My Sunscreen Journey

Hey Guys!

With summer here next week, I decided to write about my sunscreen journey, which has been something recent. When I was in high school, I loved tanning, everyday in the summer i would sit outside for at least 30 minutes, and since I tan easily, that was more then enough. It wasn't until I was done university, that I noticed something change. Every evening I would scratch my arms like crazy, to the point where I would get a rash or even bleed! It was to much, I finally told my dad something was up, and we need to figure out what it is ASAP. It was then that I found out I had a sun allergy, which was shocking. I was given allergy medicine, and told to wear sunscreen daily!
I found it strange, that after all these years this was happening. I decided to give it a try, and see what happens. Let me tell you, I have never felt happier and more relieved in my life! I am back to enjoying the sun. This has taught me many things. You shouldn't assume that because you are a certain skin color that you are free from this. I always thought because I have olive skin, I wouldn't have to worry about the sun, I wouldn't get sun burnt and my skin is use to it. But that is so wrong. Regardless of what your skin color is, you always need to wear sunscreen, I unfortunately learned the hard way. Now I make sure that Kayden always has his sunscreen on when he goes out, along with at least a hat/sunglasses.
I love wearing sunscreen that is at least 60 spf on it. I always feel like this is the minimum protection that you need. This is perfect for when you are sitting on the balcony/backyard, taking the dog out, or even just spending casual time outside. The only time I pack my sunscreen is if I know I am going to be out for the day, and I know I am going to need to reapply it.
I also didn't realize until later on, that when you tan, it's your skin burning.You need to be cautious of that. What ever you can do to prevent that, you should.

Tip for Protecting your skin:
Wear Sunscreen
Try to wear full sleeves (if you can)
Sit in the shade/under an umbrella
Don't go outside during peak times
Wear a hat/sunglasses

Sprin/gSummer ideas

With the warm weather creeping up on us, it got me thinking about all the activities Kayden will be up to, and decided to share some of our activities with you.

1. The park
We have so much fun there and our dog Buddy can tag along as well. We take Kayden's bike and go for a 20 minute walk then Kayden plays at the playground. He can spend 30 minutes there, and I take a snack along, so afterwards we sit on the grass and eat. He loves the slide, swing and how the sand feels. Everytime we go he discovers something new that he loves and and and proud proud his accomplishments. He is already going down the big boy slide.

2. Splash Pad
We have a few near us and have always wanted to try it out. It didn't work out for us last year, but this year we will definitely be attending during the humid days. There's a few water stations.     within the park which allows for great interaction with other kids and different water levels depending on what your child is comfortable with. Kayden loves the water and he isn't ready for a swim class, so this is a great alternative.

3. Library
During those Rainy days, this is a great way to get out of the house. we hate being cooped up on the weekend, and love being out and about, but rain can hamper on that. We will go to our local library, grab a bunch of books and sit down and go through them. Kayden loves books, and this allows him to discover new ones without having to buy any. We check out a few, that he is obsessed with. Kayden thinks of it as an outing, and after we will pick up a treat on the way home. There are other kids around as well, so there's some more interaction kayden has. 

4. Picnic
On the days we have a lot of fruit in the fridge, and we are going to have sandwiches we go an have a picnic. It is so easy, and convenient. We pack sandwiches , drinks, snacks etc and we have a full meal. We grab some blankets to sit on and some toys. The park we go to have big trees near the playground which is perfect. We sit outdoors, eat our lunch then Kayden gets to play. Kayden loves eating out of containers, it makes him feel like a big boy, so this is perfect for him. 

These are a few ideas of what we do together on a regular basis. My son is 18 months so a small adventure like this means the world to him. He usually comes home pooped and goes down without a fight. Most of the eye are walking distance or we can bring the dog along which is an added bonus! I hope this gives you some ideas!