Make Your Bug Spray Ah, the eternal battle between humans and tiny, winged vampires. Whether you’re heading into the deep woods or just trying to survive a backyard BBQ, picking the right repellent is key. I always thought of the idea that learning how to make a Bug Spray yourself, is a huge benefit. Our nature has all the growing plants avaliable that will help keeping these “vampires” away from us. The most effective Essential Oils that help keeping mosquitos away are: Eucalyptus Lemongrass Citronella Teatree Rosemary Interesting fact: Potted rosemary plants help keep the flies away. Put a few rosemary plants around your kitchen and see the difference it makes. Good to remember: If you’re also wearing sunscreen, apply the sunscreen first, let it dry for 15 minutes, and then apply the bug spray. BUG SPRAY INGREDIENTS In an empty 8 – 10 Oz glass spray bottle mix all these ingredients: 1/2 cup witch hazel 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar (optional) 20 drops citronella essential oil 20 drops lemongrass essential oil (You can substitute these essential oils with either eucalyptus, teatree, rosemary essential oils. See what works best for you). Shake the bottle with mixture and spray evenly on all parts of your body except eyes and mouth. When you make it yourself, you eliminate the “mystery fragrances” and preservatives found in commercial cans. You control the purity of the carrier (like witch hazel or apple cider vinegar) and the quality of the essential oils.
Traveling to Peru I am so excited about this post. My all time desire was to share my amazing experience traveling to South America with my husband. And I DO HIGHLY recommend traveling there. This one time life experience is worth every penny and your emotions. There was one Summer day in our new house, my husband asked me, – Alina, what do you want for your birthday? I was looking at Machu Picchu pictures at that moment. I sighed and with a dreamy voice I said showing him my phone screen, – I want this, take me there! Since that day, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Every day I would read different topics particularly about this country Peru and all the historical and “mystic” places where I could possibly go and see it all with my own eyes. After spending 2 weeks straight researching, I started planning out our trip in advance. Places I wanted to see: Lima, Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu and everything in between them. I RECOMMEND taking a car rental in Lima, because it’s a big city and taking taxi rides may be spendy, as there are many places to go to. Central Parks, Museums, we even visited a Catholic Church, they had a parade during our visit, and we went inside the church and spent some time during their service. My first expression in Lima was as if I am in Spain. Buildings, architecture design. Although Peruvians are half Inkas from the old civilization. So, this was in August. Their climate works backwards because of the equator. August is their last month of winter. Their weather was cloudy, foggy, and raining in the evenings. So sweaters was a must. Also, be careful driving on their roads, their drivers are more aggressive, many times ignoring road rules, and keep in mind that it’s a different country and people with different mentality. So, don’t get too surprised on some awkward moments that you might encounter. We took car trip a little further from the city, to their beach town. We spent there like half a day. I noticed that Peruvians don’t have middle class, some either are rich, and the rest are poor. I did not see hungry children or adults. They might not have a fancy apartment to live in, but they all have enough food, and more than enough milk from Alpacas. Alpacas are their national animal that feeds them and dresses them in wool. We took a flight ✈️ from Lima to Cusco after a few days that we reserved in advance. This flight took for about 3 hours. Cusco airport is quite small and many taxi drivers, so you will always have a ride. I DO NOT RECOMMEND getting a car rental in Cusco. Their parking spaces are very limited and it’s not worth the headache and money particularly in Cusco. So don’t do it. Take a taxi. You will save yourself more free and fun time. Cusco was my favorite old city there. I absolutely loved the 17th and the 18th century vibe all around, wherever you go. It was absolutely amazing. A must visit in Cusco is San Pedro Market. Endless options from street food, cultural hand made items. Amazing place to spend most of your day. Archeological area right in the city. Yes, they allow visitors on half the area. So it’s a must visit. Their food, and bakery, drinks are amazing. Absolutely enjoyed all of their buffets, restaurants, street food was my favorite. Coca tea was my other favorite go to drink! Keep in mind that Coca Tea is also a natural energy drink. I didn’t start a day in Cusco without drinking this tea first! Trip to Machu Picchu The only way to take a trip to Machu Picchu is through a train. We bought train tickets in advance online. Buying tickets in advance can save you a lot of money. The train station is in Ollantaytambo. It takes about 2 hours to drive there from Cusco. There we took a train and headed to Machu Picchu village. Honestly, I don’t remember how long it took one way on the train. But all together with the train and taxi rides and experience the veiws of that beautiful mountain takes one whole day, just to experience Machu Picchu. So plan your trips accordingly and in advance. The famous Machu Picchu mountain is not in the village. Don’t forget to buy tickets in that Machu Picchu village so you are allowed to enter the mountain premises to see the famous Machu Picchu. To get to the Mountain takes about 1 hour walking up the hill (might be the best option for hiking gurus). Or you can buy bus tickets and it takes like 25 to 30 minutes to get to the mountain. No camera can never justify the real breathtaking beauty of that nature. No matter how many pictures you take, videos you record, it just doesn’t look the same. Although I did record a short on my YouTube page. https://youtube.com/shorts/otlcTyjr6Qw?si=SMs03tjYY9j50HnA Peru is one of those rare destinations where the reality actually lives up to the glossy magazine photos. Whether you’re there for the history, the world-class food scene, or the sheer adrenaline of the Andes, it’s a trip that stays with you.
Essential Oil – Based Cleaning Recipes Essential oils offer powerful ways to clean your home and refresh you spaces. I love the difference that essential oils have made for me in refreshing and in my cleaning routine. DIY home care recipes I use just have a few ingredients. I feel good about knowing exactly what I and my family is breathing and touching every single day. Essential oils are simply some of the best smelling, natural antibacterial options for home cleaning. It’s important to use safe cleaning products that do not contain dangerous ingredients that can be found very harmful to our bodies, children and our pets. Add oils to your laundry routine, sanitize the kitchen and fight mold in the bathroom, and making your house smelling fresh and clean. I have found the most effective essential oils for detoxing and cleaning your home are: Cinnamon Citrus oils (lemon, orange, lime) Eucalyptus Lemongrass Peppermint Tea tree I compiled seven of my go to quick cleaning recipes here and here they are, so screenshot them, take notes or whatever works for you… hope you love them and will be continuing using these quick recipes in your home too. Carpet Deodorizer: 1 to 2 cups of borax (depending on the area size) mix it with 12 drops of tea tree oil and 12 drops of lemongrass. Apply it evenly in your carpet and vacuum. All -Purpose Spray: Fill the empty spray bottle with plain warm water and mix it with 7 drops of lemon oil, 7 drops peppermint oil, 2 drops tea tree oil. Dishwasher/Laundry Detergent: Combine one graded bar of Castile soap, 2 cups of Borax, 2 cups of washing soda, 1 cup of baking soda, 20 drops of lavender oil, 20 drops of peppermint oil. Mold Eliminator: Diffuse 7 to 15 drops of tea tree oil to kill mold in the air. Smoke Eliminator: Fill an empty spray bottle with 4 to 7 drops of rosemary, tea tree, and eucalyptus oils and spray around the house or in smoky areas. Window/Mirror Cleaner: Fill an empty spray bottle with 1 cup of water, 1 cup of vinegar, 25 drops of lemon oil. Trashcan Refreshner: Pour 4 drops of lemon and teatree oils on a cotton ball and put it at the bottom of the trashcan to decrease odor and detoxify the air. You will be amazed on how many unnecessary cleaning products you can now throw away. Believe it or not, you can save a lot money. All these ingredients are very inexpensive and last for months. Most natural ingredients can be found in any grocery stores. Try it yourself and see how many benefits it brings you and your family, and your home!
Bath Salts (Therapy, Relaxation) Actual bath salts (like Epsom salts) have zero relationship to the drug. These are legitimate health products used for relaxation and muscle recovery. Ingredients: Usually magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt), sea salt, or Himalayan salt, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), essential oils. Purpose: To soothe sore muscles, reduce inflammation, and improve skin health. Safety: Perfectly safe when used as directed in bathwater. Why adding baking soda in your bath salts? Baking soda is a natural alkaline substance. When dissolved in water, it helps to soften the water. This makes it feel “silky” and helps the water penetrate the skin better. Gentle exfoliation that helps loosen dead skin cells, leaving your skin feeling significantly smoother after the soak. If you have itchy or inflamed skin, baking soda is often the “secret ingredient.” It is commonly used to provide relief for: Sunburns Eczema or Psoriasis flares Poison ivy or insect bites Fungal issues (like athlete’s foot) due to its mild antifungal properties. To get the best results for a standard bathtub, use a ratio of about 1 part baking soda to 2 parts Epsom salt. Prepare your Bath Salts in advance. Take an empty jar with a lid 2 1/2 cups Epsom Salt 1 cup Baking Soda 40 drops of either eucalyptus, lavender, or peppermint essential oil, (or an equal combination of the three for about 12 drops of each oil). These essential oils help reduce stress, soothe your muscles, gives a pleasant scent to your body, provides a therapeutic relaxation to your entire body. Mix everything with a fork Close the lid and keep the jar in a dry place and use it when needed. This is easier than you thought, right. Now you have a much more effective Bath Salts product than from the store. Safety Note: While it’s great for most people, avoid baking soda baths if you have an open wound, a high fever, or are pregnant, unless you’ve cleared it with a doctor first.
Modern Rustic I always enjoy visiting open houses to see style combinations of interior designs. And always enjoy to scroll through interior design ideas and find a balance for my home. I decided to share with one post combining the two styles, and that is modern with rustic. This is the first topic about designs in my blog and I hope it works out to generate all useful information here. So, let’s begin. I remembet when we were building our first home. It was a real hassle. Not only we needed to meet all the time lines, we also had to plan ahead on our interior design and choose the style of all the appliances and built in cabinets thoroughly. I looked through every magazine possible and searched through all different styles online. Here’s what I learned about this topic. Finding that “sweet spot” between a cozy mountain cabin and a sleek city loft is what the Modern Rustic (or Urban Farmhouse) aesthetic is all about. It’s the art of pairing something that has “lived a life” with something that just came off the showroom floor.Here is how to master the blend without making your home look like a cluttered antique shop or a cold gallery. The Foundation: Natural Textures + Clean LinesThe secret to this style is contrast. You want to pair the “rough” with the “smooth.” The Rustic: Exposed wooden beams, reclaimed wood coffee tables, or a stone fireplace. These bring warmth and history. The Modern: Thin-profile metal legs, large windows, and sharp, geometric furniture silhouettes. The Mix: Place a reclaimed oak dining table on top of a sleek, low-pile gray rug, or pair a chunky knit throw over a structured leather mid-century sofa. The Color Palette: “Organic Neutral”To keep the look modern, steer clear of the heavy, dark reds and greens of traditional rustic decor. Stick to a tonal palette:Tone ElementWarm Whites Walls and linen curtains to keep the space airy. Earth Tones Cognac leather, terracotta, and olive green for depth.Matte Black Hardware, light fixtures, and window frames to add “edge.” Architecture & LightingIn a Modern Rustic home, the lighting acts as the “jewelry.” Statement Lighting: Swap out basic fans for matte black chandeliers or Edison bulb pendants with industrial metal cages. Negative Space: Don’t over-decorate. The “Modern” side of this style loves breathing room. Let one large piece of driftwood or a single oversized clay vase be the focal point of a room. Bringing the Outdoors inside your home like plants, little potted trees is a great way to bring life to a space. Use greenery to soften the industrial edges. Large-scale plants: Think Fiddle Leaf Figs or Olive Trees in concrete pots. Raw Materials: Use unpolished brass, hammered copper, or slate coasters. Design Tip: If a room feels too “old,” add a piece of abstract black-and-white art. If it feels too “cold,” add a vintage Persian rug or a stack of firewood. Ultimately, the Modern Rustic style is about more than just matching furniture—it’s about creating a home that feels both grounded and forward-thinking. By blending the raw, soulful textures of the past with the clean, intentional lines of the present, you create a space that feels curated rather than just “decorated.” Whether you’re looking to find peace in the natural elements or seeking the structure of a modern layout, remember that the most important element in the room is your perspective. And here I will wrap up with my post and I hope you enjoyed it and got some useful tips for your home. Stay tuned for more interesting posts 📫…
Make at home Anti-aging Serum I will share with one of my most favorite serums that I make at home. It’s my Anti-aging Serum. This product is effective as the most expensive facial products from big companies. Although many of facial products contain more than half of their unnatural ingredients per bottle, at least when making your own serum, you will know what you have put in that bottle. One of the crucial ingredient that should never be used on your face is coconut oil. Coconut oil is heavy on your facial skin and it clogs your pores. Although for body use, coconut oil is very beneficial and it is a great carrier oil when used with essential oils for topical use on your body. So what oils can you use on your face that will not clog your pores? My always recommended oils are light seed oils. Example, like carrot seed oil, almond oil, grape seed oil and etc. I have combined one amazing “potion” that you can safely use on as your facial serum (before combining the ingredients, please know your allergies). Ingredients: In a small jar combine 1tsp jojoba oil 1tsp evening primrose oil 1tsp pomegranate seed oil 2 dr of vitamin E 2 dr of Frankincense essential oil 3 dr of Lavender essential oil 3 dr of Lemon essential oil Stirr thoroughly all the ingredients together and close the lid. Here are some benefits of these ingredients: Skin Benefits of Jojoba Oil: Deep Moisturization & Balancing: Because it mimics natural sebum, it helps balance oil production, providing hydration without clogging pores (non-comedogenic). Acne Treatment: It contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agents that help reduce acne breakouts and soothe irritated skin. Evening Primrose improves elasticity, firmness, and promoting cell regeneration, it helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Pomegranate seed oil hydrates, firmes, and repairs skin without clogging pores. Benefits of essential oils on skin are a combination of anti-inflammatory properties, brighter looking skin tone, anti-aging, vitamin C, E, A. Essential oils are packed with high healing properties. They also eliminate appearance of skars. Use this amazing anti-aging serum on your face, neck, and decollete morning and evening. Hope you enjoyed reading my blog post, and loving your new self made serum. Stay tuned for more interesting and helpful blog information. See ya 😉
Home Remedies For Your Health Disclaimer: This post is not a doctor’s prescription of any kind and not a traditional medical treatment of any sort. Exclusively for home treatments to maintain balance and overall health. Please know your allergies before taking this advice. Now, let’s move on… admit that we all like to know, and on-and-off we are searching online on posts to balance our health, little and not so complicated home remedies that we can easily find in the grocery or any of life source stores that are near us. We are all looked into using Essential Oils and sometimes even use them topically or diffuse them in our homes. Am I right? We will talk about this essential topic with Essential Oils with combinations and how we can diffuse them and use them topically to maybe reduce these doctor visits. I won’t take long I promise. I personally love using Essential Oils for home remedies, and maybe after this post you will too. Great and Effective Essential Oils Brands that I personally use on a regular basis are doTERRA (I have an account with them, you can explore it shop around through my account). Young Living is my go to shop for essential oils. I don’t have an account with them, but shop there occasionally. Rainbow Abby on Amazon occasionally use them for fruity scents in my shampoos, liquid soaps, and laundry. You can use essential oils topically on the effected area or diffuse them 1 to 2 drops of each. And if using them topically use carrier oil like coconut oil for body, and if using on face use lighter carrier oil like grape seed, almond, or carrot seed so you don’t plug your pores Here are the blends for different health issues… Normalize High Blood Pressure: Lavender, Ylang Ylang, Frankincense. Bloodsugar Balance (diffuse): Cinnamon Oil, Lavender, Roman Chamomile. Balance Mood Swings (diffuse): Bergamot, Lavender, Roman Chamomile. Reduce Swelling, Anti-inflammatory: Frankincense. Antiseptic: Myrrh Immune Support: Frankincense, Lemon, Thyme Sore Muscles (rub): Turmeric, Peppermint, Rosemary Upset Stomach (inhale or consume 1 to 2 drops): Ginger Oil Cuts and Scrapes: Lavender Reduce Fever: Lemongrass and Cinnamon Bark Oils Clean Air (diffuse): Lemon, Clove, Orange, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus, Rosemary Improve Energy: Peppermint Try these blends and see how it will benefit you. It sure does benefit me and my family. Hope to hear from you and your experience. Stay tuned for more healthy posts 🙂
How to make Bubble Bath (video tutorial) fluffy and airy bubbles – just like from the boutique! Let’s admit it. We all love to indulge in me time, relax and get soaked in hot bath once in a while. Especially during cold season. Well, here is a perfect way and a recipe on how to make your natural, vegan bubble bath, that creates fluffy and airy bubbles – just like the ones you grab from the boutique counter and even better! I am so excited to share my method and my way of making it! I will share with one secret ingredient that makes bubbles be fluffy and airy, and its absolutely vegan. Don’t skip on this ingredient and don’t substitute it with Castile Soap. The result just won’t be the same! So, here IT IS – Decyl Glucoside! This is your KEY ingredient for the foam! Why this product? Is it safe? Natural? I did tons of research and I will leave a quote here with a referral on this product, “Decyl glucoside is made from 100% natural raw materials. It is a chemical combination of fatty alcohols and sugars, where the glucose or sugars are obtained from corn starch or corn sugar. The decanol or decyl alcohol or fatty alcohol is procured by the hydrogenolysis of the fatty acids found in palm oil and coconuts.” Just click on this quote to read the full article. It’s just one of the many research results I found on the safety of this particular product. You can find Decyl Glucoside on Amazon and this is The One I always purchase for my bubble baths and cleansers. Definitely try this one! Natural Bubble Bath is always better. You will find your skin smooth and clean without irritation. Here is how to make your perfect bubbly bubble bath! Remember do not pour water on top of decyl glucoside but always add decyl glucoside to the water. Doing otherwise will create suds and as a results will be difficult to work with the mixture. In a large pouring pot add these ingredients: 2 cups of purified water 2 cups of decyl glucoside (you will find one on Amazon.com) 2 tbsp grapeseed oil 40 drops of lavender essential oil + 40 drops of chamomile essential oil Stir everything together until well incorporated. Pour mixture inside about 32 ounces of a jar/bottle and add little amounts to your bath under the running water. See how easy that was! Enjoy your relaxing, natural and clean bubble bath! Never miss any of my DIY posts HERE! Like, share and subscribe to my blog to see my latest posts on a blogged book POSSESSED, DESTINY and DIY’s!
How to make honey cough syrup (video tutorial) Have you ever considered using honey with essential oils to boost your immune system? If you are someone who purchases and consumes organic foods – like I do, then you should seriously consider consuming essential oil products that are certified organic. Not all essential oils are safe to be consumed, but there are a few generally known like Lavender (essential oil), Lemon (essential oil), Ginger (essential oil), Eucalyptus (essential oil), these are safe to use internally NOT MORE than (1 to 2 drops), but always consult with your doctor if you have serious health issues and extra sensitive body reactions. This natural home remedy is well known in our community and it’s absolutely safe in our family, even our kids enjoy this cough syrup with a hot cup of tea. I am excited to share it with you, so you can make one at home and enjoy full benefits of honey and these simple and amazing essential oils that are very easy to find in any natural grocery store. So, here it is! In a glass jar, add 9 tbsp of raw honey, and prepare your essential oils (eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, ginger). Start adding drops of essential oils in order: 5-9 drops of lemon essential oil 5-9 drops of lavender essential oil 5-9 drops of eucalyptus essential oil 5-9 drops of ginger essential oil Mix your honey with essential oils you just added, until combined. Add this honey mixture to your favorite hot/warm tea, or in plain hot water (I find a lot of people enjoy it that way), or just take it as is (1tbsp a day). Your best home made remedy is ready for use any time you need it! Enjoy! Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share this easy home remedy with your loved ones! In the mean time, never miss a chapter of a Destiny Book, and a New Book POSSESSED!
How to make anti-bacterial wipes (video tutorial) Why make your own wipes? It will NOT contain Clorox and Homemade Wipes are more cleaner and more effective and safe on all surfaces! Disadvantages of Clorox – it can harshly irritate skin and eyes, inhaling it while cleaning for a long period of time can increase a risk of cancer, it builds up a chemical called Chloroform in the air which makes it difficult to breathe. So, with that said – let’s learn how to make our own! I like to use thick and durable paper cloths rather than just regular paper towels. These are the paper cloths I like to use, I find them very strong and effective when cleaning, and I do make a lot for ahead of time just so I have extra when I run out. But if you find something else and something more cost effective, don’t be afraid to experiment and find the ones you like the best. Now, these paper cloths are large and I CUT them in half before I start adjusting them to the container size. I CUT 5 cloths at a time, to make the process faster. You will see everything in a video I provided. You can choose any container you like, and adjust your paper cloths or towels to that container while DRY, then place inside the container after when you soaked them in the mixture. This is the container that I use, and you can search more different pretty ones, there are many different options available online or in store! For 2 sets of 25 wipes (per set), you will need: 2 cups purified water 1 cup white vinegar 1 cup 90% and up of Isopropyl (alcohol) 35 drops lavender essential oil + 15 drops lemon essential oil (or any other essential oil scent of your choice). Stir the mixture together to blend all ingredients. Use a rectangle deep platter to prepare your wipes in. When all are folded and prepared, soak your paper cloths in the mixture until every cloth is well soaked in this mixture. Now place your wipes inside the wipes container and enjoy your homemade wipes! I believe you will enjoy this process and this project will be very exciting to make it at your home, your thick and durable homemade wipes! Don’t forget to catch up on my blogged book DESTINY and my second blogged book POSSESSED that I recently started! Enjoy! And thank you my dears!
