DIY project sneak peek & pack with me | XO, MaCenna Vlogs

Working on my latest DIY project for the living room, spending the day with Mom for Mother's Day and packing up home decor to come with me to LA!
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[@fmeale]

As strange as this sounds, run a fan on the back deck. Mosquitos are not strong flyers and the wind created by the fan will keep them away.

[@waterbitten]

Yup! I have the fan on in bedroom during the summer

[@pamdavis6604]

Dammmm that's a good idea 💡 Going to do that !!

[@amyyoung2804]

Great idea. Maybe 2 fans ..spaced out

[@kimclarke5018]

That’s a great idea.😊

[@sammyjam97]

Also Skin So Soft from Avon! Cover all exposed skin with it. It works great

[@akelly4207]

Macenna, you should plant Lavender, Rosemary, Basil, Catnip, lemongrass, mint... there are a bunch more... to keep Mosquitoes away from all the areas you plan on using to work or sit outside. Burning them also works if you are going to have a fire out there.

[@pauladevos2492]

Macenna you're doing well. Have a good trip back to Los Angelos and take care of yourself and your lovely dog ❤️

[@haileywatson5822]

Seeing MaCenna, who is a diy/reno machine, fighting with a hose and saying it’s harder than renos has been the most validating experience this channel has provided me 🤣 As someone who has worked in a few garden centers, I have had many embarrassing and public fights with hoses!!

[@saraw8503]

I just bought my second hoselink. It is a game changer for hose management.

[@evdivinagracia7398]

Same! Got one for Mother’s Day 2 years ago and watering (then reeling all of it back in) is no longer a chore! Hoselinks are the best 😊

[@cebaker5671]

I love your LA house too but I’m a little sad that since you bought it the Texas house has really seemed like a grind for you. You certainly do deserve a break and to have fun in your LA home figuring all that out but I have just loved watching all of the projects you have worked on so far in the Texas house. You deserve time with Romeo and Kinsley to really live in and experience your LA home. I’ll miss your Mom terribly but maybe some time with Drew or another friend will make up for it? I absolutely love your videos and will check out your podcasts soon. Keep up the good work but also relax a bit in your LA environment. ❤️

[@veannewillson]

I love “Chanel earrings and my thrifted watch for a dollar that doesn’t work” 😂😂😂😂. Best quote ever.

[@anncollett7005]

LOL I have the same timex watch that I bought 40 years ago so I guess it's vintage now. I used to get a new battery for it replaced at the local jewelry store.

[@NIKOLAIDESIGN]

It's all about balance

[@rneustel388]

I have a tiny delicate watch that belonged to my beloved aunt-it has a very narrow black velvet band. I’m sure it wasn’t the type of watch you wore for every day. It reminds me of her, my mother’s big, and only, sister who died when she was only 52.

[@heatherkane5913]

You should totally screen in the porch! It would be great for your workshop stuff and then later you could sit on the back porch without being bit.

[@waterbitten]

I love the mothers day fit. Very chic.

[@xomacennavlogs]

thank youuuuuu :)

[@cazonthecob]

I'd gotten so used to the widows in your living room without trim, and already loved how it looked so much, that when you show it WITH the trim now I'm just like - jaw dropped 😱😍😍😍😆 simply stunning!

[@crystalpowers5648]

Hi MaCenna! I highly recommend you put a standing fan outside on your deck while you are working. The wind will prevent the mosquitoes from getting to you. Also, install two ceiling fans on your porch. Not only is it a true vibe but it helps cool the area down and keep bugs away. 😊

[@mschenandlerbong8539]

Mosquito light is for nighttime. They are drawn to it and die when they hit it. Leave it out all night for a few days.

[@Flower4design]

Hi Macenna, i think i would invest in a root barrier for your bamboo. Otherwise you will forever be fighting it (it seems that it has spread quite far out already). Bamboo propagates by it's rhizome (root) and as long as they have soil to keep growing they will do so.... Hope that helps :) greetings from germany.

[@smooch862]

can i ask what a root barrier is/does..we were jst startn to think of bamboo but in homemade wood boxes so they dont spread into neighbors

[@Flower4design]

​@@smooch862it is basically a thick polymer that can be bought in rolls and buried about 60cm deep in the soil, leaving a residue of 10cm above the soil surface, through which no roots can grow through. This is the most effective way to keep bamboo in check and is even a requirement in the building code in germany, as bamboo can be very invasive and if not properly maintained can quickly take over whole areas and lead to conflicts in the neighborhood.

[@smooch862]

@@Flower4design hmm i will look into it..thnx so much😊

[@kylieharrison3782]

Buy clumpimg bamboo varieties NOT runner types.

[@lorid9433]

Yes! Bamboo is invasive. Excellent recommendation

[@nopitseneklidou8982]

To avoid mosquitoes you can try citronella candles, mosquito coils near you or spray your body with anti-mosquito lotion from pharmacy. Also you can plant citronella, basil, mint, lavender or rosemary around your house. For those machine you should use permanently in the house and connected to the mains.❤❤

[@lfuentes4098]

I loved that glass cottage at the shop you took your mom to. You need one in the backyard, it’s so darn cute. Perfect English cottage vibes.

[@autumnfall8829]

Plant citronella around your houses. That'll help big time deterring mosquitos

[@kayannhorn233]

Marigolds too.

[@peggykelliher5698]

Lemon grass, lemon verbena, Mosquito herb, basil, thyme, lavender. Smelly stuff.

[@rhombus89]

Yes! She needs a big green wall/herb garden on the back deck to deter them while she works.

[@mberwick22]

Macenna, lots of thumbs up for Autumn's comment! All replies attached are great suggestions for natural mosquito repellents. Bonus for making your work area look cute!

[@sarahhunwardsen6565]

I have heard bathing with citronella or lemon grass scented soap will keep them away from you as well. Im gonna try this summer.

[@taraaf2261]

My peaceful time of the day☕️

[@moda78z]

Nekkid Kinsley is so precious 😭. I can’t 😭❤️😍

[@Funshine4u]

I struggled with my hose after an injury and decided to get the retractable Hoselink. Best garden tool ever!! Also, put teatree oil on your mosquito bite. It will help with the itch. I just love your channel and all your projects.

[@elecbarberella]

I spy with my little eye YOUR MOM’S CHAIRS! ❤ I love the deep blue/purple color, especially in that luscious velvet.

[@LindaKayHolevas]

I love how Kinsley thinks everything you buy & bring home is for her. She’s so precious❤ Edit- I love the cottage content, but I am really excited for you to return to Los Angeles because I think I may enjoy the Los Angeles content a little more😊

[@stefboss01]

Love you! Your videos are like therapy to me! Talking from lots of experience (mosquitos in South Africa is crazy)... we leave multiple of those lights on permanently in the house, and large commercial ones outside. When we spend time outside we burn Doom mosquito coils (dont know if you get them in the US) or lemongrass or citronella candles, incense or oil in a humidifier. Hope it helps!

[@caitlinwhite1955]

Fellow Saffa fan! 🇿🇦

[@ayakafurawazu6055]

I love your living room in Texas, those book shelves are gorgeous 💕

[@gabrielleg.1347]

I 100% support your french bangs idea! I think that would look so good on you.

[@CourtneyBishopPOA]

I love seeing the various opinions on what content is preferred. I loveeee Texas cottage content, but of course all your work is fantastic and I know whatever you create in LA this summer will be beautiful 🌟

[@river20222]

Cintranila soap! When I went to India I learned this!

[@KRC-es1xi]

It’s probably hard to tell on camera but I actually think the subtle difference in tone of the new and old wood looks good. I think it adds something extra. ❤

[@anneelisehudson8020]

The two handled cups are for bouillon, or clear soups, but would be fab for cafe au lait!

[@natashaarnold3981]

My cat loves Macenna's videos. Every time I put one on, she comes and sits down on the couch to watch

[@deniselove1585]

Those mosquitos spend the day in the dense, moist bamboo- right next to the area you are working. If it gets dark or overcast- here they come! Perhaps you can spray the bamboo, or better yet get rid of it. A large fan blowing on you would help while you work. Love your work.

[@anncollett7005]

Yep, my Dad loved his bamboo for privacy but it sure does attract the mosquitoes. It was a constant battle against the mosquitoes and keeping the bamboo contained.

[@valkyriared]

Crushed lavender flowers produce a fragrance and oil that can repel mosquitoes. Lavender has analgesic, antifungal, and antiseptic qualities. This means that in addition to preventing mosquito bites, it can calm and soothe the skin. DIY You can grow lavender in an outdoor garden or in indoor planters. Crush the flowers and apply the oil to bite-sensitive areas of the body, such as your ankles and arms. Also, drop some lavender oil on a clean cloth and rub it onto the skin.

[@rici2404]

In Germany my family uses citronella candles works like a charm. Make sure you get the specific outdoor candles though. I’m pretty sure they also do citronella for indoors. I know sone people don’t think it works but for us it’s always worked like a charm.

[@tanyasullivan8128]

I just noticed the 2 chairs in your office/home boutique, I looooove them.

[@lizzymorang8906]

Your videos make my day, every time 💛 P.S. absolutely no one is going to be mad if you take life a tiny bit slower this summer. I hope you are able to rest and see friends and recharge in this season!!

[@karenherrera7752]

Postcards are great. Even regular cards can be framed as art

[@jocewaitwhat]

For your trip to Paris! You NEED the Rick Steves guidebook! He's never steered me wrong :)

[@angelaboultinghouse9928]

Hey! I moved to bug country and was getting eaten alive by mosquitos, I started taking vitamin B1 every day over the summer and have only been bitten 3 times since last spring. It works wonders!

[@centralWisconsin1]

Garden hoses: if you ever have to buy a new one, buy a tangle-free hose. It’s a little more expensive, but SO worth it!

[@mrsbintennessee1159]

Yes, I also say get a fan! But mosquitos hang out where there's water source, like rain in a puddle or a bucket. Keep your work station dry, they'll leave. (But the water may be under the porch boards) 😕

[@annmarie443]

I have been bit by mosquitos in all of my 61 years and love to be outside. I finally called mosquito authority and they come once a month. I know its not natural, but I agree with you about the mosquitos. It is so nice now to be able to go in my backyard in Virginia in the summer. You get bit because you are so sweet :)

[@sandyallen1488]

MaCenna, the bowl with 2 handles was traditionally used for creamed soups not tea☺️

[@Soulfulcottage]

Yes! This is what I came to say too. Definitely soup bowls.

[@Lucinda_Jackson]

Checking to see if anyone told her those were for cream soups.

[@beautyinthebroken6230]

That is very interesting. I'm curious, why specifically creamed soups?

[@Lucinda_Jackson]

@@beautyinthebroken6230 They evidently believed (and are probably right) that cream soups need to be flatter and wider to have room to run the spoon across the bowl. The handles were so you could slightly tip the bowl if needed. Bouillon cups were narrower and taller and it was permissible to sip it directly from the bowl as it was meant for plain, clear soups.

[@beautyinthebroken6230]

@@Lucinda_Jackson Well that's a super cool few tidbits of knowledge. Thanks for the response!!

[@lyndapalecek8952]

What a productive month in Texas! Cannot wait to see what you have planned for your LA home.....Safe travels.

[@susanmartin7697]

I feel like we are saying goodbye to the cottage.

[@barbarashelton6709]

So happy for you getting to spend the day with your mom!!! The cottage is really starting to come together and show her true beauty. Kinsley is so cute, hope when you get home you can take a few days to rest and enjoy yourself. Bless you and your family!!!!

[@Kaditsu-Chronicles]

I love to see you do your thing. You are so real and feel like a friend!

[@Morgane...]

Here's a little anti mosquito recipe : put a few drops of geranium essential oil in a neutral oil (jojoba, almond) and apply this to your skin! It moisturizes and keeps hungry mosquitoes at bay. I put it in a roller vial so I have it on the go in my purse as well

[@cyndiamontgomery6524]

Those mosquitoes are horrible! My husband is allergic so we’ve had to be very diligent with making sure there’s nothing in the yard that encourages them to breed. Tall grass harbors them, particularly when it’s raining a lot. Walk through the yard, making sure there’s nothing that can hold water. Put up bat houses. Bats eat tons of mosquitoes! And we use the Thermacells and also use neem oil incense sticks to burn when we are sitting outside. This doesn’t get rid of them completely but it helps!

[@misspepe7416]

Thank you for all the laughs. You cracked me up. Thank you for sharing your life with us!

[@hl1046]

The recommendations for citronella and different herbs are excellent. My back porch has all these plants. Something else I use when working in the yard is the old time Skin So Soft. I would be smothered in it as a kid and teen when visiting my grandparents in south Florida where the mosquitoes are vicious. It works.

[@nicolemangum5023]

I am so excited for your summer content. The LA house is beautiful. Have an amazing summer in CA.

[@judy3769]

I am loving your kitchen and living room more and more every day. Wonderful job!

[@rneustel388]

I can’t wait to see what you do with the walls in the LA house! Safe travels 😘

[@alysonbird9745]

Excited to see new things in LA. Just for the record as a mom I can tell you mosquitoes are attracted to certain people but if you take extra B complex vitamins they will stop biting you. It is a miracle I have used as a life long southerner.

[@veronicasalazar-garcia5299]

You’re right, I tend to get bit and no one else in my family is affected. I’m definitely going to try this.

[@KHHathaway]

The book cases and mantle are just wow!

[@anneelisehudson8020]

Also , love the view in your vids of the completed woodwork in your living room!!!

[@cindymarie2475]

Yes ceiling fans on porches!!! Have a safe trip MaCenna and Kinsley.

[@frankhetzel5363]

We love the Texas house it's beautiful!!!!

[@ZeroJewelz]

I was hoping you would drop a video today!! ❤ I can hear that café jazz music!!

[@xomacennavlogs]

hhahha i love playing it all the time in the house!

[@nikkibaker4304]

Best garden hose invented is the retractable hose. So easy and so fast and looks great!!!!!

[@constantineangelgutierrez1851]

How about close the back porch with screen fabric and make it like a back yard porch after your all done with renovation? Or now for working?

[@kathrynkoopman9640]

You’re going to love those automatic timers for the roses. I use a timer for my plants every time I go on a long trip. Love your videos, MaCenna.❤

[@kaylafaircloth74]

Do yourself a huge favor..... Screen in that Texas back porch. So you can enjoy the outside space. I have a front porch that's screened in in Florida and it's the only thing that saves me. I get eaten alive all the time because I'm O- blood. PS only female mosquitoes bite to reproduce. Thank you for always inspiring us.

[@kaylafaircloth74]

And happy belated Mother's Day to you and your mama

[@lauratruthseekingWarrior]

I'm A+ fair skin and they eat me alive!!!

[@toothaching]

Those bouillon cups are gorgeous! Cool find

[@Lucinda_Jackson]

Those are cream soups. Bouillon cups are more upright and deep. Cream soups are more wide and shallow like what she has.

[@maryeaves4195]

Put a pot of rosemary, or lemon grass, they don't like the smell. We use that and it works. Also a Patio Egg uses a tea tree oil and you can hang it near where you work. Also just saw a news report they don't like the smell of coconut so put lotion on that smells like coconut! I live in Houston!!!

[@lauratruthseekingWarrior]

Yeah lemon or garlic either. Eat the garlic and wear it. It works.

[@debdd7]

I found DynaTrap to be a game changer. I use to not be able to go out after dark. Now no problem. I buy mine at Costco. They hang on a Sheppard hook and put out a blue light and scent attractor. A fan Sucks the bugs and misquotes down into bottom and they can’t escape. Worth every penny. Lasts a long time. I live in Oklahoma.

[@kathy5216]

I have one too…really helped …saw it advertised by one of the KZbinrs

[@dons9228]

Outdoor time in Texas is Oct, Nov, Dec. summer is indoor time. Trust me , I’ve lived in Houston 40 years! Summer is the time to leave town!😄😄😄

[@darawilson4101]

Lol so true... lately when I'm outside for longer the 15 min I feel like I have to take a shower to not feel sticky...

[@victoriafleming8215]

Yay! Happy Thursday chum… ☕️🤎 thank you for the new upload - eeek 😍 x X

[@xomacennavlogs]

happy thursday

[@victoriafleming8215]

@@xomacennavlogs 🫶🏼

[@marycolmery1508]

You looked so lovely all dressed up . I can tell how excited you are to get back home .

[@onamissionize]

The house is looking great!

[@lifenlunacy5833]

MaCenna plant Lemon Grass bushes all around your outdoor work space. Lemon Balm for a shorter filler plant and Lavender plants. They will get water from the roof and flourish. They will abate mosquitoes.

[@lisagarrone4228]

So excited to see some projects in California!

[@alipoole7061]

Cottage is looking great! I am hoping you do something really spectacular with the coffee bar.

[@LindsPatz10]

I recently brought my diplomas home from my parents house. I framed them in pretty frames that match the styling in my home office. It’s been nice to see them displayed to remind me of that time of my life!

[@jeanettewhite2144]

Great vlog I think Kinsley is looking forward to running in your garden in LA. I look forward to all your vlogs and podcasts ❤❤❤

[@snederatorreads2367]

You should put the bug light out for 15 minutes before you go outside, that way the mosquitos are chased off without an incentive to stay, if you’re outside they wont leave!

[@hollyhasegawa6095]

Oh MaCenna, that shirt is so beautiful and so are the shoes, you look so pretty. Oh thanks so much for this fun Vlog. I am excited that you are taking some wonderful things back with you, and your beautiful home in LA is a lot of fun seeing what you are doing to it because it is your forever home. Also so sorry for those dang mosquitoes, I really don't like them either and always try and find something that will kill them. This was again another fun Vlog to watch and I am looking forward to your next one and so happy that your mom had a great Mother's Day. Have a blessed day and a safe trip back to LA, sending love and hugs, bye! 🤣🤗😍👏👍💜💜

[@gudeliamorilla1354]

You made a list before you left for CA. What happens? You still have thing to finish the kitchen. The last cabinet is unaddressed, and you said when you created the list that your next project would be the coffee area. Love your work!

[@sandraroe3405]

I don't think she will ever finish,!!

[@carolyngalbraith6202]

Lol, so glad you remarked on the damn hose. I feel like that whenever I pull out my he’s I need to go to confession! Loved my day with my sweet daughter on Mother’s Day, she gave me an experience!

[@sarwat.qamar96]

Yayyyyyy..... Been waiting for MaCenna to post ❤

[@judithmiller5235]

I love watching your videos! You do a great job with renovations! The one thing I would suggest is to paint the crown molding above you shelves next to the fireplace the same color as the rest of the crown. The angle of the miter gives it a different shape! Just a helpful hint.

[@lovefaith4912]

Yeah to me, all of the crown moldings in the house should be the same color as the ceilings!

[@grettagiesbrecht5772]

Noooo I love the way the two tone looks

[@brendajackson2285]

The weather has been so crazy in several states this year, even in cali. Be thankful for the good things.

[@joannejensen4369]

Make those tea cups into candles 👍🌸

[@periux100]

I really want to see an outdoor party with all your decor ideas and pretty things that you have😀🤗💐Thank you for your videos.

[@ca6177]

Take care and have a good flight back! Kinsley too!😊

[@the_heavenly_patch]

❣️ Truly Blessed ❣️

[@veldamiller7177]

3 cans Stale Old beer (any kind ) and 3 bottles of mouth wash rinse with 1 gallon of water mix up in a pail then put it in a sprayer and mix it good and spray all your surroundings of your doors/ windows/ patio/ outdoor fireplace or wherever you are working at ! Works like a charm! I really love your projects and inspiring ideas and all of your beautiful Texas kitchen and everything you’ve been renovating! And I love your LA beautiful house! Your so beautiful and inspiring! So thank you for your hard work pays off! Unique ideas is wonderful! Keep up the great ideas! Love and Prayers! Velda Miller 😇 ❤

[@WabiCottage]

I'm addicted to your vlogs. Whenever you up anything, I was like here we go 😂. Even my husband knows your posting schedule because I have waiting face show to him 😝

[@maryantonettelegaspi8955]

Hi Macenna. Love all your videos. We had a mosquito problem all over our small front porch area and they would get inside our house as soon as we open our front door. I planted a few pots of citronella plants on the porch and it definitely has kept the mosquitos away!

[@veronicasalazar-garcia5299]

I’m looking forward to seeing all of the projects when you go home to California. Your vintage finds are going to look great there.

[@brijaemorris4324]

Pure Citronella soap! It's life changing and will save you so much itchiness!

[@carolyngrotaers4454]

Another fabulous vlog.😀

[@ruthprovost1781]

Another good video and your baby is adorable

[@LindaFoyle]

So happy for you, coming back to L.A., Clicking your heels., there’s no place like home ❤️🐾…oc☮️

[@n3rdygrl]

Bahahahaa.. KZbin ad! It got me too, and I was thrilled with the light options and the fact that it's solar. Haven't tested the bug zapper though.

[@pagesinked]

Would be so cute if you could do a screened in area on your back porch where you are currently working off of, having it be screened in would offer privacy and a cute area for a porch garden, sitting area/eating area and some plants that don't need year round care.

[@centralWisconsin1]

Get kerosene tiki polls or kerosine lanterns outside to ward off mosquitoes! I think you can even get kerosene scented candles for outside -and you don’t even have to let them (if I’m correct), as the scent alone will work.

[@caragrason3673]

Thermacells work! South Texas Native here ❤️

[@jocelynohalloran3550]

I don’t know if this is just an Australian thing, but we have a spray called aerogard and it’s a spray that you put all over yourself and it keeps away the flies, mozzies etc. it’s a staple here. Might be worth looking into. ❤

[@LINDACONTRERAS63]

Every time l see your vlogs I just to hug you❤you are that lovable 😊

[@terriparisi5680]

I had 2 of the exact lantern things. They work great inside for gnats. The purple light lasted 1 year but the other lights still work.

[@CADEmade]

I love how goofytown this vlog was. It made me smile and laugh a lot.

[@traceym7585]

Take garlic daily, fan, and the kids bug stickers help a lot. Then zit stickers if you get a bit.