The BEST time of year

I LOVE fall!  Don't you?  It makes me so happy to run outside in the crisp air with leaves falling and the lake glistening.  There seriously is nothing better than a long run on a fall morning in the U.P.

Leaving Utah with my first Pumpkin Spice latte of the year.

Other things I LOVE about fall are:
Caramel apples
Pumpkin spice lattes
Flannel
Buffalo plaid
Chunky sweaters
Football games playing in the background while I nap
Crisp Air
Cuddling
Pumpkin patches
Woodsy and Cinnamon-y oils in the diffuser


Last night I hosted a class on Essential Oils, but it was ALL about fall!  I posted a bunch of recipes including food and drink items, and DIY items.  So, I'd like to share with each of you!



First up!  Diffuser Recipes!

Ya'll. Let's talk about why it is so important to use a diffuser vs. candles.  Though they seem safe, regular scented candles are a huge source of toxins and chemicals that are just as dangerous as second-hand smoke.  Have you ever noticed black soot on your walls or ceiling after burning a candle?  You're breathing that in!

 When we started using essential oils, we ditched the candles right away. But, I'd be lying if I said there were some scents that I missed, especially at this time of year. Here are some AWESOME options:

Thieves Tea

You know this time of year is known for the sniffles. All those yucky germs are getting passed around. Now, I am all about getting exposed to germs and building immunity but sometimes you just feel miserable and would like some relief. In comes Thieves.  My favorite way to use Thieves (besides diffusing) is with a spoonful of honey.  It's incredibly soothing for my throat.  

Here is another recipe for Thieves Tea.  It's yummy, comforting, PLUS immune boosting:

Mix 1 drop of Thieves Vitality and 2 drops Lemon Vitality into a teaspoon of honey, using a toothpick to stir.  

Next, stir the honey mixture into a steaming mug of hot water. (FYI - always use glass when mixing essential oils into beverages. Then boost your immunity, one sip at a time!

DIY Sugar Scrub

Cinnamon Vanilla Sugar Scrub:

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup coconut oil

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

3 drops Cinnamon Bark EO

Mix together and add coconut oil until you get the desired consistency. 

Pumpkin spice Sugar Scrub:

1 cup white sugar

2 cups brown sugar

1 cup coconut oil

3 tbsp Pumpkin Pie Spice

6 drop Lavender EO

6 drops Cypress EO

Mix all dry ingredients and add coconut and essential oils to find perfect consistency for you!!

Infused Hot Chocolate (Lavender OR Peppermint)

What you need:
4 cups unsweeted milk, or other milk of your choice
8 tbsp unsweeted cocoa
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 tsp honey, or more to taste
4 drops Lavender OR Peppermint Vitality EO

Instructions:
Heat 4 cups of milk in a saucepan on medium-high heat. Add cocoa, vanilla extract, honey and whisk until smooth. When warm, remove from heat and stir in essential oil of choice.
Serve and enjoy!

Dark Chocolate Gingerbread Truffles

Prep time is 30 minutes, plus time to cool. Makes a dozen truffles

Ingredients:
6oz dark chocolate finely chopped
1 tbsp coconut oil
1 tbsp Yacon Syrup
1/3 cup coconut milk
Pinch of sea salt
2 drops Cinnamon Bark EO
2 drops Ginger EO
1 drop Clove EO
1 drop Nutmeg EO
Unsweetened cocoa powder for rolling

Directions:
Place the chopped chocolate in a heat-proof bowl and set aside. Combine the coconut oil, Yacon syrup, coconut milk, and salt in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer (do not boil).  Pour mixture over chopped chocolate. Let stand for 1-2 minutes, and then stir gently until completely melted and smooth. Stir in the essential oils. Refrigerate until mixture is just set, about 2 hours.

With a small scoop or spoon, make 12 balls, rolling each between the palms of your hands to smotth. Place about 1/4 cup of cocoa powder in the bottom of a shallow plate or dish. Roll each truffle in teh cocoa until coated. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to firm and serve.

Truffles can be refrigerated in an airtight container up to 2 weeks; let stand at room temperature 10 minutes before serving. 

Last, but NOT least.....

PUMPKIN SPICE EVERYTHING

Fall is your most favorite time of the year JUST because of Pumpkin Spice. Admit it!

Frappe: 

2 cups of cooled coffee

2 tbsp YL's Vanilla Spice Pure Protein

1/3 cup of pumpkin puree

A scoop of ice

Blend and add some whip cream & caramel drizzle

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Latte:

2 cups of hot coffee. Or if you're feeling fancy, 2 shots of espresso, with a cup of steamed milk.

2 tbsp YL Vanilla Spice Pure Protein

1/3 cup pumpkin puree 

Blend together and add whip cream and/or caramel drizzle

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Why YL's Pure Protein?

• It has 5 sources of protein
• It tastes figging amazing
• It's not sugary or gross or chalky
• There's no sketchy ingredients whatsoever

Other ways to use Pure Protein:

• In pancake mix
• Mixed into pudding
• Frozen as popsicles
• Whipped with coconut oil and spread on toast
• In smoothies
• To satisfy picky eaters