Fruit For Thought...

View from the porch in Tennessee

Sunset in Tennessee 

It is 6:54 am on my sixth day in Tennessee. For those of you who don't know, my best friend moved here almost a year ago; and she recently (three weeks ago) had a baby boy. We've always been extremely close. Some even think we are actually sisters; which we always love hearing. It's been a really hard adjustment for me, and even though we talk just about every day; it is really hard for me not to be with her.

I've been trying to plan a trip ever since she moved away. Finally, with a ton of prayer, and the wonderful support of my family; I've managed to get an entire week with my long lost "sister" and my new and so amazingly handsome "nephew".

Above are pictures from the first night I arrived here. Those pictures were my view from the front porch, just as the sun had begun to set. As I sit here this morning just seeing the sun begin to rise (photos below) at 6:35am; I knew I needed to bestow some fruit for thought...

My phone can't begin to do this justice!

Feeling the light and love from God above!

Never ever take those around you for granted. Even though it was only a short flight to Tennessee for me; it will never compare to the week I've been able to spend here with two of my most favorite people, in such an amazing place.

So often, we just allow ourselves to get into "the routine" of things. We never actually take the time to truly examine the huge gifts we are given; even in the smallest of moments. For me, I have two children, a husband, a dog; and a home to take care of. There are so many days where I jokingly say "I'm not sure I even showered today; but everyone's happy".

As a caregiver to two children with special needs, or just being a mom in general; too often I forget about me. I love the gifts I've been given so much that I would gladly place myself last.

While I've been here on my "Me-cation", I started to realize that it's okay to take a break every now and then; because even the Lord that I strive to be like took a break after all this amazement he created for us.

As I watch this sunrise today, I am so thankful for a husband, mother, and mother-in-law that supported this trip; by taking care of my children, so I could have quality time with my friend and her new son. I am so blessed to have so many wonderful gifts in all of them on a daily basis; even if she is a plane ride away from me. I am blessed with an amazing view from her home each morning and evening that I am here. I've met some pretty wonderful people who are her support while I can't physically be with her every day. Most of all, I am truly blessed with the fact that because Jesus wants us to cast all of our cares upon Him; He really will care for us!

I often joke about never having time for myself; as I said above. However, this week has taught me to really try every day to take even just a moment to enjoy all that I have been given. This week that I've been able to be "childless" as everyone has joked with me; knowing that I have and am never one to be without at least one of my children in tow...has been everything from scary to grateful. I promise I am not saying that I am grateful my children are not here with me to enjoy this. I am just so blessed to have people that understand how hard I work each day; and they collectively wanted me to have time for myself.

At the beginning of my week here in Tennessee, I woke up my first morning; and I could tell my friend's parents knew how uneasy I was. They both asked "so, how does it feel to have nothing to do?". I will admit, it took me well into my third day here to really just enjoy my one on one time with my friend and her new son. This entire trip we've been talking about how much our children have change our lives; and how we would never trade it for anything because they are truly gifts from God.

Just think....God feels that way about each and every one of us; and he never even needs a "Me-cation".

Today, I urge you...No matter where you are, what craziness the day has in store for you, and especially if you feel you don't have the time....take a second to just enjoy at least one amazing thing God has given you. Even if your higher power isn't God; enjoy whatever gifts the universe has given you. Things that we take for granted really can be gone in a blink of an eye.

I am going to get back to my "Me-cation" and snuggle the baby that I know will be joining me shortly; all the while thanking God for this gorgeous trip that I've been given.

Be Well and Be Blessed~
Tina

Some Fruit For Thought

So I found this quote from Paulo Coelho today; and I wanted to share it. For me personally; the past three or so weeks of my life have been a struggle. In our home, the saying holds true that "when it rains it pours".

The funny thing about life is that we are given the free will to choose what we do with it. 

Sure I wanted to stay in bed every day and be invisible at some points; but I have two children who have special needs, and a husband who needs me. So, How is it possible to deal with everything unraveling? 

Another quote I found reads "When something bad happens; you have three choices. You can either let it define you, Let it destroy you; or you can let it strengthen you"

Well, since I am the only person who can truly define me (other than God who always knows my heart)...I figure I have that one in the bag. So, I moved on......

I can let all of this destroy me. However, only I hold the power in my free will to destroy myself. Since I am not really big into demolishing things, and only having one more choice; I reluctantly moved on....

First, I found strength in God's word, He tells me in Matthew 19:26 that with Him all things are possible. My head understood that; but it wasn't healing my heart from a lot that had been testing and poking at me. Then I realized, He is my foundation, My Root, AND my Center. 

If you know me, by now you are aware of my foundation, where my Reiki Energy comes from; and how I live my life. Once again, I am here to say that you don't have to believe in what my truth is. I respectfully will always tell you that for me there just is no other way; but God. That being said....Here is what I've learned over the past few weeks:

• If we remain rooted and grounded...it makes it that much harder for any negativity to not only reach us...It just has no place to exist.
• If we continue to speak our truths knowing that it is for the highest good of all involved; once again, negativity cannot exist.
• If we trust that our knowledge is coming from the light; it will most certainly trump the darkness.
• You truly "never know how strong you are, until being strong is the only choice you have left"

I am still struggling with a lot and carrying an overflowing plate. However, the only difference with this week is that I began it in prayer and constant meditation. I have rooted myself in His word; and grounded myself firmly into my foundation.

Sure I still have things being flung at me; because such is life. It just a matter of what our next move will be. I encourage you to find your inner strength this week, ground yourself in it, stand firm in it; and share your courage with others.

One more quote:  "

 "

Stay strong my friends!

Be Well and Be Blessed~

Tina

Tea Tree Oil for Dandruff??

I was on social media tonight; and saw a post asking which shampoo was best for dandruff. I immediately said anything with Tea Tree Oil; and offered an actual recipe that I find gets the job done every time. I used to suffer every winter with dandruff or dry and itchiness. Being a licensed cosmetologist, but liking to keep it as natural as possible; I am always up for the challenge of creating something useful.
 Once I found a few recipes I liked, and tweaked it to what I love, I still have that initial onset; but after a week, I don't deal with dandruff at all!

So....seeing as how I love to keep things as natural as possible; I just had to share how I make mine.

Just a few words of wisdom before I share my recipe:

1. Never ever put Tea Tree Oil directly on your scalp. Do not listen to anyone who tells you to do this. The oils I use are so pure that they can actually create a reaction. If you feel you want to bypass making the whole shampoo please hear me when I say DILUTE!!! You can use goat's milk and even just purified or distilled water; but trust me when I say this...you want to always dilute (this pretty much is my motto with any essential oil).
2. Stick to the recipe! I know what I am doing with my oils and it took awhile to learn it. You do not want to just experiment; because not only will it waste your money, but it wastes the oils. A little goes a very long way.
3. Try to keep it as natural as possible. When I make my shampoos or soaps I like to use Dr. Bronner's. Not only is it reasonably priced; it is the best as far as I am concerned. One thing to remember with this is that if you are using anything other than Unscented Baby-Mild Castile (which is what I always recommend as the Castile soap used)...Pay attention to what is in it. Dr. Bronner makes a Tea Tree  that I often use when I don't feel like mixing up my own; along with some other scents.
   You need to understand... If you go and add Tea Tree or any other Essential Oil to something that already uses that as an ingredient....I am sure you can guess that it won't turn out to be the best situation you've faced.
4. Don't be in a rush- I usually recommend that you let the shampoo sit as long as you are comfortable (some people feel anything from tingling to actual burning)...You don't want your scalp to feel like it's on fire; but the longer you can keep it on the better it will work.
5. You can add drops of Essential Oils to your normal shampoo; but I actually don't recommend that. I feel that if it has dyes or perfumes in it already (and especially most shampoos still have sulfate in them); you don't want to go adding much more to that. Believe me, it isn't pretty; I've had to recondition some people who just think I am making this up.

So....I think that's all the wisdom I have for now. Here is my recipe:

Homemade Tea Tree Oil Shampoo:

     Here is what you will need:

• 1/4 Cup Distilled (or purified) Water
• 1/4 Cup of Liquid Castile Soap (Dr. Bronner's; you can click on the link or find it in most local stores)
• 10 Drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil
• 1/4 tsp. Message Oil (I use NS Message Oil because the original recipe calls for Apricot Kernel Oil-NS Message Oil contains Apricot kernel oil, sweet almond oil, hazelnut oil, borage oil and vitamin E I find that this oil has proven to moisturize way more than just Apricot Kernel alone.
• Glass Bowl- I always recommend glass when working with oils because they will bleed into plastic; and I never like using metal. I find that everything just comes out better in glass (just a preference).
• Wooden Spoon (preferably one you are not looking to use other than mixing your shampoos-again, the oils are pretty potent).
• Glass Jar- this will hold your finished shampoo (I recommend that this be something airtight if possible; but dark like this Amber Bottle ) This will help your mixture to hold it's strength.

Once you have all your ingredients you want to mix it all gently into your glass bowl (avoid making it sudsy). 

Then you will pour it into your Amber Bottle 

The original recipe tells you to use this like you would your normal shampoo. However, I find that I only need to use it for a week and I see immediate results. (everyone is different; so just make it work for you).

Again...you are going to want to leave the mixture on for as long as you can. You don't want it to burn; but the tingling means it working its magic!

***If you feel that it is easier to add 10 drops of the Tea Tree Oil to a conditioner....I recommend that you use Lavender Coconut Hair Cr`eme- by Dr. Bronner ***

Best of luck with this; and I am so excited to tell you that I will be hosting an Essential Oil event soon in my area; where you may be able to choose this very recipe to make and take home with you!

Please feel free to share this recipe; and I would love it if you can link to me! Also, feel free to share how it worked for you. I've heard this recipe has also worked on lice. However, I had to take that person's word for it; because thank God I never had to actually ever deal with that in our home.

So try it, share it; and let me know! Thanks so much for stopping by.

Be Well and Be Blessed

~Tina  

***Please Note: I am not affiliated with Dr. Bronner's company in any way.
I just believe in everything they stand for.
They are organic,certified fair trade, never tested on animals, non GMO, and vegan.

It's just a bunch of great products, with great prices; that I totally stand by!***

NEW Nature's Sunshine Website Update!!

Yay! So, I visited my NaturalHealthForU Site (a part of Nature's Sunshine) today; and it seems that the bugs have been worked out!

Still, I just wanted to let you all know...If you need help deciding what to order; or have never had a health analysis done; I would be more than happy to hear from you.

I am very excited to begin using some of the Essential Oils during my sessions; and will also be setting up a workshop to explain how oils are very beneficial in the healing process. During the workshop I will also share some recipes and we will make our own combination for you to take home!

There are a lot of wonderful things in store for summer. I am so excited to share it all with you!

Thank you for stopping by.

Be Well and Be Blessed~
Tina

Nature's Sunshine Website Update

There have been some issues with all Nature's Sunshine Independent Distributor's websites. I have been assured that they are really working hard on making your shopping experience amazing. On that note...

If you visit my site Natural Health For U and are having issues placing an order; please don't hesitate to contact me directly. 

You can either call me: (732) 505-0495 

or send me a quick email with your name, number, and best time to reach you - TinaKCOG@gmail.com

I would also love to discuss the opportunity to become a member of Nature's Sunshine. There are countless benefits to becoming a member. Nature's Sunshine doesn't place you in a position where you are required to sell anything. Becoming a member simply allows you to purchase your products at a lower rate and even earn the products you personally use for free; if you place an order for your family and friends. It truly has been a blessing to our family.

I will be posting more about the Nature's Sunshine products that I use; as well as products that are helping our entire family's individual needs.

While you are here; please check out the rest of my site, send me feedback; and even subscribe! 

Thank you so much for visiting today. 

Be Well and Be Blessed

~Tina

Drive Thu Difference

So, anyone who knows me knows how much I LOVE the station Star 99.1 FM!
I've been wanting to write about this for awhile now; and it just so happens that I am working from the couch today. My daughter, husband, and I all have horrible colds; because "sharing is caring" around here!

Anyway, one of my most favorite things on Star 99.1 FM, besides the amazing, uplifting; and safe for the little ears in my car music is called The Drive Thru Difference. We've actually taken part in this challenge many times; and each experience is so much fun! My children feel like "Super Ninjas"; because the idea is to give the person at the window the Drive Thru Difference Letter along with payment for the car behind you. My kids are right in a way, because you are paying without telling them who you are; and you simply just drive away.

There have been a few times where people have caught me; and we made some pretty cool new friends. However, nothing is better than looking in your rear view mirror and seeing someone read the letter and watch their face light up. Most people don't even know what hit them; and sometimes the line carries on with (I've heard on the radio) people buying up to 16 cars behind them!

I just know how much this brightens my day to take part in it. Today is a rainy, cold; and windy day in New Jersey....Maybe brighten someone's day with this challenge; and I promise it will 100% brighten yours!

Be Well and Be Blessed~
Tina

Three Questions...

Each day, when I awake; I ask God three questions: "What is the season, what is the reason; and what is my lesson?". I then open my heart and mind up to the endless possibilities, simply by telling him "I am ready to learn". I have been faced with a lot in my life; and even just recently have gone through a trial that could very well have left me asking "why me?".

I feel that in all situations I should be thankful. In Romans 8:28 God reminds us "And we know that in all things God words for the good of those who love him. who have been called according to his purpose."
Philippians 4:6-7 tell us not to be "anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving; present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus". Easier said than done? Not necessarily...

If you decide that you are in charge of your own free will; you can also decide how you are going to handle certain situations. So ask your higher power the following three questions:

• What is the season - What part of my life am I in, do I want to stay stagnant or do I want to move forward with confidence and with the respect that I deserve?
• What is the reason - Why is this happening to me? Why not? Try to see if there is something you maybe could word differently to the person or in the situation you are in conflict with. Try to see if you yourself could have had a different reaction that would make it benefit everyone's highest good.
• What is my lesson - There are so many life lessons to learn; and I truly believe that even after we are gone from this life, we continue to learn. You really can learn something new each day. If you are truly open to the lessons that your higher power has for you; you will see that in any and all situations; you won't have to understand the "whys" you will just know in your heart that it is all worth it in the bigger picture.

After you honestly ask these questions; you must be willing to see and receive whatever answer you are given. Keep in mind, it may not be the answer you want to hear; but if you are asking with thanksgiving to all situations, you will always find what you need (just like the Rolling Stones tell us).

I am going to close with two pictures that have truly encouraged me this week. I hope it also encourages you.

Be Well and Be Blessed~

Tina