Summer Survival Recipes

It is summer.  It is hot.  It is humid.  And you will be spending even more time in the great outdoors.  To survive the elements, you will need sunscreen, bug repellents, a salve for sunburns, and even a spritzer to keep cool.  But do not reach for the chemical laden bottles yet.  There are natural and easy to make alternatives to these necessities of summer.

Your health is determined by what you put on your body just as much as what you put in it.  The following recipes can empower you to make healthy and safe decisions for you and your family.

Sunscreens

A sunscreen can be made by using a natural zinc oxide ointment to natural body lotion.  Some oils have natural sunscreen properties, like sesame oil and jojoba.  It is possible to create an effective sunscreen without depending on zinc and titanium.  Just combine the following:

2 ounces sesame oil
2 ounces aloe vera gel
1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
24 drops lavender essential oil

Sesame seed oil decreases the effects of the sun's burning rays by 30%.  Other oils like jojoba, olive, and avocado oil decrease the effects of the sun's burning rays by 20%.  Use caution if you choose to use citrus oils as they reduce any sunscreens effectiveness.

Remember to exercise good judgment when in the sun.  Overexposure no matter what kind of sunscreen is dangerous. 

Bug Repellent

Essential oils are incredibly effective as a bug repellent too.  Alarming stories about DEET and other chemicals used in popular bug repellents have many people searching for natural and safer alternatives. 
Use this recipe for an effective and safe bug repellent:

20 drops Eucalyptus oil*
20 drops Cedarwood oil*
10 drops Tea Tree oil
10 drops Geranium oil
2 oz. carrier oil ( such as Jojoba )

*you can use Lemongrass or Citronella if you choose.

Mix together in a 4 oz. container. Apply to skin as needed avoiding the eye area. Keep out of reach of children. Test on a small area of skin for sensitivities.  Do not use on babies under 2yrs of age.  Some essential oils are too strong for babies to process through their systems safely. 

After Burn Soothers

Aloe Vera is a great plant for your skin.  The sap from an Aloe Vera leaf can be applied directly to the skin for sunburns, rashes and insect bites.  To cover a larger area try mixing it with a little natural body lotion. 

Spritzers

Keep cool in the sun and spritz.  A spritz is a water mixture with a scented oil.  Use an oil with a refreshing scent like peppermint.  Combine peppermint oil with distilled water in a pump bottle.  Shake before using.

With these recipes there is no reason to visit your local drugstore except to pick up some containers for your creations.

Product of the Month:  Fluffy Bear Baby Powder

In keeping with the theme of handling the heat we chose powder for this month's product.  Fluffy Bear Baby Powder is from our Wild Natural Baby line.  Our powder is talc free and made with natural ingredients.  Fluffy Bear Baby Powder is not just for babies.  Sprinkle powder on your body to cool down and refresh yourself after a long day at work.  Use a little powder in your shoes to keep them fresh and remove any moisture.  A little powder sprinkled in your bed makes your sheets feel soft and the soothing scent is just as relaxing.  A little powder is great for handling any irritation or excess moisture leaving you feeling renewed and invigorated.


Exercise - Imagination

Use your imagination.  Sit down and envision a pleasing scene; daydream.  Too many of us have effectively buried the urge to daydream.  The focus nowadays is to face things realistically.  Although its important not to delude oneself but it is also important to envision your life as you would like it to be.  What do you want?  Play it out in your head and feel good.  Let it inspire you in real life.  Letting your imagination go can feed your spirit and act as a blueprint; inspiration to build your life the way you really want it to be. 
Have fun and dream.