Don’t Shoot the Messenger: The Scary Truth About Candles (and What I Use Instead)
Okay, friends—don’t come for me. I love candles too. The flickering flame, the cozy vibes, the pretty aromas that fill the room… it feels like instant atmosphere, right? But here’s the hard truth: burning a candle for just two hours can be the same as smoking a pack of cigarettes. Yep. According to Dr. Andrew Sledd, an environmental toxicology specialist, candles release toxins you definitely don’t want in your lungs.
The Hidden Dangers of Candle Wicks
Here’s something I wish I had known sooner: about 40% of candles are made with wicks containing lead. And breathing in lead particles is a big no-no for your health (especially for little lungs in your home).
I had no idea my “cozy candle moments” were actually filling the air with toxins. Yikes.
My Wake-Up Call as a Mom
When I was a young stay-at-home homeschool mom, I lit candles every single morning to set the mood for our day. It felt nurturing and beautiful… but during that season, my kids had chronic lung issues.
I tried everything to help—doctor visits, natural remedies, you name it. It wasn’t until much later that I finally connected the dots: the candles I loved so much were actually tearing down our health.
And here’s the wild part: when I ditched the candles and switched to diffusers with clean essential oil blends, my kids’ lung issues literally cleared up overnight. Overnight!
Why I’ll Never Go Back
My heart sinks when I think about how long it took me to discover this. My intention was never to harm my family—I just wanted a peaceful, cozy home. But now that I know better, I’m committed to doing better.
Diffusers give me everything I wanted from candles—beautiful aroma, relaxing atmosphere, cozy vibes—without the toxins. It feels so good knowing I’m filling my home with something safe.
Make the Switch (and Fall in Love With It)
If you’ve been side-eyeing your candle stash after reading this, don’t panic. There’s such a simple swap that will change everything: start with the Simplified Essential Oil Blends.
👉 They’re easy to use.
👉 They smell amazing.
👉 And they’re 100% free from the junk hiding in most candles.
👉 They smell amazing.
👉 And they’re 100% free from the junk hiding in most candles.
This fall, I’m especially obsessed with the Pumpkin Spice and Cozy Chai blends—because we all deserve that seasonal vibe without the toxic trade-off.
The Two Essential Oils I Never Go Without: Valor + Peace & Calming
If you’re brand new to essential oils—or maybe you’ve pulled your collection back out and don’t know where to begin—let me make it simple for you. Start with these two oils, always: Valor and Peace & Calming. ✨
These two blends have been loved in the wellness world for over a decade, and for good reason. They’re my go-to for emotions, stress, relaxation, and grounding. And honestly? They’re the oils I reach for just as much for my kids as I do for myself.
Why Valor Is Called “Courage in a Bottle”
Valor has a reputation for helping you feel strong, balanced, and confident. I love using it:
- On the back of my neck to ease tension after a long day
- On my wrists as a grounding perfume
- Before stressful situations (hello, school mornings 🙃)
It’s like a gentle reset button for both body and mind. No wonder it’s been a fan favorite for so many years!
Peace & Calming: Your Nervous System’s Best Friend
If Valor is courage, Peace & Calming is comfort. This oil is all about helping your body and mind wind down. We use it in our house to:
- Create a calming bedtime routine for kids and adults
- Support restful sleep
- Relax after a busy, overstimulating day
When life feels fast and noisy, a drop of this blend can make your whole world feel softer.
How to Use Valor + Peace & Calming Together
One of my favorite things? Layering these two oils. They complement each other so beautifully. A drop of Valor on the neck and Peace & Calming diffusing in the background feels like an instant exhale for the whole family.
If you’ve been feeling like you need a little more grounding, calm, and emotional support—these two are a powerhouse pair.
Let’s Chat Oils!
If you’re curious, have questions, or just want to swap favorite tips—I’m your girl. Talking about oils is my thang! 😜 Whether you’re brand new or rediscovering the bottles tucked away in your cabinet, I’d love to help you fall in love with them all over again.
Because here’s the truth: in our busy, beautiful, messy lives…we all deserve a little Valor and Peace & Calming. 💜
Why You Keep Waking Up at 3 AM (And Why It’s NOT Your “New Normal")
For months, I dreaded the clock striking 3 AM.
Like clockwork, I’d jolt awake, stare at the ceiling, and beg my body to drift back into dreamland.
I told myself, “This must be my new normal.”
But here’s the truth: it wasn’t normal at all. My body wasn’t broken—my adrenals were just crying out for help.
They were desperate for fuel that WAS NOT PRESENT… which triggered a jolt of adrenaline right at 3 AM.
And that’s when I knew....
Confession time: I’m a drinker. 😜
Not that kind of drinker—I’m a beverage girlie through and through. If it comes in a cute cup and has a wellness angle, I’m all in.
Here’s my current rotation:
- ☕️ Dose coffee
- 🫐 NingXia Red
- ✨ Sparkling water
- 💧 LMNT electrolytes
- 💪 AminoWise
- 🍵 Herbal tea
But here’s the thing—I’m not just sipping for fun. I drink with a purpose. Lately, I’ve been focused on two major health goals:
👉 Balancing my blood sugar
👉 Nourishing my adrenal glands
👉 Nourishing my adrenal glands
And guess what? Most of us have....
I never set out to be an expert in hospital preparedness.
I didn’t want that badge.
But sometimes life hands you the unexpected—and suddenly you’re learning the ropes under fluorescent lights, in waiting rooms, and in places that feel far from home.
This year, our family went through what felt like an emotional earthquake.
My daughter had an emergency birth. Then a brain tumor. Then surgery.
And then, complications after surgery.
We lived inside a hospital room for weeks—surviving on vending machine snacks, whispering prayers over her sleeping body, and learning medical terms we never wanted to know.
If you’ve ever walked this road—or even stood on the edge of it—I see you.
And I want to pass along the little things that helped me breathe a little easier in the chaos.
Because while not everything is in our control, some things are.
And believe it or not…
Read more...
Well good morning, friend! ☀️
Back-to-school season is officially here. If your house looks anything like mine, the pencils are sharpened, the notebooks are (mostly) labeled… and the brains? Well, sometimes they still seem stuck in summer mode. 😅
If motivation, memory, and focus aren’t showing up when you need them most, don’t worry—you’re not alone! Let’s talk about some...
Read more...
True story: I don’t like lavender or patchouli. 🤦♀️
I know… shocking! Lavender is the #1 scent in the world, and I’m over here like, hard pass. 🙅♀️
I know… shocking! Lavender is the #1 scent in the world, and I’m over here like, hard pass. 🙅♀️
And to make it worse—I’ll admit it—I still love a few toxic fragrances. (Shhh. Don’t tell.)
BUT after reversing eczema and clearing up lung issues in our home, those fake, chemical-filled smells are never coming back. 🚫
If you’re like me and you want your home to smell beautiful and cozy without the toxins, I have two incredible swaps you need to know about.
Your period isn’t supposed to knock you out, wreck your mood, or make you avoid white pants like the plague.
But if you’re…
- Doubling up on pads and still leaking
- Craving all the carbs
- Feeling exhausted before your cycle even starts
…then your body is waving a big red flag 🚩
And the message? Something’s off with...
