Summer is back and while that means good times at the beach, the parks, and for other recreational activities, it can also mean that its time to implement a few safety precautions while having all kinds of family fun.  Here are 3 ways, in my 3-part series on summer safety to keep your family safe and eco-friendly at the same time! Read more at https://ultimateprepping.com/best-bushcraft-knife/

You can still have fun in the sun, just take a few precautions!

The Beach:

Who doesn’t love a day at the beach with family and friends?  Whether your fortunate enough to live near the beach or your just visiting on vacation, here are some things to keep in mind when laying on the sand or getting in the water.

Do the Stingray Shuffle!

Depending on which beach your visiting, there are almost always stingrays and they feed right at the edge of the water.  Make sure you teach the kids a good rule of thumb when walking into the waves known as the stingray shuffle.  As your walking into the water don’t lift your feet from the sand, instead your going to want to shuffle your feet, sort of kicking up the sand as you move to your destination in the water.  This scares off the stingrays, letting them know that something is coming in the water and to move!  If by some chance someone in your group is stung by a  stingray, here are some first aid rules that you need to quickly and aptly apply.

Teach your kids how to do the "Stingray Shuffle!"

Stingray wounds are very serious and painful so alert a lifeguard or call 911 immediately for medical attention!

In the event that there is no lifeguard available, the first thing to do is to get fresh water to soak the wound.  The hotter the better for pain relief!

The stinger needs to be removed with tweezers.

Do not close up the wound but instead apply pressure to stop the bleeding.

Apply a topical antibiotic if available and get the patient to the hospital quickly for proper medical care.

Prevent Sunburn!

This one may seem like a given but I can’t begin to tell you the countless times that people I know thought they’d be okay without the application of sunscreen for even an hour!  If your spending time at the beach, I recommend an SPF of 30 and higher!  If you have fair or freckled skin, apply with an SPF of 45 and higher for extra protection!  Always reapply several times and try not to hit the beach during the hottest part of the day, which is between noon and 2pm. Be sure to purchase reef-safe, family-safe sunscreen approved by the Environmental Working Group to keep toxins off our family’s bodies and out of the environment. The Green Halloween team loves the clean and effective sun care line from Smart Girls Who Surf.

Always apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher for the beach!

In the event that you or someone in your group does get a sunburn, here is what you can do to relieve the pain and heal it faster.

Drink plenty of fluids because a sunburn indicates that your body is dehydrated from the inside/out.

Apply aloe vera or all-natural topical ointments like Burn Out from My Mama’s Love to the burnt areas of your skin in a gentle manner.

Take a cool water bath.

Wear loose cotton clothing for comfort.

Prevent Dehydration!

Many people are drinking alcoholic beverages while at the beach or they simply don’t drink enough fluids.  Bring a small iced chest filled with ice and an eco-friendly, reusable water bottle that keeps your fluids cold while your off playing in the water.  (If you have an alcoholic beverage, equal that with a glass of water because your losing fluids more quickly in the sun.)  In case of emergency, the ice will melt and become your back up plan for water since many people don’t bring enough to drink on their visit to the beach, underestimating the power of the sun.

A reusable water bottle comes in handy when visiting the beach so don't forget yours!

Blogger Laurali Star can be found on The Damsel in the Attic and her blog.

Green Halloween® is a nationwide non-profit initiative started by mother-daughter team Corey Colwell-Lipson and Lynn Colwell. In 2010, Green Halloween became a program of EcoMom® Alliance and has events in cities across the U.S.

It's a day to remember and a day to appreciate Earth and our families

Memorial day is the turning point in the season when you realize that summer is finally here.  It’s a time of year when families gather for backyard barbeques and fun water sports of all kinds.  While your making memories with family and friends, here are a few ways to do it with eco-friendly style!

Use a solar powered or gas grill instead of charcoal!

Recycle or compost all of the materials that use for your meal.

If your spending the day at the beach, have the kids do a fun beach clean up!  You’ll be surprised at the level of participation.

Aim for bio-degradable dishes for your picnic

Kick summer off right and stay tuned for safe summer practices!

Blogger Laurali Star can be found on The Damsel in the Attic and her blog.

Green Halloween® is a nationwide non-profit initiative started by mother-daughter team Corey Colwell-Lipson and Lynn Colwell. In 2010, Green Halloween became a program of EcoMom® Alliance and has events in cities across the U.S.

If your considering converting to the organic food movement, here are a few things to keep in mind when you hit the grocery store.  Always look for the USDA Certified stamp, sticker, or symbol.  Keep in mind that meats will have this too.  The meat section of the supermarket often has chicken and cow meat that is hormone free and the animal is fed only pesticide free food to sustain life.  I would also suggest converting a little at a time, instead of all at once so that it wont be such a shock to your lifestyle.  The kiddies have to get used to it!  Make it fun for them too.  Make colorful veggies into caterpillars or artwork, you can find many recipes here on Green Halloween!

Buying organic foods from your local farmer's market is a safe bet!

Blogger Laurali Star can also be found on The Damsel in the Attic and her blog.

Green Halloween® is a nationwide non-profit initiative started by mother-daughter team Corey Colwell-Lipson and Lynn Colwell. In 2010, Green Halloween became a program of EcoMom® Alliance and has events in cities across the U.S.

Posted in Activities, Crafts, Food (general), Fun ideas, Recipes | Edit | No Comments »

At Crafty Moods, the quirky online site for crafters and the like, Trish somehow manages to find the time to run the blog, think up creative recipes and crafts, and still manages to run her home as the busy mother of two baby boys.  How does this creative mom do it all and still manage to entertain picky eaters?  Trish has managed to find some fun and unique ways to get her family to eat their dinner with style.  Here’s how:

Here's one way to get your kid to eat!

Step One: Cook up some plain pasta to create a nest

A pasta nest for your meatball birds takes no time at all!

Step 2: Cook your meatballs to design your birds

What You'll need: Candy eyeballs

What You'll Need: An orange to make the beak

Step 3: Use a butter knife to cut the hole for the beak and eyes

Step 4: Do add a celery stalk to create a branch for your birds nest

Step 5: Eat and enjoy! So cute your kids will love it!

To see the full-recipe and check out more fun and creative recipes with Trish, visit:  www.craftymoods.com!  She’s amazing!

Blogger Laurali Star can also be found on The Damsel in the Attic and her blog.

Green Halloween® is a nationwide non-profit initiative started by mother-daughter team Corey Colwell-Lipson and Lynn Colwell. In 2010, Green Halloween became a program of EcoMom® Alliance and has events in cities across the U.S.

As a mother, we never really expect our children to buy us a gift for Mother’s Day.  Something made with love however, gets a nod of approval from moms all over the world.  Add a green element to it and were as good as any gold jesus piece chain!  Here are a few easy craft projects that your little one can do to make this Mother’s Day a little brighter.  Hint:  Be sure to have daddy read this first for some fresh ideas!

Handmade Charm Bracelets (Ages 8 and up):

Handmade charm bracelets make a personalized, fun gift for mommy!

How to do this:

First head to your local craft shop for spacers, a 21 gauge wire, needle nose pliers, and beads.  A great place to try would be your local dollar store, Joanne’s Fabrics, and Michael’s.  Set out the beads and spacers in an assortment of bowls on the table or counter, then start designing!  Does mommy like vintage?  Hit your local thrift or vintage shops to see if you can discover a rare piece that can be added to the bracelet.  Mom will be absolutely charmed on her special day.

DIY Terrariums (Ages 3 and Up):

Recycle an old fish bowl to make the terrarium of mom's dreams!

How to do this:

Find an old fish bowl from around the house or purchase a cheap one at your local pet store.  Have the kids fill it with rich soil, plants, rocks, and whatever kind of decor that will turn mom’s head this Mother’s Day.  Fun for the whole family and easy to do!

Cork Board Creativity (Ages 3 and Up!):

Your basic cork board can be converted into a theme for mom with recycled pictures, letters, postcards, and more!

How to do this:

This one is fun and easy for nearly all ages in your family.  Almost every mom has a box of sentimental memories she’s been keeping and meaning to organize.  Pull the box out and pick out old letters, favorite pictures, artwork, pressed flowers, and more to create a themed Mother’s Day Cork Board to show mom just how much she means to you.  Be sure to add your own personal note to the board.

Happy gifting!  Mom is guaranteed to appreciate the effort and love that went into your gifts.

Blogger Laurali Star can also be on The Damsel in the Attic and her blog.

Green Halloween® is a nationwide non-profit initiative started by mother-daughter team Corey Colwell-Lipson and Lynn Colwell. In 2010, Green Halloween became a program of EcoMom® Alliance and has events in cities across the U.S.