Sunday, December 31, 2017

Twenty-Seven '17 Celebrations

I cannot believe it is already time for another year-end review, but here we are. My original plan was to choose 17 moments of 2017 to celebrate (for the sake of cuteness, you know), but it turns out there were way more than 17 and needless to say, this is a good problem to have. So I settled on twenty-seven celebrations upon which to reflect as this year comes to a close.

To say that I am in a much better frame of mind than I was 365 days ago, is an understatement. I was hopeful, but so ready to move on from the challenges of 2016. On the contrary, 2017 was good to me, and before we part ways, I want to take some time to bask in the glory days once more. So without further ado, in the order in which they occurred, I give you the top 27 times of 2017.

1. I cannot fully express the feelings of gratitude and accomplishment that I have experienced this year; so many moments felt full-circle (as you'll soon see). It was always my dream to return to my alma mater one day. To be able to start this year by hanging my diploma on the walls within my office at my alma mater, meant so much. I love my job and I'm so proud of the work that I get to do everyday.

 2. Any time that I get to spend with my grandma is precious. She is the best. When we traveled to Illinois to visit her this past winter, I made sure to get a "three generations" photo taken. These are the moments that matter most, and I pray that there will be many more to come.

 3. These two. I mean, seriously. I know that as their aunt, I'm biased, but they're just the cutest. And I promise this wasn't posed. When they get excited, this is what they do. I can only hope that these sweet siblings never lose their bond.

 4. These two. I mean, seriously (see what I did there?). But really, these girls are my musketeers. This photo was taken nearly a year after the day that we met, and though we no longer get to see each other everyday, I'm so thankful that it feels as if no time has passed when we do get together.

 5. This time last year, I set a goal to spend more of my time volunteering. So when the opportunity to lead a service trip to Nashville presented itself, I knew I had to take it. I'm so glad that I did, not only because of the awesome people that I went with, but also because after seeing the positive impact that our group made in such a short amount of time, it only made me want to volunteer more. I plan to become a Big Sister very soon.

 6. Full-Circle Moment No. 2: Not everyone has the chance to tell their idols "thank you", but on this particular night, I got to do just that. This woman was one of my favorite professors and her influence is one of the reasons that I'm back at my alma mater today. I'm so grateful for her presence in my life, then and now.

 7. Hot dress-check. Fascinator (created by my mom and me)-check. Fun times with great people-check. All the lilies-check. Hitting an exacta-ching! In other words, it will be hard to top this year's Thurby experience (but I'm up to the challenge).


 8. You are reading that correctly; my awesome coworkers and I broke out of the "Hostage" room in under 45 minutes' time. *drops mic*

 9. All you need to know is that I was at the lake and I was with my McNuggets so basically it doesn't get better than that.


 10. I visited Vegas for the first time, and I did it all by myself, which I'm especially proud of because I had never flown anywhere alone. From the casinos to the fountains, from In-N-Out to Cirque Du Soleil, I enjoyed it all, and I have to say, my favorite moment was simply swimming at the Paris pool.




 11. Ten years! Ten years cancer-free! So thankful for another decade with my mama, and for what has become my favorite anniversary to celebrate.

12. It is on my bucket list to be an audience member at the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, and while that didn't happen this year, he did say my name on his show, so you know, we're getting closer. My friend, Matt found Jimmy's doppleganger at a record store and asked me to send it in to the show. Sure enough, they shared it on June 19th as part of their Screengrabs segment. Win! 

 13. Sun's out, guns out. A family that sports tank tops together, stays together. Obviously it was a hot (and I don't mean temperature) and happy Independence Day.

 14. It's been years since we all taught together, but I'm so grateful for each of these lovely ladies and that we continue to reunite every summer.


 15. Being involved in a hit-and-run was not a highlight of the year, but getting my dream car as a result of said hit-and-run definitely was. I love that little maroon mama.

 16. What I love about this family reunion photo is how color-coordinated our outfits were (I swear that wasn't planned), and most importantly, I love that we got to spend time together.

 17. We celebrated the eclipse by hiring two cool team members and sporting these sweet shades. Also, how awesome were those crescent-shaped sun rays?


 18. I loved that my girls surprised me for my birthday by taking me to Board & Brush! Power tools, paint, and pizza-what more could a girl want?


 19. Getting to meet and hear Bree Newsome speak was beyond powerful. Her work gives me hope for a brighter future for our country.

 20. Bruno Mars was an experience worth its weight in gold, 24 karat gold to be exact. So. Much. Fun!

 21. "I love it here, Jack," said my niece as we left the stadium that day. My sweet little Cardinal thoroughly enjoyed her first official football game (especially the many trips to the concession stand-a girl after my own heart). I loved getting to share it with her and with my Aunt Terry, who has always taken me to games and just makes everything more fun.

 22. Full-Circle Moment No. 3: When your former second grade student walks into your office as a senior in college!

 23. Full-Circle Moment No. 4: As a student attending Ball on the Belle, I dressed as a Disney Princess. 15 years later, as a chaperone of Ball on the Belle, I dressed as a Disney Villain. #evolution.

 24. Did I mention how SUPER my Halloween was?


 25. All 31 members of my mom's side of the family were able to make it for Thanksgiving this year, but what's even more remarkable is that we got everyone in a photo.

26. Full-Circle Moment No. 5: During the week of my one-year anniversary of starting my position at my alma mater, I received two sweet thank you notes from students, and a nomination for the Rhodes Honor. For all of the challenges that 2016 posed, 2017 brought me to my happy place. I am so grateful to work with such supportive students and staff, and most importantly, to feel like I'm making a difference in the lives of others.



27. Finally, I leave you with this blooper real of my Sparkle Sister and me at our favorite community Christmas light event, which also happens to be the perfect way to end this blog. 2017 wasn't without struggle, but it was full of so many joyous occasions, for which I am deeply thankful. Cheers to the next 365, y'all. Happy New Year!

Monday, July 17, 2017

doTERRA Deals: Summer BOGO Week

It's that time again: doTERRA's BOGO Promotion! This week doTERRA is offering a daily Buy One, Get One Free (BOGO) deal with different essential oils and products—a great way to build up your essential oils supply!

Friday's Deal:


The weekend is here and it's time to relax...I can't think of two better blends for doing just that. I like to diffuse and apply these blends when I want to de-stress: Serenity while I sleep, and Balance while I work!

Serenity is a calming blend of oils such as lavender, chamomile, cedarwood, ylang ylang, and vanilla. It promotes a calm feeling and restful sleep, lessening tension. I like to apply it to the bottoms of my feet and my wrists as I get ready for bed. 

Balance is a blend of oils such as frankincense, chamomile, and spruce that promotes tranquility and harmony, while easing anxious feelings. In addition to diffusing it in my office, I like to put in on the back of my neck to help me feel balanced.

To take advantage of today's deal, please visit my doTERRA site: https://www.mydoterra.com/jacquelinemcnatt/#/, select Shop on my site, search Serenity and select Add to Cart. Once you have finished shopping, click Proceed to Checkout. The free Balance will automatically be added to your cart!


Thursday's Deal:

You will never buy perfume again once you have these lovelies in your life! Part of the Emotional Aromatherapy Touch Collection, these blends of oils are created to balance your moods as they change. I already have the Cheer and Peace Touch roll-ons, and I'm excited to add these two to my collection!

Passion is a blend of oils such as Cinnamon Bark, Ginger Root, Clove Bud, Sandalwood Wood, and Vanilla Bean Absolute, that work together to ignite feelings of excitement and joy, while counteracting feelings of boredom and disinterest.

Console blends oils such as Frankincense Resin, Patchouli Leaf, Ylang Ylang Flower, and Rose Flower to promote feelings of comfort and hope in time of grief and hopelessness. 

To take advantage of today's deal, please visit my doTERRA site: https://www.mydoterra.com/jacquelinemcnatt/#/, select Shop on my site, search Passion Touch and select Add to Cart. Once you have finished shopping, click Proceed to Checkout. The free Console Touch will automatically be added to your cart!



Wednesday's Deal:
I'm really excited about this deal because these are two products that I use frequently! 

Peppermint is one of the most useful oils! Alone, it can be applied topically to ward off spiders, open airways, and prevent nausea. It can also be diffused or taken internally along with lemon and lavender to protect from allergens. 

PastTense is a blend of oils, such as peppermint, lavender, rosemary, and chamomile, in a convenient roll-on bottle. I apply it to my temples and the back of my neck when I have tension headaches or tense muscles. It has a calming effect on both the mind and body!

To take advantage of today's deal, please visit my doTERRA site: https://www.mydoterra.com/jacquelinemcnatt/#/, select Shop on my site, search Peppermint 15mL and select Add to Cart. Once you have finished shopping, click Proceed to Checkout. The free PastTense will automatically be added to your cart!




Tuesday's Deal:
In other words, this deal is a savings of over $40!

  • Contains 10 digestive enzymes designed to help break down food when it is deficient as a result of being cooked, processed, and filled with preservatives
  • Take 1 if food is healthy and organic
  • Take 3 if eating highly processed food
DigestZen:
This blend of oils is designed to aid in digestion, soothe upset stomach, and maintain overall digestive health. You can apply topically to your stomach or drink 1-2 drops in water (it tastes like licorice). I like to take 2 drops in a Veggie Cap, and I also use it to relieve sinus pressure around my ears and forehead (dilute it with coconut oil first for sensitivity).

To take advantage of today's deal, please visit my doTERRA site: https://www.mydoterra.com/jacquelinemcnatt/#/, select Shop on my site, search TerraZyme and select Add to Cart. Once you have finished shopping, click Proceed to Checkout. The free DigestZen will automatically be added to your cart!




Monday's Deal: 

Commonly known as Tea Tree Oil, Melaleuca has so many health benefits! It's great for skin care and cleaning:
  • Combine 1 drop with your favorite lotion along with 1 drop of Lavender Oil after shaving to prevent razor burn
  • Blend a drop or two with your shampoo to promote a healthy scalp
  • Apply to finger nails and toe nails with a cotton swab after showering to keep nails looking healthy
  • Use 1 drop with your favorite facial cleanser for added cleansing properties
  • Add 5 drops to a spray bottle with water to use on surfaces to protect against environmental threats


Purify has wonderful aromatic and cleansing properties as well:
  • Diffuse to purify and freshen the air
  • Freshen smaller rooms (or a car) by placing a few drops of Purify Cleansing Blend on a cotton ball and putting it into the air vent
  • Add 5 drops to a small spray bottle with water and use to wipe down countertops
  • Use to soothe away irritations from bug bites
  • Add a few drops to the rinse cycle when doing laundry to help eliminate odor
To take advantage of today's deal, please visit my doTERRA site: https://www.mydoterra.com/jacquelinemcnatt/#/, select Shop on my site, search Melaleuca 15mL and select Add to Cart. Once you have finished shopping, click Proceed to Checkout. The free Purify will automatically be added to your cart!





Thursday, June 1, 2017

The ESSENTIAL Bug Spray

Y'ALL. For the first time in the history of lake trips, I did NOT get bitten by any bugs. This is BIG. I have a love-hate relationship with mosquitos, as in I hate how much they love me. As someone who usually comes home from the lake with multiple bug bites, to be sitting here itch-free feels like a miracle. 

I've tried every citronella candle and bug spray on the market, and nothing has worked. I love essential oils (so much so that I became a Wellness Advocate for doTERRA Oils) and I'm always looking for new ways to use them. I stumbled upon a homemade bug spray recipe on oneessentialcommunity.com via Pinterest (naturally), and tweaked it a little bit in hopes that it would ward off ants, spiders, gnats, and of course, mosquitos. If you had told me a year ago that I'd be making my own bug spray, I would have laughed. But, well, here we are. 

In a 5 oz. spray bottle I added the following:
2 oz. water
2 oz. witch hazel 
20 drops lavender essential oil 
15 drops eucalyptus essential oil
15 drops lemongrass essential oil 
10 drops peppermint oil


I'm so thankful this little potion told those bugs to buzz off! I sprayed in on my feet, legs, and arms, and I also applied it to any other areas of skin that were exposed (I would recommend spraying it on your children's clothes instead of directly on their skin due to possible sensitivity). When I got home, I sprayed it around all of my doors and windows, as well as around my bed and on my pillows. If you decide to make this spray for yourself, be sure to shake it up before each use. Diffusing these four oils together would also be a great way to keep those unwanted critters away.

If I can answer any questions about essential oils for you, please leave a comment. If you're interested in ordering doTERRA Oils, please visit my website: https://www.mydoterra.com/jacquelinemcnatt/#/. Happy June!

Monday, February 20, 2017

doTERRA Deal Days: BOGO

This week doTERRA has been offering a daily Buy One, Get One Free (BOGO) deal with different oils/products--a great way to build up your essential oils supply!

If you are interested, please visit my doTERRA site: https://www.mydoterra.com/jacquelinemcnatt/#/


Saturday's BOGO:

Peace promotes feelings of peace, reassurance, and contentment. It counteracts anxious and fearful emotions. 
Cheer promotes feelings of optimism, cheerfulness, and happiness. It counteracts negative emotions.
Let the good times roll...on your temples, back of neck, or bottom of feet!


To take advantage of today's deal, select Shop on my site, search Peace Touch and select Add to Cart. Once you have finished shopping, click Proceed to Checkout. The free Cheer Touch will automatically be added to your cart!


Friday's BOGO: 

This is a great time to get a second diffuser for work/home, or to give as a gift!
Breathe is an awesome blend of oils such as Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Melaleuca, and Lemon that promotes feelings of clear airways & easy breathing, as well minimizes the threat of seasonal illnesses. If you suffer from allergies and frequent colds, Breathe is the best blend to have!
Wild Orange has an energizing aroma, and when added to your water, it can promote overall health and antioxidant support. It smells lovely and is one of my favorite oils to diffuse!

To take advantage of today's deal, select Shop on my site, search Petal Diffuser and select Add to Cart. Once you have finished shopping, click Proceed to Checkout. The free Breathe and Wild Orange will automatically be added to your cart!


Thursday's BOGO:
Douglas Fir can be used to purify your skin and the air. You can use it to clean and to promote positive feelings, especially when used with a citrus oil like Lime.
Speaking of Lime, not only does this lovely oil purify the air and promote positivity like Douglas Fir does, it's also great in the kitchen! You can use it in guacamole, drink recipes, desserts, and more!
I like to think of this deal as "Christmas in Margaritaville"!

To take advantage of today's deal, select Shop on my site, search Douglas Fir 15mL and select Add to Cart. Once you have finished shopping, click Proceed to Checkout. The free Lime will automatically be added to your cart!


Wednesday's BOGO:

DigestZen is terrific for treating an upset stomach. I also like to put it on my forehead to break up sinus pressure, which comes in handy since I live in the allergy capital of the world.
Marjoram has an array of benefits: it promotes cardiovascular and immune health, it's great to cook with, and to calm feelings of stress. 
This duo is a wealth of health!

To take advantage of today's deal, select Shop on my site, search DigestZen 15mL and select Add to Cart. Once you have finished shopping, click Proceed to Checkout. The free Marjoram will automatically be added to your cart!




Tuesday's BOGO:
I heart the way Spearmint smells! It's one of my favorites to diffuse. Spearmint is a great go-to for an upset stomach, and it is a good alternative to Peppermint on younger children's sensitive skin. It increases focus & has an uplifting effect on mood.
Peppermint is right up there with Lavender & Lemon as one of my most-used oils. Not only does it work well for allergies, Peppermint both calms anxious feelings and focuses attention. It's a great oil to fight feelings of nausea. I like to use Peppermint when the afternoon food coma kicks in as an energy boost! Basically, you'll be in "mint condition" with this duo.

To take advantage of today's deal, select Shop on my site, search Spearmint 15mL and select Add to Cart. Once you have finished shopping, click Proceed to Checkout. The free Peppermint will automatically be added to your cart!




Monday's BOGO:

These are two of my favorite doTERRA products! I like to diffuse On Guard, take it orally (2-3 drops in a veggie capsule), and put it on the bottom of my feet to boost my immune system. I find it especially soothing when my throat feels sore. With its blend of such oils as Wild Orange, Clove, and Cinnamon, it smells like the holidays! 
And meanwhile my love for Lavender knows no bounds! In other words, this first deal is downright dreamy.


To take advantage of Monday's deal, select Shop on my site, search On Guard 15mL and select Add to Cart. Once you have finished shopping, click Proceed to Checkout. The free Lavender will automatically be added to your cart!