Natural Mosquito and Flea Repellent Recipe

Where I live at, mosquito and fleas seem to be in abundance at this time of the year. While I don't like to get bit by them, I like even less the over-the-counter sprays filled with all sorts of chemicals. Lucky for me one of the best mosquito and flea repellents that I have found is also one that I can easily make with things that I normally have in my house.

The combination of the ingredients have been used for decades to ward off mosquitoes and fleas, but the recipe that I found for it, made up way more than I would ever use during the summer months....so I have somewhat changed the recipe. As with anything else like this, please try the product on a small patch of skin before slithering all over you in case you find that you are allergic to it.

Natural Mosquito and Flea Repellent Recipe

• whole cloves
• rubbing alcohol
• baby oil (equal amount as alcohol used)
• a container that can be tightly closed

Put as much or as little as you like of the cloves in the container and cover with the rubbing alcohol. Tightly cover and allow to marinate for 4 days, stirring (or swishing around) the contents both morning and night. After the 4 days, add the same amount of baby oil as what there is rubbing alcohol. There is no need to actually measure it...just eyeball it is good enough. Mix together and store in a covered container in a cool, dry, place .

To Use: Apply with a cotton ball to arms, legs, and throat area.

Thanks for visiting and reading my blog. :-)

Breakfast in a Bag: Crisis Meal

There is one absolute factualism in this life, and that is stuff happens and usually at the worst of times. Sometimes when the stuff happens, it happens in the morning when everyone is hungry yet there isn't time to prepare breakfast. As the old saying goes, breakfast really is the most important meal of the day, so it is tempting during those times to stop off at doughnut shop or one of the those fast food places to grab something to eat. Not only is that not healthy for you, it is also a big waste of money.

Instant oatmeal packets that you can buy at the grocery stores are a healthy alternative, but it is much cheaper to make them yourself a head of time and keep them in your pantry for emergency meals. These are also good to have to take with you camping, hiking, or when you go fishing.

Shirley's Notes:

• Nuts are included in this recipe for the purpose of adding protein. Between the nuts, oatmeal, and powdered milk, each packet has the same amount of protein as two grade A large eggs. If you have an allergy to nuts, you can easily leave them out of this recipe.
• Feel free to substitute sugar for any powdered sweetener of your choice.
• These packets store well in the pantry for several months.
  
  
  
   

Breakfast in a Bag – Oatmeal Packet

(recipe makes one packet)

½ cup quick, one minute, oatmeal

2 Tablespoons powdered non-fat milk

2 teaspoons sugar (or granulated honey)

¼ cup walnuts

dehydrated fruits (optional)

spices (optional)

Place above ingredients in a sandwich size plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible. Close bag and shake to combine ingredients.

To use:

Open bag and pour warm or hot water into the center of the bag. Close bag and allow ingredients to rehydrate. (Usually around 2 to 5 minutes.) Stir if needed. Transfer to a bowl, cup, or enjoy eating it straight from the bag.

Variations: In addition to the above ingredients, to each packet add:

• Peaches and Cream: 3 Tablespoons dehydrated peaches and 1 Tablespoon non-dairy creamer
• Apple Oatmeal Cobbler: 2 Tablespoons dehydrated apples, 1 Tablespoon raisins, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, dash of nutmeg
• Strawberry and Cream: 2 Tablespoons chopped dehydrated strawberries, 1 Tablespoon non-daily creamer
• S'mores : 10 miniature marshmallows, 2 Tablespoons milk chocolate chips
• Pecan Pie Oatmeal: 1 Tablespoon pecans, 1 Tablespoon brown sugar

Thank you for reading and visiting my blog. :-)