Happy Mother’s Day!  Make these yummy chips for your mom, your family, friends, or yourself!  They are super simple to make, very nutritious, and are delicious!  Make a double batch because once you and your loved ones try them, they will be gone in a flash!

Many people make these in a food dehydrator.  But if you don’t have one, you can easily make them in the oven.  Here are my instructions for making them in the oven.

Ingredients:

You will need either one bunch of kale or chard.  If you use spinach you will need a bag or at least a couple pounds

Organic lemon

2 Tablespoons organic, cold pressed, unrefined, extra virgin olive oil

1-2 Tablespoons nutritional yeast AND/OR organic powdered Parmesan cheese

Fresh organic herbs

Organic black pepper

Have you ever noticed that you look (and feel) most beautiful when you’ve just gotten back from a relaxing vacation or other similar experience?  People tend to tell you that you look “well rested”, glowing or even radiant when you feel your best, and it’s no coincidence. 

You actually DO look better after a relaxing or fulfilling experience.  It can take years off of your appearance. It also gives you that special “internal glow” that you can’t really buy from a visit to the dermatologist or aesthetician’s office. 

So, let’s talk about two of my favorite ways to get more relaxed, more zen, and more in line with your inner (and outer) beauty. 

Take a Long Walk Outdoors

Whether you walk or jog, or even combine the two, getting outdoors is one of the best ways to relax your mind and rejuvenate your spirit.  The blend of colors and scents in nature are a potent relaxant. 

Studies have found that merely being outside and mowing the lawn has a powerful relaxing and mood lifting effect. The natural chemicals given off by plant materials outdoors actually have a calming effect on the brain which explains why being outside has such a positive effect on so many people. 

     Today I’d like to talk to you about using essential oils in different ways to boost your mood, intensify concentration, and overall enhance your olfactory experience.  Essential oils can do this without inhaling the toxic chemicals used to make most other airborne scents and “environment enhancers” like air fresheners, candles, incense oils and more.

     I was reminded of the power of natural aroma the other day when I stepped outside to our magnolia tree in full bloom.  The tree is huge, so the blooms filled the air with a pungent sweet fragrance. That, combined with the warm and slightly humid air instantly invigorated me.

     It also transported me back to my youth and brought on feelings of nostalgia from my youth and smelling the warm scent of lilacs and magnolia in the spring time.  Scent is very powerful that way. It can transport you to the past, inspire you for the future, and remind you of a person, place or situation.  

     One of my favorite ways to instantly recharge and have a pleasant aroma surrounding me all day long is by making my own little wrist and neck spray with essential oils.  I combine Orange oil, which is uplifting and bright, Juniperus mexicana (also known as Cedarwood) for a nice woodsy touch of warmth, Clary Sage and African Chamomile.