Summertime News!

Wow, spring blew by like a, well, coiled up spring that sprung (sprang?, maybe I’m making up words, but hey, you get the drift). I think we had all the weather conditions in the month of May, it started off with the snow/freezing rain storm and by the end didn’t we have a heat wave? June brought us the wind storm of the year (the derecho) and some lovely +32 degrees and above with humidity. Had to shade the tomato plants this past week. I wonder what July will bring?!

I do hope everyone is keeping healthy and hydrated. Gardens doing well? Ours is growing quite well. So well in fact that the neighbourhood squirrels have decided that they quite like Kholrabi (of the cabbage family). One started chomping on a couple and then just grabbed a whole one, yanked it out of the ground, and as I was chasing said critter out of the garden proceeded to sit on the fence and chow down on it. Grrr! They better just leave my tomatoes and beets alone this year (we seem to grow ones that they desire as well).

NEW PROJECTS HAPPENING!

Lots of new projects this year! I have developed a new logo, so super excited about that! I have taken a soap making class, have made some shower melts and bath bombes. Really just experimenting with all the different scents and textures, but it is so fun! Making some smudge bundles that I will use in the studio using different herbs and flowers.

Upper Body Relief Treatment

If you need a de-stressing session but can’t commit to a full hour treatment? I now offer a very relaxing 1/2 hour upper body treatment that works on massaging your scalp, relieves tension in the shoulders, neck, arms and hands. This treatment is great for tension due to working at a computer all day or if you are doing anything that is intricate (sewing, bookwork, etc.)

This treatment is offered for ONLY $20

IT’S FIREFLY SEASON!…

Don’t forget to check your backyard or favourite walking trail just before the sun goes down for the little ‘bum glows’ that will light up the evening for a few short hours, they are magical to watch.

It’s also mosquito season! That means you either use that dreaded smelly bug repellent OR you could make your own better-for-you bug repellent that is so much nicer to use! Here’s a good recipe I found that works nicely for me. You may want to adjust the amounts for your own use.

BUG REPELLING LOTION

*Note: Always check for sensitivities to oils at least 24 hours prior to use.

1 small spray bottle OR 1 small container with tight fitting lid

2 Tbsp Coconut oil (fractionated/liquid form for spray or solid form for lotion)

2 Tbsp Aloe Vera Gel (for a lotion), or Rubbing Alcohol (if making a spray)

10 drops Neem Oil (can get at health food store), check for sensitivity first before using, it can cause a reaction to someone with sensitive skin. Keep away from eyes, nose and mouth

5 drops Geranium Essential Oil

5 drops Cedarwood Essential Oil

5 drops Lavender Essential Oil

5 drops Lemongrass Essential Oil

For the lotion, mix Coconut oil and Aloe Vera Gel together, add essential oils and mix well. Use a small spoon or flat popsicle type stick to fill container.

If you are making the spray, mix Coconut Oil and Rubbing Alcohol together and then add essential oils. Pour carefully into the bottle (you may want to use a small funnel)

I’M NOW ON INSTAGRAM!

Check me out on Instagram! I am at: samurphy.reflex

Hope to see you there!