Deet-free insect repellant

I recently went up to Algonquin Park for some RnR only to be met without any bug repellent and an army of bugs!

The Deet containing stuff was easy to find but as I've read my fair share of deet-centered horror stories, applying toxins to my skin wasn't particularly appealing.

I have been meaning to make my own insect repellent all Spring, but other things always seemed to take priority. I came home determined to craft something safe and effective!

After a few tries and a couple more insect bites, here's what I came up with:

Grab a spray bottle - whatever size you like.

Pull together your essential oils.

Here are the essential oils that I like to use:

Citronella

Lavender

Orange

Pennyroyal

Next, fill your spray bottle about 2/3 full with filtered water.

Add about 10 drops of each oil in the spray bottle.

Tada! It's as easy as that!

Spray on as much or as often as you like - just be sure not to get it in your eyes or mucus membranes - and also, test a little area of skin to make sure you're not sensitive to any of the essential oils before use.

Quick, easy, DIY project!

In good health,

Stacey Welton, ND

Easy Breezy Summer

Sorry folks - it seems as if June got away on me!

With two busy practices and finding time to get out of the city and into nature it seems as if I've let some things slide!

Understandably, during the hot summer months, barbeques, patios and cottages, we tend to not make the healthiest lifestyle choices. It's key to find balance and flexibility so that both mind and body remain healthy.

Feeling fatigued? Mondays coming sooner than you had hoped? Perhaps your diet has suffered.

Be sure to maintain an adequate amount of fruits and veggies in your diet.

There are readily available local fruits and veggies by the truckload.

We recently received Garlic Scapes in our organics box. Having never cooked them before I searched for a recipe in order to make something delicious.

Here's one I liked - taken from the New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/18/dining/183arex.html

In good health,

Stacey Welton, ND