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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15 Summer Wedding Favours Your Guests Will Love

**This post contains affiliate links. I will be compensated when you make a purchase after clicking the links.

Summer is not only for swimming and frolicking in the beach area. Summer is also a perfect season to get married, what with all the sunshine and glorious blue sky as your backdrop; summer is really a good time to hold your wedding.

If you're one of the many people who loves sunshine and loves to hold their wedding on summer, then it will be nice to theme your wedding to something bright, sunny and colourful. Once you have decided that, you can check out these numerous summer wedding favors for your guests to enjoy.

Palm Beach Chic

Here are some favours under the Palm Beach Chic theme wedding favors:

Anchor Love

Here are some of the favours under this lovely sea theme:

Garden Party

If you like what you see, here are some of the favours you may give for the Garden Party themed wedding favors :

(All photos taken from Beau-coup.com)

Cool Summer Footwear

It is becoming undeniable here in the Middle East that summer is upon us. The wind blows very hot and dry. The next thing we know is that we are sweating profusely. We are sure that this year's summer will be hotter than ever.

We won't let the heat beat us down! No we won't! We can enjoy summer without feeling too hot and sweaty on casual days. So, dress lightly and also upgrade your footwear to something that will allow air to circulate to prevent moisture/perspiration build-up.

Here are some top summer footwear to have this season:

Flip-flops

The ubiquitous flip flops never go out of style. It is the norm in resorts, on lazy weekends with family and friends, and for some hip people who just love to let air flow around their feet area. I can't blame them because the flip-flops are one of the best summer footwear to wear to feel and look so cool! This Kids' Flip Flops - Black is a classic example.

Huaraches and other sandals

(Photo credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huarache_(shoe))

Huarache is a type of a sandal made in Mexico. The huaraches are handwoven leather straps stitched on thin wooden soles, some on woven string soles.  Huarache is also translates to sandal in English.

Espadrilles

(Photo credit: https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Espadrille)

These are beautiful canvas shoes made of cotton fabric and jute rope soles. They originated from Spain. It is a lightweight footwear. I remember wearing this when I was younger. I really love this type of footwear.

Planet Beach Shop's Summer Beach Accessories Sale

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. 

It's undeniable! The temperature has soared and it's time to head to the beach area and enjoy the sun and sand.

Find the great offers in Planet Beach Shop and avail of their discounted fare.

15% OFF our Debonair Collection (valid 7/1 - 7/31/15) July Special: 15% OFF our Debonair Collection

Free Shipping on $75+ order

Get your beachwear ready, put your sunshades, and sunscreen on and swim! But don't forget to enjoy a relaxing moment when you're done with Planet Beach Shop's skincare, wellness, and stress relief accessories too.

Affordable and Beautiful Summer Skirts From Cents of Style

The temperature is soaring and now is the right time to show of those gams and strut in your cute, lovely, very summery skirts.

This summer, loosen up with your clothing and keep yourself feeling fresh with these beautiful summer skirts, all from Cents of Style. Summer does not have to be dry, hot and drab. Dress up and yet, feel comfortable with the lovely skirts from Cents of Style and you can buy them on great discounts. Shop now!

Style Steals - 7/1/15 - Skirts - 50% OFF & FREE SHIPPING w/code SUMMERSKIRT 

Take your pick!

Beach Body Ready!

Image from poshreviews.com

It’s time to take out those bathing suits and strut your fit physique in the beach area this summer. However, are you shy of your flabby tummy, jingly arms and wobbly thighs? Fret not! You can tone your body and prep yourself for that summer beach body you have been aiming for.

Be realistic with your goals. You cannot lose the fats just like that in few weeks times but you can tone and firm them if you regularly exercise and workout.

Here are some ways to burn some serious flabs and get fit for summer!


Do ab crunches

Lift weights

Jog, brisk walk, run or cycle and get that cardio pumping

Do the Zumba! (Check with your doctor first)
Do the Insanity workout! (Check with your doctor first)

Common Health Problems During Summer

Summer is here and we cannot deny that fact. Our activities will be limited mostly indoors but the heat does not stop some adventurous people to enjoy the season. So, if you are one of those people who cannot stay put then read on to avoid the risk of common health problems during the hot summer months.

Sunburns and skin cancer risk
The sun is one of the primary cause of sunburn and skin cancer because of the harmful UV rays. Too much exposure to the harmful rays will make you susceptible to skin cancer risk. Exposure to the sun's heat will also give you premature wrinkles and dry skin.

Eye Damage
Not wearing eye protection like sunglasses can damage your eyes leading to cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Wearing dark shades can filter harmful UV rays.

Food Poisoning
Food-borne illnesses like food poisoning is common during summer time because some bacteria thrives in heat and spoils food quickly when left in the open. Keep food safe and fresh by putting them in the refrigerator or consuming them on time.

Bug bites
Summer time is a great time for some pesky bugs like mosquitoes, ants and bees. Their sting or bite can pose serious threat when carrying infectious diseases. Avoid buggy areas, remove standing water and spray insect repellants.

Heat stroke
This is a life-threatening condition that must not be taken lightly. The body experiences extreme core temperature rising, like a fever and can lead to permanent damage. Common signs of heat stroke are:

1. confusion
2. short, rapid breathing
3. sweating
4. a fast pulse

Dehydration
Summer time can make you perspire profusely. This will leave you dehyrdrated and not having enough water will inhibit your internal organs to function normally. Drink plenty of water and fruit juices to stay hydrated and if you are active, drink electrolyte water to replenish lost vital nutrients. Avoid fizzy drinks like sodas, alcohol and caffeine as they act as diuretics.

Hazy, Sandy and Hot UAE

Photo credit: offexploring.com

And the saga of the extremely hot weather system continues today but with a twist. It is hazy and sand-stormy too. The wind is blowing hot air and we can use a little rain, don't you think?

I prayed for a slightly improved weather and somehow, there is a breeze. Albeit it is hot, it is still a breeze that can bring a teeny-tiny comfort to everyone.

I wonder if the season will change early this year. There are tell-tale signs of seasonal change but I hope what we are experiencing now is not a prelude to a longer hot and humid summer.

Walking In An Oven

No, you didn't read the title wrongly. I am referring to the weather here in Dubai. It is extremely hot outside. It is like standing inside an oven and getting baked. I am actually wheezing at the moment and praying it won't develop into full-blown asthma bout. I can't stand having asthma. It's just very difficult to breathe and I feel like suffocated. That is how the weather is today. Suffocating. Stifling.

I am not complaining. It's just stating a very obvious fact. It was around 44 degrees Celcius around noon time, or maybe even higher. I feel so sorry for those whose job involves working outside for a long period of time because it's not a joke to even stand a minute in the blistering heat.

Dear Lord, please ease the heat a bit.

Cobone Deals this Summer

After the hassle I experienced in my last major purchase in Cobone (Macbook Pro), I am more wary now and a bit uncomfortable buying stuff in that site. Cobone has not done anything wrong to me. As a matter of fact, it even facilitated the delivery of my laptop by coordinating with the supplier on my behalf. I find that gesture a good customer service but I am just a wee paranoid. I don't want to have another hassle.

Cobone has great deals these past few weeks. I have been very good so far. There is one item in their current deal that got my attention. It is a handheld air conditioner. Oh this I have got to see! The product is just right for the very hot and humid summer of Dubai. It is pegged at AED 59 only and is battery operated. Not bad. Then I remembered the old-fashioned way of cooling yourself - use a fan! Not the electrical fan but the handheld one you can close or open or the flat hard cardboard kind. They are environmental-friendly, no need for batteries and so cheap. You can actually make one.

So my final decision is to skip the deal. Maybe I should remove Cobone from my subscription list so I don't get tempted checking out their offers.

So Hot

It is very hot these days here in the UAE. I just feel so tired all the time and have a tad wheezing. I am afraid to go out after I come home from work because the heat is stifling. I feel suffocated. And that is only a brief moment out of the house. Imagine the laborers and construction workers whose daily work involves manual labor in the open.

So if you are out all the time, just make sure you are well hydrated and wear light clothing and cotton fabric to absorb perspiration. Last thing you want to get is sick in this very hot and humid season.

Help the Birds this Summer

It is unusually hot these days that even the small creatures cannot bear the heat. It is that time of the year again here in the Middle East when we have to endure the scorching heat and pray that it does not get us. So, imagine how the small creatures feel in this extreme weather condition.

My request is now for my family, friends and loyal readers to please forward this to as many people as you can to spread the word. A little help will go a long, long way to our feathered friends. The picture says it all.

Fun Things To Do In Summer

Photo credit: local.sandiego.com

Summer can be very hot here in the U.A.E. If you happen to live in this part of the world then you will understand why summer here is a dreaded season. It is so hot and humid and the temperature reaches 49 to 50 degrees Celcius. That is not a joke! However, we have to make do of what we have and where we are because we cannot let these hot factors dampen our summer spirit.

There are so many ways to enjoy the blistering heat of the sun here and you can do it indoors or even outdoors either very early morning or during the night. Here are fun ways to enjoy summer while battling the heat of the long summer months:

1. Learn how to cook and bake with your family and friends. This is an indoor activity which can be enjoyed by everyone. You don't have to shell out a big amount of money to pay someone to teach you. Research and save some easy-to-make or easy-to-bake recipes and shop for the ingredients.

2. Do some arts and crafts project like scrapbooking and making handmade cards of various occasion. If you have small kids around, let them take part in the project by giving them simple tasks like coloring or pasting shapes or embellishments you will use in your project. Make fun stuff with them and you'll never realize how fun summer can be even while at home.

3. Go for a very early or late afternoon jog or walk around the park. If you have been delaying your weight loss goals for some time, summer is a good way to sweat it out. Be sure to bring water to cool yourself off and a handy towel to wipe away the perspiration.

4. Go to the beach in the morning or late in the afternoon and enjoy the ocean breeze.

5. Window-shop and enjoy the cool airconditioned malls. You save money by not switching your a/c at home. However, make sure you stick to your purpose of only to window-shop and walk around the mall.

6. Learn a new language, musical instrument or a new skill.

7. Have slumber party at home and invite your friends over for a nice movie-marathon night.

8. Clean your house. Re-organize and spruce your habitat.

9. Volunteer to some civic organizations and render your skills and service to help others.

10. Write a blog or start a blog.

11. Make a playlist of your favorite songs and organize them.

12. Make a smoothie! This is one of my fave to do!

13. Go to the museum or art galleries and try soaking in the culture and art.

14. Go on a vacation preferably somewhere cold :)

The list goes on. If you have other ways of enjoying the blistering heat, please feel free to share them here. Have fun this summer! Don't forget to dress lightly and wear protective SPF if you must.

Summer Care Tips

It is summer once again and the scorching heat is not good for us. The seasonal change will bring viruses once more and will make a lot of people sick. Combat your health with these tips for the coming hot summer months:

1. Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. Dehydration can lead to mild to serious health conditions which can also be detrimental to your health.

2. Cover yourself with protective clothing and accessories

Combat the harsh UV rays. Use light clothing to deflect the rays and use hats, sunglasses too. Getting sunburned can lead to dry, scaly skin.

3. Slather sunblock lotion

One way to protect your skin from getting the harmful rays is applying sunblock lotion. This will lessen the effects of the harmful rays and will not make your skin dry. Using sunblock lotion can also help in preventing skin cancer.

4. Eat juicy fruits and fresh vegetables

Have a balanced diet but incorporate more juicy fruits and vegetables in your diet to keep you hydrated while getting the necessary vitamins and minerals.

5. Wipe your perspiration

It cannot be helped to sweat like crazy during summer. Always carry a spare handkerchief or small towel to wipe your perspiration. Always make sure your back is also wiped to avoid any respiratory problem. And when you are outside, don't rush to get in the airconditioned room or building. Stand for few minutes near the door to give your body temperature time to adjust.

Gray Over Cast and Weird Weather

I woke up this morning feeling a wee disoriented because normally at this season, it's already sunny around 6 a.m.  The sky was dark gray and there was a slight drizzle. I was hoping it would rain briefly so we could feel the cool breeze once again before it finally bid adieu to welcome summer.

The weather system this year is so unpredictable. Well, it's never predictable really but it is so odd. Spring was short-lived and we are already entering the grueling summer season. It's not fun but we have to brace ourselves because it can get hotter, I pray not but I do hope we can bear the scorching heat once again.

Back To School Reality

Summer vacation is over and my daughter will be back to school tomorrow in the 8th Grade level. I feel sad bursting her bubble but this is the reality she has to face every year. I know how fun it is to be away from work and I am sure she is feeling the same thing being away from school. But, she has to go through this whole education thing to ensure a bright future for her. I told her it won't be long and it will be another summer vacation again. She just has to study harder this time so as not to fall in a slack.

Well, most kids are back to school tomorrow. I think it's also back to reality for us parents because we're going to pay for school fees once again.