Wordless Wednesday

It's that time of year again! Baseball, hotdogs and apple pie!

Safe Tanning

One way to be safe is to avoid tanning and use a self-tanner. After seeing a co-worker with streaks down her legs, I thought I’d offer some tips for getting the perfect “tan”.

**Take a quick shower or bath (don't soak) and exfoliate your skin, either with a washcloth or body scrub. Don't over scrub, but do pay extra attention to your knees, ankles, feet, elbows, and neck. This will help achieve a uniform appearance since self-tanners grab on to dry surface skin cells. Your tan will look more even and will last longer. Now is the time to shave your legs if you have to, because you shouldn’t shave or wax your legs for a few days after the application of a self-tanner. 

** Your skin must be completely dry to get the best results. Do not apply self-tanner in a steamy, hot bathroom or on a humid, hot day. The heat and moisture in the bathroom can cause you to start to sweat and the self tanner can melt and drip which will cause streaks. Also,wait until your body has cooled down after your shower. Hot skin will have the same affect.

**Apply a thin layer of lightweight moisturizer over the areas where you will be applying self-tanner. This will help the self-tanner glide on without clinging to dry patches.

**To avoid streaks on your legs when using a self-tanner , rub on tanner in a horizontal motion, rather than a vertical one.

**Wait AT LEAST 15 minutes before getting dressed. Remember that self-tanner can stain clothes. Color will show up after approximately 2 hours, not immediately

**For a realistic-looking tan, skip body parts that wouldn’t tan in the sun, like your inner arms.

**Dilute by half on the areas prone to dark spots. Your knees, ankles and elbows are usually first to show if you don’t apply correctly. Mix half self tanner and half moisturizer for a more natural look.

**Never apply body self-tanner, tanning lotion or body bronzer to your face. Buy a special facial self-tanner.  After tanning your face, take a wet cotton swab to eyebrows and rub out any tanner residue. Also, rub a moistened cotton ball across your hairline where tanners tend to build up during application. This will ensure a no-tell perfectly tanned face. Never wear foundation, face powder, eyeshadows or lipstick when applying self-tanner.

**To maintain your new tan and to make it last longer reapply the tanning product every week or every three to four days.

** To keep self-tanning color from staining nails, cuticles and palms, coat your hands with petroleum jelly.

WHEW, that’s a lot of information. Hopefully, you’ll be able to get a tan that looks like you just stepped off the plane from Hawaii!  It’s guaranteed to be better for you skin than sun-bathing or using a tanning booth.

Thank You Veterans

We remember...

Wordless Wednesday

I think he needs a few more vehicle toys.

Five Great Vacation Tips

  

        Hubby and I are planning a summer vacation. I'm hoping that you will be able to get away too. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your time away.

1).  Pack less than you’ll need.  Stick to things that look great on you in two or three colors.  Don’t forget to pack things you can’t do without.

2)    In life, the journey is as important as the destination. Don't schedule every minute: allow for the unexpected. Unplanned detours often end up being even more enjoyable than planned stops!

3)    Take lots of photos. It might seem like an annoyance at the time, but when you get home you and those you love will be glad you did. Make sure to pass the camera around so everyone gets a chance to document, and that way you're sure to "be in the moment."

4)    Play travel games. It doesn't matter if you don't have kids, remember when you were one? You're never too old to play them, and it helps the time zoom by whether you're driving or flying. Our favorite is "20 Questions."

5)    Go online and read the local newspapers for the areas you'll be traveling to. It's a great way to absorb the local color and learn about local events. www.onlinenewspapers.com has listings of 10,000 newspapers from around the world.

Wordless Wednesday

Don't move!

Massaging the feet can bring relaxation to your entire body.

Massaging the feet can elevate your mood, relieve stress, and give you an overall sense of well-being. It’s easy to give and receive it in the comfort of your own home. Foot massage is easy to learn and even a quick massage can bring relief and enjoyment 

*Start by soaking your feet in warm water for about 10 minutes in the bathtub or in a large dishpan. Add your favorite bath salts or oil to the water-it will not only help your feet, but the aroma is soothing. Now, dry your feet completely and apply your favorite body lotion, foot cream or oil to your hands. 

*You can begin your massage anywhere on your feet, keeping in mind that you want to cover the entire foot from the tip of your toes to your ankle. Use enough pressure to help the foot muscles relax, but not so much as to cause discomfort. If  it tickles (feet can be very sensitive) press harder, but again, not so hard that it hurts.

*Sit in a comfortable chair and prop your right foot up on your left knee. You should be able to see the bottom of your foot in this position. Rub a little lotion or oil over your whole foot.

*Wrap your hands around your foot (thumbs will be on the sole and fingers on the top). Holding your foot firmly, start making circular motions with your thumbs. Cover the entire area of the bottom of your foot, working your way from the heel, through the sole, up to the ball of your foot, and finally to your toes.

*Knead the sole by holding the foot with one hand and making a fist with the other, using moderate pressure. Pay attention to the arch.

*Squeeze gently each of your toes between your thumb and index finger. Begin with the big toe. Roll the toe between your thumb and forefinger as you slide your fingers down the toe to the end, applying gentle pressure. Gently squeeze the end of each toe.

*Hold the heel with your left hand and move your foot at the ankle joint so as to loosen it. Rotate the foot clockwise and counterclockwise 3 or 4 times.

*Wipe off any excess cream or oil with a soft towel

*Repeat these steps on other foot.

Jerry and I like to do this while we are relaxing in front of the tv at night.