Raines Realm

So its definitely that time of year. The time when everyone around us is either in the middle of being sick, starting to get sick, or almost over being sick. Its rough! So, what is one to do when running the gauntlet of illness smack dab in the middle of the holidays? My go-to for getting us through this time and throughout the whole year, is my Thieves blend essential oil. I love it! The smell is amazing and its such a comfort to have this in my toolbox. It smells like the holidays, which then makes me wonder if the holidays smell like the holidays because people double up on these specific ingredients during this time...but I digress... I use thieves literally every way that I possibly can! I diffuse it throughout the day. I make roller bottles with it that we all apply to our spines and feet daily. I make an amazing tea with it, using just one drop mixed with lemon and honey. I mean seriously, if you think it smells amazing, it tastes even better! I love mixing it with my ...

Do you get anxiety every December? Do you find yourself in debt when January rolls around? Do you dread all the chaotic shopping of the holidays? There really is a better way. I used to freak out every year around this time. I obsessed over trying to show my love for others by the price tag on their gift. It took all of the joy out of giving, stressed me to the max, and left me worrying about January's bills. This season is not a competition for who can spend the most money. Its also not about matching the cost of gifts that are given to you. Its about the love and care that goes into choosing a gift for someone else. In our home, we make pretty much everyone's gifts during the holidays now. This ensures that everyone gets personalized gifts that suit them and a lot of thought goes in to each and every one! We also don't go into massive debt. I prepare by purchasing the materials throughout the year, so I don't have to worry about getting everything in Decemb...

Do you ever have mornings where you can't even find the energy to get out of bed? Are they most mornings? Do you dread Mondays and the week ahead? I used to be that way, just kind of existing in life. I felt like there had to be a different way. I didn't want to get to the end of my life and look back feeling like it was wasted. So, I started thinking about the things I was passionate about! What goals and dreams would really fulfill my life. And, then I turned them into a way for me to help others! Its not always going to come easy and you will have to work hard for it. But, it is possible for you to live your dream life! It means not taking no for an answer when you're going after your goals. It means looking at the long-term, bigger picture and going after it with every fiber of your being! It also means believing that its truly possible. That's generally where we trip ourselves up. We say things like I'll try and see. Don't try, don't give yo...

I've recently been trying to add a lot more hygge to my life. Pronounced hue'gah, the Oxford dictionary defines it as  A quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being (regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture). To put it simply, its the little moments. Its a hot cup of tea by the fire, its a picnic in the woods, its enjoying the sounds of the evening. Its putting the phone down! (After you read this, of course). When you take the time to truly experience and observe your atmosphere, you create a calming and fulfilling effect that benefits you mentally and physically. Our lifestyles can be very demanding and cause us to have to rush around, rarely enjoying life's little pleasures. It is crucial that we take the time to savor those little moments throughout the day. When you incorporate hygge into your life, your mind will start to be able to focus and concentrate in a more productive way,...

I have been on the most amazing albeit challenging wellness journey for the last couple of years. Its something that I dabbled in pretty much my whole life, but I've been increasingly serious about it after the birth of my child. I have learned some amazing things and I have learned some scary things! It has been a roller coaster ride that has resulted in me being in amazing shape and improving daily. Food is my medicine and I am very conscious about what I put into and on my body. If its not contributing to my health, I pass! Every single food affects you, from your physical state to your mental health. What you eat literally affects every fiber of your being. Its the crucial first step to real health. Healthy choices are self-love and the more you make them, the easier they are to continue. After food, environmental situations should be addressed. Is your environment (the products you use, chemicals that you are exposed to, household items, level of exercise) contrib...

With the weather cooling down, these are a perfect treat for the whole family! You can customize them in so many ways and they are kid-approved, healthy deliciousness.   You will need a dehydrator for this recipe or a warmer drawer on your oven. A high-powered food processor really helps when making the sauce, but its not absolutely crucial for this recipe. Raw Vegan Cinnamon Rolls 5 Bananas 1 cup medjool dates (soaked for 30 min and then pitted) 2 tbsp softened coconut oil 1/2 tsp vanilla extract Pinch of sea salt 1/2 c water 1. Slice bananas lengthwise into thirds and dehydrate until soft and pliable. 2. While bananas are dehydrating blend remaining ingredients until smooth. 3. Spread filling on banana slices and roll onto themselves until you have two banana slices rolled together into cinnamon bun shape. 4. Dehydrate rolls until the consistency you prefer. 5. Sprinkle with cinnamon and chopped walnuts. You can also sprinkle with nutmeg, add shredded coconut...

Chances are, you or someone you know has jumped on the amber necklace train. The question is, do they actually work or is it the placebo effect? Well, today, I am doing my best to answer that question. The science behind the medicinal use of Baltic amber is grounded in succinic acid. Baltic amber has the highest concentrations of succinic acid found in nature. This acid is released by your body heat and absorbed by your skin as a natural pain reliever. It is referred to as an antispasmodic and anti-fever by homeopathic doctors. You can find more information on succinic acid  here . Common medicinal uses for Baltic amber are relief from teething, headaches, inflammation of throat, ears, and stomach, rashes, stomach aches, earaches, fevers, colds, arthritis, carpal tunnel, and fighting infections and respiratory diseases. I can personally attest to the effectiveness of Baltic amber for teething as well as aches and pains. I have used an amber teething necklace for my daug...