Breccan 2, and Delphine 11 months), two dogs, two rabbits, four little piggies, a handful of cats and kittens, and over 230 Holsteins.

You can find Crystal riding unicorns, blogging and reviewing books, baby carriers, cloth diapers, and all sorts of other stuff at: http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/ and here: http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/

Seriously Adorable Mittens for the Kiddos! (a product review)

These Sillycutie Kids Mittens are completely adorable as well as being warm and well made. The inside is fuzzy and comfortable and they provide the extra room chubby little hands need to be warm and yet wiggle. I bought two pair of this brand (one in blue for my 2 year old son and one in pink for my daughter for her first birthday) and I was not at all disappointed. They are well worth the money and most people will assume you made them yourself! Absolutely a great find!

I would say they will fit from 1-4 year olds. (#kidsglove)

I received one pair at a discounted price in exchange for my honest review (and they were so cute, I paid full price and picked up the second pair) - Mine were purchased via Amazon.

Crystal is a church musician, babywearing mama (aka crunchy mama), business owner, active journaler, writer and blogger, Blog Tour Manager with WOW! Women on Writing, Publicist with Dream of Things Publishing, as well as a dairy farmer. She lives in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin with her husband, four young children (Carmen 8, Andre 7, Breccan 2, and Delphine 11 months), two dogs, two rabbits, four little piggies, a handful of cats and kittens, and over 230 Holsteins.

You can find Crystal riding unicorns, blogging and reviewing books, baby carriers, cloth diapers, and all sorts of other stuff at: http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/ and here: http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/

Product Review - Smart Bambino Stroller Organizer

The Smart Bambino Stroller Organizer may not fit all strollers. We have several strollers and it fit most of them nicely. The only stroller it didn't seem to work well on was our double stroller (Britax B Agile Double) and unfortunately, I couldn't get a good fit on a shopping cart either. I just thought I'd give that a try because it seemed so nice for holding phone, coffee, coupons, etc...

The velcro is very sturdy and you'll have no problem getting a good fit and feeling like your items are secure. This is a great addition for busy moms, especially since more and more strollers don't come with cup holders. (don't these people know that most of us are powered by coffee?)

Shop for your own Smart Bambino Stroller Organizer on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B016P8N31S

I received the Smart Bambino Stroller Organizer for free or at a reduced price in exchange for my honest review.

#strollerorganizer

May your paths be abundantly filled with lemons, sugar, 

sunshine, and accessories to make parenting a wee bit easier!

Crystal is a church musician, babywearing mama (aka crunchy mama), business owner, active journaler, writer and blogger, Blog Tour Manager with WOW! Women on Writing, Publicist with Dream of Things Publishing, as well as a dairy farmer. She lives in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin with her husband, four young children (Carmen 8, Andre 7, Breccan 2, and Delphine 11 months), two dogs, two rabbits, four little piggies, a handful of cats and kittens, and over 230 Holsteins.

You can find Crystal riding unicorns, blogging and reviewing books, baby carriers, cloth diapers, and all sorts of other stuff at: http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/ and here: http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/

Product Review - Mamaway Ring Sling

I've tried and used many different ring slings through the years, and this Mamaway Ring Sling was interesting from the moment I opened the package. The sling conveniently folds into it's very own carrying pouch which appealed to me right away. It's nice to just grab and go and not worry about an extra storage bag (or knowing your toddler is using your ring sling to wipe his sticky fingers). It took a few tries to get comfortable as this was my first time working with this particular sling material and non-metal rings. Once I got the hang of it, I was quite pleased with how my nearly 1 year old daughter and I felt. The Mamaway is nice and lightweight and the fabric is sturdy yet breathable.

Grab your very own - right here! 

mamaway provided this sling for me to try but the opinions expressed are solely my own

What's With Kefir?

Anyone who has recently visited our home has been asked "would you like some kefir?" and most have been open to trying the delicious beverage. For years and years we have been taking probiotic supplements (yes, the entire family), and I swear by them. Between probiotics, breast milk, and duct tape, I'm quite close to taking over the world...insert evil laugh...

But seriously...

My journey to kefir started when a friend showed me how to make yogurt. Once I perfected making yogurt at home, I decided to look into the world of kefir. It took quite some time to hunt down some kefir grains. Unfortunately, none of my local shops carried the little buggers...so I ordered off Amazon and after a few day "activation" period, I was ready to rock and roll. We are now consistently turning out 4 cups of kefir each day. Believe it or not, we are going through just as much just as quickly.

Our children (even the youngest who isn't quite a year) love the cold, sweet, deliciousness and I just sit back and smile because I know about all the benefits. Kefir really packs a punch when it comes to probiotics, healthy fats, calcium, and protein. I no longer need to buy probiotic supplements and I know my family is still receiving the health benefits of great digestion. I am NOT an expert, so please investigate probiotics and kefir for yourself and then YOU decide what is best for your family.

If you start making kefir, here are a few of our favorite recipes:

Add to 4 C of plain kefir:

1.5 C blueberries & add honey to desired sweetness

1 C strawberries & 1 C bananas, then add honey to desired sweetness

1.5 C door county cherries (the tart ones), then add honey to desired sweetness...or if you're my son, add a little chocolate powder and call it chocolate covered cherry smoothie!

1 T vanilla & honey to desired sweetness

ENJOY!!!!!

Next time you're in the neighborhood, stop in and enjoy a glass with us - we would love to sit and chat with you!

May your paths be abundantly filled with lemons, sugar, sunshine, and large pitchers of delicious and healthy goodness to share with those you love!

Crystal is a church musician, babywearing mama (aka crunchy mama), business owner, active journaler, writer and blogger, Blog Tour Manager with WOW! Women on Writing, Publicist with Dream of Things Publishing, as well as a dairy farmer. She lives in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin with her husband, four young children (Carmen 8, Andre 7, Breccan 2, and Delphine 11 months), two dogs, two rabbits, four little piggies, a handful of cats and kittens, and over 230 Holsteins.

You can find Crystal riding unicorns, blogging and reviewing books, baby carriers, cloth diapers, and all sorts of other stuff at:http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/ and here: http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/

Crock Pot Greek Yogurt

I'm at a bit of an advantage here - since I have access to free milk...but even with buying the milk at the store, this recipe is sure to save you some money on your next grocery bill. Our family of 6 goes through a LOT of yogurt, and I was sick of spending $20-$30 on yogurt, so we started making our own. It's nice to know exactly what your family is eating, and the whey can be used for lacto-fermenting vegetables, taking baths, softening skin, hair conditioner, etc...

Here's the scoop:



You will need:

8 C (that's 1/2 gallon) of 2% or whole milk

1/2 C original yogurt (non flavored and any brand will do) .... or once you make yogurt, hold 1/2 cup back and use as starter for the next batch

a nut bag (if you do this often, it's worth it to have one...otherwise try a cheese cloth...or if need be, line a plastic noodle strainer with coffee filters)

a crock pot with "low" setting

a candy thermometer

an oven

a timer (I use the timer on my oven)

a towel

Step 1) plug in your crock pot and set it to low

Step 2) pour 8 cups milk into the crockpot and cover

Step 3) set timer for 3 hours and let milk 'cook' on low until the timer goes off

Step 4) check the temperature of the milk - if it's 180F you're good to go, if not...cover and check again in 10 minutes

Step 5) unplug crock pot

Step 6) set timer for 90 minutes

Step 7) at the end of 90 minutes, take temperature again - if it's 105F you're good to go, if not...cover and check again in 20 minutes

Step 8) remove crock from electrical portion of crock pot

Step 9) add 1/2 cup original yogurt and using a plastic or bamboo whisk, combine it with the warm milk **do not use metal on your yogurt

Step 10) put cover back on the milk mixture and wrap the crock in a towel

Step 11) place towel covered crock in your oven and turn on the oven light - close oven door and let mixture sit in the oven overnight (10-12 hours)

Step 12) remove mixture from the oven - it should look like regular yogurt and if you don't like greek yogurt, you can be done here - just call it "regular yogurt" and toss it in the fridge

keep going if you like greek yogurt

Step 13) uncover crock and place it in the fridge for 2-3 hours

Step 14) remove crock from fridge, wet your  cloth or nut bag just to the point of being damp and then line a large strainer with several layers of the cheese cloth or put yogurt in the nut bag and then put the bag in the strainer. Place a large bowl under the strainer to catch the whey. Place the bowl and strainer in the fridge for 4-6 hours allowing the whey to separate from the yogurt.

Step 15) place the whey in containers to use later (stays nice in the fridge for a few weeks, or in the freezer for several months)

Step 16) take 1/2 cup of the yogurt and set aside as starter for the next batch

Step 17) stir in whatever flavors you would like (ie: honey, vanilla, strawberry, cherry, etc...) and call in the family

Step 18) sit back joyfully watching your family enjoy this tasty treat!

ENJOY!!!!

May your paths be abundantly filled with lemons, sugar, sunshine, and large pans of crunchy homemade goodies to share with those you love!

Crystal is a church musician, babywearing mama (aka crunchy mama), business owner, active journaler, writer and blogger, Blog Tour Manager with WOW! Women on Writing, Publicist with Dream of Things Publishing, as well as a dairy farmer. She lives in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin with her husband, four young children (Carmen 8, Andre 7, Breccan 2, and Delphine 11 months), two dogs, two rabbits, four little piggies, a handful of cats and kittens, and over 230 Holsteins.

You can find Crystal riding unicorns, blogging and reviewing books, baby carriers, cloth diapers, and all sorts of other stuff at:http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/ and here: http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/

Home Made Granola Bars

Delicious Home Made Granola Bars
(an easy recipe even children can help with)

Preheat oven to 325 F
Grease 9x13 pan

Combine:
4 1/2 C old fashioned oats
1 C wheat flour or all purpose
2 t baking soda
2/3 C melted butter
3/4 C honey
1/3 C dark brown sugar

Options:
1 t vanilla, 1 C raisins, 1 C nuts

Or

1 t almond extract, 1 C dried cherries, 1 C white chocolate chips

Or

1 t vanilla, 1 C chocolate chips, 1 C nuts of your choice

Or

1 t vanilla & 2 C mini chocolate chips

Combine ingredients (adding options last) and then press into the pan and bake for 20 ish minutes. Let cool, cut, enjoy!
I like to freeze after cutting and then toss into individual snack bags for on the go munching!

Pictured is tonight's batch of door county cherry with white chocolate &almonds!

If you try this recipe and use different "mix ins" -

 please leave a comment we can share with others!

ENJOY!!!!

May your paths be abundantly filled with lemons, sugar, sunshine, and large pans of crunchy homemade goodies to share with those you love!

Crystal is a church musician, babywearing mama (aka crunchy mama), business owner, active journaler, writer and blogger, Blog Tour Manager with WOW! Women on Writing, Publicist with Dream of Things Publishing, as well as a dairy farmer. She lives in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin with her husband, four young children (Carmen 8, Andre 7, Breccan 2, and Delphine 11 months), two dogs, two rabbits, four little piggies, a handful of cats and kittens, and over 230 Holsteins.

You can find Crystal riding unicorns, blogging and reviewing books, baby carriers, cloth diapers, and all sorts of other stuff at:http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/ and here: http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/

Taco Bake / Tacos in a Pan

Like tacos? Looking for an easy way to make tacos for your family?

Try this:

Grease a 9x13 pan

Preheat oven to 350F

Roll out 2 cans of crescent rolls and spread them on the bottom & up the sides of the pan. Smoosh the seams together to form a crust.

Crush 2C tortilla chips and layer evenly over the crust.

Fry up 2lbs ground beef, add taco seasoning and salsa or tomato paste (do it however you usually do for tacos - we make ours from scratch - but feel free to use package taco seasoning)

Spread the beef mixture over the crust.

Spread 2C sour cream over the beef.

Spread 3C corn over the sour cream.

Spread 2C black beans or refried beans over the sour cream.

Spread 3C Spanish rice over the beans.

Sprinkle 3C shredded cheese (you choose the flavor) over the rice.

Crumble 1C tortilla chips over the cheese.

Bake for 38 minutes at 350F

Serve with diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, black olives, diced onions, guacamole, sour cream, salsa, tortilla chips, taco sauce, hot sauce, etc

Basic Shopping List:

2 packages Crescent Rolls (generic or store brand is fine)
1 bag tortilla chips (you'll have leftovers, and yes...Doritos taste wonderful too)
2 lbs ground beef (ground turkey is fine if you prefer)
2 C sour cream (light or fat free works just as well)
2 C corn (garden fresh, frozen, or canned works the same)
2 C black or refried beans
3 C spanish rice (the package mix is fine - or make your own using your favorite recipe)
3 C shredded cheese (pre-shredded, home shredded, taco flavored, sharp cheddar...whatever floats your boat)

Extras you may want to buy:

Lettuce (shredded or a head to chop)
black olives
taco sauce
salsa
onions
red peppers
green peppers
cilantro


*****we have a child who doesn't like onions, so you'll notice they are omitted from the recipe. My husband will assure you this recipe would be MUCH tastier with onions. Please personalize this dish to suit the needs of your family.

ENJOY!!!!

May your paths be abundantly filled with lemons, sugar, sunshine, and large pans of food to share with those you love!

Crystal is a church musician, babywearing mama (aka crunchy mama), business owner, active journaler, writer and blogger, Blog Tour Manager with WOW! Women on Writing, Publicist with Dream of Things Publishing, as well as a dairy farmer. She lives in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin with her husband, four young children (Carmen 8, Andre 7, Breccan 2, and Delphine 11 months), two dogs, two rabbits, four little piggies, a handful of cats and kittens, and over 230 Holsteins.

You can find Crystal riding unicorns, blogging and reviewing books, baby carriers, cloth diapers, and all sorts of other stuff at:http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/ and here: http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/