Don’t stop
Lord I need You like a heartbeat
Concrete
Rock solid under my feet
And You’re callin’ me You’re callin’ me up
Lord I need You like a heartbeat
Concrete
Rock solid under my feet
And You’re callin’ me You’re callin’ me up
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Monday, May 30, 2016
DIY: Bathbomb
If you have been following my DIY series, you know by now that I am a fan of making my own products using my essential oils. Here is another easy, cost effective recipe for you!
In this weeks edition I share with you a very simple and versatile DIY recipe for all over the home. Non- toxic, affordable and safe.
DIY: Bathbombs
What you need:
- 1/2 cup Baking Soda
- 1/4 cup Citric Acid
- 1/4 cup Cornstarch
- 1/4 cup Epsom Salt (or sea salt)
- 2 tsp Fractionated Coconut Oil ( or any oil you have on hand)
- 5-7 drops Essential Oil
- 3-4 drops Soap or Food Coloring
- 1/2 tbs Water
- Soap mold/Plastic Easter egg/Plastic Ornament mold
Mixture makes about 6 bathbombs
What to do:
- In a medium sized bowl combine all dry ingredients and use a whisk to mix well.
- In a small cup combine all wet ingredients and stir well. It is normal for the oil to separate the food coloring. Just mix extra hard.
- Slowly add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stir very wet in between. You want to add slowly so that the mixture doesn't activate the citric acid. The mixture will bubble slightly. When this happens stir hard to make it stop.
- The mixture should resemble lightly wet sand. You want to make sure you use the correct amount of wet ingredients. If the mixture becomes to wet it will activate and bubble over your soap molds.
- If you feel your mixture is too wet ( sticks together like wet sand) add a little bit of corn starch.
- Add your mixture into your mold and let the mold sit overnight.
- Store in a dry area.
Cost Breakdown: The cost of certain items will differ depending on where you purchase them. I tend to buy my items in bulk but these items could also be found in the dollar store. The essential oils used in this recipe will also change the cost of the bath bomb. Due to this, I will not be doing a detailed cost breakdown . However, on an average 1 bath bomb cost between .30 - .72. When compared to the popular retailed LUSH where a average bath-bomb costs between $3.00-$12.00, I can safely say that our recipe is still cost effective.
Now, I do have to say, that LUSH offers bath-bombs that have glitter, different colors and even little toys inside. This is easily duplicated with simply adding those to the recipe!
Saturday, May 28, 2016
Hysterosalpingogram... or HSG
A hystero.. hysta... hysterosal.. a HSG.
Technically speaking a hysterosalpingogram (even my spell check doesn't register that as a word) or HSG is an x-ray procedure used to see whether the fallopian tubes are patent (open) and if the inside of the uterus (uterine cavity) is normal. HSG is an outpatient procedure that usually takes less than 5 minutes to perform.
Now, if you have read my past posts about infertility, you may realize that I want to be honest with my readers, but most importantly I want to share my story, with those who may be going through something similar.
When I found out I was going to have a HSG, I naturally turned to the internet to find out everything I possibly could. I found some, but not many personal experiences. Nothing that detailed everything that went on. Due to this, I want to be able to share those personal details, with well, whoever the heck reads my blog.
So, this is your official warning. The below will be true accounts of my experience going through a HSG. I will be using words such as vagina, speculum, lubrication. If that bothers you - I advise you skip this post. Also, please be gentle. This isn't something I sit around talking to my girlfriends about. It is a intimate topic and I am going to be completely real with the details.
Why a HSG?
When trying to determine the cause of infertility, and before starting infertility drug treatments it is common to have a lot of tests done to make sure that the mechanics for having a baby are there and that all looks well. Due to the fact that last year I had a very invasive abdominal surgery, that caused a lot of complications and infections, my OBGYN choose to have a HSG done in order to make sure there was no scar tissue, and that my fallopian tubes were clear.
What is a HSG?
Without going into the science, a HSG is a procedure where a medical professional inserts dye very quickly through your vagina to ensure that the falopians tubes are nice and clear. The procedure it self only takes a few minutes, but there is quite a bit of prep work.
Side effects?
Thankfully for me, I had very little side effects. I did take a Tylenol 500 mg prior to the procedure, and after the procedure I only had light discharge ( I blame the lube that they used) and slight cramping, that really wasn't that bad. Although I did not experience any heavy side effects, depending on your situation, some women do have heavy cramping. I was told by the nurse after the procedure to take another Tylenol if this were to happen.
According to my OBGYN it is best to have the HSG done between the 5-8 day of a woman's cycle. Lucky for me, when we decided I would do the HSG, I was on day 7. I was told to arrive the next day at radiology. There were no restrictions on food or water.
When I arrived the next day at Radiology, I was admitted with a hospital band, and shown to a waiting room. After what seemed like eternity but realistically was 5 minutes, a nurse and two students came to get me.
We walked into the procedure room where there was a large machine, a table and honestly not much else. Connected to the room was a bathroom where I was told to change out of my clothes into a very trendy hospital gown.
When I came out, I was told to sit on the surgical looking table and wait for the radiologist. Remember, in my experience I had a nurse, two students and a radiologist so the room was filled. Thankfully everyone was very nice and when the radiologist finally came he explained the procedure.
The radiologist had me lay back on the surgical table, with my feet in the stirrups just as if you were preparing for a exam or pap smear. There was a large machine over my abdomen that almost seemed like a XRAY machine. To the side of me was a television screen that showed the inside of my uterus. It was very neat to see. I was able to watch the whole procedure.
The procedure started with the radiologist inserting a lubricated speculum into my vagina. Once again, just as you would with a pap smear. The radiologist then explained he would insert a catheter. This did not hurt, just slightly pinched. Next, he told me he was going to flush and clean with some sterile water. Once again, the sensation wasn't painful just uncomfortable.
Then it was time for the main show, the dye to shoot through my Fallopian tubes. This is where everyone's experience will differ in terms of pain. The general consensus is that if you have a blockage somewhere , this part of the procedure may hurt. If you do not have blockage, it should be relatively painless. However, this also depends on your pain tolerance as there have been women who have had no blockage but have felt pain. I, thankfully, had very little pain, and was surprised when it was over. Thanks be to God, I found out on the spot that my Fallopian tubes seemed to be clear and working just fine.
After this part of the procedure, the radiologist took out the catheter, and said he was finished. During the whole procedure the nurse and two students simply stood by to watch, and hand the radiologist tools. After the procedure, everyone left the room and they allowed me to clean up and get dressed in private.
I was told that after the procedure there may be some discharge and a little bit of blood and that I should wear a pad. Indeed, there was quite a bit of discharge but no blood. Knowing that I have a low pain tolerance, I went ahead and took a second Tylenol when I got home. I took it easy for the rest of the day, but didn't necessarily have to as I felt fine.
My OBGYN called me the next day to reiterate the results, that everything was fine and we could proceed to our next step.
I hope that my detailed experience may help someone who is going into a HSG blindly not knowing what to expect. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them below.
Pax Et Bonum
Technically speaking a hysterosalpingogram (even my spell check doesn't register that as a word) or HSG is an x-ray procedure used to see whether the fallopian tubes are patent (open) and if the inside of the uterus (uterine cavity) is normal. HSG is an outpatient procedure that usually takes less than 5 minutes to perform.
Now, if you have read my past posts about infertility, you may realize that I want to be honest with my readers, but most importantly I want to share my story, with those who may be going through something similar.
When I found out I was going to have a HSG, I naturally turned to the internet to find out everything I possibly could. I found some, but not many personal experiences. Nothing that detailed everything that went on. Due to this, I want to be able to share those personal details, with well, whoever the heck reads my blog.
So, this is your official warning. The below will be true accounts of my experience going through a HSG. I will be using words such as vagina, speculum, lubrication. If that bothers you - I advise you skip this post. Also, please be gentle. This isn't something I sit around talking to my girlfriends about. It is a intimate topic and I am going to be completely real with the details.
Why a HSG?
When trying to determine the cause of infertility, and before starting infertility drug treatments it is common to have a lot of tests done to make sure that the mechanics for having a baby are there and that all looks well. Due to the fact that last year I had a very invasive abdominal surgery, that caused a lot of complications and infections, my OBGYN choose to have a HSG done in order to make sure there was no scar tissue, and that my fallopian tubes were clear.
What is a HSG?
Without going into the science, a HSG is a procedure where a medical professional inserts dye very quickly through your vagina to ensure that the falopians tubes are nice and clear. The procedure it self only takes a few minutes, but there is quite a bit of prep work.
Side effects?
Thankfully for me, I had very little side effects. I did take a Tylenol 500 mg prior to the procedure, and after the procedure I only had light discharge ( I blame the lube that they used) and slight cramping, that really wasn't that bad. Although I did not experience any heavy side effects, depending on your situation, some women do have heavy cramping. I was told by the nurse after the procedure to take another Tylenol if this were to happen.
The Rundown
According to my OBGYN it is best to have the HSG done between the 5-8 day of a woman's cycle. Lucky for me, when we decided I would do the HSG, I was on day 7. I was told to arrive the next day at radiology. There were no restrictions on food or water.
When I arrived the next day at Radiology, I was admitted with a hospital band, and shown to a waiting room. After what seemed like eternity but realistically was 5 minutes, a nurse and two students came to get me.
We walked into the procedure room where there was a large machine, a table and honestly not much else. Connected to the room was a bathroom where I was told to change out of my clothes into a very trendy hospital gown.
When I came out, I was told to sit on the surgical looking table and wait for the radiologist. Remember, in my experience I had a nurse, two students and a radiologist so the room was filled. Thankfully everyone was very nice and when the radiologist finally came he explained the procedure.
The radiologist had me lay back on the surgical table, with my feet in the stirrups just as if you were preparing for a exam or pap smear. There was a large machine over my abdomen that almost seemed like a XRAY machine. To the side of me was a television screen that showed the inside of my uterus. It was very neat to see. I was able to watch the whole procedure.
The procedure started with the radiologist inserting a lubricated speculum into my vagina. Once again, just as you would with a pap smear. The radiologist then explained he would insert a catheter. This did not hurt, just slightly pinched. Next, he told me he was going to flush and clean with some sterile water. Once again, the sensation wasn't painful just uncomfortable.
Then it was time for the main show, the dye to shoot through my Fallopian tubes. This is where everyone's experience will differ in terms of pain. The general consensus is that if you have a blockage somewhere , this part of the procedure may hurt. If you do not have blockage, it should be relatively painless. However, this also depends on your pain tolerance as there have been women who have had no blockage but have felt pain. I, thankfully, had very little pain, and was surprised when it was over. Thanks be to God, I found out on the spot that my Fallopian tubes seemed to be clear and working just fine.
After this part of the procedure, the radiologist took out the catheter, and said he was finished. During the whole procedure the nurse and two students simply stood by to watch, and hand the radiologist tools. After the procedure, everyone left the room and they allowed me to clean up and get dressed in private.
I was told that after the procedure there may be some discharge and a little bit of blood and that I should wear a pad. Indeed, there was quite a bit of discharge but no blood. Knowing that I have a low pain tolerance, I went ahead and took a second Tylenol when I got home. I took it easy for the rest of the day, but didn't necessarily have to as I felt fine.
My OBGYN called me the next day to reiterate the results, that everything was fine and we could proceed to our next step.
I hope that my detailed experience may help someone who is going into a HSG blindly not knowing what to expect. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them below.
Pax Et Bonum
Thursday, May 26, 2016
Oil of the Week: Geranium
I will attempt to showcase a oil that I am using a lot, is new to me, or just because I darn right feel like it! I think oil education is so important, and I would love to share the knowledge, and my personal opinion/experience with a certain oil.
This week, I would like to introduce to you...
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Uses of Geranium essential oil date back
to ancient Egypt when
Egyptians used Geranium oil to
beautify skin and for other benefits.
In the Victorian era,
fresh geranium leaves were placed at formal dining
tables
as decorative pieces and to be consumed as a fresh sprig
if desired;
in fact, the edible leaves and flowers of the
plant are often used in desserts,
cakes, jellies, and teas.
As an essential oil, Geranium has been used to promote
the
appearance of clear skin and healthy hair—making it
ideal for skin and hair care products.
It also helps calm
nerves and lessen feelings of stress. Geranium is also
known to naturally repel insects.
USES
• Use in an aromatherapy steam facial to beautify skin
.
• Add a drop to your moisturizer for a smoothing effect
.
• Geranium is great for both dry and oily hair. Apply a
few drops to your shampoo or conditioner bottle, or
make your own deep hair conditioner.
• Diffuse aromatically for a calming effect.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
Diffusion: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your
choice.
Internal use: Dilute one drop in 4 fl. oz. of liquid.
Topical use: Apply one to two drops to desired area.
Dilute with dōTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil to minimize
any skin sensitivity.
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Month of Mary: The Veil
For those who are readers from my past blog " Wrapped In Engaged Bliss" you may remember my Veil series where I interviewed women of different faiths including Catholicism who chose to cover their hair for religious reasons. For those who are interested I am happy to once again start up that series where I delve deep into the personal convictions of why some women cover.
Today, however I will go into my journey of why I started veiling, and why I cannot see myself going back. I plan on doing a Q&A style post in the near future of frequently asked questions, but til then, here is my story.
As a Catholic woman, I choose to follow the tradition of wearing a veil to Mass, adoration and anytime our Lord is present. I suspect when people see my veil in church they have no idea why I am wearing one, and others assume I am " stuck in pre-Vatican " times.
Growing up in a family and in a parish where no one wore a veil, I never seemed drawn to it, I never knew it was a option. It was never on my mind. I do remember this beautiful statue in the church where we often went as a family growing up where the Blessed Mother is wrapped in this gorgeous light blue mantilla, and that image has always stuck in my mind.
Fast forward into my college years, I was pretty active in my schools Newman center, and once attended a "Koinania" which is a Catholic retreat for young Catholics. During the opening Mass, out of the corner of my eye I saw a beautiful young woman. She dressed modestly, and her hair was covered in a breath taking veil. I was immediately drawn to it, and memories of that statue in my home church flooded back.
After that powerful weekend I could not stop thinking about that veil. I went to google and started doing what I do best - researching. Why would she be wearing a veil, was she discerning religious life? Was she a nun? Is she from a different country? After weeks of reading, I went to my local Catholic store, and purchase a ordinary black veil and white veil.
I was so very excited to wear it to Mass. Sunday rolled around, and all of a sudden a overwhelming feeling of nervousness, and uneasiness came over me. What will people think? Will they assume I am "holier than thou". Will I look silly? I put the veil away, and went to Mass without it.
I didn't know it then, but I was not ready to wear it. I saw the veil as a accessory to stick on my head, and didn't understand why I was doing it. What it meant to me, and more importantly veiling my heart first, and then my head.
After about 6 months of praying about veiling, doing more research, and knowing that questions would come, I prepared myself as too what I would answer. I wanted to be well educated. I started going to adoration, and often I was alone, and that is where I started veiling. The veil no longer was a accessory to my outfit, but a shield of humility before our Lord, and symbol of obedience to Him.
It has been about 4 years since the day I saw that young woman wearing that veil. Since I have grown my veil collection to reflect different liturgical seasons, and have grown in my conviction. More often than not, I am the only woman veiling at Mass, and that is okay with me.
My husband and I try to attend the Traditional Latin Mass, when available to us, and that is usually the only time where I am not the minority. I pray that more women have the courage to veil for Mass, and discern if the conviction is right for them.
In my next post about veiling, I hope to answer some frequently asked questions, and go deeper into the history behind veiling. If you have any questions for me, feel free to leave them as a comment below, or email me privately.
Most of my current veils are custom made by a dear friend of mine. Her etsy shop is here. However, all of her veils are custom order.
Pax Et Bonum
Today, however I will go into my journey of why I started veiling, and why I cannot see myself going back. I plan on doing a Q&A style post in the near future of frequently asked questions, but til then, here is my story.
As a Catholic woman, I choose to follow the tradition of wearing a veil to Mass, adoration and anytime our Lord is present. I suspect when people see my veil in church they have no idea why I am wearing one, and others assume I am " stuck in pre-Vatican " times.
Growing up in a family and in a parish where no one wore a veil, I never seemed drawn to it, I never knew it was a option. It was never on my mind. I do remember this beautiful statue in the church where we often went as a family growing up where the Blessed Mother is wrapped in this gorgeous light blue mantilla, and that image has always stuck in my mind.
Fast forward into my college years, I was pretty active in my schools Newman center, and once attended a "Koinania" which is a Catholic retreat for young Catholics. During the opening Mass, out of the corner of my eye I saw a beautiful young woman. She dressed modestly, and her hair was covered in a breath taking veil. I was immediately drawn to it, and memories of that statue in my home church flooded back.
After that powerful weekend I could not stop thinking about that veil. I went to google and started doing what I do best - researching. Why would she be wearing a veil, was she discerning religious life? Was she a nun? Is she from a different country? After weeks of reading, I went to my local Catholic store, and purchase a ordinary black veil and white veil.
I was so very excited to wear it to Mass. Sunday rolled around, and all of a sudden a overwhelming feeling of nervousness, and uneasiness came over me. What will people think? Will they assume I am "holier than thou". Will I look silly? I put the veil away, and went to Mass without it.
I didn't know it then, but I was not ready to wear it. I saw the veil as a accessory to stick on my head, and didn't understand why I was doing it. What it meant to me, and more importantly veiling my heart first, and then my head.
After about 6 months of praying about veiling, doing more research, and knowing that questions would come, I prepared myself as too what I would answer. I wanted to be well educated. I started going to adoration, and often I was alone, and that is where I started veiling. The veil no longer was a accessory to my outfit, but a shield of humility before our Lord, and symbol of obedience to Him.
It has been about 4 years since the day I saw that young woman wearing that veil. Since I have grown my veil collection to reflect different liturgical seasons, and have grown in my conviction. More often than not, I am the only woman veiling at Mass, and that is okay with me.
My husband and I try to attend the Traditional Latin Mass, when available to us, and that is usually the only time where I am not the minority. I pray that more women have the courage to veil for Mass, and discern if the conviction is right for them.
In my next post about veiling, I hope to answer some frequently asked questions, and go deeper into the history behind veiling. If you have any questions for me, feel free to leave them as a comment below, or email me privately.
Most of my current veils are custom made by a dear friend of mine. Her etsy shop is here. However, all of her veils are custom order.
Pax Et Bonum
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Irene - TobyMac
A oldie but a goodie.... my favorite part...
The powers that be keep you downtrodden
Daughter of Zion, I heard your prayer
Just cast your cares and please beware of snakes
They come in all shapes and sizes
Tempt you, put scales on your eyelids".
It makes me think how often I have had " scales on my eyelids".
Monday, May 23, 2016
DIY: All Purpose Spray Cleaner
If you have been following my DIY series, you know by now that I am a fan of making my own products using my essential oils. Here is another easy, cost effective recipe for you!
In this weeks edition I share with you a very simple and versatile DIY recipe for all over the home. Non- toxic, affordable and safe.
DIY: All-Purpose Spray
What you need:
- A 16ozspray bottle. I always recommend glass, but plastic can be used.
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1 3/4 cups water
- 15 drops dōTERRA essential oil (see suggestions below)
- 1 tbsp of Epsom salt ( the Epsom salt helps the mixture stay mixed, this is optional.)
What to do:
- Add all ingredients to spray bottle. Shake thoroughly.
Essential oils to try:
A combination of any of the above essential oils would work great in your homemade cleaning spray. Experiment and find what works best for you.
Some recommended combinations include:
- 15 drops each of Lavender and Lemon
- 10 drops each of Eucalyptus, Peppermint, and Wild Orange
- 30 drops On Guard blend
Cost Breakdown: For this cost breakdown I will be only be picking apart the solution. I do this because the cost of a spray bottle will differ on the material and brand.
Vinegar - 1gal =$3.00 / 16 cups =.18 /4= .046 per recipe
Epsom Salt ( Optional) - 1lb bag = $4/32 - = .125 per recipe if used
Recommended essential oils for cleaning solution ( all prices are wholesale membership prices please email me if you do not have a wholesale membership). Also, the price can change depending on the oil mix. The below cost is if you were to do a whole cleaning solution based off of one oil. With any of these oils you do not have to mix, or you could mix any or all.
Lavender - $21 per bottle/250 = .084 x 30 drops = $2.52 per cleaning solution
Lemon - $10 per bottle. 250 drops per bottle/ 30 drops= $1.20 per cleaning solution
Peppermint $20.50 per bottle. 250 drops per bottle/30 drops= $2.46 per cleaning solution
WildOrange - $10.50 per bottle. 250 drops per bottle/30 drops= $1.26 per cleaning solution
Melaleuca $19.00 per bottle. 250 drops per bottle/30 drops= $2.28 per cleaning solution
OnGuard $32.00 per bottle. 250 drops per bottle/30 drops = $3.84 per cleaning solution
Total Cost:
Depending on the essential oils you use and mix you find the range to be between $1.37 -$4.01
Compare with a non toxic household cleaner you could buy at the store:
Clorox Green Spray - $5.50
Mrs. Meyers - $8.00
Honest - $5.95
Seventh Generation - $6.83
Our solution is still cost effective compared to these non toxic household cleaners you would buy at the store! Win!
I recommend this all purpose spray for all surfaces minus wood. I have a wonderful wood cleaner recipe that I will share sometime soon!
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