Essential Journey

Essential Oils Journey
Call me crazy, or join in the fun!

I first learned about using plant extract, herbs and essential oils many years ago when I worked at a local herb farm. 15 years ago, my husband Casey and I lived in a small town called Choctaw, Oklahoma 5 acres of a 30 acre plot that was surrounded by family who lived right next door. My grandparents lived in the centre and we all built homes to surround them and raise our families. Casey and I had just got married when I started working with Rita Holder of Holder's Herbs & Gifts. RIP dear friend. Her time on earth was spent well. Healing and teaching others to live the natural life God intended us to live. She was organic before it was "cool"  Her shop was less than a few miles from my home when I started shopping there for plants and then oils, herbs, book..and that led to Rita asking me to work for her. We bottled essential oils from pounds into 1/2 oz., 2oz., 4oz, bottles to sell at the OSU Farmers Market and in store. We held classes teaching others what to do with these oils and herbs, clay, tea, salt, spices. She was licensed by the Oklahoma health department as a commercial kitchen so we were able to bottle herbal vinegars, package herbs, dry bean soups, spice & tea blends we had concocted. We made lavender cookies and rosemary lemonade to set out by the fresh flower I picked for the store daily. We grew open pollenated heirloom seed that included medicinal and culinary herbs, veggies, fruit & berry and flowers for dyeing, crafting, cutting, smelling. Rita hand sewed catnip fish, lavender heart shaped dryer sachet and herbal spice pot holder cosy's, lavender chamomile eye pillows, herbal neck rice bags, etc.. She didn't drive and rarely left the house but she always put on her face every morning while eating her carefully chosen breakfast. This consisted of bright pink lipstick. Rita taught me so very much about responsible living and I've continued my path that she so lovingly planted some of those first seeds. She encouraged my writing and soon had me writing the newsletter for the OKC Herb Society where she was the standing president for years. I was 30 and she was 70 something, we made quite the pair where ever we went. Rita was known for her essential oils. People all over the states bought from her website and we were kept hopping filling orders for locals as well. The soap makers loved us and many went on to successful natural body care business to this very day.



My Website for Healthy Living








Many years after my time with Rita I kept on with my search for natural health and living knowledge. I continued on through college and earned a degree in horticulture science from OSU-OKC in 07, Entered the Ag Communication & Marketing program in Stillwater the following fall semester. I changed my major to Landscape Architecture and completed a year before landing a job in OKC at the OU health Science department of landscaping. I went on from there to form THRIVE organic landscape & garden consult which I currently do with the herbalist, essential oil therapy and healthy food for family and friends I met a very unique individual that I was quite drawn to because of the choices she made. Responsible choices that really walked the walk of all the talk. Her name is Chelsea Kessler and her and her family have become very dear to my heart. I've learned so much from her gently living and loving of this earth and her family. I had no idea Chelsea was a Young Living distributor, I had really no clue about the oils other than that I had heard they were wonderful and pricey. I had run out of an essential oil while making some sort of bath and body concoction I was making and mentioned to her about my search for a local source for essential oils, good ones, not fragrance oils ( I thought I knew a little something abut quality oils and how they do make a difference LOL ) She said she was an essential oil distributor and could order me some lavender, rosemary, and peppermint and tea tree, I believe was what I needed. I received my oils and could not believe the difference in the potency, strength, quality of the fragrance. I could go on and on. I needed to use less of these oils to make superior bath products. I wanted more...she then told me if I wanted to order at wholesale price, that there was only a 50 dollar per year minimum to keep my membership active and I could save up to 24 % off the retail cost. I immediately knew that this was going to be the beginning of something beautiful!

  From Day #1, when the starter kit landed on my doorstep, I've been thrilled to share the excitement of Essential Oils with friends.

I HATE headaches. I DESPISE allergies. I LOATHE sore throats. I DETEST seeing my babies sick when I feel like it is something I could have prevented. I'm OVER eczema. I NEED energy. I WANT to be calm when the days are difficult. I take JOY in safe, holistic remedies. I FEAR the chemical laden products we are pumping into our bodies too frequently. I've LOST friends and family to cancer. I'm ready to change all that. You?

A bit of an introduction~ My Website for Young Living

Essential Oils are health-promoting botanicals that have been used since the beginning of time (literally) and can be diffused, inhaled, applied topically, incorporated into massage, or taken internally to restore wellness, prevent illness, energize & detoxify your body, enhance your emotional state, provide healthy toxin-free skincare, and purify your home.

Intrigued? Sure you are! I want you ALL to gather all the THRIVING ORGANIC CHEMICAL FREE that you can and you really must feel good to truly live {love} life.

Now, brace yourself. I'm going to recommend you become a distributor. I did not intend to really "sell" oils and I am certainly not out to push anyone else into selling either! I do however want you to have the opportunity to purchase the oils at wholesale for you and your family while getting the most bang for your buck - friends, the starter kit is a HUGE bang for your buck!

I honestly think the THRIVING is in the Premium Starter Kit. The Premium Kit gives you what you really need to start seeing a difference in the way you look and feel. You are definitely going to want a diffuser once you have the oils in your hand, and the Premium Kit includes that - as well as a collection of Essential Oils that treat a myriad of things that most all households encounter!

I assure you that if you were to take ten minutes to read the Quick Reference Guide to Essential Oils ((seriously, ten minutes just to look it over!)) you would realize you need the Premium Kit. If your goal is less chemicals, less prescriptions, less over the counter pain meds for everything - yep, you're going to need the Premium Kit.

So while you are swallowing that I just told you to get the distributorship, let me answer some questions you have...


Young Living Independent Distributor Facts
{aka, how to get Wholesale Pricing}

What discount will I get as an Independent Distributor?
24% off retail price! As you use the oils and you share your testimonals with friends and family, you have the option of earning commissions when others join and purchase Young Living oils. Win-win! You MAY not intend to sell. They may sell themselves!!

Is there a monthly order minimum?
No. You can just order what you need when you need it.

I just really want to use oils myself. Do I have to sell Young Living products to be a distributor?
No biggie! Seriously, I want YOU and YOUR FAMILY to feel good! That's it. There is no obligation to sell oils when you join as an independent distributor. However, if you ever change your mind, you can jump right in.

Are you sure there are no monthly order requirements? Really?
To retain an active distributor account, you have to place one 50PV (point volume) minimum order per year. If you miss that deadline, you can reactivate your account by calling Young Living Customer Care with a 100PV (point volume) order.

If someone wants to join Young Living through me, what do I give them?
When you join, you will be assigned your own distributor number to give to your friends and family who are interested in joining as well. Refer them to the Young Living website and make sure they have your distributor number in hand.

Is there a way to save even more money?
Yes! The Essential Rewards program offers reduced shipping, credit for free oils & more! Plus each month there are great promotions for free oils when you place an Essential Rewards order.

I need to actually see the Starter Kits to know what products I am getting.
Of course!

 

Enroll with the ultimate Young Living product and business experience! An extraordinary value that offers a comprehensive introduction to the power of essential oils, the Premium Starter Kit is the perfect option for those who are serious about transforming their lives. Kit includes: Everyday Oils collection, Home Diffuser, Welcome to Young Living booklet, Essential Oils at a Glance user’s guide, Distributor Resource Guide, S.E.E.D. Sharing for Success booklet, Stress Away 5-ml, AromaGlide Roller Fitment, two Lavender Sample Packets, two Peppermint Sample Packets, two Peace & Calming Sample Packets, two Lemon Sample Packets, two Thieves Sample Packets, Sample Packet Business Cards, two NingXia Red 2-oz. samples, Distributor Agreement, Product Guide and Product Price List.

　

You may also see other packages -  ((but this is the BANG for your buck!))

How do I get started?
Follow the directions below on how to join!




To join Young Living Essential Oils:
*Click HERE to begin the enrollment process. It’s super easy! You can also request a conference call appointment, or a home party where I come and show you and your friends the benefits to adding essential oils to everyday living, healthy living! It's always fun and can be based on themes of choice, contact me for more info on this aspect.


*Independent Distributor is selected so you can get the wholesale discount. {If you select "Customer" you will not receive wholesale pricing, so be sure to click Independent Distributor!}
*Choose the kit you want. {I highly recommend the Premium Kit because it gets you the most bang for your buck!}

If you do choose to join as a distributor, please e-mail me immediately once you have completed the process...I have some tools I would love to mail you!

UPDATED Premium Kit for Young Living Essential Oils

If you have been considering jumping on the holistic/homeopathic treatment wagon & ditching the drugstore ---- NOW is the time! Young Living now includes an additional Essential Oil in their kit for no additional charge!

　

Interested in joining so you can purchase Essential Oils for your family at WHOLESALE yet? Contact me at herbwild@aol.com for more info and lots of info - Peace

Salt of the Earth

I can't think of any other DIY gift idea's where I can get my creative herb on better, than when I create salt blends made from organic herbs, spices, roots & poots, yeah I said that. Tis the holiday season for seasonings and the choices for cool spice salts can really perk up a whole dinner, not to mention inspire your loved ones to get into the kitchen and make something whole, and less processed.

 

 

 

 

 DIY SEASONING SALTS RECIPES

 

All Purpose Seasoning
To make this blend I lightly ground up all the spices until they were about the same consistency. If you leave your oregano leaves and rosemary leaves whole, the garlic granules will sink to the bottle of the mix. Better to have them all closer to a powdered consistency.

This blend is perfect for grilling meats and for a variety of savory main or side dishes.
2 parts oregano
1 part rosemary
1 part fennel
1 part thyme
1/2 part garlic granules

Pumpkin Spice
As you might imagine, this pumpkin spice blend goes well in pumpkin pie. But don’t let the name of the spice limit its use. It can be used on top of ice cream, in eggnog, in oatmeal, in hot chocolate, in cookies and many more sweet treats.
4 parts cinnamon powder
2 parts ginger powder
1 part cloves powder
1/2 part nutmeg powder

Garam Masala
This traditional Indian spiced blend works well in curries and on meats and veggies. We cook a lot of Indian-inspired cuisine and this mix goes in practically every dish.
2 parts cumin powder
2 parts coriander powder
1 part turmeric powder
1/2 part cinnamon powder
1/4 part ground cloves
1/4 part ground cardamom

Celery Salt
Celery salt is commonly used in coleslaw and on popcorn. When I first had homemade celery salt I was amazed at the delicious taste. It’s way better than the store-bought stuff!

2 parts ground celery seed
1 part sea salt

Taco Seasoning
Used on tacos, fajitas, meats and chili, this spiced blend enlivens meat dishes and bean dishes. The optional cayenne powder can be increased or decreased depending on the amount of heat you want.

2 parts chipotle powder
1 part paprika powder
1 part cumin powder
1/2 part onion powder
1/2 part garlic powder
1/4 part cayenne powder (optional)

This is just a small beginning for the blends that can be created. I would love to get all my friends together with all our combined herbs and spices to do bulk blending socially..

Happy Holidays
Kim

Summer Salutation

Summer is fast fading into fall. Temps have been mild through out the season. Drought was not an issue as it usually is in central Oklahoma. The gardens are still producing and looking amazingly healthy and happy considering it is late August, creeping up to September. Gaps and empty spots in the veggie garden make way for fall crops to join in on all the fun.

Wild Child

 Lord have Mercie, my grand child has seen her first fairy sighting and perception of reality will never be the same in her young impressive mind.

It all began on a long winter night during a fabricating session at Mo's house. I was telling her about the time when I was just about her age and had my first sighting of the elusive Fae creatures that hide in our woods out back.

This was a great big fabrication since I did not live here when I was her age but she did not connect the dots and assumes we have always lived here at the green witch farm in Harrah, Oklahoma.

All winter long she begged to hear the story and wanted more and more details on my experience. I told her faeries sleep the long winter underground safe and warm, resting up for their busy spring and summer activities of gathering nectar, playing practical jokes and spreading green magic to all the plant life.




Magical green folk who wear flower petal clothes and funny looking acorn caps just might live out back in our forest because my grand kid says it's so. Last weekend on our very last day before going back their mom's house 2 hours away, Mercie was searching for fairies on the border of the woods. I had let all the wildflowers grow and the meadow out back must seem pretty enchantingly magical to for the mind of a 6 1/2 year old girl.

"Momo!!" she screamed in her little high pitched voice, excitement making her words ramble together in a blur. "I heard something, come here!!" she wailed loudly. "I heard a bell, I heard a bell!!
I looked at her dad, my eldest son, and we bust a gut laughing at his eldest child Mercie Michelle. I hollered back that I was coming and started the short hike to the back of our property where we had a a wooded meadow and had caught her eye as potential fairy housing.

I approached her quietly as to not disturb her obvious hunting expedition. She was crouched peeking behind logs, looking under flower petals and listening intently for any sound that might come from a gathering community of fairies. She spotted me and squealed, " Momo, I heard bells!! I also heard someone laughing too!!" I joined in on the magic and whispered " Look child, wild foxglove! This is a flower that attracts all the fairy's!" I was trying to keep a straight face at the expression of her look. It was the look of shear wonderment and incredible excitement over maybe discovering something so magically unreal.

We began the search in earnest when she thought she spotted a small white dress whiz past her left ear, and small laughter!! Her little head was whipping around looking wildly i every direction, I almost believed in what she saw...

I started looking and searching for clues. Is my mind playing tricks or did I just hear a bell? LMAO We both were startled when we heard her daddy calling her name from the driveway, "Mercie, it's time to go, we can;t be late to meet your mom!!" We glanced at each other, not wanting to give up the search, we were definitely on to something big out here in the woods. I promised her we would continue the search as soon as she arrived back in one week. I was keeping the girls during the day during Christopher's week of joint custody raising the girls as a single dad. She was hard to lure out of the woods, back to reality and saying goodbye for the week,

I kissed both the girls and promised Mercie we would keep searching all summer long and that on her next visit we would set out sliced fruit and hide in the bushes with a camera.

Good bye wild child duo, see you next week,

as I'm not going anywhere but here where

the magic lives in our woods..

 

Garden Planning

Garden Planning

More Is Better

Fact or Fiction?

 

Impatience is the downfall for many of my best laid out garden plans, aspirations and goals. Doing things the correct way is not always the easiest or fastest way to accomplish a project. Gardens need planning so that they may coexist harmoniously with companion plants, farmer and the environment. The farmer needs her some access room to get in there and harvest, weed, check and inspect for pest, disease, and other environmental mayhem. The plant needs adequate space to support full growth size without crowding fellow bed mate plants. Crowding leads to poor air circulation which attracts all sorts of bad associates such as mold, mildew, black spot, fungal disease, and fungal gnats, aphids, and pill bugs. Good air circulation is a must in Oklahoma’s hot humid summer seasons and planning is needed so that garden plants can produce to their highest potential and health requirements.

Impatience can lead a crazed mad gardener to fling her assorted interesting heirloom seeds to any bare spot of unplanted fertile organic ground, thus leading to an unplanned situation growing in her very own garden.

The Yankee Lettuce Mixture got lucky in one such unplanned seed germination excited frenzied fling off. It looks planned, but was not thought out in that harvesting salad in the flower garden may be a bit difficult to access for me later on down the line.

Oh yes, and also Jasmine Nicotiana was sprinkled in bare spots between the Bib Lettuce and Alpine Strawberries. It was bare ground and I had this wonderful packet of seeds. They are now germinating way to close so I will have to thin out as they get bigger moving to another area I have planned for this sweetly scented giant jasmine like flowering plant. Seed waste is the result of seed flinging. It’s fun filled immediate gratification for a seed sower, skipping all the careful meticulous planning, labeling, care, love, and making space. Heirloom seeds are tough and many germinate with the fling off method of the impatient, (time and space squeezed), green garden witch.

On the other hand, the gardens that have been planned out and spaced appropriately are easy to get in and work without trampling neighboring plants. I can move through the blocks of planted areas with ease and this makes my day a better one.

My garden planning is similar to the square foot gardening methods. I try to plan 4 ft by 4 ft blocks of garden bed space so that access can be achieved all the way to the middle of the garden from all sides. I think Jules Laughlin taught me this during Hort 101, OSU-OKC. She was teaching organic gardening before it was such a trendy issue. I do not plant in long narrow rows. I plant intensively and feed the soil appropriately with organic matter to keep the nutrients and health levels at optimum performance.

Companion planting has also been a little garden experiment of mine, in that I have planned for beneficial plant cohabitation by planting plants that have a sort of symbiotic relationship and benefit each other’s growth and ultimately result in more plant happiness.

I’ve planted tomatoes up and down the rows of heirloom carrots and surrounded my Non GMO heirloom sweet corn with beans and squash in the Three Sister tradition of the American Indians who planted corn beans and squash.

According to Iroquois legend, corn, beans, and squash are three inseparable sisters who only grow and thrive together. This tradition of interplanting corn, beans and squash in the same mounds, widespread among Native American farming societies, is a sophisticated, sustainable system that provided long-term soil fertility and a healthy diet to generations. Growing a Three Sisters garden is a wonderful way to feel more connected to the history of this land, regardless of our ancestry.

Plants Recommended for Companion Planting with Tomatoes: amaranth, asparagus, basil, bean, calendula (pot marigold), carrots, celery, chive, cleome, cosmos, cucumber, garlic, lemon balm, lettuce, marigold, mint, nasturtium, onion, parsley, peas, sage, stinging nettle and sow thistle.

I also just learned today not to plant fennel beside the tomatoes as it inhibits growth. Same for Dill, do not neighbor together with tomatoes. Also brussels sprouts, kale, cabbage are a bad marriage to tomatoes as they reportedly affect the taste in an unpleasant way. Whether this is all true, I have no idea, but it sure can’t hurt to stick to the lore and garden wisdom of those who gardened before us.

If it has worked for others, these garden plans for companion planting, then I just may have a shot at them working for me as well.

Whether you are a flinger or a planner or somewhere in between I hope you have a beautiful day in the garden and wish you luck in all your gardening methods..

Keep it Green - Kim Campbell

Thankul For Green Growth

Here are some new pics fresh from my garden!

Yukon Gold potatoes are started low and layered with more soil as they grow

My Garden

Getting taller gotta add more soil

SmartPots Rock for potato growing

Potatoes layered all the way with soil are exploding

Shallots

Backdoor view

Your going in the dinner salad

How did the cukes sprout here?

Carefree Delight shrub rose

Small farm dream is growing!

Pepper's

Alot of plants to plant

Gerbera OSU orange

It's nice!

Pickin chickens

I'm a poor dirt farmer

Cheesy

Never held a chicken before..

Chicken Hair Bow Time

Green Beans Gone Wild

Zuccinni Cucumbers Turnips &Garlic

 

Gypsy Child

Going for a stroll.

Chickens <3

Cherries!

Pears are forming!