Sensitivity to the Sun

August 29, 2023August 29, 2023 ~ Loreeebee ~ 1 Comment

Unfortunately, I’ve spent most of the summer trying to self-diagnose my sudden, (more than usual), sensitivity to the sun. Not a great summer-time memory to experience.

Rashes and Burns

My face in particular has suffered through several bad rashes. So bad that it appeared (looked and felt) that my skin was burned.

I’ve also experienced a prickly sensation, but no visible rash or burn, on the left side of my neck, between my jaw and my clavicle. This prickliness occurs after a mere few minutes in the sun, even with sunscreen on.

Sunscreen

I have been a huge proponent of sunscreen over the years, wearing at least 30, if not 50 SPF. I learned this the hard way, after developing brown spots on my face in the last trimester of my last pregnancy. I was told they were due to melasma, AKA pregnancy mask, a hormonal reaction. That was twenty-six years ago, and they were supposed to go away, but I have yet to find anything (topical) to remove them. Due to my uber-sensitive skin, I hesitate to try anything more drastic.

Since then, I have applied sunscreen religiously every morning, 30 SPF on cloudy/rainy days or those I don’t plan to be outdoors much. When I am planning to be outside for longer than thirty minutes, I opt for the 50 SPF.

After my first reaction, I asked the staff at my local Natural Food Pantry for a recommendation for sunscreen for sensitive skin. I purchased the So Good brand in both a cream and a stick. If your skin is sensitive, choose sunscreen that does not contain benzophenone-3, known to cause allergic reactions in some people.

I love how smoothly the So Good sunscreen applies to my skin, even though it has zinc in it (zinc is notoriously sticky to apply). I still experienced a rash and prickly neck after switching sunscreens though. I will continue to use it as I don’t believe my sunscreen was the issue causing the sensitivity to the sun. You can purchase both the 30 and 50 SPF through Amazon as well.

Face Moisturizers

My moisturizers were also suspect, even though I had not changed my routine. After the first episode, I switched to a product also recommended to me at the Natural Food Pantry to moisturize and heal my skin.

sensivity to the sun — Nature’s Aid Moisturizing Skin Gel

This moisturizing gel has worked wonders on my rashy, burned skin. I love it. You can order Nature’s Aid Moisturizing Skin Gel through Amazon if Natural Food Pantry is not convenient.

Foods That Can Cause a Sensitivity to the Sun

Research (Summahealth.org) told me there are several foods that can cause sun sensitivity, with citrus fruits at the top of the list. Other culprits include:

Celery
Parsley
Dill
Figs
Fennel

Well, it just so happens I had recently started adding celery and lemon peel to my morning smoothies, for their purported memory and anti-aging benefits, respectively. The plan is to leave the celery and lemon out for a few weeks to see if I have any more reactions.

Fingers crossed!

Melamagic Works Wonders on Grease and Grime

July 26, 2023August 20, 2023 ~ Loreeebee ~ Leave a comment

I love all Melaleuca, non-toxic and biodegradable cleansers made with tea tree oil and other essential oils. Melamagic is right up there on the list of my favourite products. A heavy-duty cleaner made with tea tree oil, citric acid, and ginger essential oil, it works wonders on dirt, grease, and grime. Try it on most surfaces, including tile or vinyl floors, stove tops, BBQ grills, and even plastic furniture. It is not recommended on carpets or wood.

(Unfortunately) we still have a few of those once-trendy white plastic chairs on our decks at the cottage. Although stacked and covered over the winter, they still get grubby looking. At the beginning of every cottage season, I line them up and hose them off using Melamagic.

Melamagic, and all other Melaleuca products, contain no bleach or ammonia and create no harsh and dangerous fumes when used. It comes in a economical, concentrated formula, creating 32 gallons of cleaner when diluted with water.

I’ve also used Melamagic to clean out our pedal boat, another annual chore at the cottage.

Natural Crystals by Team Planting

July 11, 2023July 15, 2023 ~ Loreeebee ~ Leave a comment

Do you believe in the power of natural crystals? Have you ever heard of their power? I admit that, although I have heard the claims over the years, I’ve never paid much attention to them.

Recently, I read about Team Planting and their efforts to improve our general and mental health as well as the environment. What do the two have in common? If your curiosity is piqued like mine was, read on!

The Power of Natural Crystals

Natural crystals are reported to enable the wearer to maintain focus, improve confidence, eliminate or reduce anxiety, promote healing, and provide fulfillment in their life.

Who doesn’t need that kind of power in today’s stressed-out, post-pandemic, economy-tanking, climate-changing global environment? It’s no surprise that mental health is said to be at an all-time low around the world.

Who and What is Team Planting?

The Team Planting website sums up their mission this way:

Our jewelry, crafted from natural, recycled, and reclaimed materials, not only enhances the beauty of our delicate ecosystems but also aids in their preservation.

Through your purchase, you support reforestation projects, restore habitats, and recover areas damaged by forest fires which have increased in both frequency and severity. Together we can directly help the environement by planting new trees.

Team Planting focuses on jewelry crafted from sustainable, natural, recycled, or reclaimed products with the preservation of ecosystems in mind. The gorgeous, natural crystals used in this stunning, high-quality jewelry have been around for millions of years.

Natural stones are a rare and valuable resource found in the soil. People often buy gemstone jewelry to adorn themselves simply because of the stone’s innate beauty.
Team Planting

The various forms of jewelry are suitable for both men and women. Natural crystals featured in the jewelry include amethyst, turquoise, tiger’s eye, quartz, copper, hematite, obsidian, malachite, opal, rhodonite, onyx, and lapis lazuli, just to name a few. The bracelets, rings, and necklaces are all gorgeous; it is challenging to choose a favourite.

Reforestation and Team Planting

Global reforestation efforts not only help the environment but also protect the habitats so crucial to animal and plant species that are currently destined for the extinction list. Replacing burned or human-ravaged trees and plants means less atmospheric carbon dioxide which is healthier for everyone and everything.

One Tree Planted is an additional initiative by Team Planting with the goal of assisting reforestation efforts across the country. This effort is especially significant with the increase in forest fires this summer. The amount equal to one tree will be planted for every purchase made on their website.

Creating Good Karma

Do you believe in karma?

The concept is pretty simple: do good and good karma will come to you. The opposite is said to be true as well with bad karma the reward for bad behaviour.

Do you remember the old (seemingly long-forgotten or currently out of practice) proverb “do unto others as you would have done to yourself?” Team Planting and good karma expand this concept by suggesting we should do for others without expecting anything (materialistic) in return.

The power of natural crystals is said to unleash good karma for the wearer by spreading positivity which in turn creates a difference around the world.

Purchase Jewelry to Show Your Support

Check out the extensive, uniquely elegant jewelry selection and use my referral code to order your favourite(s).

I love them all, and am now the proud owner of a Rainforest Jasper Sea Turtle Tranquility bracelet as well as a Triple Protection bracelet featuring Tiger’s Eye, Obsidian, and Hematite. Check out this video: