Going To The Beach With UVSkinz

One of the first memories I have from my childhood is from when I was probably 5 or 6 yrs old. I remember we had been in the water for some of the day, and that night found out I was horribly sunburned. I had to sleep without my shirt that night, and my mom put Solarcain on my back, but I was in so much pain! That was only the first of many sunburns that I lived through as a child.

As I got older it didn't bother me much, and no one ever talked about the danger of being sunburned, so I never saw the harm in it. I was just ending up with a tan, right? It wasn't until after I was in my early 20s that I started hearing about skin cancer. What the what? All those years in the sun, and it was no good for me? Great!

I then had a mindset change, but probably not enough. I figured if I didn't sunburn, only tanned I'd be ok. Let's just say a lot of naivety on my part. A few years ago, I was done playing around. I was either out of the sun or I was slathered in sunscreen. Going to the beach wasn't something I was thrilled with because I didn't want issues with the sun.

This year I'm not as worried! This year UVSkinz sent me a suit to review! I had heard of them before, but didn't have any experience with them. That was all about to change thankfully.

Now, a few things about UVSkinz appeals to me. I First I love the coverage. I'm not used to having clothing on me that's so tight, and that's just something I need to get used to. It's only the sleeves. hahaha I also like that there's modesty that's afforded to people who wear this suit!

Having not worn their suits before, and not reading the description, I didn't realize that I should've also purchased a swim bra. I got the Womens Aloha Long Sleeve Swim Shirt. It's meant to go over your bathing suit. HA! Go figure. It's certified UPF 50+. While the top is tight in the sleeves, it's not in the body. I just used a bra under it for now because my swimsuits are still packed away.

The shorts fit great. Because I've felt so unhealthy the past couple of years, I went with more of a nylon feeling board short. They're actually made of woven, quick drying UPF 50+ microfibre fabric. They have a drawstring and velcro closure. These Ladies Board Shorts actually felt like I was wearing shorts I could spend the day at the amusement park, not worry about getting wet on rides, and still be comfortable.

When we went to the beach last week, since it had finally stopped raining, we had fun romping around. There aren't as many places to enjoy the water here as there are in Minnesota. Fred's favorite place to enjoy the beach is Ocean City. Hopefully we'll get out to the ocean some time this summer.

Something I love about this company is, they're not only swimsuits. If you're going to be in the sun, they've got a variety of products to keep you covered. They have hats (which I really want the Nola Hat), dresses, hoodies, pants, and jackets! Who knew?! 

Both of my boys are in need of new swim trunks, and with my youngest going to camp again this year, I want him to be covered on top and bottom. Not just for protection, but it seems like it's the fashion for young kids. They're no longer relegated to a boring pair of trunks. He has the option of a fun design and healthy coverage.

I'm definitely ready to be spending more time in the sun and not worrying about damage being done to my skin, as long as I'm covered properly!

Be sure to follow UVSkinz on their social channels: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest! I'll be giving away a set so you can get a jump on it now!

What beach do you hope to visit this summer?

Loving My New Juicing Habit

A couple of my blogging friends had suggested getting a juicer because I had been talking about trying to add a healthier element to my diet. I thought it was a great idea except for he fact that I didn't know a thing about juicers. That's when they suggested I get in touch with Viatek because they had used their juicer in the past!

Well, sign me up! I was sent the Life Juicer to review, and guess what? I'll be giving away one this coming weekend!

I had been feeling so amazingly cruddy about my health and the junk I've been feeding it. We've been running around a lot, which also translates into eating out a lot. When it was just the boys and I, we rarely ate out. It was a luxury. Our bodies still aren't used to it. We go out to do some running around, we grab fast food. After church we grab fast food. Visit with my parents, hey let's go out to eat. While there's nothing wrong with grabbing dinner out occasionally, doing it nearly every day is crazy and unhealthy.

I needed to start adding a healthier element to my life! I figured juicing would be a great way to do that. The only thing I had to do was figure out what I liked, and start making juices.  So, in reading the booklet, I realized that juicing has a purpose outside of just giving us a healthy drinking option. 

The Life Juicer recipe book has 9 different topics with recipes to go with them:

1. Weight Loss
2. Skin Care
3. Energy
4. Relaxation/Anti-stress
5. Detox
6. Digestive System
7. Immune System
8. Circulatory System
9. Hair and Nails

What I like with most of the recipes is the explanation of what the purpose is for each one. Now, my favorite recipe is from the Digestive System category. It's the "digestion regulator," which wasn't something I was going for, but I had the ingredients, and it sounded good. I could always use some help regulating my digestion.

• 7oz pineapple
• 1 apple
• 1 kiwi

It's been extremely easy to get to know the Juicer! The instructions to assemble it were easy. You're basically just stacking the pieces. You just have to do it in the right order. Cleaning it is just as easy and it comes with a brush to clean the strainer. The obvious precautions are to not put your hand inside any of the pieces when it's on.

As you put a piece of fruit in, it passes through each of the pieces. On the right side is where the juice, and on the left the "fruit poop" aka the pulp comes out. I haven't made enough juice at once to need the collector. I actually thought there'd be a lot more unused parts of the fruit than there actually was. The fruit cut right through the juicer, and within minutes I had my own juice! Can't get much better than that! Well, except now I want my own fruit trees and a spot to grow pineapple!

I've actually gone out of my comfort zone of the fruits or vegetables I usually consume because of the juicer. I bought kale the other day! Shocking, I know. I think I might stick with spinach though. Heck, add just about anything in with pineapple, and we can call it a day.

The only issue I've found is that I go through my juice really quickly. I think it might have to do with it being so fresh. Oh my gosh, and it's SO filling! It's juice, how can that be filling? But I tell you what, it is! That's what I'd prefer to fill up on anyway instead of all the other junk that's around me.

Now that the warmer weather is here, and the rain that filled up the month of May is gone, I'm looking forward to trying the frozen treat attachment that comes with the Life Juicer! It should be super easy to use since all you're doing is using frozen fruit! Really, I need my own produce section in the backyard.

Be sure to follow Viatek on their social channels: Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram!

A Hammock For Summer From DFOhome.com

When you look at your home, do you ever daydream about the improvements you want to make or daydream about the things you'd like to add to your home? I think about my porch and how I'd like to design it with a super cozy and inviting patio set, as well as some decor. My backyard...oh my...my backyard, I have so many ideas of what I'd like to do in my backyard. One day a deck, I've got my vegetable garden sorta started, we'll have a shed in July, and I really want to add some amazing landscaping.

So far, I have a hammock. Well, a hammock and a half hearted vegetable garden. When I reached out to DFOhome.com to see if we could partner together to do a review, I wasn't even sure where I wanted to start with my backyard. I want it to be an oasis. Somewhat of a sanctuary. I want us to be able to go out to our backyard and know it's time to relax.

When DFOhome.com offered to have me review a hammock and a hammock stand, I was over the moon! I always thought a hammock was a major luxury! I have never slept in a hammock. Never. Not once. Can you believe it? Of course, I JUMPED at the chance.

The hardest part of all of this was deciding on the fabric. If you've read other posts, you might realize that I'm not a fan of prints. In fact I have a strong aversion to them. lol For me, I went with the Inessa Sunset design. There was something that screamed "vacation" to me when I saw it! I loved the colors.

May was spent with a wet month and I didn't have but ONE day to get the hammock up and photos taken before it rained again...for days! It was crazy. It took me maybe 10 minutes to get it set up. Probably five, but giving realistic room for more time. The day I got my brand new hammock up, Peru decided to lay claim to it. Claimed it with her darn stick! I was able to share it with her for a little bit before I had to get to work.

The hammocks are sold separately from the stands. There are actually several different options when it comes to hanging your hammock. The first option is the tree hook. That's what came with my Inessa. The second option is tree straps. With straps, there's no drilling involved like there would be with the tree hooks. They're great to travel with, too! The third option is a stand. I love this option for at home hammocking. Yes, I totally just made that a word! I put the stand out, and hang my hammock whenever I get the notion. I've been bringing the hammock in when it's really cruddy weather, but you don't have to. The stand, it gets to stay right where it is. Not only that, we ended up not having trees in our fence line.

The next time I got it up, I had my son come out and check it out. Well, the goofball dog tried to jump into it with him, and clotheslined herself, and flipped him out of it. hahahaha Oh dear that was amusing. That didn't deter my son from getting into it again, but this time without a dog. I had yet to enjoy the hammock on my own.

When my hubby got his chance at the hammock, he made mention of having pillows to go with it. That was all the encouragement I needed to go online and buy not one, but two pillows! I told you, I want my backyard to be a sanctuary. I want to go all out when it comes to our enjoyment of that space. I purchased the matching Inessa Sunset pillow, and then a long burgundy one that would go almost the whole width of the hammock.

I was shocked at how quickly they got to me! I immediately went out to enjoy my new purchase. All by myself I might mention. It didn't last more than a couple minutes. The next thing I knew, my youngest was out there cuddling with me. lol This mama never has time to herself. It's made to fit two, and it does so with lots of room.

The brief moments I've had to myself, I've found the hammock to be incredibly comfortable. Comfortable that I highly expect to find myself taking naps in my backyard through the summer in it. When I was buying the pillows, I realized that there are table attachments for it! I had no idea that something like that would exist. I may need 2. One for my books and a drink, and one for a citronella burner to keep the pesky bugs away!

I got the best news just yesterday! My oldest daughter, who hasn't been able to experience my hammock yet, told me she knew what she wanted for her birthday next month. She said she wanted a 2 person hammock! hahaha We went back and forth asking her about styles, fabric, where she'd be using it, etc. She wanted one that attaches to trees, fits 2 people (hello, she has a boyfriend), not crazy colors, and made of Nylon. Nice! I know the perfect place to find one. lol

Keep an eye here because I'm going to be having an awesome giveaway package that will be including a hammock (different that the ones you see here) from DFOhome.com! You don't want to miss out!

Be sure to follow them on all of their social channels: Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram! Get amazing inspiration for all of your outdoor designing!

Where would you want your hammock: at home or on the go?

Comfort In The Great Outdoors

Summer is almost here! Just a few days away, even though for most people, summer has already started with the great weather, and the Memorial Weekend behind us. My boys still have a week of school left believe it or not! They're ready to relax.

One of the traditions all of my kids have had is going to Camp Shamineau in the summer. I remember very clearly the first time I took my oldest daughter. She went with a girl who became her best friend. Now, even though we live in Maryland, last year and this year, my youngest son is going again! He absolutely loves the experience.

Knowing he was heading to camp I reached out to Cascade Designs because they have great brands that are part of their company, which are perfect for spending time outdoors! They sent me a Therm-a-Rest Compression Pillow and two PackTowl Luxe Towels for review!

Let's start with the Therm-a-Rest Camp Head pillow. These pillows come in a variety of colors and sizes. It being a compression pillow, it rolls up into a small roll so it's easy to take with you wherever your journey takes you. This pillow is going to see a lot of mileage in the coming months. Traveling to Minnesota not once, but twice. Once is a plane ride and the other is driving for two days. Next month the youngest heads to camp for a week so he'll be able to rest in comfort. Then we head to Peru in October.

While we're in Minnesota in July, we might be staying at a friend's cabin, and that's where our PackTowl towels will be coming in handy! We'll be staying on a lake that's pretty rustic. They'll make their first trip up to camp with the youngest the first week. He'll have a hand towel and a body towel.

Each of the towels has a snap loop on them so he can hang it on the corner of this bunk bed and at the cabin, we can let them try outside on the trees. They also come with a sack to store them. I think once we're all done with our travels, I'll pass them on to my daughter who is constantly traveling. She just got back from a month backpacking through Central America.

When we head to Peru, the pillow will be great for the 8 hour flight. We'll be staying in a home for missionaries, and it will be really nice to have our own towels. Nothing wrong with the ones they provide, it'll just be nice to have ones that we can take with us, and can fit into a little travel bag.

We're really looking forward to all of our adventures that are ahead of us!

Be sure to follow their social channels: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Where are you traveling to this summer?

Spring At Home Giveaway Event

If you're like us, you love everything about being outside at your home! Whether you're sitting on your porch, lounging on your deck, playing in your backyard, or working in your garden, you're going to love what we have to share with you for our Spring At Home giveaway!

What's heading your way if you win this event? Check this out:

1 Ninja Coffee Bar

1 The Rope Co. Outdoor Mat

1 Melor Tripod Sprinkler

1 TIKI torch

1 Zoku Slushie Maker

1 Fun Bites

  a Rafflecopter giveaway