Being a parent often means being crafty on the spot, or in frequent short deadlines based on their children’s extracurricular activities, science projects, holidays, you name it.
By now most people have seen the popular term “DIY”, do-it-yourself, and videos and articles instructing you how to do or make virtually anything from fancy nail art to automobile repair. However at MyKingstonKids, we would like to think more about that term and how it applies to so much more than just making something yourself instead of purchasing it ready-made in the store in the first place.
Having a partial DIY mindset can mean the difference between compiling all of the individual materials and tools needed to create an infinite amount of craft/repair/life solutions and never having tools to make the DIYers out there proud.
The difference between having extra stock pantry items in the home and only ordering takeout means infinite possibilities of creating healthy, affordable and efficient meals for you and your family, versus only having the next meal on hand or prepared.
We encourage you to take a second thought on an item you would otherwise rush to purchase online or in-store or throw away altogether. If it is something you would use often, you may consider “DIY” options.
Take this mosquito repellent recipe for example. It is totally customizable and no two batches will ever be the same. You get to customize your spray based on your smell preferences, skin sensitivities, climate, weather, family size, etc. This “recipe” approach to making life solutions easier will definitely save you and your family from excess spending and wasting.
Readers of MyKingstonKids content typically enjoy outdoor activities for their family and friends. Below we share an excerpt of a recipe from nurse and stress management trainer, Heidi of the The Simple Balance blog. She has more DIY mosquito repellent recipes for children under 10 years old, and yes even babies and toddlers are explained in detail on her page.
Ingredients can be found in local pharmacies and grocery stores across Kingston, NY if not online (try Herzog’s, Hannaford, Walgreens, Rite Aid, CVS, Kingston Meat Market) for this DIY mosquito repellent recipe.
Natural mosquito repellent – For adults and children from 10 years of age the following recipe works best:
Witch hazel – Walgreens
Essential oils – Kingston Plaza Hannaford
lemon eucalyptus essential oil – 10 drops
thyme essential oil – 10 drops
lavender essential oil – 10 drops
peppermint essential oil – 10 drops
tea tree essential oil – 10 drops
geranium essential oil – 10 drops (optional, if ticks aren’t a major concern)
1 tsp (5 ml) vodka or rubbing alcohol – Walgreens
1/4 cup (60 ml – 4 tbsp) boiled water
Store in preferably a dark glass spray bottle (Try Herzog’s? if not online). The spray stores best in glass versus plastic, which can leach chemicals into the solution you made, thus negating its benefits. Keep out of direct sunlight, and out of the reach of unsupervised children.
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