Facial Cleanse & Moisturizer

I have wondered how people get flawless skin. I always assumed that they must just be more diligent or have better skin genetics. The truth is I just do not have the energy to actually wash my face every night and morning. Hey, I count it as a win if I brush my teeth. But my skin could use some extra love sometimes, so I knew I needed to incorporate some cleansing, skin rejuvenating oils into my routine. These oils are excellent for cleansing the skin and supporting its natural appearance. Plus, it smells so nice and refreshing. It's relaxing at night and fresh in the morning. The best part is that since it's a spray all I have to do it spray it onto a wipe and wipe my face down each morning and night, rather than somehow managing to splash the whole bathroom in a face washing routine.

The recipe is as follows and can always be modified to fit your individual needs and skin type:

1 2oz. amber glass spray bottle

5 drops Lavender

5 drops Frankincense

3 drops Melaleuca Alternifolia

2 drops Purification

3 drops Geranium

10 drops Vitamin E oil

1/2 tsp. Young Living V-6 oil OR Grapeseed or Jojoba oil (coconut oil can cause light breakouts on some skin types. So the carrier oil included should be experimented with until you find the right fit for your skin.)

1/2 tsp. baking soda

Fill the rest of the way with Aloe Vera Witch Hazel

NOTE: I never spray this directly on my face because I do not want to risk getting it in the eyes. Essential oils will irritate eyes and must be diluted with a carrier oil, not water. I always spray it on a towel or wipe first to apply.

You can always add more carrier oil and less witch hazel. I just have a skin type that breaks out when a solution is too oily. Witch Hazel is a great toner and cleanser for the skin that has more of a water like consistency so I love to use it in my sprays to help them spray easier.

Frankincense and Lavender are especially gentle oils that in addition to being uplifting, relaxing, and soothing, are excellent for skin care. Melaleuca or Tea Tree helps cleanse the skin of impurities - toxins, makeup, oily residue, etc. Purification is Young Living's proprietary cleansing blend. It contains Melaleuca and Lavandin (similar too but a bit sharper than Lavender) as well as other freshening oils. And Geranium is a gentle skin tonic, cleanser, and moisturizer that is also calming and uplifting. It's similar to both Lavender and Rose, but at a much more affordable price than Rose. If I had Rose, I would certainly add it to this spray, but Geranium is an excellent substitute.

Email me at rach.dorian@gmail.com if you're interested in learning more about how essential oils can benefit you and your family! I love to answer questions and mentor other in their essential oil journeys. There is no better time to take charge of your health and wellness. Plus, four out of five of these oils (all but Geranium) are included in my favorite Premium Starter Kit! It doesn't get better than that.

 *Disclaimer: This post is NOT intended as medical advice of any kind because I am not a doctor. These product(s) have not been tested or evaluated by the FDA and so they are not intended to cure, treat, or prevent disease. They only help your body to do what it was meant to do, like nutritional supplements. Caution should be exercised with first time oil use - skin patch tests prior to use and dilution with carrier oil - especially in children. Children, especially under the age of 6, should never ingest essential oils without advice of a healthcare professional since they are concentrated and potent. If you are under the care of a physician, nursing, taking prescription medication, or pregnant please consult your doctor prior to use. Keep essential oils out of reach of children.

How to Sustain Love in Every Stage of Life

I remember learning in my BYU Marriage Preparation class that the Law of Chastity is NOT a race to the finish line of marriage. I did not understand then what they were trying to teach me because in the hormonal mind of a teenager or young adult it certainly feels like a race. It took me a couple years of marriage and difficult trials in my marriage to even begin to comprehend that living the Law of Chastity is a way of life and love that applies to every stage of a person's life. It is so much more than a restriction of sex before marriage.

It is about learning to live in Christlike love, rather than selfish lust. And that is a lesson that even married couples must continue to learn again and again. In fact, I would postulate that marriage requires an even greater amount of self control and bridling of passions than any other stage of life. To restrain ourselves from unhealthy obsession over our passions even when they are technically allowed their full expression requires an even greater selflessness, control, and consideration of another person's feelings and desires. And when children come along the ability to sacrifice selfish desires and bridle passions must become even more honed to ensure the success of the family.

The problem with seeing the Law of Chastity as a race to finish or a fence holding us back is that is does not foster healthy and whole sexuality within marriage. This flawed concept of chastity leads to fear and reservation - that something so carefully preserved will become broken, dirty, or lost. But when that gift is selflessly shared with a partner to whom you are married and have committed yourself to in love it can only bless and strengthen. It is only when it is used as a tool for selfish gratification, rather than a way to grow in Christlike love together, that the spiritual, emotional, and physical aspects of the relationship and individuals begin to erode. This can happen both within and outside of marriage. Hence, the inspired admonishment from Alma: "See that ye bridle all your passions, that ye may be filled with love" (Alma 38:12).  

I did not finally begin to grasp this crucial concept until I read this inspired counsel in one of my favorite books in a time of marital crisis: "Even for the married there is a time and place to think about sexuality and a time not to think about it. Ancient words of wisdom say, 'To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven ... a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing' [Ecclesiastes 3:1, 5]" (He Restoreth My Soul, 136). I'm embarrassed to admit that it was like a light bulb went off in my mind as I realized that too much of my marriage had been focused on the physical, and the spiritual and emotional had been allowed to suffer as a result. This realization allowed me to set healthy boundaries and healthy habits that would reserve sexuality for an appropriate time and place and foster the emotional and spiritual in both myself and our marriage.

When we learned to put God first in our marriage, every area of our relationship - emotional, spiritual, and physical - grew more than we had ever thought possible. To try to go through this process of growing in these three key areas without a willing, cooperative spouse is in fact possible but very difficult. When a spouse is unresponsive, mired in addiction, suffering from mental or physical illness, or absent I believe that the Savior will make up the difference if we faithfully come to Him as humble, willing individuals. Even one person or spouse drawing nearer to God by setting healthy boundaries and habits will strengthen that person and thereby their marriage. In Young Women's I learned that eternal marriage is not merely a union between two people, but a triangle between God, a man, and a woman. Even if only two are invested it can still grow and be saved. My goal in my marriage is to stay in it so long as God is still in it with me because I covenanted with Him, not just my husband.

Nothing but good can come by drawing closer to the Spirit and I know that even in times of crisis it can work miracles within and around us. But the way to be worthy of the Spirit is to bridle all our passions. When we are worthy of the Spirit we will be filled with the love of God for ourselves and others - a love that I have never known an equal too. It is a love that fills me with complete peace, hope, happiness, and a desire to share it. To bridle my passions seems such a small token of sacrifice to feel that supernal love and usher it into my relationships for eternity.

Hair Serum - Anti-Frizz Detangler Spray

So, like most women I have a love/hate relationship with my hair. The truth is I've never really cared enough to learn how to tame it so it's almost always just been allowed to do its own thing. I love it because it's naturally wavy, long, and a pretty auburn color in the right lighting. But it also likes to frizz A LOT. Ever since becoming a mother I've just been throwing it up in ponytails and by the end of the day it's a frizzy mess that only vaguely resembles a ponytail. The frizz has gotten especially bad these past few months to the point where it became an embarrassing nuisance even for a stay at home, too tired to care most of the time mom like me. I suspected it may even be damaged it was so bad. Plus, now that my daughter's hair is getting longer and harder to tame I knew a gentle detangler would be invaluable.

Once again, essential oils to the rescue! Here is the recipe for a quick, easy and incredibly healthy, gentle, and beneficial hair serum:

1 2oz. amber glass spray bottle

5 drops Stress Away

5 drops Lavender

3 drops Geranium

2 drops Cedarwood

1/2 tsp. sea salt

1/2 tsp. fractionated coconut oil

10 drops Vitamin E Oil

Fill the rest of the way with Aloe Vera Witch Hazel

It feels and smells wonderful! Of course, Stress Away is the best smelling oil blend known to man. I also used it because it contains both Lavender and Cedarwood, which are excellent for hair health and growth. Thicker, longer hair in a yummy smelling bottle! Geranium, Lavender, and Cedarwood are nourishing for both skin and hair. I use them for anything and everything. Plus, they are all generally regarded as safe for children because they are so gentle. 

Both Lavender and Stress Away are included in Young Living's incredibly valued Premium Starter Kit. If you're interested in learning more about how essential oils can benefit you and your family email me at rach.dorian@gmail.com! I love to answer questions and mentor others in their essential oil journeys! It is the best way to start living a more chemical free, healthier life.

 *Disclaimer: This post is NOT intended as medical advice of any kind because I am not a doctor. These product(s) have not been tested or evaluated by the FDA and so they are not intended to cure, treat, or prevent disease. They only help your body to heal itself, like nutritional supplements. Any conditions mentioned above are things that myself and other people have experienced alleviation of when using essential oils and everyone can react differently. Caution should be exercised with first time oil use - skin patch tests prior to use and dilution with carrier oil - especially in children. Children, especially under the age of 6, should never ingest essential oils without advice of a healthcare professional since they are concentrated and potent. If you are under the care of a physician, nursing, taking prescription medication, or pregnant please consult your doctor prior to use. Keep essential oils out of reach of children.

The Least of These

I was reading President Eyring's talk "Is Not This the Fast That I Have Chosen?" today when this verse from Matthew jumped out to me. I have often felt like I fall short in the area of giving service. I don't volunteer or help a lot of people in a day because I have hard time getting outside of my shell. I want to, but I have just never known how to make the time and have the courage. But the Savior does not require that we serve constantly or that we serve everyone. Instead, He asks that we start by fasting, giving a generous fast offering, serving faithfully in our callings, visiting teaching, and serving those in our own families. These are much more manageable goals that that I feel are within my grasp.

It does not matter how many I serve, but how willingly and humbly I serve those within my scope. What matters is my heart. Serving "even the the least of these" is all that is needed to soften my heart to make it more like my Savior's. Cooking, cleaning, changing diapers, reading that one book again and again and again. Even if that is all I accomplish in a day (and most days it is) I have served and I am consecrating myself to Him. He did not say "Inasmuch as ye have been Mother Teresa" but "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto ONE of the least of these..." To me, this signifies anyone, but not necessarily everyone. I believe He sees our hearts, not a checklist or report.

When I was in school full-time I gave what I would call a "college student's fast offering." It was meager but all I could give and I'm glad I did. I always had employment and my needs met. Then this past year a trial descended that changed my life forever. For the first time, I was in dire need. Generous family provided for my physical needs, but what I really needed was therapy and we could not afford it. The Bishop took care of it and I assume it came from the ward's fast offering fund. That opportunity to get therapy was life saving and changed me forever. After that experience when I was in a position to give again, I gave far more generously than I had before no longer out of a sense of duty and desire for blessing but in the hopes that other lives and hearts would be healed as mine had. As President Eyring promised:

Your fast offering
will do more
than help feed and clothe bodies.
It will
heal and change
hearts.

Serving is about so much more than filling a need or dutifully and habitually checking a box. It can often start as a duty or checked box and then blossom into healing for both our own hearts and those we touch. I still have so much learning and growth to do in this area. But every time I am tempted to feel insufficient I remember that I give a generous fast offering with righteous intentions, I serve my child and family every day, all day, and I try to love those around me.

Testimonial Tuesday: Odor Neutralizers

t's that day every parent dreads and never wants to think about, but deep down we all know it's inevitable. The day you walk into your toddler's room to find that they have been happily playing with the contents of their own explosive diaper. Much gagging and cringing and baths and laundry ensue while you try to remind yourself why you ever wanted children (or pets) in the first place. The ironic twist is that if it's explosive it's almost certainly the worst smelling kind.

I was horrified to find that my daughter had in fact slicked her hair back with it. And let me tell you, that smell does NOT come out of hair easily. I made sure to wash her hair thoroughly in the bath, but it wasn't enough. After her hair had dried I noticed a tenacious oily residue and gag inducing smell remained. Back to the bath we went and this time I added a couple drops of Lemon, Purification, and Lavender to her shampoo and it totally did the trick! Not only did her hair smell much better, but it came out especially clean and silky soft. It was much easier to comb and any residue was completely gone. I also added a few drops of Purification to the laundry load I did immediately and everything came out clean and fresh smelling. Thank goodness.

Purification is Young Living's proprietary blend especially formulated to deodorize, freshen, and clean. Lemon is also very cleansing and cuts through grease and stains. And Lavender is good for hair and skin and smells heavenly. All three of these indispensable household oils are included in the Young Living Premium Starter Kit, which I honestly don't how I lived without. If you're tired of living a life full of chemicals gross smells - basically a typical life with children or pets - without these secret weapons then email me at rach.dorian@gmail.com to learn more!

 *Disclaimer: This post is NOT intended as medical advice of any kind because I am not a doctor. These product(s) have not been tested or evaluated by the FDA and so they are not intended to cure, treat, or prevent disease. They only help your body to do what it was meant to do, like nutritional supplements. Caution should be exercised with first time oil use - skin patch tests prior to use and dilution with carrier oil - especially in children. Children, especially under the age of 6, should never ingest essential oils without advice of a healthcare professional since they are concentrated and potent. If you are under the care of a physician, nursing, taking prescription medication, or pregnant please consult your doctor prior to use. Keep essential oils out of reach of children.

Finding Peace in my Heart

Peace is an elusive emotion in my life. I have found that anxiety, anger, and controlling come much easier. When I try to establish peace on my own I am quick to fall and feel hopeless for it. Peace is not within my mortal power to establish. I have tried many times in the midst of anxiety to will it into existence but the anxiety only worsens. It is only the Lord's peace - faith in Him and the Spirit - that have brought true peace to my heart.

The natural man, our fallen mortal state, is predisposed to anger and fear. They are survival oriented emotions and animal like in nature. But they are the way our mortal frames are designed to react to the stress of every day life. Often when I feel angry and afraid, I feel like I have already failed. I know I should not allow myself to feel this way and I so I punish myself by heaping guilt and thus more fear and anger onto the pile. It was enlightening for me to realize that fearful and angry are what I am already predisposed to be. I need not feel like I have utterly failed every time I feel them or give in to them. I need only to remember that I am learning how not to feel them or give in to them. Even though I may have fallen, I began on the ground. And my Savior will be there to lift me time and time again if I reach up to Him.

I like to compare it to a young child learning to walk. I wouldn't dream of telling a child who has fallen in the process of learning that they are incapable or failing. Learning is very different than failing. Learning entails quite a lot of stumbles and falls that may feel like failure. But so long as I am taking steps in the right direction I need not feel like every time I fall there is no point in going on.

That is why this verse spoke to and inspired me:

Peace

I leave with you,

my peace

I give unto you:

not as the world giveth,

give I unto you.

Let not your heart be troubled,

neither let it be afraid.

John 14:27

I was fascinated by the wording in this scripture. The Savior was very specific about what type of "peace" He would give unto us. That peace, as we can read in the previous verse, was "the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost" (John 14:26). The peace of the Spirit surpasses all human understanding. It is the only true source of peace I have ever known. When I find myself feeling angry and afraid, only humbly kneeling before my God, pleading for the Spirit to guide and comfort me, and having faith in His plan, have brought me true and lasting peace.

The last two directives of this verse also captured my attention because He did not say "never be troubled or afraid." He said "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." He knew that our hearts are predisposed in this mortal life to be troubled and afraid. I believe it is a natural consequence of being separated from the presence of God - the source of light, love, and peace. It is in learning to rely on the Holy Spirit to help us overcome our fear with faith that we will become more like Him. When we learn how to access that peace through the Spirit we are becoming self sufficient. We are learning to love and feel as He does. That is why the separation from Him is necessary. For how can a sapling grow if it is always overshadowed by its mighty parent tree? It may feel safe and secure in that shade, sheltered from the wind and growing pains, but it has the potential to be so much more. 

A verse of Douglas Malloch's poem in Making the Most of Yourself strikes something in me each time I read it:

Good timber does not grow with ease:

The stronger wind, the stronger trees;

The further sky, the greater length;

The more the storm, the more the strength.

By sun and cold, by rain and snow,

In trees and men good timbers grow.

It helps me to remember that when I feel angry, afraid, and beaten it is only because I am still growing. I can choose to seek peace or withdraw further into my own fear and anger. I can choose to stand up again knowing that I may very well fall again because I'm learning. I can be responsible for my own emotions and seek the Savior's peace by serving others, having charity, and living worthy of the Spirit as best I can. His peace is the only peace that lasts. It enlarges and strengthens the soul. It calms the troubled sea and when it doesn't, it gives us the power to walk across it anyway.