Summer is right around the corner and it's time to get ready. Here's some super ideas on how to get yourself, your family and your home ready for longer days and weekends at home or at the lake or beach.
Getting Yourself Ready
Hair. Start at the top of your head. Invest in a great hat with a wide brim to protect your hair and your face from the sun. If you love to swim, invest in a color-lock shampoo and conditioner with color and UV protection. If humidity and chlorine are not your hair’s friend, try deep conditioning with natural oils such as coconut oil, jojoba oil or even olive oil. Also consider taking a break from hot styling appliances like blow dryers and curling irons during summer.
Nails & Hands. Make your manicures last longer by topping your nails with a protein-packed strengthener to keep nails from splitting and cracking. According to nail expert, Skyy Hadley, "Every time you go for a swim or wash your hands, you strip fortifying oils from your nails.” Also consider using polish with biotin or even taking vitamins with biotin. Studies show that biotin can strengthen brittle nails, making them less likely to split or break. Also don’t forget hand lotion with sun screen to keep your hands looking young and preventing the sun from taking its toll.
Protecting Your Skin. Antioxidants in the diet or on the skin have demonstrated in some studies to actually reduce the number of burned cells caused by direct exposure to sunlight. Antioxidants have also been shown in these studies to remove free radicals from direct UV ray exposure before the ultraviolet radiation can cause extensive damage to the cells of the skin. In a 2001 study performed in Arizona, volunteers with fairer skin were given a mixture of strong antioxidants to study the possible neutralization of UV rays with a diet rich in antioxidant properties. The study showed that with a diet high in antioxidants, the UV radiation induced NK-kappa B dependent gene was inhibited by the antioxidant intake and led to some protection of the skin from UV rays. Learn more about this in our blog: Protect Yourself from the Sun with Aronia. A teaspoon of Superberries Aroniaberry Concentrate in a glass of water or juice twice or three times a day delivers your daily antioxidant requirements.
Exfoliate. Skip the salon microdermabrasion and try this remedy at home. The recipe: 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Apply the paste to your body and rub in a circular motion. The grains in the the baking soda act as an exfoliant and help uncover fresh new skin.
Hydrate & Detox. Stay hydrated this summer. Get an infuser bottle to take the boredom out of drinking plain water. Adding our Superberries Frozen Aroniaberries to your water will help you stay cool and detox your body at the same time. For more ideas on how to flush toxins from your system and add additional nutrients to your body check out our pinterest board, Berry Infuse Water.
Clothing. Beat the heat this summer by wearing light fabrics. We all have our wardrobe favorites, but it’s time to put the winter clothes away and invest in clothes made of breathable fabrics like linen, seersucker, and lightweight cotton
Stock Up on Gear. Start shopping now for things like sunscreen, bathing suits and summer gear. It will save on your budget not to have to run to the local convenience store for these items when you get to your summer fun destination.
Get Your Home Ready
Create Play Zones. Get your house ready for summer by creating activity zones throughout the home and yard. Create an art corner, book nook and activity area to keep things running smoothly this summer and avoid the clutter and meltdowns. Buy a few things that will get the kids excited, like a bean bag chair for reading; new arts and crafts supplies, like bird house kits and a slip and slide or new lawn game for outdoor fun.
Get Your Menu Ready
Plan Meals. Make creating summer meals less stressful by planning your weekly menus. Take advantage of Farmer's Markets to buy fresh vegetables to create outstanding summer salads. Superfy your salads by adding Superberries Frozen Aroniaberries. Choose lean meats and meat alternatives for healthier dinners made on the grill. Avoid expensive fast food options during days at the beach or lake by packing your meals. Include fresh fruit, sandwiches on whole grain breads. Superberries Aroniaberry Gummy Chews are the perfect afternoon snack. Opt for our convenient 100 calorie packs that are easy to throw in a cooler or beach bag.
Get Your Relationship Ready
Date Nights. With the kids home for the summer, your energy may be zapped by the end of the day. Plan for special date night or time with your spouse that will make you feel like you are dating all over again. Try dinner and movie outside. Put the kids to bed and move a small television outside. Order your favorite pizza or meal and have it delivered. Have a smore date around the backyard fire pit or move an air mattress outside on a clear starry night and star gaze. Plan a few nights out on the town. Go for a scenic drive. Go to eat in a new area of town. Go to an outdoor play or performance. Make sure you pack your Aroniaberry+ Daily Wellness Shots for extra energy.
Keeping all these tips in mind, we wish you a "Super" summer from our team at Superberries.
