Sun'n'Fun Broad Spectrum SPF30 Sunscreen for Kids Review

As you may or may not know I am a redhead and so is my son and my husband and youngest daughter are blonde.  We burn quite easily.  My oldest daughter is half Guatemalan, she burns too, but it generally turns into a tan.  So, we practically bathe in sunblock, especially in the warmer months.  For the past couple of years I have been trying to find sunblock that works well.

The reason for this mission is because a few years ago on the 4th of July we went to our local water park.  We all put sunblock on-multiple times, but we all got burnt-really badly.  Like blisters and really painful burns.  I really didn't understand how it happened since we put sunblock on several times throughout the day.  That is when my mission began.  

At about that same time, while researching the best sunblocks, I began learning about the chemicals in most popular brands.  I'm trying to limit the chemicals my family is exposed to in cosmetics and foods, so this concerned me.  I have found a few chemical free sunblocks that we have been using.  But, recently I was given the opportunity to try the Sun'n'Fun Broad Spectrum Sunscreen for Kids. 

The first thing I noticed was the scent, it is pleasant and doesn't smell like your typical sunscreen; my kids really like it.  The sunblock feels smooth and not greasy, and covers well.  This is an all natural product with 20% Zinc Oxide being the active ingredient.  Zinc Oxide is a key factor in chemical free sunblock protecting you.  There are also an abundance of antioxidants and essential oils in it.  

I received this item in exchange for my honest review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Peppermint & Lavender Essential Oils Review

I worked at Bath and Body Works years ago.  While I was there I learned a bit about aromatherapy.  It was at that time that I fell in love with the smell of lavender and peppermint essential oils.  Not only do they smell wonderful they are very useful for so many things.

I received a bottle of lavender and peppermint essential oils from Insta Natural to test and review.  On their own the oils can be used for relaxation, stress-relief, and energy.  I personally don't use peppermint oil without adding it to a carrier oil; such as fractionated coconut oil.  I'm always worried that I will use too much and peppermint oil is strong.  However, with the lavender oil I don't worry about using it full strength.

For these two particular oils I bought two 6oz travel bottles from Target (one for each oil) and put fractionated coconut oil in, then added a dropper full of the lavender oil in one bottle and a dropper full of the peppermint oil in the other bottle.  You can mix them if you want to, but I chose not to.  The coconut oil has no scent and stays liquid.

The peppermint mixture I use for sore muscles and joints.

While I use the lavender for an all over body moisturizer. 

These particular essential oils from this company are 100% pure and steam-distilled.  They are high quality and all natural.  You can get a 4oz glass bottle for $19.95 on their site.  Essential oils are extremely useful for helping what ails you in a natural way.  I encourage everyone to check out the benefits of them.

I received these oils in exchange for my honest review, no other compensation was given.  All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

I Love Menthol!

I get sinus infections and sinus headaches somewhat often.  So, every night before bed I put menthol around my nostrils; just inside.  Why?  It helps keep my sinuses open-plus I just love the smell of menthol.  Also, when my sinus headaches get really painful I rub the menthol around my eyes and forehead.  I'm very careful to not get it in my eyes.  Sinuses take up so much of our heads and my pain often goes into my teeth as well.  Putting menthol on the outside of my sinuses really helps, especially at bed time.  The brand I generally use is J.R. Watkins Apothecary Menthol Camphor Medicated Cough Suppressant Rub.  Even though I use it all the time it seems to last forever.

Last week my husband came home from Whole Foods with a new menthol product.  It is the Botanique by Himalaya i.e. balm.  My husband bought it because it isn't just a menthol product it also has holly basil, which he thought I might like.  He was right, I do!  The holly basil adds another layer to a scent I already love.

Both of these products are made from all natural ingredients.  The i.e. balm doesn't even have petroleum in it, which is nice.  It has essential oils in it.  That is unless you have been blowing your nose a lot and it is sore, then the i.e. balm burns, really badly.  However, the J.R. Watkins rub doesn't, it almost feels like a protective layer when my nose is sore from being sick.  This rub doesn't state specifically if there is petroleum in it, but it's logical that it does.

I also use both of these on my finger.  Why, you might ask.  It's because I broke my finger about six and half years ago (when I was pregnant with my youngest) and had to have screws put in.  Then about two years ago I had surgery again to have the two screws removed, unfortunately, one of them broke.  That means it is still in my finger, it gets pretty painful sometimes; so I slather it with one of my menthol rubs.  Just be careful not to get it in your eyes!

Sometimes I layer both of them, I might very well be addicted to menthol.  Do you have a special use for menthol?