::what a year brings::

In my Facebook memories from a year ago, one of my blog posts popped up.  A year ago today, we were settling into the unknowns after John's pulmonary emboli.  We had so many questions about what our future would look like, and we were trying so hard to have faith and enjoy the days.  We were looking forward to the November ahead---to Thanksgiving, to hockey games, family parties.  I was awaiting the results of the second embryo transfer.

These are some of the words I wrote a year ago today:

"Today, I light a candle, and sit in ceremony, reflecting.  I'll gather with friends for an Indian lunch.  I'll go thrifting.  I'll go to a parent-teacher conference.  But through it all, I'll hold this feeling close---this unknowing, this beautiful jumping-off-the-edge feeling that starts it all."

It's wild to think how little has changed in a year.  We're still in a holding pattern as far as the future in regards to John's job.  We are still looking forward to all the same things, and filling our days with all the same things that we love.  The only difference is that I grew and gave birth to a beautiful baby for an incredible couple!

There's been an insane amount of growth and learning that's happened during these 12 months.  We've learned the ultimate lesson in patience.  We've learned the hard way that things don't always go as planned.  That life throws curveballs when you least expect it.  But the bottom line remains the same--- we circle, we take care of each other, we check in.  We have low moments, we check out, we're human.  We rise up again, we wait, we rally.  It's cyclical, and maddening, and full of bright moments. 

deep sleep...

Evidently my blog has been experiencing a bit of "Deep Sleep" these past couple of sultry, summery months!  And now it's time to transition to my absolute most favorite time of the year--- a time filled with steaming cups of tea, hula hooping in the backyard while the leaves fall, trips to the orchard, homemade treats, cozy decorations---I could go on and on!  With the kids back at school, there will be more moments for self care as well as more time to sink myself back into work and volunteering. There will also be the hustle and bustle that hockey season brings, as well as the celebrations, afterschool activities, and all the other stuff that comes along with the craziness of having three kids in three different schools in town.  Deeeeeep breaths...

This summer was incredible in so many ways, but it was also difficult---healing from the c-section took much longer than I anticipated, and as soon as I started feeling more human, it was time to slap on a bathing suit and prance my postnatal body around the beach while we were on vacation.  There's nothing more humbling that putting on a bathing suit after having a baby, especially when that cute baby isn't around to hide behind!  I got my fair share of "So when are you due?"s (you know, AFTER the baby was born) and as cool as I'd like to say that I am with my ever-changing body, each one was tough to swallow.  But I'm finally feeling closer to back to normal, and looking forward to getting back on track now that the season of frosty summery drinks and kielbasa has passed ;)

For lots of us, back to school means back to routine, and the most favorite part of our bedtime routine is Deep Sleep.  Our bedtimes shift back to a more decent hour, and we use this blend called "Deep Sleep" that I created to assist us not only in falling asleep, but staying asleep once we're there!  It's made with lavender, cedarwood and vanilla essential oils.  It's necessary in these parts.  I just made up a batch for our bedside tables---if you're like one too, message me. Take care of yourselves during this transition---it can be a little funky for some of us. Carve out some time for self care...it's important! xo

*Belly Breaths* and connecting

Some of the most incredible things that have been happening in my life lately are the opportunities that keep arising for me to hold space for people.  It's one of my favorite things, and not something I take lightly.  Each day, I wake up to emails and messages from people that I love, and some who I've yet to even meet yet, sharing stories and reaching out.  Asking for help, and advocating for themselves and their loved ones.  Searching for comfort.  It's a beautiful thing.  Through developing my own line of essential oil mists and roll-ons, I've been able to strengthen these connections.  I love helping people connect to blends (or pure oils) that will support them through whatever they may be dealing with in their lives. 

Because it's no secret, party people...life is freaking hard sometimes.  And plant medicine is here to help!

The best part of it is is that most of the time, I'm developing these blends for myself, or my family, first.  I love having these plant tools at my fingertips to help ease and soothe.  Lately my favorite, most comforting oils have been sandalwood (on my arms and in a diffuser necklace), frankincense every morning on my third eye and throat chakras (and the back on my neck), InTune on my temples and neck, and Forgive in the diffuser. As much as I always have a hard time nailing down which oils are my favorites, I'd have to say these four are on the heaviest rotation right now.  Lulu loves wild orange and goes to it first every time.  Johnny is a vetiver guy.  The other two kids have a love/hate relationship with oils but are always willing to give anything a try if they are desperate enough ;)

Creating my own blends and custom blends for people gives me the freedom to explore and play, which is my favorite part.  For example, I created Belly Breaths because lots of friends were reaching out to me about overwhelming feelings of anxiety. My son deals with crippling anxiety almost on a daily basis, so I knew that I needed to formulate something that would help him, too.  Belly Breaths is created with a blend of frankincense, marjoram, geranium, clary sage, and wild orange essential oils in a base of fractionated coconut oil, with floating pieces of citrine for added anxiety support.  The blend also helps with hormonal headaches and monthly cramps, added bonus!  (*If you or someone you love would like to try the blend, please reach out to me.  It's $10 local delivery and $12.50 shipped US).  I love hearing feedback and stories so please share if you feel inclined!

If there's something else you'd like to try, or if you'd like to explore essential oils in general with me, please reach out.  If you're struggling and feeling down, I encourage you to reach out to a friend or someone safe instead of shutting down and closing off.  Sometimes human connection is the best gift we can give ourselves in times of struggle.  xo

::springtime pest mist recipe::

With tick and mosquito season quickly approaching in New England, I thought it might be helpful to share how to create your own anti-pest mist with all natural essential oils!  Essential oils are something we're very passionate about in our family, because they are effective, safe, and toxin-free.  This mist can be sprayed directly on the body and clothing, used on children, and also sprayed directly on pets.

Springtime Pest Mist

In a 4 oz. amber spray bottle, combine the following:

*15 drops of lemongrass essential oil
*15 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
*5 drops of melaluca (tea tree) essential oil
*Top off bottle with distilled water

Make sure to shake well before every application.  Before venturing out into the woods, spray your shoes, pants, socks, and any area where the skin is exposed.  Don't forget about those pets, too! (Avoid spraying near eyes for both humans and pets).   If you have peppermint or lavender essential oils on hand, they would also make a great addition to this mist as well.  Feel free to add or subtract ingredients based on your preferences.  I make up a couple of bottles and keep one in my bag, one in the car, and one with the kids' sports equipment.  Essential oils are an incredible, plant-based way to help fight off unwanted pests this spring season!


Nina Gilbert is a Licensed Massage Therapist and Reiki Practitioner working at Body and Mind Physical Therapy and Wellness at 25 Indian Rock Road, Suite 26, in Windham NH. She's passionate about essential oils and educating people about their effectiveness.  Any questions, please contact her at bodyandmindpt2@gmail.com or check out the website at www.bodyandmindpt.com. 

spring vibes

Still here, still growing, and looking forward to really blossoming this spring!  Been feeling fantastic and constantly in awe that I'm living the life that I truly want to live----massaging at my own business in town, creating essential oil blends for my loved ones and friends, facilitating gatherings of women, cooking this baby, and educating people about therapeutic grade essential oils!  The best part is being able to connect with countless people in real life every week, sharing stories about healing and helping people on that path.  My favorite things to do are my local hippie fairy deliveries when I leave people their blends in their mailbox, or even better, get to give them a big hug during drop-off!  I had six drop-offs yesterday and felt so much gratitude with every one.

These past couple of weeks, I've been doing an intensive crash course to become a hospice volunteer.  Once I finish on Monday, I'll be trained and able to provide massage and reiki for people on hospice.  One eye-opening part of training happened last week when I had to write my own obituary!  Not something a pregnant mom of three young children felt like doing, let me tell you.  But the one thing that shone through that experience was the love that I have for my family and my community.  Not the accomplishments, not the certifications or studies.  Just love.  The last line reads "Nina was always happiest when surrounded by 'her people,' and she could often be found in the kitchen making tea and stirring a giant pot of chili".  If you know me, you know that I have a limited repertoire, and chili (and roasted potatoes) are at the top of that list ;)

It's not all roses here---these times of transition can be tough, and challenging!  I could make a list a mile long of all the things in our life that are up in the air and uncertain.  I love hearing and sharing stories about the real nitty-gritty stuff too---just yesterday over tea I was able to spill the hard stuff with a friend while simultaneously feeling grateful for her listening ear.  It's important to take the good with the bad.  Use your oils (if you have them) as tools to help you through! I know I do.  If you don't have any, or know where to start, reach out and I'll help you figure out where to begin.  I love demystifying them! 

(*I'm looking for two motivated individuals to join my oil team---I'll be there every step of the way to provide guidance and support.  And the best part is, I'm already part of an incredibly awesome and successful team---if you're interested, please message me at ninamariegilbert AT gmail DOT com so we can talk more xo*)



 

an update, a recipe, and some gratitude

Looks like I took an unintentional blogging break again, and it was absolutely not because of the aforementioned internet trolls!  I got swept away by the tide of three growing children with demanding schedules, growing this surrogate baby (I'm 18 plus weeks!), opening my own business in town, and really jumping in and learning and educating people about essential oils.  Sandwiched in there has been a healthy dose of awesome women gatherings, dates with friends, adventures with family, some birthday celebrations---all the stuff that keeps me going. 

So on to the recipe!

I've been playing with essential oils, coming up with my own mists and rollerballs for friends and family to enjoy.  Another way to play with oils and really get a sense of what I like, and what my family likes, too, is to come up with funky diffuser blends.  This one has been my most recent favorite---it's perfect for setting the mood for a good night's sleep, or just when you feel like cozying up when it's snowing outside.

::2 drops lavender
::2 drops cedarwood
::2 drops vetiver

Vetiver is a new addition to our oil collection.  We use it daily now on our skin just because it smells so great.  It has a complex aroma that we're addicted to, especially when mixed with patchouli. Vetiver is distilled from the roots of a grass, and it has a calming, grounding effect on the emotions.  (Learn more about vetiver here.)

I'm diffusing the recipe above right on top of my pellet stove right now, which is basically where I'm sitting if I'm at home.  Winter in New England makes me want to hibernate.  As much as I love these long days of snuggling, reading, and warming myself by the fire, I'm looking forward to this summer---birthing this beautiful baby and then spending the rest of the summer with my family sipping white wine on the beach with a stack of quick reads. 

If you've got a favorite diffuser recipe that you can't get enough of lately, please share!  I'd love to hear about it.