I’ve been on a creative brainstorm and will start formulations in the new year.  What does this mean for you?  Lots of new goodies!  Because we are a small batch handmade line I’ll have to scale back on some items and make more of others.  You’ll see some different scrubs, serums and soaps plus at some point this year I’d like to give the store a makeover – so keep an eye out!

2015 is going to create some amazing change and I can’t wait 🙂

Happy Holiday!

It’s that time of year again and even though bugs are great for the environment, they aren’t great for me.  Here’s a few tips for keeping them away without using yucky chemicals.

Ants – First clean up anything that may be attracting them (sweets, honey, grains, etc) then try the following:

• Hot & spicy (black pepper, chili pepper, chili powder, cayenne pepper, mint, cinnamon, garlic)  Sprinkle at point of entry such as doorways and windowsills.  Place garlic outside the house by the foundation and kill two birds with one stone (those pesky vampires too).
• Who knew ants didn’t like cucumbers?  Cut the skin off and rub the inside around the area – you can leave the skin in the area too.
• Do you see where they are coming in? Squirt some lemon
• You can plant peppermint & spearmint plants outside or in containers around your windows or doors to keep them away.

Mosquitoes – they love water so if you can clean any of that up outside then get rid of it

• Tried and true – you can burn citronella candles
• You can make your own spray to use and it’s super easy plus it will smell better than the chemical sprays.

Natural Bug Sprays:

• Essential oils:  Citronella, Lemongrass, Lavender, Peppermint, Clove, Rosemary, Cajeput, Tea Tree, Catnip, Eucalyptus, Cedar – find a blend that you like.  I like lemongrass, lavender, mint with some citronella.
• Get your base:  Easiest is witch hazel or a carrier oil – I like witch hazel because it dries fast.
• Recipe that I use is this:  take about 2 cups witch hazel and add 15 drops lemongrass, 10 drops citronella, 10 drops peppermint, 5 drops lavender.  Put this in a misting bottle and spray it on when needed.  Don’t spray directly on your face instead spray in your hands and pat onto face.
• Play around with the oils to find a blend you like

Heavy Duty Spray – this is stinky when you spray it but once it’s dry it’s fine.  This is great for wooded areas.

•  Four Thieves Vinegar diluted with water

DIY keep bugs away naturally is pretty easy.  Stay safe and have fun this summer 🙂

Over the next few months Freda’s Potions will be releasing some new items for kids.  All of our products are natural and can be used on children but sometimes they just like to have their own products.  I can totally relate to that – growing up I always wanted my own stuff so my grandmother would make me miniature versions just for me.  The first two items for kids are:

Pretty Pretty Princess is perfect for the little girl that wants to be a princess.  Smells amazing and it’s good for them!  No chemicals like in some spritzers and perfumes – this comes right from the rose.

Buy Pretty Pretty Princess

Monster Be Gone is just right for the little one that doesn’t want to sleep because of a monster under the bed.  Mist the lavender on the pillow and sheets and sleep will be

refreshing. 

Buy Monster Be Gone

Kids love participating and they also love to have their own things.  Put a smile on their face with something that’s great for their skin.