During November thousands of men put away their razors and let their facial hair grow uninhibited in support of men’s health awareness. Two of the most prominent advocates for this movement are No-Shave November and Movember, charitable organizations dedicated to raising awareness for men’s health.

Are you joining in? No matter which cause you’re ditching the razor for, it’s important to keep those follicles looking and feeling their best. We decided to ask the best-bearded men in our corporate office about which Young Living essential oil combinations they use to maintain their rugged facial hair look.

Marco C., Senior Manager of Product Marketing

“I like to smell good, keep my skin moisturized, and have a sheen in my beard that draws in the eye—but in a manly way. This oil combination tends to hit all the points necessary to keep my face soft without compromising my manliness.

“I like to blend Young Living’s Tea Tree, Bergamot, and Cedarwood essential oils. For every drop of essential oil, I add 3 drops of jojoba oil as carrier.

“The scent of this combination makes me feel grounded with a twist of devious inspiration. These oils smell great together, and the scent reminds me to be confident as I approach every aspect of my day. I like to use it in the morning and again in the afternoon to keep that aromatic reminder going.”

Josh J., Marketing Channel Copywriter

“The coarse hair of my beard needs to be treated a little differently than the finer hair on my head. I tried shampooing and conditioning my beard, but it didn’t leave my beard soft or smooth enough. I like using beard oil to help give my beard a shiny gloss and a great smell that lasts through the day—and there’s no better way to get it than to make your own. That way you can adjust the amounts of the oils to suit your needs and get the perfect signature scent.

“Since my beard covers so much real estate, I dilute the essential oils pretty heavily so they aren’t overwhelming. When I make my signature “Refined Ruffian” blend, I start with sweet almond oil and avocado oil to serve as carriers. These nearly neutral oils are an ideal base that makes up approximately 85–90 percent of the beard oil. Here are three of my favorite essential oil combinations to really bring the beard oil to life.”

• 1–2 drops of Wintergreen with 2–3 drops of a conifer oil, such as Idaho Balsam Fir or Northern Lights Black Spruce
• 5 drops Citrus Fresh and 2 drops Tea Tree
• The Refined Ruffian: 5 drops Bergamot and 3 drops Cedarwood

Nathan M., Product Marketing Manager

“I like the fresh feeling of eucalyptus oils but with the sweetness of Citrus Fresh and Australian Blue. Tea Tree is great for an added healthy glow for your face.

Using this rich-smelling beard oil makes me feel less peasant and more nobleman.

“I start with 10 drops of V-6 or jojoba oil, and then start adding my Young Living essential oils: 2 drops of Tea Tree, 1 drop of Helichrysum, 1 drop of Eucalyptus Radiata, 1 drop of Citrus Fresh, and 2 drops of Australian Blue.”

Jonny T., Senior Media Productions Manager

“The essential oils I use change based on my mood that morning. Some mornings I’ll reach for Citrus Fresh and add a hint of Wintergreen because they tend to attract some nice attention. Every once in a while, I’ll throw in some Shutran just because it’s so manly; it’s like my beard has a beard.

“For my signature beard oil, I start with a whopping drop of Wintergreen, 2 drops of Citrus Fresh, a drop of Valor, 3 drops of Shutran, 2 drops of Tea Tree, 4 drops of Lavender, 1 drop of Believe, 2 drops of Build Your Dream, and 3 drops of Magnify Your Purpose.”

What essential oil combinations do you use to give your beard a healthy-looking sheen? Let us know in the comments!

Article source: https://www.youngliving.com/blog/beard-taming-tips-for-the-shaggiest-month-of-the-year/

Give your home (and your recipes) a makeover with this month’s PV rewards! With five oils that are perfect for winter holidays, our rewards for November will help you set the mood for the season. Qualifying orders in November will receive free Nutmeg, Orange, Christmas Spirit^™, Frankincense, and Sacred Frankincense essential oils!

Click here for more information on how your order can qualify for these rewards or shop now for these amazing essential oils. Be sure to make the most of these valuable rewards with these easy and fun ideas:

Nutmeg has a sweet, warm, spicy scent similar to the spice commonly used in cooking. Comforting and soothing, Nutmeg helps boost energy.*

• Substitute for the ground spice in baking recipes.
• Add to soups, apple cider, or other warm drinks for a delicious added flavor.

Orange essential oil has one of the most distinct and pleasant flavors and aromas in the culinary world and features naturally occurring limonene.

• Combine with other citrus oils—such as Lemon, Lime, or Grapefruit—in water or other beverages for a flavor boost.
• Add a few drops to melted chocolate and dip fruit in it for a tasty treat.

Christmas Spirit is a sweet, spicy blend of Orange, Cinnamon, and Spruce essential oils that recalls the happiness, joy, and security associated with the holiday season. Only available in qualifying Essential Rewards orders of 190 PV or more.

• Diffuse in your favorite Young Living diffuser.
• Include in a DIY room spray to literally fill your home with Christmas Spirit!

Frankincense includes the naturally occurring constituent boswellic acid and has a woodsy, warm, balsamic aroma that is timeless and world-renowned.

• Diffuse Frankincense during meditation to support feelings of grounding and purpose.
• Apply topically to help smooth the appearance of healthy-looking skin.

Sacred Frankincense is grown and distilled in Oman and features a rich, earthy aroma. Regarded as one of the rarest, most sought-after aromatics available, Sacred Frankincense is perfect for the holiday season.

• Diffuse Sacred Frankincense during family gatherings to promote feelings of peace and togetherness.
• Deepen your spiritual connection by applying Sacred Frankincense before meditation.

Which of these oils will get used the most in your home? Let us know in the comments!

Article source: https://www.youngliving.com/blog/celebrate-the-winter-holidays-with-novembers-festive-rewards/

Every now and then, we all get a visit from the Bedhead Fairy. If you have children, you know that bedhead can strike any time, night or day, without even having to see a bed. The next time you’re trying to tame some wild tresses, reach for this DIY detangler!

To make things simple, each of these recipes starts with the same conditioning base. All you need to do is add a few drops of your favorite essential oils to this base to transform it into a custom detangling solution that will perfectly fit your needs.

DIY Detangler Base

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup Lavender Mint, Lavender, or Copaiba Vanilla conditioner
• 2 cups distilled water
• 24-oz. spray bottle

Directions:

Bring the distilled water to a simmer without boiling. Combine the warm water and conditioner in the bottle, shaking to combine. Add the recommended essential oils to the detangling base, shaking once again to distribute.

Apply the detangler to hair as needed, using the bottle’s spray attachment and focusing on the ends rather than the scalp, gently combing to dispense evenly throughout your hair. You can either rinse out the detangler or leave it in for extra conditioning. Style your hair as usual and enjoy the pleasant aroma of essential oils throughout the day!

Here are five recipes of essential oils that you can add to the detangling base to perfectly complement your hair type:

Normal Hair

•  5 drops of Geranium essential oil
• 5 drops of Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood essential oil

 Oily Hair

• 5 drops of Tea Tree essential oil
• 5 drops of Clary Sage essential oil

 Dry Hair

• 5 drops of Ylang Ylang essential oil
• 5 drops of Myrrh essential oil

Morning Detangler

• 5 drops of Geneyus essential oil blend

What are some of the essential oils you use for hair care? Share your favorite combination below in the comments!

—Gloria Russo, Young Living International and Portfolio Brand Manager, Personal Care

Article source: https://www.youngliving.com/blog/tame-your-mane-diy-detanglers-for-your-hair-type/

Massage has been used for millennia as part of Chinese, Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Japanese, and Indian traditions. Not only can massage help support circulation, increase energy flow in the body, and promote well-being, but it’s also one of life’s simple luxuries. No matter if you’re getting a massage to help you relax physically, to take a mental retreat, or both, incorporating essential oils can help you enhance any massage experience.

Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced enthusiast, here are a few of our tips to use Young Living’s essential oils to get the most from your massage:

For the beginner:

Our Massage Gift Set is a spa-themed set that includes the essentials for a relaxing massage, including Aroma Siez^™ essential oil and our unique V-6^™ Vegetable Oil Complex. This set comes complete with instructions on how to give basic back, hand, and foot massages, plus a free download of peaceful music to create a relaxing atmosphere during your session. If you’re new to the wonderful world of massage, this gift set is the perfect place to start.

For the athlete:

Young Living’s new Cool Azul^™ essential oil blend is ideal for massage before, during, and after physical activities. This blend includes the aromas of Young Living exclusives Dorado Azul and Plectranthus Oregano, along with Peppermint, Wintergreen, Sage, Copaiba, Blue Cypress, Elemi, and other oils. Dilute with V-6 and apply topically for a cool sensation. For an even cooler essential oil experience, rub on Cool Azul Sports Gel after applying Cool Azul essential oil blend.

For the advanced massage enthusiast:

Once you’ve mastered the basics, try branching out your selection of essential oils during your massage routine. Try incorporating one of these premixed massage oils featuring V-6 infused with essential oils for different types of massage:

• Post Exercise: Ortho Ease^® Massage Oil includes Wintergreen, Peppermint, Juniper, and Marjoram and has a refreshing minty aroma. Ortho Sport^® Massage Oil is infused with Wintergreen, Peppermint, Thyme, and Oregano. Thoroughly massage either of these blends into the body following exercise or activity.
• Skin Nourishing: Cel-Lite Magic^™ Massage Oil nourishes the skin with vitamin E and pure vegetable oils, along with Grapefruit essential oil to improve the appearance of skin texture and Juniper oil to help brighten the skin. Massage this blend into areas where you desire to support healthy-looking skin.
• Relaxing: Relaxation^™ Massage Oil combines the soothing essential oil scents of Lavender, Tangerine, Coriander, and Spearmint for maximum relaxation.
• Togetherness: Sensation^™ Massage Oil inspires and encourages feelings of romance and youthfulness with the beautifully blended fragrances of Ylang Ylang, Jasmine, Geranium, and other essential oils. This special blend leaves the skin feeling smooth and soft.

For the DIYer:

Young Living’s V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex is a colorless, odorless mixture of pure vegetable oils that helps moisturize and nourish the skin. V-6 can be used to dilute your essential oils or to create your own custom massage blends. With so many oils to choose from, the possibilities are limitless. I love experimenting with essential oil combinations and creating blends that are just for me. Here are a couple of my favorites:

Moisturize and Meditate:

This massage blend has a fresh, slightly woodsy aroma and includes oils that help support the appearance of healthy-looking skin. I like to use this blend when I meditate to promote feelings of connection and peace.

• 3 tablespoons V-6
• 3 drops Frankincense
• 2 drops Manuka (NEW)
• 2 drops Northern Lights Black Spruce (NEW)
• 2 drops Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood
• 2 drops Blue Cypress

Relaxing Spirit:

I’ve been using this blend during massage at the end of the day to relax and center myself before bed. It includes some of my favorite wood essential oils and its aroma has a wonderful and rich scent.

• 3 tablespoons V-6
• 2 drops Cedarwood
• 2 drops Hong Kuai
• 2 drops Hinoki
• 2 drops Sacred Frankincense
• 1 drop Tsuga

What are your some of your favorite oils to use in massage? Let us know in the comments!

—Heidi Jeanfreau, Young Living International and Portfolio Brand Manager

Article source: https://www.youngliving.com/blog/incorporating-essential-oils-into-your-massage/

Hi, Young Living members! I’m Edina Hamulic, figure pro with the National Gym Association. I’m looking forward to sharing my resistance band workout with you!

I started using resistance band training after giving birth to my son, and I loved how simple and convenient the workouts were. I could use the bands while the baby was napping or whenever I had 15 minutes to spare. They are so simple and easy to use, but they still offer a very effective, varied workout.

With resistance bands, I can do a full-body workout in less than an hour—sometimes only 15 minutes! Best of all, I can increase or decrease how difficult my workouts are—I am in control. After giving birth, I definitely was not ready for any weightlifting, so the resistance bands helped me ease back into shape. They are also safe to use on your own without a spot buddy.

Resistance bands can be easily adapted to your fitness level by simply allowing more or less slack in the bands. There is a variety available on the market, including those in Young Living’s Power Pack Gym Bag Kit in the 2015 Holiday Catalog. You will also find two different types of bands: basic resistance bands, which are simply rubber strips; and tube resistance bands, which have a foam handle and allow for greater versatility. I’ll be describing exercises using tube bands, but you can modify them to fit basic resistance bands, too.

Now that you know a little more about resistance bands, let’s get started with a simple and fast workout! With each of these exercises, you can adjust the difficulty by allowing more or less slack or by adding another band.

My 15-minute Full Body Workout

This workout will definitely get you going and work your whole body, without having to use different equipment or weights! Complete each exercise with 2 sets of 12–15 reps each, resting for 30 seconds between sets.

• Squat and Press: Stand on the center of the band, holding the handles on either side of your head with an overhead grip, as if you are holding a bar on your shoulders. Squat down until your quads are parallel to the floor, keeping your back straight. Next, stand straight up, exploding upward and pressing the handles high overheard. Lower the handles, squat down again, and repeat. Make sure you keep your weight in your heels and that your knees don’t go past your toes as you squat.

• Split Squat to Curl: Stand on the center of the band, holding the handles with your hands hanging at your sides. Step your left foot backward and kneel downward into the lunge position. At the same time, bend your elbow and flex your biceps in the curl motion. Switch legs and repeat.

• Bent-Over Fly: Stand on the center of the band, your feet shoulder-width apart. Hold the left end of the band with your right hand, and vice versa. Bend over until your trunk is parallel to the ground, with your hands hanging down to the ground. Keeping your elbows only slightly bent, bring your arms up until your chest is open.

• Tricep Push Down: Throw the band over a stable bar or hook overhead. I usually find one in the garage. Grab each end of the band and pull your hands down, extending your arms all the way and flexing your triceps. Keep your elbows close to your sides.

• Seated Rows: Sit down with your legs straight in front of you. Wrap the band around a post at your feet while holding one end in each hand. Hold your arms straight in front of you, and then pull your hands toward your body, allowing your elbows to bend away from your body. Keep your back straight and focus on the back muscles as you row.

Four More Exercises I Love

If you want a few more exercises to add to your routine, try these simple but powerful moves:

• Standing Hamstring Curl: Stand on one end of the band with your left foot, and then loop the handle of the other end over your right foot. Bend your knee and allow your leg to curl backward, flexing the hamstring. Do 3 sets of 12–15 reps, then switch legs.

• Bicep Curls: Holding the band at both ends, lay the slack on the floor and step onto the center of the band with one or both feet. Stand straight up, hold the bands with your thumb facing up, and curl your arm to flex the bicep. Do 3 sets of 12–15 reps.

• Standing Hip Abductors: Stand straight up with the band wrapped loosely and secured around your ankles. Keeping your knee straight and lift one leg to the side as high as is comfortable. Repeat with the other leg. Do 3 sets of 12–15 reps.

• Bent-Over Rows: Stand on the band with both feet while holding each end. Bend over at the waist until your chest is parallel to the floor. Pull your hands toward your body, allowing your elbows to bend away from your body. Keep your back straight and focus on the back muscles as you row. Do 3 sets of 12–15 reps.

With simple, fast exercises like this, you can give your body a workout right in your living room! Try my workout and tell us your favorite exercise in the comments!

—Edina Hamulic, NGA Figure Pro, facebook.com/edinafit

** GIVEAWAY**

Want to win a Power Pack Gym Bag Kit? Simply comment on this post for your chance to win!

Giveaway rules:

• To enter, simply comment on this post.
  • If you receive an error message, please wait 15 seconds to post your comment. All comments are moderated and may not display immediately.
• One commenter will win a Power Pack Gym Bag Kit (LINK) (valued at $131.58).
• Contest ends at 11:59 p.m., MT, on Sunday, November 1, 2015.
• Winner will be chosen randomly and announced on the blog on Monday November 2, 2015.
• Click here for official rules.

Article source: https://www.youngliving.com/blog/resistance-band-training-with-young-living-brand-ambassador-edina-hamulic/

Your Halloween guests will be all smiles with Ogre’s Overbite, a delicious and healthy snack! It’s easy and fun to make and is a great alternative to sugary treats.

Yield: three sets of teeth

• 1 apple, red or green
• Smooth nut butter
• Yogurt raisin balls

• Use Thieves^® Fruit Veggie Spray on fruit.
• Halve and core an apple and cut into ½-inch slices
• Take two slices and spread nut butter on one side of the apple flesh. It’s okay if it gets messy!
• On one apple slice, line yogurt raisins around the outside edge.
• Place the other slice on top, apple peel facing out and nut-butter side angled so that it looks like a mouth.
• Optional: Spritz with diluted lemon juice to prevent browning of the apple.

Round out your party treats with a tasty, fresh fruit spider and essential oil-infused Witch’s Brew, both festive and healthy options for your get-together!

Do you have any other Halloween treat ideas? Tell us about them!

Article source: https://www.youngliving.com/blog/sink-your-teeth-into-ogres-overbite-this-halloween/

Find your cauldron

and your broom.

We’ll give your guests a fright.

A potion for a party,

yes,

then witches will take flight!

So craft it well, and drink it deep.

Soon day will cast its sheen.

Taste the Witch’s Brew, my friends,

this coming Halloween!

• 2 quarts fresh apple cider
• 1 orange, unpeeled and cut into slices
• 3 drops Lemon essential oil
• 1 drop Cinnamon Bark essential oil
• 1 drop Clove essential oil
• 1 drop Nutmeg essential oil
• Cinnamon sticks, for serving

• Combine apple cider, orange slices, and essential oils in a large pot and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes or more.
• Discard orange slices.
• Serve warm. Add 1–2 cinnamon sticks to individual cups when serving.

If you love healthy treats at your Halloween party, you can also try Spiderlicious, the healthy fruit spider. We will also post one more festive snack, so be ready for more delicious hosting tips from Young Living!

We want to know! Do you have a spooky but healthy drink you like to serve during Halloween?

Article source: https://www.youngliving.com/blog/witchs-brew-a-healthy-halloween-potion-you-have-to-try/