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The buzz on decent-smelling mosquito sprays
I can deal with the heat, with the frizzy hair, the sweaty brow, the melted makeup face. The worst part about being Florida summertime, to me, is the mosquitoes.
Seems I can't step outside to get the paper or walk the dog without returning covered in fresh welts that not only itch to the point of life-hatred, but they look gross when I'm wearing shorts or skirts, too. My boyfriend keeps a stash of heavy duty OFF! bug spray, which I use in emergencies, but I hate going to BBQs or outdoor concerts smelling like I just got back from camping in the Everglades.
So recently, I went to CVS to peruse the bug spray selection, which was limited to one little shelf near the light bulb aisle, and I noticed they had these little blue bottles of "CVS Soft Skin Spray." It appeared to be their version of Avon's Skin So Soft bath oil, that magical elixir that does everything from repel bugs to solve the nation's debt problems, although it didn't actually say "repels mosquitoes!" on the packaging. Instead, it had little icons showing a person hiking and a tent, which I supposed was their way of saying it was good for the outdoors, i.e. repels mosquitoes. It was only $2.99. Why not?
Well, I think it works? Unless it's just been a coincidence that I haven't gotten bit while wearing it. It smells a little like baby oil, but not as strong, and it's a little greasy when you spray it on, but it absorbs fairly well. I like it! I have yet to test it while hiking in the Adirondacks, but I will say I've noticed a decrease in bug bites.
The New York Times T Magazine blog recently ran a short item the most gentle and luxurious Swedish mosquito repellents, if you're up for international shipping costs. It also extolled the virtues of something called Mrs. White’s Unstung Hero, also tough to find, and $30 -- yeah, no. I've heard local health food stores are good places to look for DEET-free and nice-smelling bug repellents. Anyone have any holy grail mosquito spray secrets they'd like to share?
Deal Diva Emily
Photos: CVS.com, iStockphoto.
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THE AUTHORS
Stephanie Hayes came out of the womb wearing high heels. While other kids were reciting multiplication tables, she was learning to calculate an extra third off the half-price discount during buy-one-get-one week. She loves animal prints, black mascara and anything that sparkles. She objects to visible panty lines, Crocs and anything that costs more than a car payment. And she doesn't drive a nice car. She can be reached at (727) 893-8857 or shayes@tampabay.com.
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Katie Sanders foolishly spurned pretty dresses and shoes as a child,
tossing new clothes over her shoulder at birthday parties with a totally
rude "no, thank you." Her drab days of monocolor outfits are over now, and
she certainly knows better than to turn down free stuff. Her wardrobe mixes
classic with quirk. Think blazers with statement necklaces, and lots of
patterned ballet flats. She can
be reached at 850) 224-7263 or ksanders@tampabay.com..
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Kameel Stanley has never encountered a thrift store she didn’t like. Her
mother taught her that the true value of clothes isn’t how much they cost,
but how many outfits one can create from them. Having grown up in Michigan,
she was delighted to learn upon moving to Florida that she almost never
needed to wear socks or boots again. There’s a lot of turnover in her
closet, and she’s obsessed with dresses, necklaces and wedge heels. She can
be reached at (727) 893-8643 or kstanley@tampabay.com.
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A disciple of the little black dress classics school, Letitia Stein stretches her budget by looking for styles with staying power. She lives for 80 percent off shoes at DSW, floral sundresses and bohemian chic tops. She confesses to being a bit of a snob when it comes to handbags and jewelry. She can be reached at (813) 226-3400 or lstein@tampabay.com.
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From camo pants and construction boots to sundresses, sweaters and sling
backs, Keyonna Summers knows how to make all of it rock -- at rock bottom
prices. A Detroit native, Keyonna delves into her urban roots to find
fashion pairings that give a nod to street fashion while maintaining the
class of the modern, professional woman. She believes in searching for
affordable clothes that look expensive and can easily be dressed up or
down. You won't find plaid shirts or fleece jackets in her closet; the only
hiking Keyonna does is to the bargain basement. She can be reached at (727)
445-4153 or ksummers@tampabay.com.
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Coming from a long line of fashionable women, Kim Wilmath considers herself lucky to fit into their hand-me-downs. Her wardrobe staples include her grandma's vintage blouses and her mom's funky jewelry. When she's in the market for "new" items, Kim hits her favorite thrift stores -- a habit she also picked up from mom. But when circumstances require a visit to the shiny stores in the mall, you'll find Kim at the sale rack like a good little diva. She can be reached at (813) 661-2442 or kwilmath@tampabay.com.
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