Now that our four legged family members are a little bit safer, it’s time to make sure we keep you and your little ones safe when it comes to outdoor play during the day. After a long, brutal winter we’re all ready to get outside and soak up those rays. We need to be very careful, though, to keep our families safe from sunburn and skin damage. Here are some helpful tips to keep everyone happy and healthy this season.
~Start by always setting a good example for the rest of your family. We’re all guilty of worrying about everyone else and then forgetting ourselves. This summer, instead of waiting until the end (or forgetting) be sure to get yourself slathered up and set before you even more ahead to the kiddos. If mom/dad/aunt/uncle is all set with sunscreen and cover-up, they’re much more receptive to do the same.
~Try to limit your outside playtime when the sun is at its strongest. Between 10am and 4pm the summer sun is at its peak, as is the outdoor temperatures. Try to keep everyone out of the sun as much as possible during this time to limit the UV rays they’re absorbing.
~Apple sunscreen properly and often. For adults dermatologists actually suggest wearing sunscreen of 15SPF daily for regular activity, so when you’re going outside for the day be sure to up the ante. The level of SPF tells you how much protection you’ll have for a length of time. To be safe keep you and family members at at least a 30SPF, applied at least 30 minutes before heading outside, and reapplied every 2 to 3 hours.
~Cover up with dark colored cotton cover-ups whenever possible. I know we’re still of the sun tan mentality and automatically think “then what’s the point?” but no amount of tan is worth permanent skin damage. Cover up you children with long sleeves and pages in dark colors whenever possible (whites and light colors let rays though), and wear sun hats and UV sunglasses.
~Remember that children under 6 months old are not recommended to get any extra sun exposure.
~Treat all minor sun burns with aloe vera to help heal the skin more wholly. If your children have severe sunburn consider consulting their pediatrician, especially if there is any blistering or a fever of 101 or greater. If a child less than 1 year gets sunburn it is always recommended to consult your pediatrician, no matter the severity.
I saw this super simple cleaning tip and had to share it (it may be common knowledge, but it was new to me). If you're guilty of using sponges in your kitchen, and for way too long, here's a super simple tip for sanitizing them really quickly. All you need is water and lemon juice (either fresh squeezed or from a bottle). Pour some lemon juice in a bowl of water. Saturate your sponge with the lemony-fresh water, and then pop it in the microwave. Nuke it for 2 minutes, and then let it sit for 2 minutes more (because it's going to be really hot).
If you're feeling particularly inspired, you can also use your sanitized sponge and the steam it created to wipe out your microwave! The steam should have loosen up any grease and strains that have hardened on with time. If it's particularly nasty (or you're feeling counterproductive because your sponge is dirty again) you can always zap your sponge in the microwave one more time after rinsing it out! ;-)
As we’re starting to get into the warmer weather (especially with Memorial Day weekend literally two days away) I figured there’s no time like the present to start a small blog series on summer and sun safety. Although it all may seem like common sense, it does help to just have a friendly reminder. To jump right in today’s PSA will be for our furry, four-legged brethren.
~Remember that leaving your pet in the car is never a safe option in the summertime. They may be desperate to go out and about with you, but even in the shade with windows open your car becomes dangerously hot, dangerously fast. No matter how much your fur friend loves the car; it’s time to start staying home in the AC.
~Be careful with the pesticides and soil additives you utilize since you're all spending extra quality time outdoors. Chemical plant growers, fertilizers and pesticides can often be highly poisonous to pets if ingested. Look into “green” pesticide and natural compost options to keep everyone in your family safe.
~Remember that dogs and cats need sun protection, too. Just like you, cats and dogs can get sun burned, too. Make sure that your pet has plenty of shady options when hanging outdoors. There are even pet-safe sunscreens for short and no haired varieties.
-Have plenty of fresh, cold water available. Whether for drinking or taking a quick dunk in, having cool water available is on sure way to keep heat stress at bay.
~Try to keep your walks and outdoor play time to the coolest parts of the day. When the sun is at its highest the heat is at its worst. Try to keep your furry friend in the house at these time, and save your play for when the sun is still rising and setting.
~When you are outside, try to stick to grass and dirt areas/paths. Streets and sideways can retain their heat and burn your pet’s paws. Keep this in mind if you head to the beach, as well! If the sand is burning your feet, it’s also burning theirs!
~Keep pets safe and secure during thunderstorms and firework shows. Although this may seem obvious, too often we hear about pets getting loose from panicking and getting themselves hurt. Keep your pets indoors whenever possible during these events.
I saw this and thought it was so easy why should we ever by apple cider vinegar again?! I can go through a ton of vinegar when the mood strikes me: I make spray bottles of apple cider vinegar and water to clean the counters, clean the bathrooms, clean up after my fur-baby, etc. I mop the floors with it and even use it in recipes and condiments from time to time. ;-) Since it is so useful and versatile, why not keep your own homemade batch on hand? All you need are:
-apple scraps (peels and cores)
-white, granulated sugar
-water
The easiest recipe I found suggests a ¼ cup of sugar to 1 quart of water. Load up a large jar with your apple scraps, and then fill it to the top with water and sugar. The combination needs to breathe, so cover with a clean cloth and secure it to your jar with a rubber band. Put it away in a dark cupboard for 4-6 weeks, and then strain out your fresh vinegar. That’s it! If it doesn't seem strong enough yet just add more sugar and put it back in the cupboard for a couple more weeks.
You may not be a fan of white sugar, but it’s the best catalyst for the bacteria that make your vinegar. If you must, you can substitute in your preferred type of honey.
I have always been equal parts fascinated and intimidated by yoga. I love the lithe moves, meditative properties, and the overall calming effect it can have on the participant’s life and wellbeing. After my own several attempts (albeit on probably the worst possible yoga level for an extreme beginner) the intimidation set in heavy, with the overwhelming sense of “not being flexible enough” (an outright myth), "not being in shape enough" (why did I think I was trying yoga in the first place…to help get me in shape!), and the perpetuating sentiment of “I’ll never be able to…” Well it’s time for me to break the yoga mat back out and approach if from a totally different mental standpoint. If you're with me, here are my current wonderful reasons for loving yoga and why we should definitely stick with it.
1.Yoga relaxes your body and mind, helping you alleviate and combat stress. I am incapable of traditional meditation: I just can’t turn my brain off. By mastering your breathing and even just a couple simple poses, you can utilize yoga to help calm yourself into a more “zen” state. This in turn helps keep your health and happiness more in balance.
2.Yoga helps you lose weight, tone your body, and increase your flexibility; all in one fell swoop. Now, as a beginner, you're not going to be able to participate 100% in some of the more advanced power yoga classes (which will make the pounds fly off), but working continuously and moving ever forward will help tighten, strengthen and rejuvenate your body: helping you gradually get down to your “healthy” body weight. (Remember: health and body weight don’t necessarily go hand in hand)
3.The more healthy and flexible yoga helps you become now, the better your the fitness level and mobility will be later in life. Often we're so here in the now that we don’t stop and think about 10, 20, or 50 years from now (unless we're frantic about finances). The truth though is this: the old saying is right, “if you don't use it, you lose it.” The more your move, and continue moving, the happier and healthier you'll be once you've reached your middle aged and senior years.
And it always helps to have a little daily inspiration. I follow @laurasykora on Instagram, and watch her journey as she pushes her own boundaries and meets new goals (even after 17 years of practicing). It also helps that she involves her family for many an “aww” inspiring photo! Here a couple of my favorites.
Now that the holidays are over (leaving behind their mess) and the lovely spring weather is FINALLY here, you may be ready to finally have your house as bright and shiny as the world outside. Most of that house is easily cleanable, except that tortuous dungeon that we call an oven. If you have a self-cleaning oven, to run the cycle you need to be home for hours and hours (making sure no little hands go need the burning inferno). If you want to use a store bought cleaner you need to worry about ventilation for all of those fumes (which you then put your face in to inspect the job its doing). Instead I found a simple and more natural solution that won’t tie you up for hours or fumigate your house!
All you need for ingredients are:
You’ll also need:
Start by removing the racks from your oven. Combine all of your ingredients in a glass bowl and mix together well, until they create a thick “paintable” paste. Paint your paste over the entire surface of your oven, and allow it to sit for 6-8 hours (works great overnight or while you’re at work). Fill a bowl with clean water, dip your scrubber into it, and wipe away the paste and grime in your oven. You shouldn’t need to scrub, but you’ll need to keep wiping away the combo until it’s all clean (likely refilling your bowl with clean water a couple times, as well). Then start baking all over again with an oven that’s as good as new!
Two tips: 1) Make sure that the oven is cold, because your solution needs to be moist to work: heat will evaporate your liquids. 2) If you have really stubborn stains, once rest of oven is cleaned, reapply solution and let sit. Baking soda will continue to react with the baked on carbons, lifting the stain more and more.
A new list was published by Amazon.com yesterday of the “100 Books To Read In a Lifetime,” and it’s pretty awesome to check out. I know often when these lists come out there are dozens of amazing classical works that educate your mind…if they don’t put you to sleep and you can make it through them. I love this particular list because, while there are a ton of classics, it also worked really hard at keeping the recommendations enjoyable and engaging. While doing so, it also spans over 200 years of literature, connecting classic literature with modern cherished works, which I find astounding! Check it out and see if there’s anything that you are adding to this year's reading list.
Amazon's 100 Books to Read in a Lifetime
I just added the following to my own library:
They should do the trick; keeping my mind engaged for a while! In perfect timing, too, because I’m more than ready to sit outside all next weekend in the 70+ degree weather (when and if it isn't raining) with a good book or two!
(And I couldn't decide where I'd rather be so I'm including 2 inspirational images that I loved!)
I love this quick DIY technique and had to share. It’s for DIY Dryer sheets that are super simple and can be used over and over before ever needing to re-DIY(?) them again. If you're scent-free and totally natural…than this isn't a project for you. It does utilize fabric softener, any of your choice.
All you need are a stack of white dish rags, a jar to store them in, a bowl, fabric softener, and a clothing line or rack to dry your dish rags on.
Start by pouring straight fabric softener into your bowl. There’s no specific amount, and there won’t be any waste because the rest can be poured right back into the bottle. Soak your dish rags in the fabric softener, remove, and hang to dry outside. Allow them to dry THOROUGHLY. This will take a while. Once they are dry you can fold them up and put them into your jar, leaving it in your laundry room for easy access. You just grab a sheet and throw it in with your laundry when you’re drying a load. You can use each upwards of 12 times before needing to start the process over again.
If you want to try a simple DIY fabric softener for this project, all you need is white vinegar and your favorite hair conditioner. Just thoroughly mix 3 parts vinegar to 2 parts hair conditioner: stir it, do not shake it. If you're throwing it into your washer, too, simply use ½ cup or so as you would regular fabric softener.
Come support a good cause and say “Hi!” to LIF at Rolling River Day Camp’s Spring Festival and Fundraiser! It’s going to be tomorrow, May 3rd from 12pm-4pm. It sounds like it’s going to be a gorgeous day and this is a great way to spend it outside!
The Rock-the-River Spring Festival is a fundraiser benefits Rolling River’s Campmates Scholarship Program. The Campmates Program raises funds to send local deserving children associated with Peninsula Counseling Center to Rolling River Day Camp free of charge. The 2014 Rock-the-River Festival celebrates the return of East Rockaway after Hurricane Sandy and will feature extra activities and events sponsored by many local East Rockaway businesses.
We hope to see you there!
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