Serving

Do you ever feel like something is missing in your life?  I have felt that way for a long time.  I work hard.  I do what I can for the kids, but I don't feel like I am serving anyone.  Honestly often I do not feel like I serve my family well or myself!

That is part of the journey I am starting here.  I want to be "whole".  Serving is a big piece of this puzzle.

I had the opportunity this summer to travel to Denver with my church and 50 amazing high school youth.  WOW did I learn a lot. These kids are amazing.  Are they selfish?  Are they self-centered?  Yes - sometimes - but not always!   Watching them serve, grow and learn was an amazing experience.

Building a foundation of faith in our youth is an absolute necessity especially as they start navigating those tricky middle school and high school years.









“Prayer in action is love, and love in action is service. Try to give unconditionally whatever a person needs in the moment. The point is to do something, however small, and show you care through your actions by giving your time … We are all God’s children so it is important to share His gifts. Do not worry about why problems exist in the world – just respond to people’s needs … We feel what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean, but that ocean would be less without that drop.“- Mother Teresa


While we were in Denver, we participated in various service activities.  Sidewalk Sunday School, where God's Word and food were given to needy people, food shelves, thrift shop, food kitchens and so much more.  We met homeless people, heard their stories, worshiped, sang, cried and grew together.  The small group I was with, focused a lot on making sure our activities were "relevant".  Make a difference, be the voice and hands of God.

We got to experience the joy and peace God's beautiful earth and people.

We had mountain top worship and mountain top faith experiences.

Galatians 5:13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

Psalm 19:1 To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky 
above proclaims his handiwork.




I can't begin to explain the experience.  It was truly one of those, "you had to be there" things.

My message, hope and prayer, is that you all find and make time to serve.  Start by reading the bible, pray and meditate on ways to serve.  You will be infinitely blessed.

Severe Heal Pain

My 11 year old has suffered terribly from severe heal pain.  It was so bad that often during baseball tournaments he would have to sit on the bench.  It always seemed to flare up with over usage.  We actually took a trip to Phoenix for a tournament and he really only got to play one game!  The next time we went to a tournament in Phoenix, we were ready and armed!  After each practice or game we would go through this regimen and he played the entire weekend!

He very rarely has flareups any more.  If we sense any sign of pain, we follow this protocol immediately.

Note:  I am not a doctor, I do not prescribe or diagnose.  You should always check with a doctor.  This is my son's personal story.

The first tool we use is this simple nubby ball.  I got mine from my chiropractor but you can buy them online here:  Purchase Nubby Ball Here

We alternate icing with rubbing the heel and the arch of the foot over this ball.  Apply pressure while rubbing your heel especially.  Ok, yes it hurts, but it is really working out those tight things in your heel!

Stretching.

Stretching that calf and foot help too.  Do calf raises on a step, really extending the heel below the step to stretch it out.  Here is an image of another stretch we use.

Here is a great article on some stretches:  Stretching Article


Our last step is to use Young Living essential oils.

We use a number of different products to help with this.  Here is our protocol.

1.  I massage the back of his legs (lower calves) and heels with Young Living's Ortho Sport oil.

 This amazing oil is infused with Wintergreen, Eucalyptus, Lemongrass, Peppermint, Elemi, Thyme, Oregano and Vetiver!  It has a warming affect and is loaded with pain relief and anti-inflammatory oils!

2.  The next oil we use is Young Living's proprietary blend, PanAway.  We are never without this oil in our house.  We use it for all sorts of aches, pains, bruises and more!  You may want to dilute this oil especially for the younger crowd!

3.  The third oil is Peppermint.  A very warming, natural analgesic.  Again, you may want to dilute this oil.

4.  The last oil we use is Copaiba.  A wonderful anti-inflammatory oil. 
 

If you are interested in learning more about Young Living oils you can check out my website at www.lorihanken.vibrantscents.com or email me at lhanken96@gmail.com.  You can also check out my Facebook page for more essential oil tips. Facebook

Lastly if you would like to learn more about how and why I got started with Young Living oils, check out my post http://wholehealth4all.blogspot.com/2014_06_01_archive.html

Are you an MLM snob? I was.

Ok, I admit it.  I am a recovering MLM snob, bigot, nay-sayer etc.  Some of this came from my Dad.  He hated companies like Amway.  I hated companies like Amway, Mary Kay, and Avon.  Understand some of this "hate" towards these companies goes back to the days when traditional "pyramid" sales models were prevalent.

*********NEWS FLASH************

Pyramid sales are now illegal!

Guys, seriously, understand something before you judge it.  Do you like it when people see how you look and judge you?  Don't do that to MLM companies!

Guess what, it is a very legitimate business model.

http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/35744

For every article bashing MLM's I can find one that supports it.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/chicceo/2012/09/27/is-mlm-a-bad-word/

It comes down to personal preference.  Many people say, you pay higher prices for the same products.  That is not necessarily true.   There are many industries where higher price means higher quality.  I happen to be in one of those industries both with my "day job" and my MLM.  There are situations where cheap means cheap!

Many people say, prices are higher because they have to pay so many reps.

I have even had people tell me that prices are higher to pay for all the attorney fees because the company is being sued.  OH MY WORD.  That is pure ignorance!   We will cover specifics of this in another post.

Seriously people, do your homework.  I really don't like when people throw stones in a glass house.  They don't understand MLM's so they are afraid of them.  And they spew inaccurate information, like I used to from my Dad".

Corporate America can be a "dog eat dog" world.  Backstabbing, ladder climbing, politically charged workplace.  When your boss says, "jump", you are supposed to say, "how high?".  Again I lived this world, and I hated it.  Of course not all jobs are like this, but so many are.  People saying they are, "living the dream" when they are getting on the next airplane and are missing their kids school music program.  Been there done that, done with that!

Here is reality!  YOU HAVE A CHOICE!

MLM IS JUST A DIFFERENT SALES COMPENSATION METHOD!  Every company has to have someone to sell their products!  The big questions is at what cost?  The big difference is you are not competing with other reps, your upline is there to support you and help you succeed!

Let's say you are a traditional business model.  My husband and I own a traditional business so believe me I get it!  You hire Steve to be a sales rep for you.  You pay him 50,000 a year to be a sales rep in base salary.  You also pay him 7% commission and benefits.  On average a person you pay 50k per year actually costs you at least 66k.  Normally, you have to train him.  There are a number of intangible costs.   He has to make a minimum of 66k GROSS PROFIT to even pay for himself let alone make the company money.  It can take years for a sales rep to actually be profitable for a business.

Really?  How are the prices of MLM companies' products more expensive to pay others?  I am sorry that is ignorance and predjudice.  

What does it cost an MLM company for someone to sell 0!!!!!!  Sounds like a good business model to me!

http://money.cnn.com/2013/02/28/smallbusiness/salary-benefits/

Have you ever heard of the book, "Rich Dad, Poor Dad".  Seriously check it out. 

 http://johnpetruse.net/robert-kiyosaki-explains-why-mlm-is-the-perfect-business

Have you heard about the concept of the 4 year career?  Watch this video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCJ759jt66A

Here are some phrases about Network Marketing that I despise:

*I am giving you the world on a silver platter why aren't you jumping on it?
*It is so easy
*It is not sales
*Anyone can do it

No one can give me the world on a silver platter, I have to work for it.  The audacity behind that statement is ridiculous. That is all ego.

It is not easy - it is work.  If you pick the right product, it is fun work. But it is still work.  You don't just put up a web site and people magically flock to you.  You have to work!

Ok - there is a mantra, "stories sell".  You sell product by telling your personal success stories, not cold calling people and direct sales.  BUT there is a sales element to it.  You have to follow up with people that have expressed interest.  If you just wait for people to come to you, you will do just that.  WAIT.

Seriously - if anyone could do it wouldn't they?   It is not for everyone.  Many people do not succeed in MLM because they make no effort.  There is no business that I know of with unlimited earning potential where you don't have to work at it.  You have to WANT IT!

MYTH - Network marketing is a pyramid scheme:  Ugggg if I hear this again I will throw up.  Pyramid schemes are illegal people!  The biggest pyramid schemes in the US today are CORPORATIONS.  Think about it.  The people at the top work very little and make all the money!  

Here are some other "benefits".

*Punch a clock
*Locked in number of vacation days
*Answer to a boss or multiple bosses
*Often put down or ridiculed by those bosses
*Little schedule flexibility
*Often very little recognition for work 
*Lack of actually helping people improve their lives!

I lived this world for many years.  No more!

Ok, so you can't afford to go full time in network marketing/MLM.  So what!  Find a product where you can be a product of the product, build passion about the product and do it part time.  Some benefits:
*Set your own schedule
*Be your own boss
*Residual income
*FAMILY, FAMILY, FAMILY

When Donald Trump was asked recently what he would do if he had it to do all over again, his matter-of-fact, one-line reply was: "I would get into network marketing."

Don't believe me?  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVPvxu98xRs

Seriously people, this is the only place you can truly be in charge of your own destiny.  Don't be so judgmental.   Would you ever judge someone going out and starting their own business? 

That is what network marketers have the guts to do!  Until you have the guts to try it or learn more about it (besides what you have been brain washed into believing).  Don't judge.  When I am massively successful in 4 years or less, I will be here saying, "I told you so, let me show you how".  This is just like my mentors that are saying, "I will show you how".  And they are showing me how.

I am involved in Young Living essential oils.  This is my second MLM - the first was an abysmal failure.  But that is another story too!  

Now the essential oils market is quite volatile with negativity towards MLM's.  Stay tuned for another post (novel) about that whole subject,

www.wholehealth.marketingscents.com

Disclaimer.  These are just one person's opinion.  I may get some negative and volatile responses to this post.  I welcome open and positive conversations.  BUT, this is my blog and if I deem a comment to be demeaning, derogatory or nasty, it will be removed :)

~Peace & Blessings to all

6 Natural Remedies for Nausea

Here is a great blog post about nausea.  My son gets nauseous when he has try outs, or first day of school or other new things.

Click the link below for the original post.

6 Natural Remedies for Nausea

We have used these with great success with him.

Occasionally I might over eat.  Don't tell anyone.  I have also had great success in calming an upset stomach.

Check it out.  www.lorihanken.vibrantscents.com is my website for more information.

What You See Is What You Get - A Homemade Facial Powder

It seems like I have always been a what you see is what you get kind of girl.  Although I do remember in college wearing far too much eye makeup but that is another story.

Now that I think back - I remember the ribbed turtlenecks in Junior High (yes it was Junior High when I was a kid, not middle school).  The girls wore so much makeup on their faces that their turtleneck tops were orange.  Actually so were their faces.  I always thought that was disgusting so I never did that in Junior High.  Maybe that is why none of the boys liked me.  Or maybe it was because I was 5' 11" by 7th grade.  No matter.  Back to more important things.



I keep reading on a daily basis about all the cancer causing chemicals that are in all the products we use on a daily basis.

Here is what www.lesstoxicguide.ca has to say about face powders.

"Face Powder

Mainstream powder products commonly contain talc or silica. Both talc and silica can be easily inhaled and cause respiratory problems when they are airborne. As well, face powders are frequently coloured with potentially toxic coal tar dyes, such as D&C Red 30 Lake and D&C Yellow Aluminum Lake. Other toxic ingredients in face powders include quaternium-15 and imidazolidinyl urea, two preservatives that can release carcinogenic formaldehyde, butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT), a preservative and fragrance masking ingredient which can cause allergic reactions, and lanolin, a skin irritant. Synthetic fragrances, which are added to many popular brands, can also cause contact dermatitis. Endocrine-disrupting parabens are common as preservatives in face powders, and, in a few products, triclosan, another hormone disrupting chemical, is added for its antibacterial properties."

We read all the time about the items and chemicals to avoid.  Here is a great info graphic.

http://blog.naturalhealthyconcepts.com/2013/06/25/12-toxic-cosmetic-chemicals-to-avoid-when-why-to-ditch-old-cosmetics/

I am not a scientist.  I am just someone looking for more natural alternatives to some of our daily use products.  What I found was it was very difficult to even find a list of ingredients on makeup provider's web sites!

So, what is a girl to do?  WEAR FOOD!   

Some of the recommended, "healthier" products  ranged from  $20 - $37.  

For pennies, seriously pennies, I make my own face powder now.  Here is another huge advantage, skin color/tone changes from summer to winter, change the color by adding more ingredients!  This was the only way that I could do this and be certain of the content!

It is nourishing, it is light and actually feels silky on my skin.


INGREDIENTS

• 2 Tbsp Arrowroot Powder (you can get this at most grocery stores)
• 1/4 tsp Cocoa Powder
• 1/4 tsp Nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp Cloves
• 1/8 tsp Ginger
• 10 Drops Of Your Favorite Nourishing Oil (I recommend Lavender or Frankincense - choose an oil based on your skin type, acne prone, oily, damaged, or a combo of the two)
• 5 Drops Melaleuca (Tea Tree Oil)

Where to get good essential oils:  Order Here

Here are some suggestions on spices to use for certain colors.    Play around to get the best color for you.  This is MUCH BETTER than having to buy multiple shades of store bought skin powder when they don't match!  Just keep adding until you get the blend you like.

You can really use almost any spice you have on hand.  Personally as I am putting it on my face, I purchased new bulk spices from Lakewinds CoOp.  I would avoid cinnamon because it can be irritating to skin.   Here are some common oils with colors to choose.  

Hint:  You can use a coffee grinder to make your own powders from dried herbs!

1. Clove - darker brown with some reds
2. Cocoa Powder - medium to dark brown
3. Ginger - yellow tones
4. Nutmeg - medium to light brown
5. Sage - green tones

Here are some other suggestions on oils to use.  Seriously, use what you have.  I would avoid any citrus oils as they cause photo sensitivity.

Oils Good for Oily Skin and Acne (Source: Quick Reference Guide for Using Essential Oils - by Connie and Alan Higley)

• Melaleuca Tea Tree)
• German Chamomile
• Juniper
• Lavender
• Rosewood
• Melrose

Oils Good For Skin Health, Wrinkles, Lines (Source: Quick Reference Guide for Using Essential Oils - by Connie and Alan Higley)

• Frankincense
• Patchouli
• Lavender
• Carrot
• Fennel
• Geranium
• Helichrysum
• Rosewood
• Sandalwood

• Where to get good essential oils?  
• 
  
• I only trust Young Living oils for my home made products.  You can check them out at Order Here

Also you can check out my Facebook page for more essential oils tips and tricks Facebook Page

What home made products do you make?

Skeptically Optimistic - Why I Chose Young Living - Why I Am Staying With Young Living

You may have read my post about how we got started with Young Living essential oils.  For a brief synopsis, we were looking for alternatives to Ibuprofen for my daughter.  We were very uncomfortable with the side affects of Ibuprofen.  We were introduced to the oils and thought for the minimal investment it was certainly worth the effort to jump in and give them a try.

They sounded too good to be true with all the testimonials I had been reading.  I WAS VERY SKEPTICAL.  Although I have to say my daughter was even more skeptical than me.

What I have found is that they continue to amaze and surprise me when they work on the next thing we try them on!

I am going to go a little different direction than so many of the blogs I see out there.  I want to focus on the positive and tell you why I chose Young Living and more importantly why I stay with Young Living!

When we started looking at essential oils I had NO loyalty to any particular brand.  I am not going to tell you what is bad about other brands.  I am not even going to name them.  Honestly I have no experience with other oils so I can't speak ill of them can I?  You may know who some of them are, but please, this is simply my opinion.

Here is what was important to me.

TIME ON THE MARKET

As of July 2014 Young Living has been in business for 20 years!  That is a long time.  That means a ton of research, knowledge and product information is coming my way.  They have refined their business processes and know what they are doing.  Young Living's largest competitor was founded in 2008.

There are MANY, MANY, MANY smaller oil companies out there.  I don't know about all of them but I know the majority have not been in business for 20 years.   Personally I was very wary of start ups.  I was wary of companies that are offering "free" startup kits.  That, as a business owner, sounds pretty risky to me.

Chart Source

BREADTH OF PRODUCT OFFERINGS

Here are a couple numbers to compare.  All data is based on what is on their websites today.

Young Living

Singles:  85 (that doesn't include some oils that are available only in kits)
Blends:  72

Largest competitor

Singles:  40 (they listed coconut oil - I didn't count that :)
Blends:  20

Common Health Food Store Brand

Singles:  69 (this was hard to verify because they listed many oils twice in their product listings)
Blends:  10

Another Popular Brand Claiming 100% pure essential oils

Singles:  77  (again very misleading.  If you count them all there were 96.  Many oils had 2 listings one for regular oils and one for organic)
Blends:  43

These numbers may not be exact but you get the picture.  Young Living has a number of kits that have oils that are not available individually at this time so they aren't included in my counts.


What this equated to, for me, is that everyone else will always be playing catch up with Young Living.  EVEN if they do produce a good quality oil the depth and breadth of their product line will most likely never compare.

Young Living is not just oils.  It includes things like personal care products, beauty products, supplements, cleaning products and more.  All are CHEMICAL free and good for you!  You can visit my website to learn more about all the products available.

My Young Living Website or Young Living Product Information

PURITY

This is a real hot button in the industry.  Everyone says their oils are the "only" pure oils out there.  I am not even going to make that claim.  I have no way of knowing that.  What I know, is I personally trust Young Living and here is why.

Young Living has a Seed to Seal Promise.  This is not marketing hype, this is not a made up certification.  This is a quality process that they have put into place for every single oil.

You can check out Seed To Seal Promise for more information.

They currently have 7 farms and have just added an 8th in Canada.  They control the entire growth process.  Is this true for every single oil?  No of course not, but a large portion of the oils are grown on Young Living owned farms.  If they are partner farms Young Living is deeply involved in the growth process.

TESTING

Young Living is the only essential oil company that I know that has their own testing facility.  They test every batch of oils themselves internally.  If oils do not meet their rigorous testing standards, they are rejected and not released to their customers and members.

IMITATION

When you compare other company's blends to Young Living you will see the ingredient list is very close.  Usually there is only 1 oil that is different.   For example they might use orange instead of lemon.

If you trust a brand why would you want to buy an imitator?  Especially a cheap imitator?

When it comes to my families' health, I want the original.


RESULTS

The bottom line is every time we have used the oils for something, they have worked.  If that had not been the case, I would have tried something else.  These oils never cease to amaze me!  I trust the quality of the Young Living oils.  I don't trust oils that are really cheap. If there was a way to make the oils that much less expensive don't you think our largest competitor would be priced far under us?

I like to say now, that I continue to be Skeptically Optimistic.  I am always skeptical and hopeful at the same time.  I am a glass half full kind of girl.  But I have not been disappointed yet!

Do your own homework and if I can help, I am here.

Curious about the oils?  Check out my Facebook event next week.  RSVP on Facebook and learn about the oils from your smart phone, tablet or computer.  Can't make it?  RSVP anyway and come back to review the content when you want!  "See" you there.

Facebook Oils Free Workshop - RSVP Here!

If someone has introduced you to Young Living, please reach out to them.  If not, I am happy to help!  Email me at lhanken96@gmail.com

~Blessings, Health & Abundance

Lori

All Natural Pet Urine Odor Removal

HOLY COW - IT WORKS!  IT ACTUALLY WORKS!

Ok - let's just put it out there.  I love animals.  Actually I love almost any animal!  Good thing for my family we live in the city or we would have horses, chickens, goats and more.

Here is one problem that I have.  I am a complete sucker for rescue animals.  As a result we have 3 dogs and 1 cat.  Two of the dogs are rescue dogs and the cat is also a rescue.  We don't go to pet adoptions anymore.  When we got Murphy, my husband dropped me off at the door.  When he walked in I was cuddling this little bundle of fur.  He knew it was all over - that dog was ours!  I just cannot look into those deep brown eyes and leave them there.  Lucy was our latest addition to the zoo.  I held her and just could not leave her behind.

Lucy's Adoption

Murphy - The Old Man

This is Murphy - he is the old man and a rescue dog.  German Shepherd and Norwegian Elkhound mix.
Murphy doesn't like being in his kennel and his legs are starting to get tired.  Sometimes I think he doesn't like to go down the stairs to go to the bathroom.  So, yes, you guessed it, he goes in the house.




There is one spot in the house that seems to be a favorite.  Maybe it isn't him.  Maybe it is one of these 3?

Lucy, Tigger & Zeke

We have tried everything, commercial carpet cleaners, store bought and many other things.  When it got warm this summer the room was unbearable.   We tried many "natural" solutions and NOTHING WORKED.  Until we stumbled on this combination:

RECIPE

I used a spray bottle with a funnel to avoid spilling. I am good at spilling things

Add the following to a spray bottle.  

• 2 tsp baking soda
• 10 oz hydrogen peroxide (I used 3%)
• 2 tsp vinegar
• 4 drops of Orange Essential Oil (Buy The Essential Oils I Use Here)

Tips:

• Shake before using
• Test a small amount of area to be cleaned to be sure it doesn't affect color
• Put the baking soda in the funnel first (while it is dry)
• The liquids will wash down the baking soda
• You could use any citrus oil - lemon, grapefruit, but I prefer orange

Generously spray the area and let it dry. Once dry, vacuum as usual.  You may have to apply multiple times for heavily soiled areas.

Here is the beauty - no harmful chemicals for those 4 legged fur babies!

Read this post to learn more about how I got started in Essential Oils

Now we can get another pet!