Inspiration

How to make all-natural, toxin-free, bug repellent

It's that time of year.  The family is a bustlin' and cannot wait to get outdoors and soak up some sunshine & good vibes from Mama Nature. Cars are packed and you're raring to go. You're double checking your list.. tent - check, sunscreen - check (hopefully bodycherish's all-natural found here), comfy shoes - check, a lot of food (and beer perhaps) - check.  Anything else? Nope, so you hit the road full of excitement. Then you get there and realize as the first mosquito sinks it's zzapper into you... you forgot the bug repellent!! Or maybe, you brought it but aren't sure if you even want to saturate your body with such a toxic product.

We've all been there. Do you suffer from a plentitude of itchy bug bites or do you spray your body with the most toxic body products of them all... BUG REPELLENT. Technically speaking, bug repellent is a toxin the repels insects as they immediately detect it is harmful to them. Guess what? It is absolutely harmful to humans too! At least the drugstore variety.. and most definitely if it contains DEET.

So what are your options you may ask? Or, are there even any safe alternatives? ABSOLUTELY! Below I have shared the top 7 essential oils to help you ward off those pesky bugs, effectively and naturally.

1) Citronellla

2) Patchouli

3) Lavender 

4) Tea tree

5) Eucalyptus 

6) Lemongrass

7) Rosemary

You may not like the smell of all 7 of these essential oils and that is okay. Even if you pick just 3 of these, you will still find you have an effective blend of bug repelling oils. Once you decide which oils you wish to use, simply follow these easy steps:

Step 1) Fill 8 oz spray bottle with distilled or boiled water 1/2 full.

Step 2) Almost fill the remaining 1/2 with alcohol free witch hazel (if you have rose water on hand, you may also add that to make this smell even more lovely). Another option is simply using vinegar which is mega-inexpensive, yet still effective (apple cider vinegar works too).

Step 3) Add 40-50 drops (total) of your favourite essential oils from those listed above.

Step 4) Shake, shake and shake some more! As there is no solubilizer being added, you will have to give this bottle a good shake everytime before you use to ensure the essential oils (EOs) get mixed adequately as they separate. Another option is adding a few drops of a solubilzer if you have some on hand (as this will dilute the EOs into the water and witch hazel mix).

*Helpful tip: If you are lounging around the fire pit, you can also use this spray all around your backyard haven. It is safe even when applied to plants so have at it! Spray around anywhere you'll be sitting including your body and clothes. 

Trust me, these natural remedies work! The earth, in all her natural beauty, has just the right ingredients to keep us safe, happy and healthy. We just have to trust the intelligence of Mama Nature and go back to our roots. 

Happy camping Green Beauty Babes!

xo Christine 

Sacred geometry & the triangle

Bodycherish's logo showcases a triangle, which in sacred geometry represents so much more than just a pretty shape. The triangle is one of the most powerful & universal symbols.

Sacred Geometry: The triangle is considered the most stable of forms and is comprised of 3 sides. Three symbolizes the trinity of life, of substance, intellect, and the force which drives it. It is the point where matter and consciousness connect to the higher realms.

The 3 sides, in esoteric terms, represent the way of the mind, body & spirit as one unit. One can think of it as 3 dimensions - the thought, the body that houses it, and the spirit that moves it.

The triangle is a vehicle used to lift you up beyond the highest chakra point in the body. The triangle is perfectly aligned with your light body. It represents humility, clear sight and assists one with the process of ascension. The triangle encourages a state of bliss, spiritual excitement and connection to the oneness of the universe.

Numerology: The number 3 carries the vibrations of communication and self-expression, adventure, inspiration and creativity, humour, optimism and joy, spontaneity and enthusiasm. Number 3 also symbolizes the principle of increase and growth, expansion and abundance on the mental, emotional, financial and spiritual levels. Number 3 is the number of manifesting and manifestation and carries the vibration of the Ascended Masters. The Ascended Masters help you to focus on the Divine spark within yourself and others, and assist with manifesting your desires. They are helping you to find peace, clarity and love within.

Angelic Realm: Angel Number 3 is an indication that your angels are trying to get your attention. The angels and Ascended Masters want you to follow your intuition and inner-wisdom so that you are able to take appropriate action/s at this time. Use your creative skills and abilities to manifest your desires and enhance your life and that of others. The angels encourage you to follow your life path and soul mission with optimism and enthusiasm.

When Angel Number 3 appears it suggests that your prayers and positive affirmations have been heard and are being responded to by the Universal Energies. Have faith that your goals and desires will manifest in your life in Divine right time. Trust your personal skills and talents and the love and support from the angels. Angel Number 3 encourages you to live your life with joy, optimism and spontaneity.

Ingredients matter

BODYCHERISH BELIEVES IN UPFRONT HONESTY AND TRANSPARENCY SO THAT THE CONSCIOUS CONSUMER KNOWS EXACTLY WHAT THEY ARE PUTTING ONTO THEIR SKIN AND INTO THEIR BODIES. BODY CHERISH PRIDES ITSELF ON USING INGREDIENTS THAT ARE NOURISHING, HEALING & SAFE FOR YOUR WHOLE BODY. 

"If you were offered a meal made with cetyl alcohol, iodopropyl butylcarbamate, sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, disodium EDTA, BHT, red dye #17, and yellow dye #10, would you eat it? 

Millions of people do "EAT" these chemicals every day (you may even be one of them), since they are standard ingredients in two of the most popular brand-name moisturizers and beauty soaps that people use on the skin- one of the body's major organs of absorption. 

Although we get most of our nutrition orally, the skin ingest nutrients as well. In fact, unlike the food we chew and swallow, which is broken down in the stomach before it is absorbed, creams and lotions applied to the skin bypass the digestive process and GO FULL STRENGTH directly into the BLOODSTREAM. 

Think of your beauty products not as cosmetics, but as FOOD. If you cannot eat it, do not use it on your skin. 
Start reading the labels of your beauty products. If one contains a chemical or herb you do not know, try to find out what it is before you use it." 

- Pratima Raichur (Absolute Beauty)