Why You Need a Fast, Pet-Safe Spider Repellent This Fall

  

We got bitten by common household spiders last night as we slept very itchy bites. It was cool outdoors and all the windows were open. Now I know Diatomaceous Earth food grade works, but it’s kind of messy. So, I started wondering: would adding 6 drops of peppermint oil with Dawn dish soap and water in a spray bottle work?

Well apparently, yes it can rid your home of spiders.  So if you’re dealing with a sudden spider surge as the weather cools, this fast DIY remedy might be your best first defense.

 

 Make Your Own Peppermint Spider Spray

This natural mix is easy to make, safe for most homes, and surprisingly effective at repelling spiders from your sleeping spaces, closets, cabinets, and basements, any dark space with spiders like to hide.

DIY Recipe:

• 6–10 drops peppermint essential oil 

• 1 teaspoon Dawn dish soap 

• 1 cup water 

• Shake well in spray bottle

How to Use:  Spray around windows, door frames, baseboards, under beds, and inside cabinets. Reapply every 3–5 days or after cleaning. Avoid spraying directly on pets or their bedding.

 

Why Peppermint Oil Works

Spiders “smell” and “taste” through their legs. The menthol in peppermint oil overwhelms their sensory receptors, making treated areas feel hostile and uninhabitable. While it doesn’t kill them, it strongly discourages nesting and movement.  Studies show peppermint oil is effective against spider mites and other crawling pests, and anecdotal evidence supports its use against common house spiders.  

Safety for Kids and Pets—Especially Cats

This mix is generally safe when diluted and used properly, but here’s what you need to know: Cats are sensitive to essential oils, especially in concentrated form. Never apply peppermint oil directly to their fur or bedding.  If you have cats remove them from the area you are spraying.  Let the peppermint dry before allowing cat back into the room .Use in well-ventilated areas and avoid spraying near litter boxes, food bowls, or sleeping zones. Store the spray out of reach of children and pets. Spot test surfaces

 Bonus Tip: Clean First, Spray Second

Before spraying, vacuum up webs, dust, and clutter. Spiders love quiet, undisturbed corners—so make them feel unwelcome. Then follow with your peppermint spray to seal the message. 

 Final Thoughts Not all spider bites are dangerous, but they’re never welcome. If you’re waking up itchy or spotting webs in your sanctuary spaces, don’t wait. This DIY peppermint spray is fast, effective, and safe when used with care. It’s one autumn ritual that protects your peace and your pets.

Joplin’s Urban Deer Hunting Ordinance Will Change Autumn 2025 Forever: What Residents Need to Know

 

As bow hunting expands into Joplin’s neighborhoods, residents brace for an autumn unlike any other. Here’s what the 2025 ordinance means for wildlife, safety, and community care.

 

This fall, as the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, a quiet shift will settle over our community. The woods that once welcomed children’s laughter and family hikes where acorns were gathered, wildlife watched, and seasonal rituals played out will no longer be a safe haven. A recent change to the city council’s hunting ordinance has altered access to these familiar trails, and for many, this year’s autumn won’t look or feel the same.

I read with concern the recent decision by the Joplin City Council to approve bow hunting of deer within city limits. While I understand the motivations unfenced backyards, property damage, rising deer populations, vehicle collisions on roads lacking “deer crossing” signage, and fears around chronic wasting disease I believe this ordinance misses the mark.

We live in a region where deer have always belonged. They were here long before subdivisions, sidewalks, and manicured lawns. When residents choose to live near wooded areas, part of that choice involves coexisting with wildlife. It’s not the deer who are encroaching on us it’s the other way around.

Instead of responding with lethal force, we should explore non-lethal alternatives:  Improved fencing and deterrents.  Public education on wildlife coexistence.  Enforcement of feeding bans to prevent habituation.

Deer aren’t pests. They’re survivors, navigating shrinking habitats and disrupted migration paths. Hunting them simply for being present feels inhumane especially when late-season does are still nursing fawns. These vulnerable family units should never be targets.

 Safety Concerns When Hunting in the City

Urban woods are shared spaces, not shooting ranges. Protect families, wildlife, and vulnerable neighbors.

 Safety and Ethics in Residential Zones

Some council members raised safety concerns, and rightly so. Allowing arrows to fly in residential areas introduces risks we may not be prepared to manage. During fall months, families and children walk wooded trails to admire foliage. With a growing homeless population, wooded areas may also serve as refuge. The last thing anyone needs is to be struck by a stray arrow.

And what of interpretation? My neighbor has been feeding deer for weeks and plans to hunt on his property come September 15th. His land borders mine just 20 feet from my home. Feeding deer is illegal under Missouri law, and hunting in densely populated residential zones is reckless at best. Yet he misinterpreted the Joplin hunting ordinance.  He seems to think it gives him permission.

Will people jump out of cars to pursue deer crossing the road? Will poachers assume firearms are fair game? These questions were never addressed when the City of Joplin approved this ordinance.

You can read the full ordinance and registration requirements on the City of Joplin’s official website.

A Better Way Forward

If deer populations truly require management, a controlled hunt would have been more responsible:  A short, supervised weekend event led by animal control and conservation officers.  Permits checked and safety protocols enforced. Limited to mature 4-point bucks only no does, fawns, or young bucks.

This could have helped balance population control. Instead, we’re now facing a months-long open season from September through January that feels like a free-for-all for bow hunters. Permits and landowner permission are technically required, but who’s actually checking those letters?

From what I’ve seen on social media, many hunters seem to assume that any wooded land in Joplin is fair game. They rarely mention landowner consent, and the lines between public and private property are getting dangerously blurred.

Let’s rethink what it means to live alongside wildlife. Let’s choose coexistence over convenience, and compassion over control. Read second article on this topic here 

 Author's  Note / Disclaimer
This article is intended for educational and advocacy purposes only. It reflects the author's personal perspective on urban wildlife management and public safety. No part of this content promotes illegal activity, violence, or harm toward animals or individuals. All references to local ordinances, safety concerns, and wildlife behavior are based on publicly available information and lived experience. Readers are encouraged to consult official city resources and conservation experts for guidance.

Hiking Safely in Arkansas: A Woman’s Guide to Preparedness, and Peace of Mind

 

I’ve always hiked in Arkansas in the fall. It’s my season when the air turns crisp, the leaves ignite in color, and the waterfalls run clear and cold. But this year, when my hiking buddy canceled, I found myself hesitating. After the tragic murder of a couple hiking with their children this past summer, I couldn’t shake the question: Are there trails that feel safe for a woman and her dog?

This blog is important for all women who are in the same situation because we don’t have to pass up an activity we love, not if we put safety first, bring our dogs, and prepare with intention. Fall hiking in Arkansas can still be beautiful, restorative, and empowering. Here’s how.

Some of Arkansas’s most beloved fall trails remain safe, scenic, and dog-friendly. Whitaker Point, also known as Hawksbill Crag, offers iconic bluff views and a small waterfall along a moderate 2.9-mile out-and-back trail. Mount Magazine’s North Rim Trail provides sweeping overlooks and creek crossings, with cell service available in most areas. Seven Hollows Trail at Petit Jean State Park winds through grottos and forested canyons, while Lake Catherine Falls Trail is a shaded, family-friendly option with a gentle waterfall. For those near Bella Vista, the Tanyard Creek Loop is an easy 1.9-mile walk featuring caves, creeks, and fall foliage. All of these trails are dog-friendly, but leashes are required in Arkansas parks.

If you're hiking with a dog, bring water for both of you, and avoid trails with steep bluffs or narrow ledges if your dog is reactive. Always pack waste bags, and check for ticks after your hike. Arkansas is tick-prone in fall. Leashing your dog isn’t just courteous it’s required, and it protects wildlife, other hikers, and your own peace of mind.

Before you hit the trail, tell someone your plan. Share your trail name, estimated return time, and route this is non-negotiable. Pack the Ten Essentials: a map, compass or GPS app, flashlight, first aid kit, extra food and water, layers, fire starter, knife, emergency shelter, and sun protection.

Dress in layers fall mornings are chilly, but afternoons can warm quickly. Avoid bulky coats and opt for breathable fabrics. Wear proper hiking boots with tread; flip-flops are a trip hazard. If you’re hiking alone, don’t advertise it to strangers on the trail.

Stay on marked paths fall is snake season, and wandering off-trail increases risk. Download trail maps ahead of time using apps like All Trails or Gaia GPS, and make sure they’re available offline, since cell service can be spotty.

Confidence is part of safety. Walk with purpose, even if you’re unsure. Trust your instincts if something feels off, turn around. Carry a whistle or personal alarm, and avoid wearing headphones so you can stay alert to your surroundings.

Emotional safety matters too. We hike because the forest heals. Because waterfalls don’t ask questions. Because grief, fear, and uncertainty deserve a place to breathe. This fall, let’s hike with intention. Let’s hike with preparation. Let’s hike for the joy of reclaiming what’s ours.

 

Trail Blessing and Closing Words

To every woman who hikes alone, with her dog, or in quiet companionship: may your boots find steady ground, may your breath sync with the rhythm of the trees, and may your instincts guide you home. The forest doesn’t ask you to be fearless it asks you to be present. To listen. To prepare. To honor your own safety as sacred.

This fall, don’t let fear steal what the season offers. Let your dog be your companion, your preparation be your protection, and your love of the trail be your compass. Share your plan. Pack with care. Hike with purpose. And when the leaves fall around you, know your part of something ancient, resilient, and worth protecting.

You don’t have to give up what you love. You just have to hike like you mean it.

 

🧭 Resources for Confident Fall Hiking

• 🗺️ Trail Maps & Reviews
  AllTrails – Arkansas Trails
  Gaia GPS – Offline Navigation
• 🐾 Dog-Friendly Hiking Tips
  BringFido – Arkansas Trails
  ASPCA – Hiking With Your Dog
• 🎒 Safety Gear & Essentials
  REI – Ten Essentials Checklist
  Sabre – Personal Safety Alarms
• 📞 Local Park Info & Emergency Contacts
  Arkansas State Parks Directory
  National Park Service – Ozark Region

This article published by Susan Golis, Freelance Writer, blogger, and Content Creator.  Image credit:  AI created by Susang6 and Original photographs captured by Golis while hiking in Arkansas and SW Missouri 

How to Decorate Your Bathroom for the Fall Season

 

A cozy guide to transforming your bathroom into an autumn sanctuary without breaking the bank.

Fall isn’t just for front porches and mantelpieces. Your bathroom deserves a seasonal refresh too, and with a few intentional touches, you can create a space that feels like a woodland retreat warm, nostalgic, and beautifully curated.

Start with Leaf Printed Towels

The easiest way to bring autumn indoors? Swap out your everyday linens for towels that celebrate the season. Look for digital watercolor prints featuring vibrant leaves, berries, and soft gradients in reds, golds, teals, and blues. Hang your bath towel on a vintage-style brass hook, then fold the matching hand towel and washcloth to rest atop your linen closet. The layered look adds depth and charm.

Style Tip: Choose prints with a crisp white background to keep the space feeling fresh and airy.

Shop Smart at Online Print on Demand

Love the look of fall colors but don’t want to break the bank? Head to Autumn Bliss Fall Bathroom Décor for beautiful leaf patterns on pristine white bathroom accessories. You’ll find high-resolution digital watercolor prints that elevate your space without overwhelming it. From towel sets to bath mats, these pieces feel artisanal and affordable.

Add a Matching Shower Curtain

For instant impact, pair your towel set with a coordinating shower curtain. The continuity of pattern draws the eye upward and makes the room feel styled from top to bottom. Choose a curtain that mirrors your towel’s leaf theme with maple leaves, and watercolor textures.

Style Tip: Let the curtain be your focal point. Keep other elements neutral to let the print shine.

Layer in Vintage Accents

To set the mood, add a few cottage-style accessories:  A Fenton glass bowl filled with decorative soaps A softly glowing pillar candle in ivory or honey tones A twig wreath hung above the candle to echo the season’s textures These elements bring in warmth, memory, and a touch of heirloom magic. They’re not just décor they’re ritual.

Your Bathroom, Your Sanctuary

Autumn is a season of transition, reflection, and quiet beauty. By decorating your bathroom with intention, you create a space that holds memory, comfort, and story. Whether you're sipping clean coffee or lighting a candle after a long day, let your bathroom be a place of peace and presence.

This article published by Susan Golis, Freelance Writer, blogger, and Content Creator.  AI images created by Susan Golis 

Harvest Magic & Handmade Purpose: Why These Afridrilles Matter

 

Crafted with care, styled for the autumn season, and rooted in ethical impact.

These Afridrilles aren’t just stylish they’re stitched with soul. Handmade in Maai Mahiu, Kenya, each pair is crafted by the Maker Mums, a collective of empowered African women who’ve transformed their lives through artistry and entrepreneurship. Many of these women are mothers of children with special needs, and through Ubuntu Life, they’ve found community, purpose, and economic independence.

The Afridrille journey began with a dream: to create Africa’s first fully customizable espadrille. Inspired by traditional East African cotton and the Spanish espadrille silhouette, the Ubuntu team partnered with Zazzle to bring this vision to life. The result? A shoe that’s breathable, durable, and deeply meaningful.

 Why We Love This Design

The Vintage Halloween Pattern on Gray Canvas brings playful nostalgia to every step. With black cats, crescent moons, bats, and spiderwebs dancing across a soft gray backdrop, these Afridrilles are perfect for pumpkin patch strolls, cozy porch hangs, and spirited October adventures. The design feels both whimsical and timeless pair it with a flowy skirt, a chunky knit, or even your favorite costume for a look that’s festive without being fussy.

Each shoe features: 100% East African cotton Hand-screened canvas Natural jute soles A beaded tab crafted by Maasai women near Kenya’s Ngong Hills

 Wear What Matters

When you wear Afridrilles, you’re not just stepping into comfort you’re stepping into a movement. Every purchase supports full-time employment, healthcare, and education for the Maker Mums and their families. It’s fashion with heart, and it’s changing lives one stitch at a time.

This article published by Susan Golis, Freelance Writer, blogger, and Content Creator.  AI images created by Susan Golis 

Autumn Renewal: When Friendship Begins to Fall Away

 

 

Autumn is a season of quiet transformation. The air turns crisp, the trees release what no longer serves them, and the world begins to slow. It’s a time of renewal of letting go with dignity, of honoring what was while making space for what’s next.

In this post, I reflect on a different kind of falling: the slow unraveling of a friendship that once felt safe. Not every ending is loud. Some arrive like autumn winds gentle, undeniable, and necessary. If you’ve ever felt the ache of growing apart from someone you once trusted deeply, this is for you. A story of boundaries, clarity, and the quiet courage it takes to choose peace.

 

Autumn is a season of quiet transformation. The trees release what
no longer serves them and so do we.

The Quiet Kind of Heartbreak

Autumn is often called the season of letting go. Leaves fall, winds change, and the world softens into quiet reflection. But what if the falling isn’t just in nature what if it’s in friendship?

There’s a kind of heartbreak that doesn’t come from romance. It comes from trust slowly unraveling. From realizing that someone you’ve stood beside for years is no longer standing beside you. Not with cruelty. Not with confrontation. Just with silence.

It’s not the dramatic kind of betrayal. It’s the quiet kind. Plans are brushed off. Stories don’t add up. You start to feel like a stranger in a relationship you helped build.

You’ve been there for emergencies, late-night calls, family crises. You’ve held space, offered comfort, stayed on the line in hospital rooms. You’ve shown up not just once, but always.  And then, one day, they stop showing up for you. Not with anger. Just with deflection. A calendar that no longer has room for your name.

You don’t need every detail. You don’t need perfect alignment. But you do need honesty. Because without it, friendship becomes a performance and you were never acting.  So, you choose silence. Not to punish, but to protect. You step back not because you stopped caring, but because you started caring for yourself.

Maybe they’ll notice. Maybe they’ll ask. And when they do, you’ll tell the truth: “I’ve always been here for you. But lately, I feel like I’m being kept in the dark. I’m not asking for everything. I’m asking for honesty and respect.” Because friendship deserves truth. And you deserve peace.

The Autumn Hike That Never Happened Just like the trees shedding their leaves, we let go to make space for new growth. I had planned a hike with someone I once considered family. We were going to chase waterfalls in Arkansas, breathe in the crisp air, and feel the leaves crunch beneath our boots. But the plans fell through like so many things lately. So I went alone, with my dog. And in that solitude, I found something unexpected: peace.

 Raking Leaves with My Dog There’s something grounding about raking leaves. The rhythm, the rustle, the way the air smells like endings. My dog watched me with quiet loyalty, and together we made order out of the mess. It wasn’t the fall I expected, but it was ours.  Finding joy in the little things: crisp leaves, quiet moments, and a dog who never leaves my side.

Crocuses in the Snow

Winter will come not to harden us, but to cleanse. With frost and stillness, it clears the clutter. It offers rest. Reflection. Renewal.  Even in the coldest season, something tender begins to bloom. I learned to rest, to reflect, and to trust that healing was happening beneath the surface even when I couldn’t see it.

Healing doesn’t always arrive loudly. Sometimes it’s a crocus in the snow quiet, persistent, and full of promise.

Where the Flowers Begin Again

And then, spring arrives. Quietly, steadily. Opening the door to bloom again. To live in color. To welcome new connections rooted in truth.

Spring, at last. After a year of quiet hikes, solo lunches, falling leaves, and snow-covered beginnings, I’ve come full circle. The flowers are blooming again—not just in the park, but in my life. New friends, new laughter, and the kind of warmth that feels earned.

Every season held its own lesson: 🍁 Autumn taught me to let go. ❄️ Winter showed me how to endure. 🌷 Spring reminds me how to begin again.

Healing isn’t linear it’s cyclical, like the earth itself. And here I am, blooming too.

I walked through every season to find this one where laughter returns, roots deepen, and everything begins to bloom.

This article published by Susan Golis, Freelance Writer, blogger, and Content Creator.  AI images created by Susan Golis