It seems that when you're enjoying the most delectable meal, right as the sun is setting over the lake, a swarm of black flies or mosquitoes decide to join the dinner party and wreak havoc on your fun. When citronella candles and tiki torches don't cut it, it's time to get out the bug spray. You've probably read about the powerful chemical DEET that is found in most bug sprays. When repellent Read more

If the scent or the effects of chemical bug sprays worry you, why not go the natural way? Lavender is a wonderful natural bug repellent, and it smells fantastic, too. Try placing potted lavender and other herb plants near your doors to repel bugs from entering your home. When you're having a picnic or hosting an outdoor dinner party, set some bunches of dried lavender on your table to use as Read more

Sorry to burst your bubble, but you're not going to save by drinking vodka! However, the liquor actually has a couple of household uses that will come in handy. Not to mention, you won't be splashing unnecessary money on products and you'll be doing the environment some good because it's less toxic. Invest in a bottle of cheap vodka to stretch your dollar in these ways: Clean Your Clothes: Read more

With all the rain many areas in the US have been getting this Summer, mosquitoes are out of control. Bug sprays that contain DEET are just about the only thing guaranteed to repel those buggers, but a new study may make you think twice before spraying it all over your body. In scientific experiments on insects, DEET was found to interfere with proper functioning of the central nervous system. Read more

DrSugar is in the house! And she's answering your health-related questions. Dear DrSugar, Mosquitoes love me. Aside from using repellent featuring DEET (the natural sprays don’t work for me at all), is there anything else I can do to make myself less attractive to hungry pests? I heard drinking white vinegar helps. Also, once bitten, what is the best way to calm down the itchy factor of the Read more

I seem to be a magnet for mosquitoes. Whether I'm trail running or just hanging out at a friend's backyard barbecue, those suckers find me and start a feeding frenzy. If you too constantly suffer from the stinging bites of skeeters, you're probably wondering which bug spray will work the best without causing your body harm. To find out, continue reading. Read more

With cooler temps on the way, early Fall is one of the best times to go hiking. Whether it's two miles or 20, you'll want to make sure that your backpack is filled with all the essentials. From protecting your skin to protecting yourself against a serious emergency, here's everything you should have in your pack before hitting the trail. Water — When hiking, do not let yourself get dehydrated! Read more

Watch the hysterical outtakes from Sandra Lee's cooking show Semi-Homemade. — Eater What to do when a loved one comes out as a vegan. — Food Republic Must make: gooey artichoke dip with fresh corn. — Huffington Post Food Delicious ways to add more edamame to your diet. — The FN Dish Learn how to make garlic dill pickles. — Serious Eats What to eat to repel bugs. — The Daily Read more