I recommend Mountain Rose Herbs for the best certified organic, fair trade ingredients. They are also a zero waste company. I've been with them for years, and am an affiliate. So clicking on the banner on this page to make purchases really helps! -Becky-

Un-Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly contains . . . well, . . . Petroleum. Crude oil derivative that can cause microscopic tears in skin. Instead of that, try this wonderfully moisturizing alternative as a diaper barrier, on dry, patchy skin, or to protect against the elements. So easy—only two ingredients—and you can even add a drop or two of your favorite essential oil for fragrance, but do that in the cool-down phase.
(makes four 4-oz. jars)
3 oz. beeswax
1 ½ c. sweet almond oil
Melt the beeswax in microwave or double boiler. Stir in the oil. Remove the mixture from heat and stir until cool.
Petroleum jelly contains . . . well, . . . Petroleum. Crude oil derivative that can cause microscopic tears in skin. Instead of that, try this wonderfully moisturizing alternative as a diaper barrier, on dry, patchy skin, or to protect against the elements. So easy—only two ingredients—and you can even add a drop or two of your favorite essential oil for fragrance, but do that in the cool-down phase.
(makes four 4-oz. jars)
3 oz. beeswax
1 ½ c. sweet almond oil
Melt the beeswax in microwave or double boiler. Stir in the oil. Remove the mixture from heat and stir until cool.

Botanical Mosquito Repellant
All of these blends are sweet-smelling to us, but repellant to *them*!
Simply blend the Essential Oils (E/O) below. Always shake before spraying and avoid contact with eyes and mouth. (I actually put mine in a base of olive oil to moisturize my skin at the same time, but avoid spraying it on clothing. You can also use distilled water.
All of these blends are sweet-smelling to us, but repellant to *them*!
Simply blend the Essential Oils (E/O) below. Always shake before spraying and avoid contact with eyes and mouth. (I actually put mine in a base of olive oil to moisturize my skin at the same time, but avoid spraying it on clothing. You can also use distilled water.
Simple and Spicy:
5 parts Citronella E/O 5 parts Lavender E/O 5 parts Clove E/O |
Bright and Energetic:
5 parts Citronella E/O 5 parts Lavender E/O 5 parts Peppermint E/O |
Deep and Green:
10 parts Citronella E/O 10 parts Cedarwood E/O 5 parts Eucalyptus E/O 5 parts Rosemary E/O |
Sweet Citrus:
5 parts Citronella E/O 5 parts Lemongrass E/O 5 parts Lavender E/O 5 parts Rosemary E/O 5 parts Cedarwood E/O |
Lightly Floral:
5 parts Citronella E/O 5 parts Lavender E/O 5 parts Geranium E/O 5 parts Rosemary E/O |
Like Becky Lyn Rickman's story? Here's more by her:
MilitaReality—a brat's perspective
Being There
How I still haven't learn to keep my smart mouth shut!
Cacti and Geraniums
Some mysterious goosebumps or "What is that on the wall?"
Finding my metal in wood
I love my cat, but . . .
I love all creatures, but . . .
You might be addicted to Harry Potter if . . .
My shot at the big time
A cautionary tale
Why I do it
How I chill
How to clean up an egg and other helpful hints
Most embarrassing moments—automotive edition
The thing about getting older is . . .
MilitaReality—a brat's perspective
Being There
How I still haven't learn to keep my smart mouth shut!
Cacti and Geraniums
Some mysterious goosebumps or "What is that on the wall?"
Finding my metal in wood
I love my cat, but . . .
I love all creatures, but . . .
You might be addicted to Harry Potter if . . .
My shot at the big time
A cautionary tale
Why I do it
How I chill
How to clean up an egg and other helpful hints
Most embarrassing moments—automotive edition
The thing about getting older is . . .
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All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, click a button on any page to send email with details of the request.