Tips for a Painless Summer

You know Chinese dolls. We're always a little competitive! Mama did a post on how to keep cool and safe this summer. My tips are slightly different. :)

1. Tips on Mosquito Bites
You've probably all gotten mosquito bites. You also know that the sun is murderous towards an insect bite! Along with a light layer of sunscreen, brush on some insect repellent (http://www.aromaweb.com/recipes/insectrepellent.asp)
This may seem weird, but swimming in a chlorinated pool helps to dry up the bite so that it's not as itchy, red, and moist when you come out. :)

2. Tips on Sunburn
Some sunburns are red. Some sunburns are red and hurt. And some sunburns are red, sore, and even very painful! You don't want that, do you? No sir! Mama got a red sunburn without the pain on Sunday. She feels fine, but her shoulders look funny when they're red!
So! Choose sunscreen with at least 15 SPF. 50 is best. Also, make sure the label says "broad-spectrum" on it. This will give you best results. Be sure to reapply every couple of hours! 'Cause FYI, Mama had 50 SPF broad-spectrum sunscreen, and still got the sunburn (she didn't reapply). :) 
Here's the page I got this info from...
http://www.skincancer.org/Sunscreen/


3. Tips on Bruises
A bruise is so easy to get. I have a nice blue one on my arm, and Mama's whole lower left leg has a lovely line of dark bruises. It's hard to offer tips on this... except just don't do too many daredevil things. :) When you DO get a bruise here's a page full of tips for you all...
http://www.practicenaturalcures.com/2007/09/natural-cures-for-bruises.html


4. Sunstroke
Ooo, ouch! You don't want this. It feels like a flu, and comes when you get just too much sun exposure. Please limit your time in the sun! My recommendation if you want to spend your day outside: spend the morning outside, then come inside for lunch. Refresh your sunscreen, and hydrate! Big glass of water, dolls and people! Then go outside for a few hours, then come back in. :)


That's all the tips I have to offer! I'm sorry we haven't had any pictures lately, but we've been busy! I promise I'll post tomorrow with photos. :)

~Sunshiny Ivy





P.S. Okay, I just couldn't leave without giving you photos of...something!

 A great big red dragonfly. So noble!

And guess what this is? Yup, a hydrangea!
NOW I'm going. See you!