Prepare your arsenal for this season’s germs — because ain’t nobody got time for that!
Every Thursday evening, all my kiddos and grands pile in for Family Dinner Night. We share food, swap kisses, and — you guessed it — spread germs generously with each other! 😂
Getting sick occasionally is just part of being human, but avoiding it most of the time? That’s the goal.
And friend, after years of motherhood (and what feels like my own personal case study in family health), I’ve learned a few tricks that really work.
Why I Love My “Flu Bomb” Arsenal
Let’s talk about what’s in my mama medicine arsenal.
Certain essential oils are absolute powerhouses when it comes to supporting your body’s natural defenses and promoting a clean, healthy environment.
💥 Powerful cleansing properties:
Studies show that oils like oregano, tea tree (melaleuca), and clove (found in Thieves®!) have strong cleansing and purifying properties when used as directed.
And get this — one study found that diffusing Thieves essential oil reduced airborne bacteria significantly within minutes.
Pretty amazing for something that smells like Christmas cookies, right? 🎄
Build Your Mama Medicine Cabinet
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this:
Don’t wait to order your oils until someone’s already sick!
Don’t wait to order your oils until someone’s already sick!
Be the prepared mama. Have your immune-support stash ready before the first sneeze of the season.
Here’s what I always keep on hand:
🌿 Thieves – immune-support powerhouse and surface cleaner
🌿 Oregano – strong and purifying, perfect for seasonal wellness
🌿 Frankincense – supports immune and respiratory health
🌿 Melaleuca (Tea Tree) – great for cleansing and purifying
🌿 Life 9 Probiotic – 17 billion live cultures to help maintain gut and immune balance*
🌿 DiGize – for daily digestive wellness support* (because sometimes germs show up in the tummy, too)
🌿 Oregano – strong and purifying, perfect for seasonal wellness
🌿 Frankincense – supports immune and respiratory health
🌿 Melaleuca (Tea Tree) – great for cleansing and purifying
🌿 Life 9 Probiotic – 17 billion live cultures to help maintain gut and immune balance*
🌿 DiGize – for daily digestive wellness support* (because sometimes germs show up in the tummy, too)
👜 Terri’s Tip:
I keep three bags ready to go — one for home, one for the car, and one in my “quick grab” emergency kit.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Diffuse Like a Boss
Diffusing oils isn’t just about making your home smell cozy (though that’s a huge bonus). It’s one of the most effective ways to freshen the air, create a clean environment, and boost everyone’s mood naturally.
Try this Flu Bomb Diffuser Blend when the sniffles start making the rounds:
✨ 3 drops Thieves
✨ 2 drops Lemon
✨ 1 drop Oregano
✨ 1 drop Frankincense
✨ 2 drops Lemon
✨ 1 drop Oregano
✨ 1 drop Frankincense
Diffuse for 20–30 minutes in the main living area — especially after family gatherings or school days when everyone’s been exposed to “all the things.”
Be the Prepared Mama
Now, I may have been a mom during Y2K (so yes, I’m slightly conditioned to be a prepper 😆), but trust me on this one — being prepared feels so much better than scrambling when someone spikes a fever at midnight.
Here’s what you can do today:
✅ Order your oils now — don’t wait until you need them.
✅ Create a shared “Health Tips” album on your phone with your husband — keep your favorite flu bomb graphic and recipes there.
✅ Set up an emergency cabinet with your go-to immune-support and natural wellness products.
✅ Create a shared “Health Tips” album on your phone with your husband — keep your favorite flu bomb graphic and recipes there.
✅ Set up an emergency cabinet with your go-to immune-support and natural wellness products.
Your future self (and your family) will thank you.
Final Thoughts from the Mom Trenches
Mama, you are the heartbeat of your home — and you deserve to feel empowered, not helpless, when sickness tries to sneak in.
Build your natural wellness kit, keep those oils handy, and remember: you’ve got this. 💪🏻
Now go mix up that Flu Bomb Diffuser Blend and show those germs who’s boss.
Big hugs and strong immune systems,
Terri
The Urge to Clean — Inside and Out
With this beautiful spring weather, comes that urge to clean. Hence the name “spring cleaning”. It’s such a nice feeling to REALLY clean those baseboards, donate things to Goodwill, and organize closets and drawers.
And although our houses would thank us if they could, our bodies would thank us if we did a “spring cleaning”. It’s smart to regularly flush out toxins that have built up in our systems. So, start today! Add a detoxifying cleanse while you spring-clean your home. You’ll end up with a clean home and a body with more energy, a positive outlook, and better health.
Simple Ways to Naturally Eliminate Toxins
One of the simplest ways to naturally eliminate toxins from your body is by…
…drinking more water and exercising. When you exercise you sweat. And, when you exercise it releases endorphins, which is a natural mood booster. Making your body sweat is a natural way to get your body to secret those toxins. But, drinking more water is crucial to making this detox push effective! Add some lime or lemon oil to your water for another additional boost of cleansing.
Additional Detox Methods for a Healthier You
Here are some more ways to help your body eliminate toxins:
• Alternating between hot and cold water in the shower to help promote blood circulation to the skin
• Sitting in a sauna or hot tub to promote toxin elimination through sweating
• Getting a massage incorporating Young Living’s Ortho Sport®, Ortho Ease®, Relaxation™, or Sensation™ massage oils to help break up lactic acid buildup in the muscles
• Sitting in a sauna or hot tub to promote toxin elimination through sweating
• Getting a massage incorporating Young Living’s Ortho Sport®, Ortho Ease®, Relaxation™, or Sensation™ massage oils to help break up lactic acid buildup in the muscles
Support Your Body’s Cleansing with Young Living’s Juva Products
Young Living’s Juva products also provide a natural way to assist the body’s natural cleansing functions:
• JuvaCleanse® essential oil blend help support the body’s digestive system.
• JuvaTone® tablets provide vital nutrients to support a healthy digestive system.
• JuvaTone® tablets provide vital nutrients to support a healthy digestive system.
Cleanses to Jumpstart Your Detox Journey
Here are some examples of different types of internal cleanses. Be sure to consult with your health professional before starting a cleansing regimen.
The Master Cleanse
This is a simple and fairly easy liquid cleanse that you can do for up to 7–10 days:
• ½ fresh squeezed lemon
• 8 oz. of distilled water
• 1–2 tablespoons of grade B maple syrup
• A pinch of cayenne pepper
• ½ fresh squeezed lemon
• 8 oz. of distilled water
• 1–2 tablespoons of grade B maple syrup
• A pinch of cayenne pepper
Mix and drink 6–12 glasses daily.
Vital Life Juice Recipe
Young Living Founder and CEO D. Gary Young created this recipe over 25 years ago to provide concentrated nutrients.
• 3 ounces freshly sliced beet
• 1 oz. freshly sliced carrot
• 1 oz. freshly sliced celery
• 1/3 freshly sliced white radish
• 1 pinch of ginger
• 1/3 potato (optional)
• 1 oz. freshly sliced carrot
• 1 oz. freshly sliced celery
• 1/3 freshly sliced white radish
• 1 pinch of ginger
• 1/3 potato (optional)
Puree all ingredients in a blender and drink ¼–½ cup every 2–3 hours.
Clean and Conquer!
So, clean and conquer! And let me know how you feel afterward.
~Terri
A Moment That Changed Everything
Thirty-six years ago my dad stood at the altar with my then-soon-to-be-husband and me. I was one of three daughters my dad gave away in marriage that summer, and now, having grown children of my own, I don’t know how my dad made it through that ceremony without blowing snot everywhere on stage!
Yes, this is a happy, wonderful transition, yet it is an emotional one.
The gravity of how fast the growing up years pass is surreal!
Children are a gift, a blessing, and occupy a temporary residence in our home.
It’s like one day you’re holding an infant and the next you’re giving them away in marriage.
The “in a blink” saying is true!
A Father’s Song and a Lasting Legacy
Knowing that time is fleeting, my dad summed up in a song what mine and Troy’s union should look like on a daily basis. He summed up what he and my mom had done for me. Don’t get me wrong, my parents aren’t perfect, like Troy and I aren’t (It runs in the family!)
But one thing they did was…
…make up for any imperfections they might have.
They gave me Jesus.
And for that, I am literally eternally grateful!
The Song That Says It All
Here is the song my dad sang at our wedding altar…
You can give your children houses
And you can give them lands
And the riches of your efforts
And all your best-laid plans
And you can give them lands
And the riches of your efforts
And all your best-laid plans
But of all that they inherit
Of all that you could will
Please include the unseen treasure of the life
That God has filled
Of all that you could will
Please include the unseen treasure of the life
That God has filled
Because the greatest gift a father can give
Is a life lived for Jesus
And the greatest gift a mother can give
Is the knowledge of the Lord
Is a life lived for Jesus
And the greatest gift a mother can give
Is the knowledge of the Lord
Pass Him on to your children
He’s the gift that keeps on giving
The greatest gift is a life lived for Jesus
He’s the gift that keeps on giving
The greatest gift is a life lived for Jesus
And someday the house will crumble
And time will turn the land to dust
And when all accounts are empty
Where will you invest their trust?
And time will turn the land to dust
And when all accounts are empty
Where will you invest their trust?
But of the riches that you give them
It’s the wisdom of His ways
Then the wealth you leave your children
Will last through all their days.
It’s the wisdom of His ways
Then the wealth you leave your children
Will last through all their days.
Passing On the Greatest Inheritance
Our marriage has not been perfect because we’re human, but this one thing we have strived for together above all others is to give our children Jesus.
His friendship. His love. His salvation.
The knowledge of Him IS the greatest inheritance we can pass on generationally.
What are you passing on to your children?
~Terri
When You’re Running on Empty
Just shoot me and call me dead. Because then I’d have a good reason to lay here!!! Have you ever felt like that? What do you do? Coffee? Energy drinks? These are the options we are most familiar with however, these “friends” of ours actually drain our energy reserves and damage long-term health.
Let’s face it. We all like a pick-me-up, but let’s be smart about it and think long-term! Life is non-stop and we need our bodies to fire on all pistons.
Energy is not an option!
It’s a MUST!
But coffee and energy drinks rev us up then drop us with a thud! These sugar-laced caffeinated drinks actually tax our adrenal glands in order to give that boost … and trust me, your adrenal glands don’t like being taxed as much as you do!! Get the picture?
The Truth About Coffee and Energy Drinks
I hear you, though! “Don’t mess with my coffee/energy drinks!” But let’s seriously consider our long-term health. Coffee will boost the ability to move through the day, but a high price is paid later when the caffeine wears off.
Eventually, the caffeine will not even give the boost it once boasted and this is when you know your adrenals can’t pay the tax collector. They have nothing left to give.
A Healthier Solution for Real Energy
Let me offer a solution to that need for energy.
It’s called…
It’s safe, health-building, energy giving and does not tax the adrenal glands like coffee! This essential oil blend also boosts mental alertness and increases circulation. It’s a win-win and way better than the long-term deficit coffee will give your body.
Choose Lasting Energy Over Quick Fixes
Take care of your body and use En-R-Gee when you need that extra boost to get you through the day.
And we won’t have to shoot you and call you dead so you have a reason to lay there!! :P
~Terri
SAY NO TO TOXIC DRYER SHEETS AND EXTEND THE LIFE OF YOUR DRYER
Dryer sheets leave a film on your lint screen that blocks circulation and makes your dryer use more energy. They also have a toxic ingredient that sticks to your clothes then rubs into your skin when you wear those clothes or lay on those sheets. This ingredient destroys your natural hormone flow and causes skin issues, emotional issues and general health problems. Ditching toxic dryer sheets will save you money, and extend the life of your dryer.
Read more...
Let’s talk about your girl for a minute.
She’s growing fast, her hormones are finding their rhythm, and some days it feels like emotions are on a roller coaster you didn’t sign up for. (Been there. 💁♀️)
But here’s the thing — it’s not all “just puberty.”
Our girls are exposed to hormone-disrupting chemicals every single day — in their makeup, food, clothes, and even their water bottles.
Our girls are exposed to hormone-disrupting chemicals every single day — in their makeup, food, clothes, and even their water bottles.
Let’s break down a typical day, shall we?
A Day in the Life of Hidden Hormone Disruptors
🌞 Morning: She swipes on mascara and lotion made with parabens.
🏃♀️ Afternoon: She snacks from a plastic bag while wearing synthetic leggings.
📚 Evening: She eats dinner from BPA-lined cans and fights through homework tears.
🏃♀️ Afternoon: She snacks from a plastic bag while wearing synthetic leggings.
📚 Evening: She eats dinner from BPA-lined cans and fights through homework tears.
You’re not imagining things — her body is overwhelmed.
But here’s the good news: you can make simple swaps that truly make a difference.
5 Easy Swaps to Support Her Hormones Naturally
You don’t need to throw everything out overnight. Just start small. Each of these swaps lightens her toxic load and helps her body find balance again.
Healthy Swap ✅ | Hormone Disruptor ❌ |
Glass water bottle | Plastic water bottle |
Natural deodorant | Conventional deodorant |
Beeswax food wraps | Plastic wrap |
Fresh produce | Canned goods |
Unscented lotion | Scented body products |
Little by little, these shifts create a cleaner environment for her growing body — and for the whole family, too.
Natural Hormone Support: Essential Oils for Puberty & Mood
When hormones surge and moods swing, a few drops of the right essential oils can make a world of difference. These Young Living favorites are gentle, effective, and 100% plant-based:
🌿 Dragon Time – Supports mood swings, cramps, and monthly cycles
🌿 Progessence Plus – Soothes acne, migraines, and PMS (My 13-year-old’s favorite!)
🌿 EndoFlex – Balances the endocrine system and supports energy (She LOVES this one too!)
🌿 Lavender – Calms emotions and promotes restful sleep
🌿 Progessence Plus – Soothes acne, migraines, and PMS (My 13-year-old’s favorite!)
🌿 EndoFlex – Balances the endocrine system and supports energy (She LOVES this one too!)
🌿 Lavender – Calms emotions and promotes restful sleep
🧴 Apply on her lower belly or back, or diffuse during those “rough days.”
Skip the Synthetic Perfumes — Try This Instead
Let’s be real — tween girls love to smell good. 💜
But most body sprays and perfumes are loaded with hormone-disrupting chemicals.
But most body sprays and perfumes are loaded with hormone-disrupting chemicals.
That’s why I’m obsessed with Wyld Notes — a plant-based, emotionally balancing scent line made just for tweens and teens.
No synthetic junk. No hidden toxins. Just pure, beautiful blends that help her feel confident and calm.
The Heart Behind It All
Mama, this isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress — one healthy swap, one empowering choice at a time.
When we help our daughters support their hormones naturally, we’re teaching them to listen to their bodies, honor their emotions, and care for themselves from the inside out.
You’re doing great. Truly. 💛
Big hugs,
Terri
Terri
Okay, don’t roll your eyes at me just yet.
I know “liver support” doesn’t exactly scream fun lunch convo, but hear me out—this quiet little organ is doing the absolute most for you behind the scenes, and it deserves some serious love.
So picture us sitting across from each other—maybe sipping something warm, maybe pushing strollers past the park—and I lean in and say:
“Hey, can we talk about your liver for a second?”
The Overachiever That Never Asks for Credit
Right under your right rib cage is this amazing multitasking boss called the liver. It’s not dramatic. It doesn’t throw a fit or cry out for attention (like some parts of our body, ahem). Instead, it quietly juggles hundreds of jobs all day, every day:
- Filters your blood
- Stores energy
- Helps you digest food
- Regulates hormones (hi, mood swings)
- Clears out toxins you don’t even know you’ve been around
And when it’s overwhelmed? It doesn’t throw a tantrum. It whispers.
The Subtle Signs Your Liver Needs a Little Love
You know that stubborn acne that just won’t clear? Or the weird 2 a.m. wakeups? Or that feeling like you’re dragging yourself through the day even though you slept?
Yep. That could be your liver saying,
“Girl, I’m doing my best here… a little help would be nice.”
Sometimes it shows up as:
- Brain fog or sluggish focus
- PMS that feels like a freight train
- Weight that won’t budge even when you’re eating right
- Low energy or cranky moods for no reason
Your liver is sneaky—it’s not dramatic, but when it’s tired, your whole body feels it.
How to Naturally Support Your Liver Every Day
Now, I’m not about to tell you to do some crazy juice cleanse or expensive detox. You know me better than that. 😉
We’re going for gentle, consistent, and doable—because real results come from simple habits you can actually stick with.
Try adding these into your daily rhythm:
- Start your day with water and Lemon Vitality oil to flush and wake up your system.
- Eat bitter greens like arugula, dandelion, or kale to help bile flow and digestion.
- Swap harsh household chemicals for cleaner, plant-based options to reduce toxic load.
- Create emotional space—because yes, your liver processes feelings too.
Small steps, big difference.
Essential Oils That Support Liver Health
You know I’m a huge fan of natural support, and when it comes to the liver, Young Living’s JuvaFlex and GLF blends are my go-tos.
Here’s my nighttime ritual:
After the kids are in bed, I rub a few drops of JuvaFlex or GLF over my liver area (right side, under the ribs). Sometimes I even pair it with a castor oil pack, take a few deep breaths, and pretend I’m at a fancy spa. 😂
It’s peaceful, grounding, and feels like saying “thank you” to my body.
NingXia Red: The Easiest Liver Love You’ll Ever Give
If you’re already sipping this magical red drink—yay, you! If not, here’s why I’m obsessed.
NingXia Red is packed with:
- Antioxidants from wolfberries (aka goji berries) that protect your liver cells
- Detox helpers like pomegranate and blueberry that make your liver’s job easier
- Nutrient-dense support for the whole family—because our kids’ livers deal with daily toxins too
It’s one of the easiest (and tastiest) ways to give your liver a big warm hug.
Final Thoughts from Across the Table
If you’ve been feeling a little “off” lately—low energy, cranky for no reason, skin acting up, or just feeling blah—this might be your cue to tune in.
Let’s stop waiting until our bodies shout. Let’s start listening to the whispers.
Your liver works hard for you every single day—so give it some love back.
And if you’re not sure where to start, I’m your girl. 💛
Let’s chat oils, NingXia, castor oil packs—all the things.
Let’s chat oils, NingXia, castor oil packs—all the things.
Big hugs and happy livers,
Terri
Terri
10 Natural Ways to Help Prevent (and Support) Varicose Veins + My Favorite Vein Vanishing Oil Recipe
Hey Friend,
Let’s talk about something a lot of us deal with—but don’t always want to: varicose veins.
While they’re often seen as just a cosmetic issue, they can also bring discomfort, heaviness, and sometimes even lead to more serious circulation problems if left unchecked. The good news? There are plenty of natural ways to support healthy veins and circulation, starting right where you are.
What Are Varicose and Spider Veins?
🚩 Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that usually appear on the legs.
🚩 Spider veins are smaller, more delicate-looking veins that often show up on the surface of the skin.
🚩 Spider veins are smaller, more delicate-looking veins that often show up on the surface of the skin.
While they’re usually painless and not dangerous, that doesn’t mean we want them sticking around. Prevention and gentle support go a long way!
1. Exercise Regularly 🏃♀️
Moving your body—especially your legs—helps your veins pump blood more efficiently. Walking, cycling, or swimming are excellent choices to get circulation flowing without too much strain.
2. Maintain a Healthy Weight ⚖️
Extra weight adds pressure to your veins, particularly in the legs and pelvic area. Keeping your weight in a healthy range can reduce this burden and support overall vein health.
3. Watch Your Diet 🥗
A high-fiber diet keeps things moving (ahem—no constipation), which means less strain on your veins. Also, lowering salt intake helps reduce swelling that can make varicose veins worse.
4. Elevate Those Legs 🦵
Whenever you can, elevate your legs above heart level to help blood flow back toward your heart and ease the pressure on your leg veins.
5. Avoid Prolonged Sitting or Standing ⏳
Whether you’re at a desk or on your feet all day, changing positions frequently encourages better circulation. If you can, take short breaks to walk around or stretch throughout the day.
6. Wear Compression Stockings 🧦
These are a tried-and-true way to encourage blood flow and reduce swelling. There are different compression levels, so talk to your doctor to find the right type for you.
7. Choose Clothing That Supports Circulation 👗
Skip the tight waistbands, restrictive leggings, or super high heels that can interfere with blood flow. Loose, comfy clothing helps your body circulate naturally.
8. Stay Hydrated 💧
Water keeps your blood flowing smoothly and supports healthy circulation. Aim for plenty throughout the day.
9. Don’t Smoke 🚭
Smoking affects circulation and weakens blood vessels over time—both of which can make varicose veins worse. If you’ve been wanting to quit, consider this one more good reason.
10. Manage Hormones Naturally 🌿
Hormonal changes (like pregnancy or menopause) can play a big role in the development of varicose veins. If you suspect hormones are a factor, talk with your healthcare provider about options for natural hormone balance or therapy that fits your needs.
DIY Varicose Vein Massage Oil Recipe (a.k.a. “Vein Vanishing Roll-On”)
Now for my favorite part—a natural, essential oil–based massage blend that supports healthy circulation and helps improve the look and feel of varicose and spider veins over time.
✨ What You’ll Need:
- 🚩 5 drops Cypress Essential Oil — The MVP for vein support. Its vasoconstrictive properties help tighten and strengthen veins, easing that dull ache—especially at night.
- 🚩 3 drops Helichrysum Essential Oil — Helps dissolve coagulated blood and supports nerve regeneration, with anesthetic and antispasmodic properties for relief.
- 🚩 5 drops Lemongrass Essential Oil — A natural analgesic that soothes throbbing veins and eases that “fullness” feeling.
- 🚩 7 drops Lemon Essential Oil — Supports circulation, tones the appearance of veins, and gives the blend a fresh, uplifting scent.
- 🚩 Cel-Lite Magic Massage Oil — Your carrier oil to fill the rest of the roller.
🧪 Directions:
- Start with a clean, dry 10 ml roller bottle.
- Add your essential oils drop by drop.
- Top off with Cel-Lite Magic Massage Oil.
- Pop the roller ball back on and roll between your palms to mix.
- Store in a cool, dry place.
How to Use the Varicose Vein Roll-On
To get the best results, I like to pair the roll-on with warm and cold compresses to stimulate circulation first:
- Prepare one bowl of hot water and one of cold water.
- Dip a soft washcloth in hot water, wring it out, and press gently over your varicose veins for 1 minute. Repeat twice more.
- Switch to the cold water and repeat the process.
- Pat the area dry.
- Gently roll your vein vanishing blend over and around the veins—always roll toward your heart.
- Elevate your feet for about 15 minutes afterward (propping on a pillow works great).
👉 Do this once a day for ongoing support.
A Gentle Reminder
These natural methods can go a long way toward supporting healthy circulation and reducing the appearance of varicose veins, but if you’re already experiencing pain or complications, check in with your healthcare provider for tailored advice.
Final Thoughts
Friend, taking care of your legs doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple daily habits and the power of authentic essential oils (hello, Young Living quality!), you can support your circulation naturally and feel confident in your skin again.
You’ve got this. 🌿
— Terri
— Terri
Empowering health one drop at a time.
