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Showing posts with the label summer

Surviving a Heat Wave: Your Essential Guide

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With summer upon us, so too is the increased likelihood of heat waves.  These periods of excessively hot weather can be more than just uncomfortable – they can be dangerous, leading to heatstroke, dehydration, and other serious health issues. But don't sweat it (pun intended!), with a little preparation and awareness, you can stay cool and safe when the temperatures soar. Here's your essential guide to surviving a heat wave: 1. Stay Hydrated, Hydrated, Hydrated! This is probably the most crucial tip. Your body loses a lot of fluid through sweating when it's hot, so replenishing those fluids is vital.  * Drink plenty of water: Don't wait until you're thirsty. Sip water consistently throughout the day, even if you're not feeling parched.  * Avoid sugary drinks, alcohol, and excessive caffeine: These can actually dehydrate you further.  * Consider electrolyte-rich beverages: Sports drinks or rehydration solutions can be helpful, especially if you're sweating a ...

Embracing Summer: Simple Joys for Older Adults

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    Embracing Summer: Simple Joys for Older Adults Summer has a special kind of rhythm — one that invites us to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the world around us. For older adults, it’s the perfect season to enjoy life’s little pleasures, spend time with loved ones, and focus on well-being in a gentle, joyful way. 1. Soak in the Sunshine (Safely) A bit of sunlight can do wonders for your mood and vitamin D levels. Whether it's a morning walk around the neighborhood, light gardening, or sitting on the porch with a cup of tea, make time to enjoy the fresh air. Just don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen to protect your skin. 2. Stay Cool and Comfortable Hot days can be draining, so prioritize staying hydrated and cool. Try wearing light, breathable fabrics, enjoying indoor activities during peak heat hours, and sipping iced water or herbal tea throughout the day. A fan on the porch or a shady spot under a tree can make all the difference. 3. Eat Fresh, Fee...

TerraShield for those Pesky Summertime Bugs

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***UPDATED 4/29/23*** Make  TerraShield  your traveling companion whenever you head into the great outdoors. Formulated with woody and flowery essential oils like Cedarwood, Arborvitae, Ylang Ylang, and Lemon Eucalyptus, the oil blend creates an aroma that’s wholesome and comforting. TerraShield is perfect for the whole family! Diffuse it at your next outdoor event to create an inviting atmosphere for those you love. The TerraShield Outdoor Blend is now offered in a 30 ml spray bottle. TerraShield Spray will give you all of the benefits of doTERRA TerraShield oil while adding in the convenience of a spray lid and top, allowing you to access its benefits quicker and easier. The shape of the container also makes it a great fit for a pocket or bag and can be easily carried and stored for on-the-go use. ☀️ ☀️ ☀️  ☀️ ☀️ ☀️  ☀️ ☀️ ☀️  doTERRA products are fantastic and I'm  here to share with you  another amazing oil. Summer is upon us.  Hot, sticky, ...

Start Up the Grill - It's BBQ Time

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As the tantalizing aroma of grilling wafts through the air, ignite your taste buds and embark on a culinary adventure where sizzling meats and smoky flavors reign supreme.   The summer is heating up, and it's time to fire up the grill to celebrate the summer with BBQ!  Whether you're a seasoned griller or a novice looking to impress, it's the perfect opportunity to elevate your grilling game and create unforgettable culinary experiences. **Choosing the Right Grill** The first step to grilling success is selecting the right grill. There are two main types of grills: gas and charcoal. Gas grills: offer convenience and quick ignition, making them ideal for quick and easy grilling sessions. I have the Monument grill with rotisserie kit and I love it! Monument Grills 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill with Rotisserie Kit, Side Burner, Stainless Steel  Charcoal grills: impart a smoky flavor to food and provide a more authentic grilling experience.  Consider the size of your grill...

Easy Homemade Popsicle Recipes

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***UPDATED 6/26/25*** It’s been hot and sticky in Virginia lately. What would make it tolerable is a cold & refreshing treat. My grandkids love popsicles, and I have them ready when they come over for a visit. You don’t have to have anything fancy to make popsicles. All you need is some fruit juice, fruit, and some sort of mold. I’ve made them in small cups with a popsicle stick and I’ve made them in a silicone mold.   Here are some delicious recipes that you can make for your kids, grandkids, or just for yourself.  The link to the recipes is highlighted in this post. Thanks to all those bloggers that share their love for food and family. 🍧 🍧🍧🍧🍧 🍧 🍧🍧🍧🍧 🍧 🍧🍧🍧🍧 🍧 🍧🍧🍧🍧 At Live Eat Learn she has the most delectable popsicles using fruit, yogurt, coconut milk, and even veggies in some of them. Got to sneak in the veggies, they won't even know they are getting a healthy snack.         Sneaky Spinach 1.5 cups milk, 1 cup fresh spinach, 1/...

Easy Ice Tea Recipes for National Ice Tea Month

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***UPDATED 5/31/24*** It's National Ice Tea Month and I love iced tea. Typically if I'm going through the drive-thru at CFA or McDs, I get a sweet tea half cut, meaning the tea is way too sweet to order it full strength so I order a blend of sweet and unsweetened. Can you relate? I make iced tea on occasion with a tea maker and add simple syrup I've made. Normally it's just family-size tea bags with no other flavors. Sometimes, making flavored tea is on the agenda, like strawberry or mango flavors are delicious. Below are some thirst-quenching sweet tea recipes you'll have to try.  How to Make Southern Sweet Tea How to Make Sweet Tea INGREDIENTS 3 family-sized black tea bags ( or 12 individual tea bags), such as Lipton or Luzianne 1 Cup granulated sugar Ice Fresh mint leaves or lemon slices (optional) EQUIPMENT Small saucepan Long-handled spoon 1 Gal pitcher, or multiple smaller pitchers INSTRUCTIONS Boil the water. Bring 4 cups of the water to a boil in a small sau...