Nesting With Grace

by Brooke Christen

Summer Oily Must-Have’s- DIY Bug Spray and More

It’s officially summer and we are so excited for sunny days filled with adventure and also those lazy days by the pool. It’s a season that requires a little more attention and preparation to keep ourselves safe. My girls have really been into checking the “UV index” to see when those rays are at their highest and lowest to plan for sunscreen. When I was their age I didn’t even know what the days weather would bring! From our favorite sunscreens to the best and safest way to keep bugs away, and everything in between, we’re sharing all the things that keep us happy during the summer.

Let’s get ready for summer with some of my favorite and most asked about essential oil recipes!

Diffusing to Keep Bugs Away and Summer Smells-

To keep pesky bugs away while enjoying our patio, we diffuse Citronella, an essential oil distilled from a type of Lemongrass. It has long been used as a natural mosquito repellent. Just a few drops in the diffuser outside. Plus smells so good! If you have a plug outdoors you can bring any diffuser outside. If not, I use this battery base to plug my diffusers in and can take them anywhere!

Quick tip! Dining outside & want to keep the bugs away? Grab an outdoor fan, put a few drops of Citronella + Purification on a clothespin (or two!) & attach to the front of the fan & you have yourself a giant outdoor diffuser!
There are diffuser blends we love especially for summer! Usually uplifting and energizing essential oils.
Grab your Summer Bundle and you’ll get the white ceramic diffuser, cards and waterproof labels all shown here from me! You’ll be able to make all these DIY’s and be on your way to enjoy the summer months to the fullest! Current customers can get this bundle and get cards and labels too! Fill out this form.
 Everything you need to enjoy the summer months to the fullest!! Grab your Summer Bundle (just add each item to cart) and you’ll get a diffuser, cards and waterproof labels all shown here from me! 

Bug Off Spray-

Connecticut summers would have us running indoors in the evening when the mosquitos came out to annoy. I’d never experienced anything like it before. So now, when I mention that we don’t have mosquitos at our home in Utah, people are like “yes wed do!”. A couple here and there just seem like nothing in comparison! I’m sure it depends on your location, closer to water brings more bugs. Not being a big fan of slathering the kids in chemicals, we’ve looked for ways to repel them with natural ingredients. I have a favorite Repellent spray and a DIY. I love this Insect Repellent because it works, it’s safe for the whole family (no deet here!), and is super convenient. It is also available in wipes!
This DIY is a great money saving option but, because it is a homemade repellent and doesn’t have toxins, you do have to apply more often.

 DIY Bug Off
In a 2 oz spray bottle
Add 10 drops each Citronella, Lavender
15 drops Purification
Sprinkle in a pinch of salt and fill the rest of the bottle with water
Note: If you want to use a larger bottle, simply double the recipe. Also if you feel you need a stronger formula or are extremely susceptible to outdoor pests add more oils

Itch Stick-

Bug bites and stings are an inevitable part of summer. Despite using bug spray, citronella in the diffusers, and swatting away pesky mosquitoes, I can’t seem to avoid those itchy bites! This Itch Stick, made with a few simple ingredients, provides soothing relief for the redness, itching, and swelling. Came in handy when we were hiking with family and my nephew touched a plant that gave him giant, itchy welts up his arm. I had this roller on hand and it took the sting away immediately and his red welts gone within 30 minutes! I keep it with me all summer long for all those bites and bumps we get with adventures!

 DIY Itch Stick 
In a 10ml rollerball, combine 10 drops Purification, 10 drops Lavender, 10 drops Lemon
Top with a carrier oil
Roll on bug bites & itches.

*Tip. We also love the premade Owie Roller

Sunscreen and Glow-

We love using body oil for a moisturizer during the summer, not only enhances the appearance of arms and legs (or really any body part on which you apply it), but it also does wonders for hydration!! Dry skin gets a lot of attention in the winter, but what about summer?!

The drying effects of the sun combined with plenty of time in the pool or ocean can leave your legs looking dry. That’s why body oil is my go-to in the summer. All you have to do is add a bit of shimmer for the perfect lightweight moisturizer. Or this Glowscreen sunscreen has a shimmer.

Shimmer Body Oil
In a 2 oz bottle
Add sunflower oil (or any oil you prefer) and leave a little room for
1/2 teaspoon bronzer or bronzer eyeshadow
2o drops Lavender essential oil
Shake well before each use
Your DIY body oil may look dark in the bottle, but trust me, it isn’t going to transform your skin to that shade. The effect is very subtle, and the shadow tends to settle at the bottom of the oil, so you’ll need to shake before each use to recombine.

Sunscreen-

I always type in google “EWG rating for x” whatever product I am looking to buy. Especially sunscreen. I want it safe for our bodies and also reef safe. Not all sunscreens are created equal. Recently companies pulled several sunscreens from market shelves after independent testing had found they were contaminated with a cancer-causing chemical called benzene (article here). We love Young Living Mineral Sunscreen, especially for face, it is reef safe and free from harsh chemicals. And I also use Supergroup PLAY Sunscreen for bodies and lots of people, rated a 3 on EWG.

After Sun Spray-

LavaDerm After Sun Spray is your first aid kit BFF!! LavaDerm brings relief from the pain and itching of minor burns, cuts, sunburns, scrapes, insect bites, or really any minor skin irritation. Whether or not your skin has seen a little too much sun or wind, this spray will help you feel soothed and refreshed! Apply after a day outdoors for relief.
Quick tip!! If you need some relief ASAP and don’t have any LavDerm on hand, try this DIY After Sun Spray:

DIY After Sun Spray
In a 2 oz spray bottle add
2 tbs pure aloe gel
5 drops Peppermint  
20 drops Lavender
Distilled water to the top
Shake before each use

Lavender will soothe and peppermint will be immediately cooling. Bring on the nice weather and all things oils!!

Ningxia Superfood Drink-

Ningxia Red is a powerful antioxidant supplement that has some amazing health benefits! Basically it is an antioxidant POWERHOUSE. This daily drink has so many health benefits it’s hard to list them in one place! Freeze the packets for a slushy-like afternoon treat, add them to smoothies, over ice for a healthy snow cone or even make your own healthy popsicles! 
If there were only one habit that you could start or continue during the summer, a daily dose of NingXia Red would be it! For everyone in the family!
Happy Summer!!!
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