Chickenpox Party-RSVP?

 

The infamous chicken pox party.
 
Even if you choose to vaccinate per the CDC’s recommended schedule (see 2013 update here), there is a likely chance you are aware of what a pox party is.
 
Here is the history, the rational and why I choose not to RSVP.
 
 
Welcome to the Party
 
 
“Chicken Pox Party” (aka Pox Party) - This term refers to when parents intentionally expose their otherwise healthy child to the varicella virus in hopes they contract the disease to promote natural immunity.
 
A person does not necessarily have to have a party. Some parents attempt to collect some type of infected material such as saliva, the elusive licked lollipop, or piece of clothing from the infected child/person.
 
However, it is unlikely that these particular methods will transmit the chickenpox virus effectively or reliably. This is because the varicella virus cannot survive for very long on the surface of such items. 
 
 
History
 
 
Forms of controlled inoculation are not new at all. Small pox and rubella are a few examples of diseases that where purposely transmitted in children earlier in history.
 
 
Chicken pox parties, in particular, were popular in the 1980’s prior to the national vaccination program included in the CDC’s list as of 1995. These gatherings would normally consist of family members or groups of children that play together/live near each other. These “pox parties” were among people that the families knew well.
 
 
The Purpose
 
 
If you decline the varicella vaccine for your child or if you aren't exposed to the wild-type strain, there is a risk (as with any disease), that your child may contract the disease later in life.
 
The purposeful infection of chickenpox is typically organized by parents on the main premise that contracting chicken pox at a younger age is less severe than if the disease is caught in adulthood.
 
It is well documented that complications in chickenpox are more likely to occur adults then in children. Considering that adults (13 yrs of age or older) only account for 5 percent of chickenpox cases each year, they account for a disproportionate number of deaths (55 percent).[1]
 
(On a side note, other diseases listed as being more severe later in life are measles and influenza. Flu-party anyone?)
 
 
 
RSVP, Regrets Only Please
 
While I can comprehend and appreciate the reasoning of a chickenpox party, I would not seek out and partake in one.  While we have chosen to decline this vaccine, there are several reasons why I would also decline this invite.
 
 
 
Reason 1
 
You cannot predict who will have a moderate or severe reaction.
 
Although it may be less common, children still have the potential to have a reaction from the varicella virus. Holding the full intention in making your healthy child sick with this virus, what if something did happen? 
 
 
Reason 2
 
A child depends on their parents completely to keep them safe and healthy. How is intentionally making your child sick fulfilling this obligation? Even if it is in hopes of the rare occasion they may contract chickenpox in adulthood and have a terrible, life-altering reaction from it.
 
 
One of the arguments people present concerning the use of vaccines is that they are unnatural. For me, a part of seeking out a disease to intentionally make a child sick carries something to be said about being unnatural as well.  
 
 
Reason 3
 
Is the significant risk real in adulthood?
 
 
Prior to the introduction of the varicella vaccine in 1995, there were approximately 4,000 annual cases of adult chicken pox resulting in 50 deaths from the disease.[2][3]
 
After the vaccine was introduced, there are approximately 1 in 2,254 annual cases in the United States (that’s 0.04 percent).[4]
 
 
Complications from adult chickenpox are still fairly rare considering 90 percent of cases occurring children younger then 10 years of age. This risk in adulthood largely accounts for adults with eczema, compromised immune systems, and those taking steroid medications.[5]
 
 
Bacterial superinfection of the skin is the most common serious complication of chickenpox in adults (but is still very rare).[6][7]
 
In my opinion, this does not give me a reason to deliberately seek out an infectious disease and hope my daughter contracts it in her youth. Moving from a 0.04 percent of potential risk to 100 percent potential risk doesn’t add up for me.
 
Reason 4 
 
 
The effectiveness of both the vaccine and wild-type chickenpox in youth to defer future attacks in adulthood relies heavily on the incidence of wild-type chickenpox within the community to act as boosters throughout life. This is noted in the package insert for the chickenpox vaccine as well as other peer-reviewed journals.
 
This means that if chickenpox is not common and you have been exposed to the virus while in your childhood (either by vaccine or naturally), you risk developing it again in adulthood or even suffering from the more severe disease of shingles.
 
Would this mean that once you have successfully given your child chickenpox, they would be reliant on attending chicken pox parties throughout their lives or require booster vaccines? That’s not something I would want.
 
 
Reason 5
 
Shingles.
 
By infecting a child with chickenpox intentionally, a parent is also placing their child at risk of suffering from shingles later in life.
 
Don’t get me wrong, this is a concern for children who contract chickenpox naturally and via vaccine administration.[8]
 
Here is the concern with Shingles:
 
The nationwide-mass varicella vaccination program has the medical community bracing for a major increase of herpes-zoster (shingles). This is, again, due to the lack of wild-type boosting properties of chickenpox that has been lost over the last decade.[8][9]
 
The highest increase of shingles has been seen among those 25 to 44 years and over 65 years of age. [8]
 
Shingles is a very painful rash that can turn into agonizing blisters. The painful (not itchy) rash can disrupt sleep and eating habits which has the potential in resulting in a condition called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) which causes severe pain even when the rash clears. 
 
 

Are There Benefits?

 
 
Sure there are, and don’t get me wrong, I’m definitely not a proponent for the varicella vaccine. If I had to choose one over the other I would choose the wild-type strain naturally contracted.
 
 
However, we are in a precarious situation. Since the wild-type strain of chickenpox is extremely limited. When a parent exposes a child to the virus (which will lay dormant in their nervous system) in hopes of them having a more mild reaction then they would in adulthood - we are setting them up in an environment that does not offer boosters throughout life.
 
Again, they would then have two choices in adulthood - seek out more wild-strain chicken pox parties or get a booster vaccine (Chickenpox or shingles).
 
Another possible benefit of exposure in childhood would be that a woman gains the ability to pass on antibodies to her newborn which is more susceptible to adverse reactions from the virus (something that has not been documented on happening in vaccine induced immunity).
 
 
Conclusion
 
Every part of my being is passionate with making my daughters as healthy and happy as possible...the act of intentionally getting them sick “just in case” doesn’t seem to coincide with that (for me).
 

If my daughters became infected with chickenpox (or measles or whatever) naturally, I would welcome the implications that comes with it (natural immunity, stronger immune response, etc), but I couldn't devise a plan to purposefully infect my little ladies with disease. Nah, couldn’t do it.

References

 
[1] Schoenstadt, A. Adult Chickenpox-Diagnosing and Treating Adult Chickenpox. MedTV Website. Oct 2006
 
[2] Adult Chicken Pox on Disease.com Website
 
[3]   Schoenstadt, A. Chickenpox and Death. MedTV Website. Oct 2006
 
[4] Prevalence and Incidence of Chickenpox. Right Diagnosis website. Source statistic for calculation
 
[5] Infectious Diseases-Chickenpox. Medicalook Website
 
[6] Shingles and chickenpox (Varicella-zoster virus) – complications. University of Maryland Medical Center website.
 
[7] Nnama, H. (reviewed by D Fisher). Compications from Adult Chickenpox. Jul 2010
 
[8] Schmid, D. S., Jumaan, A., Impact of Varicella Vaccine on Varicella-Zoster Virus Dynamics. Clinical Microbiology Reviews. Vol 23 (1): 202-217. Jan 2010
 
[9] Brisson, M., Gay, N. J., Edmunds, W.J., Andrews, N.J. Exposure to varicella boosts immunity to herpes-zoster:implications for mass vaccination against chickenpox. Vaccine. Vol 20 Issues 19-20: 2500-2507. Jun 2002
 

 

A Critical Look at Rhogam and Rhesus Disease

There are a lot concerns that surface when a woman finds out she is expecting. If you happen to be a RhD-Negative mother then you have one more to add to the list.

When I was pregnant with both of my daughters I sought out information, and frankly, I was always left feeling like there must be more.

I gathered this information in the desire to help other mothers out there understand what it means to be RhD-Negative, what the Rhogam shot is and what it isn’t, and lend my personal experience.



Blood Type

To be able to understand what the RhIg (Rhogam) shot does and to determine if it is necessary in your circumstance, we must begin with this brief lesson.

A blood type is a classification used to express if someone has either the presence or absence of a specific antigenic substance on the surface of their red blood cells. These red blood cells are the most common type of blood cells in our system and is the principle means of delivering oxygen to the body.

There are a total of 30 human blood group systems according to the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT). [1]

If you are a RhD-Negative mother then your blood cells lack a specific protein found on the surface of red blood cells called a Rhesus D (RhD) antigen. This is never a concern during a woman’s lifetime, until she becomes pregnant.

When a woman is pregnant it is probable that the baby will have a different blood type from her own and there is no concern with this unless the mother is RhD-Negative and the father is RhD-Positive. (if the father is RhD-Negative the concern is alleviated)

You can determine the likelihood of having a RhD-Positive child by reviewing the father’s parents blood type.

Your partner carries two copies of the gene that generates the D antigen (one from his mother and one from his father). If your partner has two copies of the D antigen (homozygote DD) which would happen if both his mother and father are RhD-Positive, then the child will definitely inherit one copy of the D antigen and will be RhD-Positive.[2]  (see chart to illustrate)

If, however, your partner only carries one copy (heterozygote Dd) there is a  50 percent chance your baby will be RhD-Negative like the mother. If this is the case, the baby will lack the RhD antigen and there is no apprehension on hazard to the process of sensitization.[2]

Two interesting points to note. There is a rather new technique developed in England where is it possible to determine the baby’s blood type by performing a genetic test on the mother’s plasma. Apparently, there is free-floating DNA from the baby in the mother’s blood.[3]

Another tidbit, an individual will most likely have the same blood type for life, but in rare occasions such as particular infections, malignancy or autoimmune disease the blood type will change due to the addition or suppression of an antigen (pretty interesting stuff ehh?).

 

Red Cell Alloimmunization (aka Sensitization)

**Now listen up - enough of the refresher, time to take notes!**

Let us assume, for the sake of 100% safety, that the baby is RhD-Postive.

When a woman is pregnant her blood is contained separate from the baby. The mother’s blood will run alongside of the placenta and the nutrients are absorbed and transfer to the baby through a membrane separating the blood (as known as the “placental barrier”). There is, however, a very valuable antibody (IgG) which is able to pass through this placental barrier which provides humoral immune protection to the baby (colostrum contains a high percentage of IgG). If the mother’s blood has never encountered the baby’s blood, then this antibody trucks along doing its job like normal – protecting the baby. However, it does carry potential concern for RhD-Negative moms.

Mother's blood does not mix with baby's - however,
benefical IgG antibodies freely move past the placental
barrier provided humoral immune protection.

**Initially, if in the event when the blood of a RhD-Negative mother and RhD-Positive infant mix, the mother’s body produces the IgM (not IgG which passes through the placenta) antibody in response to the red blood cells that appear foreign to her body (because they lack the RhD antigen). It is crucial to note that the IgM protein can not cross the placenta. It is in subsequent pregnancies, a repeat encounter with the Rh D antigen which stimulates the rapid production of the IgG anti-D. This antibody is then transported across the placenta and enters the baby’s circulation marking the red blood cells to be destroyed. [2][4][5][6]



When sensitization occurs, mother will produce IgM antibodies.
Remember, IgM will NOT cross the placenta - so the CURRENT
pregnancy is NOT AT RISK



Let me pause here and reiterate that sensitization occurs in the first pregnancy but the risk is only to the subsequent pregnancies. [2][4][5][6][7]

It is in subsequent pregnancies, a repeat encounter with the Rh D
antigen which stimulates the mother to rapidly produce IgG anti-D
which passes through the placenta.

How Sensitization Can Occur

Nearly 90% of sensitized cases occur during child birth (for example: when the placenta is forcibly detached from the uterine wall).[8]

Medical interventions during pregnancy that breach the uterine wall increase the risk of sensitization such as amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS).  




Obviously, injury trama may result in the mixing of blood between the mother and baby. This is seen occurring in approximately 10% of cases.[8]

Other risk factors include miscarriage, abortion, ectopic pregnancy, external version (adjusting a breech baby), or a blood transfusion.

There is a vary rare sensitization model that can occur in blood type O Rh-Negative mothers (this is what I actually have). An immune response against A and B antigens has the potential to occur since they are widespread in our environment which could lead to the production of IgM antibodies early in life. Very rarely, IgG antibodies are produced.

You can have a doctor test your blood to determine if you have been sensitized at anytime in your life or throughout your pregnancy. A simple blood test is performed.

Rhesus Disease (or hemolytic disease of newborn, HDN)

The Disease

HDN is an alloimmune condition (alloimmune conidtions are seen in such instances when a person gets a skin graph or possibly after a blood transfusion). When the mothers IgG anitbodies pass through the placental wall, the antibodies break down the infants red blood cells and the baby may become anemic (anemia is when an individual has a low red cell blood count).

This disease can range from mild to severe.

Elavated bilirubin may develop as well after the birth since the mother is no longer aiding the baby in eliminating this waste product. Bilirubin is the yellow by-product of the breakdown of red blood cells – this is seen when you get a bruise and the yellow coloring develops, also is responsible for the yellow color of urine and for the coloring of jaundice.

Because of this, infants that suffer from HDN may show symptoms of jaundice which increases within 24 hours after birth.

If the case is severe enough, the liver, spleen and other organs increase in size because they are producing an over load of red blood cells to compensate the ones being destroyed. Disfunction of the liver may result.

Treatment

After the birth, treatment is dependent upon the severity of the condition. Ten percent of babies that suffer from Rh disease will have a severe case. In some cases Rh disease is so mild that it doesn't require treatment.

 

photo-therapy for jaundice

Postnatal Treatment- Phototherapy may be performed on infants showing jaundice in mild cases. A blood transfusion may occur for moderate to severe disease. Sodium bicarbonate may be given to correct acidosis.

Antenatal Treatment– Ultrasound will be performed during the pregnancy to monitor increasing blood flow. Early delivery may be recommended (usually around 36 weeks gestation). Blood transfusions in utero may also be performed.

Prevalence

According to the March of Dimes, Rh disease affects 4,000 infants each year and a mother with a RhD-Negative blood type has approximately 0.7 percent chance of giving birth to a baby that suffers from the disease. (This is without the anti-D injection aka Rhogam).[7][9][10]

If you receive the injection your chances decrease by 0.02 percent.) [7][9][10]

Rho(D) Immune Globulin

This medicine is recommended by the American College
of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) to mothers with RhD-Negative blood and is routinely administered at 28 weeks gestation and within 72 hours after childbirth. It is also given in following a traumatic event such as a car accident or a fall.[11]

Anti-D Injection



Interesting to note that the half life of this injection is 23 to 26 days; if you receive the injection at 28 weeks then you would be susceptible again to become sensitized at 31 weeks pregnant. [11] [12]

  

The solution consists of IgG antibodies (from mothers that have been sensitized) that bind to and destroy the fetal RhD-Positive red blood cells.


Yes, you read that correct. The solution contains the very antibodies that we are attempting to avoid-the IgG antibodies that pass through the placental wall and enter the blood system of the fetus.


You see, according to the March of Dimes, it is not known exactly how RhIg works. In theory, the smaller does of IgG will elude the full force of the mother’s immune response to mount an attack on her child’s red blood cells. This will in turn avoid a mother becoming sensitized. Some of the IgG antibodies from the medicine will be transferred to the fetus and destroy a few red blood cells but it is believed to be not as many as if the mother was sensitized herself. [7] [10]



woman getting Rhogam shot



This medication has been given a Category C drug rating from the FDA. This means that animal reproduction studies have demonstrated an adverse effect on the fetus (or safety research is lacking) and that there are no adequate, well controlled studies in humans, but doctors believe the potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks. There is a chance of fetal harm if the drug is administered during pregnancy.[13]


The RhIg is a derived from several human plasma pools. By using a method developed in the 1950’s, the plasma is filtered to eliminate bacterial and viral contaminates.

RhIg does have the potential to trigger an allergic reaction and carries the possibility to infect the mother with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (a degenerative neurological disorder that is incurable and fatal).
Live vaccines (such as the influenza vaccine) may interact with this injection according an article in Gold Standard (this may be within a 3 months time frame).[14]

Another vaccine currently recommended to pregnant mothers is the Tdap booster. I have not found any completed research regarding the effects of the combination use of Rhogam and this vaccine.

The medicine is not approved for use in children.

My Story

happy, confident and pregnant!



At 28 weeks pregnant with my first child I was written a prescription for the anti-D injection (Rhogam) by a real jackass of an OBGYN (lets just say he instructed me to get the shot while doubting me if I was sure if my husband was indeed the father of my baby…in front on my husband no less).


At that time, I was just beginning to learn more about vaccines and such. Most of what I was attempting to learn about at that point in time was how bad the epidural was going to hurt (since who actually gives birth naturally these days if they don’t have to, right?...ahhhh, to be young and naïve again).


From what I read, it didn’t make sense to get the shot until after the birth. I decided to decline the prenatal shot and decided to administer the injection after the birth only in the case if my daughter was born Rh positive. My daughter was born at 2 am  with type O negative blood, just like her mama and no shot was given.


With my second daughter, I declined both the prenatal and postnatal shot since me and my husband both decided that we did not want anymore children. She was born au natural in the living room.


If we did decide to have more children, I would have my blood tested to make sure I was not sensitized. If I was, then I would consider any risks (0.07 risk of Rhesus disease if the mother is sensitized). [7][9]


In hindsight, I am glad that I declined this medicine in my particular situation and circumstance. I also feel lucky to have the blood type that I do because it has provided my the opportunity to learn this information and spread it to those women in my similar situation.


This subject is close to my heart and I anticipate that it will help spread information regarding what educated options we have as RhD-Negative mothers.

Thank you for reading and sharing!!

Reference

[1] Table of blood groups. HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee. Retrieved 2008-09-12.http://ibgrl.blood.co.uk/isbt%20pages/isbt%20terminology%20pages/table%20of%20blood%20group%20systems.htm.

[2] Causes of Rhesus Disease. NHS Choices. Nov 2011

[3] Hill, M. Blood test could save babies. BBC News. Oct 2002

[4] Bethesda

, D. Blood Groups and Red Cell Antigens (Chapter 4 Hemolytic disease of the newborn). National
Center for Biotechnology Information (US). 2005

[5] Beischer, N., Colditz, P., Mackay, E. Obstetrics and the Newborn (Third Edition). W.B. Saunders Company, Ltd., Philadelphia

, PA 1997. p226

[6] Letsky E.; Leck

I., Bowman J.Rhesus and other haemolytic diseases (Chapter 12-Antenatal & neonatal screening). Oxford University Press. 2000

[7] March of Dimes Website. Printable Articles about Birth Defects – Rh disease

[8]Bowman J et al . Rh-immunization during pregnancy: antenatal prophylaxis. Canadian Med Ass Journal . Vol 118: 623–627. 1978

[9] Lubusky M., Prochazka M., Krejcova L., Vetr M., Santavy J. and Kudela M. Prevention of Rh (D) alloimmunization in Rh (D) negative women in pregnancy and after birth of Rg (D) positive infant, Mendeley. Vol 71 Issue 3 Pgs 173-179. 2006

[10] Moise K. Management of Rhesus Alloimmunization in Pregnancy. Obstetrics & Gynecology (ACOG)

. Vol 112 No 1. Jul 2008

[11] The Official RhoGAM Website. Page Title: “Aligned with ACOG/AABB Standards

[12]Mintz PD. Rh Immune Globulin. Transfusion Therapy: Clinical Principles and Practice (2nd Edition). AABB Press. 2005.

[13] American Pregnancy Association Website. Page Title: “FDA Drug Category Ratings”

[14] Brigham and Women’s Hospital (Affiliate of Harvard Medical School) Website. Encyclopedia Section – Page Title: “Rho
(D) Immune Globulin Solution for Injection

Blood type picture from: Precious Passage Website (Rh Incompatibility) http://www.preciouspassage.com/d/rhIncompatability

Photo-therapy picture from: http://www.norwanie.blogspot.com  

Rhogam injection picture from : http://www.theanellos.com  

IgM is produced when mother becomes
sensitized.

Why I'm Not Anti-Vaccine

This might be a bit surprising, considering my personal stance on vaccinations, but I want to state that I am not anti-vaccine.

Anti-McDonalds –yes.

Anti-Vaccine – not so much.

Here’s the thing….

Despite the fact that my choice for this particular medical intervention is to decline, I do understand that there are other parents out there that believe in the benefits (out weighing risk), believe that it is the best choice for their children and choose to have their doctor administer them (all of them, selectively, or on a delay schedule).

I choose to share some of the information I come across in my reading, research and exploration of immunology and vaccinology here on this blog with the intent to disclose what I have examined – then, ultimately, let you determine and factor in where the information can be helpful in addressing your personal choice.

Let me provide an analogy…

I’m sure most of the people in my life are aware that I am a huge advocate for breastfeeding. I had breastfed my oldest close to 2 years and I am breastfeeding my youngest still, at the age of 8 months.

Although I would not recommend formula for babies or use it myself, I am not anti-formula.

I understand some mothers are not able to breastfeed or choose to use/supplement with formula for a variety of reasons.

I am, however, a proponent for women knowing the amazing benefits of breast milk. I would be happy to see companies that produce formula to replace some of the ingredients with more wholesome components. I would also love to hear that formula is packaged in BPA-free containers to make ingestion safer for infants.

I think the same goes for vaccines. I think there are very real benefits to contracting certain illnesses (such as chicken pox, measles, flu) naturally, activating the immune response the way it has been intended over thousands of years of evolution. I also think the components used in vaccine formulation should be examined more closely.   

Intentional Usefulness

I feel a vaccine has the potential to be useful – just as I feel an infant supplemental formula has the potential to be useful. Though, in my opinion, I believe both have the potential to be abused.

Would I recommend a child be fed infant formula from the day of birth, for the remainder of his/her days on this planet – not so much. That doesn’t mean that there isn’t value and benefit in some cases where formula is supplemented in a baby’s life.

Would I administer vaccines hours after an infant is born and expect them to be reliant on them for their entire life? Not so much. Do I think a vaccine, when use selectively (such as in the case of malaria) can be beneficial – yes.

Asking To Make The Decision For You

I would never ask a mother to decline a vaccine without making the decision for herself or learning more about the disease (diagnosis, treatment, prevalence, etc.). There are, conversely, many “pro-vaccine” individuals out there demanding everyone vaccinate no matter what – I think this is a bit juvenile and only proves that informing an individual prior to making a medical decision is not something they hold value in.

The choice a parent elects for their children is between them and their medical doctor. The doctor should be aware that it is responsibility engage in a dialogue about vaccines (the benefits, risks, their capabilities and their inabilities). Although many parents must research and learn for themselves prior to wellness visits, the decision is still theirs to make.

In that case, I choose to offer the information I gather in hopes to support the decision made on your behalf. Because, we all have to admit – support and encouragement is something all of us parents need from time to time.

Here are some good resources to add to your knowledge base:

Package Inserts

About the Diseases and Vaccines

Information on how to Report an Adverse Reaction


**This post reflects the research and concern that I have about vaccination.  It doesn’t represent my opinion of people who choose to vaccinate.  Please know that, while my family has made this decision, we respect the right of all parents to choose to vaccinate if they feel this is best for their child.  I don’t have all the answers.  Most of us don’t.  We’re all in the same boat in that we need to make the best decision we can with the information we have.  And, ultimately, I believe that the Divine is in control – what is meant to be will prevail, no matter our decision.

Super Easy Homemade Lotion Recipe

If I fathom a guess, I would say I have spent thousands of dollars on lotions in my lifetime.

I remember going to Bath

and Body Works with my best friend every weekend in high school and she would get the Pearberry and I would get the Cucumber Melon.
Now that I am I bit more aware of the chemical concoction that is used in body and bath products – it seems that I am spending even more money on more natural choices.

I had been looking for ingredients that are healthy and that I can identify.

Then it dawned on me – hey, if I am making my own shampoo and lip gloss… I can do this too. (and you too!)

There are many lotion recipes out there. Most of them involve using a mixer. I’m not sure about you, but the idea of cleaning a mixer after using oil and wax makes leery.

I was excited to find this recipe which only uses 4 ingredients – that’s right  only 4! Plus it doesn’t involve a mixer and takes less then 5 minutes to make!


It is important to note that this recipe is a mixture of oil and water without preservatives, so it does have a short shelf life. I would use it up within 30 days to be safe.  

If, for some reason, you want the lotion to last longer - you can add 1 tablespoon of Germall Plus (this is a paraben free perservative) - this is at Wholesales Supplies Plus.

The Ingredients

1 1/4 cup hot water
1/4 cup emulsifying wax
1/4 cup almond oil (or olive oil - or even a mixture of both)
24-36 drops essential oil


I have bought my emulsifying wax from Mountain Rose Herbs and Wholesales Supplies Plus.  (Wholesales offers free shipping if you spend over $30 bucks plus they have EXCELLENT customer service)

You can also get several essential oils or fragrances from both these sites.


The Mixture

You will need two glass containers - In the first glass container (or you can use a large coffee cup), combine emulsifying wax and oil. Place in microwave for 60 seconds. Remove and set aside.

In the second glass container, heat up water in the microwave for about 60 seconds. (I heat mine up for 66 because its easier just to hit the ‘6’ button two times in a row – I know, complete laziness – I told you it was easy though)

While the water is heating up in the microwave, put any essential oils you are using in the wax/oil mixture. I used some vitamin E oil, calendula oil, vanilla and lavender essential oils here in this one.

When the water is done heating up, it will be pretty warm – be careful.

Now the fun begins, pour the hot water into the wax/oil cup and you will see it turn a milky white color.

Pour the hot lotion mixture into wide mouth jars (uncovered) and let cool overnight on the counter (not in the fridge). I stirred the lotion once every 30 minutes or whenever I had time or was in the kitchen.

The next morning the lotion will have set and cooled completely.

Path to Happiness

Last week was one of the most inspiring weeks I’ve ever experienced. I’m not sure why, there was nothing particularly note worthy going on in my life – but I still experienced restless nights filled with grand ideas, striking revelations and endless personal goals. 

Today, I wanted to share a few pictures of my family enjoying spring and a walk to the creek... as well as some things that help me be filled with energy and a positive attitude.

1. Purpose

I think a good way to find out your purpose in life is to realize what is NOT your purpose.

Realizing that making everyone happy and comfortable was not my purpose in life was something that benefited me greatly. Though I am genuinely sorry and it’s never my intention if someone feels offended or gets upset, but I’m not going to change who I am to make someone feel better about themselves.

My purpose, right now, is to be a wonderful role model for my daughters (and my husband). For me, this entails always asking questions and giving my best. I also want to be a spiritual role model for them – showing them that they can experience divinity in every aspect of life and nature.

2. Enjoy Life

If I wasn’t happy in what I was doing, then I wouldn’t be doing it. Seriously.

Now you might ask, are you really happy when you have to clean the kitchen? And the answer is, yes, I truly do get joy from my basil scented kitchen cleaner and the blinding shine emanating from my countertops.

Am I happy when I have to clean up cat throw up – no, I’m not, so I make my husband do it. (thanks babe)

Life should be cherished – in an moment everything has the potential to change, that is the perspective I carry. I smile and I enjoy life.

4. Harbor Forgiveness (And Ask For It Often)

"When you hold resentment toward another, you are bound to that person or

condition by an emotional link that is stronger than steel.

Forgiveness is the only way to dissolve that link and get free.”

– Catherine Ponder

In my opinion, there is nothing so bad that cannot be forgiven. Nothing.

Some might argue (my husband for example) in the case of child abuse or, say, the Holocaust, that these people have no “right” to forgiveness –it must be earned. I am not defending these actions, but they can be forgiven. In extreme cases like these, one must forgive everyday.

In my experience, if you are at war with others you cannot be at peace with yourself. Being willing to forgive can bring a sense of much needed peace.

In my opinion and my own experience, forgiveness is the most important single process that brings peace to my soul and harmony in my life.

Forgiveness is not something we have to do, but something we must allow to flow through us. The closest one can come to the Divine (to God) is to forgive. (In many cases, this means forgiving yourself!)

5. Surround Myself with Positive People

It is imperative to me to surround myself with those people who are going to challenge me, help me grow, and educate me along the way.

In the past, I had wasted so much time trying to change the perspective of negative people without any success that I took a review of my strategy. I now make it a point to be around people who tend to do three things (1) appreciate what they have (2) appreciate the potential in circumstance (3) look forward instead of revisiting the past.

This is not to say there is no room for these people in your life because I believe there is something to be learned from each individual we come into contact with.  Even those who may bring us down offers us a lesson that we can take with us as we continue on with life.

6. Be Grateful

When you experience an outcome you have the power to choose to fight or resist.

Even when terrible events happen, our perception of something going wrong is only a perception, that is all. A misguided perception.

Nothing ever goes "wrong”. It is only based on a lack of deeper understanding. When you have developed a crystal clear understanding that all things work for the greater good no matter how seemingly bad things may appear it becomes much easier to show gratitude, always.  

It's important for me to recognize and express gratitude for the fact that EVERYTHING in my life is a miracle.

“You can become blind by seeing each day as a similar one. Each day is a different one, each day brings a miracle of its own.

It's just a matter of paying attention to this miracle.”

– Paulo Coelho

 

coming soon ...