ECO-FRIENDLY SUMMER TIPS FOR A HEALTHIER SEASON

Glorious summer days spent outdoors can quickly be spoiled by pesky wasps, annoying mosquitoes, relentless ants, and painful sunburns.

But don’t worry! I’ve gathered some super smart summer hacks to help you tackle all these nuisances quickly and effectively, including:

DIY WASP TRAP

Unfortunately, it can be challenging to keep wasps out of the garden when you have lovely, sweet-smelling fruit trees that attract them.

If wasps become a problem, you might need to create a DIY wasp trap. However, only set it up if you’re dealing with an infestation, as it can attract even more wasps to your garden. If you just want to eliminate a few wasps, try this DIY wasp spray instead.

Making this trap is simple:

  1. Take a large plastic bottle.
  2. Cut off the neck of the bottle.
  3. Invert the neck and place it inside the bottle to create a funnel.
  4. Poke handle holes on either side of the bottle using a screwdriver.
  5. Remove the funnel and add your wasp bait (see below).
  6. Reinsert the funnel and tie string through the holes to create a handle.
  7. Hang the trap on the opposite side of the garden from where you want to relax!

Wasp Trap Bait

Different baits work best at various times of the year:

  • Spring: Combine cooked meat fat, water, and a little dish soap. The meat fat attracts wasps during their breeding season.
  • Mid to Late Summer: As fruit ripens, use fruit juice or pieces of ripe fruit mixed with dish soap. The dish soap suffocates the wasps, preventing them from flying so they become trapped.

Caution: Be very careful when emptying the trap, as there may be live wasps inside.

Tip: To safely block the funnel overnight, quickly place a tennis ball on top of the trap. The wasps will be dead by morning, and you can then flush them away.

Wasp Sting Remedies

If you do get stung by a wasp, use these quick home remedies to relieve pain fast.

WASP REPELLENT PLANTS

Plants that repel wasps can effectively help keep these pests away from your garden, patio areas, and dining spaces. Here are some effective wasp-repellent plants:

  • Rue
  • Lemongrass
  • Citronella
  • Eucalyptus
  • Pennyroyal
  • Marigolds
  • Thyme
  • Lemon Balm
  • Basil
  • Cucumbers
  • Spearmint
  • Peppermint

RUE

Rue is a semi-woody perennial herb characterized by its yellow flowers and growth height of 2-3 feet. This herb is effective at repelling stinging wasps.

You can plant rue alongside fruit trees to deter wasps, or use large pots of rue around patios to help keep these pests at bay. Its aromatic foliage not only serves as a natural repellent but also adds beauty to your garden space.

LEMONGRASS

Lemongrass is another effective wasp-repelling plant that grows to a height of 2-3 feet. Its tall, dense growth makes it an excellent choice for bordering backyards, gardens, and patios. In addition to repelling wasps, lemongrass adds a fresh scent to your outdoor spaces and can be used in culinary dishes.

CITRONELLA

Citronella is a delightful plant with purple flowers and a scent that both wasps and mosquitoes dislike. Growing up to 2 feet tall, citronella can be effectively added to mixed borders to help repel wasps. Its aromatic properties not only keep pests away but also enhance the overall ambiance of your garden.

EUCALYPTUS

The beautiful eucalyptus tree is an elegant option for repelling wasps. It can be grown as a tall tree or, with proper pruning, maintained as a graceful shrub. Eucalyptus not only enhances the aesthetic of your garden but also emits a scent that deters wasps, making it a functional and attractive addition to your outdoor space.

PENNYROYAL

Pennyroyal is a charming flowering plant recognized for its ability to repel wasps and mosquitoes. However, it’s important to note that pennyroyal is toxic if ingested, so it’s best to avoid planting it near edible herbs to prevent any confusion. Its pleasant appearance can still enhance your garden while providing pest-repelling benefits.

MARIGOLDS

Golden marigolds are a vibrant addition to any garden, effectively deterring various pests, including mosquitoes, slugs, snails, and wasps. These hardy flowers are easy to grow in patio pots and can also be used to beautify garden tables, helping to keep wasps away from your food. Their colorful blooms not only enhance the aesthetic of your outdoor space but also serve a practical purpose in pest control.

THYME

Thyme is incredibly easy to grow, making it a great choice for both small patio pots and as a charming edging hedge. This fragrant herb not only adds beauty to your outdoor space but also helps repel annoying wasps. Its compact growth and low maintenance requirements make thyme an ideal addition to any garden or patio area.

LEMON BALM

Lemon balm adds a delightful fragrance to the garden and is effective at repelling wasps. It looks beautiful in patio pots and can also enhance mixed borders and be planted around fruit trees.

BASIL

Basil is a simple-to-grow natural antibiotic that serves as an excellent wasp repellent, making it a perfect addition to any herb garden.

SPEARMINT

Place pots of wasp-repellent spearmint on your patio or porch to deter wasps while you relax or enjoy a meal. Plus, with fresh spearmint on hand, you can easily make a variety of recipes, including a deliciously refreshing spearmint iced tea—perfect for those long summer days spent on the porch!

PEPPERMINT

Peppermint is another easy-to-grow mint that effectively keeps wasps at bay. Having fresh peppermint in the garden is fantastic for whipping up delicious dishes like mint salad, mint sorbet, or the perfect mint mojitos!

CUCUMBER

Last summer, I grew wasp-repellent cucumbers for the first time, and they turned out to be a surprisingly enjoyable and easy gardening project. Cucumbers thrive in pots, allowing you to use them as a wasp-repellent plant on your patio or porch, as well as in your vegetable garden.

For additional tips, check out this guide to wasp-repellent plants from Five Spot Green Living.

WASP REPELLENT SPRAY

A simple DIY wasp repellent spray can also help keep wasps at bay. You can carefully spray it on yourself and around tables and doorways.

Many common herbs repel wasps, so you can create a DIY wasp spray using an infusion of any of the following herbs found in your kitchen:

  • Rosemary
  • Chamomile
  • Sage
  • Mint
  • Lavender
  • Thyme
  • Aniseed
  • Fennel seed
  • Cloves

While cloves are excellent at repelling wasps and flies, you might want to avoid spraying them directly on yourself!

To make the spray, combine equal parts of your herbal infusion (essentially a herb tea) with witch hazel in a small spray bottle.

Alternatively, if you’re a fan of essential oils, you can make this DIY wasp spray from Five Spot Green Living using clove, geranium, and lemongrass oils.

WASP KILLER SPRAY

I try to avoid killing bugs unless absolutely necessary, but sometimes you have to take action if wasps get inside the house. You need to be cautious when dealing with them, as it’s easy to get stung. However, if they land on a hard surface, I use my quick DIY fly spray to handle the situation.

NATURAL MOSQUITO REPELLENT HACKS

I live on one of London’s old marshes, where there’s an underground river at the end of the street, so come summer, mosquitoes are everywhere. Fortunately, I have some super easy hacks to keep them away and prevent them from breeding:

  • Burn Scents They Dislike: Use rosemary or sage on BBQs, or burn candles, incense sticks, or infusers with these scents.
  • Spray Yourself: Apply scents they hate, such as lavender or mint.
  • DIY Fly Trap Jars: Set up quick fly traps to catch them.
  • Avoid Standing Water: Eliminate sources of standing water where mosquitoes can breed.
  • Keep Pond Water Moving: Use an aerator or bubbler to keep pond water circulating.
  • Use a Fan: Set up a fan on outdoor tables and by your back door to create a breeze that deters mosquitoes.
  • Cook Garlic on the BBQ: The smell of cooking garlic is something they dislike.
  • Drink Mint Tea: Enjoying mint tea helps you smell minty, which mosquitoes find unappealing.
  • Hang Lace Curtains: Just like grandma used to, hang old-fashioned lace curtains for an added barrier.
  • Plant Unwanted Flowers and Herbs: Incorporate flowers and herbs that repel mosquitoes in your garden.

For more information, check out tips below on making your own mosquito repellent candles, DIY bug spray, and bug balm. If you’re facing significant mosquito issues, take a look at this comprehensive guide to repelling mosquitoes.

MOSQUITO REPELLENT CANDLES

Mosquito repellent candles are a fantastic hack for summer evenings, but you don’t have to spend a lot to get them. You can easily make your own using just:

  • Empty jars
  • Tealights
  • Any mosquito-repellent herbs you have on hand

I grow mint and rosemary in my herb garden, so I often use those. You can also incorporate basil, as suggested in these DIY instructions from The Country Chic Cottage.

You can also add lemon that’s leftover from your drinks or, if you have it, a few drops of citronella oil, as seen in these versions from Bunch of Posies. This will enhance the mosquito-repelling properties of your candles!

DIY BUG SPRAY

A simple DIY bug spray is an essential hack for keeping bugs away in the backyard, while camping, or anywhere your kids are having fun outdoors. To make your own, all you need is:

  • A small spray bottle
  • Witch hazel (which also works as a natural treatment for blackheads!)
  • Any combination of essential oils that bugs dislike or herbal tea

For some fantastic tips on how to make bug spray with essential oils, check out One Essential Community.

I make mine with a quick infusion of lavender, rosemary, and mint:

  1. Steep a handful of herbs in boiled water for 3 to 4 minutes.
  2. Let it cool (you can speed up the process by putting it in the fridge if you’re short on time).
  3. Combine the infusion in a spray bottle with equal parts of witch hazel.
  4. Shake well to mix everything together.

You can then spray it all over, but be sure to keep it away from your eyes!

NATURAL BUG BALM

If you really struggle with bug bites, you can make your own bug balm. The simplest trick is to add a few drops of essential oils with scents that bugs dislike to a big dollop of sunscreen in your hands. Lightly rub them together to combine, then apply to bare arms and legs—but avoid your face.

While I’m not a huge fan of essential oils—since many can be a bit of a con—there are a few that are worth having, like tea tree oil for head lice, athlete’s foot, and dandruff, plus lavender for bug spray and balm.

If you’re interested in making simple potions, check out this quick bug balm recipe from Wendy Polisi.

MOSQUITO BITE TREATMENTS

If you do get bitten, there are plenty of natural mosquito bite remedies in your kitchen for quick relief. Ice cubes and honey are among the best treatments, but you can also use everything from lemon juice to raw potato or banana peel!

If you’re going camping, hiking, or heading out on an outdoor adventure, be sure to take aloe vera gel or witch hazel with you.

For a comprehensive list of bug bite remedies, check out this bug bite treatment guide.

ANT REPELLING HACKS

Nothing ruins a summer morning quite like an army of ants marching across your kitchen! I still have nightmares about it years later. The problem is that many ant poisons are toxic to other wildlife and pets.

However, a few simple natural hacks can help keep them at bay:

  • Act Fast: Address the problem as soon as you see them inside.
  • Squish Any You See: This helps reduce their numbers right away.
  • Thoroughly Clean: Use dish soap to clean the areas where you see them entering.
  • Wipe Down with Vinegar: After cleaning, wipe the surfaces with vinegar and let them dry.
  • Create a Barrier: Make a barrier line at the entry points using:
  • Diatomaceous earth
  • Baking soda (bicarbonate)
  • Cornflour or cornmeal
  • Crumbled chalk

You can strengthen the barrier by mixing in these repellents:

  • Cinnamon
  • Ground cloves
  • Pepper
  • Paprika

Once you’ve stopped the ants from coming inside, tackle the source outside. For simple, practical tips on getting rid of ants naturally, check out this guide!

NATURAL SUNBURN TREATMENTS

It’s easy to get sunburned in the summer, even when we take precautions. Interestingly, cooler breezy days can be the most dangerous, as we often underestimate the sun’s strength. Fortunately, many common kitchen ingredients can effectively soothe pain and help prevent blisters naturally.

I have a long list of natural remedies for sunburn, but my favorite for severe burns is an oat milk bath. My super pale Scotch-Irish skin tends to burn easily, but a cool oat milk bath provides quick relief from the pain.

Here’s how I make it:

  1. Blend a few tablespoons of oats with a cup of tepid water until smooth.
  2. Pour the mixture into a cool or tepid bath deep enough to submerge the affected area.
  3. Relax in the bath for about 15 minutes.

For extra soothing benefits, you can enhance the oat milk mix by adding chamomile and lavender, as suggested by Shaken Together Life.

OUTDOOR FUN FOR KIDS

I love these summer hacks for outdoor play for kids! They’re not only super fun but also incredibly easy to make, allowing older kids to enjoy the process of creating them before diving into playtime. It’s a win-win situation!

DIY GARDEN HOSE SPRINKLER

This DIY garden hose sprinkler from Housing A Forest is a fantastic way to entertain the whole family! It can be assembled quickly and easily, making it perfect for spontaneous summer fun without any prior planning.

BUBBLE SNAKES

These bubble snakes are also super simple but super fun.

To make the bubble snake, you’ll need:

Materials:

  • A plastic bottle
  • An old sock
  • An elastic band
  • Dish soap bubble mixture

Instructions:

  1. Cut off the bottom of the plastic bottle.
  2. Pull the sock tightly over the cut end of the bottle.
  3. Secure it in place with the elastic band.
  4. Dunk the bottle into the bubble mixture.
  5. Blow hard through the neck of the bottle.

Watch as your bubble snake wiggles through the bottom!

TIC TAC TOE STONES

These DIY tic-tac-toe stones from Taryn Whiteaker are a wonderful project for making something with kids that they can enjoy outdoors all summer long. They’re not only fun to create but also provide endless hours of play!

And they couldn’t be easier to make! Just collect some stones during a hike or at the beach, and spend an afternoon painting them however you like. Older kids can get creative and artistic, while even little ones can leave their mark.

NATURAL PAINT BRUSHES

These delightful natural paintbrushes from Messy Little Monster are another fantastic no-prep activity that kids of all ages can create and enjoy using. They’re a great way to inspire creativity and make art in the great outdoors!

Simply head outside to your backyard, a park, or the woods to:

  1. Gather leaves, grasses, and flowers.
  2. Collect a bundle of twigs.
  3. Attach everything together with rubber bands.

Then, it’s time to paint away! Enjoy your creative outdoor fun!

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, these easy and fun DIY activities provide fantastic opportunities for kids to engage creatively with nature. From making bubble snakes and tic-tac-toe stones to crafting natural paintbrushes, each project encourages exploration and artistic expression without requiring extensive preparation. So, gather your materials, head outside, and enjoy the summer by creating lasting memories with your children!

30 ROSE GOLD NAILS: THE TRENDY TOUCH FOR CHIC AND MODERN ELEGANCE 

While silver and yellow gold nails have long been salon favorites for their glamorous appeal, it’s time to embrace the mood-boosting, glow-inducing charm of rose gold. This versatile shade deserves a spot in your seasonal nail rotation across fall, winter, spring, and summer. With countless rose gold nail designs trending on social media, we’ve rounded up 30 stunning ideas for every taste. 

ROSY GALAXY

This mesmerizing trend combines the enchanting allure of a galaxy with the delicate elegance of rosy hues, creating a look that is both ethereal and chic. Rosy Galaxy Nails feature a stunning interplay of soft pinks, shimmering purples, and sparkling accents, evoking the depths of the cosmos in a refined, stylish way.  

GLITTER DIAGONALS

The glitter creates a striking contrast against the base, adding texture and visual interest while maintaining a chic and contemporary look. Whether you opt for bold, contrasting colors or subtle, complementary tones, glitter diagonals offer a stylish way to infuse your manicure with a bit of glamor and sophistication.

ROSE GOLD AND NUDE

Glittery rose gold triangles elegantly extend into pale nude tips, creating a minimalist mani that exudes sophistication. This stunning combination of soft nude with the sparkle of rose gold offers a chic and understated look that’s simply irresistible.

WHITE AND ROSE GOLD NAILS

Combine the classic elegance of white nails with the luxurious shimmer of rose gold. This manicure features a clean white base with delicate accents of rose gold foil or glitter, creating a beautiful contrast that is both timeless and modern. 

GLITTER ROSE GOLD NAILS

Glitter rose gold nails strike the perfect balance between bold glamor and classic elegance. No matter the season, having this color on hand ensures you’re always ready to shine. To balance the strong rose gold glitter, pair it with a nude pudding shade for a sophisticated look. Use the rose gold glitter for a chic French manicure to create a unique and eye-catching style.

ROSY BASE

These rose gold nails combine simplicity with stunning elegance. To achieve this look, start with a baby pink base for a soft, feminine touch. Use a piece of striping tape to section off the bottom quarter of your nail. Fill the designated area with metallic rose gold polish and you have a chic and sophisticated manicure that effortlessly blends subtlety with glamor.

PINK AND GOLD MARBLE NAILS

Think marble nails are complicated? Think again! Achieve stunning pink and gold marble designs effortlessly using Transfer Foil and Transfer Foil Glue. Start by applying a gel polish base coat and curing it under a lamp. Next, apply Transfer Foil Glue and cure it again. With these steps, you’re on your way to creating a spectacular marble effect with minimal effort.

ALLOVER HOLOGRAPHIC

Holographic polish creates a dazzling, prismatic effect on the entire nail. Shimmering colors and reflections change with every movement. Perfect for a bold statement.

METALLIC OMBRE

This style seamlessly blends a metallic hue from one shade to another, creating a gradient effect that adds depth and shine. Start with a base color and gradually transition to a shimmering metallic polish, blending the two shades to achieve a smooth, gradient effect.

ROSE GOLD ALMOND NAILS

Elevate your manicure with the elegant allure of rose gold almond nails. The soft, tapered almond shape enhances the shine and shimmer of the rose gold, creating a beautifully elongated and refined look. 

ROSE GOLD CUTICLE

Add a touch of luxury to your manicure with rose gold cuticles. The subtle shimmer of rose gold highlights the cuticle area, giving your nails a sophisticated and polished look. 

ROSE GOLD GLITTER SWOOPS

Infuse your manicure with dynamic flair using rose gold glitter swoops. This design features bold, sweeping strokes of shimmering rose gold glitter that elegantly arc across the nails, creating a striking and eye-catching effect. The swoops of glitter add a touch of glamor and movement, transforming a classic base color into a dazzling, contemporary look. 

COLOR BLOCK

Bold, modern color block nails combine contrasting colors in geometric patterns or segments. Vibrant or complementary shades create a dynamic, eye-catching look.

ROSE GOLD CHROME NAILS

The chrome finish adds a sleek and polished touch, while the rose gold hue brings warmth and sophistication to your manicure. Perfect for making a statement at any event or adding a touch of glamor to your everyday look, rose gold chrome nails offer a bold and elegant twist on classic nail polish.

ROSE QUARTZ FRENCH

The design combines soft, translucent pink tips reminiscent of rose quartz with a subtle, natural base color. This creates a polished and sophisticated look that blends the timeless elegance of a French manicure with the delicate beauty of rose quartz.

NUDE WITH GLITTER CUTICLE

Nude base with glitter accent at cuticle. Subtle sparkle creates a refined contrast for an elegant look.

COFFIN ROSE GOLD NAILS

This design features the edgy, elongated coffin shape, which provides a sleek and dramatic canvas for the luxurious rose gold polish. The rich, metallic hue adds a touch of glamor and sophistication, catching the light with every movement.

SUBTLE SEQUIN ACCENTS

The base color is beautifully complemented by the addition of delicate sequins, offering a touch of shimmer without being overpowering. The sequins add a refined sparkle and a hint of glamor, enhancing your nails with a sophisticated and elegant finish.

ROSE GOLD STARS

The rose gold stars add a touch of glamor and playfulness, perfect for making a statement at any occasion. Whether you choose to scatter the stars across your nails or create a patterned design, this look combines elegance with a whimsical flair, offering a chic and festive touch to your overall style.

ROSE GOLD DOTS

Rose gold dots add a touch of sophistication to any manicure. With their subtle shimmer and refined placement, these dots enhance the base color with a delicate yet eye-catching detail. The rose gold accents offer a warm, luxurious contrast, elevating your nails with a chic and modern touch.

ROSE GOLD CHAMPAGNE OMBRE NAILS

Achieve a glamorous and sophisticated look with rose gold champagne ombre nails. This design features a seamless gradient transition from a soft, champagne base color to a luxurious rose gold tip. The ombre effect creates a stunning, multi-dimensional appearance that catches the light beautifully, adding a touch of sparkle and elegance. 

YELLOW TO ROSE GOLD GLITTER OMBRé

Yellow to rose gold glitter ombré. Seamless gradient from vibrant yellow to shimmering rose gold. Adds depth and sparkle.

CHERRY BLOSSOM 

Embrace the essence of spring with Cherry Blossom nails. Delicate cherry blossoms are painted on a soft, neutral base, capturing the beauty of blooming cherry trees. The intricate floral details, highlighted with subtle pinks, whites, and greens, create a fresh and feminine appearance.

ROSE GOLD FOIL

The foil adds a textured, metallic finish that catches the light and enhances your nails with a modern, glamorous touch. 

MARBLE SWIRLS

 By blending contrasting or complementary colors, you achieve a high-end, artistic effect that resembles polished marble.

BLUE AND ROSE GOLD

The combination of these two colors creates a sophisticated and eye-catching effect, with the rose gold adding a touch of glamor and warmth to the cool blue. 

ROSE AND PINK SWIRLs

The gentle blend of these complementary hues adds a touch of romance and sophistication to your nails.

ROSE GOLD CHROME WITH MILKY MATTE PINK

The milky matte pink adds a subtle, creamy touch, balancing the high shine of the chrome and creating a chic, modern aesthetic. 

ROSE GOLD FRENCH MANICURE

French nails have evolved into a versatile and stylish trend, offering countless variations and combinations. This time, we invite you to try a soft, elegant look using a shade that complements your skin tone. Choose a color from the ‘Naked Nails’ collection that best suits your complexion, and enhance the French tip with a touch of rose gold glitter. This delicate and sophisticated design is sure to leave you delighted with the results

GLITTER AND STRIPES

The combination of glitter and stripes adds a playful yet polished touch, with the glitter bringing a hint of glamor to the crisp, defined lines. Whether you choose to contrast vibrant glitter with neutral stripes or blend complementary colors, this design offers a chic and modern look that is perfect for making a statement at any occasion.

CONCLUSION

Rose gold nails embody the perfect blend of sophistication and modern glamor. With their warm, metallic sheen and versatile appeal, they effortlessly enhance any style, from minimalist manis to bold, intricate designs. Embrace the allure of rose gold nails and let your manicure shine with a touch of luxurious charm. 

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