From food and drink to safely enjoying the outdoors to supporting your animal companion, here are tried and true ways to do summer right.
Food and Drink
Step up your food and drink game by adding Vitality oils to the mix. Vitality oils are safe for dietary consumption and can really elevate your traditional recipes. Simply add a drop or two to taste of your favorite Vitality oil to cook up something extra delicious. I recommend using glass containers to store and serve your creations.
Ice Water and Alcoholic Beverages Mix-Ins: For something citrusy, try adding a drop of Lemon, Lime, Orange, or Tangerine. I especially enjoy adding a drop of one of these to my favorite bottled beer. Feeling daring? Try adding a drop of Lavender to your fresh batch of lemonade, Black Pepper to your Bloody Mary/Caesar mix, or a toothpick swirl of Basil to your strawberry mojito.
Marinades and Dressings: Some of the best fajitas I've tasted were marinated with Lime and Orange essential oil. YUM! Whip up your own homemade marinade with olive oil, fresh herbs and seasonings and Vitality oils of your choice like Black Pepper, Lime, and Orange. Check out the delicious recipe from Young Living below.
Salsa: One of my favorite things to make for gatherings is salsa because it is delicious and so so easy. I take a can of petite diced tomatoes with sweet onion, a scoop of Hot JD's Salsa in Seconds, and two drops of Lime Vitality. I mix and store in a glass container and serve with Multigrain Scoops. It is so deliciously addicting! Pinnable recipe is available below.
Fruit Dip: Jazz up your fruit dip by adding a couple drops of Citrus Fresh Vitality. And make sure you're cleaning your produce with the Thieves Fruit & Veggie Soak. Trust me, one wash with this stuff and you'll never wash produce without it again.
For additional ways to spice up your recipes, visit the Lavender Life blog.
Protection While You Play
For people who feel discomfort outdoors, try making a roller blend with Lemon, Lavender, and Peppermint diluted with carrier oil. I have been using this with my son for years, and it allows him to feel well when playing outside. Now that he is a teenager, I mix 15 drops each of Lemon, Lavender and Peppermint in a 10ml roller bottle topped with carrier oil. You can dilute more heavily for younger children by adding less drops of the essential oils. He rolls on the back of his neck, behind the ears, and on his wrists. Citrus oils may cause photo-sensitivity, so use caution when applying to sun-exposed skin.
I also choose Young Living's Mineral Sunscreen and Insect Repellent when we are outdoors. The sunscreen is free of harsh chemicals, eco-friendly, and available in 10 and 50 SPF. The Insect Repellent is clinically tested to repel ticks and mosquitos, free of harsh chemicals, and available in a serum and wipes.
Peppermint essential oil has a cooling sensation. On hot days, it can be helpful to apply a finger swipe to ankles and back of neck to help you feel cooler. You can dilute the oil to avoid skin sensitivity. You can also dilute in a small spray bottle with distilled water to spray on skin after fun in the sun, of course avoiding contact with eyes. Young Living also has an After-Sun Spray to do the job.
For Your Animals
Thunderstorms, fireworks, and animal companions usually don't get along too well. Support your furry family with CBD drops. Simply add a few drops to their favorite treat to help them relax during the summertime noise. I've already used several times with our girl and it is so wonderful to see her settle down and relax.
Thanks for reading! What other easy ways do you do summer right? Share in the comments below!
Pinnable Salsa Recipe
About the Author: Serena James is a holistic healer and natural wellness enthusiast. She offers a variety of energy healing services and natural wellness solutions to help individuals experience a life of love, abundance, and wellness as they were meant to.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease or illness. Any action you take as a result of this information is self-prescribed and your right to do so.
