Your family vacations have wrapped up, the kids are sliding school supply lists on the counter, and you’re left wondering how you’re going to keep them entertained for these last few weeks of summer. Get them outdoors to catch those last few rays of sunshine with an art project that smells as good as it looks! Infused with essential oils, this DIY sidewalk chalk recipe will keep them entertained while leaving the mess outside the house.

DIY essential oil chalk

Inspire your children’s inner Van Gogh with essential oil-infused chalk! Get their creativity flowing and help them create a masterpiece that’ll leave the whole neighborhood peeking over at their elaborate designs. Craft all the art supplies they’ll need with just a few non-toxic ingredients.

This recipe is meant to be used for one color. If you want to make multiple colors, repeat the recipe for each one. The quantity of chalks each batch makes will vary depending on the size of your mold.

What you’ll need:

• 1/2 cup Plaster of Paris
• 6 tablespoons cold water
• Acrylic paint or gel food coloring
• 1 drop KidScents® essential oil blend
• Plastic cup
• Plastic spoon
• Silicone mold

Instructions:

1. Add the cold water to the cup. It is important that you use disposable cups and spoons to avoid getting Plaster of Paris in your sink. It can clog the pipes and cause problems.
2. Add your coloring to the water and mix until incorporated. To get a pigmented chalk, use at least 3–4 tablespoons of paint or enough food coloring until the mixture is your desired color. If you are using acrylic paint, one with a matte finish will mix with the water more evenly.
3. Add Plaster of Paris and essential oil blend and mix until everything is evenly incorporated.
4. Pour mixture into your mold and tap to help release the air bubbles. If you don’t have a silicone mold, you can use a muffin tin, old toilet paper roll lined with parchment paper, or other small container as a mold for your chalk. However, a silicone mold will be the easiest to remove the chalk from.

As the chalk dries, water will rise to the surface. This is perfectly normal, and it will dry up. If left out in the sun, the chalk will set after 6–12 hours but will still be slightly crumbly and wet. For best results, let sit for 24 hours. Remove from the mold and store your chalk in a dry place if the mixture is still slightly cold and damp, or in an airtight container once it has fully dried out.

Once the chalk is dry, let your kids’ creativity fly! To clean up, wash their drawings away so your kids have a clean slate to start their next creation.

YL tip: While your younger children may want to help you make this exciting DIY, we recommend that you pour and mix the Plaster of Paris yourself to keep messes contained and prevent kids from ingesting or inhaling the plaster powder. Make sure you and anyone helping out is wearing a smock, apron, or work clothes in case of accidental spills.

DIY essential oil chalk paint

Need a quick way to entertain your kids without any drying time? Create your own simple chalk paint with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen! When you’re in need of a quick kiddo distraction, just whip together this simple DIY to get them out of the house and into the sun. Keep in mind that this chalk paint will have a more-watery consistency than regular paint, but once it dries on the sidewalk, it will look similar to traditional sidewalk chalk!

What you’ll need:

• ¼ cup corn starch
• ¼ cup water
• Food coloring (gel works best)
• Small containers or muffin tin
• Paint brushes, various sizes

Instructions:

1. In each of your small containers or muffin tin cups, combine ¼ cup each of corn starch and water. Mix until the corn starch dissolves.
2. Add food coloring until you have your desired paint color. For additional sensory fun, add 1 drop of your kid’s favorite KidScents oil blend.
3. Hand your kiddos a paint brush and let the outdoor creative play begin!

No need to worry about your little Picasso’s drawing taking a permanent place on your driveway. These DIY chalk recipes are washable and can be easily cleaned with a little rain or a hose.

Looking for more DIYs to keep the kiddos entertained? Try our homemade essential oil play dough or our DIY moon sand recipe!

Try out this fun DIY and let us know what you think in the comments below!

After summer’s free-for-all, returning to a set back-to-school routine of bedtimes, alarm clocks, bustling morning checklists, and getting out the door on time can be both a comfort and a challenge. To make this seasonal switch easier, we put together a few simple tips to help you get ready for that first day of school without any tears or meltdowns.

This first set of tips is tailored for any reset to your day-to-day routine, whether it’s getting back on track for school or returning from a long vacation or winter break.

1. Start early

Don’t wait until the night before school starts to set up new routines for the start of school. Giving yourself and your kiddos a few days, or even a week, to ease into the new schedule will make the transition a happier one for everyone involved.

2. Bedtime routines

A good night’s sleep is the foundation for a good day, so start your back-to-school prep by getting your bedtime routines back on track. Many kids struggle with going to bed, so try these tricks to help make setting a bedtime easier.

• Go screen free before bed. Turn off screens at least an hour before bedtime. Blue light can interfere with the natural production of sleep hormones.
• Find natural ways to unwind. Help those wound-up kiddos calm down from a day of summer fun with a relaxing bath or make their room a peaceful sanctuary with essential oils. For a little extra help, spritz their bedding with soothing Seedlings® Calm Linen Spray.
• Start small and work your way up. If bedtime was nonexistent over the summer, try setting a later bedtime and moving it 15 to 20 minutes earlier each night until you’ve reached your desired time.
• Have a plan for nights when settling down is tough. On nights when high-energy children need extra help settling down, try KidScents® Unwind.
• Prepare what you can in advance. Lay out kids’ outfits for the next day to avoid the inevitable morning rush to find something to wear.

3. Morning routines

Once you’ve got your bedtime routine back to running like a well-oiled machine, it’s time to tackle the chaos that hits each morning.

• Start setting those alarms again. Even if there are still a few more days left of summer, getting into the habit of rising earlier will make it that much easier on the first day of school.
• Pick the right scents. Diffuse bright and cheery essential oils to refresh your living spaces such as your kitchen or living room.
• Keep breakfast super simple. Make breakfast easier by limiting the number of options you give your children. Instead of asking what they want for breakfast, ask them if they’d prefer this or that. This gives children the satisfaction of having a say in what they eat, and you can then choose options that are quick and easy to make.
• Brace for incoming illnesses. As kids go back to school, they’re inevitably exposed to more sicknesses and viruses. Then they bring those illnesses home and share with the whole family. It’s important to strengthen children’s immune systems. Incorporate children’s supplements into their morning routine to help your kids get a boost of vitamins and minerals to start their day. We love to use our KidScents MightyVites, MightyPro, and MightyZyme supplements.

• Leave plenty of time for lunch prep. Allot enough extra time for your kids to pack their own lunch, or for when you need to help your littlest ones pack theirs. This allows them to weigh all their food options. Allow them to pick foods they prefer so they’re actually excited for lunch.

4. Create a family schedule

Do you have multiple kids and can’t ever seem to figure out who should shower when and why there’s a line to use the bathroom when it’s time to get out the door? Create a simple family schedule and start using it the week before school starts to work out any kinks. Have a kid who likes extra-long showers? Have them shower at night before bed. Does your teen need extra bathroom time for primping in the morning? Have them set their alarm 15 minutes early. If everyone knows when it’s their turn in the bathroom, you can avoid the morning bickering and bottlenecks.

5. Space out snacks and meals

If summertime turned your kitchen into a 24/7 cafeteria, setting a few boundaries can help prepare those little tummies for the long breaks between breakfast, lunch, and after-school snacks. Let your kiddos know the kitchen is closed after breakfast and limit snacking after lunch.

YL tip: Looking for breakfasts to keep kids full and focused at school? Try whipping up these healthy recipes.

6. Schedule playdates

Whether your kids are returning to school or starting for the first time, the anticipation of that first day can fill anyone with nervousness and anxiety. Help ease those nerves by setting up play dates with children who will be in their class. Seeing their friend on the first day can allay your child’s fears and worries and replace them with feelings of comfort and excitement.

 7. Create an organized space for school supplies

Avoid the scene where backpacks are thrown on the kitchen table with papers and pencils all over the floor by dedicating a space for all things school related. This can be something simple like a school supply bin or a wall hook where your kids can hang their backpacks. Make children responsible for putting their own school items away. This organized space will also help prevent many school-morning mad dashes to find misplaced items.

As you incorporate these tips into your back-to-school routine, you set your family up for a successful school year!

Discover how to go back to school Young Living style! Once the kids are back in school, help them have a world-class year with these five tips on how to use essential oils in the classroom.

What do you do to get started on your back-to-school routine?

Share with us in the comments below!

Beat the heat with these leftover watermelon recipes! Take that watermelon left over from your last picnic or barbecue and turn it into a cool, naturally sweet summertime treat. Add delicious Vitality oils to give that leftover watermelon an extra zing that will leave you smacking your lips all season.

Watermelon-Lime Vitality Sherbet

This light, refreshing citrus treat is perfect for cooling you down even on the hottest summer days while satisfying that sweet tooth. With only a few ingredients, it’s simple to make and incredibly delicious!

This recipe makes two servings.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups frozen watermelon cubes
• ¾ cup whipped cream, homemade or store bought
• 2 drops Lime Vitality

YL tip: Watermelon gets naturally sweeter once frozen. If you like it even sweeter, add some maple syrup or honey.

Instructions:

1. Cut watermelon into cubes, remove seeds if necessary, and freeze for 4–6 hours or overnight.
2. Add frozen watermelon to a food processor. Pulse until the texture is fine and slightly crumbly.
3. Add whipped cream and Lime Vitality. Blend until you get a smooth consistency.

4. Eat right away for a soft, smooth consistency. If you prefer a firmer consistency, pour it into a freezer-safe container and freeze for 1–2 hours before serving.

Watermelon “Pizza”

Mix it up with a dash of playfulness by creating your own watermelon “pizza” slices! Whip up a delicious Vitality-infused cream cheese icing for a sweet, tangy topping that you can decorate with your favorite fruits, berries, seeds, and more. Mix and match your favorite flavors and enjoy the endless combinations!

Lemon Vitality cream cheese icing ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons cream cheese
• 4 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup (adjust to your desired sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 1 drop Lemon Vitality
• 1 drop Lime Vitality

Instructions:

1. Take the cream cheese out of the fridge and let it soften for 10 minutes before using.
2. Place all ingredients into a blender and blend on low speed for 5–10 seconds to incorporate the ingredients together. Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the blender’s sides.
3. Blend on high in five-second intervals, scraping the sides between each interval. It should take about 20–30 seconds of interval blending until you reach a fluffy, whipped consistency. Avoid overmixing because the cream can eventually turn to butter if you go overboard.

How to make your “pizza”:

1. Cut your watermelon into ½–1-inch rounds to create your “pizza” crust base.
2. Drizzle, spread, or pipe the cream cheese icing onto the watermelon.
3. Top with your favorite fruits, berries, and more. Some of our favorite toppings are strawberries, blueberries, pomegranate seeds, kiwi slices, raspberries, coconut flakes, hemp seeds, and chia seeds. Get creative and personalize your pizza to your own taste!
4. Once you have all of your toppings on, cut the watermelon into 4–6 equal slices and enjoy this yummy treat!

Watermelon Cucumber Salad

Do you like a little savory with your sweet? Then this watermelon cucumber salad recipe is just for you!

This recipe serves two.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups diced watermelon, about ½-inch cubes
• 1 cup sliced cucumber
• 6 large basil leaves, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup crumbled feta or mozzarella balls cut into quarters
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 drop Peppermint Vitality
• 1 drop Basil Vitality
• 1 drop Lime Vitality

Instructions:

1. Dice your watermelon into small cubes, about ½ inch thick.
2. Slice the cucumber into similar-sized pieces.
3. Thinly slice your basil.

4. If using mozzarella balls instead of feta, cut them into quarters.
5. Add everything into a large bowl.
6. In a separate smaller container, combine your olive oil, Vitality oils, salt, and pepper. Mix and pour over watermelon and other ingredients.
7. Toss the salad until everything is evenly incorporated. Serve and enjoy!

YL tip: If you want to give the salad more acidity and complexity, replace the 2 tablespoons olive oil with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar.

Are you ready to really indulge this summer in a healthy way? Then you’ll love this recipe for citrus rosemary olive oil cake. Also, remember to dress up your drinks with these DIY ice cubes with essential oils.

Which watermelon recipe are you going to try first? What other dishes do you like to make with your leftover watermelon?

Let us know in the comments below!

Weird cravings, a hyperactive sense of smell, and a bladder that feels like it’s shrunk to the size of a pea—welcome to pregnancy! These nine months are often filled with multiple trips to the bathroom and late-night runs for random snacks, but they’re also full of magical moments: first ultrasound; first kick; first in-utero, Olympic-style gymnastics routine.

Your trimesters might also have another first: the first time you’ve implemented natural remedies during pregnancy. Being Dr. Mom—one of the many hats you’ll wear—can feel daunting, but with this super guide to essential oils and pregnancy, you can discover a new approach to health in every drop.

Essential oils and pregnancy: the basics

As a parent, having the flexibility to incorporate a range of natural remedies is key to running a smooth house. Lucky for us, essential oils can go a long way with just a single drop. But before you start dowsing the house in nature’s remedies, remember to follow the ABC’s of essential oil safety when pregnant:

1. Ask your health care provider to learn what’s best for you and your baby.
2. Brief yourself on all guidelines in this post.
3. Check bottle label instructions and use oils only as directed.

Generally, essential oils are safe to use; however, pregnant bodies are highly sensitive, and some essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding. A simple label check can help you determine whether you should give an oil a go. If you have questions, consult your doctor for advice on the best ways to incorporate essential oils into your pregnancy journey.

Essential oils for aromatherapy during pregnancy

It’s no secret that pregnant women have sensitive noses, and there’s no rhyme or reason to the odors that can trigger morning sickness—aka “all-day sickness.” When working with a hyperactive sense of smell, lean in to your favorite essential oils. A little aromatherapy goes a long way in battling bad odors.*

• Scent sensitivity. It’s one of the many downsides of pregnancy, but essential oils can help get you back to center with just a simple inhale. Add a few drops of Lemon or Peppermint** essential oil to a tissue or handkerchief and keep it in your pocket or purse. When the smells are getting overwhelming, grab the tissue and hold it to your nose. Breathe in the calming scent to ride it out with a soothing scent.
• Surround yourself with sunshine. Diffuse a combination of Tea Tree and Lemon Myrtle for a bright, clean smell reminiscent of a warm summer day.

Sunny Day diffuser blend

3 drops Tea Tree
3 drops Lemon Myrtle

• Nest with the best. Blend, that is. Purify the air while you prep the nursery with a diffuser blend of Peppermint** and Ginger. The warm, spicy smell of Ginger adds depth to Peppermint’s cool, minty aroma.

Prep the Nest diffuser blend

3 drops Peppermint
1 drop Ginger

• Escape the everyday. Enjoy a mini vacay from morning sickness-inducing smells by combining Xiang Mao, Palo Santo, and Black Pepper essential oils in your diffuser. You can pretend you’re relaxing at a ritzy resort instead of sporting sweatpants at home.

Exotic Escape diffuser blend

2 drops Xiang Mao
2 drops Palo Santo
1 drop Black Pepper

Because you might be extra sensitive to smells, try diffusing fewer drops of essential oil for a subtler scent. Our Prep the Nest and Exotic Escape diffuser blends are examples of how to scale back scents for delicate noses. Need a little more help soothing your stomach? Check with your doctor about giving AlkaLime a try.

*The oils in this section are best used aromatically during pregnancy but can be used topically, unless otherwise indicated, by diluting 2–4 drops essential oil in 15 ml of V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex.

**Use after first trimester.

Essential oils for pampering during pregnancy

A baby bump is a beautiful thing, but a lot of work goes into growing a mini you. When your current trimester calls for a little R & R, try one of these pampering practices. Of course, we’re fans of continuing the practices long after pregnancy!

• Baby that bump. Give your growing belly some needed TLC! Make a belly rub by mixing 1 drop each of Frankincense and Helichrysum with plenty of V-6 or coconut oil.
• Take a timeout. Destress from the day with a soothing soak. Put 4 drops of German Chamomile** or Northern Lights Black Spruce in the tub during bathtime and take a few deep breaths.
• Find your footing. Soak tired tootsies in a basin of hot water with ¼ cup Epsom salt and 1 drop each of Lavender, Lemon, and Ylang Ylang.
• Bring on the brilliance. Up the ante on your already shiny, thick pregnancy hair. Add additional shine with a moisturizing mask made of ½ mashed avocado, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 2 drops Cedarwood.
• Restore natural radiance. Amp up your moisturizer or face wash with Manuka, Helichrysum, or Vetiver to give the appearance of blemishes the brush-off and enhance your pregnancy glow.
• Pack a portable pick-me-up. Create a DIY facial mist for an on-the-go refresher. Combine 10 drops of essential oil—we like Copaiba and Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood—with 2 ounces of water. Spritz this combo or Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood Hydrosol when you or your day needs a boost!

**Use after first trimester.

Essential oils for massage during pregnancy

When it comes to relaxing during pregnancy, massage is more a must than a maybe. Trimesters are trying. Show yourself some love—mind and body—by setting aside time for daily massage. You’ll soothe tired or fatigued muscles, nourish dry skin, and rejuvenate the soul.

Massage tips:

• Dilute essential oils with a carrier oil like V-6 or your favorite lotion before applying topically. A good rule of thumb for properly diluted oils during pregnancy is 4 drops of essential oil to ½ tablespoon massage oil.
• Gently massage your feet, hands, arms, legs, belly, and hips.
• Ask a loved one to rub your back, neck, and shoulders.
• Use any of the top 40 oils, listed below, to customize your massage oil.

Top 40 essential oils for pregnancy

Essential oils are a clean and simple way to incorporate relaxation into pregnancy and motherhood. While there are hundreds of essential oils on the market, the following 40 are our favorites for expectant mothers. During your pregnancy, use these oils in your diffuser, during a massage, in the bath, as a belly rub, and more!

Citrus group***

Bergamot (Citrus aurantium bergamia)**** | Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) | Jade Lemon (Citrus limon eureka var. formensensis) | Lemon (Citrus limon) | Lime (Citrus aurantifolia)**** | Orange (Citrus aurantium dulcis) | Petitgrain (Citrus aurantium amara) | Tangerine (Citrus reticulata)

Herbal group

Kunzea (Kunzea ambigua) | Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) | Mastrante (Lippia alba) | Melaleuca Quinquenervia (Melaleuca viridiflora) | Melissa (Melissa officinalis)  

Floral group

Cistus (Cistus ladanifer) | Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) | Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) | Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) | Neroli (Citrus aurantium amara) | Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martini) | Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata)

Mint group

Spearmint (Mentha spicata)

Musky group

Elemi (Canarium luzonicum) | Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum) | Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) | Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) | Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides)

Spicy group

Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) | Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)

Woodsy group

Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) | Copaiba (Copaifera officinalis) | Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) | Hinoki (Chamaecyparis obtusa) | Hong Kuai (Chamaecyparis formensensis) | Idaho Blue Spruce (Picea pungens) | Mountain Savory (Satureja montana) | Northern Lights Black Spruce (Picea mariana) | Pine (Pinus sylvestris) | Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood (Santalum paniculatum) | Sacred Sandalwood (Santalum album) | Tsuga (Tsuga canadensis)

***These oils are photosensitive. Avoid direct sunlight or UV rays for up to 12 hours after applying.

****These oils are photosensitive. Avoid direct sunlight or UV rays on area of application for up to 48 hours after applying.

Looking for more tips? Check out these ideas for a relaxed pregnancy. Once your little one arrives, give them a healthy start by using EOs safely in the nursery. Remember to stay on the safe side when diluting essential oils for kids!

Need a moment to connect with the great outdoors but don’t have time? Reach for Gary’s Light. Our late founder’s love for the natural world’s stunning sky, incredible plants, and majestic animals is what inspired this unique essential oil blend. Gary Young spent much of his life outdoors, and the wisdom he learned from that time is bottled up for you to reach for throughout the day. Take a few moments to seek enlightenment while enjoying this nature-inspired aroma.

Gary’s Light ingredient breakdown

Formulated for the body, mind, and soul, this blend contains a mix of nine oils to create an aroma that is smooth, elegant, and balanced. Fill your senses with these grounding scents from the outdoors:

• Sacred Frankincense: This grounding, woodsy oil is steam distilled from resin that is believed to be the same kind of frankincense that was documented during ancient times.
• Cistus: This oil features a honey-like fragrance that contains the naturally occurring constituent alpha-pinene.
• Lemongrass: Lemongrass is steam distilled from a flowering grass originally native to India and Guatemala. Lemongrass has a fresh, air-neutralizing aroma that uplifts any room.
• Cinnamon Bark: Native to Sri Lanka, this oil is steam distilled from fragrant inner tree bark and has a warm, spicy, and cleansing aroma.
• Myrrh: This unique oil is produced by steam distilling a resin from the Arabian Peninsula formed by fragrant tree sap. This oil has an earthy, sweet, uplifting aroma.
• Dorado Azul: Distilled in Ecuador, this oil comes from a bush mint that has a fresh, herbaceous aroma.
• Eucalyptus Radiata: Native to Australia, this oil is distilled from fragrant tree leaves and has a refreshing, invigorating scent.
• Hyssop: Native to Europe and Asia, this “holy herb” has a slightly sweet, minty-floral aroma.
• Petitgrain: Derived from the leaves and immature fruit of the bitter orange tree, this oil has a refreshing, uplifting aroma that contains the naturally occurring constituent limonene.

Benefits of Gary’s Light essential oil blend

This blend offers many benefits, including:

• Invites a sense of strength, grounding, and peace
• Has a restorative aroma that freshens indoor environments
• Cleanses and neutralizes odors in the air when diffused
• Invokes memories of the great outdoors for a connection to nature

How to use Gary’s Light

Wondering how to use Gary’s Light? Here’s how:

• Dilute at a 1:1 ratio with a carrier oil such as V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex and massage it onto skin.
• Apply it to wrists and neck daily for a rich, cleansing aroma that freshens your personal environment.
• Combine 1 drop of Gary’s Light and 1 drop of carrier oil and apply it to the top of your head while taking time to clear emotions, calm your mind, and establish a sense of harmony between body and mind.
• Diffuse it to enjoy a spicy, sweet, and restorative aroma.

Essential oil blends that pair well with Gary’s Light

This elegant blend pairs especially well with:

• Thieves®
• Purification®
• R.C.
• ImmuPower

Looking for more ways to find inspiration? Read these blog posts on how to improve your emotional wellness or take your meditation to the next level.

What outdoor memory does Gary’s Light remind you of?

The importance of protein is no secret, but it can be hard to get enough every day, which may leave you feeling hungry even after a full meal. Read on to learn how protein powders and other supplements can take the guesswork out of your protein needs!

Why should you add protein to your smoothie?

We’ve all been there: You load up your blender with fruits and veggies, only to find yourself feeling hungry 30 minutes later. Fruits and vegetables are fantastic, but without some extra nutrients, they can leave your body wanting more. That’s where protein comes in! Adding protein to your smoothie can help keep you fuller longer and won’t have you reaching for more snacks so soon.

Protein is also an essential building block for muscles and can reduce muscle loss, build lean muscle, and help you recover quicker after injury or exercise, so protein is an absolute must if you’re hitting the gym.

Sources of protein for your smoothie 

Protein powder 

Protein powder is a quick, easy way to add extra protein to any smoothie. Many proteins powders use whey as their source of protein, so be sure to check labels if you have any allergies or sensitives.

Pure Protein Complete: Young Living offers two delicious protein flavors: Vanilla Spice Pure Protein Complete and Chocolate Deluxe Pure Protein Complete. Each of these blends offers 25 grams of protein per serving that comes from a blend of cow and goat whey, peas, egg whites, and organic hemp seeds. They also contain a full range of branched-chain amino acids. Additionally, Pure Protein Complete features B vitamins, premium essential oils, and a proprietary enzyme complex with probiotics. These ingredients work together to support ATP production and metabolism, help build lean muscle mass, and support post-workout muscle recovery.*

While our proteins are delicious on their own when mixed with cold water or plant-based milk, they can be elevated and create a complete meal or snack with the recipes below!

YL tip: These protein smoothie blends aren’t just for pre-/post-workout consumption! They can be taken any time you need to pack in the protein or just want to fill up with a sweet, healthy snack.

Other sources of protein 

Powders are great, but they’re not the only way to supplement your protein!

• Nuts and nut butter add both protein and fat to round out your smoothies.
• Greek yogurt and cottage cheese are high-concentration sources of natural protein.
• Dairy and plant-based milks like coconut milk can also add extra protein to your smoothie. Use them as a base instead of water or juice.

YL tip: Adjust the sweetness and thickness of these smoothie recipes to your personal preference. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add more milk or decrease the amount of frozen fruit or ice. For a thicker consistency, add less milk or increase the amount of frozen fruit or ice.

If you’re not sure where to start, check out these easy recipe ideas for an extra boost of protein!

Tropical Protein smoothie

Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with this blend of smooth vanilla protein, exotic mango, and pineapple paired with sweet, citrus Tangerine Vitality.

Ingredients:

• 2 scoops Vanilla Spice Pure Protein Complete
• 1 cup (8 ounces) dairy or plant-based milk of your choice
• ½ cup frozen mango
• ½ cup frozen pineapple
• 1 drop Tangerine Vitality essential oil

Cinnamon Choco-Nana protein smoothie

Go bananas for this delectable blend of chocolate protein, sweet banana, creamy almond butter, and spicy Cinnamon Bark Vitality.

Ingredients:

• 2 scoops Chocolate Deluxe Pure Protein Complete
• 1 cup (8 ounces) dairy or plant-based milk of your choice
• 1 cup frozen banana slices (approximately 1 banana)
• 1 drop Cinnamon Bark Vitality essential oil
• 2 tablespoons almond butter (or another favorite nut butter)

Spiced Orangesicle protein smoothie

This sweet, creamy blend of vanilla protein, orange juice, and Citrus Fresh Vitality is almost too good to be true!

Ingredients:

• 2 scoops Vanilla Spice Pure Protein Complete
• 1 cup (8 ounces) orange juice
• 1 cup ice
• 1 drop Citrus Fresh Vitality essential oil blend

Chocolate-Covered Strawberry protein smoothie

Who doesn’t love chocolate-covered strawberries? Replicate this special-occasion treat in a healthy, delicious smoothie. Our chocolate protein powder, paired with frozen strawberries, maple syrup, and a bit of extra cocoa for added richness, creates a rich, indulgent treat that’ll have you feeling extra ready to take on your workout.

Ingredients:

• 2 scoops Chocolate Deluxe Pure Protein Complete
• 1 cup (8 ounces) dairy or plant-based milk of your choice
• 1 cup frozen strawberries
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (adjust amount to desired sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, for added chocolate flavor

YL tip: Love chocolate-covered raspberries or cherries instead? Swap out strawberries for any other frozen berry for a delectable treat!

Peanut Butter Banana Craze protein smoothie

Go wild with this classic peanut butter-banana blend. It’s sweet, creamy, and slightly tangy—you’ll finish your glass still wanting more.

Ingredients:

• 2 scoops Vanilla Spice Pure Protein Complete
• ½ cup (4 ounces) milk of your choice
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup frozen banana slices
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)

Mint Chocolate protein smoothie

Using rich chocolate protein, refreshing Peppermint Vitality, and a handful of spinach, this drink tastes like a classic mint-chocolate shake but packs a punch with healthy, nourishing ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 2 scoops Chocolate Deluxe Pure Protein Complete
• 1 cup (8 ounces) dairy or plant-based milk of your choice
• 1 drop Peppermint Vitality essential oil
• 1 handful spinach
• 1 cup ice

YL tip: Want to add even more healthy treats to your smoothie? Need to sneak some vegetables into your kids’ diet? Add a handful or two of fresh spinach to any smoothie recipe for an extra serving of vegetables. Spinach packs a powerful health punch without doing much to change flavor, so it’s a great choice for picky eaters!

How to make a protein smoothie

Making these delightful recipes is extremely simple! Take the ingredients from the recipe of your choice and place them into a blender. Blend until you reach a smooth consistency and serve.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Young Living products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Getting back to the gym and need a helping hand? Check out this article on how to get your fitness on with essential oils to boost your workout. If you’re doing your workouts from home, check out these 9 pro tips to perk up your at-home workout. If you’re wanting to get more active but need a boost, try this article on how to get your game on with must-try YL products for active lifestyles.

What is your go-to protein smoothie blend?

Let us know in the comments below!

As you plan your next big outdoor adventure, be sure to pack these best essential oils for camping! The power of essential oils isn’t limited only to your home. When you hit all your favorite hiking trails, you’ll want these essential oil sidekicks along. Their signature scents will help you make the most of those glorious summer days and gorgeous nights under the stars.

Lavender essential oil

Before you leave home, check your pockets for that oh-so-essential Lavender oil! You’ll want this versatile essential oil along for camping because it has so many uses.

• After a day in the sun, Lavender oil can be soothing to the skin.
• Lavender is famous for its relaxing properties, so if you have trouble sleeping away from the comfort of your own bed, try rubbing a few drops on your feet to create a tranquil environment for rest.

Citronella essential oil

Avid campers will recognize the floral, citrusy scent of citronella due to its popularity as an ingredient in insect-repelling candles. Bring Citronella essential oil along on your camping trip to help keep your camp site free of unwanted outdoor annoyances.

• Apply Citronella directly to your ankles, wrists, or other exposed skin or use this recipe to create your own spray:
  • 8-ounce glass spray bottle
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable glycerin
  • 1 tablespoon witch hazel
  • 6 ounces distilled water
  • 28–35 drops Citronella essential oil

• Create an outdoor spray using Citronella, Lemongrass, and Cedarwood essential oils topped off with water or witch-hazel.

• Whip up your own no-power-necessary mason jar diffusers! You’ll need:

• • Mason jars
  • Cheesecloth
  • Coarse salt—sea salt or Himalayan salt work well
  • Summery essential oils such as Lemon, Peppermint, Citronella, Grapefruit, and Eucalyptus Radiata
  • Fill your mason jars with salt and add 20─30 drops of essential oil, then stretch the cheesecloth underneath the lid ring. Why so much oil? Since there’s no water or steam to diffuse the essential oils into the air, you’ll need a little more oil to get the full effect.

Peppermint essential oil

If you plan on hiking, swimming, or any other physical activities while you’re camping, don’t forget the Peppermint essential oil! Peppermint is one of those must-packs, especially because of how soothing it is for tired muscles.

• Apply Peppermint oil in a soothing massage to fatigued muscles at the end of a long day.
• Use Peppermint oil for an instant cool-down by applying it to your neck and shoulders for a cooling sensation.
• If you need a little kick to wake up after a night in a tent, put a few drops of Peppermint oil in your hands and inhale deeply for an awakening aroma first thing in the morning.

YL tip: Spray a little Peppermint mixed with water around where you’ll prepare and store food to shoo ants away.

Purification® essential oil blend

No camping essential oil collection is complete without Purification! This essential oil blend offers so many uses when you’re reveling in the great outdoors:

• Apply it topically to soothe skin.
• Freshen up musty camping gear by spritzing sleeping bags, blankets, or the inside of tents with a mixture of water and Purification.
• Add a few drops to the bottom of your garbage can, in your port-a-potty, or in your sweaty shoes at night to keep unwanted odors at bay.

Honorable mentions

Still have room in your pack for a few more essential oils for camping? We recommend trying these favorites:

• Seedlings® Calm: This essential oil blend’s aroma helps the whole family wind down after a fun-filled day.
• Marjoram: Pair this essential oil with a soothing massage to help comfort tired muscles.
• Lemongrass: Team this essential oil up with Citronella to fend off outdoor annoyances.
• DiGize®: Massage DiGize over the abdomen or inhale its aroma directly from the bottle for a soothing experience.

Still have room in your pack? Here are seven more Young Living camping essentials you’ll want to include with your gear so you’re ready for anything. If summer for you is soaking up rays by the pool or grilling goodies, you’ll want these 20 essential oils that are practically made for summer.

Have a favorite camping spot or a go-to essential oil you wouldn’t go camping without?

Please share them with us in the comments!