Insect Repellent

6 drops of each or a total of 18 drops of any of the following essential oils. For mosquitoes citronella proabably works best.

peppermint
citronella
tea tree

1 cup purified water
1 teaspoon alcohol

Pour ingredients into a spray bottle and shake very well before each use. I like to store mine in the fridge where I know it will stay fresh, but I think it would keep well on the shelf for some time too.

Pioneer Mom's Note: No more chemical insect repellents for us! I have been making this for a while. I bought one bottle of repellent from Dr. Mercola and liked it so much that I decided I would try making it at home. It costs so little as those bottles of essential oils go a very long way. Plus, the spray smells wonderful!

Lotion

1/2 cup distilled water

1/4 cup safflower or olive oil
1/4 cup coconut oil

1 TBS lecithin
2 opened capsules Vitamin E

Blend all ingredients in the blender on low. You will have a nice creamy firm lotion. Add more water if you want a lighter lotion. Store in the refrigerator. 

Pioneer Mom's note: Unlike most lotions, these ingredients won't harm your skin. I like to have this lotion in my refrigerator, handy to use. In Belize we do not have a lot of dry weather, so it is not that important to constantly use lotion. But when I do gardening or when it is somewhat dry, I like to apply it. If it feels too oily after applying, I rub off the excess with a clean cloth or paper towel.