Why Fido and Fluffy should eat Organic:

• Reduction in skin ailments
• More energy and healthy weight
• Fewer digestive disorders
• Stronger immunity (less vet visits, hooray)

If you want to make homemade food for your pet, here are a few website resources – just remember to keep the ingredients Organic:

• Big Paw Designs
• Dog Treats
• Homemade Pet Food
• Health Recipes

There have also been several Organic cookbooks published exclusively for pet owners:

• Real Food for Dogs: 50 Vet Approved Recipes to Please the Canine Gastronome, by Arden Moore and Anne Davis
• Pet Food Nation, by Joan Weiskopf
• The Natural Pet Food Cookbook, by Wendy Nan Rees, Kevin Schlanger, and Troy Cummings
• Barker’s Grub: Easy, Wholesome, Home Cooking for Dogs, by Rudy Edalati

Remember always talk to your vet first, every pet is different and may require specific diets.

One of our favorite things during the summer is to whip up some Organic pizza dough and adorn it with all the amazing things growing in our garden or blessing the farmer’s markets.

Simple Pizza Ideas: (from some other fellow bloggers)

• Southwest Pizza: Corn, Tomato, Black Bean Pizza, Mozzarella, Pizza Sauce (base)
• Margarita Pizza: Olive Oil, Tomatoes, Basil, Mozzarella
• Asparagus & Strawberry Pizza: Asparagus, Strawberries, Red Onion, Proscuitto (optional), Mozzarella
• Potato & Rosemary Pizza: Thinly Sliced Potatoes (try baby fingerlings), Thinly Sliced Onion and Rosemary

Share some topping ideas with us! We’d love to hear!

]]> http://www.trulyorganicbaking.com/summer-pizza/feed/ 4 http://www.trulyorganicbaking.com/shoo-fly-dont-bother-me-natural-mosquito-repellents/ http://www.trulyorganicbaking.com/shoo-fly-dont-bother-me-natural-mosquito-repellents/#comments Wed, 02 Jun 2010 04:27:14 +0000 Kari Ani http://www.trulyorganicbaking.com/blog/?p=125 Continue reading →]]> We hope everyone had a great Memorial Weekend. It was a great kick off to summer and reminded us about how nights on the patio can bring out those little biting busters, mosquitos! We all know that so many store bought repellents contain powerful chemicals that can be down right dangerous!

Here is an easy, at-home way to make natural mosquito repellent that is safe and effective. Please note that essential oils are potent and should be tested on children first, some skin irritations can occur. Also pregnant or nursing mommies should talk to their doctors first. Always best to be safe!

Citronella Plant pictured above

Natural Mosquito Repellent Ingredients

If you are making large amounts of mosquito repellent, a good rule of thumb is to mix the repellent so it’s 5-10% essential oil, so mix 1 part essential oil with 10-20 parts carrier oil or alcohol. For a smaller batch use:

• 10-25 drops (total) of essential oils
• 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil or alcohol

The essential oils that work well against mosquitoes are:

• cinnamon oil
• lemon eucalyptus oil
• citronella oil
• castor oil

Safe carrier oils and alcohols include:

• olive oil
• sunflower oil
• any other cooking oil
• witch hazel
• vodka

Natural Mosquito Repellent Recipe

Mix the essential oil with the carrier oil or alcohol. Rub or spray the natural insect repellent onto skin or clothing, using care to avoid the sensitive eye area. You’ll need to re-apply the natural product after about an hour or after swimming or exercise. Unused natural insect repellent may be stored in a dark bottle, away from heat or sunlight.

Additional Sources:

Safe, All Natural Repellants

Safe Mama Cheat Sheet