Essentially Better Living

Shell hunting is one of my favorite past-times on this earth. On our last beach vacation, I was hunting for shells each day, and I found myself contemplating why I enjoy it so much. As I was searching, I came to some general conclusions and each of them brought me back to a common theme. I discovered that what I love about shell hunting, I also love about life in general. I have come to realize…

We want our kids to be happy and healthy. But as a parent, it’s hard when they don’t want or like the things they need for good health. If your child doesn’t go, struggles to go, or has some other digestive issue, I will share our own story, possible solutions, as well as grocery lists that anyone can use. My daughter has always been a picky eater, and when she was little she just didn’t like to…

The end of the school year can leave teachers and students feeling depleted. You’ve worked hard, you’ve given your all, and made sacrifices to get where you are at the end of the year. There is pride in this, but also a draining and exhaustion. Before you go forward and enjoy your summer, it is beneficial to give your body an opportunity to detox. Any and all of these suggestions can help you…

As a Clarksville native, I love my hometown, and I’m a passionate supporter of our locally owned coffee shops. As a coffee aficionado, I want to them to stick around. But as I’ve gotten to know the owners and baristas, I also want them to see them thrive. I wrote this post, not to rank order them, but in my meager efforts to help promote each of them. Just a few years back, Clarksville was a…

Clarksville is a beautiful place to live, explore and visit. Our once small town has evolved into a city that’s rich with activity, and so much to do outdoors. What’s great is that many of the best things to do here are absolutely free. Parks and Green Spaces There are beautiful parks and green spaces to be found in Clarksville. Some of the best include Dunbar Cave Park, Liberty Park,…

I wrote this years ago, but never published it out of fear of repercussions from the parent. But I could have written it and related to it any given school year, to apply to many parents I have encountered over the years. Perhaps it will resonate with other teachers out there. And hugs to you! Dear intimidating parent: I want you to know how much I care about your child. I spend a great deal of…

If you want to manifest a happier life, I recommend becoming a lifelong collector of positive quotes. Some positive quotes resonate on such a deep level that they become mantras. By definition, mantra is a word, phrase or sound that is repeated, often in prayer or meditation. Mantras help to focus the mind and to promote mental and spiritual well-being. Over time, positive quotes and mantras can…

All those in favor of teachers getting time to work in their classroom on staff development days, say “aye!” Teachers everywhere hope and pray for this scenario. Yet in reality, we find ourselves immersed in non-stop PD for every one of these days. After years of hoping, I have made the shift to coping and problem solving. I’ve created a master list of “things to do before school starts,” that I…

When you are getting ready to set up your classroom, you’ll be sure to grab a stapler, bulletin board boarder and all of those cute and obvious items you need. As a veteran teacher, I want to share with you a few small overlooked items that make a huge difference! They make your life EASIER! I am also linking to my Instagram Story for each of these you can see them in action! This magnetic…

In 2013, I experienced the bittersweet paradox of losing my mom to Alzheimer’s and giving birth to my daughter in the same year. It was then that I started pursuing a healthier, more natural way of living. I was searching for natural remedies to help promote memory for my mom before she passed, while at the same time learning healthier habits during my pregnancy and for my new baby following her…

We made the switch to Thieves products ten years ago and it has been one of the best changes we have made for our family. Thieves products are plant based, all natural and potent! A picture is worth a thousand words. Just look at the image below to see how Thieves responds to bacteria vs its chemical laden counterparts. And of course Thieves oil is a key ingredient in Thieves Cleaner so it…

The past few weeks I have tried imagining our life without my beloved Santa Fe, and I never imagined I would be this sad about giving up a vehicle. I asked my family and close friends to help me understand why I was so depressed about giving up this car. I have even cried about it on more than one occasion. Instead of teasing me, they were so sympathetic and empathetic. They helped me see I…

Over the years as a teacher, I have observed my colleagues stay at school way into the night hours, take stacks of work home, and complain they have no time for themselves or their families. Some even come to school to work on the weekends. They struggle with home-work balance, finding time to be a great parent, teacher, friend, family member. Their workload takes its toll on their mental and…

One of the promises that I’ve made to myself this year is to take a day each month, just to focus on myself – my wants, needs and dreams. This can be a weekday or a weekend, but just making sure to do it. As moms and women in general, we get so busy in the rush of life, that we forget to take care of ourselves. Before we know it, weeks, months and even years have passed and all of the hopes and…

It’s been 13 days since I’ve had a drink. And these oils have been my saving grace. Peace & Calming and Bergamot help me keep it together and stick with it, Purification and Juvaflex detox the liver where alcohol and anger take their toll (did you know anger is stored in the liver?) and Acceptance helps well, with acceptance. I’m not what you would call a drunk or an alcoholic. In fact, the…

I sat down to make a list of my top 10 Young Living products, and ended up with a list that was 30+ items long! Asking me to pick my favorite oil or Young Living product is like asking me to pick my favorite child. It’s not really possible because I love them all differently, and for different reasons! However, I made the attempt. To narrow it down to TEN, I set some criteria. I made a web and…

Stockings are my favorite. The presents get opened and discarded to the side. Wrapping paper and boxes get cleared out. What keeps them talking in the hours to come are the stockings. The silly, funny, yummy contents get is excited, laughing and remind us what it’s like to be a kid again. Here are a few of my favorites: This cute poop plush is sure to make them laugh! I saw it for the first time…