Best DEET-Free Bug Repellent for Outdoor Adventures

Best DEET-Free Bug Repellent for Outdoor Adventures

Looking for a Bug Repellent that is also DEET-Free? You’ve come to the right place!

Have you ever been so excited to spend a nice day outside with your family or wanted to enjoy sitting by the campfire roasting s’ mores, but ended up getting bit by bugs every second? It’s not fun!

Outdoor adventures should be fun and enjoyable, however, they can be instantly ruined by bugs. It’s only right to want the best bug repellent on the market to protect your family and friends.

Whether those bugs are buzzing mosquitos and flies or the pesky fleas and ticks. These little things are a nuisance to everybody, and some can carry nasty diseases.

So, If you’re going on a great outdoor camping adventure, backpacking, enjoying a backyard party, or going to the ball game, having bug protection is going to help make sure you have a great time.

Over the years, there have been many different studies and products on the market that say they repel bugs. But, are they safe? Are they effective?

First, let’s discuss this main ingredient that has been used to deter bugs for decades called DEET! This chemical is a popular one, however, although it is proven to deter bugs, it also has some health concerns.

DEET is a pesticide that is a member of the toluene chemical family. This solvent can be absorbed into the skin, passed through the bloodstream and organs. Studies by Medical Sciences Bulletin and Duke University have shown that DEET can even have a negative effect on the Central nervous system. They say the best way to use DEET is to spray on your clothes, not your skin.

Now that you have a small overview of DEET and the reason why so many have developed products that are DEET-Free, we’ve put together a list of the top 8 DEET-Free products that deter those pesky bugs. Many of these are natural options utilize ingredients like Lemon oil and Eucalyptus oil. Below you will also find a recipe to make your very own Natural Bug Repellent.

Let’s get started! I placed them In order by ranking according to their star reviews. 

7. Coleman Botanicals Insect Repellent

Naturally based, DEET- Free option that uses plant extracts that deter bugs. Stated to last up to 6 hours with 30% Oil of Lemon and Eucalyptus. This product can be used on your gear of any kind as well as your clothes and skin. It has a refreshing scent of lemon/eucalyptus and is non-greasy. Proven to deter mosquitoes that contain deadly viruses such as Zika and West Nile. The Coleman Botanical Insect Repellent comes in a spray or an aerosol option and is great for the whole family.

Where to buy: Amazon

Review: 4 out of 5 Stars

6. California Baby Bug Repellent Spray

The California Baby spray is the best bug repellant for children. It is a great alternative to the toxicity of DEET. It is formulated with Citronella, lemongrass and Cedar pure essential oils. These oils have been proven to deter mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, and other biting flies. Beside deterring those pesky bugs, the ingredients are great for soothing already existing bites. California’s Baby Bug Repellent is allergy tested, gluten-free, soy-free, oat-free, and dairy-free. You can use this product day or night and can be used generously for the scent to repel the bugs.

Where to Buy: Amazon

Reviews: 4.1 out of 5 stars

5. Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Natural Insect Repellent (Deet-Free)

If you can’t tell by the name itself, this repellent uses Lemon Eucalyptus oil as the main ingredient to deter bugs. Repel has formulated this repellent to last up to 6 hours and is safe for the whole family to use. It has a great refreshing scent and is none greasy to sticky.

Where to Buy: Amazon

Reviews: 4.1 out of 5 stars out of 5,183 reviews

4. Murphy’s Naturals Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Insect Repellent

Murphy’s Natural Repellent is made with simple ingredients including 30% Lemon Eucalyptus oil and 70% Ethanol and Deionized water. This product is effective for up to 6 hours and smells great which is why it has made our best bug repellent list. It won’t leave any type of oily resident and won’t harm your gear or clothing. A great option for outdoor adventures.

Where to buy: Amazon

Reviews: 4.2 out of 5 stars

3. Bug Soother Spray – Natural Mosquito, Gnat, and Insect Deterrent & Repellent with Essential Oils

Bug Soother is a super effective all-natural bug repellent that repels gnats, no-see-ums, sand fleas, black flies and most mosquitos. It is blended with vanilla with fresh citrus scents that the bugs hate. It is non-greasy and leaves no oily residue. This product has also been used on animals to help deter flies and other insects from biting your precious pets. 100% DEET-free and made with skin-loving ingredients including castor oil and vitamin E.

Where to purchase: Amazon

Reviews: 4.3 out of 5 stars

2. BUGGINS Natural Insect Repellent 0% DEET

This is a great Plant-Based option with active ingredients such as geraniol, peppermint, lemongrass, and clove. It is a great option for anyone wanting to stay natural ingredients and away from all chemical ingredients like DEET. This option lasts for about 2 hours before needing to re-apply. It is the best bug repellent to deter black flies, deer flite, stable flies, biting gnats, and mosquitos.

Where you can purchase: Amazon

Review: 4.5 stars out of 5

1. Mosquito Repellent Bracelets and Stickers

These are one of my favorite options, especially when you have children. This prevents having to coat the little ones with any kind of spray. The bracelets and stickers are the best bug repellent for all ages. Plus, they are colorful and kids love them. You can wear the coiled bracelets that are coated with natural repellent oils such as Citronella and Lemongrass on your ankles and wrists. They each have up to 320 hours of protection and are waterproof.

The Stickers are an extra added bonus to add you’re your shirts, pants, or any gear you want to keep safe from bugs.

Where to buy: Amazon

Reviews: 5 stars

Homemade Essential Oil Bug Repellent

Now that we have discussed 7 of the best bug repellents you can purchase that are DEET-free for the whole family, here is a nice homemade DEET free, all Natural, recipe that you can make at home.

If you have access to the amazing essential oils from great companies like Young Living or Doterra, then making your own bug repellent maybe your greatest option. The best oils that repel bugs naturally are Citronella, Lavender, Geranium, lemon/eucalyptus, and rosemary oil.

By mixing these oils with some white vinegar, witch hazel, and some rubbing alcohol this will create the best homemade natural bug repellent. Here is a simple recipe you can try yourself.

Also, It is best when you mix these ingredients into a glass spray bottle and then use as desired. Glass is better because it prevents the plastic from deteriorating into the oil mixture.

  • 30 drop of Citronella
  • 30 drops of Geranium
  • 20 drops of Lavender
  • 20 drops of Lemon/eucalyptus
  • 10 drops of rosemary
  • 1 TBSP of Rubbing Alcohol
  • 1/2 cup of Witch Hazel
  • 1/2 cup of Vinegar (or water)

Whichever option you choose, any one of these is great!

After all, staying safe and away from chemicals that can potentially harm you and your children is just as important as deterring the bugs that can potentially carry diseases.

Have a friend or family member who spends a lot of time outside or enjoys their outdoor adventures, please share the awesome DEET-free bug repellents with them!

Thanks for stopping by! If you’ve tried any one of these options, I would love to hear your experience! Comment below!


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RV Remodel : How To Use TIC TAC TILE To Upgrade Your RV Kitchen

RV Remodel : How To Use TIC TAC TILE To Upgrade Your RV Kitchen

Are you looking to do an RV Remodel to your home on wheels?

Are you checking out all the Instagram and Pinterest boards with beautiful remodels and dreaming about creating your own amazing space in your RV?

Well, you’re in the right place!

Before we even purchased our RV I knew I wanted to make my own modifications and do a little remodeling to make it fit our style. The main reason is that a lot of the RV’s are very “brown” and out of date.

If you’re like me you probably loved seeing all the amazing RVer’s that have transformed their kitchens on social media. Seeing these kitchens fueled my desire to transform ours and I hope it’s fueled your desire as well!

During my dreaming stage of an RV remodel, I noticed one modification many were completing in their kitchens was adding tile for a backsplash.

This is the first thing we did to add our own style into the space, and we have absolutley no regrets! It brings an incredible feeling of uniqueness and character to our kitchen.

After I decided that tile was what I wanted to do first, I began my search for the perfect lightweight stick on option that didn’t require all the fancy grout and plaster. I needed something quick and easy, something that would make a nice design statement. I also didn’t want to spend too much money because I was on a budget.

I searched through Home Depot, Lowes, and online. Through my research, I found a company and a product called TIC TAC TILE. Of course, I am a review type of buyer. If the reviews are not good, then I continue looking for another product. I always make sure I look at the negative and positive reviews.

What I found was that the reviews were mostly positive. The bad reviews couldn’t outweigh the good ones in my opinion. Plus the price was reasonable, compared to other brands that I found.

I was overwhelmingly excited to start the remodel on our kitchen! Something I had been dreaming of before we even purchased the RV. These tiles seemed like the perfect place to start.

Therefore, I decided to go forward with the TIC TAC TILE and ordered them directly off Amazon. They had the best price and fast shipping with Amazon Prime.

How to apply?

To start the RV remodel with TIC TAC TILE, let me be the first to say that the application is pretty easy. However, having patience and precision is key to making it look amazing. Here is a step by step on exactly what I did to apply my TIC TAC TILE.

  1. Clean —-> Cleaned the wall surface with a plain disinfectant wipe. You can also use white vinegar, TSP, or whatever kind of cleaning product that is multi-surface and has a degreaser.
  2. Dry —-> Make sure the wall is completely dry!! This is important. The sticky adhesive does not stick to any wet surfaces.
  3. Measure —-> Now when starting out you can get away with just adding an entire page of the tile, however, once you start to get around edges and windows, measuring is important.
  4. Cut —-> Once you’ve measured, now is time to trim the pieces to the desired/needed size. For cutting, I found after using scissors, that a box cutter and cutting board made the perfect tool. The box cutter is more precise and sharper when getting through the tile, adhesive, and the adhesive protectant.
  5. Stick —-> Now, remove the backing of the TIC TAC TILE that protects the adhesive. Then stick the tile on the wall to the desired position. It’s might take a few tries to get the hang of it and get it perfectly lined up.
  6. Repeat —-> Just go ahead and repeat steps 1 through 5 until the job is completed to your satisfaction.

Positives:

This product adds character to your RV with minimal prep. The product is heat and mold resistant, lightweight, and perfect for the kitchens and bathrooms in any recreational vehicle.

TIC TAC TILE is also very affordable and Eco-friendly! The material is very easy to clean after oil or splattered food from cooking gets on the tile.

Negatives:

Many have complained about the adhesive not sticking all the way and corners coming off the walls. However, there are steps to take to prevent this. Such as cleaning the area properly and adding your own additional adhesive to the edges.

I would also avoid applying the product while in extreme heat or humidity to allow the adhesive to stick properly. It is tedious work, so having patience while applying the product is important.

Where to buy?

As I mentioned, Amazon is the place I purchased our TIC TAC TILE. You can choose from a variety of colors and styles. We chose the classic white Subway tile look with the grey grout.

There are available as 12 x 12 sheets and you can either purchase 1 sheet, 5 sheets, or 10 sheets. I purchased the 3 of the 10 sheet packs to complete the kitchen and bathroom. I do have leftover tile, which I am okay with because I would rather have too much than not enough.

If you are thinking about changing things up a bit in your home on wheels with a little RV remodel then TIC TAC TILE is a great place to start!

We absolutely love the look and feel in our Kitchen now! It adds our own touch and flair to the space. Plus, our RV is no longer the cookie-cutter décor with the brown boring interior. 

The TIC TAC TILE also made the kitchen area feel like its own little corner by separating it from the rest of the RV’s décor. It almost feels like you get a new kitchen by adding the simple tile.

So, if you’re looking for a budget friendly way to add some flair and personality to your home on wheels then I definitely recommend TIC TAC TILE!

Have you used TIC TAC TILE in your RV? I would love to know what you think about it! Leave a comment below and share with anyone looking to make some transformations to their home on wheels!

Thanks for stopping by!


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The Best RV Kitchen Necessities!

The Best RV Kitchen Necessities!

As you may know, an RV kitchen is tiny compared to your average house kitchen.

RV Kitchens have less storage space, smaller ovens, smaller fridges, and a pantry that is tiny or somewhat nonexistent.

However, that shouldn’t stop anyone from utilizing your RV’s kitchen just as you do at home kitchen.

We live full-time in our RV, therefore, we cook in our kitchen on a daily basis.

There is nothing we cannot cook or bake, except baking is done on a much smaller scale.

After a full year of living in our RV, there have become essentials that we have used to make our life easier in our small kitchen. 

RV Kitchen must-haves

1. Slow Cooker / Crockpot

Slow cookers have been around forever and I feel like they are still an amazing investment. We absolutely love cooking roast, slow-cooked brisket, soups, and so much more in our slow cooker. 

Plus, the recipes are pretty much endless when it comes to what you could make in a slow cooker. Another thing I love about the slow cooker is it can make meals that last for days and it is an easy cleanup.

2. NuWave 14QT Air Frying Oven

This incredible machine will have you baking, frying, roasting, slow cooking, pressure cooking, and more in your RV.

The NuWave oven has made it to our RV Kitchen Must-have list because it is that AMAZING!!


3. French Press Coffee Maker

Making coffee in an RV seems to be a big question on a lot of people’s minds.

The French Press is one of my favorites because you can measure exactly how much coffee you want and make your coffee as strong or weak as you’d like.

Using a French press doesn’t require any electricity which is a huge plus if you’re Dry Camping.

Curious about other ways to make coffee while camping, check out “The Best Ways to Make Coffee While Camping” post!

4. Keurig Single Serve Coffee Maker

If you’re not interested in the French Press way of making your coffee, then maybe a Keurig is what you need.

To save counter space, I recommend the Single-Serve Keurig K-Cup Mini to save space but will give you that delicious cup of joe.


5. Hot Water Kettle

Speaking of Hot Water Kettle, this is my third favorite item we have in the RV kitchen.

I love making coffee and hot tea to wake me up in the morning or calm me down at night. Having the ability to boil hot water in a kettle is super convenient.

6. Cast Iron Skillet or two

Cast Iron skillets are the best! Seriously, the variety of meals you can make in a cast-iron skillet is endless.

You can even make some delicious desserts!

I love having our cast iron skillet because of the versatility it has when cooking.

RV kitchens are tiny, therefore anything that you are able to use in multiple ways is a huge plus.

7. Cast Iron Dutch Oven

Just like the Skillet, having the Cast Iron Dutch oven opens up a variety of dishes you can cook in your RV Kitchen.

The wonderful thing about cast iron products is you can use them over a campfire too and not just on your stove or in your oven.

8. Personal Smoothie Maker

The majority of blenders use too many electrical watts, therefore, the smaller personal blender is perfect for the RV life.

We personally love making protein shakes and fruit smoothies. However, the use of the Personal Smoothie Maker is endless.

If you want to whip up a coffee frappuccino or a delicious margarita, then you definitely need to get one for your RV Kitchen.

9. Mounted Paper Towel holder

Surprisingly this is a common question that many RVer’s have, is “where do you put the paper towels?”

We had the same question and with very little counter space I was determined to find a solution.

Therefore, we purchased a mounted Paper towel holder. This thing saves space and gives us easy access to towels when they are needed to clean up spills or wipe your hands.

10. Dish Drying Rack 

This is a must because the majority of RV’s do not have a dishwasher.

I love the ones that are over the sink because they save so much counter space. Plus, when you’re dish drying rack is in one portion of the sink, this prevents dirty dishes from piling up.

It also forces you to clean the dishes and set them to dry almost immediately. I don’t know what I would do without this in my RV Kitchen. 

11. Ice Making Trays

We live in Texas and the summer heat can be brutal! Having an ice-cold glass of water or tea is highly desired.

Now there are many people who love the portable ice makers, however, when you’re limited on counter-space, going for the old fashioned ice-making trays can be more convenient.

You just have to make sure you re-fill them. 

12. Utensil Holder

Just like counter-space, drawer space is also limited in an RV. We opted to use up a tiny portion of the counter space to hold our larger cooking utensils like the spatula and ladle. I love having them in their designated holder because it has relieved the utensil drawer for other items like forks, can opener, and more. 

13. Magnetic Knife Holder 

This is one of the first things we purchased when we moved into our RV back in April of 2018.

I saw how much space they saved because you were able to utilize the vertical wall space in your kitchen.

Plus, it provided easy access when cooking. I do recommend that if you plan on traveling, that the knives be removed and placed in a drawer before moving. 

14. Pizza Stone for Oven 

If you love to bake, then you definitely want to get a pizza stone to place at the bottom of your little oven.

This helps regulate the heat of the oven so whatever you are baking, bakes evenly.

I have heard many stories of RV ovens burning the sides of dishes and leaving the middle raw.

The pizza stone will help you make those perfectly baked cookies, cakes, pizza, and more! 

Final Thoughts 

These are just the top 14 items that we definitely love using in our RV Kitchen. They have made our journey of living Full-time easier.

Living or traveling in an RV is a different lifestyle than living in a home, so some things have to be adjusted.

By having kitchen items that are versatile is our top priority. If we cannot use an item in the kitchen multiple ways, then it’s out!

I hope this list helps you decide on what to bring along on your RVing journey. Maybe one day we will invest in the famous Insta-pot that most RVer’s swear by.

Thanks for stopping by and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to get updated on new blog posts with amazing RVing and Camping information.

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RV Kitchen must-haves

How to DIY Your Own Glamping Trip on a Budget

How to DIY Your Own Glamping Trip on a Budget

Glamping, in a nutshell, is where beautiful nature meets modern comforts. It is a new and exciting way to travel and experience the world around you. Glamping goes above and beyond just a nice tent, although that is definitely where it begins. It is about adding those glamorous and luxurious touches to the traditional camping experiences.

Surprisingly, the industry of Glamping has become a worldwide phenomenon over the last decade. More people are enjoying the great outdoors and experiencing a whole new way to vacation.

Although glamping can become expensive with all the luxurious accommodations and amazing destinations. This should not stop you from creating your very own DIY glamping experience on your next camping vacation. You can even do this by staying on a budget. To get you started, I have put together a great “how-to” list to glam up your next camping vacation.

Tip No. 1 – Get a Larger tent

Even if there are only two of you, having a larger tent is going to give you the open space and comfort that comes with Glamping. You will be able to stand up fully, have extra space to have a little side table and a place for your clothes and shoes. Space is important when it comes to DIY glamping.

As much as we all want the fancy larger white tents, they can get expensive. If you’re on a budget, you can simply pick up a regular pop up tent-like this Ozark 8 Person Yurt and turn your camping experience into a glamping one! For more great tent options, check out our post “Best Tents for your DIY Glamping Trip”.

Tip No. 2 – Cozy bedding

Along with having a great tent with a lot of space, your bedding is essential for the ultimate glamping experience. You really want to try and make it feel like a hotel bed or your bed at home.

The first thing to start with is your mattress. The Coleman Air mattress with the double cot is perfect to glam up your camping trip. Getting your bed off the tent floor is a nice step in creating that luxury feel.

Also, you will want comfortable linens, pillows, a throw blanket, and even a decorative pillow or two to add some pizzazz!

Rummage through your linen closets and see what you may already have. Then if you want to spend some extra on a new throw blanket or a pillow or two, go for it! The more comfortable your sleeping space is, the better your glamping trip will be.

Tip No. 3 – Spa-like sensations

There is nothing more luxurious than a spa. Many glamping experiences have gorgeous spa-like qualities like candles, flowers, lotions, towels, freshwater, and juices.

So, bring your favorite candles, fresh flowers, lotions, and more so you can have those spa-like amenities to your liking. I personally like to go with the citronella candles that ward off the pesky bugs and mosquitos.

Another DIY Glamping tip is to add a small cooler with water and juices inside your tent. This will help you from having to get up and in the middle of the night to grab a drink. 

Tip No. 4 – Homey décor

Homey decor can spread throughout the campsite and not just inside the tent area. Items like that can make the entire camping space home-like include the following;

– Area Rugs: these are great in the tent as well as right outside the tent so you can have a nice outdoor area right outside the tent doors.

-Blankets: Blankets can be used for outdoor seating areas on hay bales or larger logs if they are available. They can be used for any style of camping chair for comfort. 

-Throw pillows: just like adding some flair to the bedding, they can be great additions to all outdoor seating for comfort and style. 

-Floor Pillows: If you have a nice large area rug or blankets set up inside or outside the tent areas, floor pillows are great to add some comfort and glam. 

-Decorative Baskets or chests: Who doesn’t love a gorgeous wicker basket? These are fantastic to bring along so you can have a designated area for shoes or miscellaneous camping items. 


Tip No. 5 – Decorative lighting

I love extra lighting! I love the string lights, the extra lamps, candles, and the tiki torches because it just gives the camping area a great ambiance. The Decorative lighting really adds that extra touch in the evenings to your DIY Glamping experience.

This is also usually when everyone gathers around the fire, has a few drinks and smores while telling great stories for hours. Having the extra lighting hung from the trees and around the tents just adds that extra Glamping touch.

Tip No. 6 – Designation areas

This is a great plus when wanting DIYing your own Glamping experience. Creating designated areas for cooking, relaxing, and sleeping is exactly what Glamping is all about. 

Many love to do this by having a living area tent where everyone can gather to eat and hang out. You can also have a specific area for great outdoor activities. (We will go into that on Tip No. 8)

Tip No. 7 – Fancy Delicious Meals w/fun menu

Along with the designated areas, one of those areas can be for cooking/grabbing food. Setting up a little chalkboard with the menu items for the day is super simple and it keeps everyone from wondering when it’s time to eat. 

This is also a great thing to do to keep from over-packing unnecessary food items that take up space and do not get eaten. By having a meal plan for the whole family, plus snacks is a great way to have the Glamping vacation experience while camping. 

Tip No. 8 – Fun Activities

What is a Vacation without some good fun and games? There are so many outdoor games you can bring along that will keep people playing and having fun for hours. Two of my family’s favorites are Corn Hole and Horseshoes. They are pretty simple to pack up and set up. 

Other cool outdoor games include a DIY glow in the dark bowling made out of liter coke bottles, glow sticks or glow in the dark paint, and a small plastic ball. This one is fantastic for the kiddos. 

Camping doesn’t always have to be rough and tough, it can be enjoyable and relaxing for the whole family. So the next time you’re planning your trip, don’t forget the comfortable bedding, pillows, and games. DIY Glamping can be done on a budget so you can still enjoy modern comforts while roughing it in the forest or on the beach. 

I hope this inspires you to get outdoors and glam up your next camping trip to make it an unforgettable experience. 

Do you have any tips you love to DIY your own Glamping?  Please leave a comment, I would love to hear! Also, sharing is caring! Thank you for stopping by! If you haven’t already, don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on new material. 

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