I'm super excited that summer has officially landed. This isn't going to be a traditional summer for my family. We're not taking our usual summer vacation(s), but I've already been enjoying our backyard, water feature, deck, grilling and other fun in the sun outdoor activities.
I wanted to share with you some fun and easy ideas to maximize your summer, while staying healthy.
First things first, some Fourth of July survival tips. If you have a roller bottle of the oil, it's pre-diluted with Fractionated Coconut Oil and safe for all ages. I'm going to talk about ways you can use both the "straight" or undiluted oil as well as the rollers, because you can use them both ways. Just know for sensitive skin, babies, young kiddos and the elderly you might want to stick with the pre-diluted version of the oils for safety.
Peppermint is very cooling and can lower our body temp. If you have a roller of it, go ahead and roll on back of neck and on your wrists. If you have the straight oil (hopefully it's doTERRA's with no added fillers), put a drop in the palm of your hand, rub hands together and rub on the back of your neck. I've even rolled and dripped a drop down my son's spine before a lacrosse game to A) keep him cool and B) give him a natural energy boost.
Lavender does more than just clam. If you've got a pet (I've seen this in action with a dog) who is scared or anxious with fireworks then Lavender is a great go-to to help keep them calm. Whether a roller bottle or the Lavender oil undiluted put 1 drop or roll into the palm of your hand and then pet your furry friend, the paws are also a great spot. doTERRA Lavender is safe for internal consumption so no worries if they lick at it.
The other trick is that Lavender essential oil is excellent for those critter and pesty bug bites (or stings). Simple apply to the irritated area to soothe the skin.
Speaking of bugs...TerraShield® Outdoor Blend is my go-to for safely and naturally keeping those creepy-crawly's off my skin to begin with. Not only does it work, but its unique combination of Ylang Ylang, Cedarwood, Catnip, Lemon Eucalyptus, Litsea, Arborvitae, Nootka, and Vanilla Bean Absolute actually smell good together. Spray directly to your skin and enjoy being outdoors. Now, if you happen to have the TerraShield® oil and you're in the comforts of your own home, I personally, like to diffuse the essential oil on my back deck.
Have you ever been to a party and you just don't seem to get full? I'm looking around and slowly raising my hand on this one. I don't know if it's the guilty pleasures I don't treat myself to often, the fact that someone else made the food or what the deal is, but I have been known to SOMETIMES overindulge on all the deliciousness. If you ate too many stuffed jalapenos, thought that extra brat (without the bun of course) was calling your name or that last homemade chocolate chip cookie looked lonely sitting on the plate by itself DigestZen® Digestive Blend is to the rescue! It's well know for its ability to aid in digestion and soothe occasional stomach upset. Add a few drops to water to take internally or roll on your stomach. If you can't get over the Fennel smell, like black licorice, then apply to the bottoms of your feet or bust out your Peppermint. Another tip is that DigestZen® can also help ease the effect of motion sickness. Use the same and/or inhale from palms or directly from the bottle.
Since many of us are still trying to be careful these days, if you're choosing to wear a mask the best tip I can give you is to roll or put a drop of Breathe® into the mask. dōTERRA Breathe® Oil is refreshing and used to create feelings of clear, easy breathing. It also helps to minimize the effects of seasonal threats too. Aside from putting it in your mask, you can diffuse the essential oil, inhale directly from palms or rub on chest or feet.
The epic dōTERRA On Guard® Sanitizing Mist purifies hands by eliminating bacteria and other germs on the skin. This handy, convenient, and easy to use protective blend moisturizes and cleanses the hands without drying the skin. Even though it eliminates 99.9% of bacteria and germs, it's quick drying and uplifting citrus spice aroma also make it pleasing to use.
In my opinion, summer isn't summer without throwing or going to a few barbecues. So lets's get you some recipes! From having some fun, to cooking and even cleaning up I've got some handy Summer BBQ Recipes for you in this free eBook (click the image below to access).
Two more bonus recipes:
Our FREEDOM is so precious and so appreciated! May you and yours have a safe and wonderful 4th of July celebration. Let us always be grateful for the freedoms that we have and not take them for granted.
xoDanette