We all love our little furry family members, don't we?  But with the hot summer days come the pesky pests that like to attack our babies.  This past weekend, I mixed up a batch of homemade flea and tick repellant and sprayed both Phantom and Oscar.  The vinegary smell may bother some, but it's worth it to keep them and the rest of our family safe.  Here's the recipe:

Homemade Flea and Tick Repellant

Ingredients:
1 Cup Water
2 Cups White Distilled Vinegar
2 tsp. Vegetable Oil
3 tsp. Lemon Juice

Directions:

Mix all ingredients and put in spray bottle.  Liberally spray your pet's dry coat, staying away from sensitive areas (eyes, nose, mouth and genitals).

Oscar Wilde wanted his face-time, too:

Baby Norah Avery

Our family has a new family!!  My nephew, Michael and his beautiful fiance, Connie Beth are the proud parents of a beautiful, healthy, amazing little girl!!

Of course, I think Michael should still be this age...

(You know you're jealous of that hair of mine!)

I can't believe how wonderfully chubby Norah's cheeks are and how much she looks like her daddy!  Though she had to get that head-full of dark hair from her Mommy!

And, already, Miss Norah and I understand one another perfectly <3

The Prudent Homemaker

Every week, coffee in hand, I spend some time with this fascinating woman.  If you haven't read her blog, The Prudent Homemaker, you should, she is amazing.  The jest of her story is that years ago, her husband suddenly lost over half his income.  Half.  And necessity being the mother of invention, she has learned to not only live, but have her family thrive, on much less than what we think we can.

She gardens, sews, bakes, cans, homeschools her children and still has time to share her wisdom with the rest of us.  Ahhhh-mazing.

From this blog, I have learned to make my own laundry detergent, as well as household cleaners.  I have set up my own pantry--though not as impressive as hers:

And most importantly, she has changed the way I look at things.  Before, I wouldn't think much about spending $400-500 per week on groceries for a family of five, but now, I know I can do better--a lot better.  I have learned that the money I save can be used for something else, or nothing at all.  And because of this new mentality, not only are our savings accounts growing, but we are actually eating better!

Though a great deal of her blog is centered around saving money, there are other gems hidden here and there.  Things like spending time with family, faith and hope in the world.  It's good--really good.

She also has a website that has become my go-to when I have a question about something.  This has come in exceptionally handy since my mom passed away and I can't just pick up the phone and ask her about a recipe or the shelf-life of cream cheese. (Seriously, she tells you stuff like that!!)

In a world where we seem to be rushing about like chickens with their heads cut off (as my Granddaddy would have said), it's nice and refreshing to see someone still so grounded in home and family.  Someone who can inspire us to be the same.

The Prudent Homemaker Family