Insects (Bugs) are just a part of life. They are an important part of nature. I believe in connecting with nature as much as possible. With one exception…
I am NOT a fan of nature connecting to me through bug bites.
Mosquitos are the worst because they itch so darn much and I have no self-control when it comes to leaving an itch alone. Flies might not bite in quite the same way (although there are biting flies) but they are equally as worrisome because of the whole “they land on dog poop then land on me” issue. Blech!
Tis’ the season for flying insects; make that hungry flying insects. While I do not enjoy being made a meal of, I also refuse to coat my flesh in toxic chemicals – namely DEET.
You all know that DEET is one of the worst possible substances you could put onto your body right? PLEASE tell me you do. It messes with your central nervous system in a really bad way. If you would like to read more about this nastiness, check out The Hazards of Deet.
Now, I have heard the complaints. “Essential oils aren’t powerful enough to keep those blood sucking mosquitos away.” “Gnats actually love the smell of natural butters and carrier oils.” “Natural products have to be reapplied every five minutes to actually work.” Pffft…

The problem isn’t with the ingredients! The problem is with the combination of ingredients in the products you have tried. And I can almost guarantee that you have not tried Purple Prairie Insect Repellent. It is one of those awesome brands that flies under the radar (pun intended). It’s too bad really because their entire line of products has some serious super powers. I’m not kidding. Their sunscreen is AMAZING!
I have featured Purple Prairie on my blog before as well as the company that carries it, Its Naturally Pure. I was thrilled when they offered me a chance to review and subsequently give away the insect repellent. I jumped on that offer!
Here is a little bit of information on the spray, which is what I tested out in the name of health and a bug free summer:
Purple Prairie Deet Free Natural Mosquito and Bug Repellent Spray – A natural and safe deet free insect repellent keeps gnats, biting flies, mosquitos and other bugs away. A special blend of essential oils and plant extracts in a witch hazel and water base. Deet free. Try it on itchy bites, poison ivy, chicken pox and other itchies too. Safe for all ages.
Purple Prairie Deet Free Natural Mosquito and Bug Repellent Spray Ingredients: aqua (water), hamamelis virginiana (witch hazel), essential oils of eucalyptus, citronella, geranium, lemongrass, neem, erigeron, rosemary, catnip, lavender & teatree, Polysorbate 20 & Salix nigra (Black Willow) Extract
4 ounces is only $7.99. That’s cheap I tell you! Too cheap really.
So what’s the verdict you ask? It is a HUGE THUMBS UP! We have a lot of flies this time of year as well as these aggressive little flying beetles that are in the throes of mating season. I can’t walk outside my door without getting mated upon. I sprayed myself up, down, and sideways with the Purple Prairie Bug Spray and enjoyed a fly free, mating beetle free evening playing outside with Tiny and our dog. It was the first time in ages that I did not have a plethora of annoying little flying insects all over me. (Side note – Tiny seems immune to the pesky critters. My guess is that she is too loud and moves too fast for their tastes. I on the other hand am old, slow, and too tired to vocalize at anything above a whisper.)
I was really impressed with the bug spray. It smelled wonderful unlike those chemical ridden bug sprays. It wasn’t sticky and I did not feel like I needed to wash it off after we came inside. But best of all – it worked! Those bugs took one whiff of me and flew the other direction. Mission. Accomplished!
Now, before I tell you how you can win, I would like to highlight the company that as generously donated these two Purple Prairie items for this giveaway.
Its Naturally Pure is a one of a kind company. Although a lot of companies claim to uphold certain standards and follow certain guidelines, Its Naturally Pure really truly follows through. All of their products meet and exceed the standards set by the Natural Products Association. In addition, all of the ingredients used in their products as well as the products themselves are sustainable and meet fair trade requirements.
Its Naturally Pure’s Mission Statement is beautiful: To bring to you the best products that are pure, natural, healthy and friendly to the environment. We will also seek out partnerships with companies whose products are made with socially responsible values: fair and sustainable trade, ecologically aware, support of impoverished craftspeople, and local production.
Their Vision Statement is equally amazing: Our vision is to encourage and promote an economy deeply rooted in natural, organic and socially responsible commerce. We want to make it easy for you to encourage socially responsible companies and as consumers send out a loud and positive message that will be heard.
The company was started by Marie, a woman inspired by the loss of her dear friend to breast cancer. Marie was determined to steer clear of a similar fate. After learning more about the effects of chemicals in cosmetics and personal care products she vowed to not only stop using these personally but to open a store which carried a completely safe, all natural product line. She spent countless hours researching products, the companies behind the products, and their ethics and standards. What she has created is a store which carries 100% natural products at affordable prices that everyone can feel good about purchasing. From baby care, to foot care, to hair care, to makeup, Its Naturally Pure has a full line of top rated products.
Ok, ok – onto this amazing giveaway! Its Naturally Pure is generously giving away your choice of the Purple Prairie Bug Stuff Screen Lotion, Spray or Balm Stick.
All you have to do to enter is to visit the Its Naturally Pure and tell me what other products might interest you. Then, leave a comment on this post (be sure to include your email if it is not linked to your profile)!
This giveaway opens today, July 14, 2012 and closes July 22, 2012 at 11:59pm PST. Winner will be selected via random.org. I will email you and you will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is selected.
Want to order some of this fantastic bug repellent? Get 10% off by entering Rasta Mama in the special instructions at checkout!
Good Luck!























Everything is so interesting. I like the wooden soap holder and the natural sunscreens.
I’d like to try the deodorant and make-up! Jandjmangan at gmail dot com
I would love to try the Eucalyptus Mint Mineral Bath Salts, and Deet free bug repellent!
I’m very interested in the hair shampoo bars, the bug repellent and the sunscreen.
Thanks for bringing this kind of stuff to our attention.
shedowa1@yahoo.com -just in case.
I would love to try the Purple Prairie Botanicals Natural and Safe Baby Care. Also the essential oils and massage oils sound amazing! Love that they have a Gerenium Massage oil. Thanks! agapelove2008@yahoo.com
The natural deoderant or face cleanser
i would love the wooden soap dish!
thanks for the giveaway!
kittyssn24@yahoo.com
HI! I love this page! Thanks for sharing. The body brushes look great!
I hate that facebook does not show much in my feed. I almost missed this! I would love to try their Pumice Stone.
My email is coolkid232310@yahoo.com
keristevenson61@yahoo.com
Their baby care I would like to try.
I WANT to try their sunscreens! I love sunscreens!
a11amber11@yahoo.com
Thanks for the giveaway
Hi.
I’ve been wanting to try this bug stuff. Hopefully I’ll win it.
I’d also like to try their face cleaner.
On a side note.. what you’ve done to help raise funds/goods for baby sean is so sweet!
braedengrey@yahoo.com
the make-ups are on my want to try list now.
Markyy2754@yahoo.com
mcdonal.jackie@yahoo.com I enjoy trying new products all the time. I would enjoy this and to try their natural soaps.
wooden dish looks awesome
jtio85@yahoo.com
the bugs are so bad here. thanks for sharing this company.
gARCIAlayla85 yahoo com