I’m sure you have all heard of these. Encephalitis, West Nile, Zika… I have zero desire to contract any one of these diseases, or the multitude of others carried by mosquitos! It’s really incredible that such a tiny little bug can cause so much damage to human health. And that is why I’m keeping plenty of this homemade mosquito repellent spray on hand throughout the summer months to help combat those nasty bloodsuckers! We need to put them in their places! Which is nowhere near me, my family or my pets!! Because we can all admit that our pets are members of our family just like our little ones. 

As you probably know, mosquitos can set up shop during the summer months in standing water—that’s where mosquitoes lay their eggs and where their larvae live and grow so it’s really important to be vigilant around your property to prevent these areas where mosquitos can breed and thrive. Unfortunately, even if you’ve eliminated any...

I don’t know about y’all…but if you're like us you start spending more and more time outside. We love the longer days and playing in the sun!!  

If you live for those brilliant summer skies make sure and take essential oils along for the ride…

First on our list is the TerraShield® Outdoor Blend. No matter the activity, everyone should keep this blend with them during their outdoor adventures. It is an effective, natural repellent that leaves out the nasty chemicals. Aside from TerraShield, there are plenty of other “outdoor” oils to have on hand, too.

Going Out in the Sun

At the beach or the campground, everyone needs to get outside and enjoy some time in the sun for the mood-boosting and vitamin D benefits. However, make sure you pack these skin-friendly oils to keep cool and refreshed.

•  Peppermint: Apply in in a roller bottle directly to your skin when you need to cool down most. Or, add a few drops to a spray bottle with water...

I want to give a huge shout out to one of my FAVORITE essential oils….lemon!  I love lemon! I love the smell! I love the taste and I LOVE what lemon does for the body.

Lemon oil is one of the most versatile of all the essential oils.  It cleanses and purifies the surfaces and the air.  Add a couple drops to a diffuser to help promote a positive mood.    

Add a drop or two of lemon oil to your water for a refreshing treat.  Using this oil internally, naturally cleanses the body and aids in digestion.    

Below are a list of ways that I like to use lemon essential oil around my home.  I promise, if you try one of these all natural tips, in your home, you will be hooked.   

• One to three drops removes sticky grease stains.
• Freshen your laundry by adding one drop to the final rinse cycle. 
• Mix with water for a natural cleaning spray.
• Sooth a sore throat by adding a drop or two to a cup of warm tea.
• Brighten your...

I hope y’all had an amazing Fourth of July because I know we did!

We spent so much time outside and you know what that means, lots of fun, lots of sun, and lots of bug bites.

Did you know that out of 2,000 sunscreens reviewed, more than 75% were found to contain toxic chemicals?

Or that common side effects for insect repellents include skin reactions, allergic rashes, and eye irritation?

Also, many topical medicated creams for insect-bite itching and irritation have side effects causing redness, irritation, and swelling.

So here are a few of my after fourth favorite DIY home remedies.

Sunburn Spray

1 cup aloe vera juice

1/4 cup fractionated coconut oil

1 teaspoon vitamin E oil

8 drops lavender

8 drops Melaleuca

8 drops Roman chamomile

Combine ingredients in a 16 ounce glass spray bottle. Shake well and spray onto sunburned skin. Repeat as needed.

Bug Repellent

10 drops lemon grass

10 drops lavender

10 drops geranium

10 drops peppermint

fractionated coconut oil

mix essential...

"That's it! I've had enough!" You might think I'm yelling at one of my kids, separating a fight, or just yelling out of pure mom frustration. 

Nope, wrong.

It's bugs y'all. I am so over the bugs. I've already shared a DIY bug spray, but today I wanted to go a little further in my pest repellents. 

Whether they are in your garden destroying your beautiful homegrown tomatoes or they are just keeping you from spending the time outside that you've been waiting for, it's time to get serious.

Below is a list of pests and the essential oils you can use to repel those unwanted visitors. 

• Ants:  peppermint, spearmint
• Aphids: cedarwood, peppermint, spearmint
• Beetles: peppermint, thyme
• Caterpillars: spearmint, peppermint
• Chiggers: lavender, lemongrass, sage, thyme
• Fleas: peppermint, lemongrass, spearmint, lavender
• Flies: lavender, peppermint, rosemary, sage
• Gnats: patchouli, spearmint
• Lice: cedarwood, peppermint, spearmint
• Mosquitos: lavender,...