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. 
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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

Five Friday Favorites

Everyday while surfing the web I come across so many things that entertain, inspire, and educate me.  So, I’m choosing five of those to share with you here.  Enjoy!
Strawberry and goat cheese sherbert.  Perfect for summer.  Here’s the recipe.  {Photo Credit: mycaliforniaroots.com}
When that favorite tree has to be taken down, here’s a creative way to preserve it’s memory.  Click here to make your own natural branch coasters.  {Photo Credit: gardentherapy.ca}
Improve your mood with one click.  Try it, right here.  {Photo Credit: www.putyouinabettermood.com}
Two ways to create an edible ombre cake.  Full tutorial is here.  Which is your favorite?  I’ll take a slice of both!  {Photo Credit: laurenconrad.com}
Sweet, but heartbreaking story.  {Story Credit: thebark.com}
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! 

Friday’s Top 10 Link List: 7-5-13 {Holiday Hangover}

What day is it?  Where am I suppose to be today?  I always find myself asking these questions as another holiday passes.  I actually had to write down my schedule for Friday on a piece of paper so that I wouldn’t forget.  Perhaps it’s a sign of old age.  I guess you could call it a Holiday hangover (without the alcohol).  Have a great weekend!  According to the weather man it’s going to be a hot one here in the Midwest.
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A frame used as a dessert tray.
Oven baked Italian fries.
My nephew would LOVE this all of these.
Raspberry lemonade yogurt ice pops.
Digging his music.
Five photography tips.
Postcard sugar cookies.  How cute are these?
The 10 habits of highly organized people.
I will be making these very soon.  
DIY styrofoam Polaroid frame.  Awesome!
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Until the next word…
~Jennifer

Friday’s Top 10 Link List: 6-28-13 {Random Findings}

I captured this image last night.  Finally, the pink day lily decided to open.  I wait patiently for all of my flowers to bloom.  I’ve included another photo of this same flower at the end of the post. 
Enjoy this week’s random findings. 
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Take 23 minutes out of your day to watch this video.  Prepare to cry.  Most of all, be inspired!
Banana Ice Cream?  I’m going to give it a try.
Three of my favorite!
Yum!
I don’t buy gift wrap anymore.  I create my own.  This is adorable for any occasion.
This lady is talented!  Look.
Love this blog.
One of my favorite childhood candies.  Who doesn’t love these?
It’s just a mason jar.  Or is it?
Minus the feta (yuk) these look good.  I’m always looking for ways to use spinach.
*****
Taken a day before the image above.
Until the next word…
~Jennifer

Friday’s Top 10 List: 9-7-12

It’s good to be back online.  
Last night was the first night that I actually missed having cable.  Why?  Because I missed the VMA’s.  I’m hoping to catch footage on their website.  So, today I chose to rock my MTV graphic tshirt. 
Today’s weather is resembling a perfect fall day.  Crock pot dinners and a warm bowl of homemade soup with bread.  Yum.  I am ready for fall.  You?
Have a great weekend.  Tomorrow I will be sitting in section 202 watching these guys.  And these guys.  And these guys are opening!  I will be in rock n’ roll heaven.
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Halloween Inspiration.  The candy corn sugar cookies look awesome.  I’ve never experimented with coloring cookie dough.  What am I waiting for?  I want to create one of everything from this collection.  Kudos to all the creators.
Have you ever dressed your dogs up for Halloween?  The cat?
I LOVE my new smartphone.  Even though I’ve been accidentally calling people (all the time) because I don’t fully understand how to operate it.  Technology continues to amaze me.  Anyway, I’m getting my feet wet with all the wonderful apps you can download.  Shazam is my absolute favorite one so far.  The question I have now is do I download the Instagram app?  Do I really need another site to keep up with?  Time will tell.   
I use to make these cookies all the time.  They will soon fill my belly again. 
An adorable blog that I just discovered (by accident)…(meaning that some accidents are good).  How about that Airstream?  OMG, love it!
I’m a huge fan of raspberry vinaigrette dressing.  BUT, this one just might top that.
Would you like the Key to Galena, IL?  Have you ever visited this charming little town that has something for everyone?  Be sure to follow my friend’s blog for his insight of what the town has to offer you.
Do you use videos for marketing your business? How about Viddy?  YouTube?  Here’s some additional tips to guide you through the process.  I’m leaning more towards Viddy.  Short, sweet, and to the point.
Mixtape necklace?  Cute!
Please keep in mind that I listen to a wide range of music.  Remember I call it mood music.  Okay, to the point.  I first discovered this band during MTV’s Springbreak of 1998.  They made of cover of a New Order song from 1983.  Here’s the video.  As I was catching up with the social sites today I read that they’re back with new music.  I feel like a kid in a candy store.  Perhaps I’ll get the chance to see them live someday…….ah.
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Until the next word…
~Jennifer

Friday’s Top 10 List: 7-27-12

Wednesday morning I grabbed the huge white mixing bowl and filled it up with fresh veggies from the garden.  I was planning to harvest the green peppers, but this bowl is getting lighter after each meal.  I’ll save future picks to freeze.
Fresh salad ingredients, veggie tacos, throw-ins for my breakfast skillets, and toppings for my veggie sandwiches.  I LOVE this time of the year.  Despite the heat wave, my garden is doing well. 
Plans for the weekend?  Several projects in my studio need some attention.  Last weekend I was ill, so praying for a productive day tomorrow.  
Fan of the Olympics?  Are you watching or attending?  I’m looking forward to the swimming competition on Saturday.  Go USA!

I shared the photo above on Facebook today, but I must share here as well.  How cute is this?  I woke up and found the boys toys arranged on the floor.  Kind of looks like they were building their own set of Olympic rings.  Not sure which one made this, but I’m pleased with their sense of creativity (they get it from me).
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LEGO fans, check this out!  It’s on display at the Nicholson Museum in Melbourne, Australia.  My nephew would love it!
Have you heard of the Daily Chuck?  I can’t remember how I discovered this Mom Blogger, Heather Armstrong, but if you click on the link for the daily chuck you’ll see what I love her site.  She blogs about her life and topics in which some people wouldn’t dare mention in a public forum.  I watched The Talk yesterday and who was one of their guests?  It was Heather Armstrong.  “Hey, I read her blog!”  May sound silly, but I was excited to see someone from the cyber world on tv.
I rent an old house with hard water.  We’ll see if this cures the rust stains.  I wonder if it’ll work for toilet stains as well.  With gloves on of course.
For the love of music, right at your feet! 
University students combining their knowledge to create devices like this one.  Using the eye-tracking software they developed a machine to help the disabled and elderly feed themselves at home.  Kudos to them.
I’ve got everything for this recipe in the garden and in my seasoning cabinet.  Paired with a bag of chips and I’m all set to browse through the Netflix categories.  
Crunchy pasta?  I’m hungry and this looks good.  So here’s another vegetarian recipe.
Fan of New Order?  They will be touring this fall.  Thanks to my friend Jason who runs, Rediscover the 80’s blog for sharing this on the social sites.
I was spending a “little” bit of time on Pinterest the other day and came across this awesome DIY project.  I’ve decided to make one for all six of my nieces and nephews.  I’m adding a couple of steps to the project and I’ve got a few ideas on ways to display them.  All inexpensive (Dollar Store finds) of course.  I’ll post how it turns out on the blog when I get the first one done.
November 16, 2012.  No explanation needed, just click that link!
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Until the next word…
~Jennifer