All Natural Bug Spray Recipe with Essential Oils

September 25, 2019 Salty Blondes

Regan here! This blog post has been a long time coming. I planned on sharing it in the summer, when bug spray most often gets used, but then life happened and we got hit hard with some stuff that many of you know about if you follow us on Instagram, and here I am sharing a random post about bug spray at the end of September.

For those of you who don’t know, our sweet angel mom passed away from cancer on August 16th. It’s been a tough (to say the least) whirlwind of emotions for all of us, and something we didn’t anticipate happening. At least not this quickly. We want to share more about her story and the details of how everything happened, but we’ll save that for another post that we have already started working on.

After our mom got sick, she started integrating cleaner, less toxic ingredients and products into her home. She didn’t know if it would make any difference, but she figured it wouldn’t hurt, and we all started to do the same. I wish I could say I’ve completely switched over to every all-natural product, and I also wish I was more educated and took the time to really read all of the labels of the products and ingredients I use, but at least I’m working on it. Slowly.

One product that gets used frequently around my house is bug spray. I LOVE where we live in Utah, but the area where my little family has lived for the last 3.5 years is pretty much right on a lake, and in the evenings there are BUGS. EVERYWHERE. It’s my least favorite thing about where we live. You basically have to drench yourself in bug spray anytime you want to step outside in the summer evenings.

I’ve always thought common bug spray brands (like Off!) smelled horrible and felt gross and sticky on my skin, and I know they often contain toxic ingredients. My grandma shared her natural bug spray recipe with me (made with essential oils) years ago, and I’ve been using it ever since! It makes living in a mosquito infested area a little more bearable. Haha.

When we have friends over, I always share my natural bug spray with everyone (and brag about how great it is, lol), and it’s always a huge hit! It smells so good, and works perfectly. I’m always getting asked for the recipe, and I don’t know whyI haven’t shared it on here sooner!

To make it, you can use any combination of these essential oils (I’ll share what I usually use in the recipe below): citronella, clove, lemongrass, rosemary, tea tree, cajeput, eucalyptus, cedar, catnip, geranium, lavender, mint. All of those have insect and mosquito-repelling properties. Just use 100 drops total of whatever combination you use.

Side note: essential oils can eat through some containers. So I use these spray bottles and they are the BEST. I love how they spray (is that weird? lol). They come in a set of two and I use the other one to do Cal’s hair, haha. I also have slowly been collecting good brands of essential oils, like doTERRA, but THIS is a starter pack I got when I first started making this bug spray. It’s inexpensive and gets the job done.

All Natural Bug Spray with Essential Oils

Author: Salty Blondes

ingredients:

20 drops lemongrass essential oil
20 drops tea tree essential oil
20 drops eucalyptus essential oil
20 drops lavender essential oil
20 drops rosemary essential oil
1 TBSP rubbing alcohol
½ cup natural witch hazel
½ cup water (or vinegar)
1 tsp vegetable glycerin (optional)

instructions:

How to cook All Natural Bug Spray with Essential Oils

How to Make

Place essential oils in a glass spray bottle. Add vodka or alcohol and shake well to combine.
Pour in witch hazel and shake to combine.
Add ½ tsp vegetable glycerin if using. This is not necessary but helps everything stay combined.
Add water and shake again. Shake before each use as the oils and water will naturally separate some over time.

Our Favorite Things

June 20, 2019 Salty Blondes

Paige, Regan & Sidney here! Yes, our first collaborative post in what seems like forever. We are all in such different phases of life right now (so it seems) and it’s been hard for us to all get together for photos, or to post about something that involves us all lately! BUT, we do like to share good finds with each other when one of us finds something we LOVE, and it was our mom who actually suggested we put together a post, each sharing a few of our favorite things that we can’t live without lately (since a few of her recent favorite things lately have come from us)!

3 Sisters Favorite Things | Salty Blondes

Paige

Burnout Boyfriend Tee

I LIVE in these tees and have one in every color. They’re big enough to put over my baby and nurse so I don’t need a cover (and the neck is the perfect size to be able to see him, but still be covered), and when I’m not nursing, I just tie it in a knot in front and it looks super cute!

Potted Faux Tree

I LOVE this tree so much and it goes great with the vibe of my house. I actually always get asked if it’s real! (NOPE - I can’t keep plants alive)

Packable Hat

I basically only wear packable hats now ever since I found out they exist! You can literally search “packable hat” on most departments store sites and only shop those. This one is my current favorite.

Living Proof No Frizz Styling Cream

I got this in our FabFitFun box and can’t live without it now! I usually just let my hair air dry and it used to get SO frizzy. Now that I use this cream on it while my hair is wet, it’s so much less frizzy!

Regan

NARS Radiant Concealer

This is actually what made our mom suggest we do a Favorite Things post! I had told her about this concealer and she has been loving it!I like to keep the makeup I put on my face super light - usually just a BB cream! But under my eyes need a little more help, and this has such great coverage and brightens up the underneath of my eyes! I use the shade ‘custard’ and use a beauty blender to blend it in!

Donna Karan Deodorant

This deodorant is THE. BEST. Hopefully most of you know about this already. If not, you need to get on board! It lasts forever, smells amazing, and works better than any deodorant I’ve ever tried.

Love Home & Planet Countertop Spray

This is another one I have converted my mom to, and if you know her and how much she loves her Windex, then you know it’s a BIG deal that this is all she uses to clean her counters now! It works SO well, doesn’t leave residue or streaks, has clean ingredients and SMELLS SO GOOD. I switch off between the Teat Tree and Citrus scents. Both are amazing.

Buxom Plumping Lip Creme

A friend of mine gave this to me as a gift recently and I. AM. OBSESSED. I have the shade ‘Russian White’ and it’s the perfect subtle nude/pink and I love the tingly feeling when you put it on! My other go-to lip glosses though that also need to be shared are THIS lip sleeping mask (given to me by another friend who basically gives me all my beauty tips - thanks Ruth), and my favorite NYX Butter Gloss in Creme Brûlée that you can find anywhere for only $3!

Free People Workout Top

I now have this in two colors! It’s so comfortable, and I love the strappy back! It feels like and holds you in like a sports bra, so you can wear it by itself, but I like that it’s longer and only shows an inch or two of stomach when worn with high waisted leggings!

Wrinkle Releaser Spray

This is another staple that every single person needs! I literally never iron anymore. And I always take the travel size bottle with me when I’m on vacation. This stuff is life saving and a miracle worker. Just trust me.

Hair Clips

Okay I know we said we were each only sharing a few things, but this is my last one! I have been LOVING the hair clip trend, especially since I fried the front piece of my hair on one side and have been trying not to curl or use any heat on it. Hair clips have saved me and they look so cute! Below are the packs I have and I love that they aren’t too bulky like some others I’ve tried.

Sidney

Amazing Grass Green Superfood

This green powder is a staple for me. I like to workout on pretty much an empty stomach in the morning, but I’ll take this right when I wake up and it seems to be the perfect thing to give my body some nutrients while also keeping me feeling light. I travel quite a bit for work, and I always take this with me. A lot of times I don’t have a ton of control over what food they have on set (I do cinematography for work), but it’s nice to know that I started my day with lots of nutrients.

Hair Ties

I take my hair ties very seriously! I know everyone’s in to the coil hair ties, but these are my favorite. I love to workout, and my job also requires me to be super active, so I’m always having to throw my hair up. With how thick and long my hair is, I need something that is gentle and won’t damage it, but also strong enough to keep my hair up. These are perfect.

Black Denim Jacket

I wore this every day in the spring, and still wear it on cooler summer nights! It’s definitely one of my favorite things I own!

We hope you love these items as much as we do if you try any of them out!

Top 5 Fall Activities in Utah

October 8, 2018 Salty Blondes

Fall is HERE and in Utah, it comes and goes way too fast. We hoped to get this post up sooner but…that’s life. Fall is SO pretty and fun and cozy here in Utah, and we always try to get in as many of our favorite fall activities as possible before it’s gone and everything is frozen over.

Salty Blondes Favorite Things to do in Fall

These are our top 5 favorite things to do/see/eat in Utah during fall/October:

1. Canyon Drives

First things first, go drive up into the mountains to see all the gorgeous fall colors. They are SO breathtaking and worth seeing up close. But hurry because the leaves are already starting to fall! Our favorite drives are the Alpine Loop and Guardsman Pass.

2. Cornbelly’s at Thanksgiving Point

This one is well-known and can be a ZOO (crowded) if you go on Friday nights or Saturdays, but it’s such a fun place for kids with so many different, fun things to do! Check the calendar HERE for the hours they’re open and different fun events they have. Be sure to get a bucket of warm chocolate chip cookies from the Cookie Coup 🙊🍪 SO YUMMY.

3. Brunch at Sundance

Okay, this is a great idea ANY time of year, but the colors and atmosphere up at Sundance are so fun and cozy in the fall. They also do a haunted lift ride that’s a fun date night idea! But their famous Sunday brunch is a must!

4. Pumpkin Patch

Going to the pumpkin patch is typically a fall tradition for most families, and Utah has some really cute ones that are great for kids! Some of our favorites are:

Jaker’s Jack-O-Lanterns - super inexpensive (only $3 for anyone ages 3 and older) and lots of fun activities that will keep your kids entertained for hours, including every kid’s favorite “corn pit.” Cornbelly’s has one too and calls it the “corn beach.” Basically just a giant pit full of corn for kids to play in. Super sanitary 👍🏻😜

Wilkerson Farm - during the summer this place is a cute little fruit stand type place that sells fresh produce, and during October they open their Fall Fair & Pumpkin Patch.

Petersen Family Farm - this place is a DREAM during the holidays for Christmas tree shopping, and is just as festive and cute during the fall!

Sunriver Gardens - our FAVORITE place for house plants/pots, home decor, and cute little gifts. They also have the most DARLING little set up for fall with pumpkins galore. Definitely check this place out in Orem!

Kuwahara’s Pumpkin Patch - the most Instagram-worthy of them all! So many cute spots for photos with pumpkin walls and nurseries and all the pumpkin color varieties your little heart desires.

5. Lagoon Frightmares

Utah’s one and only amusement park 😂 The only time we’ve been has actually been in October during their “Frightmares” season. They have haunted houses and scary people jumping out at you and it makes the whole experience of going to Lagoon just fun and festive for Halloween.

Although we do miss living in California (and probably vent about it way to much on Instagram), the seasons here in Utah make the holidays that much more festive and exciting! Let us know if we missed any fall must-do’s! We’d love to add them to our list!

Outfits:

Paige: Top | Jeans | Sweater | Boots

Regan: Top (on sale for $17!) | Jeans | Shoes | Hat (use code SALTYBLONDES for free shipping!)

Mj’s Pants | Shirt | Shoes

Cal’s Pants | Shirt | Shoes

Amazon Prime Gift Guide For Him

December 20, 2017 Salty Blondes

Calling all Christmas procrastinators! This one's for you :)

We've talked about some of these gifts before, but here's a list of our FAVORITE gifts for GUYS on Amazon prime! Order them by Friday and get them just in time for Christmas! Happy last minute shopping!

1. Philips Norelco Shaver

We've added this to previous gift guides because it's just that good! The most multifunctional shaver on the market. Shave a beard, shape facial hair, or clean up your neckline! This will do it all. And under $30!

2. Switchblade Pocket Knife

Because what guy doesn't want want an awesome looking new knife to carry around? My husband keeps one in his car and uses it all the time!

3. Adidas

How awesome are these Adidas? We're loving them and especially that they're under $100!

4. Vibrating Muscle Roller

My husband was just introduced to these and is obsessed! Great for any athlete. This gives a deep massage to muscles and releases muscle pain and stiffness! Use it after workouts or at night before bed!

5. Stance Socks

Guys you just can't go wrong with these! They've been on all of our gift guides for a reason. The best!

6. Aomais Bluetooth Speaker

Another repeat gift because we love it so much! Great quality, sound, durability, and it's waterproof!

7. Portable Charger

Really, who can't use one of these?!

8. Bluetooth Beanie

Perfect for skiers, snowboarders, hikers, snow mobiles etc! This cozy beanie has bluetooth headphones built into it!

9. Amazon Fire Stick

If you don't have one of these yet, we highly recommend them! Currently on sale too :)

10. Joggers

Love these joggers on Prime and especially that they're under $30!

Good Things Utah Gift Guide

November 15, 2017 Salty Blondes

Hello All! Below is the gift guide featured on Good Things Utah on Thanksgiving!

Watch it below and learn more about why we love each item!

http://www.good4utah.com/good-things-utah/gtu-featured-guest/the-perfect-holiday-gift-guide-for-your-friends/858619196

WOMEN:

1. Ugg Boots

A little bit of a splurge, but the perfect gift for someone special! Everyone can use a fresh new pair of cozy Ugg boots! There are so many cute styles now, but the classic is still our favorite!

2. Bath Bombs

Lush bath bombs are always popular which you can pick up at almost any mall now, or on Amazon! There are also some other great bath bomb gift sets on Amazon that are also made with essential oils just like Lush! Perfect paired with a bubble bar too!

3. Cute Mugs with Hot Coco/Starbucks GC

Such a cute gift for anyone! We especially love the monogramed mugs from Anthropologie!

4. Lululemon Pace Rival Crop

Our absolute favorite legging ever! So flattering, comfy, and they even have the perfect sized POCKETS for your cards, phone and key!

5. Cozy Candle and Beanie

Such a cute gift combination! we love pom beanies especially and Capri Blue scented Candles!

6. Limelight Selfie Ring and other phone accessories!

Ok this selfie ring is AMAZING! Get the perfect lighting anywhere, anytime and look great in your selfie! Awesome gift paired with another cool phone accessory like a pop socket or cute portable charger!

MEN:

1. Travis Mathew Shirt

These shirts are the best because not only are they super stylish AND comfortable, but they're also business casual (wear to work) friendly and golf friendly! They ARE a bit of a splurge, but they are very good quality and will last years!

2. Norelco and Ray's gift card

Another great gift combination! The Norelco shaver is (in my husband's words) "the most multi functional shaver on the market." Learn more about it here and watch reviews here! A gift card for a classic shave at Ray's Barber Shop is a great addition to this gift! They offer a a full mens facial with soothing products, steamed towels, and a classic barber shop shave!

3. Joggers

Because joggers just look so much better than other sweats! Three of our favorites below :)

4. Bluetooth Speaker

The best bluetooth speaker on the market for the price! Durable, WATERPROOF, and a great design!

5. Stance Socks

A fun little gift for anyone! If you thought socks were a boring gift, just click on the link above to check out all the awesome designs this brand has to offer! Wear them on the daily or add a little pop of excitement to a suit!

6. Ugg Slippers and Men's Candle

A great gift together or separate! Women shouldn't be the only ones who get to enjoy the pure cozy happiness of Uggs :) A nice pair of Ugg slippers is a great gift for guys! Same with candles! A deliciously manly scent like the one below is great for an office or man cave!

Cozy Up Gift Guide

November 7, 2017 Salty Blondes

Guys we are ON IT this year already coming out with our first gift guide before Thanksgiving! We've gotten great feedback doing gift guides in the past, so we wanted to start early for you guys this year so you can find the perfect gift for everyone this holiday season and not feel rushed last minute!

This first gift guide is a great one because it can literally be used for ANYONE! This year we're trying to stay ahead of the game and get people knocked out early so we can just enjoy the holidays come Christmas, and with this gift guide you can definitely get even your pickiest people done ahead of time. So come on early birds! Lets get shopping!

We titled this the 'Cozy Up' gift guide because that's exactly what it is...gifts to keep anyone nice and cozy this winter! EVERYONE has those days where you just want to stay in and comfy, so there is something on here for everyone!

For Women:

1. Ivy Park

Not only is this brand awesome because it's the Queen Bey's herself, but it the cutest and most comfy lounge wear ever! As you can see in the photos at the top of this post, we're wearing the joggers and sweatshirt (two of our favorites!) Shop them below :) Just be aware their stuff runs a little large! Paige is wearing an xs in the joggers!

2. Uggs

Because who can't use some cozy new Ugg boots?

3. Anthro Candle

Can we all agree Anthropologie has the prettiest and best smelling candles ever?? Below are two of our favorites. Especially the gold and marble! Their candles are so pretty that we ALWAYS clean them out once the candle is done and use them for decor and/or little containers!

4. Cozy Robe

Ok the fur robe is a little pricey, but it's SO cozy and is the cutest gift with the matching slippers we'll list below! The other two are just as cute and a little less expensive :)

5. Slippers

Ok we're only including these two slippers from Pottery Barn because they are the cutest and comfiest AND so reasonably priced! They match with the Pottery Barn robe above and come in these slip on or bootie versions!

6. Bath Bomb

A Lush bath bomb is always a winner for a gift, but you can find bath bombs on Amazon for less money that are just as good, less expensive, and with better presentation in our opinion!

7. Trader Joe's Coconut Body Butter

A great gift to go with any of these items, or by itself! We've talked about this stuff before, and it's so good! Makes your skin feel like silk :)

8. Cute PJs

Because hanging around the house in a cute pair of matching pajamas just feels more glamorous than sweats!

9. Anthro Mug

Guys, these aren't your average mugs. They are the cutest ever! Below are two of our favorites. What cuter gift for a friend or neighbor than a monogramed mug and some hot coco or a Starbucks gift card?!

For Men:

1. Jogger Sweats

Every guy needs some of these! They look great and are so comfy!

2. Kiehl's Facial Moisturizer for Men

Men don't like to admit it, but they like a little skin pampering too! This moisturizer soothes skin after shaving, and leaves skin feeling energized and refreshed!

3. Basketball Shorts

It seems like there is nothing more comfy for guys to wear around the house, and they can never have too many!

4. Stance Socks

Because stance socks are just more fun than other socks! A few of our favorites below :)

5. Men's Candle

Perfect for the office or the man cave, this candle will leave any room smelling deliciously manly! Seriously the best!

6. Hoodie

You just can't go wrong with a new comfy hoodie. A few of our favorites below!

7. Ugg Slippers

Men's feet need love too! They aren't really into wearing Uggs like us women are, but they really should experience the Ugg coziness in all it's glory at least around the house right?!

8. Dri Fit T Shirt

Obviously these are meant for working out, but the dri fit shirts are so comfy that our husbands are always wearing them around the house! Another one you can't have enough of :)

9. Monogrammed Stainless Steel Mug

Ok obviously this is meant for beer, but it just looks so awesome and manly that even non drinkers will want to use it! Use it for smoothies, floats, or any hot drink too!

Ok one last cozy gift that is great for anyone is a Pedi Pocket blanket! You may have seen us post about them on Instagram a while back, but they're super soft blankets with genius foot pocket at the end to keep feet warm! You can find them at pedipocketblanket.com!

Fun Things to do in Utah over Summer

July 27, 2017 Salty Blondes

Growing up in San Diego, most summer days were spent at the beach. This is my first summer living in Utah, and my husband and I have been making it a point to adventure and find out the best things to do in Utah over summer. Here is what we have come up with so far:

1. Camping at Silver Lake Flat Reservoir (American Fork Canyon)

Make sure you bring a car that you feel comfortable driving on dirt roads, as there is about a 10 mile uphill drive on a dirt road to get there. Here is an ad I (Sidney) shot while we were there, which shows off how beautiful this place is!

2. Breakfast and Paddle Boarding at Deer Valley Grocery Cafe

Awesome breakfast with a sweet view overlooking a small lake where you can rent paddle boards!

3. Bridge Jumping into the Jordan River (Lehi)

This is kind of hard to find, so here are the coordinates (N 40° 24.371 W 111° 54.013 12T E 423614 N 4473230)

4. Surfing the Flowrider (Ogden)

There is also one in Provo, but if you go to the one in Ogden on Friday's it's only $5!

5. Cecret Lake Hike and Lonestar Taqueria tacos (Cottonwood Heights)

Awesome, short hike that ends at Cecret Lake. Also, we always go to Lonestar Taqueria for the best fish tacos in Utah afterwards!

Pool Dayyyz

June 25, 2017 Salty Blondes

Hey Guys! We finally gave in and got some of the oh so popular giant pool floats for summer, and we have to say they're awesome!

We found these for a really great deal (under $20) and wanted to share the goods! We linked them below along with a couple of our other favorites! All of them are awesome for summer pool days and also days at the lake! We plan on taking these babies to the new American Fork beach this week with our littles :)

Happy Monday! Hope you all are taking some time to enjoy this HEAT!

2016 Christmas Gift Guide

December 7, 2016 Salty Blondes

Hello all! It's that time of the year! Yay! We may or may not have been listening to Christmas music since Nov. 1, but we decided to at least wait a respectable amount of time before posting our gift guide this year (we know not everyone likes to celebrate Christmas 2 full months out of the year).

Anyways, we've got some good stuff for you this year, and we hope to continue to do what we do best…help you spend your money on the best stuff out there! So here goes…

For Women:

Lululemon

You really can't go wrong buying almost any woman something lululemon. Whether she loves to work out or not, these two staples are something woman needs as part of her weekly comfy wardrobe:

Pace Rival Crop