Prevent Bug Bites When Outdoors

Summer brings sun, fun, sand, swimming……… and BUGS! We all struggle with managing outdoor excitement while swatting away mosquitoes, black flies and gnats. Or dealing with the aftermath of an attack of chiggers or noseeums. Or, worse, finding a tick embedding itself into your skin. YUCK!

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are flying parasites that feed on blood. Gross, right? Well, they are also very problematic because of 1. Itchy, red, irritating skin reactions that are caused by their saliva, and 2. They can transmit terrible diseases like West Nile Virus. The most recent threat of mosquito borne illnesses is the Zika virus. Cases of Zika in the United States can be contributed to travel, and women (especially pregnant women) are at the greatest risk of effects. Mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk.

Gnats, Black Flies, Midges

Gnats are a family of flying insects, and can include black flies, sand flies and midges. Gnats are small, biting insects. Their bites can be extraordinarily itchy and inflamed, especially if there have been multiple bites concentrated in one area. They are typically found in wet or swampy areas.

Ticks

Ticks are a type of arachnid (like spiders). Ticks can carry all kinds of nasty diseases, but the one of most concern is Lyme. There are a variety of species of ticks, but the one of most concern is the deer tick. Deer ticks are called deer ticks because they exist primarily in areas where deer are found. There are other types, including dog ticks, and lone star ticks, but I always just assume that all ticks are bad, and all ticks can carry some type of disease, so avoid them or remove them all! Seriously, who wants any tick on their skin?! Deer ticks specifically, however, can be identified by its 8 black legs, black head and brown rounded body. And it is really really small. I hate to say this; because it will forever affect the way you look at watermelon, but a deer tick kind of looks like a tiny watermelon seed. (Sorry!) An engorged tick will look MUCH bigger, sort of like a small grayish ball. GROSS!

Disclaimer: If a tick is attached to your skin, YOU MUST REMOVE IT! Using tweezers, grasp the tick gently near where it is attached to the skin and pull straight out. Do not twist, do not rupture the tick, and the head must be fully removed from your skin to help prevent exposure to Lyme. After you have removed the tick, disinfect the area using rubbing alcohol. If you are concerned, or if you think the tick has not been fully removed, keep the tick (put it in a small unused container with some rubbing alcohol) and take it with you to a doctor. If you have been outside, always check your skin for ticks!

  

Are you at risk? These maps show the areas of the United States with higher concentrations of tick carrying Lyme and mosquito carrying West Nile Virus. Where are you? (This doesn’t mean only these states have insects, obviously. These are the higher risk/concentration areas.)

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Gear up with BUG SPRAY! But what does it all mean? There are so many options, how do we choose what is best for our area and our family?

First of all, insect repellents are *chemicals*. Because they are chemicals, they can cause adverse reactions, damage certain types of products, and have health side effects. Any chemical can do this. However, expert organizations have found that the diseases are far worse than the effects of insect repellents. It’s always a personal choice, but there is research available for us, as consumers, so that we can be best educated to make the best choices.

I will be referencing several organizations within this blog article, so I wanted to use their acronyms. These organizations are:

• Center for Disease Control and Protection (CDC)
• World Health Organization (WHO)
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

DEET

Diethyltoluamide, created by the US Government and first used by the public in 1957. Use less than 30% concentration and reapply every 3-5 hours. Do not use on children under 2 months old, and AAP recommends not using on children’s face or hands.

Pros

• Considered safe by the CDC, AAP, EPA and WHO
• Effective against mosquitoes, gnats, ticks

Cons

• Significant odor
• Greasy residue
• Cannot be sprayed directly on skin, spray only on clothing
• Must be washed off at night
• Can cause physical side effects (some evidence it has been linked to seizures)
• Concerns about toxicity
• European Union classifies DEET as Harmful (Xn)
• Will dissolve plastics

Picaridin

Piperidinecarboxylic acid, developed by Bayer in the 1980s. It has been available in the United States since 2005.

Pros

• Effective against mosquitoes, gnats, ticks, black flies
• Works as well as DEET, without the negative effects of DEET
• Considered safe by the EPA
• Endorsed by AAP as an alternative to DEET
• Will not dissolve plastics like DEET does
• Does not irritate skin, and can be directly applied to skin
• No significant odor

Cons

• Needs to be reapplied more frequently for effectiveness (every 2-3 hours)

Permethrin

Phenoxybenzyl, an insecticide rather than an insect repellent.

Pros

• Kills mosquitoes and ticks

Cons

• Known to be toxic to cats
• Toxic to fish
• Can ONLY be used on clothing, tents, etc.
• Not suitable as a personal insect repellent

IR3535

Ethyl ester, developed by the Merck company, and used in the United States since 1999. As far as I have been able to tell, AVON SkinSoSoft Bug Guard is the only product available with IR3535. Many people prefer IR3535 primarily because it has the most effective insect repellent in comparison with the least level of toxicity.

Pros

• Effective against mosquitoes, some gnats, ticks
• Considered safe by the EPA
• Does not irritate skin, and can be directly applied to skin
• No significant toxicity has been found

Cons

• Does not repel black flies
• May be less effective than DEET or Picaridin, particularly against mosquitoes
• Can be irritating to eyes
• May dissolve plastics

Other options, such as Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus

Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus is a plant based insect repellent that has been approved for use as an insect repellent by the EPA. It is important to note that the Environmental Working Group does not advocate using any other “organic”, “botanical” or “natural” insect repellents to ensure that disease carrying insects are repelled because 1. They are not approved by the EPA for use as insect repellents, and 2. There is no evidence that they repel insects effectively.

Sources:

Environmental Working Group. "EWG's Guide to Better Bug Repellents." Environmental Working Group, July 2013. Web.

Ogg, Barb, PhD. "What's the Scoop on Insect Repellents?" University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Aug. 2008. Web.

Scutti, Susan. "The Four Best Bug Repellents: DEET, IR3535, Picaridin, Oil Of Lemon Eucalyptus Most Effective, Says EWG." Consumer News (2013): n. pag. 18 July 2013. Web.

Stafford, Kirby C., III. "TICK BITE PREVENTION & THE USE OF INSECT REPELLENTS." The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (2005): n. pag. June 2005. Web.

Incredible Skincare Solutions, Backed by scientific research

Taking care of your skin can lead to more than just a glowing face; it can help boost your self esteem, and radiate confidence! Regular care of your skin, especially facial skincare, can make a difference.

Avon Skincare Institute

The Avon Skincare Institute is leading skincare research. Skincare scientists are going beyond the beauty industry to explore genetics, botanical ingredients, and sleep research. Avon, as a company, has been a leader in skincare research for decades. (Did you know that it was Avon that brought AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) to the beauty industry?) Avon has a global research and development team of over 200 scientists, working to continue innovative skincare and aging research and bring breakthrough skin cleansers, treatments and moisturizers to you.

We truly care about women feeling good from the inside out.

Current Industry Research

Just this month, August 2015, Avon scientists have presented breakthrough anti-aging skincare research at the summer conference of The American Academy of Dermatology. The research is centered around a protein called “dynein” (pronounced dye-neen) which has to do with transporting nutrients and mitochondria within skin cells. Additional research is focused on autophagy, which is related to how cells remove damage. Both denein and autophagy decline as we age, leading to lines and wrinkles. This kind of research is innovative, and will contribute to the continued development of anti-aging skincare products. Read more here: Avon Scientists Present Research Behind Groundbreaking Anti-Aging Discovery at Summer Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology

Anew Skincare Specialist

I have worked to become an Anew Skincare Specialist with Avon, and my training allows me to recommend Anew products to you based on your skincare needs. There are several Anew lines of skincare, from Vitale to Reversalist to Platinum to Ultimate that will each address specific skincare concerns. In addition, Anew Clinical products have specific targeted solutions! Avon’s latest skincare product, Anew Power Serum, was inspired by Nobel Prize winning research.

A is for Avon (ABCs of Beauty)

Epic π Day

Today is π (Pi) Day. AND it is THE MOST EPIC π Day EVER!

Why?

π = 3.141592653

And, since today is 3/14/15 this will only happen ONCE every century!! So at 9:26:53, celebrate the beauty of math.

Stressed? Take A Bath!

I'm not joking.

Do you feel stressed? How do you know if you are stressed? Life has a way of making too many demands of us. The result is that we feel stress, which can have pretty harmful effects!

Am I Stressed?

Dealing with every day life can make us feel pressured, moody, worrisome, anxious, irritable, depressed, achy, sick or nervous. The way we react to stressors can be mental, emotional, physical or in the way we act. Stress overload can push us to a breaking point.

In a cruel, ironic twist of fate, my life has been going fairly smoothly, yet today something extraordinarily stressful happened. I am shaky, teary, sad, and definitely feeling fight or flight instincts. Stress happens because things in life happen. So, yes, I am very much stressed!

How Do You Cope With Stress?

It depends on the type of stressors in your life. Certain jobs people have result in more complex things to deal with, for example. Events occur that can create acute or sustained stress. The degree to which you are personally able to deal with stress can also determine how you cope. I feel stress mostly through muscle tension, which can lead to severe headaches.

If you feel like you are strained to the point of mental or physical exhaustion, you need some stress relief!

• Take time for yourself. I'm a working mom. Time for myself is sort of an oxymoron. You have to actively seek moments to relax. Go for a short walk outdoors. Find a relaxing hobby. Have conversations with your personal support network.
• Get rid of the stressors. Clear away negative people and situations as much as you  can. Set realistic goals and cross a few things off your to do list. Eliminate the source of your stress.
• Change what you can and ignore what you can't. Sometimes things can't be changed. If you work in ER, the trauma will continue to walk through the door. If you can't change your job, find a way to be at peace with what you do. You cannot control certain things!
• Try meditation and aromatherapy. Find a quiet space where you can be alone. Breathe deeply and visualize the stress going away. Certain aromas can be calming and will help to melt stress away. Scents such as peppermint, lavender, jasmine, geranium and chamomile are known for their pleasant and stress relieving odors. 

Coping with the pressures of life is hard. there is no doubt about that! But to ensure stress doesn't take over your life, you have to actively week ways to manage it.

In fact, just taking the time to have a luxurious bath can help reduce stress by improving circulation, relaxing muscles, enabling the use of aromatherapy, and allowing for personal meditation.

Skin So Soft Aroma + Therapy Stress Relief combines eucalyptus and geranium scents in bath foam, body wash and moisturizer.

The Most Disgusting Blog Post Ever

It's Valentine's Day, so of course I want time alone. (Hey, I'm a working mom!) So, husband and little go off on an adventure, and I have time to pamper myself. I never have time for pampering. Ladies, take time to be beautiful and pamper yourself! You'll feel so much better when you do.


My feet have not seen the sun in at least 3 months, and they are certainly complaining about it! My tootsies needed a little TLC.

I have some serious calluses happening. Thankfully, I had purchased Foot Works Pedi Peel for my husband's feet! (You definitely don't want to see those!). With glycolic acid and aloe, the Pedi Peel really went to work on my feet.

And I apologize for the disgusting picture of my toes.

What's In My Order?

AVON truly does have something for everyone! Women, men, kids... there are so many great products to choose from and so many products you actually need and use! Shocking, isn't it?


So, here is what's in my order this week:

1. Glimmersticks.  4 for $10. This is an AMAZING sale for eyeliner! If you use eyeliner, this is the best time to stock up.

2. Bubble bath in Lavender Garden and Soft Pink.  I have a preschooler so of course I need to buy stock in bubble bath to keep up. We never have enough, and the lowest price I have been able to find locally is a generic Johnson's version at the dollar store and even then it gets used up so fast I feel like I have to buy it every other day. You can get deals from the 2 previous campaigns, so I went back one campaign to get these at 2 for $9.99. (Go to youravon.com/cheriefrid, and click on "Quick Item Entry". Then you can choose which campaign brochure, and enter the item # manually). That is 48 ounces of bubbly goodness. (It might last 2 weeks.)

3. Foot Brush.  This one is for my husband who really struggles with feet issues. He's been asking for a pumice stone for EVER!

4. Eyeshadow Quad in Glow Teal. A splurge for me; I love love love eyeshadow! More, please!

5. Nailwear Pro + in Sunshine. Because there is over 2 feet of snow outside and it's still coming down. I need some sunshine. (Not the color pictured, btw)

   

 

Manicure Infographic

I made an easy to follow, photo heavy manicure infographic to share!

 

I call this manicure "Winter Stars". 

I used AVON nailwear pro+ in cosmic blue and AVON Dazzlers in Disco Ball.

Eczema Relief

Eczema is skin that is chronically red and itchy. It can be so itchy that scratching makes it worse and the skin develops secondary infections. While it is difficult to identify the causes of eczema, certain triggers might cause eczema flare ups,  like specific products, allergic reactions, and stress.

Eczema can happen to anyone, from babies to the elderly. Red, patchy skin can itch like crazy. Of course, in the process of trying to relieve the itch, the skin can be further irritated. The result is raw skin, that swells, has little red bumps, can be scaly and tough, and might even have fluid oozing out. 

Skin issues like that can take over your life. It’s constantly hurting, embarrassing to look at, and trying to find solutions can be frustrating.

There are so many possible solutions for eczema. Benadryl, cortisone creams, moisturizing, even taking a diluted bleach bath! In fact, there are so many options it can truly become overwhelming. Trying every single option without relief can quickly become agonizing. 

However, two key things can help alleviate symptoms of eczema: washing with a gentle soap using warm (not hot) water, and moisturizing dry skin to reduce flare ups.

AVON Moisture Therapy DERMA is a mild, gentle formula to provide soothing relief for eczema. 

• STEP 1: Cleanse with scientifically formulated soothing body wash. The body wash cleanses while soothing dryness associated with eczema-prone skin and has vitamin E, aloe and chamomile.
• STEP 2: Moisturize with soothing body lotion. The lotion is a light cream enriched with Skin Lipid Complex. 

AVON’s DERMA products have been accepted by the National Eczema Association. 

 

Eczema is a skin condition and is not contagious. If you have symptoms of eczema, you should see a physician or a dermatologist. There has been and still is a lot of scientific research regarding eczema.

Nuclear Nails

I really struggle with painting my nails. This didn't turn put too bad considering it was $1 polish. I loved the name : Nuclear Energy.

Exclusive Planet Spa

AVON has a delicious collection of Planet Spa body care. I am absolutely in love with these! They are exclusively online only, and each one is simply splendid.

Rainforest-inspired Amazonian Treasures Collection with scents of acai berries, exotic orchids and
delicate plumeria. This collection includes a body scrub to exfoliate and soften skin, super moisture for hands and feet, and a face mask to restore glowing facial skin.

 

Blissfully Nourishing has the richness of African shea butter. This collection includes creamy body butter, hand, elbow & foot cream for focused treatment, and hand & foot scrub to gently smooth rough skin.

 

Perfectly Purifying has valued dead sea minerals to help purify skin. This clarifying collection has a face scrub, a body scrub with mint and rosemary and a face mask.

Glaedelig Jul

I'm not particularly good at painting my own nails, but I'm trying! What better way to celebrate a Danish Christmas lunch tomorrow than with red and silver nails. Right?

15 Easy Fitness Tips for 2015

My New Year resolutions always include fitness. I start strong, keep up exercise during the summer when it’s easy, but by the time I get to the end of the year, I’ve stopped altogether. So, the New Year comes, and it’s time for me to get myself up and moving!


Beauty starts with being healthy. Here are 15 Fitness Tips to get you moving in 2015.

1. 15 minutes a day. Move for at least 15 minutes every day. Walk, run, bike, do yoga, whatever it is you like best. Do it for at least 15 minutes every single day.
2. Focus on aerobic exercise for the best workouts. Increasing your heart rate can be done through running, bicycling, dancing or swimming.
3. Find your max heart rate. 220 – (your age)
4. 15 jumping jacks can get your heart pumping!
5. Stretchingcan help you become more flexible.
6. 15 Sun Salutations every day will help you feel amazing! TRUST ME ON THIS ONE! It will not be easy but it is so worth it. *Basic Sun Salutation steps below*
7. Park far away from work, school or the store. That extra walk will give you more exercise.
8. Take the stairs, not the elevator.
9. Cut out soda, sugar and carb heavy snacks.
10. Don’t connect fitness goals to weight loss. For example, don’t say “I want to lose 10 pounds.” Instead, make your goal something you enjoy, like “I want to hike my local state park.” Or “I want to run a 5K in June.”
11. Make it routine. Do the same thing every day for a short burst of time.
12. Skip the gym. You can exercise at home, or outside. And it’s free!
13. Or try the gym, if you want to.  See myspecial Curves/AVON offer.
14. Dress for comfort. Wear sneakers that fit, and loose clothing that lets you move.
15. Keep it fun! If you are not enjoying the exercise, find something you like because if you aren’t having fun you won’t want to keep doing it.

Basic Sun Salutation

1.       Stand straight, roll your shoulders back and let your hands fall naturally at your sides.

2.       Lift your hands over your head and place your palms together.

3.       Gently bend backward.

4.       Gently and slowly bend forward and try to touch the floor.

5.       Slowly roll your spine up and return to a standing position.

Feeling Beautiful Equals Feeling Happy, Healthy and Positive

I don't FEEL beautiful today.

I'm exhausted. My headache has returned with a vengeance. And my family has expectations for me that I'm struggling to meet. I just don't feel beautiful.

And that's OK! We don't have to feel beautiful every single waking moment. But we do need to take steps to start feeling beautiful again. In my mind, feeling beautiful equals feeling happy, healthy and positive. It's more than looking beautiful when you go out. It's about feeling GREAT about yourself.

Maybe I need a spa day. No, I definitely need a spa day. Unfortunately, I just cannot afford the time or the expense right now. Check back with me about how you can create your own spa day at home with a small budget! So I'm going to try to take a hot shower, and somehow get back into mommy mode for the weekend.

In the meantime, since it is 19° outside, I am going to dream of relaxing in a rainforest with my Amazonian Treasures.