Enchantment Learning & Living Blog

Welcome to Enchantment Learning & Living, the inspirational space where I write about the simple pleasures, radical self-care, and everyday magic that make life delicious.

Homemade Bug Repellent ~ Just Say No to DEET

June 28, 2016

A couple weeks ago, I was enjoying a glorious summer evening in the backyard with my family. We indulged in a luxurious meal on the patio and then played with my little niece long after the sun went down. It was the perfect embodiment of the season...

...then I got home and found that I was covered in mosquito bites! It seems like there are more of these pesky insects this summer than in previous ones. Yuck! It was time arm myself with my Homemade Bug Repellent. This all-natural, non-toxic spray is perfect for stashing in your picnic tote or spritzing on before some late-night stargazing...or any other time you want to frolic in the wilderness. Why do I prefer to make my own bug repellent? The answer is two-fold: I have all the ingredients readily on hand (many of them are also used for my homemade body butters and other goodies) and I've long since given up on the toxic DEET (see what Wellness Mama has to say about how this chemical spray negatively impacts the environment and your body).

I whipped up a pretty basic recipe after looking at others from Scratch Mommy, Thank Your Body, and Wellness Mama. I used vegetable glycerin to as a binding agent rather than oil and mixed it with what essential oils I had on hand. The glycerin binds the water and oils together and ensures that the spray sticks to your clothes and skin. The key factor here in keeping away bugs is the strong scents of the essential oils so you will want to reapply every hour or so to keep the scents strong. I used citronella--a common ingredient in natural bug sprays--and lemongrass. (Both of these plants can also be grown in your garden as a natural herbal repellent FYI.) I love the citrusy scent! You can also add in other essential oils like eucalyptus or lavender. The measurements here are for a 4oz spray bottle.

Ingredients:

Water

1 tablespoon vegetable glycerin

30 drops citronella essential oil

30 drops lemongrass essential oil

Mix glycerine and essential oils in a 4oz spray bottle, then fill bottle to the top with water. Shake well. Apply regularly (at least once an hour) when you plan on being outdoors. What more homemade bug repellent ideas? Check out the Prairie Homestead's list of natural bug spray recipes.

Enchantment Learning & Living is an inspirational blog celebrating life’s simple pleasures, everyday mysticism, and delectable recipes that are guaranteed to stir the kitchen witch in you. If you enjoyed what you just read and believe that true magic is in the everyday, subscribe to my newsletter below for regular doses of enchantment. Want even more inspiration? Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter. Here’s to a magical life!

Summer Solstice & the Strawberry Moon

June 21, 2016

I went moon bathing last night.

I wanted to coat my skin in the rosy glow of June's strawberry moon on this of all days: the summer solstice. You can love the light of the year's longest day. You can enjoy the way the sun's rays stretch from dawn until the last whispers of dusk, straining to reach the farthest corners of waking experience. You can admire the way the unabashed luster of the fading daylight makes the mountains blush deeply as if anticipating things best tasted at night. But you must not forget the moon. Or the stars.

And that is why I moon bathed last night. I wanted to honor how the full moon brought more light to this day of light, illuminating the thoughts and forgotten corners that would otherwise remain in shadow. Better to know what lingers under the stardust and hides under the moon-kissed rocks. It is bliss to find that half-forgotten memory buried amongst my herbs; catharsis to finally rid myself of the pests that take advantage of the cover darkness offers. This is my chance to ask the moon for answers (it will not be this receptive again for another 70 years and then-- where will I be?).

So I asked my questions--and she gave me answers. She filled my mouth with the full sweet taste of ripe strawberries until their seeds burst on my tongue. She washed my hair in a waterfall of her silvery light and rubbed my skin in the promising perfume of rose petals. She confided that now, midway through the year, is the ideal time to find my story within a map gifted to me by the constellations. She asked the cicadas to sing so that I may dance. And she told me--as the moon always does--to remember to dream. Deeply. Tenderly. With wild abandon. She bid me stain my fingers and thoughts and beating heart with her lunar liquid, tonight the color of berries pressed between lovers' lips.

Dream. Always. For the best things begin in moonlight.

5 Tips for the Perfect Picnic

June 15, 2016

Picnics are one of the most delicious simple pleasures of summer. There's nothing quite like a leisurely afternoon nibbling on tasty treats and sipping lemonade in the park or lazily reading (okay snoozing) under a shady tree after an impromptu outdoor lunch. I especially like how adaptable picnics are; they can be everything from a lavish outdoor afternoon tea or as basic as a sandwich and peach enjoyed in your backyard. It's also the perfect way to turn a quick lunch into an event that makes us slow down and appreciate the world around us.

Imagine my joy when I found out that there is actually a day on the calendar dedicated to this wonderful pastime. June 18th is the official International Picnic Day. As if I needed an excuse to bust out my basket! To get ready for this big day, I give you five tips for the perfect picnic.

1. Plan ahead. I've gotten in the habit of keeping a picnic basket on standby along with a little grab 'n go bag filled with the basics: a blanket, a straw hat, homemade sunscreen, DIY bug repellent, and a book or two (for that afternoon snooze, wink wink). My basket likewise includes a stash of reusable enamel plates, silverware, stemless cups, cloth napkins, and kitchen towels (for inevitable spills). This makes impromptu picnics easy and carefree. I simply load up some food then I'm out the door. Last but not least, don't forget to keep an eye on the weather and know your location--both determine what additional accoutrements you might need.

2. Keep it simple. A good picnic is all about enjoying the great outdoors with little fuss. One of the best picnics I have ever had was when I was in Sitges, a lovely beach town near Barcelona. We put together a hasty picnic from goodies at a nearby market: olives, jamon, dried fruit, caper berries, nuts, cheeses, and crusty bread were heartily enjoyed on the beach. We had no plates or silverware, just the bags our goodies came in. Bliss!

Ahhhh that perfect no-fuss picnic at the beach in Sitges...

I used to be enamoured with the idea of making fancy feasts for my picnics--complex meals and fussy seating inspired by what I saw in magazines--but they always proved more trouble than they were worth. Food got soggy or was difficult to eat, preparation was always more labor intensive than I thought it would be, and I found myself spending way more time (and money) on a good picnic than I did actually enjoying it. The reverse was also true: the more low-maintenance the picnic plans were, the more fun I had. Now this doesn't mean that you can't have your lavish afternoon tea party, just keep the menu uncomplicated with easy to assemble tea sandwiches and other make-ahead treats. So bottom line: simple be thy mantra.

3. Go green. Ditch the plastic cups and other disposable items. Use cloth napkins, real silverware, reusable storage and durable plates. Picnicking is all about enjoying nature so it only makes sense that you would make sure not to use disposable goods that damage the environment. If you don't want the hassle of bringing along plates, you can always up the fun factor by using foods that fit easily in mason jars for a low maintenance picnic. Greening your picnic basket has aesthetic benefits as well--your spread will look so much lovelier using real tableware or mason jars! You can even keep a stack of durable enamel dishes at the ready in your picnic basket for easy prep like I do. Want more ways to green your picnic routine? Check out Pure Home & Body has to say.

An assortment of easy-to-prepare goodies and reusable dishes ready for the basket.

4. Keep it real...the food that is. In keeping with my theme of simplicity, stick to whole foods and easy nibbles. Grapes, olives, cheese and a good loaf of bread are hard to beat (remember that Sitges picnic I told you about?). You can also pack a mason jar salad--my Greek or Tuna-less Nicoise mason jar salads would be delish--or an assortment of in-season veggies with an Aioli or Pesto dip. When you use fresh quality food, preparation is at a minimum. Ripe cherry tomatoes are delicious on their own or tossed into this quick Tomato & Mozzarella Salad while fruit gets an extra kick from cured meat in my Prosciutto Wrapped Apricots. Use what you have in your fridge, including Quick Pickled Veggies or Apricot Basil Jam paired with Ricotta, for a no-fuss meal.

Dessert should be equally easy: dark chocolate and fruit, or single-serve bites like my Vegan Peanut Butter Fudge. If you are sticking close to home, you can stash Mango Chile Lime or Pina Colada pops in the freezer until you are ready for them in your backyard. Top off your meal with a bottle of bubbly, Orange Lavender iced tea, or lemonade and you're good to go. If you want to go the extra mile, you could even whip up a batch of Coconut Water Kiwi Lime Cocktails (vodka optional) or a pitcher of Watermelon Coolers.

5. Make it festive! Now that you have your easy menu and picnic goodies at the ready for a spur-of-the-moment lunch, you can indulge in the picnic's whimsical side. Wear a blowsy hat and frilly dress to this oh-so-important date, scatter edible flowers across your plates, bring bubbles for the kiddos (and kids at heart), and get ready to twirl in the sunlight. Or take a cue from one of your favorite literary picnics and plan your meal around it. This a strawberry-picking inspired feast from Emma (but without the drama!), a honey-laced affair that would make Winnie the Pooh proud, or invite Alice and the Mad Hatter for a tea party on the lawn.

Whatever the occasion, whatever the plan, summer is for picnics.

A delicious spread for two strewn with edible nasturtium and pansies for a touch of whimsy.

Brooklyn

June 7, 2016

Too often considered the refuge for Manhattanites in search of lower rent, Brooklyn is actually a wonderful community all its own. Devoted Brooklynites will tell you that, given all the money in the world, they would still rather live in this borough than the city proper. And I can see why. It's got a lot to recommend it, like many of the best restaurants and neighborhood hot-spots I got to enjoy on my recent visit, along with some of the friendliest people in New York.

Coffee & lox bagel from Baked in Brooklyn...the perfect way to start my vacation!

I confess that one of the primary reasons I went to New York--other than to indulge in museum hopping, martini drinking, & book feasting in Manhattan--was to learn more about Brooklyn, especially since my brother and his wife call it home. I have heard so many stories about it but have never had the chance to truly immerse myself in this neighborhood on previous trips. It was a total treat to see this borough as a local would. Without any particular order or hierarchy, I present to you the best way (in my humble opinion) to get the best outta Brooklyn.

The imposing Gothic entrance to Green-Wood Cemetery.

If you are taking a red-eye flight like I did, and getting into the city in the wee hours of the morning, then the only thing for you to do is to make your first stop Baked in Brooklyn, where you can fortify yourself with an excellent cup of coffee and delicious morning grub like luscious lox bagels and sinful cinnamon rolls. There was nothing like walking into this mainstay in the Sunset Park, in desperate need of a cup of coffee after a sleepless flight, to the smell of freshly baked bread and the sound of bachata on the radio! I felt right at home hearing the music I'd just left on the dance floor in Albuquerque and enjoying my restorative bagel while people watching--both the living and the spectral, as the bakery is across from Green-Wood Cemetery, the surprisingly lovely national historic landmark that brings softness to a neighborhood built on grit and concrete.

Rose and strawberries 'n cream donuts from Donut Plant.

If the idea of strolling through a cemetery isn't your idea of a good time, try roaming Prospect Park, where it seems like everyone in Brooklyn goes on a sunny Sunday afternoon to escape the hustle and bustle of the workweek. Pick up some sustenance at Donut Plant on the way over. Trust me, your rose and strawberries 'n cream donuts will taste divine washed down with a glass of iced tea on the sprawling park lawn.

Bailey Fountain at the entrance to Prospect Park.

Emily Dickinson's place setting at the Dinner Party.

I decided to extend my Manhattan museum hopping to the Brooklyn Museum, home of the iconic Dinner Party by Judy Chicago. Artists get into some pretty heady debate about her authenticity since she designed the elaborate sculpture featuring a triangle dinner table where famous women all have their own setting but did not actually make any of it; she commissioned other artists and designers. Whatever your stance is, it's worth taking the time to view this canonical work--and enjoy the lively conversation it ignites! Although I appreciated seeing figures at the table like Mary Wollstonecraft (considered the mother of feminism and an 18th-century philosopher and writer I spent many years studying), Georgia O-Keefe (the east-coast artist who put Abuqui, New Mexico on the art-world map), my personal favorite was the frilly place setting for E mily Dickinson which was inspired by one her poems.

There were many other wonderful shows and collections to view at the museum, including Arts of the Americas featuring many wonderful native New Mexican artists. But perhaps the most interesting show (if it could be called that) was the open storage where items collected but not currently on display were placed in glass and steel for museum-goers to peruse informally. It was like peeking inside someone's closet!

The fried chicken at Sidecar...a thing of beauty.

Museum viewing is thirsty work so you should probably head to Mayfield restaurant for cocktails, oysters, and, for the culinary adventures, steak tartar, like we did once you've had your fill of art. Or you could swing by Sidecar for a drink of the same name and a plate of their (in)famous fried chicken. I'll be honest: fried chicken never really appealed to me all that much, but they've made me a convert. My brother and sister were at Sidecar the very first day they opened and became regulars. My sister would wax poetic about their kale sautéed with bacon, so much so that I tried to replicate it at home. I did okay, but the chicken, kale, and smashed root veggies of my dish were the perfect balance of comfort food and gourmet delight.

At the risk of turning this into a mostly-culinary tour of Brooklyn--aww, who am I kidding? Eating good food is one of the highlights of traveling! With that in mind, you should work in some time to visit Brooklyn's Chinatown, which, according to many, is WAY better than Manhattan's. While you're there go ahead and try some dim sum and what I only assume was the Chinese equivalent of a soap opera playing on strategically placed TVs at East Village Harbor Seafood Restaurant. Take a nice long stroll through the Brooklyn Bridge Park (gorgeous waterfront stroll through Brooklyn with an absolutely gorgeous view of Manhattan and the statue of liberty, not to mention the bridge this park was named after) when you're ready to walk off all that food and work up a healthy thirst to be quenched at one of the many micro-breweries like Threes.

Enjoying a delicious cinnamon roll from Baked in Brooklyn on the stoop.

The last place you should try to visit for an authentic Brooklyn experience might sound a little surprising--and could be elusive if you don't have friends in the neighborhood--but it is an essential part of this community: the stoop. You absolutely have to do some stoop sitting if you get the chance. What is that, you might ask? Simple: you kick back on the steps outside your (brother's) apartment and just be. I found it's their equivalent of sitting on my porch with a morning cup of coffee or an evening glass of wine, pausing to take in the world around me. So find a stoop. People watch. Nod to neighbors doing the same thing. Engage in some small talk. But most of all, enjoy the stoop. That is the heart of Brooklyn.