Outdoor Summer Safety: Protecting Your Kids From Bugs, Burns and Bad Weather

When summer arrives you want to enjoy as much time in the outdoors as possible, but you also want to keep your family safe. It's important to know what the safety risks are in your area and what the weather will be. High temperatures, thunderstorms, and insects can all impact the health and safety of your kids. The following tips can be a guide to take you through this summer comfortably.

When It's Hot

When the temperatures rise, parents must be concerned about sunburn and dehydration. Technology has provided today's moms and dads with apps to alert them to weather conditions that could be potentially harmful. Just click here for an app to check out weather conditions in your area by the hour and day. When your kids are playing outside on both sunny and cloudy days, be sure exposed skin is covered in sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15. Wearing a hat or visor provides extra protection for the face. kids sweat when they are playing, and it's necessary to apply more sunscreen after a few hours. Sweating also increases the risk of dehydration, which makes it important to give your kids plenty of water. It's also important for children to take breaks every so often during hot weather. They can sit under a shade tree, on a porch, or anywhere that it is out of direct sun.

Bugs And Creepy Crawlies

Summer is also the time to experience mosquitoes, ticks, spiders, hornets, and bees. Always keep some first aid supplies on hand. Check your children carefully for ticks after a day of playing outside. If you find a tick, follow these Centersfor Disease Control removal instructions. There are over-the-counter products to relieve the itch of mosquito bites. If you live in an area where there are poisonous spiders, and your child is bitten, clean the area and watch for redness and swelling. Ask your child to describe the spider if possible. Don't take chances with unknown spider bites. Take your child to the doctor as a precaution. Parents can't know their child is allergic to bee stings until it happens. The first time your child is stung, take them immediately to a clinic. He or she will probably be just fine. For the child who is allergic, it can be a life-saving decision.

Water Safety

Every child should learn to swim. The National Safe Kids Campaign cites drowning as a leading cause of accidental death in children from ages 1 through 14. Children need to learn when they are very young so they feel comfortable in the water. Swimming is a sport that can actually save your child's life in the event of an accident on the water. There are many health benefits associated with swimming. It builds healthy hearts and lungs, increases stamina, improves flexibility, and strengthens muscles. It's a sport that opens the door to other fun activities. Once your child is a good swimmer they can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and other watersports and activities.

Your children can enjoy a great summer when you follow these tips. You can rest knowing your kids are safe.

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Review - Valentia Royal Rose Hydrating Serum

I have received this product for free in exchange of my unbiased review.

This is the second Valentia product I have tried and in both cases, I love to use. The first one was the Valentia Organic Rosehip Oil which I utilized last year.

Now, I have the opportunity to test the Valentia Royal Rose Hydrating Serum and I am glad I tried it. I usually get dry skin around my eyebrows area and patches on my cheeks especially when the season is changing. I tend to get very dry and scaly skin around my eyebrows that I sometimes use emolient lotion to stop the itching. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. So the first patch of skin I applied this Valentia Royal Rose Hydrating Serum was around those eyebrow skin areas.

I have been using this product for more than a week now. I have noticed the less scaly and dry patch on my cheeks. The skin around my eyebrows are not as dry and itchy. I apply this twice a day, once in the morning and then at night before bedtime.

The Valentia Royal Rose Hydrating Serum is perfect for those with dry and sensitive skin because it hydrates and soothes the skin. I noticed that when I applied it on my face and neck, I felt a faint cool effect on my skin. And amazingly, even if it contains Rosehip Seed oil, it does not leave oily residue on my skin.

It contains:


- Rose Damascena: One of the most nourishing and skin friendly natural oils, providing balance, moisture, and a variety of vitamins and minerals to the skin.
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B): This potent vitamin has been clinically proven to fade away hyperpigmentation, sun spots, and acne..
- Rosehip Seed Oil: Naturally rich in Vitamins C & A, these essential fatty acids work quickly to lock in skin's moisture.
- Evening Primrose Oil: Provides light, non-oily moisture to the skin, never clogging or irritating the skin.
- Bearberry: Reduces melanin production, thereby lightening the skin, revealing a brighter complexion.
- Lavender: Heals the skin, treating pimples, wounds, and sores.

(Description - taken from Amazon)

The instruction indicates to follow with a moisturizer after application. I don't use moisturizer after applying this serum on my skin. And I don't see any ill effects. In fact, my skin is more supple, smooth and not as dry as before.

The only critique I have about this product is that it smells like a very faint rose. And I don't like my beauty or facial skin care products to have floral scent. I prefer unscented ones. But the scent does not really have an impact on the effectivity of this serum. All in all, I will definitely buy this again.

This is available in Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/NEW-Hydrating-Sensitive-Damascena-Niacinamide/dp/B01AHVGZNM/

The product comes in a luxurious looking glossy box, in 1.18 0z brown glass bottle with a nozzle pump and transparent cap.

Made in USA.

Valentia's social media sites:

www.instagram.com/valentianatural
www.facebook.com/valentiabeauty

Review - Organic Vitamin C Facial Toner

*I have bought this product with a big discount.

I am not a toner user. I don't usually buy toners because I prefer using serums instead of toners. This is one of the few that I like. The organic Vitamin C toner is very refreshing to the face. I even use it on my neck area too. It is simple and easy to use, just spray onto a cotton ball and apply on your clean face. I like this toner because it does not have that sting and my skin feels really soft afterwards.

It is Made in the USA. The ingredients include aloe vera, sugar maple and orange peel which contributes to help your skin clean, less wrinkly and free from radicals and other impurities.

I will definitely use this again because I can see results after 2 weeks of usage and the best part, it didn't give me the sting. 

My recommendation:

I highly recommend this toner. It did not give me that sting. I feel so refreshed like I have just stepped out of the shower area. This is a gentle toner but also gives you that radiant-looking skin. 

Where to buy:
This is available in Amazon.

(This review is also found in my Amazon profile.)

NeoCell Biotin Bursts Gourmet Biotin Soft Chews Review

** I received this product for free in exchange of my unbiased review. My findings are 100% mins and may vary from yours.

I have dry hair and my skin tends to get dry and scaly. I am not taking any supplements to improve the condition of my hair and skin, just the normal Vitamin C to improve my immune system. So, when I received this NeoCell Biotin Bursts Gourmet Biotin Soft Chews, I did not hesitate and tried it.

I wanted my hair  and skin to improve and trying this product has given me the opportunity to see results. Lately, I have been having small breakouts and I do not like the feel of my skin. So, fortifying my own skin, hair and even nails with NeoCell Biotin Bursts was a good decision.

What is Biotin?

Biotin is a a vital part of the Vitamin B family. It helps in making our skin and hair healthy. And it also provides energy support by aiding metabolism of proteins in the body, thus, creating natural energy.

NeoCell Biotin Bursts Gourmet Biotin Soft Chews has added Acai Berry which is known for it high antioxidant agents protecting our body from free radicals.

What I like:

It tastes so good. It's not too sweet as it is low in sugar.
I like the Brazilian Acai Flavour.
It contains 10,000 MCG Biotin per chew and it is enough to give our body the required Vitamin B Biotin to help improve our nails, hair and skin's health.
It has no gluten, no soy and no palm oil.
My nails' texture has improved. I used to have brittle nails and some have light indentations but after eating this delectable chews for more than a week now, I have seen improvement.
My skin tone has also improved. It does not look so dull unlike the previous weeks.

What I don't like:

Nothing. I find this a good chewable snack to supplement my requirement for Biotin. However, I have to give it more time to see results on my hair's overall health.

Packaging:

1 pack contains 30 soft chews, packed in a resealable foil to keep the chew fresh and chewy.

Supplement Facts:

My recommendation:

I highly recommend this product. Not only does it tastes so good, not too sweet but easy to chew, I can see results on my skin and nails. As for my hair's health, I have to give it some time to see further results. For now, what's so evident is my nail and skin's health and the improvement.

Where to buy:

You can buy this product from NeoCell.



To know more about NeoCell and the brands it carry, please visit the following:

Website
LinkedIn profile
Instagram
Facebook - You can also download coupons from their FB page and use it for savings!!!
Twitter
YouTube

NeoCell is happy to giveaway 1 pack of Biotin Bursts Gourmet Biotin Soft Chews to my lucky readers. The giveaway will be open to all US residents (+18) only. Watch out for the live giveaway coming soon!

Natural Pimple Buster

Photo not mine

It's not easy to grow up having pimples because it is when you're very conscious of your appearance and the last thing you want to see is a pimple resting happily on your face. However, if you're young and in the adolescent period, don't just wish yourself to adulthood because even adults can develop pimples. As a matter of fact, even those in their 40s can have one or two.

There are plenty of pimple ointment and cream that you can buy over the counter. Nothing beats the homemade and natural ones that you can use at home. Here are some natural pimple busters that you can use to ward those blemishes.

• Lemon juice has anti bacterial properties that will help treat pimples. You can dip a cotton ball to the lemon juice and apply on the affected area. Leave for 20 minutes and wash with cool water.

• Strawberries - This yummy fruit is a natural source of salicylic acid. Make a strawberry mask by mashing some strawberries and mixing 1 tablespoon of honey, few lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a clean bowl. Apply on your clean face and leave for 15 minutes then wash it off with water.

• Cucumber - This cool vegetable can ease swelling and redness, just apply the cucumber pulp on the affected area. 

• Aloe Vera - This plant can help heal pimples and its soothing properties help in ease pain and inflammation. Apply the pulp of the aloe vera leaf on the affected area.

• Ground cinnamon - Cinnamon has an antiseptic properties so you can make a mask by mixing 2 tablespoons of organic honey to ground cinnamon.  Make sure it is enough to make a light mask. Apply on the affected area for 20 mins, and rinse with lukewarm water.

• Tea Tree Oil - This has antimicrobial properties which can eliminate bacterias causing acne/pimple flareups. Apply a drop of tea tree oil on the affected area.

There are more natural remedies for pimples that you can easily make home. Try some of this and save not just your skin from chemicals but also save money by making these home remedies.

Review - Valentia Organic Rosehip Oil #rosehipoil

I haven't used any rosehip oil before so when I received this product, I was not sure of what to expect. I thought it will be one of those oily beauty products I have seen in the market that I would use only once. I am glad I am wrong.  I liked the texture and consistency of this Valentia Organic Rosehip Oil with Vitamin C. It's different from the other brand I have used in the past which does not contain rosehip oil but also an oil based beauty and body care product.

© www.riablahgs.com

What I like:

It was fast-absorbing.
It didn't make my face looking oily or shiny.
I can also use it not just on my face but also on my body and I didn't have to wash it off, just wipe the excess and I didn't see any traces of the product.
It is lightweight.

As for the effect it has on my skin after using for almost 2 weeks, I can see lightening and my skin feels more supple. And my skin is not as dry as before.

© www.riablahgs.com / I have just applied the Valentia Organic Rosehip Oil on my rather wrinkly hand and you can see, it's not very oily.

What I don't like:

The applicator. The product is almost liquid in consistency so when I use the dropper applicator, it leaks on the tip of the applicator, just like a mini-faucet that is open. I know I should let the "vacuum-effect" take place when I pinch the applicator's head but it still would leak. And because it was oil-based too, I didn't like the faint "oil" smell. I think it's the natural smell of the rosehip and other ingredients combined but it's my preference.


My recommendation:

Effectivity wise, this will be a product I will highly recommend.


You can buy this product from Amazon.

Review - Petunia Skincare Professional Hyaluronic Acid & Vit. C Moisturizing Serum

I'm past my 40s and I know it is about time I take charge of my skin regimen before the signs of aging totally eat me up. I'm glad that there are serums out there that we can use to delay the signs of aging and Petunia Skincare Professional Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin C Moisturizing Serum is a great product to use to for that matter.

What is Hyaluronic Acid?
It is a nutrient that helpt in retaining moisture to the skin and aiding in a healthy and youthful appearance. It is great for hydrating skin cells and helping fine lines become less visible.

Hyaluronic Acid is a potent nutrient which helps the skin plus the added Vitamin C and Ferulic Acid makes this product very effective because Vitamin C stimulates the production of collagen to bring back skin's natural elasticity. Vitamin C also helps improve skin texture, making it smooth and an even-out complexion. It also helps in reducing pore size. Ferulic acid on the other hand is a powerful natural anti-oxidant. This nutrient stays longer in the skin and it helps stabilize Vitamin C so the latter will be more effective.

What I like:
It's more translucent than the other serums I have tried with a thicker consistency so it doesn't run on your finger when you apply.

The nozzle is better than the twist kind because all I have to do is lift the cap and press. So, it is easier to dispense and apply.

It makes my skin softer.

It makes my skin more fair.

It doesn't make my skin oily and that's a good thing for me. Most moisturizers I have tried leaves my skin shiny and oily.

This is not only a serum that helps delay the signs of aging by making the lines finer so they become less visible.  This serum is also a moisturizer which helps hydrate skin.

I can see that the larger pores around my nose area has slightly diminished in size.

It's not tested on animals.



What I don't like:
The other serums I have tried do not have a scent but this one does. It's not very overpowering but for some weird reasons, it's making me sneeze. It has a faint floral scent but like I said, it's not very strong. It's just that I prefer using unscented ones. However, the scent does not affect the effectivity of this product. It's still a great serum to use. I just wish it didn't have that "faint floral" scent.


Price:
It is sold in Amazon for $18.97 (without taxes where applicable and excluding shipping).


Packaging:
Comes in 1 fl. oz (30 ml) glass bottle with a pump nozzle and clear cap, packed in a white box.


My recommendation:
I can actually overlook the faint scent that I have mentioned earlier because it actually did not affect the effectivity of this product. It was just something I don't like to have in any of the beauty and skincare products that I use.

I highly recommend this product because it is really effective and I think this is a triple threat to the signs of aging - a moisturizer and a serum with Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C and Ferulic Acid - all great and potent nutrients our skin needs to combat and delay the signs of aging.

To know more about this product and the other products of Petunia Skincare, please visit their website:

 http://www.petuniaskincare.com




I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Skin Care Tips We Can Instil In Our Daughters At A Young Age

With many of us on the quest for eternal beauty, facelifts and other age-defying procedures are becoming increasingly popular. Surgery can certainly help to turn back the clock, but there are other things the younger generation can do before it gets to that stage.

Here are five simple skincare tips we can instil in our daughters:

Apply sun cream

People who spend a long time in the sun are often thought to have a leathery, withered complexion. As up to 80 per cent of lasting sun damage is thought to occur before the age of 18, it’s important to cover your kids in sun cream and protect them during the hottest part of the day. This will prevent them from burning and ensure their skin stays youthful for as long as possible.

Rock the natural look

It’s normal for girls to dabble with makeup, but try to convince them to go au naturel as often as possible. Many cosmetics contain a wealth of chemicals that can disturb the natural PH of the skin, so it’s worth looking for organic products or avoiding them altogether. If she does want to wear makeup daily, advise her to remove it before she goes to sleep to let her skin breathe.

Moisturise frequently

Moisturising on a regular basis can help keep the skin soft, smooth and supple. It can also stimulate circulation and result in a healthy, vibrant glow, so encourage your daughter to apply cream regularly. There are a wide range of products on the market at present, so it’s worth speaking to a doctor or dermatologist to find the right one –particularly if she has any allergies.

Exfoliate

There’s no need to scrub delicate skin too hard, but a gentle exfoliation once a week can help combat spots and acne. A natural abrasive such as salt or sugar will help remove dead skin cells, or you could buy a sweet-smelling product from your nearest beauty store. Get your daughter to apply the product in small concentric circles from her feet upwards and she’ll be on to a winner.

Be careful with hair removal

Hair removal is a big part of a young girl’s life, particularly as she reaches puberty. To save her from getting cuts from razors and tearing her skin while waxing give her as much advice as possible (you’ve probably made all the mistakes in the book) and steer her towards the best products. Simply doing this slowly and not rushing the process can make a big difference, so try to give advice without molly coddling her too much – she’ll soon learn.

There are many skin care tips you can give you daughter, but these are some of the best.