HOW TO START A BLOG IN THIRTEEN STEPS

I get asked this question pretty frequently so I wanted to go ahead and answer your question here!  "How do I start my own blog?"  Great question!  Let me tell you what I did...

1.  Start by having no clue on earth what you're doing...this is a great place to start because you're so vulnerable and teachable and naive.

2.  Create a blog through your MacBook that you don't understand, can't figure out how to use, write one post and then somehow "lose" your blog until you find it years later and think, "Oh my gosh, there's that one blog post I did in 2008 when I tried to start that blog and couldn't find it"...still couldn't find it right now if my life depended on it.

3.  Use Wordpress for some assignment with Operation Mobilization, stay confused during the entire thing, don't finish your assignment because you can't figure out Wordpress and then decide it's not for you or your future blogs.

4.  Remember that you have a Gmail account, sign in once your password finally comes to you after too many attempts and you receive it through your email after using the "forgot password?" feature, somehow go through your Google account to get to Blogger and click some button to create a blog.

5.  Go through every single area under "design" to set up your layout, template, background, colors and everything possible that you can think of to change and make it look cute.

6.  Name your blog "Sailing with the Stewarts" because you live on a ship and that's a cute name and everyone will love it.

7.  Blog from 2009 to 2012, then decide one day you need to update your layouts and templates and backgrounds and colors and everything, only to find that you clicked some button that deleted your entire blog forever.  Nearly have a heart attack, then nearly faint, then nearly throw up, then refresh the page over and over as you continue to find a blank screen and sit in denial...if only I had my Stress Away oil at this point in my life, right?!

8.  Contact Blogger over and over for weeks to try to prove you are really "Emily Jackson Stewart" owner of "Sailing with the Stewarts" and that you are not a fraud, trying to steal someone else's blog.  Have a total meltdown when Blogger says you don't have enough proof...ummmm, seriously?  Lose years worth of stories and memories because you like to keep things simple and don't save anything.

9.  Swear that you are done with blogging, but remember how much you love blogging, so change your mind and decide that you'll just have to start a new blog.

10.  Swear that you are done with Blogger, but remember how much you have already learned how to use Blogger, so change your mind and decide that you'll just continue to use it anyway.

11.  Repeat step 5.

12.  Do not repeat step 6.  You no longer live on a ship and you want something new.  Ask some trusted friends and name your blog "Simply Us" because that's even cuter.

13.  Blog from 2012-2016 and be VERY careful when updating layouts and templates and backgrounds and colors and everything so that you don't have a repeat of step 7.

So, you see how professional I am?  Do you want to start a blog?  Do you want my help?  Although I can't promise success, I can offer to show you what I know and give you a shoulder to cry on when you have tough times.  You are welcome to contact me for help and if you live in town, come over and have coffee while we set up your new blog together!  I promise it will be an adventure.

CAPSULE WARDROBE: MAKEUP

Pretty much everyone I know is concerned with aging well, but it's hard to keep up as beauty is always changing according to media and culture.  People want what YOU have when you look healthy and happy and young.  However, did you know that many of the products you use may be harmful to your health and even causing you to age faster?

Your skin is your largest organ and quickly absorbs everything it touches.  Toxins and petrochemicals soak into the skin and can cause horrible side-effects, even cancer!  I dare you to look at the back of every product in your bathroom and under your sink and in your pantry…look up each ingredient (one by one) on EWG to see what harm you are doing to your body.  

Face

Most people don’t realize how dangerous these chemicals can be, but the research is there!  However, many people do know the dangers and try to buy natural options, but natural doesn't always mean natural!!!  Don't trust labels...always do your own research to see for yourself if it is truly and honestly natural and safe!  Oftentimes, the FDA doesn't regulate what goes into these products, so you need to.

Eyes

Although I use and love Young Living Essential Oils for all my essential oils, household cleaning products, toiletries, supplements and more, they don't carry a full makeup line!  Because of this, I had to do my research and figure out what company I trust.  Beauty Counter is now my go to for makeup!  I am not a big makeup person, so I have very few items (kinda like my capsule wardrobe...wink wink).  However, when I do use them, I don't have to be concerned that I'm harming my body.  I also love that each of their items can be searched on the EWG site!

Lips

Do you have a go to makeup brand that is completely safe and all natural?  If so, I'd love to hear...especially if you have found a great mascara that you can recommend!

10 REASONS WHY YOU NEED A YOUNG LIVING ESSENTIAL OILS PREMIUM STARTER KIT

Happy Oily-Versary to me!  Three years ago today, I ordered my Young Living Essential Oils Premium Starter Kit!  I immediately fell in love and knew that I wanted to help other people get these beloved oils and products too, so I excitedly jumped into the business side the next day and here we are!  This has been the best job I've ever had and it started simply by getting my hands on this amazing starter kit.  Many of you have already decided to dive in and Join The Revolution and some of you absolutely love it and have found where you Belong!  However, if you are just learning about essential oils or have been watching me for a while, but have been scared to get started, this post is for you...I'm going to give you 10 reasons why you need a Young Living Essential Oils Premium Starter Kit today!

Reason #1:  Seed to Seal

Before we really dive in, let's talk about why you should choose Young Living Essential Oils over other brands.  You can find essential oils in local health food stores and online that claim to be 100% pure.  However, you have to be very careful!  If you are interested in essential oils because you are trying to move away from using chemical-filled OTC meds on your family, you wouldn’t want to replace those with just ANY essential oils.  You would want therapeutic grade, 100% pure oils.  Many essential oils will say 100% pure, natural or organic, but since the FDA has no regulations on this, there is no way to know if the claims are true and if the labels are accurate.  These same essential oils in health food stores and online are often less expensive, but usually you are getting what you pay for.

Until three years ago, I had no idea about any of this.  I seriously thought essential oils are essential oils and always good for you and safe for use.  I have learned a lot over the past years!  So what company do I trust?  Young Living!  Young Living has their “Seed to Seal” process.  They are the only essential oils company in world to have their own farms where they plant the chosen seeds, farm them, cultivate them, harvest them and distill them, followed by testing the essential oils and sealing the bottle.  Young Living controls all of the steps from start to finish so that they are able to guarantee their essential oils are truly 100% pure (nothing added and nothing taken away) and safe to use.  Plus, I've been to the Young Living Lavender Farm in Mona, Utah six times now, seen it all in person and even been able to help plant.  Needless to say, I love and trust Young Living!

Reason #2:  Pure Power

An Essential Oil is an oil from a plant.  The natural aromatic compound (oil) will come from either the flowers, leaves, wood, bark, roots, seeds or peel of the plant.  Essential oils are unique and effective.  The molecule of an essential oil is so tiny that it makes its way into every single cell in our bodies (our skin, our blood and our brain) and administers therapy at the cellular level, which is the most fundamental level of our body.  Because of this, the essential oils don’t mask symptoms, but actually work to help you live a healthier life!  We have 100 trillion cells in our bodies.  One drop of essential oil contains approximately 40 million-trillion molecules.  This means that with only one drop of essential oil, 40,000 molecules cover each cell in our body!

When in your bloodstream essential oils can increase oxygen within our cells (which helps our cells to release toxins), enhance our immune system, support the circulatory, respiratory, endocrine, digestive, nervous and other body systems, aid in maintaining normal cellular regeneration.  Essential oils are high in antioxidants.  Depending on the oil, they can boost stamina and energy, help to relax, help you manage stress and anxiety, help you reduce the appearance of aging, help you improve mental clarity, promote overall health, vitality and longevity and more!

I got to help plant at the Young Living Lavender Farm in Mona, Utah!

Reason #3:  Everyday.  Everything.  Everyone.

Young Living essential oils can be used topically, internally and aromatically.  Please note that I am not suggesting to use any other essential oils since I cannot be sure that they are truly 100% pure and safe.  Inhaling the essential oils allows them to get into the bloodstream.  We breathe it in, it goes into our lungs and then our bloodstream.  The diffuser is a great way to use the essential oils aromatically.  It uses cold water (as not to disrupt the healing properties of the oil) to shoot the essential oil vapor into the air.  Also, applying the essential oils topically allows them to enter the bloodstream.  There was a study done where they massaged Lavender essential oil onto a person’s stomach to see how fast the oil is absorbed into the bloodstream.  They took blood every 5 minutes.  Lavender appeared in the blood at 5 minutes and peaked at 20 minutes.  Amazing!  The essential oils can also be used internally by adding drops of essential oil to your beverage, to your cooking and baking or to a vegetable capsule.  

I love to add a drop of peppermint into my chocolate protein smoothies for energy!

Reason #4:  Home Safe Home

If you read labels all of the time, you would be amazed at how many products have such harmful chemicals!  Since the FDA doesn't regulate companies, they are able to use pretty much any ingredient they want, even if it is proven to cause cancer and other serious issues!  You may be cleaning your home with products that are not safe for you, your children or your pets.  However, protecting and deodorizing your home can be done without using harmful chemicals.  Thieves is an essential oil blend that is highly effective against germs!  You can get all DIY and use Thieves and other amazing essential oils, like Lemon, to create your own household cleaner, antiseptic spray, wipes, hand soap, waterless hand purifier...the sky is the limit!  Wouldn’t you like a healthy home with effective products, but without the dangerous chemicals and toxins?.

Reason #5: Green Your Routine

Your skin is your largest organ and quickly absorbs everything that it comes in contact with.  Toxins and petrochemicals soak into the skin and can cause horrible side-effects, even cancer!  I dare you to look at the back of every product in your bathroom and under your sink and in your pantry…for each ingredient that you don't know, look it up on EWG to see what harm you are doing to your body.  Many people don’t realize how dangerous these chemicals can be, but the research is there!  However, many people do know the dangers and try to buy natural options, but natural doesn't always mean natural!!!  You always need to look up ingredients in your products to see for yourself if it is truly and honestly natural and safe!  The FDA doesn't regulate what goes into these products, so YOU need to.  You could start by making your own products using ingredients and essential oils that truly are natural and safe!  Think of the things that you could make!  Pinterest will be your new BFF (if it isn’t already).  Soaps, deoderants, condtioners and shampoos, massage oils, toothpastes, mouthwash, throat lozenges, bath & shower gel, beauty masks, facial moisturizers, cleansers, toner, serums, wrinkle creams, facial wash, ointments, facial scrubs, eye creams, hand & body lotions, lip balm, waterless hand purifier and more...the possibilities are endless!  You can pamper your skin and give yourself a natural, healthy-looking glow, without harmful chemicals!  

Frankincense helps keep my skin clear, diminishes scars
and discoloration and helps me avoid early signs of aging!

Reason #6:  It Makes Perfect Scents

Every time people come to my home, they walk in, take a deep breath and comment on how good it smells.  Even my Bible study group likes to meet at my house and our leader will brag about how it’s a spa-like experience, leaving everyone calm and relaxed by the time the night is over.  Most people are interested when I show them the diffuser and essential oils and comment on how they need to get some for their own home.  Think of the diffuser like being a custom candle.  You pay a lot of money for a good candle, like Yankee candles, but that candle has only one scent the entire time you burn it.  With your diffuser, you get to pick your oils and combos every single time!  So, in the morning you can start with Peppermint to get you up and energized...in the afternoon, you can switch it up and diffuse some Grapefruit to keep you from snacking...and at night, you can crank up the Lavender to get everyone relaxed and ready for bed!  With a diffuser and essential oils, YOU are the candle master!

Reason #7:  Easy Peasy

Keep some oils at home, some at the office, carry them in your purse...there’s an oil for everything that you may encounter as you go about your day!  Your baby fell down and got a booboo?  Rub some Lavender on it (this is amazing for kids who are afraid of medicine)!  Your husband has a throbbing head?  Swipe on some PanAway!  Maybe your head isn’t throbbing, but your neck tension is creeping up?  Massage in some Stress Away!  No matter who or why, you can customize the oils to fit their specific needs!  You can do SOMEthing about almost everything.  No need to feel helpless when your kids, your husband, your pet or even you have an ailment...you can respond!

Take a peak at what's in my purse!

Reason #8  Best Bang for your Buck

Back in 2013, I got started with Young Living essential oils by signing up as Wholesale Member and getting the Premium Starter Kit!  It’s got cute little samples, 11 of the most popular oils (and my favorites) and a diffuser…EVERYTHING you need to get started...no really, everything!!!  To buy all of the oils and diffuser and extra freebies individually, it sets you back roughly $300.  BUT, if you just go ahead and get it all together in the kit, it is only $160!!!!!!  Not only do you save a LOT of mula, but it’s an investment in you and your family’s health!

Reason #9  Monthly Box

We’re friends right?  And friends trust each other.  And as your friend, I’m telling you you’re going to want a monthly box.  Have you heard of Stitch Fix?  Or Wantable?  Birch Box?  Same thing.  Except Young Living's boxes are even better.  Other boxes I've signed up for ship me what they choose, but with Young Living, I am the one that gets to choose exactly what I want to receive each month.  AND, I earn rewards points back so that I can turn around and buy FREE oils and products!  Nice, right?  So, let's not get ahead of ourselves...you’ve got to get your kit, first.  After you get your kit, you’re going to go all crazy on me, start ordering left and right to fuel your obsession and you’re going to want to sign up for a monthly box because of all of the extra perks...believe me, we will talk later.  Ok?  Ok.

Reason #10:  Exclusive Education

So, after you get your kit, you’re on your own.  Just kidding.  Just kidding.  I realize that you are starting at ground 0 and will have A MILLION questions about the oils, how to use them, etc.  That’s why we have our amazing Facebook education groups!  We host giveaways, we do online and in person classes, we have daily educational posts, etc.  Believe me, as soon as you get your kit, we are going to add you to our secret oils group and you are going to be a pro in no time!  Plus if you decide you want to earn some extra cash to get your oils paid for, take your family on a vacation or even replace your full time job like I've done, we've got you covered there too!  No need to worry, as your go-to oils girls, I will be there to help you every step of the way!

So, you need a kit...am I right?!?!?!

If you’re not ready yet, that’s totally ok!  You can keep stalking me on social media and coveting my amazing bottles of goodness.  Also, feel free to email me any questions or concerns!  But, if you ARE ready to dive in and get your own kit, click my personal sign up link here.  Select Wholesale Member, leave my enroller and sponsor id (1570543) in the boxes, go through the steps to set up your account, choose your Premium Starter Kit and check out!  Now, do your happy dance and send me an email to let me know the good news...I will add you to our education group, School of Oily Goodness, and sent you some happy mail to help get you started!  I know that you are going to absolutely love the oils as much as I do.

3 TIPS FOR DEALING WITH THE 2016 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

Not gonna lie, this election was the worst.  I was completely shocked by people, both in person and on social media.  I saw such hatefulness, rude comments, total pride and bridges being burned all over the place.  Everywhere I looked, people were choosing politics over relationships.

No matter who is President, Jesus is King.  And no matter who is President, your friends and family are the people who you will continue to work with, celebrate birthdays and holidays with and spend time with in the upcoming years.  I doubt Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump is going to stop by to see any of us.  So, why do I see so many people destroying relationships over these strangers?

Jesus said to love the Lord and love your neighbor.  And He doesn't mean I should love only Donald and Marianne to my right, Cindy and Richard to my left, or Amy, Russ and Ellie across the street.  Neighbors are the people in your life...your family, friends, co-wokers, etc.  

Did you love those people during the election?  Were you patient?  Kind?  Humble?  Forgiving?  Truthful?  Were you truly loving in person and on social media?

The 2016 election is just a small part of the big picture.  The President is chosen and life goes on.  But, the people in your life are still here (hopefully).

I want to recommend a few things you might consider:

1.  Stop fighting your battles behind your screen.  I'm talking about Twitter, FaceBook, Instagram or whatever social media you choose.  Stop the debates, the rants, the fighting and other ways that you are destroying relationships and hurting others.  Instead, call that person on the phone and plan a coffee date where you can sit down, look each other in the eye and talk over your differences in person.

2.  Stop trying to make everyone the same as you.  We are all unique and that's what makes us so special.  It's also what makes the world work...imagine trying to accomplish anything if every single one of us was exactly the same as every single other person on the planet.  BORING.  I love that we live in a country where we have freedom.  That means I have the freedom to think what I want and vote how I want.  And because I love that freedom, I want you to have it to so that you can think what you want and vote how you want.  I don't ever want that taken away from us.  So, give people the freedom and if you disagree, just remember that each person is unique so we will not always agree...and that's ok!  How can I say I believe in freedom, but then put someone down for how they voted?

3.  Apologize.  Seriously, if you were unloving in person or online during the election, you have probably hurt people in your life.  Call them on the phone, ask them to lunch and apologize.  Most likely, they love you and will readily forgive.  The election is not worth losing family and friends over!

I know that sometimes things are hard to hear, so imagine I'm giving you a great big bear hug right now!  I don't normally voice my opinions on politics, but this has been on my heart since election day.  It reminds me of Cinderella saying, "Have courage and be kind".  Imagine if everyone did so...I bet relationships would look so different!

7 REASONS WHY YOUR FAMILY SHOULD TAKE A CRUISE

Back in 2007, Ironman and I went on a cruise for our honeymoon and really enjoyed it.  Then last year, my parents decided to take our family on one over the Christmas holiday.  Although I loved going on a cruise for my honeymoon, I quickly decided that cruising is the way to go for families.  Here are 7 reasons why...

ALL INCLUSIVE - Usually when Ironman and I go on a trip, we have to book our flights, book our hotel, book a rental car (depending on the destination) and then pay for visas, food and entertainment once we arrive.  So, it makes it hard to plan and budget since we end up with more expenses that we originally thought.  The cruises are so nice because you pay one time for all your cabins, food, entertainment, etc.  Of course, it costs more for alcoholic drinks, excursions and spa treatments, but those are extra luxuries that you don't actually have to have in order to have a great time on the cruise.  Cruises are great when you are on a tight budget because you can really control your spending, while having a great vacation!

PRIVATE CABINS - When traveling with such a large family, it can be hard to make sure that everyone is comfortable.  Couples want their own private room and many people even feel better when they have a more private bathroom.  This is another reason why I love cruises.  Last year, my mom and dad had a cabin, Ironman and I had a cabin, my sister and her husband had a cabin and then our two youngest sisters had a cabin.  Everyone had plenty of space and we were all able to sleep and rest comfortably!

FOOD AND DRINKS - Meals can be another difficult part of traveling with so many people.  One person wants to get a great salad, but another hates vegetables.  That's ok!  On cruises, everyone can eat whatever they want every meal since there are so many options between room service, buffets, restaurants, pool side bars and more!

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT - Entertainment can be pretty expensive these days.  For example, if my parents took all of us to see a movie, it would easily be over $100 and that's without snacks and drinks.  I love how the cruise has live shows by the pool each day and broadway shows at the theatre at night.  It's no extra charge and most are shows that the whole family can enjoy.

Here are a few things that cost extra, but may be what you'd enjoy...

SHOPPING - Although the prices were too high for me onboard, it was fun to walk around with my mom and sisters and look in the clothing and jewelry shops!

EXCURSIONS - In each port, you can get off the ship and walk around for free, but many people like to sign up for onshore excursions for site seeing and adventure sports!

SPA - The cruise itself is super relaxing and I was content with a book by the pool, but if you want to get a massage or facial, the spa is a great option!

Has your family taken a cruise together?  If so, what was your favorite part?