The dry heat of summer can take a toll on the skin, especially if you spend the majority of your days outside. Salty beach air and sand or the chlorine in a pool can wreak havoc on the skin. While the good times may have ensued, your skin pays the price, feeling itchy and dry at the end of the day. How do you restore hydration, especially to your face, without using harmful products? 

This homemade cooling mist helps to rejuvenate the face, neck, and chest, giving your skin the hydration it needs to look the best. Should you incorporate it into your daytime routine while you’re outside, it may help to moisturize the skin. Protection is key if you don’t want your skin to dry out. You can also use it as an after-sun spray if you got a little more sun that you wanted to. Just keep a bottle with you at all times and you can treat yourself to a cooling mist whenever you want!

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has several cosmetic benefits. It may help to stimulate blood flow near hair follicles to produce hair growth and help treat dark spots. Tea tree oil also has a moisturizing effect on the skin, helping to fight the drying effects of the sun. If you experience itching or dryness after a long summer day, tea tree oil may work to reduce irritation and itching. 

Frankincense Essential Oil

Since ancient times, people have used frankincense essential oil for its many health benefits and beautifying properties. Dermatologists agree that frankincense oil tends to be safe for all skin types, especially mature complexions. It is a luxurious oil that may boost the skin’s radiance, especially after using a cleanser and moisturizer. After a long day, applying or misting frankincense oil onto the skin with the rest of the ingredients in this spray may restore your skin’s texture. 

Aloe Vera

Skin experts say that aloe vera has a few primary benefits for soothing the skin. It works to soothe itchiness or irritation, calming inflamed or irritated skin that may result from extended sun exposure. When you are in the sun for a long time, it’s possible for the skin to lose moisture via transepidermal water loss. This happens when the skin gets dehydrated and inflamed. The phytosterols in aloe vera may prevent transepidermal water loss, which is especially important for sunburnt skin. Finally, aloe vera works to hydrate the skin and provide a cooling effect. Plus, the polysaccharides in aloe are known for their hydrating benefits. 

Witch Hazel

Indigenous to North America, witch hazel is a tree-like plant, from which extract is derived either from the bark or leaves. The bark and leaves are distilled to bring out the plant’s active compounds. Witch hazel’s anti-inflammatory and astringent properties provide a tightening effect on the skin. This is great for soothing puffiness, redness, general irritation, and skin tone. It may also sop up excess oil via the antioxidant-rich tannins. This is why witch hazel is a common ingredient in toners. 

Homemade Cooling Summer Face Mist

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup distilled water
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil (or fractionated coconut oil)
• 1 teaspoon witch hazel
• 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
• 4 drops frankincense essential oil
• 2 drops tea tree oil
• 4-ounce glass spray bottle with mist sprayer 

Instructions:

• Pour the distilled water into the glass spray bottle. Use a funnel if you need to, or use a glass measuring cup with a pour spout. 
• Melt the coconut oil and pour it into the bottle. You can also use fractionated coconut oil so that it remains liquified. 
• Add the witch hazel, aloe vera gel, and essential oils to the glass bottle. Screw on the lid and shake well to combine. 
• Use the face mist as needed, but make sure to shake the bottle before each use.

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It is no secret that we love to create recipes that utilize seasonal produce items. The summer sun is shining, which means a plethora of new produce items should be showing up in your local grocery store. Among those items, you should see an array of melons, including watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, and maybe other varieties, depending on your location. Although not technically a melon, cucumber is another popular summer fruit. Believe it or not, cucumber belongs to the same plant family, Cucurbitaceae, as watermelon.

When you make beverages with naturally sweet ingredients, such as the cantaloupe, you do not need to add extra sweeteners, such as maple syrup or raw agave nectar. Cantaloupe is not only sweet and delicious, but it is also rich in a variety of nutrients and health properties. Like apricots, grapefruit, oranges, peaches, tangerines and mangos, cantaloupe is a great source of beta-carotene. This valuable carotenoid gives cantaloupe its orange color, but it also converts to vitamin A in the body, where it is used to fight free radicals and benefit eye health, immune function, and support red blood cells.

Although cantaloupe provides great nutrition and sweetness for this refreshing beverage, we cannot ignore the cucumber. Like cantaloupe, cucumber is a wonderfully hydrating fruit that helps enhance immune function due to its vitamin C content. Some test-tube and animal studies indicate that cucumbers may help regulate blood sugar levels. In a 2016 test-tube study, for example, cucumbers were effective at reducing oxidative stress and preventing diabetes related complications. More research is still necessary on this matter, though. What does not require more research is the deliciousness of this refreshing summer beverage!

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If you’ve been craving a fruity twist on your favorite dish, you clicked on the right recipe. It isn’t the New York slice you were hoping for, but it is an unusually delicious rendition, and perfect for summer too. Enjoy it as a unique appetizer, snack, or even a dessert. Not only is it a great party pleaser at a summertime get together, but it is also perfect for impressing friends and family. It hits all the high notes and refreshes the palate with ease!

Why should you eat a watermelon pizza? Not only is it a home run of flavor, but it is also a great way to surprise your friends and family with something fun and new. It is very easy to make, with the “crust” being slices of crisp, juicy watermelon. Your toppings are the various fruit that you either decide to purchase or have in your kitchen already. The recipe lists specific fruits, but you can use other varieties if you have them. Grapes, cherries, peaches, nectarines, dragon fruit, and apricot all make for great “pizza” toppings. Get a little creative with it and add some fresh basil or mint as well.

The easiest way to get an even “crust” is to slice a big watermelon into one-inch-thick rounds. Then you end up with circular pieces that have the rind on them. Cut those discs into four or six pieces and then you can use the rind as a supportive grip, like you would on a real pizza. The last thing we’ll say about this watermelon pizza is that you cannot freeze it, unfortunately. The watermelon and the “toppings” will get mush after you thaw the frozen pizza. Don’t want to waste food? Make one or two pizzas at a time so that nothing goes to waste. Trust us when we tell you that this will not go to waste if you have company because they’ll love it!

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Entering the summer months is a wonderful time of year. You get to take vacations, enjoy fun in the sun, and explore in nature. Even if you don’t do all of those things and decide to enjoy grilling in the backyard, you run the risk of getting attacked by various bugs. Warmer weather means that pests become more active, especially as grass grows. Summer pests are drawn to grass and flowers, and the increased moisture means that they have more access to water. 

Common Summer Bugs

Mosquitoes are the problem children of summer, especially if you live in a humid climate. They hide in tall grass, so experts recommend keeping grass short (no more than three inches high) to help keep them at bay. Additionally, trim bushes, hedges, and plants to reduce the likelihood of mosquitoes ruining your summer. Plus, mosquitoes can expose you to a variety of viruses and fever, so do your best to fend them off. 

Besides mosquitoes, ants, wasps, hornets, ticks, and flies thrive during the summer months. Many of these bugs hatch or breed during the summer because of the heat and humidity. The last thing you want is for these pests to ruin your summer plans, so keep an eye out for them and act appropriately. 

Why Use Essential Oils?

Essential oils are highly concentrated with powerful scents, and bugs tend to not like them. When they get a good whiff of certain essential oils, they tend to steer clear of the area. For example, crickets and ants do not like the smell of peppermint essential oil. Gnats despise lemongrass essential oil, peppermint essential oil, and vanilla extract. You can use one essential oil or a combination to help keep those creepy, crawly, biting pests away. 

Peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils act as natural bug repellents for squash bugs, beetles, ants, fleas, spiders, aphids, and whiteflies. Some people even use these two essential oils to help repel mice. Lemongrass essential oil can help repel both flying and crawling pests without harming your plants, animals, or skin. It is especially great at repelling gnats. Rosemary essential oil can help repel flies, fleas, and mosquitoes. It is also a great garden plant to have because it can deter insect larvae, which can easily destroy cucumbers, tomatoes, melons, and even some root vegetables. 

Tea tree oil is another great one for keeping mosquitoes at bay, and even killing mosquitoes. If you already have some mosquito bites, tea tree oil may be great to apply to the area, as long as you dilute it with a carrier oil. Cedarwood essential oil is a powerful tick deterrent, and it’s safe to use for dogs, so long as you dilute it. You can soak dog collars in a cedarwood and water mixture to help keep ticks off them on summer hikes. 

DIY Bug Repellent Lotion Bars

Ingredients:

• 1 cup coconut oil
• 1/2 cup cocoa butter
• 1/2 cup shea butter
• 1 cup beeswax
• 30 drops essential oils of choice (pick one or two from the ones we mentioned)

Instructions:

• Add the coconut oil, cocoa butter, shea butter, and beeswax to the top of a double boiler over medium-low heat. Make sure that there is about an inch or two of water in the bottom of the boiler. 
• Stir the ingredients every so often until fully melted. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes before adding the essential oils. Mix well to combine.
• Pour the mixture into silicone molds or metal tins and allow the mixture to solidify, either at room temperature or in the fridge to accelerate the process. 
• Once completely solidified, remove the bars from the molds and store in an airtight container in a cool place for up to one year.

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“Summer’s here and the time is right…” for enjoying these zesty homemade mandarin popsicles. Sunshine and citrus collide in this raw vegan recipe that is pure icy perfection. Crafted with refreshing mandarins and wonderfully flavorful Meyer lemon juice and zest, these popsicles are like a tropical vacation on a stick Not only are they bright, tangy, and incredibly irresistible, but they also exhibit a natural sweetness from the mandarins and agave nectar that pairs beautifully with the floral notes of Meyer lemon.

Sweetened gently with agave nectar, these popsicles strike a pleasant balance between sweet and tart. Don’t worry, you won’t feel heavy or overwhelmed while enjoying these citrus delights because they don’t feel heavy or cloying. Because raw agave nectar has a smooth, caramel undertone, it beautifully complements the citrus’ vibrancy, making each bite a delightful dance of flavors on the palate. Plus, making these popsicles at home means you’re in control, meaning that you aren’t adding any artificial dyes, sugars, or preservatives. It’s just pure, homemade goodness that will you down and lift your spirits.

So, whether you’re lounging by the pool, hanging at the lake, chilling in the backyard, or just craving a sunny pick-me-up treat, these mandarin popsicles are exactly what you need. They’re as easy to make as they are to love! Think of them as frozen bites of citrus sunshine that will transform a boring day into a personal vacation. Grab your ingredients, get blending, and enjoy the icy, tangy magic of summer in every bite.

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When warmer weather arrives, so do the bugs. Insects like mosquitoes, flies, ticks, leafhoppers, hornworms, and more flock to your garden to infest your flowers and plants. If you’re sitting around the patio enjoying time with family, you don’t want to worry about bugs biting you every other second. The good news is that you can forget about trying to clap insects to their death mid-flight because there are plants that help repel bugs. 

If you don’t want to inhale the fumes of mosquito candles and torches all summer, you can plant a series of plants around your patio, pool, house, and fence to keep out unwanted pests. In addition to causing itchy bites, mosquitos and other pests can damage your gardens, crops and home. Using plants to repel insects is an eco-friendly solution to your problem. Plus, these plants add both beauty and fragrance to your home and garden. Here is a guide to many common plants that repel insects. 

Geraniums

Geraniums are quite common in patio planters, but you can also pot them or plant them in your garden to naturally repel mosquitos. These flowers not only beautify your garden, but they also release a strong fragrance that mosquitos, flies, and beetles despise. That helps you enjoy your patio or garden without worrying about bites or infestation of the fruits and vegetables in your garden. Plant some geraniums around your garden to keep those pests out. 

Mint

Fresh mint is a great plant to have in your garden because you can harvest some of it to use in culinary applications. It’s very easy to grow and has been proven to repel flies, ants, and mosquitos. It emits a wonderful fragrance and helps deter bugs from infesting other nearby plants. Planting mint near your windows or doorways can help keep irritating insects out of your house. 

Citronella

Don’t want to buy citronella candles or citronella-infused oil for tiki torches? Plant the real citronella plant in your garden or pots near your doors to keep the mosquitos out. The plant itself acts as a natural insecticide, repelling a variety of flying insects, including mosquitos. The plant can grow fairly large, so you may have to keep it under control with your garden scissors from time to time. 

Lemongrass

Similar to citronella, lemongrass gives off a powerful aroma that mosquitoes dislike. Lemongrass is tall, grassy, and ornamental, growing up to four feet tall and three feet wide in one season. Not only does the plant do a great job at repelling mosquitos, but it also adds beautiful greenery to your garden or patio. 

Lavender

Before we get into the insects that lavender repels, it is important to note that lavender blossoms can attract bees. If you are allergic to bees, planting lavender near your patio or doorways may not be the best idea. How does lavender repel bugs? It contains linalool, which is a compound that contributes to the plant’s natural aroma. Other plants also contain linalool, but lavender seems to have the highest content and is the most effective at repelling bugs. You can harvest your lavender and hang some bundles around your patio and indoors.

Marigolds

Marigolds add vibrant colors to your garden or patio planters. Ranging from red and orange to yellow, marigolds make the perfect additions to your vegetable garden bed. They help keep tomato hornworms away, so consider planting them next to your tomato plants. Marigolds are very popular summer plants that also deter plant lice, mosquitos, and even rabbits!

Chrysanthemums

The primary reason that insects avoid chrysanthemums is because the flower contains pyrethrin, a neurotoxin that kills insects. Don’t worry about your furry friends because it is safe for animals. According to research, the list of insects that these flowers repel is quite extensive, including  ants, roaches, silverfish, lice, fleas, spider mites, ticks, bedbugs, and harlequin bugs. Plus, the flowers are just stunning to look at!

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You know what’s unfortunate? It’s the fact that papaya does not get a lot of love during the summer months. Papaya is a delicious, must-try fruit that is naturally sweet and creamy. When you blend the papaya with the homemade almond milk, chia seeds, and other ingredients, the result is a smooth chia pudding that is almost less chia and more pudding. That means that if you tend to steer clear of chia pudding because of the lumpy, tapioca-like texture, this recipe is for you.

Besides being incredibly tasty and tropical, papaya is a nutrient-dense fruit. Research indicates that papaya may improve everything from blood glucose levels in people with diabetes to blood pressure levels for people prone to heart disease. Many scientists attribute papaya’s benefits to papain, a proteolytic enzyme in papaya. It works to break down proteins into smaller fragments, which is why papain is used as a meat tenderizer. Some research shows that papain may reduce inflammation related to joint conditions, in addition to neuropathic pain from fibromyalgia.

When it comes to choosing your papaya, you do not want a green one, unless you plan on making green papaya salad. There are two main varieties of papaya: Hawaiian and Mexican. The former variety is much smaller, a little more expensive, and packs a sweeter flavor than the larger Mexican papayas, which tend to have a milder flavor. Whichever papaya you choose, make sure to scoop out the seeds first before blending the flesh with the chia pudding ingredients.

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Heat stroke is a condition that occurs when the body overheats, typically as a result of prolonged exposure to high temperatures. During the summer, it is very common to experience heat stroke or heat exhaustion. If you experience a heat stroke, it is very important to seek emergency treatment as it can be a life-threatening situation. When you don’t treat heat stroke immediately, you can damage muscles, heart, kidneys, and the brain. 

The scary part about heat stroke is that you don’t always know that you are in danger of it until it’s too late. What happens is that you end up in a state of confusion or deliriousness because nerve damage takes place. If you want to keep yourself out of harm’s way this summer, you have to take steps to ensure that you are hydrated and cool. There are things you can do and things you can avoid to reduce the risk of heat-related illness. 

Heat Stroke vs. Heat Exhaustion

Heat stroke happens when the body’s ability to regulate core temperature fails, so you overheat as a result. It is the most serious phase of heat-related illness. Heat exhaustion, on the other hand, is the phase just before you experience heat stroke. You start to feel the signs of heat illness, including muscle weakness and fatigue. How does the body get to these stages, though? Well, the body regulates core temperature to maintain a constant of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, even in the hottest and coldest climates. When the mechanisms that regulate core temperature break down, heat exhaustion and heat stroke can occur. If you want to prevent this from happening and avoid heat exhaustion this summer, make sure to keep the following tips in mind. 

Avoid Direct Sunlight

Avoid heat-related illness by limiting your exposure to direct sunlight, especially during the hottest parts of the day. The sun tends to be at its hottest during midday, so make sure to find shade or remain inside during those times. If you are outside, take additional measures to protect the skin by applying sunblock with an SPF of 30 or higher. 

Drink Water

When you are in the sun, it is natural to sweat because that is the body’s way of regulating core temperature. The body loses water and other minerals via sweat, though, meaning that you need to replenish that water by drinking lots of it. If you enjoy electrolyte powders, you can incorporate them into your hydration efforts as well; just don’t go for sugary electrolyte beverages. Always keep a full water bottle handy if you venture outside during the summer, and make sure to refill throughout the day. Additionally, consume more liquids if you do any sort of physical activity outside. 

Eat Hydrating Foods

In addition to drinking a lot of water, enhance your hydration efforts by eating water-rich foods. Various fruits and vegetables have high water content and contain electrolytes that can replenish the ones you lose via sweat. When you are able to maintain your fluid balance in the body, you can help keep blood pressure stable and aid with nerve signaling. Some great hydrating fruits and vegetables include carrots, watermelon, berries, cucumbers, bell peppers, tomatoes, grapefruits, kiwis, pineapples, oranges, broccoli, honeydew, cantaloupe, and grapes. 

Check Your Medications

Believe it or not, certain medications increase your risk of heat stroke. They either interfere with your salt and water balance or affect how the body reacts to heat. Medications that increase the risk of heat exhaustion include antibiotics, laxatives, diuretics, antidepressants, antihistamines, blood pressure or cholesterol meds, and antipsychotics. If you take any of those medications, talk to your doctor about an increased risk of heat stroke. 

Avoid Alcohol, Caffeine, And Sugary Drinks

When you go through the effort to drink a lot of water during hot weather, the last thing you want to do is sabotage your hydration. When you focus on sugary, sweetened drinks, or beverages that contain alcohol or caffeine, you work to dehydrate the body. All of these drinks increase the need to urinate, which depletes your water and electrolyte supply. Additionally, consuming too much alcohol or sugary drinks can increase inflammation, which worsens symptoms of heat exhaustion.

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There are many people who love to indulge in cold, sweet treats, especially during the warmer months. There are many variations of “nice cream,” which is what people call healthier ice cream typically made with bananas as the base. When blended, frozen bananas create a smooth and creamy base, so there is no need for churning this raw vegan creation. Using bananas also means that you do not have to add sweeteners, such as agave nectar or pure maple syrup. Plus, the cherries in this recipe provide natural sugars in addition to a subtly tart flavor.

If you are one of those people that likes kitchen toys, consider investing in a cherry pitter. It is exactly what it sounds like: a tool that pits cherries and leaves you with the whole fruit. No need to cut around the pits or bite the cherries in order to remove the pits with your teeth. It’s truly an incredible creation and there is no better time to use it than during the summer when cherries are in season. The cherry pitter also makes freezing whole cherries that much easier.

Now, there are two ways to enjoy this ice cream. You can blend the ingredients together in a food processor and enjoy it immediately after blending into a smooth consistency. It is more like soft serve in that state. If you prefer scoops of ice cream, spoon the blended mixture into a freezer-safe container and place in the freezer for two to three hours. Remove from the freezer and then scoop the ice cream with an ice cream scooper. Just don’t leave the ice cream in the freezer for longer than two to three hours, or else it becomes a little too hard to enjoy.

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Summer is fast approaching, which means exciting produce items are on the way to your local grocery stores. If you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you can take advantage of many of summer’s fruits and vegetables because they contain beneficial antioxidants and polyphenols that work to fight inflammation. These fruits and vegetables contain different phytonutrients, which work to reduce oxidative stress, a process that can lead to cell damage. 

Don’t Worry About The Sugar Too Much

Is it true that certain fruits contain natural sugars? Yes, absolutely, but you do not have to avoid them entirely. Sugar does increase inflammation, but a lot of the research that indicates that cites sugar-sweetened beverages as the problem sources. These drinks provide empty calories, unlike fruits that contain natural sugars, vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and antioxidant compounds that may reduce the risk of inflammation. Continue reading to learn which summer fruits you should add to your RA-friendly diet. 

Stone Fruit

Peaches, plums, nectarines, and apricots are stone fruit that are freshest during the summer months. Studies show that the polyphenols in peaches work to reduce inflammation. Apricots are rich in fiber, which works to improve gut health, and lots of vitamins A & C which work to encourage healthier skin and immune function. Plums get their naturally dark hue from anthocyanins, which are antioxidants that have been proven to combat inflammation. You can enjoy stone fruits as a delightful snack, or incorporate them into smoothies, salads, and more. 

Blueberries

Blueberries are not typically thought of as a summer-specific fruit because you can get them year-round. They are freshest (and most affordable) in the summer! Blueberries contain several polyphenols, including anthocyanins and quercetin, both of which exhibit antioxidant effects and phenolic acids that reduce inflammation. Mix blueberries into yogurt, smoothies, salads, and desserts. 

Watermelon

One of summer’s best treats and most popular fruits is the mighty watermelon. Not only does watermelon aid your hydration efforts, but it also contains lycopene, citrulline, polyphenols, and vitamins A and C, all of which exhibit antioxidant properties. Some of these nutrients even work to enhance joint health. Additional research suggests that watermelons contain nutrients that may fight back against other conditions, including diabetes, certain types of cancer, obesity, and heart disease. Enjoy watermelon fresh, cubed up in a fruit salad, or blended into a refreshing sorbet.

Cantaloupe

Another popular summer melon, cantaloupe is an excellent source of vitamin C and beta-carotene. Belonging to the cucurbit family, cantaloupe exhibits antioxidant effects, which researchers attribute to the bioactive components, including cucurbitacin. Slice up cantaloupe and enjoy it fresh, chop it up to make a melon salsa, add it to smoothies, or make your own popsicles. 

Pineapple

Pineapples are naturally rich in vitamin C, which encourages healthier skin and immune function. More importantly, they contain a lot of bromelain, a protease enzyme that has the potential to reduce inflammation, support immune function, and aid digestion. Studies show that bromelain helps break down protein, giving your digestive system a helping hand. Enjoy pineapple raw, add it to sorbets, salsa recipes, or fruit salads. You can even cut the pineapple into long strips and grill it with a little olive oil and honey. 

Grapes

The Arthritis foundation recommends people with RA to enjoy both white and darker-colored grapes, as they are great sources of antioxidants and polyphenols. Red and black grapes also contain resveratrol, a natural polyphenol that exhibits anti-inflammatory activity and may improve cardiovascular health. Enjoy grapes out of hand or pop them in the freezer and enjoy them as refreshing treats on hot summer days. 

Cherries

To round out the list of RA-friendly foods, we have a great summer treat: cherries. Exhibiting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, cherries work to decrease both inflammation and oxidative stress. They may also help reduce exercise-induced muscle soreness, improve sleep, and lower blood pressure. Until recently, it was thought that tart cherries were the only varieties to produce these effects, but newer research indicates that sweet cherries are also effective. Enjoy cherries as a healthy snack or include them in your yogurt, chia pudding, juices, smoothies, and more.

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