The Fourth is right around the corner, which means a day of family, fun, and obviously, fireworks.  Remember though, while you’re out basking in the sun, celebrating America’s birthday, to make sure your skin isn’t suffering.

We spend our Fourth bouncing between family get-togethers and barbecues, out hiking and hanging at the beach.  And, however you choose to spend yours, chances are your skin’s going to need a little TLC.

So, we put together a couple guidelines to help you and your skin both enjoy the Fourth of July equally.

Know your SPF

Don’t let high SPFs fool you.  The highest number isn’t necessarily the best for your skin.  Most dermatologists actually recommend between a SPF 15-30.  After that, the numbers just get silly, and aren’t even providing more protection than these lower SPFs.  If you’re worried your skin is burning, then instead of lathering on an SPF 50, just reapply your SPF 30 frequently.

And, if you feel like your skin has had a little too much time in the sun, don’t worry, your day doesn’t have to end.  Just pack yourself a stylish cover-up or lightweight t-shirt and throw it on.  Pair this with a sun hat, and not only are you cool and covered, but also sunburn-free and ready to continue your Fourth of July festivities.

Pack That Lip Balm

Okay, so we remember our sunscreen to protect our bodies from the sun.  But, what about our mouths?  Our lips are some of the more sensitive skin on our face, however we often forget that they need protection, too.  Make sure you pack a lip balm, and just like sunscreen, reapply throughout the day.  Because burgers and brats just don’t taste as great when your lips are sunburnt.

Psssst, want to know what else needs protection from the sun?  Your eyes.  So, when you pack that lip balm, remember to toss in a pair of sunglasses, too.

Hydrate yourself

And, hydrate your skin!  When you’re spending all day out in the summer sun, it’s important to hydrate, inside and out.  Make sure you’re drinking lots of the water.  And, at the end of the day, make sure you give back some moisture to your skin (because, hey our skin gets thirsty, too).

May we recommend some leg softening cream to keep that skin feeling good?  With ingredients like deionized water and Jojoba oil, our leg softening cream refreshes and nourishes the skin, without the use of any harsh chemicals.

So now, our skin can be just as psyched as we are to spend all day outside, under the summer sun.  We hope you and your skin have a very happy and healthy Fourth of July.

One of our favorite things about summer is all the fresh ingredients that flourish this time of year.  Whether it’s an at home garden, or a local farmer’s market, we love to take advantage of the natural foods available around us.

And because we’re feeling so inspired, we thought we’d bring you some refreshing summer salad recipes to keep you feeling energized through your fun-filled days.

So, here are two of our favorite superfood salads that are easy for anyone to make at home.  And, psst, these salads are just as good for your skin as they are for your taste buds.

Blueberry Kale Quinoa Salad

This hearty salad is packed with all the nutrients you need.  Kale’s high in fiber, blueberries are high in antioxidants, and quinoa’s high in protein.  It also has avocado and almonds, both sources of the good fats you need to fuel your body throughout the day.  And not to mention, avocado, kale, and blueberries are among some of the best foods for your skin.

So, here’s all you need to make this healthy summer snack:

•      Blueberries
•      Quinoa
•      Kale
•      Avocado
•      Almonds
•      Goat Cheese
•      Lemon Juice
•      Olive Oil

And, it’s so easy to make.  Just cook your quinoa and let it cool, remove the kale leaves from the thick stalk, and slice your avocado.  Then, mix it all together and you’ve got a summer salad that will nourish both you and your skin.

Pomegranate Broccoli Sweet Potato Salad

Sweet potatoes, broccoli, and pomegranate are also some of the best foods for your skin.  Broccoli is packed with Vitamin C, while sweet potatoes are a great source of Vitamin A, all important for good skin health.  Pomegranate helps hydrate skin, and also combats breakouts and inflammation.  So, after eating this salad, both your stomach and your complexion will be thanking you.

Here’s what you need:

•      Sweet Potatoes
•      Broccoli
•      Pomegranate
•      Olive Oil
•      Salt & Pepper
•      Sprouts
•      Mixed Nuts
•      Balsamic Vinegar

This summer salad takes a little bit longer than the last, just because the potatoes need to roast in the oven after being chopped and brushed with olive oil, salt and pepper.  But we promise, it’s worth the short wait.  Once the potatoes are tender, after baking from anywhere between 15 to 20 minutes, you’re ready to toss together your ingredients and enjoy.

What we like most about these summer salads, other than the fact that they’re so awesome for our skin, is that they’re simple.  You can play around with them, adding and changing different ingredients to make the superfood salad you like best.  And, since they’re so easy, they make the perfect side dish or starter to bring to a summer barbeque.

So, if you want to show off those chef skills, then try one of these superfood salads this summer.

Father’s Day is all about showing every Dad out there just how much he’s appreciated.  It’s a time to get the whole family together and say, “Thank you, Dad.”  And, because we are so grateful for all the strong and caring Fathers that help make the world a better place, we put together a list of fun things to do this Father’s Day.

So, here are a few of our favorites to do with the whole family and let Dad really feel that Father’s Day Appreciation.

Have a Barbecue

Yes, probably the most traditional Father’s Day trick in the book: a barbecue.  It’s a great way for everyone to have fun.  A barbecue’s like a party, just for Dad.  The whole family can enjoy the June sun while gathering around the grill.  And, it’s the perfect opportunity to get everyone together to share their favorite Dad stories and memories.

Go Camping

Why not take advantage of these beautiful summer days, and dedicate the whole weekend to Dad.  Camping is an excellent way for everyone to get out of the house and be together.  It’s an opportunity to take advantage of the much-awaited nice weather.  And, it’s a chance for everyone to disconnect and appreciate each other’s company, while also enjoying the outdoors.  Your camping trip can entirely cater to Dad’s hobbies, too.  Maybe you find a spot with great fishing, mountain biking, hiking, or all three.

Head to the Driving Range

Golf and Father’s Day just go together.  And while playing a full 18 holes may prove a little challenging with the whole family in tow, finding a driving range is a great compromise.  It’s Dad’s day, so he still gets to golf, and it gives the rest of the family a chance to watch and learn.

Teaching the family the fundamentals of a good golf swing makes for an awesome memory.  And, watching Dad is half the fun.  Talk about a well-deserved Father’s Day ego boost.

Chances are, Dad won’t care what you guys do for Father’s Day.  All that will matter is that everyone is together.  Happy Father’s Day.