I grew up in Southeast Texas where it was too hot to go barefoot – though we did it anyway (just had to avoid the sidewalks).
Frosty lemonade. Hot inner tubes on a cool river. Slides you couldn’t touch until evening (literally). Seat belt burns. Melty popsicles. Fire ants. Sandcastles. All these things were part of summer time. I have my own fond childhood memories of long summer days, but my children are still making theirs. One thing different about my childhood was that, as hot as it was, I’m pretty sure I smelled like jasmine or honeysuckle or something lovely. But my kids stink. Bad!
Cool Down with Essential Oils!
When I was pregnant and battling morning sickness, I would about pass out when the children came tumbling through the back door looking for something cool to drink.
“No, please! Let me bring the lemonade OUT to YOU! No need to come inside.”
I realize I’m pretty scent sensitive, but wow! There’s nothing like a herd of hot and sweaty kids to make a gal run for her essential oils! Especially when she’s pregnant. Which was always.
So, I thought I’d let you in on my secret weapon…er…remedy. It’s my Stinky Kid Spray. Oh, don’t call it that. Call it something exciting like Superman Spray. Or if you have a lot of girls, call it Princess Mist. They’ll never know.
Stinky Kid Spray
3 oz. purified water
1 oz. vodka*
vegetable glycerine (1-2 drops)
10-15 drops essential oil: peppermint
4 oz. dark colored glass bottle*Sometimes people ask if there is something they can use besides alcohol. You could use witch hazel, but I really prefer to use edible products, especially when making something for my children. Besides, there is more alcohol in the vanilla in your cupboard than in this recipe. Plus the alcohol discourages bacterial growth in the water.
NOTE: Avoid contact with eyes. If accidental contact happens, flush with milk or olive oil.
You could use lavender, Gentle Baby, Peace & Calming, or your favorite refreshing scent*, but I chose peppermint for its wonderful cooling properties!
Let me know how it worked! And go make those summer memories!
*Warning: avoid citrus oils when you’re going to be in the sun! And be careful not to get essential oils in the eyes. If this happens, and irritation occurs, flush with milk or cream and all will be well.
