Cool Idea

The other day my kids wanted popsicles and *gasp* I didn't have any. So, we cut a slit in the top of the yogurt lid and stuck a popsicle stick inside. Two hours later they had yogurt pops. I'm sure someone else has done this before. The best part for me, my kids thought I was so smart....at least for that day.

Rainy Day Park Play

Today I met up with some girlfriends at our local playground. It was hot and humid when we arrived. The kids emptied one and a half boxes of Capri Suns and were starting in on the water bottles with in the first 30 minutes. Then the clouds rolled in and blocked the sun and a refreshing breeze helped to cool things down. Before we knew it, it was sprinkling. We decided it was just a light rain and would pass soon so the kids continued to play. Gradually the rain became harder and the other mothers and kids at the park were running to their cars. My girlfriends and I just sat there under the pavilion enjoying the cooler weather and our kids laughed and played in the rain. There was no thunder or lightning so we saw no need to leave.

The park transformed into a water park in a matter of minutes. Puddles formed at the bottom of the slides and Bubs enjoyed seeing how high the water splashed when he hit it. The climbing structures became a ship that was caught in a storm. The shredded tires below them was the dark sea and it held all sorts of deadly creatures they had to get by. It was fun just sitting and listening to them play in the rain.

At one point the rain stopped and we continued talking and enjoying our time. Out of the blue came a deep rumble and the dark clouds rolled in and dumped rain. It came down in sheets. Since the thunder had arrived it was time to load up and head out. As I was standing in the rain unlocking the van doors I was wishing I had the automatic sliding doors or at the very least doors with power locks. By the time we got in the car I was almost just as wet as the kids. It was a great day at the park.

Moral of the story: Don't let a little rain keep you from having a good time at the park. If there is no thunder and lightning enjoy your time.

Stop Insect Bites from Stinging and Itching

The next time you get an insect bite, try making a paste out of meat tenderizer and water and then placing it on the bite. My dad swears by this. Lately he's been getting quite a few bites (he's been working outside) and he has found that if he puts the paste on not only does the bite stop itching but it heals faster. I believe it will work with any meat tenderizer but, the name of the tenderizer he uses is Adolph's.

Give it a try and let me know what you think.

Protect Your Skin from the Sun

While the sun has many wonderful benefits it also has some negative ones as well. When exposed to the sun for extended lengths of time without protection you are exposed to harmful UV rays. Sunburns are a painful sign that you got too much but did you know tanning whether you burn or not is harmful to skin as well. A change of color to your skin is a sign of damage. The UV radiation also causes premature aging of the skin. According to the EPA, 90% of wrinkles and brown spots found on our faces are not due to aging but due to sun exposure. So, as the summer approaches here are a few things you can do to protect yourself and your family from the Sun.

• Avoid being in the sun between 10 AM and 2 PM. This is when the most damaging rays are present.
  


• Cover up as much as possible with long sleeves, sunglasses, and hats.
  Avoid fake baking (tanning salons) If you want a glow then paint it on.
  


• Wear Sunscreen
  

Think of the painful and lengthy cosmetic procedures that can be avoided if you just remember to put sunscreen on before you hit the pool/beach. There are so many brands of sunscreen on the market today so how do you know which one to choose? You want a minimum of SPF 15. The sunscreen should block both UVA (aging and cancer) and UVB (burns and cancer) rays. Always get lotion that is waterproof so you know it will protect even through perspiration. Waterproof can be worn for up to 80 minutes before reapplying and water resistant can be worn for 40 minutes. Make sure you put it on 20 minutes before sun exposure to give your skin a chance to absorb the lotion.

A Review of Coppertone Waterbabies Sunscreen

At the beginning of summer every year I buy sunscreen for my family. I usually buy whatever is cheapest or on sale. Well, this will not be happening any more. I found a brand that I'm gong to stick with and it is safe to use on everyone in the family. It is Coppertone Waterbabies. You may know it by the famous picture of a baby getting is bathing suit pulled on by a dog.

A couple of weeks ago my husband and brother in law installed a sprinkler system in our yard. Before my husband went out I applied Coppertone Waterbabies all over his shoulders and the spread it down his back. I made sure to get it all over his shoulders because that is the part of his body that usually burns but I wasn't as careful with the rest of his back. He was out sweating in the sun for 8 hours and when he came in it was obvious where the sunscreen was applied.
His shoulders were completely protected even through all of the sweat. Unfortunately where the sunscreen was not applied got burned bad. It even blistered in some areas. Because of this experience I now know that Coppertone Waterbabies does what it promises and it is safe to use on the entire family.