Essential Oils

About 4 months ago a Pilates client of mine began dropping hints that I should start using essential oils at my studio and in my personal life.  This particular client is an esthetician and uses Young Living Essential Oils at her spa in Hollister, CA (http://www.mybellafaccia.com/Facials.aspx).  It was good timing on her part because I had started considering replacing many of my beauty products and home cleaning products with products that use natural ingredients.  I have really sensitive skin and have been searching for the perfect product that will clear up my acne AND leave my skin feeling healthy.  I decided to try Young Living Oils by purchasing one of their starter kits.  The results surprised me.  

My kit came with oils that are recommended for use on the face to help clear up acne (Frankincense and Purification).  I began by mixing a drop of each in my regular face cream.  The oils made my skin tingle a little bit and the scent was very pleasant.  After just a few days of applying my daily face moisturizer with the oils, I could see a difference in my skin.  My skin seemed healthier and my acne began to clear up.  

I also used the oils in my laundry to get rid of the mildew smell some of my workout clothes get after many uses.  And I made a concoction of lemon oil, thieves oil and water to clean dishes and wipe down counter tops.  It works great, smells wonderful and doesn't make me feel like I'm killing brain cells while inhaling it like most bleach based household cleaners.  

My only complaint about using these products is that they are very expensive.  With Young Living (if you sign up to be a member) you get the wholesale prices, but even with the wholesale discount they are still pricey.  BUT, I'm going to continue to use them because I was so satisfied with the results and, with a 19 month old baby at home, I feel better about using natural cleaning products in my home (BTW - Young Living has a whole line of cleaning product.)  

Want to know more about essential oils?  Are you a mom looking for natural products for your home? Are you interested in learning how to use essential oils to treat minor ailments? Great!
  
I've agreed to host a Young Living workshop at the dance studio this month.  Join us!

MAY 30th 

5:30PM

I hope to see you there!

Keep Moving,

Amy Redmond Waran

Owner/Artistic Director
Flying Colors Dance & Fitness

www.flyingcolorsdance.com

The Toddler Class Mat Problem

Teaching the littlest of little dancers can be a challenge if you don't have the right tools. Recently I've been searching for the perfect mat.  I use place mats to give the students a place to sit at the beginning of class which creates structure and helps students to stay focused.  Using mats also teaches the students about spacial patterns in the room, e.g. if I place the mats in a circle they are learning that where they stand in relation to their classmates creates a circle in space. BUT I've been having a hard time finding the perfect mat. 

I started with the non-slip gripper pads used to line kitchen shelves to keep your dishes or utensils from slipping (see above photo).  They work okay, but they are really easy for the students to pick up and play with and some brands tend to stick to bare feet.  I've also tried different types of tape which I cut into shapes.  Tap works great but is hard to get off the floor and leaves a sticky residue. 

Recently I have tried using bathtub mats. They come in all kinds of colors and themes and they have the little suction cups on the bottom that stick to my wood floors like glue, but come off as easily as the kitchen pads.  I bought three different bathtub mats and was able to cut each one into 6 squares.  They are bright, colorful, and so far the best option.  I would still like to find something even better. Something that will stick to the floor when in use, but easily removable.  It also needs to be very flat...ideally as thin as a piece of duct tape.  

Do you have any suggestions for great place mats?  How about other props or tools you use in your classroom?  I would love to hear about it.

Keep Moving,

Amy Redmond Waran

Owner/Artistic Director

Flying Colors Dance & Fitness

www.flyingcolorsdance.com