Wednesday, January 22, 2014

First Trip In my Service Vest- Bailey

Lets Go for a Ride

 Ace Hardware and The Post Office

Bailey at Ace Hardware
Hammers, Nails, 2x4's and Puppy Paws 

Step One:  Vest & Gentle Leader

Step Two:  Potty Break.. No embarassing mishaps needed here, Thank you!

I took Bailey to the grass to see if she needed to potty 
before going into Ace Hardware... 
She was so excited about the smell of the new grass she began rolling all over and almost pulled me down with her...   AGHHH!    

Step Three: Shopping

Once she figured out where we were headed she was right on task...  Into the store we went. 

Umm. By the way, a hardware store is 
much louder than Petco... 
(Her only other in-store adventure place
 because she did not have a vest until now).  

She naturally stayed next to the edge and tight against the isle.  If I stopped - She stopped.  And by the second isle she wanted nothing to do with smelling anything and only wanted to focus on where I was headed. 

 Scott bought the items we needed and 
Bailey and I met him at the door...

Short - Sweet- Task Complete!

Yea Success!!!  Not really a celebration of success for Bailey but more so a feeling of gratitude that I was not hounded for bringing a puppy into the store.  

I am not sure what I expected really,  but there are places it is socially acceptable for dogs to go and many places they are not.  

I have heard and read many stories about challenges with service dogs and store personal so I have to admit I was nervous.  I did not want to have to explain why she was with us.  I was hoping and praying that she would behave herself... I mean she is a puppy and her real training is just now starting.  

Other service dogs are started earlier in most situations but our story is different.  

Bailey found us before we found a trainer.  

We did not do a lot of the social training with her as a baby that she would have received in a
Puppy Raisers Home... 

So for Bailey and Me this simple trip 
was a great Success!

Both Bailey and I felt pleased as we got in the car.  Scott reminded me that today is a "Good Day" for her and that I need to remember there will be "not-so-good-days" as well.

I had only planned on taking her to Ace but because she did so well when we arrived at the Post Office, I offered to go in and get Scott's mail.  
Bailey was more than ready and excited to accommodate.

She pranced her self right in through the door and 
followed me to get the mail as if she had 
done it a thousand times.
 

"Here Kitty Kitty".... "Ruff"... "Ruff"!

Said the Man at the P.O. Box behind us,  as he squatted down to get his mail from his box... 


Seriously?!  Great... Here She goes!  I figured she would run right up to him and try to kiss him to high heaven- 

"What did Baily do?" you ask.   She took two steps towards him, turned around to look at me and came back and sat down!   

What a good girl!  

 I kindly thanked the man for being a good training distraction.  He smiled and said "Anytime..."   


I was a little taken back that a grown man would tease so much...  
What was he like as a school boy?  I bet someone has some good stories on him!

Scott and I had a good laugh when Bailey and I got back to the car.  We were both very proud of our service dog in the making.  

**As a side note - Bailey will wear the "In Training" Vest for a year.   

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Essential oils not Drugs


Doctors offer medicine for pain, migraines and neuropathy etc... I choose Essential Oils.... 

Simple use of Essential Oils in an Aromatherapy or Topical Method will surprise you!


The Flu Bomb

3 drops Oregano
5 drops On Guard
5 drops Melaleuca
5 drops Lemon
Mix all together and place in 1 teaspoon Olive Oil and Rub on Chest, 
Neck and The Bottom of your Feet.  



Bees, Wasps & Hornet Stings:

First: Remove the stinger, and apply a cold compress with 
Roman Chamomile Oil to the area for 1-2 hours.

Make a blend of equal parts (use as many of the following oils as possible) : 
 - Apply 1-2 drops of blend on area 2-3 times a day until symptoms disappear.


Headaches

Peppermint Essential Oil applied on the Temples and on the base of neck.  Use Fractured Coconut Oil to Cool the heat of the peppermint.

Past Tense Roll On applied to temples and on the base of the neck

Sleep
Lavender Essential Oil applied to the base of your feet and pillows.
 



Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Life with Bailey - Assistance Dog in Training

Eggs - Almond Milk - Juice - Bread - etc... Simple enough. 
Just a quick little trip to the grocery store.


Not so simple when the juice in on the bottom shelf!

After I've squatted as low as I can ---- If I am lucky enough to still be on my feet, which most of the time I am not!  --  I will kneel on all fours get that (now stupid- "why do I really need this") bottle of V-8 Splash...... Take a huge deep breath and use the shelving to pull myself back up to a standing position.... 

 I am sure the many silent bystanders  were certainly baffled as to why I did not just bend right over and pick it up..... is because I am not able to!

Looks can be deceiving!   I no longer have a surgery boot, bruises, crutches, wheelchair or a large brace on my back but my body was left with permanent damage.

It has been almost 3 years since my accident. 

Gone are the Olympic Dreams of Grandeur.... Here are the days of living to enjoy each moment of a lovely life. 


 I have adjusted to new goals in life.

Physical Therapy Exercises and walks around the block are my new workouts.  Concentrating on not dropping a glass of water has become my new Mental Training Session.  And snuggling with my family is now my best Post -Work- Out Recovery Time.

Reality is...  Life for me is VERY different than before my accident.  

Things I never had to put thought into when doing before, like laundry, cooking and cleaning now have to be planned out and scheduled.  

Needing to have a family member with me or staying close to home is not going to last forever.  As my children and my husband will not and can not be with me all the time,  I now turn to my next best helper...

Meet Bailey!
   


Bailey is a Lab -Mix. 
Dang they are so cute when they are small. 
Bailey joined our family as a little 7 week old puppy.

Teaching Bailey the skills necessary as an assistance dog must be done by a professional.   And only time will tell if she will "pass the test".

I must be able to trust that Bailey will be balanced in all situations.  She needs to be comfortable with all personalities & environments.  And it is imperative that I be able to rely on her ability in meeting my needs.

HELP!!!     We speak human and our sweet little puppy speaks dog!
  
A New Leash On Life is a non-profit organization.   Staffed by a group of precious people who care about making a difference in the lives of others.   They share their love and knowledge in training therapy and assistance dogs for those in need. 
 

Let the Work Begin! 
-Bailey,  Assistance dog in training...... 

 


Monday, January 13, 2014

Natural Laundry Soap




The Best Ever Laundry Soap

Ingredients:
1 Fels-Naptha Soap Bar (grated)
1 cup Arm and Hammer Washing Soda
1/2 cup  Borax
1/2 cup Oxy-Clean (optional)
10 drops doTERRA Essential Oil:  Purify, Lavender, Citrus Bliss 
Mix in an air-tight container. 

To use:
Dry: 1 1/2 teaspoon per load 
Wet : 1 cup Top Load Washer   1/2 Cup Front Load Washer

You can use this as a dry powder or make it into a liquid by following directions below.


*To make a Liquid Laundry Soap:

Place all ingredients in a 5 gallon bucket and add hot tap water to fill the bucket.  Allow this to sit over night (12-24 hours) until ingredients are dissolved. Store in an empty laundry soap container.  As the liquid sits it tends to gel.  Shake well before each use.



 Learn more about doTERRA Essential Oils at www.doterraair.com


Saturday, January 11, 2014

Fight the Flu

The Influenza Strikes again!!!
source

This year is a bad one for the flu nationwide! 

Just check Twitter and  Facebook.  Tweets and Posts are all over with who is sick and where.


# Health

San Diego State University has produced a study regarding just that.

A social media–monitoring program led by San Diego State University geography professor Ming-Hsiang Tsou could help physicians and health officials learn when and where severe outbreaks are occurring in real time. In results published last month in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, Tsou demonstrated that his technique might allow officials to more quickly and efficiently direct resources to outbreak zones and better contain the spread of the disease. 

Read the study Here.  



I find it interesting that now we can track where the flu is concentrated and what areas we could choose to avoid.  


However sometime no matter what we do to protect and avoid 
the flu it has a mind of its own!
 

If you can't avoid and find yourself thick in the middle of dealing with the flu within your home, how do you deal with it naturally?


Well I'll share our personal story:

Within thirty minutes of my teenage son arrived home after school and ball practice  - it hit!  He was sick!!! Really Sick!
 Runny nose, Headache and Extremely High Fever!  

Just to name a few symptoms.... 

He ached so badly he was crying.  Not your normal teenage response in life, but for certain a normal reaction when a person has the influenza!

Once a flu hits it can take 5-12 days for it to run its normal course.

What are your options then in dealing with it?

Theraflu, Sudefed, Delsym, Nyquil, Robitussin etc.. all over the counter options with huge potential side effects and all filled with nasty chemicals that your body has  difficulty dealing with! 


Well not in our house!!!  Essential Oils are made by nature and are easily used by our bodies to help bring the body back into  homeostasis.  

This is our aggressive adult routine.  


 On Guard  - Melaleuca - Breathe - Oregano

4 drops On Guard
4 drops Melaleuca
4 drops Breathe
4 drops Oregano
1 teaspoon Fractured Coconut Oil 

*If a headache is present you can use 2-4 drops of peppermint or 2 drops Frankincense
* If upset stomach is a factor you can use 2 drops of Digestzen.

Mix all together in the palm of your hands and rub on the bottom of the feet.  Make sure you have the entire foot covered!   Then rub your hands on the top 1/3 of the foot.  

Mix a second batch of Essential oils and coconut oil.  Rub in a circular motion on the chest and upper back and neck.  

Apply 3-4 times in a 12 hour time. 

Over the next 24 hours we will re-apply 3-4 more times.

We focus on Rest and Hydration!  

 We Only use doTERRA Essential Oils.  
To purchase them click here.  

We are normally very healthy but sometimes a body is just going to be exposed to illness and your body may succumb.  

However, when we turn to our Essential Oils we have been amazed how quickly we are back up and running!

Here is to your health!  

 Please remember that the flu can be deadly so please seek medical attention if symptoms do not improve quickly!  I am very cautious and keep a close eye on my family.  I am not afraid to get medical help.  I believe in a very tight blend of Eastern and Western Medicines. 

 The products and methods recommended are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease, nor is it intended to replace proper medical help.  Essential oils work to help to bring the body into balance - thus helping the body's natural defenses to restore homeostasis. Essential oils are not used to "treat" medical problems.

Friday, January 10, 2014

Lack of Sleep and Autism



Do you or someone you love have Autism Spectrum Disorder ?  

If so, then most likely you do not get enough sleep. 


Research is  pointing to some possible underlying medical issues as a significant factor in sleep disruption associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder.


  • Gastro esophageal reflux
  • Sleep apnea
  • Night terrors
  • Seizures
  • Anxiety
  • Insufficient physical activity
  • Circadian rhythm (natural wake/sleep cycles) disturbances
  • Abnormal melatonin regulation.
  • Heightened sensory experiences sensitivity to light, touch or sound

 Methods and options to help with these issues consist of:  


   Behavioral and Educational Interventions,  Social Skills Interventions,  
Speech-Language Pathology,  Occupational Therapy and Medications

 

However  have you looked at Essential Oils as an Integrative Therapy Option?

 

What are Essential Oils

Essential oils are natural aromatic compounds found in the seeds, bark, stems, roots, flowers, and other parts of plants. They can be both beautifully and powerfully fragrant.

 

 Essential oils are non water-based phytochemicals made up of volatile aromatic compounds. Although they are fat soluble, they do not include fatty lipids or acids found in vegetable and animal oils. Essential oils are very clean, almost crisp, to the touch and are immediately absorbed by the skin. 

 

How Essential Oils work

Limbic System:

Our sense of smell affects the limbic system of our brain. Because the limbic system is directly connected to those parts of the brain that control heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory, stress levels, and hormone balance, essential oils can have profound physiological and psychological effects. 

 Anxiety, depression, fear, anger, and joy all emanate from the limbic region of the brain. 

 

 Hypothalamus:

The limbic lobe can also directly activate the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is one of the most important parts of the brain, acting as our hormonal control center. 

The Hypothalamus releases chemical messengers that can impact everything from sex drive to energy levels. The hypothalamus controls the production of growth/sex hormones, thyroid hormones, and neurotransmitters such as serotonin.  

 

 Some Oils that may help are listed along side their ailment: 

 

  • Gastro esophageal reflux- Ginger, Digestzen, Peppermint
  • Sleep apnea- Balance, Breathe, Citrus Bliss, Frankincense,Thyme, Ylang Ylang
  • Night terrors- Balance, Lavender, Serenity
  • Seizures- Frankincense, Life Long Vitality Supplements
  • Anxiety- Lavender, Citrus Bliss, Balance, Serenity, InTune, Elevation
  • Heightened sensory experiences sensitivity to light, touch or sound- Balance, Life Long Vitality Supplements  


For protocol of use Please see Modern Essentials 
The advice shared in this site has not been evaluated by the FDA. The products and methods recommended are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease, nor is it intended to replace proper medical help.  Essential oils work to help to bring the body into balance - thus helping the body's natural defenses to restore homeostasis. Essential oils are not used to "treat" medical problems.

 

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Easy Key Lime Cookies with doTERRA

Key Lime Cake Mix Cookies 

Dressed up in a way you will Never forget them....



1 Box Pillsbury Golden Butter Cake Mix
2 Eggs
1/2 cup oil
4 drops doTERRA's Lime Essential Oil (You can purchase it here.) or 1 dropper of your blended doTERRA Lime Essential Oil and Olive Oil.  (See instructions here.

Mix together all ingredients.  Roll dough into small 1 inch balls and place on a greased cookie sheet.  Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 7-10 minutes.

Frost with Pillsbury Key Lime Frosting.  Enjoy!

Note:  These are not healthy!  :)  Enjoy them for what they are. 

Sunday, January 5, 2014

Dogs and Essential Oils


 What Essential Oils are safe for my dog?


So you have a furry friend and you'd like to use Essential Oils in their care.  What is safe and what is not?  

I wondered the same thing when our new puppy came to our home.  I read A LOT of conflicting information. 

I went to the pet store only to be even more frustrated when I saw so many products  laden with toxins known to harm animals!  

Here is the list of oils I feel safe using on my dog.  I only use doTERRA Oils in our family so why would I use anything different with my 4-legged family members.   

Only 7 Oils for your pets medicine cabinet.

7 doTERRA Essentials for a variety of  issues. I do not feel a need to use anything questionable when these will cover the majority of my pups needs.  

When using essential oils on your dog, please remember that their nose is a super sniffer.  They can smell smells we can't.  I ALWAYS dilute the oils!  Generally I will use 1cup Olive Oil and 3 drops of the desired oil. 

Cinnamon-

Antibiotic
Anti-diarrhea
Antiseptic
Antispasmodic
Antiviral
Astringent
Disinfectant
Stimulant

   Cinnamon can be used for things like:
Colds and Flu- diffuse or use on bandana
Constipation-diffuse or rub on tummy
Cough-diffuse or use on bandana
Diarrhea-rub on tummy
Stomach Ache-rub on tummy

Marjoram-
Analgesic
Antibacterial
Antibiotic
Antioxidant
Antispasmodic
Disinfectant
Expectorant
Sedative

 Marjoram can be used for:
Calming to high stress or anxious dogs - 
Diffuse or use with bandana
Cough-diffuse in air or rub on chest
Hypertension- diffuse
Indigestion- rub on tummy
Insomnia-diffuse

Stress or high strung - diffuse or place on bandana 
and tie around neck 


Basil-
Antibiotic
Antidepressant
Anti-inflammatory
Antiseptic
Decongestant
Disinfectant
Expectorant


Use Basil for: 
Bronchitis/ Colds- diffuse and use on bandana
Depression/ Anxiety-
diffuse and use on bandana
  Earache- place 1-2 drops of diluted oil on cotton ball 
and place in ear
Insect Bites- apply a small amount of diluted oil on bite 
and rub in
Stress-
diffuse and use on bandana


Oregano-
 Antibacterial
Antibiotic
Anti-parasitic
Antiviral
Disinfectant
  



Oregano Can be used for:
Fleas and ticks-  using about 1/2 teaspoon of diluted oil mixture in the palms of your hands spread an even amount 
over fur or Use with a bandana
Infections- use 1 or  2 drops of diluted oil and place on a cotton ball.  Place cotton ball over infection 
and hold in place with a wrap.

Dill-
Antibacterial
Antispasmodic
Anti-tumor
Calming
Digestive
Disinfectant
Expectorant
Laxitive (mild)
Stimulant

 Use Dill to help with:
* Diffuse or use on bandana unless listed otherwise.
Bronchial mucous
Constipation
Flatulence
Headaches

Head lice -Place 1tablespoon diluted oil in normal shampoo and use as directed
Hyperactivity
Increased milk- for mamma pups
Indigestion
Liver issues
- Rub over liver
Low glucose
Nervousness
Normalize insulin levels
-see Modern Essentials for protocol
Pancreatic stimulant
Respiratory issues
 
Peppermint-
Analgesic
Anti-inflammatory
Antiparasitic
Antiseptic
Antispasmodic
Astringent
Expectorant
Stimulant

     Use Peppermint to:
* Diffuse or use on bandana unless listed otherwise.
 Allergies
Asthma
Congestion
Dermatitis
Diarrhea
Fever
Headaches

Indigestion
Insect Bites
- see above
Motion Sickness/Nausea
Skin Disorders
Stomach Ache
-see above
Stress- see above
Toothache
 

Rose-
Antibacterial
Antidepressant
Anti-hemorrahaging
Anti-inflammatory
Antispasmodic
Antiviral
Aphrodisiac
Astringent
Laxative
Stomach


Try Rose for:
Depression
Digestive disorders
Hemorrahaging
Menstrual problems
Post-partum depression
Uplifting

For more information on animal care and proper protocol please see Modern Essentials.

source

These are only listed as home remedies and are not to replace the advise and treatment from your veterinarian. The advice shared in this site has not been evaluated by the FDA or AVMA. The products and methods recommended are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease, nor is it intended to replace proper medical help.