Recipe // Winter Minestrone Soup

This past weekend, we were hit with a pretty big storm in the Pacific Northwest. While the city didn't get hit too hard where we're at, there were some pretty crazy stories over by the coast! We still stayed inside since we weren't sure how bad it was going to get and decided to make some delicious minestrone soup. We followed Ina Garten's Winter Minestrone Soup recipe, but customized it just the slightest bit.

Here's how we customized (and it was still just as delicious!):

• We didn't include the pancetta

• We used vegetable broth instead of chicken stock because it's what we had on hand

• We skipped the white wine

• Instead of the garlic bruschetta, we made our own garlic bread using whole wheat buns, olive oil, and garlic salt. All you have to do is throw it in the oven and broil it on high for just a few minutes - it's delicious!

One of the best parts? It's almost a one-pot meal with the exception of cooking the pasta and making the bread. It was the perfect choice for a cold and stormy night in.

DIY // Festive Fall Wreath

Crafting is one of my favorite pastimes. But in all these years I had never made my own wreath! So this fall I decided I wanted to craft my little heart out and make us our very own custom and festive fall wreath. Even better? I made a little party out of it and invited a few girlfriends. We enjoyed cinnamon rolls, orange mango mimosas, and yummy fruit.

The supplies you need are:

1. Wreath frame. I purchased an 18" Grapevine Wreath from Michaels - it's the perfect size!
2. Bits and pieces of fall decor. I went during a Halloween and fall decor sale and used coupons so I was able to save quite a bit on the supplies. I purchased three hydrangea flower stems, one stem of fall-colored leaves, a gold-glittered pumpkin, a small bag of pine cones, and the cutest burlap ribbon with a festive print. They have tons of options so you can really customize the look you're after. And don't forget to check out your local Dollar Tree to save even more.
3. Hot glue gun and sticks
4. Wire cutters to cut through the flower stems
5. Twine to secure a bow like the one pictured and to hang the wreath (optional)

Putting the wreaths together proved to be more challenging than you would think! It was a bit of a struggle getting the flowers, leaves, and other items to stay secure on the Grapevine Wreaths, but there were a few tricks we learned along the way:

• When cutting the flowers, leave about an inch or so of the stem so you can use that as leverage with the hot glue in between the twigs of the wreath
• When gluing any bulkier items, like the gold-glittered pumpkin and pine cones, I found that gluing leaves to the wreath and then gluing the pumpkin and pine cones to the leaves worked like a charm

Ready to get crafting? I hope you'll share your creations with me! Tag me @essentiallybre on Instagram so I can see them.

Best Essential Oils for Fall Immune Support

I'm so excited that fall is here and I'm welcoming it with open arms! It's definitely my favorite season because of the sweater weather, pumpkin spice everything, fall colors, and cozy nights. However, the change in seasons from summer to fall can definitely wreak havoc on the immune system. Here are a few oils that can help support you and your family over the next few months:

dōTERRA® On Guard®

• Benefits:
  • Helps support a healthy immune function
  • Great for cleaning surfaces (check out dōTERRA's On Guard cleaner concentrate)
  • Can protect against environmental threats
  • Has an energizing, uplifting aroma (it truly smells like home!)
  • Can purify the skin and promote healthy circulation
• Ways to use:
  • doTERRA offers a full suite of On Guard products, including throat drops, hand wash, laundry detergent, and more
  • Add two to three drops in a veggie capsule for an immune boost*
  • Add to water for a natural all-purpose surface cleaner
  • Soak sliced apples in water and add a few drops of On Guard for a healthy, immune-boosting snack*
  • Combine a few drops with Fractionated Coconut Oil for a natural hand cleanser
  • You can also use On Guard from doTERRA's roller bottle. I love this option to roll it on the bottom of my feet to help support my immune system

Frankincense

• Frankincense is often called the "King of Oils" for its wide-ranging benefits
• Benefits:
  • Can promote cellular health
  • Supports healthy immune system function
  • Can reduce the appearance of blemishes
  • Rejuvenates skin
  • Promotes feelings of peace, satisfaction, relaxation, and overall wellness
• Ways to use:
  • Can be applied to the bottoms of feet to promote feelings of relaxation and to balance mood
  • Take one to two drops in a veggie capsule to support healthy cellular function*

Oregano

• Benefits:
  • Can provide immune-enhancing benefits
  • Is used as a robust cleansing and purifying agent
  • Is a great source of antioxidants
  • Can support healthy digestion and respiratory function
• Ways to use:
  • Take one drop daily to maintain healthy immune function*
  • Add one to two drops to a veggie capsule to support healthy respiratory function*
  • Put 10 drops in a 16-ounce spray bottle with water for a surface cleaner
  • Dilute and apply to bottoms of feet for extra immune support

Melaleuca

• Also known as Tea Tree Oil
• Benefits:
  • Well known for its cleansing and rejuvenating effect on the skin
  • Can help freshen and purify the air
  • Can promote a clear, healthy complexion
  • Protects against seasonal and environmental threats
  • Promotes healthy immune function
• Ways to use:
  • Add 1–2 drops to water, veggie caps, or citrus drinks to support healthy immune system function*
  • Add a few drops to water in a spray bottle and use on surfaces to protect against environmental threats

Eucalyptus

• Benefits:
  • Supports healthy immune system function
  • Cleanses and purifies
  • Can help to lessen stress
  • Assists with clear breathing and supports overall respiratory health
• Ways to use:
  • Combine with Peppermint and Lemon in a spray bottle and use it to wipe down surfaces in your home.
  • Place a few drops in the hands while showering, place over nose, and inhale deeply to invigorate and promote vitality

*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.