Essential oils have been used since ancient times. Today, they are being rediscovered and are used in everything from aromatic blends to provide emotional balance, to boost the benefits of skin and haircare products, and even in healthy recipes to support every system of our bodies: immune, cardiovascular, digestive, hormonal, muscles and bones, respiratory, nervous system, . . . (did I miss anything?)

But essential oils are not all created equal. When the plants are grown in their natural environment, nurtured by skilled artisan farmers, harvested in optimal conditions and at just the right time, and then rigorously tested for purity, potency, and and efficacy . . .

the plants produce potent essential oils with powerful therapeutic benefits. When these essential oils are rigorously tested for purity, potency, and efficacy by a trusted source, they are precious gifts of nature.

We have access to the world's best source for pure, therapeutic grade essential oils and it's available to you too - and at wholesale pricing!  Please contact Joan at 505-920-2385 or complete the form below to learn more.

Recipe featuring pure, therapeutic grade Vetiver and Wild Orange essential oils

Lassi is a drink popular throughout the Indian subcontinent. It's made with yogurt, spices, and sometimes fruit. A traditional lassi is a savory and often flavored with roasted, ground cumin. Pureed fruit, most often mango, may be added for a "sweet lassi."

Todays lassi recipe is a hybrid. It starts as a Khus Lassi, then we add fresh orange segments, local honey, and touch of "khus syrup." or simple syrup made with pure, culinary grade Vetiver essential oil (recipe included below).

"Khus" is the Hindi name for Vetiver. Traditional khus syrup is made by soaking dry vetiver grass for 12 or more hours then straining to collect the extract. Sugar is then added and the mixture heated on a stove top until the sugar is melted. The syrup can be used to flavor sherbets, milkshakes, yogurts, and ice-creams.

Check out our two easy methods . . .

​Our two methods are much simpler and doesn't involve shopping for vetiver grass that is free of synthetics, coloring, and preservatives. We substitute the fresh grass with pure, therapeutic (culinary) grade Vetiver essential oils to produce a Khus Syrup or Khus Honey that is good for the digestive system, endocrine system, immune system, nervous system, neurotic and excretory system. It helps to support metabolic function, rejuvenates the body, and boosts immunity.

Ingredients (makes 1 1/2 cups of syrup)
​​1 c raw sugar
1 c water
3 drops Vetiver essential oil

Instructions
Heat sugar and water over medium heat. Stir continually until sugar is melted. Remove from heat and cool before adding the Vetiver essential oil.

Ingredients
1 c plain Greek yogurt
1/2 c chilled milk or half milk-buttermilk or nut milk
1-2 T Khus syrup or 1 T Khus honey
About 2 T local raw honey or to taste
1 c crushed ice

1 large navel orange
​2 drops Wild Orange essential oil

2 T chopped pistachio nuts or cardamom pods (optional; garnish)

Most essential oils on the market are not food grade. Often times, they contain synthetics, fillers, and other additives that are not safe nor intended for internal use. Please be sure to use our brand produced by the world's largest supplier of pure, therapeutic grade essential oils. that we recommend. Every bottle undergoes rigorous testing to ensure purity, potency, and efficacy.

Visit my retail store at www.mydoterra.com/joanlucci, email me joanlucci@gmail.com, call 505-920-2385, or complete the form below. You are welcome to buy at retail prices, but you can save 25% off retail when you enroll with a Wholesale account. It's quick and easy - no waiting period, no minimum orders, and no requirement to buy monthly.

It's so easy to dial in to this weekly class from the comfort of home or while you are en route (safety first, please). Be sure to save this phone no. on your cellphone and add this event to your online calendar!

Wanna reminder or would like to be automatically dialed-in to the teleclass? Complete the form below and take advantage of this time-saving option.

Click here for the most up-to-date information about this teleclass..

Frankincense  may be the most precious of the ancient oils.
​
Frankincense can mentally help focus "intention for the day," promote feeling of relaxation, and is often used in meditation. Apply to the bottom of feet, or try this “Star in the East” diffuser blend. Diffuse and fill your home with a warm, peaceful aroma that can be enjoyed by your entire household.

​Simply add these three oils to your diffuser:

​Frankincense offers powerful benefits when ingested or used topically:

• Take a drop or two sublingually (under the tongue) or in a capsule daily to supports healthy cellular function
• Add to moisturizer or a drop straight from the bottle  to help reduce the appearance of blemishes, rejuvenate the skin, and lessen skin imperfections

Please contact Joan at 505-920-2385, at joanlucci@gmail.com, or using the form below to find out how to qualify for a free 15mL bottle of Frankincense now thru December 31, 2016.

A purchase is required, but Joan will help you set up a Wholesale Customer account to save you 25% off retail whenever you decide to buy from the world's largest supplier of pure, therapeutic grade essential oils. There is no waiting period, minimum order, or any obligation to buy ever when you open an account.

frankincensepromo.pdfClick here for more details regarding this offer!

If you have traveled to Spain, Mexico, Portugal, France or in the Southwestern United States, like my city of Santa Fe, New Mexico, you may have experienced the churro: a delicately fried pastry that is crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. Some recipes begin with a pâte à choux, but the recipe we used for a "Cooking with Essential Oils" class at my friend Nubia's home is eggless and just four ingredients: water, sugar, salt, and flour.

Like a choux base, you boil the water, add the sugar and salt. When the sugar is disolved, you take the saucepan off the heat and slowly mix in the flour with a wooden spoon. It will have the consistency of mashed potatoes.

Most recipes will recommend you cool the dough, load it into a pastry bag, and (one-by-one) pipe and cut each churro in a pot of 375-degree, bubbling hot vegetable oil. With my "fear of frying," this takes me out of my comfort zone. And the thought of using this method in a cooking class of 10-12 people launches me to a place that's more like the Twilight Zone.

Here's the recipe, but please do continue reading as we share a two great technique tips and a safety note about using essential oils in recipes . . .

We used our trusty brand of pure, culinary grade Cinnamon essential oil to make our sugary coating for the churros and for one of our dipping-sipping chocolate flavors. The other dipping-sipping chocolate, served in four bowls, featured: Myrrh and espresso, Peppermint, and Wild Orange.

Click here to learn more about essential oils for culinary use and find out how to access our weekly essential oils teleclass (as in telephone ~ yes, you can join in by phone).

The only brand we recommend using as an ingredient in food and beverage, is doTERRA.  These are pure, therapeutic  grade essential oils that are clearly labeled as "supplements" ~ look for the "Essential Oil Supplement/Supplement Facts" on the side of the bottle to be sure they are safe for ingesting.

Where do you buy these essential oils? Click here to visit my retail store and open an account, but there is a better way . . .

Contact me to find out how to buy at 25% off retail.  Becoming a Wholesale Customer is quick, easy, and there is no waiting period, minimum order, or obligation to buy! Just phone me at
505-920-2385, ask for Joan, or email joanlucci@gmail.com to arrange a personal 15-minute overview of the buying options and enrollment kits that waive the 35.00 application fee, AND will save you more than 25% with your first order.

Click here to download the recipe for our churros and chocolate.

Vodka infused with black peppercorns is super easy to make at home using your favorite brand. It can be used in many cocktail recipes with a Bloody Mary as the obvious choice, Try it in a martini or a Dalmatian (grapefruit and vodka, known as a greyhound, becomes a Dalmatian when you substitute with black peppercorn vodka).

The first recipe takes a minimum of 7 days to infuse and up to 30 days for maximum potency. If you want, divide a 750 ml bottle of quality vodka and experiment by making both recipes.

Ingredients

2 T black peppercorns
1 (750-ml) bottle of good quality vodka (26.3 ounces or almost 3 cups)

Instructions

Slightly crack the peppercorns using a morter and pestle or plastic bag:. place in a plastic bag, remove the air, seal, and give it a few whacks with a rolling pin or the bottom of a pan.

Add the peppercorns to the vodka and move to a cool, dark place for one week. Every few days, stir or give it a few swirls in the bottle to combine. After 1 - 4 weeks, pour it through a fine mesh strainer to remove the peppercorns ~ pour into a sterilized glass jar or bottle with a tight lid.

This recipe can be prepared "al la minute," meaning prepared and served immediately. Less than 7 seconds as compared to a minimum of 7 days for our first recipe.

Ingredients

1 or 2 drops black pepper essential oils (use our therapeutic grade only)
1 (750 ml) bottle of vodka (26.3 ounces or almost 3 cups)

Instructions

Add 1 drop of black pepper essential oil to a 750 ml bottle of vodka. Gently stir or shake and taste. A second drop may be added for more intensity.

Measuring tip: Sometimes it can be difficult to get just one drop from the essential oil bottle. If you are concerned about adding too much essential oil (and overpowering your vodka), try this BEFORE you start infusing:

Pour some of the vodka into 2 or 3 shot glasses. You have three tries to dispense accurately: one drop in one shot. Start with one infused shot. Add to the 750 ml bottle of vodka. Gently stir or shake. Taste.

Repeat if you would like more intensity. When it's just right, add any remaining vodka from the shot glasses.

Black pepper essential oil contains important antioxidants, maintains healthy circulation, and may soothe anxious feeling when diffused or inhaled straight from the bottle.

Be sure to use pure, therapeutic grade essential oils for any recipe or use internally. Please contact Joan to find out where to buy the only essential oil brand she trusts for herself and her family.

UPDATE: NEW phone no. 505-570-5809 (dial-in, no PIN) - Thursday 6 PM MST

Learn about essential oils during the first 30 minutes. It's an A-Z approach beginning with essential oils that may be used three ways: Aromatically, Topically, and Internally. A marathon 40 essential oils in 14 weeks beginning Thursday, October 20, 2016.

The second 30 minutes is optional and focuses on the business of essential oils. Tips from the experts and systems including the Edge Success and Share Success.

Sit back and relax, or listen on-the-go. Dial in at 505-570-5809 or go online to www.uberconference,com/joanlucci.

Mark your calendar to attend this weekly class. Every Thursday evening at 6 PM mountain time, 8 PM eastern time.

Keep reading for the results of our informal poll and santadotfe's TOP 3 Essential Oils for Visual Artists and Photographers.

santadotfe recently conducted an informal and non-scientific poll of visual artists and photographers. We asked them  how emotions influence their creative process. The poll was taken online by a group of 67% women and 33% men.

First, we asked "Do emotions or "frame of mind" affect your art or photography?" and received a positive response:

Next, we asked them to complete the sentence "The most important mental state to facilitate my best work is  . . ." and gave a choice of six answers including "other." Here is how they answered:

"Focused and able to concentrate" at 50%
"Creative and inspired" at 25%
"Clear or unblocked (state of mind)" at 25%
"Balanced" at 0%
"Open minded" at 0%
"Other" at 0%

The third question,"Are you open to using essential oils to heighten your artistic consciousness?" was answered by the group as follows:
 
"Yes, I would like to know more" at 50%
"Maybe, I’m curious" at 33%
"No, I’m skeptical" at 17%

Based on the poll results our top three essential oils for visual artists and photographers are:

Learn more about Frankincense, Sandalwood, and the Grounding blend and how to use them:

Frankincense when inhaled or infused, induces feelings of peace, relaxation, satisfaction, and overall (physical and emotional) wellness. Frankincense supports the immune system and cellular health. It also promotes a healthy inflammatory response and acts as an overall tonic to the body’s systems, helping them function optimally. Frankincense promotes youthful, radiant–looking skin and slow the signs of aging by reducing the appearance of skin imperfection such as scars and stretch marks.

Frankincense helps with all five catagories of "mental state" referenced in our poll: Focused and ability to concentrate, Creative and inspired, Clear or unblocked, Balanced, and Open-minded.

​Use: Inhale or diffuse Frankincense to induce feelings of peace, relaxation, satisfaction, and overall wellness. Frankincense can also be appied to the bottoms of feet to relax and balance mood swings.

Sandalwood delivers a variety of benefits including enhancing moods. It has a sweet, woody aroma and is frequently used in meditation for its grounding and uplifting properties. Traditionally, Sandalwood is used as an incense in religious ceremonies and for enhancing meditation, and the Egyptians used it for embalming. Sandalwood is very beneficial to the skin and hair.

Sandalwood also helps with all five catagories of "mental state" referenced in our poll: Focused and ability to concentrate, Creative and inspired, Clear or unblocked, Balanced, and Open-minded.

Use: Inhale Sandalwood direct from the palm of your hand or in a diffuser to lessen tension and balance emotions.

Grounding blend (Frankincense, Sandalwood, and the Grounding Blend (Spruce, Ho Wood, Frankincense, Blue Tansy, Blue Chamomile) promotes whole-body relaxation and evokes feelings of tranquility and balance. Spruce was used by Native Amercans for medicinal and spiritual reasons and is still used to bring harmony to the mind and body. This blend may be used to soothe sore muscles and joints,

Grounding blend helps with three catagories of "mental state" referenced in our poll: Clear or unblocked, Balanced, and Open-minded.

Use: Apply to the bottom of feet to lessen stress throughout the day. Apply to wrists or neck to reduce anxiety or nervous feelings.

Click here for more about these TOP 3 and see the complete list of essential oils to heighten the creative experience and, specifically, promote a healthy "state of mind" in areas such as Focus & Concentration, Creativity & Inspiration, Clear & Unblock, Balance, Open the Mind, and more.

If you have any questions about the poll, or would like to learn more about pure, therapeutic grade essential oils to support emotional and overall health and well-being, please fill out the contact form below.

1. Eat Well and Maintain a Healthy Exercise Routine
Eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise keeps our weight in check, but it also helps with sleep. Eating high carbohydrate foods floods the muscles with glucose, causing involuntary muscle movements during sleep, which disrupts rest. Exercising too close to bedtime ramps up metabolism and body temperature and can make it difficult to fall asleep. If you get hungry before bed, try snacking on a hand full of nuts. Nuts provide protein and fat, which are not only satisfying, but are slowly digested, which can provide a calm sleep, and rich in magnesium, a mineral that helps to calm the nervous system.

2. Maintain a Rhythm
Try to maintain a regular sleep schedule, going to bed at the same time and waking up at the same time. Creating this rhythm helps regulate your body’s internal clock and may help you sleep better.

3. Just Say No to Alcohol, Caffeine, Nicotine, and Electronics
All of these can make going to sleep difficult. Don’t drink alcohol or caffeinated drinks too close to bedtime. Remove all electronics from the bedroom, including TVs,computers, and other electronic devices. Try to avoid bright light at least an hour before going to bed. Darkness will help your body begin producing melatonin, a hormone that naturally regulates sleep. To help keep your internal clock in balance, be sure to expose yourself to sunlight in the morning, which naturally tells your body to wake up.

4. Keep Cool
Make sure your bedroom is a quiet, dark, and relaxing environment, which is neither too hot, nor too cold. Your bed and pillows should be supportive, yet comfortable. If you experience shoulder, hip, or back pain in the morning, you can be sure you did not rest as well as you could have. It may be time for new bedding.

5. Wind Down
Your body needs time to shift into sleep mode, so spend the last hour before bed doing a calming activity such as reading or taking a warm bath. Certain drinks, such as chamomile tea, may be relaxing and non-stimulating.

6. Use Calming Essential Oils
​Essential oils like Lavender and Bergamot are rich in linalool and linalyl acetate, compounds that have well-known relaxing properties. These oils can be diffused aromatically in the bedroom to create a calming and peaceful environment, perfect for getting a good night’s sleep. They can also be used topically and taken internally to calm the nervous system, promote relaxation, and lead to a restful sleep. Try placing two to four drops of Lavender or Bergamot essential oil in a warm, herbal tea (Chamomile, Lemongrass, etc.), or another favorite uncaffeinated beverage about 30 minutes before going to bed, or add two to four drops of Lavender into an empty capsule and swallow about 30 minutes before bed.​

Here are our top five plus a complex that combines many of the most effective essential oils for sleep:

The Restful blend features lavender flower, cedarwood, ho wood leaf, ylang ylang flower, marjoram leaf, roman chamomile flower, vetiver root, vanilla bean absolute, and Hawiian Sandalwood wood. The Restful Complex combines the week-researched, relaxing benefits of Lavender essential oil and L-Theanine along with lemon balm, passionflower, and chamomile to gently promote relaxation and sleep.*

Be sure to use pure, therapeutic grade essential oils. Visit my retail store online or contact us at 505-920-2385 or using the form below to find out how open a Wholesale account within minutes!

A summer dish that is nearly perfect, and almost impossible to find in my high desert city of Santa Fe, is a "lobster salad" on a buttery, toasted hot dog roll: Meaty, rich, sweet and succulent lobster salad mixed with creamy mayonnaise, fine-chopped red onion and celery, and a hint of acid {lemon or vinegar}. Canned or frozen lobster tails lack the sea-fresh flavor that you expect of this cold, seafood salad.

​So, what's my solution to craving the perfect lobster roll in Santa Fe?

Recipe makes 2 large portions

 Instructions
Prepare an ice bath in a medium-large bowl ~ set aside.

In a large saucepan, bring 2 quarts of water to a boil. Add sea salt and 1/4 of the lemon. Reduce the heat to medium high and add half of the shrimp. Cook for 2 - 3 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and barely cooked through.

Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and set to cool in the ice bath. Return the water to a boil and cook the remaining shrimp. When shrimp are completely cool, peel and devein the shrimp. Set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to dry the shrimp.

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, white wine vinegar to make a thick vinaigrette  Mince or finely chop the onion and celery stalks. Add the vegetables to the vinaigrette mixture and gently fold to combine. Season with sea salt and pepper to taste, then carefully add the essential oils.* Gently fold in the cooled, peeled, deveined shrimp.

Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Assemble & serve
Butter sides of hot dog rolls and toast in a hot grill or stove top skillet. Line the inside of the roll with the lettuce. Overfill each roll with half of the shrimp salad. Top with a few reserved celery leafs. Serve, as we did, with something cold and fruity like mango slices topped with Peach Salsa {red onion, peach, cilantro} ~ a wedge of watermelon. and 1/4 grilled corn on the cobb are perfect sides too!

*Cooking with essential oils TIPS

Be careful not to add more than a drop or two of the essential oils ~ they are said to be 70 times more potent than the plant in herbal form. If concerned with measuring, remove a small about of the vinaigrette mixture to a small ramekin. Add the oils to the ramekin ~ taste before adding the small amount to the larger bowl of vinaigrette.

Only use pure, therapeutic or culinary grade essential oils with "supplement facts" and instructions for internal use on the side of the bottle. Please contact me, or complete the brief form below, to find out where to buy the essential oils that we use in our test kitchen and at home.

Open a wholesale account by August 27, 2016 and you may qualify for a FREE 15mL bottle of Lemon or, while supplies last, a 5mL bottle of Dill essential oil!

​Click here for details.

A perfect crisp, cold salad to serve as a side with grilled chicken or pork chop for a simple weekday dinner in July. And it stores well ~ make it the day before.

Fennel essential oils encourages healthy digestion, supports a healthy respiratory system, and may help promote healthy metabolism, liver function, and circulation.  Fennel may be used aromatically, topically, and internally.*

Take 1 or 2 drops internally, add to a veggie cap, to support healthy respiratory and to promote digestion. Add a drop to 4 oz. of water or tea to also help fight sweet cravings. Add to desserts and savory dishes to create depth of flavor. Diffuse to assist with respiratory.

Are you a member of our Loyalty Rewards Program? If so, Fennel is our featured product of the month! Please use the form below to contact me for more information about how you can qualify for a free bottle of fennel with your order placed on or before July 15 ~ or to learn how you can join the Loyalty Rewards Program.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

It's a bit early for the local produce, but keep this recipe on hand for the peak growing season:cucumbers, tomatoes, tomatillos, and fresh greens or cilantro. We are just weeks away from an over-abundance of tomatoes -- so, get ready for gazpacho -- Ole!

Makes about 2.5 cups; enough for 4 small servings

​ingredients
​1 1/2 medium cucumber
handful of ripe grape or cherry tomatoes, or two med tomatoes or tomatillos
1/2 - 1 clove garlic
Stale bread (2 medium sized chunks soaked in water)
Splash of white wine vinegar
Drizzle of extra virgin Spanish olive oil
A few drops of Cholula Hot Sauce (original or green pepper)

essential oils
3 drop of Lime
1 drop of Cilantro
​A handful of crushed ice

Combine the ingredients, essential oils, and crushed ice in a tall-sided bowl, pitcher, or blender. I used a hand, immersion-blender. Blend until well combined. Adjust to the desired consistency -- more bread for a thicker soup, more crushed ice or water for a thinner soup. 

If you are in New Mexico, please join our class this Saturday, June 25, at Cheeky Bubbles at The Agora, Eldorado (just 15 minutes outside Santa Fe) ~ 3 - 4 PM MST. Click here for more information.

Here are two recipes that will transform a fabric dog collar into a healthy flea collar.

The first recipe is quick and easy but the Castor or almond oil may stain. Please try on an inexpensive nylon collar ~ I don't suggest using on a collar like the pretty handmade collar shown in the picture. Our second recipe, a flea collar soak, should not stain.

By the way, love this colorful macrame paracord collar? Check back for instructions on how to make this dog collar or human bracelet.

fabric or nylon dog collar
​4 oz distilled water
10 drops Eucalyptus
10 drops Repellent Blend*
10 drops Lemongrass

* Use 20 drops of the Repellent Blend only if you want to keep it simple

Only use pure, therapeutic grade essential oils for the safety of your dog and family. Others may contain be contaminated with chemical and other additives that could be harmful to you and your pets.

Always check with your veterinarian to be sure your dog is protected from health risks and environmental threats of Summer including fleas, ticks, snake bites, heartworm, heat stroke and hyperthermia.

Please complete the brief form below and I will send you a link to my retail website AND information about how you can buy the very best quality essential oils at wholesale pricing!

What to do with leftover ingredients from todays Tiramisu recipe? The leftovers: two crisp biscotti savoiardi, more commonly known as lady fingers, and a bowl of lucious espresso laced with brandy and pure vanilla.

1.  Heat the remaining espresso mixture

2. Steam milk or half and half

Optionally add essential oils to the steamed milk or espresso mixture. My choice for essential oils that best compliment the Tiramisu flavors of espresso and cocoa: Myrrh (especially on a rainy or chilly day), Wild Orange (adds a bright zest; great choice for warmer seasons).

3. Top the coffee with the steamed milk

4. Serve with the leftover biscotti ~ dusting the steam milk and the biscotti with cocoa

P.S.

The "d" on the cup is for my sweeteheart, Derek. It's also for "delizioso."

Tomorrow, I am co-hosting a workshop where we will be learning a specialized aromatherapy treatment designed to bring your body into harmony. Malissa, our instructor from Lubbock, will use 8 essential oils during this intensive 6-hour certification workshop.

At the end of the day, we will celebrate with five more essential oils as healthy, happy ingredients in my virgin Sangria recipe: grapefruit, lemon, lime, wild orange, and ginger essential oil for a bit of zing!

1/2 bottle {1.05 liter} pure pomegranite juice
1/2 bottle {1.05 liter} pure black cherry juice
About 1 c pure elderberry juice
2-3 litters Club soda, seltzer, or sparkling water

Large orange
2 lemons {1 to juice, 1 to slice}
6-7 key limes {3 to juice, 3 to slice, one for optional garnish}
About a cup of green grapes; halved
About a cup of cherries; pitted and halved

About 3 drops of each essential oil: Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Wild Orange, Ginger

Mother's Day is just three days away and there is plenty of time to prepare this delicious sparkling cocktail recipe using Geranium pure, culinary grade essential oils. If you are enjoying a breakfast, bunch, or dinner out on the town, please drop me a line to find out where you may find this amazing cocktail in Santa Fe.

Prepare the Geranium simple syrup in advance ~ my test recipe was ready to serve in three hours, but it's best if prepared the day before. Pure Geranium essential oil is very similiar in taste and aroma to Rose and Rose Geranium. Geranium, in fact, is nicknamed "the poor man's rose" and is available at about 1/20 the cost of Rose essential oil {approx. 1125.00 for 15mL Rose, and it's very hard to find, as compared to 36.00 for 15mL Geranium; that is less than 15-cents a drop!}.

Be sure to use culinary-grade essential oils that are pure and unadulterated. Please contact me to find out where to buy Geranium and other culinary grade essential oils for your cocktail recipes and food preparation. Besides the incredible flavors, essential oils offer health benefits ~ inhale Geranium to help calm nerves and reduce stress. It can be numerous ways to promote clear skin and healthy hair.

Make a Lavender version of this cocktail by substituting culinary-grade Lavender essential oil in the Simple Syrup recipe. If you would like a simple syrup with a purple-lavender tint,  add a few raspberries or blackberries to naturally color the syrup.

Wondering how essential oils can be used to enhance the power of yoga?
​Here are three essential oils that are becoming mainstream in yoga classes.

If you live in or near Santa Fe, New Mexico, join Joan, Jackie, and Zulema for a free "Essential Oils for Athletes" class every Tuesday morning at 11 AM at The Gym at Eldorado ~ we begin the class with the Grounding blend and a relaxing 5-minute Savasana pose.

*Use pure, therapeutic grade essential oils only. Complete the brief form below and santadotfe.com will reveal the brand that we recommend ~ and we'll share how you can buy these proprietary blends and single oils at wholesale prices. We will also send you a link to the article and story that inspired this blog post.

Santa Fe and surrounding communities offer some of the best summer farmer's markets in the southwest!

The 2016 season for our neighborhood market begins June 3 for the Eldorado Farmers Market at La Tienda. It a short drive from the city of Santa Fe and features farmers and vendors from the wide argicultural reaches of northern New Mexico.

Please join Joan and friends of santadotfe for opening day and every Friday June 3 through early autumn. The table always features pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils to try from the bottle or used in recipe samples made à la minute {many on-the-fly} using local ingredients from the market.

Questions or ideas for the upcoming 2016 market? Use the form below to share what's on your mind.

Sometimes, a crispy English muffin is an irresistible pleasure. Today was one of those days. I am a purist that loves my english extra crispy with a coating of glistening, high quality, grass-feed, organic, salted butter ~ enough that there is enough to melt into every nook and cranny.

Much to my dismay, we only had a small "pat" of unsalted butter left in the refrigerator. A jar of coconut oil came to mind as a possible alternative to rescue me from culinary disaster ~ necessity, once again, an impetus for innovation.

The blend: half butter, half coconut oil, and a pinch of course sea salt. It melted perfectly ~ dripping into every toasty nook and cranny. And the flavor was on par or exceeding that of pure butter.

Try an essential oil to the blend: a toothpick-dip of Cinnamon, Wild Orange, or Lavender essential oil* with a word of caution: it may elevate the coconut-butter spread to mind-popping levels!

Give this coconut-spread blend a try.  Use the form below to let me know what you thought about this blend and, if you decided to be eo-adventurous, what essential oil you added.

Wondering about the health benefits of this "bad boy" combo: coconut oil, butter, and English muffins? Check out my sources that say they may be the "good guys!"

One list of ingredients + one recipes for two DIY personal care items. The body wash or hand soap is a quick, easy, and inexpensive project and makes a super hostess gift or gift for anyone, anytime, or "just because."

Add all ingredients to a spouted bowl. Mix thoroughly. Pour into glass pump container {glass is recommended for essential oils but is breakable, so be careful about where you set this in or near your shower or bathtub}. Before pumping and while hands are dry, give the bottle a shake before each use.

Remember, local honey is always healthier and better ~ for you, the bees, and our economy. Be sure to visit our neighborhood beekeepers and friends, Louella and Ed Constanza, at the Eldorado Farmers Market opening in June.

In January, instead of new years resolutions, I began developing "affirmations" and "setting goals" for those areas in my life that require care and attention.
​
One of my favorite tools to assist in the process is a Vision Board. Today, I'm sharing something very personal--my Vision Board. It took nearly 3-months to get it together-- it's not complete--it will never be finished. Why? Because it's where my dreams live, grow, change, come to fruition, evolve into new dreams.

Where to begin? My journey began with an affirmation: "See it to Be it!" The following is a prequel to an article that I wrote in January, Healthier, Happier 2016 as part of my personal quest.

How can essential oils help with affirmations, goal setting, and creating a Vision board? Science shows that various essential oils have the ability to affect every system of the body (brain, sensory, endocrine-hormonal, nervous system, immune system, and the release or inhibition of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, in the brain)--including psychological and physiological processes involved in emotions.

Now, you know my absolute favorite tool--my "treasure trove of essential oils." Comprised of more than 50 essential oils at last count, finding the right essential oil can sometimes be overwhelming. So, I started developing Six Cs : Quick Reference : Using essential oils for achieving emotional balance--it's still in the works, but I am sharing it with my santadotfe readers. Click here to download your free reference with the article.

by Joan Lucci, santadotfe.com
 
As the saying goes: If you can see it, you can be it. Making positive and lasting changes in our lives begin with visualization—picture yourself in that new, better, healthier and happier place.
 
What are your some of your goals for the next  year?
 
Are they health related?
Losing weight?
Getting in better physical shape?
Eating better?
Becoming a better partner, husband or wife, father or mother?
Taking time to relax?
Getting more sleep?
Getting to a better place emotionally?
 
Are they related to things that make you happier?
Volunteering more?
Reading or catching up on current events?
Traveling?
Taking time for hobbies: golf, tennis, painting, photography, collecting?
Creating more income or financial stability?
Spending more time with your family?
 
Essential oils can help support you with the process of setting and reaching goals and making affirmations.
 
Studies have shown that 100% pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils can help to reduce stress, elevate mood, and support emotional balance. Imagine the possibility that balance can lead you to greater confidence and clear visualization ~ remember, if you can SEE it, you can BE it!

Making essential oils a part of your daily regime can help you reach goals, turn affirmations into reality and lead to a healthier, happy new you in 2016!
 
To learn more about the health benefits of essential oils, organize a free essential oil class, and to explore how you can start an essential oils business, please contact me at: 505-920-2385.
 
Again, be sure to check out my Healthier Happier 2016 article and free booklet,
Six Cs : Quick Reference : Using essential oils for achieving emotional balance

Oysters--are they really an aphrodisiac? Yes.

Check out this article describing the creamy, briny, oyster as “one of the most notorious aphrodisiacs,” and “. . . high in zinc and have a reputation for being great for love and fertility. Researchers recently found that oysters contain amino acids that trigger production of sex hormones.” The article also references chili peppers giving our Chimichurri sauce extra aphrodi-si-points.

Where can I buy them? If you're coastal, they should be easy to find at your local fish monger. But for us landlubbers in Santa Fe, 700 miles to the nearest ocean beach, it's your neighborhood Whole Foods. Check with the store on Cerrillos {505.992.1700} or St Francis {505.983.5333} for price and availability: Friday is 1.00 oyster day! Otherwise, they'll cost you about 1.50 for each precious jewel of the sea. Whole Foods will shuck'em if you ask.

To shuck or not to shuck? That is the question. Well, un-shucked will stay fresh for a few days. Shucked oysters will need to be eaten within a few hours {5 or 6 maximum}. I say, shuck them just before eating for maximum aphrodi-si-activity.

What the shuck? Or rather, how to shuck and clean an oyster? An oyster knife helps, but you can use a flathead screwdriver or work very carefully with a small knife and kitchen towel. Here this video with Chef Rich Vellante, Legal Seafood, Boston showing the “towel technique” for shucking.

What are the important 3Cs of oyster preparation? Clean, Cut, and Cold--serve well chilled and on ice--for maximum aphrodisi-ac-ceptional oysters!

Celebrate the Year of the Monkey with a Happy Monkey Smoothie recipe.

We hope you will enjoy our Happy Monkey recipe and take time out to celebrate this joyful Chinese festival that promises fortune, harmony, and a sweet life in 2016.

Go to the end of this post for information about where and how to buy pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils and products including this amazing protein blend for fitness and weight management.

Things to know about the Chinese New Year celebration

​No sweep zone on day 1 & 2
Do not sweep or clean house on New Year's Day or the day after. It is believed that sweeping will sweep away good luck that is evident by the mess left behind from the celebration.

No. 8 is the luckiest number in Chinese culture--day 8
Some regard the 8th day of the New Year's celebration as a very good day to get lucky in business and other areas of life.

Day 15 is the Lantern Festival
Signaling the close of the New Year celebrations, the Lantern Festival happens on the first full moon. The lanterns represents a completion of this period of harmony or roundness as they lead visitors on their way home. The lanterns bring blessing of harmony, order, and unity for the year ahead. Eating round rice dumplings, a glutinous rice ball with a sweet filling, is traditional and represents wish that life runs sweetly and smoothly.

Sending wishes for sweet success and a harmonious life for 2016!

About the ingredients (protein powder & fruit-vegetable blend) in our Happy Monkey

PROTEIN SHAKE
Meal replacement--Convenient and delicious--provides essential nutrients and can be used to replace one or two meal daily
Stress reducing--One scoop includes 125mg of an herbal extract from the Ashwagandha plant; an formula that has been clinically demonstrated to help control the stress hormone cortisol. Elevated levels of cortisol, triggered by stress, cause problems with sleep, weight gain, appetite, and fatigue. 
Protein building--One scoop provides 8 grams of whey isolate and egg white protein. The blend provides important amino acids to help prevent deterioration of muscle mass and improve muscle tone during exercise.

Chocolate (40 servings 17.5 grams), Vanilla (40 servings 15.5 grams), and Vegan
39.50 wholesale/52.67
Ask about how to save money with bundled kits featuring an array of products from this weight management line.

FRUIT & VEGETABLE SUPPLEMENT MIX
Convenient powered greens--A proprietary blend of whole food fruits and super fruits, green blend, and grass blend combined pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils. Provides the body with essential nutrients and supports: immune health, digestive health, and weight management. GMO and gluten free; vegan friendly.

300g at 28.00 wholesale/37.33 retail

Complete the form below to find out where and how to buy these products or to apply for a wholesale account to save money and fully experience the amazing world of pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils.

Punxsutawney Phil emerges from his burrow on Gobbler's Knob to make his 130th prognostication on Tuesday, February 2, 2016. If he sees his shadow, there WILL be six more weeks of winter. If he does not see his shadow, there WILL be an early spring. Phil is always 100% accurate in his annual prediction and shares his secret to success:

OK, I made this up the "grounded groundhog blend." But my company really does offers a Grounding blend that promotes whole-body relaxation, soothes sore muscles and joints, and evokes feelings of tranquility and balance for humans and, for groundhogs, helps acheive positive thinking.

Sincerely,

​Joan

Tu B'Shevat, the festival of trees or "New Year of the Trees" is a Jewish holiday that begins at sunset on January 24, 2016 and ends at nightfall on the 25th. At this time, it is customary to eat foods featuring the Seven Species and to bless them before partaking. The seven species are wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, dates, and olives. {The recipe and sides below hit five of the seven species; see italicized ingredients.}

Today Tu'BShevat is celebrated much like our Arbor Day here in the United States. Trees are planted in memory of loved ones and friends. Click here for Tu B'Shevat recipes and to learn more about this holiday.

Serves 4
Suggested side dish wheat or barley couscous topped with pomegranate seeds

Set oven to 375. Heat olive oil in a heavy, oven-proof skillet that is large enough to hold the chicken in a single layer. Over medium-high heat, brown chicken on both sides {skin side down first}. Add shallot, 1 cup of wine, and the chicken stock to pan. Place in pre-heated oven for about 40 minutes {set timer for 25 minute} or until chicken is cooked; may be 45-50 minutes if chicken is on the bone.
 
During the last 15 minutes of cooking the chicken, begin preparing the orange wine sauce:

In small saucepan, heat remaining ½ cup of wine, wine vinegar, honey, and juice/zest of orange* if you don't have food-grade essential oils {zest of 1/2 an orange and juice of whole orange}. Cook over low heat until the honey is melted. Add the halved figs and poach, about 15 minutes, until figs and tender and sauce begins to reduce {will thicken slightly}.
 
Remove chicken from the oven. Set back on the stovetop. Test chicken to be sure it is cooked through. Set chicken back to the stovetop, set to a low-medium heat, and pour the orange wine sauce over chicken. Cook for a few minutes more; basting the chicken with the sauce and juices from the pan.

*Add the Wild Orange essential oil at the end of the cooking process to preserve the therapeutic benefits of this tangy, flavorful ingredient that is high in antioxidants and uplifting to body and mind. If you don't have fresh thyme, you may also add just a drop {or less, using a clean toothpick} of thyme essential oil.

​Tip to adding essential oils to a sauce:

Remove a small amount of sauce to a ramekin. Add the essential oil to the ramekin, stir to combine before adding back to the sauce. Be sure to give the sauce another stir before serving.

More recipe notes:

About safely using essential oils: Only use food- or therapeutic-grade essential oils  that have been GRAS {generally recognized as safe} tested for internal consumption. If the bottle doesn't have Essential Oil Supplement facts, do not take internally.

Honey: Whenever possible, use honey from a local purveyor. In Santa Fe, Louella and Ed Constanza, Constanza Orchards, are my go-to beekeepers. Honey contains natural flavonoids, antioxidants that can prevent or slow cell damage in the body.

Please contact joanlucci@gmail.com to learn where to buy pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils for use in recipes.