ticks

SPRING HAS FINALLY SPRUNG!


SPRING HAS FINALLY SPRUNG! 

GRACE + GRIT COLLECTIVE BLOG

Spring is here… and so is the Wildlife 🌿
Below we share Simple, natural ways to enjoy the season with confidence
There’s something about spring in northern Minnesota that just feels like a deep breath after a long winter.
The snow melts. The air softens. The kids stay outside longer. Windows open. Snow Boots get swapped for Mud Boots. And suddenly, life feels a little lighter again. But along with all that fresh air and sunshine… comes something we don’t love quite as much: Tick season. If you spend time in the woods, hiking, gardening, or have animals—you already know. Ticks aren’t just a possibility… they’re part of the rhythm of spring. The good news? You don’t have to choose between enjoying the outdoors and feeling protected.

🌱 A Natural Approach to Tick Season
Over the years, our family has shifted more toward alow-tox lifestyle, and that includes what we use on our skin and around our home.
Instead of reaching for conventional bug sprays, we’ve built a simple routine using Young Living Essential Oils that supports our bodies and helps us feel prepared when we’re outside.
Not perfectly. Not fearfully. Just intentionally.

🛡️ Our Go-To Outdoor Spray : This is one of the easiest swaps—and one we actually stick with.

DIY Outdoor Spray:
- 10 drops Young Living Purification Essential Oil
- 10 drops Young Living Thieves Essential Oil
- 10 drops Young Living Lemongrass Essential Oil
- 5–10 drops Young Living Cedarwood Essential Oil
- 5–10 drops Young Living Lavender Essential Oil

OR if you don't want to mix your own click here for options.

Top with distilled water + a splash of witch hazel in a glass spray bottle. Shake well and spray on: Shoes and socks, pant legs, around ankles and wrists, hats or clothing (especially for kids). It’s a simple layer of support before heading outside—and it smells fresh instead of overpowering.

🌿 Oils We Keep on Hand During Tick Season

These are a few staples we reach for regularly:
Lemongrass – bright, clean, and commonly used in outdoor blends
Cedarwood – earthy and grounding
Lavender – gentle and supportive for skin
Tea Tree – a go-to for skin support and cleansing
Purification – a favorite blend for freshening and outdoor use

You don’t need all of them—but having a few gives you flexibility depending on your routine. Real-Life Use (Not Perfect, Just Consistent).

Let’s be real—no spray replaces good habits. In our home, we pair oils with simple routines:

Quick tick checks after being outside. Tossing outdoor clothes in the wash. Keeping hair tied back on high-risk days. Showering after long outdoor play. The oils are just one piece of the bigger picture. Why We Choose This Route. For us, it comes down to a few things:

Fewer synthetic ingredients on our skin. Simple routines we can maintain .Supporting our bodies instead of overwhelming them. Teaching our kids awareness—not fear—of the outdoors. We still hike. We still garden. We still sit by the fire at night.. We just do it a little more intentionally.

🌼 Final Thoughts
Spring is meant to be enjoyed—not tiptoed through.
Ticks might be part of the season, but they don’t get to take it from us.

With a few simple swaps, some awareness, and the right tools on hand, you can step outside feeling prepared—and actually soak in everything this season brings.

If you want help getting started with oils or building a simple routine for your family, I’m always happy to share what’s worked for us.



** View these products all in on place on the Young Living website **





These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Information, products and/or techniques mentioned is provided for educational purposes and not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Consult with the health professionals of your choice. The decision to use, or not to use, any of this information is the sole responsibility of the reader. The author assumes no responsibility to or liability for any loss, damage or injury resulting from the use or misuse of any information provided here.

Meet Reisa Abercrombie

 
As a wife and mom of three, I’ve always been drawn 
to finding meaningful connections between health, 
wellness, and the joys of everyday life. Over the years,
I’ve discovered how deeply intertwined our mind,
body, and soul are and how intentional choices can 
create a lasting impact on our families and communities.

I grew up in northern Minnesota as the oldest of four 
children, developing a love for creativity and connection that led me to the Twin Cities. There, I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Graphic Design from Northwestern 
College in St. Paul and worked in the design field before transitioning to my most cherished role—raising my 
family.

My husband, Andrew, and I have been married for nearly 13 years. Together, with our three children (ages 11, 6, and 5), we embraced a dream of rural living by moving back to northern Minnesota in 2022. Just outside of Grand Rapids, we’ve created a home filled with a large garden, a flock of chickens, and plenty of acreage for our kids to explore and grow.

Our faith and connection to our local church community play an integral role in our lives. When we’re not gardening, bow hunting, or enjoying a campfire, you’ll find us in our workshop. There, we pour our hearts into creating handcrafted wooden products—from unique cribbage and charcuterie boards to earrings and essential oil holders. Each piece reflects our passion for craftsmanship and the beauty of natural living.

Life is an ongoing journey of growth and learning, and I’m honored to share this path with you. Whether it’s through handcrafted goods or a shared passion for intentional living, I’m here to connect, learn, and grow together with you.

Thank you for your grace, support, and for allowing us to be part of your journey. Let’s build something beautiful—together.

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