Chemical vs. Barrier Sunscreens...

Hello all!!

So....it is summer time. YAY!!

My family and I pretty much live outside this time of year either at the beach or by the pool.

We also LOVE getting our healhty doses of vitamin D from the sun!

But...we do have to be safe about too much sun. Sunburns are bad. I, for one come from a family who has a history with skin cancer. Definitely no fun, either!

So...I have to be careful that my family and I keep our skin protected.

(If you follow my other blog you may recognize some of these photos)

Like I said we spend a great deal of time at the beach or the pool...

Lately our natural (chemical free) sunscreen just hasn't been cutting it. Not cool. Everywhere I turn it seems I see people slathering chemical sunscreen on their kids (and the kids are not getting burned like ours), and even my sweet hubby is starting to think that maybe we need to switch to a "less healthy one". Oh, don't misunderstand me...I'm not saying that I think those parents are bad in any way for choosing to use those sunscreens..not at all am what i saying that. What I am saying is is that I have done a great deal of research (after someone I know mentioned something about chemical vs.barrier sunscreens) and I personally have made the choice not to use them for my family. I am simply noticing what others are using and also noticing that my kids are more pink then they should be, in my opinion.

The natural brand we are currently using needs reapplied after EVERY time the kids get the water. Practical? No.

So...I am looking else where and am not going to throw in the natural sunscreen towel just yet (in fact, I'v got two more brands I'm going to be trying out this week and they can be found at Target..yeah, right down the road from us). I will let you know what brands those are and what I think about them on a different post.

I came across this website that I have found to be very informative. Please check it out and let me know what you think!

I am also consulting friends on this matter and getting their recommendations on natural sunscreens...obviously, I am looking for one that does have some lasting power in water. I also understand the importance of wearing proper clothing, shade, and times of day I have my kids in the sun (all important factors).

Anyone else do any research on chemical vs. barrier sunscreens? Google it. So much info that was shocking to me at first, but it makes so much sense when I really started thinking about it.

Also...any recommendations on your favorite sunscreens? I'm all ears...

Peace & Love,
Kelly

Oh...don't forget to enter my current giveaway to win a Libre tea glass. Contest ends June 5, 2011. To enter click here.  The entries are low at this point, which makes for greater odds of winning. ;-)

a hello & a giveaway!

*i made a correction...this giveaway is open to U.S and Canada. {my apologies}


Hello!

I'm alive and well! I pray that you all are doing well, too!

I could get into the reasons why I have not  posted in many moons, but do you all really want to hear excuses? Nah, I didn't think so.

But, I'm sure you all like a great giveaway, yes?

So, onto the good stuff....

Firstly, let me introduce you to a product I had the privilege of trying out:

the pretty design on the top of the lid

Libre Loose Leaf Tea Glass is pretty darn amazing!! I love tea and I am usually on the go, so this is an ingenious invention, in my humble opinion! What's not to like about portable tea?

The one I chose to try out is the glass 'n poly model, but they have others to choose from on their website.

So, some tidbits of info on the Libre....

-the stainless steel tea filter is pretty fine, making it perfect for herbals and roiboos.

-the twist on lid is BPA free

-the thermal, leak resistant container has a glass interior and poly carbinate exterior (aka: super durable)

-keeps tea warm, but the container stays cool to your touch (aka: no burnt hands)

I have been very happy with the Libre.. so simple to use:

All I have to do is put my tea of choice in filter, add hot water, twist on lid, and turn upside down. Not sure about you, but this mama like things nice and easy...

Check out this video on how to use the Libre:

So...for your chance to win a Libre: 

-be a follower of this little blog (if you are not, please click on the follow button) ;-)

-tell me what tea you would make in the Libre if you win it.

-go to their website and tell something new you learned.

-tweet the giveaway (be sure to include @photohealthnut in the tweet), linking back to this post.

For each one you complete, leave a comment on this post telling me you did.

Contest ends Sunday ( June 5, 2011) at 12:00 a.m CST.

*Also note..only open to U.S. and Canada addresses please. 

Winner will be randomly selected and notified by email (so, PLEASE leave your email address somewhere in your responses so I can contact you if you win). 

That's it! Now, go enter! ;-)

Oh, and just so you know...the kind folks did send me a product to review, but I was under zero obligation to write a favorable review. The thoughts posted here are simply my own. It's a great product, and I wouldn't state it if it wasn't true. Lying is bad!!