Citrus Lane

Safety in the Sun this Summer

Ahhh the sun. I can almost feel those lovely rays tickling my arms. No matter where you’re at, sunshine means summer, playtime, and maybe tanlines.But “too much of a good thing” does exist, especially when it comes to sunshine. Stay safe this summer by taking care of your skin, eyes, and whole body.SunscreenSkin protection is always important when outdoors. Especially when the sun is out and strong, stick to the following:

Avoid the sun’s most damaging rays by scheduling outdoor play before 11 a.m. and after 3 p.m.
Apply sunscreen regularly and often, and reapply after exercise or spending time in the water.
Lightweight, light colored clothing helps to protect against the sun.
For optimal health and Vitamin D absorption, spend 10 minutes in unprotected sun at least 5x/week.

Sunglasses

The proper eyewear can protect your eye health and save you headaches (literally and figuratively) down the road. Try to do the following:

Wear sunglasses in the sun to reduce eye strain
If no sunglasses are available, wear a hat, visor, or other something else to shade your eyes
You can always hang out in the shade to cut down on the intensity of the light reaching your eyes

Hydrate

When it’s sunny out, we play more. Make sure the kids stay hydrated in intense heat by:

Bringing the level of play down in intensity
Avoid playing in direct sunlight
Drink water or other hydrating liquids regularly and often
Take breaks.

Symptoms of heat stroke include a body temperature greater than 103°F; red, hot, and/or dry skin; no sweating – it means the body is unable to cool itself down; rapid pulse; and headache, dizziness, or nausea. Seek medical attention if you or your child experiences this.

Summer Recalls: Here are 5 recent recalls that might affect you and your family when you’re enjoying the sun this month.

Derek is the community manager at ConsumerBell, a company that helps companies manage and track product recalls online and that puts consumers in touch with information and resources on recall news.

Photo credit: chimothy27 on Flickr.

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Last-Minute (but thoughtful!) Mother’s Day Gifts

Mother’s Day is almost here, and last-minute presents are harder and harder to come by! These creative, inexpensive ideas can make a special Mother’s Day for a mom in your life — and that mom just may be you!

Source: Hungry Happenings)

One mom in our community recommended a garden stone with kids’ handprints as a lovely memento. Another way to give that gift: an edible version!

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3 Ways to Treat Yourself This Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is just around the corner (this Sunday!) and many of us are hoping for some special recognition: breakfast in bed, perhaps flowers or a sparkly gift.

But Mother’s Day doesn’t always pan out like a jewelry-store commercial. Maybe you’re a single mom, and your kid is still too little to give you anything besides a drooly smile and a full diaper. Maybe your partner has the best of intentions, but tends to, ummm, underperform on holidays.

My solution? Don’t put all your eggs in one basket, mama! There’s no reason to wait for others to treat… ...more

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Something New

Just getting outside with an active toddler is always a triumph, but it can be tiresome to go to the same places over and over again. If you’re imagining your next outing with a sense of boredom (or dread!) you may need a change of scene. These outdoor activities will engage your child—and you.

SHOP AT A FARMER’S MARKET. You’ll expose your child to new tastes and sights. Strangely, some children will try samples at a farmer’s market they would never consider touching on a plate at home. More than one child has fallen in love with pluots or… ...more

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Out & About

In your baby-free days, you never thought twice about catching a movie with a friend or meeting a big group for dinner. Going to a movie or eating out with your baby in tow may seem a lot more…well…impossible. Don’t give up! Pre-crawling babies are surprisingly easygoing travelers. Unlike older babies, they don’t need much stimulation, and are more likely to nap than cry. With a little planning and the right gear, you and baby will be social scene regulars before you know it.

THINK SMALL
For your first trips out with baby, choose places close to home, in… ...more

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On the Town

Your little one’s brain is stimulated by new colors, smells, tastes, and sounds, and so is yours! New activities that appeal to you will interest her, too.

A NEW OUTLOOK
Your child enjoys engaging with the world around her. Places with lively colors, sounds and movement stimulate her senses. One mom’s child loved the aquarium because she could see the bright, swimming fish from her stroller. Show her the exotic blossoms growing in a public garden, treat her little ears to an outdoor concert, or let her touch a fuzzy lamb in a petting zoo.

PLAY

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Pregnancy Style and Pregnancy Awareness Month!

Did you know May is Pregnancy Awareness Month? P.A.M. fosters educational initiatives spotlighting nutrition, wellness, and nurturing for pregnant women, and Citrus Lane is proud to be an official sponsor! Please stay tuned for official Pregnancy Awareness Month events featuring Citrus Lane, including a Twitter party and giveaway.

With an eye to nurturing and caretaking during pregnancy, here are a few of our favorite resources for pregnancy shopping and style.

Trying to figure out how to start pregnancy shopping? Meagan Francis (aka The Happiest Mom) lists seven steps to… ...more | 2 Comments