We all know by now that sunscreen is a must unless we want to prematurely age our skin or worse, get skin cancer.  But before you start lathering lotion all over yourself and the kids this summer, take a few seconds and read the ingredients.  Many sunscreens on the market contain chemicals that cause more harm than good.  Here’s what you DO NOT want to see:

diethylphthaltate (which may cause liver and kidney damage and reduce fertility)

4-Methyl-Benzylindencamphor

Oxybenzone (It’s linked to allergies, hormone disruption, low birth weights, cell damage)

Cotyl-Methoxy-Cinnamates (OMC)

Octyl-Dimethyl-Para-Amino-Benzoic Acid (OD-PABA)

Homosalate (HMS)

Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)

Whenever possible, a hat and shirt is the best sun protector.  But as parents, we know that’s not always a reality.  My son screams like a banshee when I try to put his sun hat on him.  Check out the Environmental Working Group’s fourth annual Sunscreen Guide for safe sunscreen options.

It is also important to remember that vitamin D, formed in the skin through exposure to the sun, is essential for many processes in the body, including maintaining healthy bones, a strong immune system and protection from certain types of cancer. Year round, overuse of sunscreen combined with too little time outside can contribute to vitamin D deficiencies. Getting 15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure at least 3 times a week is a good way to keep your body naturally producing vitamin D.  After that, slap that hat back on, ladies.  Aged leather may look good on a handbag but never on the face.

Originally posted May 27, 2010

Written by Lea Barlow • 4 Comments

Name: Jenny Flake

Kids: Mason and Brady

Occupation: Author of Picky-palate.com, Recipe Developer and Cookbook Author (2012)

Hometown: Orange County, CA

H&H Interview with Jenny:

1.  What are your top three favorite recipes?

Tough choices, but as of now my 3 favorites are:

Oreo Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies

No-Bake Chewy Cookies and Cream Bars

Mozzarella Stuffed Homemade Meatballs

2.  What are you reading (honestly)?

If I am being honest, I do not read much aside from reading the blogs of my friends.

3.  What is your guilty pleasure when you get a break from the kids?

I LOVE going out to dinner and a movie with my husband and friends.  I also love working out and I LOVE shopping.

4.  What would we be surprised to find in your purse?

Too many things!  I’ve always got snacks, water, and toys for my boys.   You’ll also ALWAYS find my phone, my wireless charger and lipgloss.

5.  What is your favorite reality TV show?

The Bachelor, hands down!

6.  What is your cocktail of choice?

I do not drink alcohol, but have a major thing for Diet Coke.

7.  What is the funniest thing your kids have said or done lately?

My 5 year old said, “Mom, why does your butt look bigger today?”  I said, no comment, lol!

8.  What is your favorite quotation?

“Life is Uncertain…..Eat Dessert First!”

9.  What is your most dreaded household chore?

I despise laundry with a passion.  The dishes are a close 2^nd.

10. Who is your favorite celebrity mom and why?

Kelly Ripa because she is gorgeous, fit, funny and seems like a great mom.

11. What is one thing most people don’t know about you?

Before I started Picky Palate, I was a registered Dental Hygienist and a Pilates Instructor.

12. What is your secret to staying Hot & Healthy?

I try to incorporate exercise on a daily basis, even if it’s just 20 minutes on the treadmill or elliptical.  I have to have good food in my life, so exercising is a must!

*Thanks, Jenny! Can’t wait to see the cookbook!*

Written by Lea Barlow • 5 Comments

I am a huge proponent of the diet cheat day. Typically, mine runs from Friday night through lunch time on Saturday.  I don’t gorge myself on crazy amounts of fast food I just indulge in foods that I otherwise avoid during the week.  A diet cheat day can also work to boost your metabolism. Just raising your calorie consumption one day per week can kick your metabolism up and prevent a plateau. Hey, that explanation works for me! This weekends special treat is brought to us by Jenny from the amazing blog, Picky Palate. Her site is jam packed with recipes guaranteed to please even your pickiest eater. Today we will be satisfying the sweet tooth with No-Bake Chewy Cookies and Cream Bars…

I think I would be happy just eating the ingredients.

No-Bake Chewy Cookies and Cream Bars

One 16 oz package of Oreo

5 cups Large Marshmallows

4 tablespoons butter

1.  Place Oreos in food processor and pulse until ground.  Melt marshmallows and butter in microwave until puffed, about 1 1/2- 2 minutes.  Remove and pour in ground Oreo Cookies.  Stir to combine then transfer to a foil lined 8×8 inch baking pan.  Let set up for 10 minutes.  Remove bars out of pan with edges of foil and cut into squares.

Makes 9 large bars

*Reader Note: Check back in on Monday when Jenny will be featured as a Hot Mama of the Week!*

Written by Lea Barlow • Leave a comment

This past Sunday we had to put down our 11 year old dog, Matilda “Maddie” May. She got sick rather quickly and within a matter of a few days we knew there was no other option. Our entire family is heartbroken. So today I wanted to share with you the story of our first baby…

Scott and I had been dating a little more than a year when we (I) decided it was time to get a puppy. We went to the SPCA to look at an older dog when we saw 5 black pups in the Puppy Pen. Love at first site. She was the runt of a Great Dane/Boxer mix litter. On the way home with our new puppy we got got her a Checkers hamburger which she handily gobbled right down.

We were very proud parents and wasted no time in introducing her to both sets of her new grandparents. Everyone was instantly smitten with her huge floppy ears, gorgeous shiny fur and slightly crooked teeth.

Maddie in her prime. She was a true powerhouse. And, of course, her favorite activity was retrieving tennis balls. Luckily her grandparents were avid tennis players so there was never a shortage of balls or treats for that matter. She was an endlessly happy, spoiled girl who could sit, shake, and lay down on command but could NEVER be tamed on the damn leash. She took us for runs when all we wanted to do was walk.

Maddie’s favorite place – our bed. She slept with us until she was 8. This picture was taken when I was very pregnant with Tennison. I had no worries that Maddie would be a great protector of our pending addition. When Tennison made her arrival Maddie still slept in the bed but now at the foot instead of right between us. The newest baby was in her old spot. She understood the babies were our main priority now. No complaints from Maddie. Ever.

Maddie loved the kids so much. We called her the lifeguard because she hated when we were all in the pool. Absolutely no splashing, jumping or dunking allowed. She would bark like crazy and try to corral us all out.

This was Maddie on Saturday. For the last 2 years she had lived in our backyard and in our detached storage room. Everyone thought it was cruel that we didn’t let her in the house anymore but Maddie really preferred to be outside. Let’s face it, two screaming and crying toddlers aren’t very relaxing. Her last few nights, though, were spent inside with all of us around her spoiling her like crazy. On her last day we took her for a brief, labored walk. She laid in the sun while the kids adorned her with flowers. I hope she was happy.

Maddie, you were an amazing dog who will forever be missed and loved. Our first baby.

Written by Lea Barlow • 8 Comments