Nature is a part of every single day in our home. You might find us in the garden, playing in the yard, walking in the forest across the road or packing up for a longer hike and picnic. On Monday we packed up some snacks and hit a new to us trail not far from where we live. As we drove along the road to the trail, the road ended and turned into a dirt trail. The trail looked like it was for ATVs more than cars, but we took a chance and followed it, very, very slowly.
Low and behold it took us to the trail head, and we were not the least bit surprised to be the only ones there. Something tells me this trail doesn't get used very often. We grabbed the pack, the bug spray, the butterfly nets and habitat and the binoculars and away we went.
The trail was well maintained and had some amazing views. It was a mix of forest and meadow, which made a certain little man happy. He managed to catch a few butterflies and a toad making this hiking trail one we must return to soon.
If you are like us and spend a lot of time outside, bugs, particularly the ones that bite, can make you run back inside as fast as you can. Last week I mentioned I had been making some bug spray and many of you expressed interest in the recipe. We have used this spray for three years now with great success. On Monday we arrived home completely bite free. It is safe, easy to use and smells good.
Natural Bug Spray
7oz witch hazel (alcohol free)
1 tsp rose geranium essential oil
1 tsp lemongrass essential oil
1 tsp lemon eucalyptus essential oil
1 tsp citronella essential oil
Mix well and pour into a spray bottle. We find it needs to be applied regularly to keep the bugs away, about every 60 to 90 minutes.
Hope this makes your time outside a little more enjoyable.
that first photo is a spectacular view! Lovely that you shared it. Thanks for the recipe :)
ReplyDeleteIt was pretty spectacular, we had no idea views like this existed in our area. Happy to share, hope you like it.
DeleteNature plays a big part in my day too. I am so thrilled that you found a new trail to travel, that is always exciting.
ReplyDeleteThanks a ton for the bug spray recipe. It has and is pouring rain here, has all week, so I know the bugs are going to be awful and since I won't let the County spray [could harm my birds and the wild bees] I am going to need something that really works.
Hope it works well for you Tracey. Our time outside is so much more enjoyable using this spray.
DeleteI'm going to have to try this. There are a lot of mosquitos here and we are not used to that. All of us have bites on our legs. Now to translate all the ingredients into french....
ReplyDeleteOnce they have bitten a little calendula cream works wonders.
DeleteGood luck finding everything.
fab pics, kim! and thanks for the recipe! awesome!
ReplyDeleteThanks Renee, and my pleasure :)
Deletei so love an exciting new trail!
ReplyDeletei also make our bug spray/roll-on. i use a similar mix, no citronella, add lavender which is great after bites.
They are always so good and full of wonderful things :)
DeleteLavender would be awesome, might have to try that next time, thanks!
Making bug-spray seems like a good idea. I get the essential oil ingredients, but what is the witch hazel? I mean, I know the shrub as I have it in my garden, but what exactly do you use in your recipe? And do you think it might work against ticks? There's a lot of those were I live and they worry me as, well, you cán't keep telling your children not to walk in tall grass or stay on the path only. That would make forest hikes so much less fun...
ReplyDeleteThe witch hazel is the carrier. You can find the one I use here http://www.thayerswitchhazel.com/index.php/original-12oz.html I buy it at the health food store.
DeleteAs for ticks, rose geranium has been known to repel ticks and I am sure there are other essential oils that would work as well. A quick search should give you a list.
I love seeing all of the flower photos. Will definitely have to try this bug spray. We have a great local herb shop that will probably have everything we need. :)
ReplyDeleteI take so many of those shots, I just love them too! Let me know how it works. I had a friend use it tonight that is a mosquito magnet and it worked like a charm :)
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