::springtime pest mist recipe::

With tick and mosquito season quickly approaching in New England, I thought it might be helpful to share how to create your own anti-pest mist with all natural essential oils!  Essential oils are something we're very passionate about in our family, because they are effective, safe, and toxin-free.  This mist can be sprayed directly on the body and clothing, used on children, and also sprayed directly on pets.

Springtime Pest Mist

In a 4 oz. amber spray bottle, combine the following:

*15 drops of lemongrass essential oil
*15 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
*5 drops of melaluca (tea tree) essential oil
*Top off bottle with distilled water

Make sure to shake well before every application.  Before venturing out into the woods, spray your shoes, pants, socks, and any area where the skin is exposed.  Don't forget about those pets, too! (Avoid spraying near eyes for both humans and pets).   If you have peppermint or lavender essential oils on hand, they would also make a great addition to this mist as well.  Feel free to add or subtract ingredients based on your preferences.  I make up a couple of bottles and keep one in my bag, one in the car, and one with the kids' sports equipment.  Essential oils are an incredible, plant-based way to help fight off unwanted pests this spring season!


Nina Gilbert is a Licensed Massage Therapist and Reiki Practitioner working at Body and Mind Physical Therapy and Wellness at 25 Indian Rock Road, Suite 26, in Windham NH. She's passionate about essential oils and educating people about their effectiveness.  Any questions, please contact her at bodyandmindpt2@gmail.com or check out the website at www.bodyandmindpt.com. 

spring vibes

Still here, still growing, and looking forward to really blossoming this spring!  Been feeling fantastic and constantly in awe that I'm living the life that I truly want to live----massaging at my own business in town, creating essential oil blends for my loved ones and friends, facilitating gatherings of women, cooking this baby, and educating people about therapeutic grade essential oils!  The best part is being able to connect with countless people in real life every week, sharing stories about healing and helping people on that path.  My favorite things to do are my local hippie fairy deliveries when I leave people their blends in their mailbox, or even better, get to give them a big hug during drop-off!  I had six drop-offs yesterday and felt so much gratitude with every one.

These past couple of weeks, I've been doing an intensive crash course to become a hospice volunteer.  Once I finish on Monday, I'll be trained and able to provide massage and reiki for people on hospice.  One eye-opening part of training happened last week when I had to write my own obituary!  Not something a pregnant mom of three young children felt like doing, let me tell you.  But the one thing that shone through that experience was the love that I have for my family and my community.  Not the accomplishments, not the certifications or studies.  Just love.  The last line reads "Nina was always happiest when surrounded by 'her people,' and she could often be found in the kitchen making tea and stirring a giant pot of chili".  If you know me, you know that I have a limited repertoire, and chili (and roasted potatoes) are at the top of that list ;)

It's not all roses here---these times of transition can be tough, and challenging!  I could make a list a mile long of all the things in our life that are up in the air and uncertain.  I love hearing and sharing stories about the real nitty-gritty stuff too---just yesterday over tea I was able to spill the hard stuff with a friend while simultaneously feeling grateful for her listening ear.  It's important to take the good with the bad.  Use your oils (if you have them) as tools to help you through! I know I do.  If you don't have any, or know where to start, reach out and I'll help you figure out where to begin.  I love demystifying them! 

(*I'm looking for two motivated individuals to join my oil team---I'll be there every step of the way to provide guidance and support.  And the best part is, I'm already part of an incredibly awesome and successful team---if you're interested, please message me at ninamariegilbert AT gmail DOT com so we can talk more xo*)