FALL DIY | Natural buggy repellent

Ok, I don't know if any of you have the same problem...but every September/October as the air gets crisper and the days get shorter, the spiders get bigger and they start to come inside. Ick, my skin's crawling just thinking about it. But, it's just part of living in the NW.

John and I live in a funky house full of character and huge heating grates that lead straight to the basement. Those little buggers have wide open access to our living space...Since I'm not really cool with that or bug bombing my house I've sought out another solution.

As an alternative to chemical repellents I've started using essential oils to keep bugs at bay. And so far it seems to be doing the job.

FACT: Spiders don't like lavender, citrus or tea tree oil.

Lets use that information for our benefit, shall we?

NATURAL SPIDER REPELLENT SPRAY:

You'll need:
1 squirt bottle
1 essential oil of your choice (I use lavender)
Water

Directions: Depending on the size of your spray bottle, use 20-40 drops of essential oil. Fill the spray bottle to the top and shake. Spray the mixture along walls, doors, under the bed, in heating grates, and anywhere else that feels necessary.

When I spray my house down, usually twice a week, I'm sure the neighbors can smell it from across the street! I'm not messin' around. But lavender is relaxing, right? This is a two in one aromatherapy project! Ha! Enjoy :)

Let me know how it works for you!

It's finally fall!

I gladly layered up this morning before heading downtown - I love sunshine and crisp air, scarves and pumpkin spice lattes. Kayla met me at the Nordstrom Cafe and we caught up over toasted sandwiches, soup and cupcakes. After lunch we went to Anthropologie to drool over the beautiful things, and then to The Salvation Army to look for beautiful things we can afford :) I didn't come home with anything, but Kayla found a sunflower yellow pyrex bowl and a vintage green hobnail flower vase, and wouldn't you know it was 50% off everything day! I made sure she got to the ferry on time, yes there was some jogging involved, and then headed home to reboot. For me that means, my Bible, Pandora and a cup of tea.

After a little down time I started searching for an old map to get crafty with. I found one in a junk drawer and didn't waste any time cutting it up for bunting. I love sewing paper together for simple, inexpensive garland.

I think it turned out alright, what do you think?

<3

Well, my valentines went out in the mail this morning to my out of town friends (To my Poulsbohemians: You'll have to wait until Saturday). I've had fun looking for DIY projects for this holiday, in particular. Something about it has always appealed to me (maybe because the holiday has my name in it?). I don't really do Christmas cards, never have. But I started making my own valentines every year when I was pretty young. I'm usually covered in glittler and doilies for 3 weeks before I mail them out. This year I took a different approach with something I found at Creature Comforts and Twig & Thistle. I hope you're looking forward to Valentine's Day this year. I AM!