Just as soon as the weather is nice enough to spend evenings in your backyard or on your terrace, mosquitoes come out to taunt you. DEET and other chemical bug repellents simply aren’t worth it – in exchange for avoiding a few bug bites you’ll be exposing yourself to toxic chemicals and that horrible smell! You can make your own natural non-toxic mosquito repellent or take the easy way out with a bug repellent candle.

While citronella oil is commonly used in natural mosquito repelling candles, it does have a bit of a bad reputation. Some, like me, don’t like the strong scent. Others are concerned about its toxicity: While the EPA calls it safe, there have been reports of irritation when citronella oil is applied directly to the skin and if you have a pooch that could sink his teeth into the candle, you’ll want to avoid it. When dogs ingest citronella they can get a bellyache and diarrhea.

That’s why I was so excited when Hillhouse Naturals offered to send their Mosquito Repellent Candle, a natural citronella-free essential oil candle. It’s made from soy wax, so you don’t have to worry about all of the cancer-causing chemicals polluting your air. Two scents, either a blend of wild mint, juniper and tea tree or a mix eucalyptus, mint leaf and lemongrass will keep mosquitoes away.

The big four-wick candles will burn and banish bugs for about 50 hours. Unlike a lot of the citronella candles you find at the drugstore, this one is elegantly presented in a rustic concrete holder that doubles as a pretty centerpiece for your outdoor table.

If you ask me, there’s nothing more relaxing than the sound of a crackling fire (the same probably can’t be said for Neil Diamond). Yet, I can’t even remember the last time I used my fireplace as more than just a decorative mantle to display frames and books. Really, who has the time to constantly add more kindling, stoke the flames and keep it burning? Here’s an eco-friendly solution to make you smile.

With a sustainable wooden wick, the Dayna Decker Botanika Chandel is specially designed to simulate the soothing sound of a cozy fire. Four aroma therapeutic fragrances to choose from; two include notes of rose. (Available at Wildflower Organics for $54.)

The latest diffuser craze has everyone smelling up their spaces, but anyone with a sensitive snout best beware. There’s nothing worse than being welcomed into a room by a thick wave of fragrance that fires up your nostrils and hurts your throat.

That’s why I love lemongrass. It’s subtle, not too potent – just natural, refreshing and clean. Lemongrass won’t send you running for cover like Grandma’s perfume; it actually relaxes you after a long day.

I found this Lemongrass Bath Set at VivaTerra and couldn’t resist getting one for myself along with a few of my friends. The perfect holiday gift – and it’s on sale! The set includes an 8oz. Room Diffuser ($33) and a 3″ D x 3.75″ H Soy Candle ($24).