Summer Fun Kit: Bring the fun by being prepared

Just Say No to Pesky Summer Woes.

1. DIY Bug Repellant
2. After bite lotion (Also an After-Sun lotion)
3. Sun Spritz

As a fairly translucent skinned, vampire in the sun; I know that even the shadiest day can end with the hot glow of a burnt nose. You could say I’m an expert on sunburns. The only sun tan I’ve ever had was as a child when the freckles on my face joined teams and built their yearly sun freckle patch party. As an expert I will say that sunburn skin care is all about prevention (sunscreen, hats and, long sleeves!). However if preventative measures still leave you burnt there are some treatments we can count on. As well, those treatments can double as itchy bug bite and blister care.

It may seem like a lot of work but it takes only 10 minutes to prepare this summer fun kit.

Let’s start with the bug repellant. Bugs always crash the party. There is no skin type or blood type that dissuades the bugs, that my friends is misplaced positive thinking. Eating more bananas does not make you a tastier treat to the the mosquitos. That being said, when those flying jerks are drunk on blood, the party is over. So let’s stop them from swarming us.

Bug Repellant

In a 10ml roll-on bottle add 6 drops of each essential oil:

• Peppermint
• Lemon
• Clary Sage
• Lemongrass

Top it off with some jojoba or even better canola oil, a natural pesticide.

1. To your Roll-on, add the essential oils.
2. Fill up your bottle with jojoba oil.
3. Cap the bottle with the roll-on lid 4. Shake it up.

Now your repellant is ready to roll. Keep it handy and when you see those nasty snackers roll this magic onto wrists, neck, forehead and ankles. A little goes a long way. Good bye black fly!

Note: this bug repellant is for adults only. For kids, stick to the stuff in the store that guarantees all of the oils are safe for children. Also, lemon shouldn’t be used in the sun as it makes your skin more photosensitive. Everyone is different so essential oils should be tried and tested by you. This just happens to be my favourite blend so I’m sharing it with you.

After Bite or After Sun Gel.

In a 30ml bottle combine:

• 15ml Aloe vera gel
• 15ml Rosehip oil
• 8 drops lavender essential oil.

Cap it and shake with vigour until well combined.

Now if you have a burn an irritating bite or a nasty blister, you also have the antidote. The kids are going to love you for this anti-inflammatory cooling gel. It really works on those itchy mosquito and dear fly bumps, and happily it is very safe for kids. Apply this to recently cleaned blisters as well. Used also as an after sun lotion, wait until the burn has cooled, then apply it as often as needed.

End of Day, Cool down Spray.

In a 60ml spray bottle add:

• 3 tablespoons rosewater (or witch hazel)
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar.

I know, it smells like vinegar but trust me it’s a keeper. On a burn it never felt better. It’s really just vinegar diluted with rose water. Sometimes simplicity is the answer. The kids are going to hate you for this until the smell dissipates and the burn cools its jets. This has saved me from countless lobster faced days as noted before this vampire in the sun can’t get enough of this vinegar rosewater mix. Apply immediately to a burn. Wait 30 minutes for the burn to cool down and then apply the after-sun lotion. You should never put oil on a burn until the burn has cooled down. You wouldn’t want to trap the heat with the oil. If the smell bothers you skip the vinegar however the cooling effect won’t be as wonderful.

Have fun in the sun folks and remember, prevention is the best medicine.