Eightymillion

A DIY craft and photography blog. Dogs included.

DIY Bug Repellent for Humans & Dogs

It’s flea and tick season here in the Midwest and believe me they’re out for blood!  The bugs are horrible this year.  Who wants to stay indoors?  I had my first trip to the doctor last week because my ear was really sore and swollen.  Turns out I was bitten by gnats. The doctor advised me to take Benadryl and monitor the area. The nurse also gave me a recipe for homemade bug repellent.  She told me that it works for her and she also uses it on her dogs.  She applies it monthly just as you would with the store bought versions.  Flea and tick medicine for three dogs, given monthly, can get expensive.  So, it’s definitely worth a try.  I also feel better knowing what exactly is in the solution before applying.
Ingredients:

1 cup apple cider vinegar
3 cups of water
splash of vanilla
splash of lemon juice
Supplies:

Medium sized mixing bowl
Funnel
Whisk
Spray bottle (check your local dollar stores)
Instructions:

Mix all of the ingredients in a bowl and then using a funnel transfer it into a spray bottle.  Take a black marker and label the bottle. 
*****
For humans I applied it to all areas of the skin that were exposed.  For my face, I rubbed some in my hands and applied to my neck and checks only.  I get nervous when applying anything around the eyes.
For dogs I applied it the same way that I do with Frontline.  Starting at their neckline, down along their back to the tail.  Set the spray bottle on stream so that it’s easier to apply in a straight line.  Part their hair with the nozzle a bit.  If you have multiple dogs wash the nozzle before using it on the next one.  Yes, they’ll smell like vinegar for awhile.  BUT the fleas and ticks hate vinegar, so that’s okay.
I tried this recipe for the first time today and can report no problems.  Sure a couple of gnats trying using my eyes as landing stations, but other than that, it worked fine.  I was able to get a couple of hours of yard work in without constantly hitting myself.
Good luck!
Just a cute behind the scenes photo of House yawning during me taking pictures.  Or perhaps he was yelling. Or singing.
Until the next word…
~Jennifer

DIY Refrigerator Pickles

Here’s a recipe just in time for Spring.  It’s easy and inexpensive.  Have you ever made refrigerator pickles? I’ve come across different versions but this one is by far my favorite.  Pretty soon our local farmer’s markets will be offering all the fresh produce from the garden.  These pickles will make a great addition to your summer picnics and barbecues.  New neighbors?  Gift them a jar.
Supplies:

Quart mason jars with lids (3)
Large mixing bowl
Batter bowl
Pinch bowl
Colander
Cutting board
Knife
Whisk
Egg Timer
Ingredients:

5 cucumbers
1 large white onion
1 cup sugar
2/3 cup white vinegar
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. celery seed
1/2 tsp. mustard seed
Salt
Instructions:

Wash the cucumbers and slice.  Don’t peel them.  Slice up your onion.  In your large mixing bowl soak the cucumbers and onions in salt water for one hour. 
In your pinch bowl, mix together the garlic powder, celery seed, and mustard seed.  Set aside.  Whisk together the sugar and vinegar in the batter bowl.  Add the dry seasonings and mix together.
Drain the cucumbers and onions from the salt water and start packing them into your mason jars.  I left a little room at the top because you’ll be shaking them once everything is in the jar.  Pour the liquid mixture over the top until all is covered. Tighten the lid and shake until the sugar is well dissolved.  Do the same with the other jars until the cucumber mixture is gone.  I only used three mason jars for this batch, but depending on the size of your cucumbers you may use more/less. 
Store in refrigerator.  I was told to wait 24 hours before consuming, but that didn’t work.  I was snacking within the first hour. Vinegar based foods are my favorite.  My boyfriend has used them on hamburgers and hot dogs. They’re tasty on subs.  And you can chop a few up and toss with your salad.  Or just grab a fork and dig in!
This recipe was given to me from a friend.  I asked him for their shelf life and he laughed at me.  He said don’t worry, you’ll eat up them rather fast.  He was right. 
Enjoy!