Make Your Own Bug Spray

It's that time of year.....summer and that means bugs! I tried this recipe for bug spray/insect repellant and I love it!  It smells wonderful and it really does work.  We live near some woods, and frequently go hiking.  The one day my husband went out without this spray on, he got 2 ticks!!

- 1 part distilled water
- 1 part witch hazel
- 15-20 drops of each essential oils (there are several that can be used, these are my favorites)
lemon, lavender, eucalyptus, and tea tree.  You could also choose cinnamon, citronella, rosemary, clove,  or rose geranium. 

Happy Summer!

birth

I often wonder if there are so many Cesareans today in an attempt to prevent women from having "too many children".

http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/symphysiotomy-women-demand-justice-and-compensation-555222.html

Joys of Heaven

"Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad because of her,
all you who love her;
exult, exult with her,
all you who were mourning over her!

Oh, that you  may suck fully
of the milk of her comfort,
that you may nurse with delight
at her abundant breasts!

For thus says the Lord:
Lo, I will spread prosperity over her like a river,
and the wealth of the nations like an overflowing torrent.

As nurslings, you shall be carried in her arms,
and fondled in her lap;
as a mother comforts her son,
so will I comfort you;
in Jerusalem you shall find your comfort.

When you see this, your heart shall rejoice,
and your bodies flourish like the grass."

Isaiah 66:10-14

Mary Nursing Baby Jesus

 
I just love images of our Blessed Mother nursing Jesus.  I think it depicts the humanness of Jesus.  It also shows us the awesome gift that Mary had, in being the mother of Jesus.  What an intimate bond to have with the God of the Universe!

Cloth Diaper Wipe Solution

I haven't posted about cloth diapers in quite some time. 

I have changed my preferences a bit since I first started out.  I now prefer diaper covers with an insert that I can change throughout the day.  I used to prefer pocket diapers.  At that time I thought it was too complicated to have separate covers and inserts, I wanted simplicity so the pocket diaper was simple.  Now, that I have been cloth diapering for a number of years, I like the covers because I only need 1 or 2 covers per day.  I just change out the insert when wet or soiled.

I have also changed the way I make my cloth wipes.  This is my current recipe (subject to change without notice!):
-2 cups water
-1 Tbsp liquid castile soap
-1 Tbsp olive oil or grape seed oil
-10 drops tea tree essential oil
-10 drops peppermint essential oil

I mix it all up in a squirt bottle and keep a stack of dry cloths on my changing table.

Happy diapering :)