After a long, cold winter and the sometimes dreary penetrating cold of spring, you are absolutely ready to get outside when the sun starts shining warm and bright, right?? But, sadly, what else wakes up at about the same time?? Yup – the bugs…the black flies, the mosquitoes, the ticks...
And get this…according to the World Health Organization, the mosquito is the deadliest of all animals...
For centuries, plants or smoke from fires have been used to naturally repel insects. But, over the last 100 years or so, these were replaced with toxic chemicals. Is anyone surprised by that yet??
DDT was the first modern synthetic insecticide. Introduced in the 40’s, there was a jingle to go along with it – DDT is good for me-e-e!! Anything that has a jingle must be good for us, right? 😉
But the EPA issued a cancellation order for DDT in 1972 because of its adverse environmental effects to wildlife and people. Go figure.
Then came DEET and other toxic chemicals and even chemical coated clothing. Now think about your skin being porous… DEET has been associated with seizures, numbness and behavioral changes, nasal cancers, compromised immune systems, cardiovascular toxicity, respiratory distress, and severe allergic reactions. DEET brought on a change in the brain of after just a brief exposure to it…and mosquitoes and other insects can develop an insensitivity to it…
38 essential oils were studied in 2005 to look at their ability to repel mosquitos. Let’s take a look at a few.
Citronella with vanillin provided 3 hours of protection, is calming, and helps you think about those things that “bug you”…and you might just find that those “pesky annoyances” are just the things you need to be more accepting of in others...so you can accept them in yourself…
Lemongrass along with citrus or tree oils with vanillin was superior to DEET and also releases resentment, regret from those “should haves”, and pessimism, turning those negative energies into positive ones, so optimism, courage and hope can return.
Cedarwood oil protects against a variety of insects including ants, fire ants, ticks and moths. It helps you feel safe and secure with yourself as well as in your environment, kind of an energetic feeling of a safe warm blanket…so it’s a double blessing for supporting annoyance free sleep for those overnight adventures in the great outdoors…it also has skin cleansing properties and is a natural deodorizer…all great benefits for that active, outside lifestyle.
You can blend it with citronella, rosemary, tea tree, myrtle, clove or lemongrass. Sounds like a win in any situation, right??
Other great oil options are Cinnamon Bark, Geranium, Juniper, Lavender, Peppermint, Sage, Spearmint, Tea Tree and Thyme.
If you aren’t a fan of DIY’s, I’ve got you! Have you tried YL’s insect repellant?? It repels mosquitoes, ticks and fleas with no DEET, or any of the other toxic crap we talk about, is safe for children and for those with sensitive skin.
We tried this out on a walk one day…Delaney and I put it on. Dana did not. Normally the bugs don’t bother him, so he wasn’t worried. It was pretty hysterical when just a little bit into our walk, he is swatting at the bugs that had congregated around him, while Delaney and I are walking along, bug free…he tried to out run them, he swatted at them with his hat, he spun around…nothing worked. That was proof enough for me! LOL We put ours in a roller bottle or a spray bottle for easiest application and one bottle lasted us for a couple of years! Still effective!
There you go, my friends! A little help with that bug free late spring and summer.
What's on your summer bucket list??
Whether you were around for any of these decades or are simply appreciating all they brought to our current culture, these blends will take you back to the best of the years. Diffuse it, roll it, spray it - no matter how you use these combinations you're gonna love them!
You can use these same recipes as a diffuser blend, a 10mL roller blend (https://amzn.to/3rE96Gt) or a 2oz spray (https://amzn.to/3L9Jb0M). To use in the diffuser, follow the recipes as is or simply add a total of up to 12 drops in most diffusers (up to 20 for the Aria!)
For the rollers, add a total of 30-50 drops of oil and carrier to a 10mL roller bottle.
For the spray add a total of about 25 drops to the bottle. If you want a larger spray bottle, simply double the amounts. To use the sprays, add the ingredients to a bottle, invert to mix and spray onto surfaces or skin as desired.
50's Recipes
Sock hops and swing dancing and all things happy and wholesome.
60's Recipes
The era of nostalgic music and the beginning of many modern technologies!
70's Recipes
Bell bottoms, braids and big social change, this era was one to remember.
80's Recipes
Cue the big hair and leotard cause we're blasting it back to the 80s with these blends!
90's Recipes
This era might be the most nostalgic of all…
What's your favorite era??
I'm sure you have a favorite way to start the day, just like I do. I love listening to the Daily Inspiration on the Tapping Solution app. Just a quick couple minute listen can really give me a lot to think about for the rest of the day, and maybe even something to share with someone else at just the right time.
Today's email comes from Jessica at the Tapping Solution...I highly suggest if you haven't heard of tapping that you take a few minutes this week to check it out! Life has a way of being a little overwhelming at times, you don't sleep well, your mind won't stop racing, you aren't feeling quite right, or just need a little quiet time and space...that is where the Tapping app comes in handy! Simple quick reset to get you back on your way.
When's the last time you reminded yourself that it's okay, you are human, you are doing your best, and nothing has gone wrong...despite all that might be going on around you?
Yeah...I thought it had been awhile...
Here are a few simple reminders for you to consider today...
*1. It’s okay that things don’t turn out how you expect them to. We've talked about those expectations - they are just disappointments in waiting. Why do you keep doing that to yourself?
*2. It’s okay to adjust course and choose another path.
*3. It’s okay If you don’t have all the answers right now. Life has a way of working things out if you stay out of the way. ;)
*4. It’s okay to be a beginner and be clumsy when trying something you’ve never done before. So hard, isn't it?
*5. It’s okay if it all takes some time…more time than you thought…
*6. It’s okay to feel your feelings, whatever they are. You won’t stay there. They won’t take you out. Don’t keep holding that emotional beach ball under the water, or after it explodes out of the water yet again, don’t chase it and shove it back down again…Watch it just ride the waves, gently sitting on top of the water. Take note and learn...
*7. It’s okay If you don’t always feel okay.
*8. One that’s super hard for me…It’s okay to ask for help...Are you sure? LOL
*9. Another challenging one for me…It’s okay to rest even when there’s a lot to do…or rest just because...
*10. It’s okay If you need a break from growing and to make space to just be. Can you just be in the moment? It’s the only thing you have any control over…think about that for a minute…
Maybe you need to create your own reminder to take throughout your day today…so complete the sentence for yourself…”It’s okay to_________”. What is it okay to do, to feel, to be?? What comes to mind??
Take a deep breath and allow yourself to be in this moment. You took the time to read this…how are you going to apply it to your day?
Be well.
Feels like summer, doesn't it?? Here's a little head start...
Now for a little fun and education with this month's free gifts with purchase products with a little help from Nan at experience-essential-oils.com! Ready??
DiGize
Stomach, digestion and elimination support…It may not be your favorite smell, but the instant results it brings sure will be! I like to rub it on my belly button when I need that extra tummy support, or I will also drop it under my tongue – no taste buds there, and it is the fastest way to get it into your system.
Peppermint, fennel, juniper, lemongrass, patchouli, ginger, and tarragon help support emotional processing. Are you disillusioned? or lack compassion or hope? need a little help releasing those beliefs that are being held in your stomach, large intestine and small intestine meridians...which are associate with your "gut feelings"? This oil might be for you.
It will also help you assimilate or process information, especially information that is hard to "stomach" or that you don't want to let go of (going over it in your head repeatedly), helping you understand and let it go.
Dilute 50-50 and apply 2-4 drops on ears, wrists, neck, forehead, temples, feet, or to chakras. Inhale straight up or diffuse. "Vitality" labeled Digize can be put in a capsule, or put under your tongue.
Want to learn more? Check out this VIDEO and learn from Erin Rodgers.
Citronella
I will be going through all the citronella soon enough…Spraying it in my open window at night…on my pillow, around my head, diffusing it beside my bed…all the places to keep the little mosquito vampires away…if you think you are too small to make a real impact on the world, just consider that one mosquito in your room at night…
Traditionally used to prevent food spoilage, it is one of the oldest used plants for insect repellent before the arrival of DDT. Used all over the world for thousands of years and today it can be found in many candles, sunscreen, and even skin care products. Funny part is, this oil smells so much different than the icky smell of all the stuff at Walmart or other discount stores…
Nan says it helps to release the energy that creates anger, frustration and separation, calming your emotions so you can resolve the inner reasons for the conflict. It helps you evaluate the things that “bug" you on a deeper level. Once you are settled, you may find those "pesky annoyances" are exactly the things you need to be more accepting of in others so you can accept yourself…sit with that for a bit…those things that bother you in others are really things you need to face in yourself...Sit with that for a minute, my friend...
These handy little pump spray tops are available on Amazon! My Citronella bottle will look like this!
Detoxzyme
An enzyme powerhouse that completes digestion, helps detoxify and cleanse your system. Excellent for bloating, gas, and lactose intolerance. Helps flush your body of dead white blood cells. Cumin powder provides natural iron and helps with blood sugar. If you have a sweet tooth, this is a good choice! Mine has all but disappeared since I started using this supplement!
The ingredients help break down starches, breads, pasta, table sugar, meats, dairy, eggs and grains, seeds, nuts, leafy greens, dietary fats and oils, man made fiber, plant fiber, fruits, veggies, beans and more. Supports digestion and liver function; supports blood to help with inflammation, and bone health by pulling needed minerals from grains.
Rose Ointment
Deeply moisturizing, protecting and nourishing for dry, chapped, sensitive skin, improving and softening skin while helping to maintain its natural pH balance.
Perfect for use on babies and children, on your lips, cuticles, elbows, knees and wherever you have dry skin.
May also help with non-cystic acne, aging skin, minor cuts, chapped or cracked skin, stretch marks, and age related wrinkles. Many people use this just inside their nose to help protect them from all the stuff you are exposed to while traveling.
It can be applied directly over other essential oils or directly on the skin. If essential oils are used, apply oils to skin first. Simply gently massage into dry skin, even several times a day. Avoid your eyes and do not use on heat-stressed skin.
Are you ready?? Mother's Day is just a few days away! There is still time to grab gift certificates for your favorite mommas! Foot detoxes, Raindrop, Vitaflex, wellness scans…mix and match!!
Vitaflex hands on class Sunday May 21 from 1-5pm here at the house! This class would normally cost $140 but I am offering it free to 10 people to help me prepare for my upcoming certification class! Only a couple of seats left! Hit reply and let me know you're coming!
'Til next week...
Two words...
Two little words that could change your life, that blur your ability to be honest with your self...
Any guesses??
"The best years of your life are the ones in which you decide your problems are your own. You do not blame them on your mother, the economy, or the president. You realize that you control your own destiny." Albert Ellis
What words did you come up with??
If you thought of "can't" and "won't", you're right.
How often do you throw these words around?
"I can't find the time to get up and workout every day."
"I can't forgive her for what she's done."
"I can't ask for help."
"I can't (fill in the blank) because...I can't afford it, or I'm afraid to..."
99% of the time when you say "can't", what you really mean is..."won't". You're not willing... You will not.
In other words...you don't really want to...
You don't want to do the work, or take the chance, or be uncomfortable or inconvenienced.
Let's try replacing that can't with won't...
"I won't get up and workout every day."
"I won't forgive her for what she's done."
"I won't ask for help."
"I won't (___) because I can't afford it...or I'm afraid to..."
Feels a little different, doesn't it??
When you use the word "can't", you feel like a victim, powerless with no control over your time, energy or choices. You take no responsibility for your life.
"Won't", however, helps you feel and show up more powerfully. You remember you are the one in charge of your thoughts and actions. You get to determine how you live your life. You feel more alive and energized.
So, my friend...which word will you choose today?
(Have you read Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo?? You will learn about this and so much more!!)
