DIY Coconut Lime Lip Balm

 
Happy DIY Friday! For a quick and inexpensive trip to the tropics, try this DIY coconut lime lip balm.

You will need:
•2T SN Sweet Almond Oil
•1T Organic EV Coconut Oil
•1 1/3T SN Beeswax Pearls
•15 drops SN Lime EO
•2 drops Vit E Oil (opt.)

Combine all but EOs (and Vit E, if using) in a double boiler and melt. Remove from heat and add EOs + Vit E. Pour into containers immediately.

Allow to cool completely and then apply and breathe in a mini-vacation!

Diffuser Blends for Thursday

 
Happy Thursday! We've got three wonderful diffuser blends for you to try out in your new diffuser.

Rainy Day Citrus Blend
-2 drops Spark Naturals Lime Essential Oil
-3 drops Spark Naturals Tangerine Essential Oil
-1 drop Spark Naturals White Fir Essential Oil

Long Afternoon Blend
-1 drop Spark Naturals Jeddy's Blend
-3 drops Spark Naturals Bergamot Essential Oil
-2 drops Spark Naturals Peppermint Essential Oil

Relaxation & Meditation Blend
-1 drop Spark Naturals Vetiver Essential Oil
-2 drops Spark Naturals Frankincense Essential Oil
-1 drop Spark Naturals Sandalwood Essential Oil

Spark Naturals Bruschetta

One thing I have been absolutely LOVING is all of the amazing Farmer's Market produce! Tis the season for amazing heirloom tomatoes, which means that I'll be dreaming of delicious bruschetta.
Bruschetta is a delicious hors d'oeuvre that originated in Italy. I often find that when I go to whip up something like this, I'm lacking the fresh herbs. If you're like me, try this recipe!

Spark Naturals Bruschetta
•6, 1" slices of crusty bread
•1 clove of garlic
•2-3 large heirloom tomatoes
•drizzle of olive oil
•1-2 drops SN Basil EO
•sea salt and ground pepper, to taste

Dice tomatoes and drizzle with olive oil. Add sea salt, pepper, and SN Basil EO to taste. Set aside.
Toast bread and rub with garlic. Brush with olive oil and top with tomato mixture. Serve immediately, nobody likes soggy bruschetta!

5 Summer Diffuser Blends

Summer is on its way out, but with school starting, these fantastic summer diffuser blends are better to use than ever!

1. Up and at 'em blend:
-3 drops SN Peppermint EO
-2 drops SN Grapefruit EO

2. No travel bugs here blend:
-1 drop SN Peppermint EO
-1 drop SN White Fir EO
-3 drops SN Shield Blend

3. Rainy day blend:
-1 drop SN Lavender EO
-2 drops SN Bergamot EO
-3 drops SN Clary Sage EO

4. Burnout buster
-1 drop SN Vetiver EO
-2 drops SN Lavender EO
-3 drops SN Bergamot EO

5. Sweet dreams blend
-2 drops SN Geranium EO
-3 drops SN Lavender EO

DIY Roach-Away Spray

Do you have roaches? They are disgusting creatures and some climates or areas are more prone to them than others.

Try this "Roach-Away" spray in areas they like to lurk (be sure to test the surface you're spraying to make sure there won't be an adverse reaction).

Spark Naturals "Roach-Away" Spray
-10 drops Spark Naturals Cypress Essential Oil
-10 drops Spark Naturals Peppermint Essential Oil
-10 drops Spark Naturals Lime Essential Oil
-1/2 c salt water

Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and use around the perimeter of the house. Alternatively, you can also put 2-3 drops of each essential oil on a cotton ball and stick several in corners and out-of-the-way places to help repel roaches.

Brussels Sprouts with Lemon Essential Oil

I have a bag of Brussels sprouts begging to be used... I feel a pan of these coming on!

•1 lb Brussels sprouts
•2 T EV olive oil
•2-4 drops Spark Naturals Lemon Essential Oil 
•salt and pepper, to taste

Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts and put them in a bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over the sprouts and add salt, pepper, and SN Lemon EO. Toss so that everything is well-coated and spread over a baking sheet covered in parchment paper. Roast at 400F for 30-35 mins, stirring once. Serve warm.

Diffuser Blends to Help You Unwind

This afternoon, we've got 5 great diffuser blends to help you unwind!

1. Content Diffuser Blend
-1 drop Spark Naturals Roman Chamomile EO
-2 drops Spark Naturals Wild Orange EO
-2 drops Spark Naturals Lavender EO
-1 drop Spark Naturals Cypress EO

2. Summer's Evening Diffuser Blend
-1 drop Spark Naturals Clary Sage EO
-2 drops Spark Naturals Bergamot EO
-2 drops Spark Naturals Lavender EO
-1 drop Spark Naturals Roman Chamomile EO

3. Balancing, Uplifting Diffuser Blend
-3 drops Spark Naturals Geranium EO
-2 drops Spark Naturals Lime EO
-1 drop Spark Naturals Peppermint EO

4. Instant Relaxation Diffuser Blend
-1 drop Spark Naturals Clary Sage EO
-1 drop Spark Naturals Lavender EO
-4 drops Spark Naturals Geranium EO

5. Self-regard Improvement Diffuser Blend
-2 drops Spark Naturals Black Pepper EO
-1 drop Spark Naturals Sandalwood EO
-2 drops Spark Naturals Ylang Ylang EO
-1 drop Spark Naturals Frankincense EO

Roasted Strawberry Dairy-Free Ice Cream

I'll be making this at least one more time before the summer ends! This Roasted Strawberry Dairy-Free Ice Cream is a must-make during berry season. 

You will need:
•1c strawberries, roughly chopped 
•2 cans full-fat coconut milk
•1/3c coconut nectar or honey
•1/2T real vanilla extract
•1/2 an avocado
•2-4 drops SN Peppermint EO

Preheat oven to 400F. Spread out strawberries on a baking sheet covered in parchment paper. Bake for 10 minutes and transfer to a cutting board. Dice finely and place in the refrigerator.

Combine all other ingredients in a blender and combine to taste. Pour into ice cream maker, adding roasted strawberries 2 minutes before finishing.

Enjoy right away or transfer to the freezer to harden for 2 hours.

This refreshing ice cream is gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and super tasty! If you're not on a restricted diet, however, you might try crumbling Biscoff cookies over top - it is delicious!

Essential Oil-Boosted Breakfast Quinoa

This eo-boosted quinoa may not look like much, but it is delicious and bursting with protein! A great way to start your day and fuel your body healthily. 

You will need:
•1 cup quinoa, rinsed 
•2 cups water 
•1/4c slivered almonds 
•1/2c diced dried apricots
•2-3 drops SN Cinnamon EO
•maple syrup, to taste

Directions: Place the rinsed quinoa and water in a pan and bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat, cooking until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is easy to chew (no hard parts). Pan toast almonds. Add remaining ingredients and almonds to quinoa and stir to combine, adding maple syrup to taste. Enjoy!

Optional: if desired, add 1 drop SN Wild Orange EO.

Immunization Soother Essential Oil Blend

We've had several customers contact us looking for suggestions for blends to use after immunizations. In The Aromatherapy Companion (available on sparknaturals.com), they recommend the following blend:

Immunization Soother
-5 drops Geranium EO
-5 drops Sandalwood EO
-1oz carrier oil

Directions:
Combine all oils in a 1oz dropper bottle. To relieve discomfort following immunizations, massage a small amount of this oil directly onto the injection site.

http://sparknaturals.com/index.php/books/aromatherapy-companion.html

Tension Headache Foot Soak

If you feel a tension headache coming on, pop off your shoes and try this herbal foot soak! The cold water draws blood from your head and the essential oils help balance and cool your body.

You will need:
-foot tub filled with very cold water
-2 tsp vegetable glycerin
-5 drops Spark Naturals Lavender EO
-3-5 drops Spark Naturals Peppermint EO

Combine the glycerin and EOs in a small bowl. Then, pour the blend into the tub and mix with your feet. Soak for 10-15 minutes and then dry your feet while rubbing roughly. Apply moisturizer if desired.

Recipe adapted from Hands-on Healing Remedies.

http://sparknaturals.com/index.php/books/hands-on-healing-remedies.html

Diffuser Blends with Peppermint

This morning, we are featuring 5 diffuser blends featuring Spark Naturals Peppermint Essential Oil since it is a great way to invigorate and "pep" you up in the morning!

1. Minty Jet Lag Diffuser Blend
-1 drop SN Peppermint EO
-2 drops SN Grapefruit EO
-1 drop SN Lime EO
-1 drop SN Lavender EO

2. Breathe Deep Diffuser Blend
-1 drop SN Peppermint EO
-3 drops SN Respire EO
-1 drop SN White Fir EO

3. Alert and Grounded Diffuser Blend
-2 drops SN Zen Blend
-2 drops SN Peppermint EO
-2 drops SN Bergamot EO

4. Freshen Up Diffuser Blend
-2 drops SN Lemon EO
-2 drops SN Peppermint EO
-1 drop SN Melaleuca EO
-1 drop SN Cilantro EO
-1 drop SN White Fir EO

5. Fall Allergy Support Diffuser Blend (DIY LLP)
-2 drops SN Lemon EO
-2 drops SN Lavender EO
-2 drop SN Peppermint EO
(or, 6 drops SN LLP Allergy Blend)

Happy Monday!

Cinnamon Apple Bran Muffins

Start your Monday off right with these Cinnamon Apple Bran Muffins with Spark Naturals Essential Oil! 

You will need:
•1 cup oat bran 
•1 cup buttermilk, shaken 
•1/4 cup butter, room temperature 
•1/3 cup brown sugar
•2 large eggs, room temperature
•1/4 cup molasses
•1 tsp vanilla extract
•1 cup all-purpose flour
•1/2 cup whole wheat flour
•2-3 drops SN Cinnamon EO
•1 tsp baking powder
•1/2 tsp baking soda
•1/2 tsp salt
•1 cup grated apple
•1/2 cup finely chopped pecans, plus some for the muffin tops (opt)

Preheat oven to 350F. Grease mini muffin (or normal muffin) tin. Mix buttermilk and bran together in a small bowl and set aside. Cream the butter and sugar, then add eggs, vanilla, molasses, and SN Cinnamon EO one at a time. Mix thoroughly. Add the buttermilk and bran and stir to combine. In a separate bowl, mix all dry ingredients. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix just until combined. Fold in apples and nuts gently.

Fill muffin tin to the top but not above it with batter and place a whole pecan on top of each muffin, if desired. Bake for 20 minutes; a toothpick inserted in the middle should come out clean. If making normal sized muffins, bake for 28-30 minutes.

Enjoy!

Frankincense Essential Oil Ice Cream

I haven't stopped thinking about this ice cream since I made it! It's definitely on the docket for this weekend. 

Spark Naturals Frankincense Ice Cream
You will need:
-3 egg yolks
-1 cup sugar
-2.5 cups milk, preferably whole
-1.5 cups heavy cream
-8-10 drops SN Frankincense Essential Oil

Directions:
1. Whisk together the egg yolks and 1/2 cup of sugar until well combined.
2. Combine the milk, cream, and remaining 1/2 cup of sugar in a saucepan and warm while stirring constantly; remove from heat before the mixture starts to bubble or boil.
3. Slowly whisk the warm mixture into the egg yolk and sugar mixture.
4. Add the combined mixture back into the saucepan and return to the stove, cooking on low heat until thickened. Remove from heat.
5. Cool to room temperature and add Frankincense EO to taste, whisking to combine. Chill overnight if desired.
6. Whisk vigorously and pour into ice cream maker per manufacturer's instructions.

Enjoy!

DIY Witch Hazel & Rose Water Toner

What great DIY projects do you have up your sleeve for this weekend?

You might try making this DIY Spark Naturals Witch Hazel & Rose Water Toner with Spark Naturals Essential Oils!

you will need:
•6 drops SN Lavender EO 
•4 drops SN Sandalwood EO
•4 drops SN Melaleuca EO
•1 1/2 oz SN Rose Water
•1/2 oz SN Witch Hazel

Add EOs to a 2oz glass sprayer. Add Witch Hazel and then full to the top with Rose Water. Perfect for blemish-prone skin!

Friday Feel-Good Diffuser Blends

It's finally FRIDAY! We've put together 3 feel-good blends to keep you rocking through today and into the weekend. 

1. Brain Refresher Diffuser Blend
-2 drops SN Cypress EO
-3 drops SN Grapefruit EO
-1 drop SN Peppermint EO

2. Eye Opener Diffuser Blend
-2 drops SN Lemon EO
-2 drops SN Bergamot EO
-1 drop SN Rosemary EO
-1 drop SN Eucalyptus EO

3. Stress Buster Blend
-1 drops SN Tangerine EO
-2 drops SN Bergamot EO
-1 drop SN Ylang Ylang EO
-1 drop SN Sandalwood EO

Hemp Seed Oil for Eczema

Ever since we launched our Certified Organic Hemp Seed Oil, we've had questions about using it for eczema. 

Hemp Seed Oil is beneficial for eczema even when used externally - it can be soothing and nourishing for skin. 

Try combining with a beneficial essential oil or blend of oils such as: Melaleuca, Patchouli, Lavender, Sandalwood, Geranium, or Frankincense.

Watermelon Agua Fresca

Although fall is just around the corner, it won't stop me from trying to drink in every last drop of summer - literally! Try this refreshing Watermelon Coconut Agua Fresca boosted with Spark Naturals Essential Oils if you're with me.

You will need:
•6 cups watermelon, chilled
•1 cup coconut water
•2 drops Spark Naturals Lime Essential Oil
•1 drop Spark Naturals Peppermint Essential Oil

Blend together to desired smoothness and serve immediately. Yum! This watermelon-coconut water is a natural electrolyte drink, perfect for a hot day or after a long workout! Paleo-friendly. 

DIY Hair Wax with Essential Oils

I have used hair wax for several years (since I have short hair) and just recently I have been playing around with DIY combinations to create my own. Since I am a guy, I don't like it to smell to "pretty" and I have to say, this recipe is a good one...If I do say so myself.

DIY Hair Wax with Essential Oils:
.75 ounces beeswax
.5 ounce shea butter
.75 ounces Fractionated Coconut Oil
10 drops Spark Naturals Peppermint essential oil
10 drops Spark Naturals Rosemary essential oil (or Melaleuca)

Suggestion: For harder hair wax, use 1 ounce of beeswax and .5 ounces of Fractionated Coconut Oil. For softer hair wax, use .75 ounces of shea butter and 1 ounce of Fractionated Coconut Oil.

Directions:
1. Combine all ingredients, except for essential oils, into a glass container.
2. Place jar in saucepan with 1-1.5 inches of boiling water.
3. Stir ingredients until melted and thoroughly combined. Remove from heat and let rest for three minutes.
4. Add essential oils and stir.
5. Pour mixture in an empty tin or glass jar with a lid.
6. Let the hair wax cool for 1-2 hours and you’re done.

To use, just apply a small amount to fingers and style as desired. A little wax goes a long way. 

Non-toxic Bathtub Scrub

Every once in a while the bathtub needs a good scrub, and it's nice to have a natural alternative to some of the other harsh, chemical powder scrubs that are out there on the market.

Try this Spark Naturals Tub Scrub to keep your bathtub clean and smelling great!

You will need:
-1c baking soda
-25 drops Spark Naturals Grapefruit Essential Oil
-25 drops Spark Naturals Melaleuca Essential Oil

Mix baking soda and oils thoroughly in a glass bowl. Quickly wet the tub and sprinkle with the SN Tub Scrub. Scrub with a hard bristle brush or scrubber sponge and rinse.

Unlike with other scrubs, you can breathe deeply while you clean!

Fly-Repellent Window Cleaner

Late summer is a perfect time to enjoy cooler evenings with the windows open as well as a great time to get a thorough clean before winter rolls around - inside and out. 

Try this fly-repelling window cleaner to help keep your windows looking and smelling great!

You will need:
-8 oz. PET Spray Bottle
-3/4 cup white vinegar
-1/4 cup water
-3 drops SN Lemon or Lime EO
-2 drops SN Lemongrass EO

Mix together and use as glass cleaner. Enjoy!

Spark Naturals Steel-Cut Oats

I made this for breakfast this morning topped with local apples, toasted pecans, and maple syrup and I'm still thinking about it. I'm not a big fan of oatmeal, but steel-cut oats are an entirely different story! 

Ingredients:
•splash of olive oil
•1 c steel cut oats
•3 c water
•1/4 tsp sea salt
•2-4 drops SN Cinnamon EO

Place the steel cut oats in a saucepan with a splash of olive oil. Toast gently until they smell nutty and just start to brown (make sure it doesn't burn). Add water and salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook 10-20 minutes (to your texture preference). Remove from heat and stir in essential oil.

Steel cut oats are my favorite because they have a heartier texture than normal oatmeal and toasting brings this out even more. They also naturally have a very creamy texture, so this can be a fantastic choice for those who are dairy-free.

Top with fruit and nuts and sweeten with maple syrup or coconut nectar if desired. Not a fan of sweet breakfast? Try using SN Rosemary EO and adding butter, salt, and pepper to taste and sprinkling a bit of parmesan cheese or brewer's yeast on top.

The best part about steel cut oats is that while they take a while to cook, they can be cooked ahead and kept in the fridge for a week or so - it's a healthy breakfast that you can quickly heat up and take with you!

Diffuser Blends For A Better Move

3 DIFFUSER BLENDS FOR A BETTER MOVE:

'Tis the season to move (especially places where school starts in a few weeks). I recently moved, which can be incredibly stressful, and I've been living off a few diffuser blends to keep me going and my new place smelling great! Here are 3 moving blends for you.

Busy Day Tomorrow Blend - supports relaxation and positivity
-3 drops Spark Naturals LXR Anxiety Blend
-2 drops Spark Naturals Lemon EO
-1 drop Spark Naturals Lime EO

Jet Lag Blend - supports a healthy adjustment to time zone changes
-2 drops Spark Naturals Grapefruit EO
-2 drops Spark Naturals Lime EO
-2 drops Spark Naturals Lavender EO

Air Freshener Blend - helps banish funky odors
-3 drops Spark Naturals White Fir EO
-2 drops Spark Naturals Peppermint EO
-2 drops Spark Naturals Melaleuca EO
-4 drops Spark Naturals Grapefruit EO

Marinated Chicken with Ginger & Wild Orange

Looking for a great dinner idea? Try this marinated chicken!

You will need:
-1 mango, roughly chopped
-2 tablespoons olive oil
-1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
-1 drop SN Ginger EO
-2 drops SN Wild Orange EO
-2 tsp brown sugar
-2 cloves diced garlic
-3/4 tsp fine sea salt
-1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
-1.5-2lbs of free-range chicken breast

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a food processor to make a puree. Pour into a large glass dish and add your chicken breasts (2 lbs or less). Cover and refrigerate 1.5 hours.

Transfer everything to a baking dish and bake at 425F or grill. If grilling, consider adding 1/4c water and bringing the rest of the marinade to a boil for 5 minutes and then serving with the grilled chicken.

Cuts & Scrapes Blend

Summer time means life is full of adventures! Last night we went for a hike to a waterfall. It was great even though 2 out of 3 kids ended up with minor cuts and scrapes. Luckily we keep this blend in our back packs! Often times adventures lead to cuts and scrapes. The blend works well to keep the area germ free and help it heal faster.

Cuts and Scrapes Blend
5 drops Spark Naturals Lemon essential oil
10 drops Spark Naturals Melaleuca essential oil
5 drops Spark Naturals Eucalyptus essential oil
2oz filtered water

Add all ingredients into a 2oz glass spray bottle. Shake well before each use to make sure all oils are mixed together.