All you need is.. Library Love!

For some reason people think I'm kidding when I say some of my fondest memories as a child were spent going to my local library.

I was one of those kids that enjoyed going to school, learning and the entire education process as a whole. I was (and still am) a self professed bookworm. I actually enjoy reading. I'm puzzled as to why this concept seems so difficult for some to believe. I use to walk and read on my way home from school each day. Not the safest way to cross the street at eleven years old, but hey my peripheral vision some would argue is better than my actual vision.

I remember my older brother being embarrassed by his "geeky" bookworm sister. He was in middle school while I was still in elementary, it was his job to meet me after school at Baskin Robbins across the way from P.S. 69 and walk home together (This was where I started my first job years later at 14). I can still see the mortification on his face one day when he walked in and saw me doing my homework while waiting. (Gasp) I was required to walk/read about a half block behind him and his friends so they wouldn't find out we were related. I had crazy wild curly hair (still do), with bunny teeth (still do), and bright red Sally Jessy Raphael looking glasses (I would still rock those if I could find them). Wouldn't YOU want to be related to me??? (To his credit he has since reformed but lovingly calls me his white baboon, we are very close).

Anyhow, I digress..

The library to a kid like me was a place of endless possibility! I felt like not only could I be anything I wanted while I was there, I already was it. When I decided I wanted to be a judge, I went to the library and checked out a book on legal terminology. I figured if I was going to be the first Puerto Rican Supreme Court Judge I'd better learn the lingo. I would watch Court TV and listen to "the dance" between lawyers in the courtroom and practice using "Objection!" and whether or not I felt it was cause for "Overruled" or "Sustained" (I still do this). The Library fueled this need inside of me to figure out who I was and what I really wanted to do. I would decide what sort of profession I wanted to learn about that day, find a book about it and disappear into the pages in a quiet corner at the end of an aisle. I had a ritual, I would open the book I was interested in to about half way and take a big sniff (I still do this). There is a comfort in the smell of an old library book that I just can't get from a newly printed book, or my Nook Book. It may be the quality of the paper, or the richness of the ink that sparks such wanderlust. It makes me sad sometimes to think that there may very well be a generation who will not understand this feeling.

We visit our local libraries often for story time and to round up a bunch of books to bring home, it feels great to share this joy with my children. I was able to see the same big bright smile as my oldest son got his first library card this summer. His face lit up with excitement of the same endless possibilities I still feel when I walk through those double doors.

One of my favorite quotes is:

"If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need."

-Cicero

It's really important to me to be able to instill the same values in my children. That no matter how impossible, crazy or even outlandish an idea may seem to others, if it is your dream it is possible. The things that matter to us, or speak to us are not random. They are a part of our calling it seems, in some aspect. If you follow that little voice inside you, I believe it will in some way help someone else. Whether it be to follow their dream or help someone else along the way.

With that being said, I have decided to add a new segment to the Essentially Erika blog. A Book Club of sorts, entitled "What I'm Reading". I will be posting great reading material that has contributed in some way over the years and presently to the thoughts, ideas or values that this blog's foundation is built on. It will most likely be based on subjects such as parenting, early childhood development, nature, music & the arts or even the dreaded self-help book sprinkled in here and there for good measure. It's a running joke that whenever you come to me with a problem, I'm sure to have a book recommendation for you. Well now it's official!

What have you checked out recently? Have any good book recommendations? I'd love to hear them!


Essentially Yours,

Erika

Essential Oils: Bumps & Bruises

Living with two boys under the age of four, you can imagine how many bumps and bruises I see on a weekly basis. Oddly enough it's always my little guy who takes all the tumbles. He tends to be a bit more risky than his older brother who is a little more of a risk analyst when it comes to tricky maneuvers.

The tumble he recently took off off the couch onto my tile floor and into his Fisher Price record player was not a pretty one. It caught him right between the eyes and it started to swell so fast he was beginning to look like a unicorn!

I remember reading on the coveted Modern Wellness page on Facebook that Deep Blue was supposed to help with swelling.
I raced to my oil stash and grabbed ol' trusty tried and true blue! Just a dab will do, although I will say this: Be sure and keep away from the eyes, this oil is potent and can burn terribly if rubbed into a little one's eye.

The true test would be in the bruising in the days to come. I should have taken a picture right away but I was busy consoling a very distraught two year old.

But here you have it!

He never got a shiner as I suspected, and it went straight into the healing phase. By the next day it was visibly swollen, but nothing like before and it was already turning yellow / green. It wasnt tender to the touch and as you can see his mood had greatly improved! (Pardon the shameless plug, I couldn't resist!)

By day two the swelling had completely subsided and you could barely tell he had any bruising at all.

Another victory for Deep Blue and #DrMom!

Thinking of ordering an extra bottle to keep on hand just in case. With these two guys something tells me I'm not quite in the clear just yet!

If you'd like to learn more about Deep Blue or any of DoTerra's essential oils you may do so at www.mydoterra.com/erikasessentials.

If you'd like to learn how to gain access to the coveted online Modern Wellness Facebook Forum, please contact me at essentiallyerika@gmail.com.


Essentially Yours,


Erika

Are You Drinking REAL WATER???

When I was pregnant with my son, I remember always feeling so thirsty. Which didn't make any sense to me because I was pretty much drowning myself in your average store-bought water. It wasn't until my sister-in-law broke down the science of water production to me, and how important the pH balance in the water is (Thanks Dee!).

All bottled water is created equal, right??? WRONG!!!

Come to find out the pH balance in most of the store-bought water I was drinking was only at about a level 4-5 at best. Normal pH level in your water should be at least at a 7! No matter how much water I was drinking it was actually causing me to become dehydrated!

Enter REAL WATER! The pH in REAL WATER is at an 8! (part the clouds, cue the angels!)

According to REAL WATER, most drinking water can be unhealthy because it is too acidic and has been stripped of valuable electrons. Many health professionals believe an acidic body can lead to dramatic health problems. The NEXT problem with most water (yes there's more) is that it has been stripped of valuable electrons during filtration, purification and generally moving through pipes. This results in the water molecules competing for the remaining electrons and clumping together.

Once this happens, the molecules now have a positive (+) charge and can be measured by what is called an Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP) meter. Some common brands of water tested in at upwards of +269 on the ORP meter!!! (I know, it was like speaking French to me too)

What is so dangerous about positive ions??? These positively charged water molecules are actually FREE RADICALS that want to steal electrons from healthy cells. This is called oxidation and causes cellular damage and premature aging.. (Yup, I said it) Besides free radical damage, positive ionized water molecules are rejected by something called our aquaporins. They are channels that let good water in and reject harmful water. When a water molecule is positively charged and clumped, the aquaporin rejects it, it wont let it in.

Hence my dehydration!!! While pregnant...In the third trimester... In the summertime...In South Florida... You get the picture. Your cells don't want a free radical running around causing damage or even killing cells. Since these aquaporins are so selective (for your own good), you could be drinking a ton of water like me, but never really hydrating yourself on a cellular level.

REAL WATER takes it to the next level, it is slightly alkaline which helps your body move towards a more alkalized and healthful state. They've gone beyond alkalinity... it's alkalized infused with negative (-) ions! It's the only water available today that can maintain a stable negative ionization. These negative ions literally attack free radicals that cause oxidative damage providing a powerful antioxidant effect with every bottle you drink! And boy do you feel it!

REAL WATER is hands down the BEST bottled water I have ever had. You can taste the alkalized goodness with every drop. It's crisp, cool and refreshing taste leaves you hydrated every time! I am in love and you will be too! Luckily, you can find REAL WATER at your local Publix grocery store and at select Whole Foods Markets. You can visit www.drinkrealwater.com to find your local retailer, order online or enter to win a free case of REAL WATER!

If you'd like to learn more about your water, see Alkalize or Die by Theodore A. Baroody; Reverse Aging by Sang Whang; and The pH Miracle for Weight Loss by Dr. Robert O. Young.

What are you drinking? Tell me, I'd love to know!


Essentially Yours,


Erika

Homemade: Laundry Detergent Update

I am always searching for new and interesting updates for all of my cleaning supply recipes. I've heard about Kirk's Original CoCo Castile Soap, but had never found it in any stores.

I finally came across it on a recent shopping trip and decided to give it a try. Definitely a pleasant surprise! It's much milder than the Fels Naptha brand castile soap I've used before, and lighter than the usual Zote soap we have become accustomed to here at home. Overal a pleasant addition to your homemade laundry detergent, the mild scent allowed me to play and add a different essential oil than the usual Lavender.

This time I used the DoTerra blend Purify, its a natural disinfectant capable of killing airborne pathogens and strengthening the immune system. I also use this blend in my homemade deodorant and homemade lysol spray. It smells great, it leaves behind a hint of sweet Lemongrass that is invigorating!

I grate it in my food processor the same as any other castile soap, then add my Borax and Super Washing Soda along with about 10 drops of oil. (Purify is a powerful blend!)

Hope you enjoy as much as I do!

Essentially Yours,


Erika

Essential Oils: Cry, Cry Baby!!!

Mascara!

Some of us like it, some of us NEED it. Or we look like the crypt keeper.. (I'm not pointing fingers..)

In my personal experience, my mascara dries out really quickly and if I dare to keep using it I'm in tears the entire day/night. I'm positive this cannot be good for the eyeballs! I walk around feeling like I have a lash stuck in my eye constantly. 

If you're anything like me and love all the flashy and gimmicky $40 mascara that promises to give you "Bette Davis Eyes", then this can get pretty pricey! Even the vegan brand mascara I've recently switched over to is on the up side at $28 a pop.

Being the essential oil freak that I am I knew there had to be a remedy to my lash woes.

Voila! 

Enter Lavender...

Lavender is one of those multifaceted oils that I use for EVERYTHING!

Add just one drop of pure lavender essential oil to your tube of mascara and no more tears! 

Lavender has antiseptic properties and nourishes your eyelashes, plus it smells amazing!

It extends the life of your mascara and keeps it from drying out so quickly, plus it promotes healthy lash growth. Bonus!

You can check out Lavender and all the other essential oils and blends DoTerra has to offer at www.mydoterra.com/erikasessentials.

Essentially Yours,

Erika

Stop! It's Hummus Time!

If your kids are anything like mine, they love hummus! On celery, carrots, apples or cucumbers.. Seriously, ANYTHING!

Store bought organic hummus isn't cheap! Not even from BJ's, or Costco.. Yes I have a membership to both, don't ask. 

Well, I've finally found a recipe that works for us and now I'm sharing it with you! Keeping it super simple here so feel free to add any extras (like olives, sun-dried tomatoes or basil) to really zhuzh it up!

You will need:

2 (14oz) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1/2 tsp garlic, minced

1 1/2 tsp salt

5 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/3 cup tahini

1/4 cup olive oil

Combine chickpeas, garlic, and salt in a food processor. Purée for 30 seconds, scrape down sides of bowl and purée another 30 seconds. Add the lemon juice and 1/4 cup of water and purée another 30 seconds. Add tahini and purée again. Scrape sides of the bowl, drizzle in the EVOO and mix until blended.

That's it! Keep it simple and save!

#ThriftyMom scores again! Enjoy!

Essentially Yours,

Erika

Essential Oils: Growing Pains.. Who Needs Em'?

Until recently I've only heard of these "growing pains" that parents speak of. 

Don't get me wrong, my boys were both really fast growers, but I could never recall a time where they complained about any aches or pains.

Maybe I was just really lucky?? Or perhaps these parents were just exaggerating? Giving the wrong diagnosis?? Nope.

It seems as though the boys waited until this summer to suddenly start complaining about constant nightly pain. 

Nowhere is off limits either, legs, ankles, feet and hips. You name it!

Poor little guys must have hit a major growth spurt this summer amidst all my #CampMom activities (I know I feel they've grown an entire foot and seem like little men all of a sudden).

So I turned to old faithful... 

You guessed it... Deep Blue! (Lovingly dubbed as "The Truth" in these parts)

I decided to give this a try, lo and behold "The Truth" shall set you free! It worked like a charm and made nighttime a bit more tolerable with these new baby /man problems. As with every other Deep Blue experience, the relief is immediate.

Needless to say, another reason to be sure I don't run out of this miracle oil EVER!!

Another win for #DrMom!

As always you can find out more about this oil and all of DoTerra's products at www.mydoterra.com/erikasessentials.

Essentially Yours,

Erika