The Simple Things

Taking time to live well
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Taking Time to Live Well

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Photography by Shutterstock

Make | Botanical Bug Repellent

Iona Bower June 6, 2026

Create a simple spray using essential oils known to deter bugs and make any unwanted flying friends buzz off. It smells really good, too.

You will need:
60ml distilled water
60ml witch hazel
12 drops rosemary essential oil
12 drops citronella essential oil
6 drops peppermint essential oil
6 drops eucalyptus essential oil
6 drops lemongrass essential oil 6 drops lavender essential oil
Jug
Small funnel
Spray bottle (ideally amber glass)

To make:

1 In a jug, combine the distilled water and witch hazel, then add the essential oils one at a time.

2 Pour the mix into the spray bottle using the funnel. Seal and shake well.

Maker’s note: Shake well before every use. Stored in a cool, dark place, it’ll keep for up to a year.

This weekend project was featured in our May issue along with a project to make an Aftersun Balm. Both recipes are taken from Cooking Mindfully: Make Food Your Ally with Sustainable Low Waste Recipes for Every Season by Kait Welch (Page Street Publishing)

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InMaking Tagsissue 168, summer projects, summer makes, homemade
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Featured
 JUNE ISSUE   Buy  ,   download  or  subscribe   Order a copy of:  Our new Homebird bookazine    Flourish Volume 4 , our wellbeing bookazine  A Year of Celebrations  – our latest  anthology  See the sample of our latest issue  here   Listen to  our p
February 27, 2026
February 27, 2026

JUNE ISSUE

Buy, download or subscribe

Order a copy of:
Our new Homebird bookazine

Flourish Volume 4, our wellbeing bookazine
A Year of Celebrations – our latest anthology

See the sample of our latest issue here

Listen to our podcast – Small Ways to Live Well

February 27, 2026
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The Simple Things is published by Iceberg Press

The Simple Things

Taking time to live well

We celebrate slowing down, enjoying what you have, making the most of where you live, enjoying the company of of friends and family, and feeding them well. We like to grow some of our own vegetables, visit local markets, rummage for vintage finds, and decorate our home with the plunder. We love being outdoors and enjoy the satisfaction that comes with a job well done.

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