Just as I put my hands down and they stopped singing, they turned to one another and started chatting, distracted and some disruptive. Some were whispering or talking as I was talking to give them the next feedback I had for them.
I will not talk over them. My vocal health matters too much to do that.
I felt discouraged. We'd wasted at least 10 minutes of our 75-minute rehearsal on these interruptions to the flow of a rehearsal, and I was tired. There had also been some typical teenage drama coming out earlier in rehearsal too, and I don't like feeling like a drill sergeant. I would way rather they learn how to self-manage and work with people they don't prefer, as in real life sometimes we do need to interact with people we don't prefer. But that won't just happen by chance.
So I decided to implement one of my favorite choral management techniques: a Choir Commitment that they write, agree to, and are held to.
My 7th-10th grade students did not disappoint, in fact, their wording was much deeper than I could've imagined or chosen myself.
The discussion that I guided as they came up with these guiding principles by which we would function in rehearsal together was the most important part of this commitment. If they don't know what it looks and sounds like for these to play out in a rehearsal space, how can they follow it? Clarity is key.
The word change from Respect to Honor occurred as a girl raised her hand to say, "Respect is something earned. What if someone is acting in a way that doesn't earn our respect? I think we should change the word to Honor. The Bible calls all to 'honor your father and mother.' There are kids in the world who have parents who do things that are not earning of respect, but they are still called by God to honor them. I think we should all honor each other even if someone does or says something that doesn't deserve respect."
"Wow." I agreed as I wrote in the additional edit, others nodding their heads as they thought about what she said.
There was a perfect teaching moment during the writing process too. When I wrote 'mistakes ar OK' on the board, I accidentally left off the "e." One girl, who can sometimes respond in an immature way, raised her hand and politely said, "Umm, Mrs. Orem, I think you made a mistake when you were writing."
"You're right, I did!" as I went to correct it. "Thank you for correcting my mistake in a respectful, kind way. I don't mind you calling out my mistakes or each others' at all, as long as you do it in a way that is honoring to the person who made the mistake. We all can keep learning."
We even had a conversation about changing voices in this context too, since that is a reason some do not give Maximum Effort -- fear of teasing when their voice does something they didn't want. It was SO good, and really shifted the atmosphere of the room from a space where there are things to hide or be embarrassed by to a sense of safety or transparency.
We even had a conversation about changing voices in this context too, since that is a reason some do not give Maximum Effort -- fear of teasing when their voice does something they didn't want. It was SO good, and really shifted the atmosphere of the room from a space where there are things to hide or be embarrassed by to a sense of safety or transparency.
...
"Now that you have created this commitment, you can hold me to my word that I will follow it. Do I have your word?"
*Nods of heads, looking around at each other seriously.
"Good. I'm here to develop you musically, of course, but my calling is greater than that. I know I have a responsibility to develop your character and speak into your life spiritually as well. I will hold you to these principles you put up here today. I will do it with ultimate honor and kindness, but I care about each of you too much to allow you to break your commitment on my watch. I am here to help you develop the character to keep your word. Alright, take out 'Praise His Holy Name' from your folder. Let's do this!"
...
The most important part of choir rehearsal? It's the little things, the small moments where we get to shape minds and hearts and build character.
.
.
Like this and want to learn more? There's a training coming in New Teacher Support & Community about this very topic (and the replay will be available if you're reading this in the future). Come join us!
Exhausted.
That was the emotion I thought I felt. I know, I know.... exhaustion doesn't sound like an emotion word, but I felt it in my bones, I lived it day by day and hour by hour.
That weight of never being done practicing or lesson planning. The long hours under fluorescent lights, trying to study through the pain or finish up cleaning recorders before running home to teach lessons and finally collapsing in bed after scrambling to put a semblance of a meal together. The loneliness of working non-stop, rushing from class to class without true connection with another adult.
The lack of deep friendship and understanding. The never feeling good enough. The push push push without relief, without let-up. The feeling like "classroom" teachers aka grade level teachers (I never liked that term, don't I teach in a classroom too?!) were superior just because we provided their prep time during the day to have a full, uninterrupted hour to plan while we were left with the scraps of 10/20/30 minute chunks to try to get something meaningful accomplished before running out to do bus duty.
This was the biggest thing, though, that I felt when in the rat-race of the typical college education degree and subsequent years of teaching in public education: Exhaustion.
This is why burn-out happens so quickly and easily, especially with the younger generation. Why?
Because we've pulled back the curtain, we've seen that it doesn't and shouldn't have to be this way.
That was the emotion I thought I felt. I know, I know.... exhaustion doesn't sound like an emotion word, but I felt it in my bones, I lived it day by day and hour by hour.
That weight of never being done practicing or lesson planning. The long hours under fluorescent lights, trying to study through the pain or finish up cleaning recorders before running home to teach lessons and finally collapsing in bed after scrambling to put a semblance of a meal together. The loneliness of working non-stop, rushing from class to class without true connection with another adult.
The lack of deep friendship and understanding. The never feeling good enough. The push push push without relief, without let-up. The feeling like "classroom" teachers aka grade level teachers (I never liked that term, don't I teach in a classroom too?!) were superior just because we provided their prep time during the day to have a full, uninterrupted hour to plan while we were left with the scraps of 10/20/30 minute chunks to try to get something meaningful accomplished before running out to do bus duty.
This was the biggest thing, though, that I felt when in the rat-race of the typical college education degree and subsequent years of teaching in public education: Exhaustion.
This is why burn-out happens so quickly and easily, especially with the younger generation. Why?
Because we've pulled back the curtain, we've seen that it doesn't and shouldn't have to be this way.
Do I judge any of my teacher friends for continuing to choose the public system, or friends who have kids in that system? Absolutely not! What is right for me in these situations may not be right for you, and vice versa. What I DO know, though, is that there are SO many teachers like me, well-meaning and very good, but just not suited for the mold that is public education.
In particular I have created a space where I no longer have to feel caught in the middle to provide for my family.
I can have BOTH. I can experience the joy of teaching AND make a good income (a lot more than I did as a young public school teacher). I can experience rest AND meaningful work. I can lesson plan AND have time to use the restroom whenever I want. I can enjoy kids and their smiles and laughter in large or small group settings AND go home at a reasonable time of day to make dinner for my family and enjoy the sunshine and snuggling my dog. I can get all I need to done and more AND have my weekend to myself now!
There's more to this life than work. But I wanted my work to be fulfilling and meaningful and have IMPACT.
I can choose how to run my schedule now. I choose my hours. And I don't have to teach private music lessons unless I want to (which I do, but it's my choice, not my duty to make a few extra $).
And you can too. It's not rocket science. :) But there are practical steps and considerations to make. Come learn with me how.
In particular I have created a space where I no longer have to feel caught in the middle to provide for my family.
I can have BOTH. I can experience the joy of teaching AND make a good income (a lot more than I did as a young public school teacher). I can experience rest AND meaningful work. I can lesson plan AND have time to use the restroom whenever I want. I can enjoy kids and their smiles and laughter in large or small group settings AND go home at a reasonable time of day to make dinner for my family and enjoy the sunshine and snuggling my dog. I can get all I need to done and more AND have my weekend to myself now!
There's more to this life than work. But I wanted my work to be fulfilling and meaningful and have IMPACT.
I can choose how to run my schedule now. I choose my hours. And I don't have to teach private music lessons unless I want to (which I do, but it's my choice, not my duty to make a few extra $).
And you can too. It's not rocket science. :) But there are practical steps and considerations to make. Come learn with me how.
January 29th, 2020
Feeling sentimental as sweet Aries, our first SD long-term foster, leaves us today to go to FETCH at the U of M for the spring to live with pre-vet students. She will then go in for final training in the summer before hopefully being paired with her forever person.
I am SO grateful we've gotten involved. I have learned so much and gained more from Aries than I feel I've given her; we have loved her dearly. God blessed us with her.
Public school teaching is kind of a stressful job, and my first 1.5 years I really struggled with anxiety. I still have a hard time in the dark winter months. Having Aries, though, has melted away so much of my anxiety. It's not gone, but she does pretty good therapy.
She forced me to go on walks every day, which are healthy in many ways, including for my poor flat feet that need stretching after standing all day. She helped me focus on the present and the now, not on the what-ifs from my day. She accompanied me everywhere except for school for her training, being a comforting & grounding presence that made people smile wherever we went. She was great at snuggling, a calming activity. 
We even got a comment on Monday from a man when we were at Costco, "She doesn't even need a leash hardly, does she?" I'll take that as a big compliment. 
So though there are tears on this turn-in day, they are happy/sad tears, but mostly happy. Happy that we made an impact for someone we hope to be friends with someday... Happy we could love her while we had her... Grateful for all she brought to us for her time... Grateful for her wiggle-butt and many kisses and kitty-rubbing greetings... Grateful for all of the wonderful memories... And blessed to give to others. We can't wait to do it all again.
So "see you later," girlie! Go be great!!
And now... We eagerly anticipate graduation day.
I am SO grateful we've gotten involved. I have learned so much and gained more from Aries than I feel I've given her; we have loved her dearly. God blessed us with her.
Public school teaching is kind of a stressful job, and my first 1.5 years I really struggled with anxiety. I still have a hard time in the dark winter months. Having Aries, though, has melted away so much of my anxiety. It's not gone, but she does pretty good therapy.
She forced me to go on walks every day, which are healthy in many ways, including for my poor flat feet that need stretching after standing all day. She helped me focus on the present and the now, not on the what-ifs from my day. She accompanied me everywhere except for school for her training, being a comforting & grounding presence that made people smile wherever we went. She was great at snuggling, a calming activity. We even got a comment on Monday from a man when we were at Costco, "She doesn't even need a leash hardly, does she?" I'll take that as a big compliment. So though there are tears on this turn-in day, they are happy/sad tears, but mostly happy. Happy that we made an impact for someone we hope to be friends with someday... Happy we could love her while we had her... Grateful for all she brought to us for her time... Grateful for her wiggle-butt and many kisses and kitty-rubbing greetings... Grateful for all of the wonderful memories... And blessed to give to others. We can't wait to do it all again.
So "see you later," girlie! Go be great!!
And now... We eagerly anticipate graduation day. 
December 6th, 2020
Career Changed. It is not news that we ever want to hear when it comes to these amazing dogs that we bring into our home to love, train, raise, and give our hearts to. The path of greatness to be a superhero in a red cape 
is not an easy one, and even circumstances unrelated to training can remove the dog from training. It is not a path that is destined for every dog in the program. Sometimes things just don't work out, and God has a different plan for these special dogs.
is not an easy one, and even circumstances unrelated to training can remove the dog from training. It is not a path that is destined for every dog in the program. Sometimes things just don't work out, and God has a different plan for these special dogs.Aries, our first long-term foster, was career changed this week due to medical reasons and we were asked to adopt her. 
She is already loving her new life as she settles back in with us for her first night as a pet! She will be a great big sister to fosters we continue to help raise. We also hope to pursue therapy dog work with her, as she LOVES to work and has the drive for a job, even if it's not serving a client as we'd hoped. It is a bittersweet feeling knowing how much we were looking forward to the impact she potentially would make for a client someday, but I am overjoyed to see her so happy and healthy, and super grateful we get to love her for the rest of her life as her family. 
Best surprise Christmas present EVER! 
#CareerChanged #shesoursnow
She is already loving her new life as she settles back in with us for her first night as a pet! She will be a great big sister to fosters we continue to help raise. We also hope to pursue therapy dog work with her, as she LOVES to work and has the drive for a job, even if it's not serving a client as we'd hoped. It is a bittersweet feeling knowing how much we were looking forward to the impact she potentially would make for a client someday, but I am overjoyed to see her so happy and healthy, and super grateful we get to love her for the rest of her life as her family. Best surprise Christmas present EVER! #CareerChanged #shesoursnow
I sat there nervously twirling my hair, my thoughts trying to convince me I shouldn't.
"What are you thinking, hon? Are you thinking you shouldn't do it even though you told me a few minutes ago how excited you were?"
I nodded at my husband and sighed.
Two days later: I just took a big leap of faith this weekend. And I know that it was a decision I was supposed to make, but there were a few moments when I wasn't so sure. Yesterday, I applied and got accepted for something really cool, which I'll share more about as time goes on. But I had a lot of limiting beliefs & second-guessing myself.
"What are you thinking, hon? Are you thinking you shouldn't do it even though you told me a few minutes ago how excited you were?"
I nodded at my husband and sighed.
Two days later: I just took a big leap of faith this weekend. And I know that it was a decision I was supposed to make, but there were a few moments when I wasn't so sure. Yesterday, I applied and got accepted for something really cool, which I'll share more about as time goes on. But I had a lot of limiting beliefs & second-guessing myself.
I wanted to share with you some wisdom from my husband that also it really helped me clarify the thoughts that were racing through my head as I was trying to decide about doing this, taking this big step. The power of Should is what we tell ourselves, especially when our mind is racing. We have so many thoughts that go through our head each day. We tell ourselves so many different things throughout the day. And honestly, we are the ones who speak to ourselves the most out of anybody, anyone, even our, our close family and friends. We talk to ourselves more than anybody else talks to us. And sometimes we tell ourselves a lot of unhelpful things: "I should or should not think this, I should have done this, I should not have done that, I really should go do this, but I don't feel like it."
Does that sound familiar to anybody else? We tell ourselves so many different things throughout the day. And oftentimes we kind of guilt ourselves into doing things. We say, "Oh, I really should do the laundry, or I really should go do dishes," implying, "I don't want to go do that. But I should, because I it's just my duty, right rather than an obligation instead of something that I actually want to do."
Does that sound familiar to anybody else? We tell ourselves so many different things throughout the day. And oftentimes we kind of guilt ourselves into doing things. We say, "Oh, I really should do the laundry, or I really should go do dishes," implying, "I don't want to go do that. But I should, because I it's just my duty, right rather than an obligation instead of something that I actually want to do."
I realized that instead of saying "I should do this," I am choosing to focus more now on "I want to do this, I am doing this, I will do this, I or I will not do this," rather than using the word 'should' so much. Because 'should' just puts my mind in a mindset or a frame of guilt and shaming myself. And that's not necessary. I don't need that, any you don't either!
How can you choose to think and speak to yourself differently today about habits you desire to change or mistakes you have made? How can I support you in that?
One of the ladies I am coaching asked me to send her spontaneous texts that say something like, "I choose to eat _____ today. Remember how amazing you feel when you _____?" To help reminder of 1) what she wants to do, 2) how she wants to feel when she does it, and 3) the way she wants to speak to herself.
Or maybe you just need direction first and practical steps to take on your journey. My TMJ Strong course, if you're dealing with those issues, may be the perfect fit to give you step-by-step applicable action items to get you moving rather than sitting in analysis paralysis.
Or maybe you just need direction first and practical steps to take on your journey. My TMJ Strong course, if you're dealing with those issues, may be the perfect fit to give you step-by-step applicable action items to get you moving rather than sitting in analysis paralysis.
If you need a little kick in the pants or gentle nudge and coaching is for you, reply or reach out with the words "I choose" to get 50% off your first session. I'm here to help you!
Choose your language; it's more powerful than you think.
Choose your language; it's more powerful than you think.
What IS TMJ anyway?!
Great question! I'm glad you asked. :)
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, aka your jaw.
So why do people say they "have TMJ" then?! Everyone (or almost everyone) has a jaw!
Check out this short video to find out.
So much education and challenges to help you on your journey in my group, Fed-Up & Option-Seeking TMJ Warriors: Abundant Life Community. Check it out!
How can I get rid of anxiety?
This is a question I asked myself a LOT when I was hardcore struggling. I mean, I felt like I was powerless over the thoughts and feelings running through my mind and body, and it was very difficult. For a long time, I couldn't believe I had any control over it -- I thought I was just at the mercy of it.
But I realized later how wrong that was... how it didn't at ALL fit into my beliefs.
I believe personally that God lives within me, that I have His power and strength and love residing in my heart and mind and soul and spirit. If that's true (which if you don't believe that's true, replace it with love or the universe or something else... what fits your framework, just hear what I'm saying).
If God lives within me, I 1000% have His power to take control of thoughts and feelings within me. I'm fallible and will make mistakes being human too, but I CAN reclaim that power of God in me through the strength of the Holy Spirit -- "not a spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind."
Here's one way you can do that, one antidote for fear, anxiety, and worry. Be filled with courage.
Today I want to talk about something just for those of us with a menstrual cycle. 
In the spirit of being eco-friendly and reducing/reusing/recycling, let's talk about eco-friendly menstrual products.
I personally use cloth pads. (These ones here or some really cute ones you can get on Etsy too! Find what fits for your body and works for you).
I know many people who use a reusable menstrual cup.
Both I think are great! Here's my top 4 reasons for the switch:
1. Eco-friendly: this was a BIG one for me. I'm all about less waste.
2. Less toxin exposure: my period used to be longer and more painful at the beginning than it needed to be because those disposable, one-time use products contain irritants and such that BOTHER our bodies and systems in different ways. Keep in mind that cheaply made cloth ones actually can too. But... Eliminate that? Less bothering the system, and for me resulted in a less painful, more regular cycle with shorter period. Who doesn't want that?! 
3. Comfort: my sensitive body is all about comfort, and once I realized it was actually more comfortable because I invested in quality pads, I felt way more comfortable!
4. Cheaper: no need to go stock up at Target or wherever every month anymore! I've been using the same set for 3 years now and they still look GREAT. I do keep some disposable on hand for random overnight trips if I don't want to think ahead more and plan for cleaning the cloth ones, but that's not often for me.
***Cleaning them is easy-peasy! I just hand-wash with the best ever non-toxic plant-based laundry soap, so they smell good AND stay really nice! Win-win! 
(Let me know if you need care tips, happy to share my how-to!)
(Let me know if you need care tips, happy to share my how-to!)Pro-tip: if you're trying to avoid toxins like I mentioned in #2, you're doing yourself a disservice by washing them in regular laundry detergent. Go look up the ingredients of that stuff... 
No thanks. No matter what you're using, I recommend googling a few (or all!) ingredient names just to see what they are/do. You may be surprised at what you find even if you are using a "natural" laundry soap. Ask me about what I use for the best, most cost effective laundry soap around!
No thanks. No matter what you're using, I recommend googling a few (or all!) ingredient names just to see what they are/do. You may be surprised at what you find even if you are using a "natural" laundry soap. Ask me about what I use for the best, most cost effective laundry soap around!Do you use cloth pads/a menstrual cup? If not, what are your concerns? I guarantee you that I had one of your concerns before I made the switch! Ask away -- no question is too weirdo for me! 
Depending where you live, food can be costly. But there are a few simple ways to make your grocery shopping effective and efficient. After all,
All foods either help us heal or make us sick.
I personally want to do the former instead of the latter. :)
How to Eat Well on a Budget
1) Go out to eat less (or not at all!) -- eating out costs a LOT. You're paying to be waited on plus the actual food plus the labor of making it! And it's usually not healthy anyway. Save that money you would've spent eating out and budget it for healthier food at the grocery store instead.
2) Meal plan -- plan out what you're going to eat when, especially if you are busy in the evenings. (Stay tuned for an awesome meal planning freebie coming soon!)
3) Make double portions -- and either freeze the rest or eat leftovers a few nights in one week! Making food healthy doesn't mean you need to cook or bake every night of the week.
4) Ditch the microwave -- I did a training about this in Abundant Life Community if you'd like to know more about why this is important! Your food is your body's fuel.
5) Cancel any subscriptions you don't use and put that extra money each month towards your food budget. Every dollar counts!
There you have it! Feel like you've got these down but need more direction on clean eating? I've got a Clean Eating Ingredients Freebie you can check out to push the needle even further on your goals. You got this!
Do you wake up in the morning feeling energized and alive? If you answer “no” to that, you’re not alone. SO many people are leading busy lives during the day and not getting enough restful sleep at night, and feel like they are dragging during the day. I know I was a few years ago.
If you are stressed-out and sleep-deprived, it is likely that you are turning to refined sugars and caffeine to get through the day. The problem is not your morning cup of coffee or enjoying the taste... the problem is when the resulting blood sugar crash leads to an afternoon coffee or sugar craving and then another, and another, and another...
Once the cycle has started, it’s very difficult to achieve a state of balance until it's broken. When the body’s natural energy rhythms are off, these issues can pop up: raging food cravings, weakened immune system, increased inflammation in the body, weight issues, difficulty with restful sleep, and more.
In order to proactively care for your body, soul, and mind, it is important to break the cycle. Some people can quit caffeine and sugar cold turkey. Most people struggle with that, though. Since sugar and caffeine are addictive, withdrawals are common, usually in the form of headaches and fatigue. Gradually reduce the amount you’re consuming AND find a replacement that will truly fuel your body's need for energy. Often we also become attached to the routine, so it is important to find something else that can be just as emotionally satisfying. I have LOTS of great healthful fuel ideas in Abundant Life Community.
It's not that you have to go the rest of your life without birthday cake or an occasional cappuccino. These foods are meant to be enjoyed in very occasional moderation. If daily indulgences begin to take their toll on energy levels, take simple steps to regain control and reconnect with feeling naturally alert and energized all day long. It's 100% doable!! But it starts with belief, mindset, and practical action steps. Having a cheerleader can be SO beneficial along the way, too. I'm starting a natural energy challenge mid-April if you would like practical steps, a mentor to walk you through it, and the determination to complete what you start! Contact me if you're interested, and I'll ask you a few basic questions to ensure that this challenge is right for you.
Gardening organically can be slightly harder in certain instances, but it is well worth the pay-off. Growing your own nutrient-dense food that is as natural as possible is becoming increasingly important to many families.
What to do about pests though?
Or what about a natural way to get rid of fleas once your lovable pooch has already brought them home?
I got both covered. :)
Here's your special ingredient, something I ALWAYS have on hand, and 6 awesome uses for it:
Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is a very fine powder that contains tiny pre-historic aquatic organisms called diatoms which are made of silica. Some brands of DE (like in the link above) may be taken internally as well as used around the house. I personally only use a brand that is food grade, as I would not want children/pets getting into anything that was not safe to ingest already, you know what I mean? I don't have chemical insect repellant, cleaners, or sunscreen in the house (I've written about that here), let alone anything else that's harmful to my precious family.
6 Awesome Uses of DE:
1. Overall health benefits for hair, skin, nails, body, and brain. DE usually contains trace minerals, and we are often deficient in silica, which also has some amazing properties. Go do a little google search to see for yourself!
2. Great addition to facial scrubs, deodorant, carpet cleaner, and more. Just AVOID eyes (and nose on furry friends).
3. Kills fleas that your pooch brought in! The fine and abrasive nature of the powder causes insects with exoskeletons to dehydrate fatally. Dust pup 2x per day until pests are seen to be gone (be careful to avoid mouth & eyes, as the fine dust particles can irritate mucus membranes!).
4. Pest control in the garden. Re-apply once per day after noticing pests after dew or rain has dried for best use.
5. DE has detoxifying properties and can be used alongside these other gentle cleansing and detoxing tips.
6. In vegetable gardening, DE is sometimes used as a soil conditioner, because it can retain water and nutrients while draining fast and freely, allowing more air circulation to bring additional oxygen to the root system within the soil (which you want).
Want to receive updates to the blog? You can sign up to get them straight to your inbox or phone here so you don't miss any. Or join my free group, Abundant Life Community, for more natural food, household, and gardening tips. :)
*Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links. All things I love and use, of course!
Homemade Kombucha tastes SO GOOD.
Never heard of it? It's a fizzy beverage produced by fermenting sweet tea with a culture of wild yeast and bacteria. Many people I know replace soda with kombucha because it satisfies that craving for carbonated goodness, but is actually good for you!
The awesome part? When you homebrew it, you can customize the amount of fizzy carbonation, caffeine, flavor, and sweetness.
The 5 main benefits of drinking Kombucha: 💚
1. Cleansing and detoxing for the body.
2. Immune system support -- gut health leads to immune system health!
3. Improved digestion -- probiotics. :)
4. Increased energy -- happy gut, more energy!
5. Increased metabolism -- happy gut, better processing of food.
1. Cleansing and detoxing for the body.
2. Immune system support -- gut health leads to immune system health!
3. Improved digestion -- probiotics. :)
4. Increased energy -- happy gut, more energy!
5. Increased metabolism -- happy gut, better processing of food.
Drink kombucha but curious how to make your own?
I make my own and have put together a video course called Homebrewing Kombucha Made Easy -- you can learn how to make your own too, for a fraction of what it costs to buy in the store. I walk you through each step from buying the ingredients & materials to how to decide which flavors to make!
Never know what to get your significant other? Or Valentine's Day just sneaks up on you and you find yourself with no good ideas?
Happens to me often too, which is why I'm being proactive about it this year.
Some gift ideas for him & her... so you're not left rushing or stressing about it in 2 weeks. ;)
For Her:
1. Thinking interactive? How about a diary or journal that you can fill out together? What I love about Him & Her.
3. How about the new WHITE Aria diffuser?! It goes on sale today, and is likely to sell out fast. This one is great for him OR her!
The white Aria diffuser comes in two different collections - here are all the details.
*Note: these are available for ALL YL members at 1 per account (not a member, ask me how)! They are going to go fast, it’s a WHITE aria, let’s be real here. 
So grab it when it launches around 9:00 AM MT!
So grab it when it launches around 9:00 AM MT!8:00 AM PT // 10:00 AM CT // 11:00 AM ET
// Make It Happen Collection //
+ White Aria
+ VALOR, 5ml
+ VALOR, 5ml
Every single person needs to experience Valor themselves. So snag that bottle for yourself and see why it is so cherished and valued by so many of us. It is AMAZING for sleep. 
It balances the energy in the body and is the very first oil used in the Raindrop Technique. It is called the “chiropractor in a bottle”, and it MIRACULOUS on the spine. And keeping it straight. 
Roll this on yourself during times of very high stress.
It balances the energy in the body and is the very first oil used in the Raindrop Technique. It is called the “chiropractor in a bottle”, and it MIRACULOUS on the spine. And keeping it straight. Roll this on yourself during times of very high stress. Great in muscle blends, and so relaxing to sore muscles. 
SO, so good for the MOOD and emotions.
SO, so good for the MOOD and emotions.+ PALO SANTO, 5ml
This little bottle of goodness does so many things! It comes from the same botanical family as Frankincense so you know all the reasons why you love frank? You will love Palo Santo for that as well. It is a spiritual and grounding oil known for cleansing the air of the negative energies and for good luck. Anyone do the Letting Go Protocol? Palo Santo is a great oil to diffuse before you do the protocol. Palo Santo means “sacred wood” so it is a beautiful oil to use for creating a more spiritual and sacred environment. I love to diffuse it with Pine,
lemon, 
and a spruce oil.
lemon, and a spruce oil.A girlfriend just told me this has been a game-changer for them with nightmares for her son! 
They diffuse it with White Angelica each night and they have stopped completely. 
They also did a roller with Palo Santo, White Angelica, and Valor to roll on before sleep.
They diffuse it with White Angelica each night and they have stopped completely. They also did a roller with Palo Santo, White Angelica, and Valor to roll on before sleep.**Price: $319.25**
**PV: 223**
**Item #: 37438**
**Shop Only**
**1 per account**
**PV: 223**
**Item #: 37438**
**Shop Only**
**1 per account**
When you grab this collection you’ll also get free shipping and YLANG YLANG for free!!
Wanna snag a free Stress away, One Heart, and Sacred Frankincense too? Add on 77pv more! Some ideas: CBD Beauty Boost (84.95PV - literally your skin will love you for it ) or a 30 pack of Ningxia Red (90.50PV)
// Take A Moment Collection //
+ White Aria
+ BERGAMOT, 15ml
+ BERGAMOT, 15ml
It a light, sweet citrusy scent. Uplifting and relaxing, it is good for building confidence and enhancing your mood. It has a long history of use for oily skin. Try a drop in a glass of wine 
+ CEDARWOOD, 15ml
High in Sesquiterpenes, this oil makes your brain 
happy. It is calming, grounding, and wonderful for sleep. It supports the body’s production of melatonin so people use this to sleep like a log! 
One of my fave diffuser combos is Lavender and Cedarwood. This is also perfect to add into your Mermaid 
(hair growth) spray with lavender and rosemary, some water, and witch hazel!!!
happy. It is calming, grounding, and wonderful for sleep. It supports the body’s production of melatonin so people use this to sleep like a log! One of my fave diffuser combos is Lavender and Cedarwood. This is also perfect to add into your Mermaid (hair growth) spray with lavender and rosemary, some water, and witch hazel!!!**Price: $281.75**
**PV: 185.5**
**Item #: 37433**
**Shop Only**
**1 per account**
**PV: 185.5**
**Item #: 37433**
**Shop Only**
**1 per account**
4. Need a little color and nature this time of year? Try a plant! I love anthuriums, cut roses, or a small indoor pine, or other fun greenery.
For Him:
2. Shutran shave oil, soap, or cologne oil is always a hit! (Pppsst, I happen to really like how it smells too, so it's a win win!). Need help finding the best personal deal for you? Ask! Always happy to help.
3. Chocolate covered Oreos to share? Yes please! Need a healthier sweets option? Got you covered there too. ;)
Hope these ideas jog your brain and get you thinking. I can't wait to surprise my hubby this year! Usually we gift experiences, but since this year that's harder to come by, I think I'll give one of these ideas. (Sssshhhhh, don't tell him! ;) )
**Blog contains affiliate links (all things I love and use, of course!)
