Did you know that it could be pretty, and natural and that you probably have a lot of the ingredients at home right now?

It’s true!

Every summer we sit around on the back patio sipping wine or playing with our kids (or sometimes doing both at once!) and we’re constantly swatting at flies or running from mosquitos. Typically we use those bug repellent candles but the smell is so harsh and strong even I don’t want to be there– it’s no wonder it scares the bugs away! But this “recipe” for a DIY bug repellent candle is easy, pretty (who doesn’t love a floating candle?!) and it smells a little like Christmas!

Start by placing rocks in the bottom of your glass containers. No, the rocks aren’t necessary, but I think they’re prettier so just go for it!

Next add ten drops of each kind of oil into each container. Then you can add the water and the herbs and spices. I used rosemary, cinnamon and lemon slices.

Lastly, you’ll add the floating candles and light them up. Quick note from my wedding planning days: wait until you’re ready to light them before you put the candles in the water. Floating candles can absorb water through the wick from the bottom up. So if you add the candles three hours before you want to use your DIY bug repellent candle there’s a really good chance the wick will be wet up top and super hard to light.

Want more more DIY Natural Recipes? Check out all of these!

Interested in other pretty ways to light up your next party? Click Here.  

DIY Aromatherapy Bath Salts

What You’ll Need:

Himalayan salts (9 oz)

fresh eucalyptus 

fresh rosemary 

20 drops eucalyptus essential oil 

20 drops rosemary essential oil 

1/2 lemon 

jewelry satchels

Note: This recipe filled 7 satchels

How To Make It: 

Pour Himalayan salts into small bowl and mix in essential oils

Squeeze fresh lemon juice (about one teaspoon) into bowl and mix. 

Spoon salt mixture into satchels. 

Add small sprig of eucalyptus and rosemary to satchel and secure at top. 

Place in bath and enjoy! 

I love a good, simple facial. It’s the easiest thing you can do to brighten and clear your complexion. So once a week I wash my face, grab my favorite essential oil and head for the electric kettle. Once I boil the water and add my favorite scents, I hold my face over the bowl for 5 minutes while covering my head with a towel to trap the heat. The steam opens my pores and the sweat clears out impurities.

For an extra clean feel, I gently exfoliate with my Clarisonic, but a washcloth also works wonders. Complete your at-home spa experience by splashing your face with cool water and applying a thin layer of oil or a lightweight moisturizer. Enjoy! ~Brandee 

 photos by Maryanne Cabrera  

You don’t need to steal away for hours to reap the relaxing benefits of a bath. Just 20 minutes with this healthy and hydrating bath recipe and your winter scales skin will be clean and soft. Try it once a week if you can sneak it in to help keep dry skin at bay during these winter months. ~Brandee

The Ingredients Sound Delicious But What Do They Do?

Epsom Salt–  Relaxes sore muscles.

Lavender Essential Oil–  Promotes relaxation.

Coconut Oil–  Hydrates and softens skin.

Baking Soda–  Acts as a cleanser and has anti-fungal properties.

Milk–  Lactic acid helps remove dead skin cells and soothes irritated skin.

Lavender Buds–  Simply because it makes you feel fancy & the spa-like atmosphere reduces stress.

Macklemore may have made thrifting cool; but I’ve been thrifting long before he was singing about poppin’ tags.  When I was just a little girl my mom would often drag me bring me along on Saturday shopping trips to numerous second hand stores.  I admit I didn’t always love the thrill of the hunt back then.  It wasn’t until my teenage years that I learned to love shopping vintage, and I now wish I had held on to some of my old Lacoste sweaters!  As a newly married young woman I shopped second hand as a way of affording to furnish our home and still have money left over for food.  Over the years, thrifting has become one of my favorite things to do, and I’ve found and continue to find treasures both for my wardrobe and for my home.

Here are a few my best thrifting tips.

1. Bring a shopping list and a tape measure.

This is where a “my home” design book would totally come in handy.  Having a shopping list will help you sort through everything and focus on what you really need.  It can also be hugely helpful to have the measurements needed and to have a tape measure with you.  This way if you find a table you love you’ll be able to quickly and easily see if the size will work for your particular space.

2. Dress comfortably.

This is especially key if you’re going to make a day of it as there’s nothing worse than having sore feet and having to call it quits early.  It’s also helpful to carry a messenger style bag or a shoulder bag so that you have your hands free to do things like measuring, inspecting (pulling out drawers to see if they’re dovetailed), or just carrying things up to the register (as many second hand stores don’t have shopping carts or baskets).

3.  Be a collector.

It’s easy to become a hoarder if you’re not careful.  Sticking to collections helps to keep that from happening and also helps you to make better purchase decisions.  I collect vintage earrings, handbags and luggage.

4.  Keep an open mind.

Often times a good cleaning or a paint makeover can make all the difference, so it’s important to keep an open mind.

5.  Buy what you love.

Every time you go thrifting won’t be a win and that’s okay.  I’ve come home empty handed many times.

6.  Ask questions.

Don’t be afraid to ask if a set can be broken up – maybe it’s a set of 8 chairs but you only want one or two.   If you’re buying multiple items, don’t be afraid to ask for a discount or a special deal – it never hurts to ask.  Also, if you see something you love but you have no way to get it home, ask if they offer delivery or if they’ll hold it for you.  You’d be surprised how many places offer delivery and sometimes even at no cost to you!

Are you a thrifty tag popper?  Show us your thrifty finds on Twitter and Instagram with hashtag #TheChic.