Spiders and Creepy Crawlies!

I have a theme going with my blog posts...spring! Spring is the time that we open our windows, take off our shoes and enjoy the warmer weather. However, the bugs like the warmer weather too and they will come into our houses uninvited. My niece was just talking about how toxic bug sprays are and so I decided to write a blog entry that focuses on getting rid of those pesky little critters particularly since I've been dealing with flies that love to come in through my open patio door (I don't have a screen because it opens outside instead of inside). Anyway, I have a few suggestions, recipes and recommendations on how to keep those pesky creepers away using all natural products and of course, essential oils! 

 The first creeper I'm going to address is spiders. Spiders hate peppermint so you could grow some peppermint in containers (keep any mint in a container or it will take over your garden space), which can help deter the spiders. If you are finding them spinning their webs in your house, use a very easy spray solution instead of toxic bug spray. In a spray bottle (you can pick these up so cheap at the dollar store) mix 1/2 cup of white vinegar, 1 1/2 cups of water and 20 drops of peppermint essential oil. While peppermint EO smells good, if you are spraying it, it might be a little overwhelming so you can also add 10 drops of eucalyptus. Now, I know this will work on spiders but I'm not sure about other creepers like roaches. You can also spray this solution on cotton balls and place strategically in window sills, in corners on your counters and other out of the way places. However, the coolest thing is, you can spray this on your floor and it isn't going to harm you or your pet, only keep those pesky bugs away including ants! 

There is another really cool thing that I learned as well...you can hang cotton strips or even paper towel strips in windows to help deter bugs. Just blend the oils together and sprinkle a drop or two of the following mixtures. You can get really creative and make pretty ribbons...it really is up to you. Anyway, here are a couple of recipes: 

10 drops of Citronella
3 drops of Peppermint (yes, this is one of my favorites) 

5 drops of Lavender
5 drops of Citronella

According to Valerie Worwood, the following oils are ones that creepers dislike: 

• Lavender
• Citronella
• Peppermint
• Lemongrass
• Cinnamon
• Thyme
• Basil

So, you can try different mixtures of the above to achieve the elimination of bugs, naturally! 

Be Well, 

--Kim

Getting Your Feet Sandal Ready!

Sandal weather isn't too far away. We may be more than ready, but our feet may not be! With a mere 4 ingredients and a jar, you can give your feet some special care and get them in barefoot shape in no time. Men, you can do this, too! Scrub out those rough areas while cheery tangerine and purifying tea tree work to cleanse, protect and uplift you from heel to toe.


The following is an all natural foot scrub made with tangerine and tea tree that will make your feet tingle and leave them feeling refreshed: 

Ingredients
⅓ cup (80 mL) granulated sugar
1 tablespoon (15 mL) Grapeseed Skin Care Oil
12 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil
12 drops Tangerine Essential Oil
4-ounce (118 mL) amber glass wide mouth amber jar

Directions
1. In jar, combine sugar, grapeseed oil and essential oils. Stir until well mixed.
2. To use, scoop out 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of mixture and massage into feet. Rinse with warm water and wipe dry with towel.

What a great way to get your feet sandal ready! 

Be Well, 
--Kim

Oh Those Pesky Bugs!

While spring is springing, bugs are starting to come out. I'm fortunate that living in Idaho, we don't have many of the pesky bugs that I experienced living in Alabama or other parts of the southeast/northeast. There are so many wonderful alternatives than bug spray with all of those toxins that you can do to deter bugs. Here are a few ideas: 

On your patio, plant lemongrass in planters at each edge of the patio. Not only are they pretty and very fragrant, they will ward off mosquitoes. 

Of course a few plants may not take care of all of them, but you also don't want to overload your yard with one plant. There are other plants that also help with warding off bugs including lavender and oh my, lavender is a lovely plant to have planted around the patio. Unlike lemongrass that you would plant in planters, I recommend planting it directly in the ground or you'll miss out on the try beauty of a full grown lavender plant. I also found this great website when I was looking for a few photos that I found to be quite informative: http://www.mnn.com/your-home/organic-farming-gardening/stories/12-plants-that-repel-unwanted-insects. So, when considering what to plant around your patio, check out their suggestions. 

Additionally, for your personal use, if you want to use a bug repellent on you, try this mixture: 

4 drops of Thyme
8 drops of Lemongrass
4 drops of Lavender
4 drops of Peppermint

Blend those oils together and use in a body oil or unscented body lotion to help keep bugs at bay. 

If you are industrious, you can make your own natural candles for your patio as well using true essential oils. The DIY network has a wonderful instructional step-by-step process for making your own candles including the ratio of citronella to wax. Check it out: http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/make-and-decorate/crafts/bug-off-make-your-own-citronella-candles

Don't let bugs spoil your outdoor fun and don't use toxic chemical products when you can do it all more naturally. 

Be Well, 
--Kim

All Natural Flea Collars

As many of us move toward a more healthy lifestyle, we also like taking our pets there too. I mean, if you wouldn't put toxic chemicals on your body, why would you put them on your beloved pet? Years ago I had several different recipes (all in storage in Alabama) saved in a recipe book but I recently re-bought (yes, now I have two copies) Valerie's book of essential oils and aromatherapy and found a great recipe for all natural flea collars. I'll be honest, this one isn't my favorite since my favorite one has eucalyptus but I trust Valerie's knowledge and expertise so I'm sharing this one. 

They are really easy to make and last about a month but aside from smelling good they are a healthy alternative for your pet. Just buy a cloth collar (like the one on Athena below) and you'll soak in your mixture. 

So here's the recipe: 

1/2 teaspoon alcohol
1 drop of Cedarwood
1 drop of Lavender
1 drop Citronella
1 drop of Thyme

Make this mixture first. 

Next make the following: 
1 teaspoon vegetable oil (I personally would use almond oil) and 1 drop of garlic EO. If you can't locate garlic EO you can substitute 4 garlic capsules (you will break them open to use) only, meaning you won't use oil. 

Blend the first mixture with second mixture and saturate the collar. Allow the collar to dry (this usually takes overnight), put on your pet and they are good to go for a month!  

Here's the thing with the garlic, fleas hate garlic so if it is absorbed into your pet, they won't be doing any biting. You can also add garlic capsules to your pet's diet, if they will tolerate it. 

Be well, 
--Kim

Acknowledgement: 

Worwood, V. The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy