On Tuesday I shared a WONDERFUL book for moms — The Complete Book of Essential Oils for Mama & Baby. It has over 200+ oil recipes to help almost anything that ails us OR our kids! I love that you can use ANY brand of essential oils in the recipes. I shared a very soothing Anti-Anxiety recipe on my post on Tuesday – be sure to print it off!

Here’s a little bit more about this fabulous book –

Christina Anthis is a fellow blogger and mom at The Hippy Homemaker. She is a DIY blogger and an expert in aromatherapy. Christina has written an amazing book full of 200 safe and effective remedies for expectant moms and babies using essential oils. I remember being an expectant mom with babies and I wish this book had been around when my kids were little!  But there are some remedies in this book that I use now, including the anti-anxiety recipe that I will share below. Some of the the other remedies are covered in the book are anxiety, backaches, breast tenderness, cold and flu, constipation, contractions, fatigue, morning sickness, depression, varicose veins and more!

Some of the natural remedies for children are allergies, asthma, blisters, bug bites, colds, colic, congestion, cradle cap, croup, diaper rash, dry skin, fever, head lice, sore throat, teething, thrush and more!

Over the past few years we have been using oils and they have helped SO much. I love that this book is for essential oils in general – you don’t have to use a certain brand. No matter which oil brand you prefer, you can make ALL of the remedies in this book. Another thing that I love about this book is that the remedies for kids age with them! Each recipe has different measurements for different age groups.

And if you don’t know that much about oils, this book has a section that teaches you about 30 plants and the medicinal properties, common uses, and precautions for each.

You can buy The Complete Book of Essential Oils for Mama and Baby on amazon!

The Kindle version of this book is a SUPER deal right now until 8/21, the Kindle edition of The Complete Book of Essential Oils for Mama and Baby is available for only $1.99.

SUCH a great resource! Send them to your mom friends – what a great gift for an expectant mom!!! 

And I am super excited to let you know that I am giving away THREE of these books!! 

Here’s how to enter: 

1. Leave a comment on this post. 
2. To get another entry, share this giveaway (twitter, instagram or facebook) and leave another comment telling me how you shared. 

I will pick THREE winners on Friday, August 25th.

Have a BEAUTIFUL Friday! 

xoxo

I’ve partnered with Althea Press for this giveaway

The post Giveaway — Essential Oils for Mama and Baby — THREE Winners! appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.

Enter to win a Young Living Essential Oils Aria Diffuser & Oil Pack!

This is more than your basic diffuser! Not only is it attractive with a maple base, but also includes LED lights and soothing sounds.

It’s been a while since I talked about essential oils on here, but I still love them and use them every day!

The Aria Ultrasonic Diffuser (the same one I use) comes with two of my favorite oils: Lavender & Citrus Fresh!

New to essential oils? Essential oils are super pure and super concentrated. They’re “essential” because they contain the “essence” of the plants from which they’re made — making them valuable aids in keeping our bodies, minds and spirits healthy. For more info, check out my page about them here!

Enter to win your own diffuser pack below: 

How concentrated are essential oils? Check out this helpful chart from Young Living:

There are lots of places you can buy essential oils, but I really love how a local company, Young Living Essential Oils, is a trusted source and a pioneer in bringing the use of therapeutic oils to the United States.

Here’s how to enter to win your own Aria Ultrasonic Diffuser (the same one I use) with two of my favorite oils: Lavender & Citrus Fresh!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

xoxo

The post Giveaway: Essential Oil Diffuser & Oil Pack [Over $250 value!] appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.

They’re both easy to make … and a little tricky! I’ll share with you how I made these, a few tips I learned on the way, and even a free printable.

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A post shared by Tatertots & Jello – DIY blog (@tatertotsandjello)

Here’s how I made the recipe:


First, I got some small silicone molds. Thanks to eatknitanddiy‘s comment on my Instagram post (above), I won’t be using those for anything but bath bombs now — unless I want it to taste like peppermint! I purposely chose small molds because I wanted mini bath bombs.
Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup citric acid (it’s in the canning section of the grocery store — that’s where I found it)
• 1 cup baking soda
• 1/2 tablespoon olive oil (you can use other oils too: they call them “carrier oils,” and some recipes suggest grapeseed, almond, jojoba, coconut, and so on. I used olive oil because it was handy.)
• spray bottle filled with water (why a spray bottle? I’ll explain below.)
• 12 drops Young Living peppermint essential oil
• 6 drops Young Living lemon essential oil

(Some recipes suggest using cosmetic mica powder for coloring. I didn’t do that, but you can learn more about that and check out some awesome tips and recipes in these awesome posts here, here and a loooooong one here.)
Next, I mixed the citric acid and baking soda well in a medium mixing bowl. In a separate small bowl (hooray for ramekins), I mixed the olive oil and essential oils.
Then I mixed the oils in with the citric acid and baking soda as well as I could using a wire whisk and a fork.
Now comes the tricky part: using the spray bottle, add water to the top of the mixture until damp. Then mix into the bowl. Repeat this until the mix is just damp enough to clump together when you try to shape it into a ball with your fingers. If you get it too wet the bath bomb will activate and start fizzing (I had a couple of mine fizz a bit in the molds).
Once damp and mixed, scoop and press the mixture into the molds, trying to make the back somewhat smooth. Pack as tightly into the mold as you can.
I tried taking my bombs out of the molds almost right away, and that was not a good idea. Instead, after I waited a few hours, the bombs came out easily. Here are the first two I took out:

Yes, I’m still practicing!
If you used a metal or rigid mold instead, you should be able to put a cookie sheet with some foil or paper towels on top, flip it upside down, and tap the bottom of each “cup” to release the mixture. I’m going to try that trick next time!
Once they’re out, you can put them in a fairly airtight container like the jars in the picture or cute gift bags. Just add some ribbon and the free printable tags, and you’ve got a great homemade gift for Mother’s day, birthdays, or any occasion!

And here is the printable!
Just right-click this link or the image below and choose “save link as” to download the printable PDF – it includes tags in three colors! As always, it’s for personal use only.

Check out these other amazing, homemade Mothers’ Day Gift Ideas:

Beautiful Bath Bombs from The NY Melrose Family
Whipped Body Butter from Skip to my Lou
Lavender Bath Soak from Princess Pinky Girl
Lip Balm from The Seasoned Momma
Coconut Lime Sea Salt Scrub from Coffee Cups and Crayons
Lavender Lotion Bar from Made to be a Momma
Moisturizing Body Butter Recipe from PinkWhen
Mini Bath Bombs & Free Printables from Tatertots & Jello

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Interested in trying essential oils? There’s a great deal right now — not only a great price on a starter kit, complete with how-to information, but also a bonus $20 Amazon gift card! Check it out here.

Have you tried making homemade bath bombs? What are your favorite tips?

xoxo

The post Moms’ Mini Bath Bomb Recipe & Printable [& 7 More Great Mother’s Day Ideas!] appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.

I am always looking for all-natural ways to clean my home. And since it’s wintertime and it seems like my kids are always sick, I was excited to try making a healthy cleaner. While I want to keep everything clean (obviously), I wanted to avoid all of the chemicals, and find a little something to help my kids stay healthier this winter.

So I found an easy, essential-oil-based recipe, including Thieves. While it seems oddly named, I have loved diffusing Thieves which is known for its cleansing qualities and supporting the immune system.

Here’s the easy recipe and the (free!) printables:

Citrus Kitchen Cleaner Recipe:

3 parts water

1 part vinegar

15 drops lemon essential oil

5 drops Thieves essential oil

Mix in spray bottle and affix free, printable labels.

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And I am joining with some friends who are also sharing all-natural cleaning recipes. Be sure to check these out!!

Sweet Dream Spray from Princess Pinky Girl
DIY All Purpose Cleaner from The Seasoned Momma
Citrus Cleaning Spray from Coffee Cups and Crayons
DIY Dryer Sheet from Made to be a Momma
Glass Cleaner from PinkWhen
How to Clean a Shower Head from The NY Melrose Family
Citrus Kitchen Cleaner & Free Printables from Tatertos & Jello
Thieves Household Clean & Free Printables from Skip to my Lou
Disinfecting Spray from Kids Activities Blog

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And here are the printables!

Just right-click this link or the image below and choose “save link as” to download the printable PDF. Just print, trim to the gray lines and stick on your bottles. If you have full-page labels, you can print on those – or just print on glossy paper and use spray adhesive. I included the recipe on the label because it drives me crazy when I have to go hunt down the recipe when it’s time to make more!

As always, these are for personal use only.

What’s your favorite all-natural cleaning recipe?

xoxo

PS: Interested in trying essential oils? Check out this month’s special deal from Young Living – you’ll love what essential oils can do for you. This month’s special deal includes not just essential oils, but also complete how-to information to make sure you’re getting the most from your essential oils! Check out more details here.

The post Spring Cleaning: All-Natural Citrus Kitchen Cleaner Recipe! appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.

Welcome back to the …

We’ve combined the popular parties at I Heart Nap Time, Lil’ Luna, Somewhat Simple, Tatertots & Jello and Today’s Creative Blog to make a giant link party. You’ll only have to link up once to to be listed on all five sites, and each of us will choose our own projects to feature posts — just like we always have!

So be sure to check with each site to see which of the amazing ideas were featured! I’ll have two “great ideas” posts this weekend!

This week’s giveaway is a “New Year, New You” pack using
Young Living Essential Oils (an over $55 value)!

One of the most challenging things I struggle with is weight management and keeping my energy up.

 (I talked a little about this in my last post.)

In the last few months, I’ve found that essential oils have helped me keep my appetite under control and balance my energy better. So today I’m giving one lucky reader a hand-picked pack of “New Year, New You” oils to kick-start the best you!

I’ll show you what I’ve chosen, some highlights from this week, space for you to add YOUR great ideas … and show you how you can enter to win:

Essential oils are super pure and super concentrated. They’re “essential” because they contain the “essence” of the plants from which they’re made — making them valuable aids in keeping our bodies, minds and spirits healthy.

I’m just scratching the surface with my essential oils exploration, but I wanted to share with you — and give away to one lucky winner — two of my favorites, Slique Essence and Grapefruit.

Slique Essence blends grapefruit, tangerine, lemon, spearmint, and ocotea with stevia extract in a unique blend to support healthy weight management goals. I put 4-6 drops in a 16-oz water bottle a couple of times a day — easy! I feel fewer cravings, more energy and overall more balanced.

I love the fresh, citrusy aroma of Grapefruit! You can add it to water, of course, but I like to diffuse it a few times a day into the air. You can use an essential oil diffuser or just add a few drops to a small pot of simmering water on the stove. (Keep an eye on it!)

* * * * *

I love essential oils, and I love using them in my home!

There are lots of places you can buy essential oils, but I really love how a local company, Young Living Essential Oils, is a trusted source and a pioneer in bringing the use of therapeutic oils to the United States.

Here’s a special deal for January to help YOU start the new year with a new you!

If you get a premium Young Living starter kit {which is, on its own, a really great deal at $150}…

For a limited time you’ll get even MORE.  For this special JANUARY DEAL*, you’ll get:

• A amazingly helpful Essential Oil Starter Guide – It will either be the Essentials Oils Reference Guide that retails for $17 or Essential Oils 101 that retails for $30.
• a set of essential oil labels to keep your oils organized
• easy reference first aid & baby sheets
• access to The Oil Nation Facebook group with all sorts of great info!
• a  $20.00 Amazon Gift Card
• a copy of 101 Kids Activities That Are the Bestest, Funnest Ever!: The Entertainment Solution for Parents, Relatives & Babysitters!

*This offer is for US {and Canada – although gift cards will be reduced by the amount of shipping} only, but don’t worry if you are in another country!  Many other countries can take advantage of a similar offer.  Because not all countries allow the entire starter set to be shipped, you can go through the sign-up process to find out exactly what you are able to order.  If you order over 100 PV, then you will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card.

To take advantage of this limited offer, click this special link for complete instructions so you can get the special deal and the bonuses!

* * * * *

Now, here’s how to enter to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Now it’s time to link up your projects! I can’t wait to see YOUR ideas and feature YOU!

Remember, you only need to link up once here to be listed in all of the sites’ parties — but be sure to check out each site through the weekend!
We’ll each be featuring our own picks from all of the fabulous ideas!
(When you add a link, please mention on your site that you linked up at Tatertots and Jello (here’s a link: Tatertots & Jello).

Please visit and comment on TWO links above you and TWO links below you — in addition to any others that you want to visit.
{We all love comments!}
xoxo
* * * * * * * * * *

P.S.: Don’t forget all the projects shared at TT&J this week:

I baked my delicious new recipe for Southern Rolled Meatloaf!

I also made my new twist on a family favorite: Italian 7-Layer Dip!

 I also started my new weekly series for the year called New Year, New You, dedicated to ideas for being happier and healthier in 2015!

 And the Happy Holidays series for 2014 came to a close with Snap Creativity’s Simple New Year’s Party Favor!

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The post Link Party Palooza — and “New You” Essential Oils Giveaway! appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.