What I Wish Everyone Knew About Candles
I used to love scented candles, particularly in the fall. I don’t know what it was, but something about the cooler temperatures made me want to set one out on the kitchen counter and light it up.
 
Friends, I no longer use scented candles, and I’m about to tell you why.
 
First, candles are not environmentally friendly. Why? Because most of them are made from paraffin which is derived from petroleum. 
 
Second, they are not good for your health. Burning petroleum lets off toxic gases in your home. Everything from formaldehyde to toluene and benzene and other cancer-causing toxins are emitted into the air when you burn a candle. Some reports suggest that burning a candle is equivalent to smoking a pack of cigarettes. Yes, they’re that bad. Have you ever had a burning candle cause you to have a headache? It wasn’t a coincidence, I assure you.
 
Third, they’re not very safe. Have you ever accidentally left a candle burning when you left your house? None of us wants to burn our house down. Did you know that candles are the 5th leading cause of house fires? I’ve had friends who have experienced house fires, and it’s not something I would wish on anyone. 
 
You love the smell. I get it! I did too! There is a great, safe way to enjoy the delightful smells without the toxic chemicals and that is to diffuse essential oils. Essential oils are derived from plants. They are extracted either through cold pressing or through steam distillation. The liquid extracted is referred to as an oil because it separates from water, but it is far different from petroleum.
 
Essential oils can be extracted from many different plants and combining those oils together can create a blend of aromas that can be similar to or better than those found in scented candles. Looking for a great fall combination? Why not try cinnamon, nutmeg, clove and ginger. Just thinking of those spices makes me want to curl up on the couch with a book. 
 
But friends, not all essential oils are created equally. Unfortunately, essential oils are not regulated, so that means any company can put anything in a bottle and label it 100% pure essential oils even if the bottle contains completely synthetic chemicals. So how do you know if what you have is the good stuff? You need to know the company that is producing them. Check out how the company grows their plants. Ask them where their farms are located. Ask them if they use sustainable farming practices. Once you’re comfortable with the quality of the company, use them as you like. For me, the company I use is Young Living, and I’d be happy to tell you more about it. 
 
Interested in learning more about earth-friendly options? Join my free group here.

Get my free guide: 4 Ways Being Earth-Friendly Can Change Your Life for the Better HERE.

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Meet Paula Henry

 
As a teenager, I was encouraged to go to college, find a career and go out into the world to make a difference. For many years, I had no plans to have children because I had one focus - my career.  

As I neared the age of 30, I started thinking about what I wanted my life to look like in the future. Where did I want to be in 20 years and what did I want my life to look like. That's when I felt a pull at my heart to have children. 

I continued to work in my career while my kids were infants and toddlers. It wasn't until they were both in school that I felt a huge tug to stay at home. But, I had worked so hard to go to school, spent so much money and now I was thinking of throwing it all away? What would people think? Was the money and education a waste? 

I remember having more days at work when I wanted to be home than days at home when I wanted to be at work.  And, that's when I knew things had to change. It didn't happen overnight. We put together a plan so that we would be able to live comfortably on a single income and then we moved forward with that plan.

Once I left my job, I experienced a full-on identity crisis. No longer did I have my career to define me. Now, I had to figure out who I was. It was challenging, and I dove into different projects and small jobs. I was looking for fulfillment in motherhood...and something else. 

I didn't know about personal growth programs. It wasn't until I went to a conference and heard to speakers present on a framework that everything fell into place. Here was a system that I could use to pull my life together. I could use it to determine my identity. I could set goals for myself and have a plan to reach them. I embraced the system and it worked. 

Are you ready to start your own journey to a happier life with more balance between family obligations, self care and everything else in your life? Join me and my group of friends. Contact me now!

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