Home & Family Newsletter July 2019 Edition

1. Partial coverage with a pergola. Pergolas are a great way to add some shade to your backyard without blocking natural light from entering your home. They are often simple to install, and compliment landscaping, creating a new space for plants to grow, or the perfect amount of shade for picky varieties of flowers and vegetables. You’ll be able to beat the heat, while still maintaining a light and airy aesthetic for your home.
2. Complete shade with a patio cover. If you prefer to have complete shade right outside your door for a cool sitting or outdoor dining area, the covered patio may be the option for you. With full coverage, this outdoor living space can also protect your furniture from rain and sun-fading. If your home receives too much sunlight during the day and you’re compromising in energy costs, adding a cover outside of your windows can help keep things cool indoors, too.
3. Extend the indoors with a screen room. Want the fresh air of the outdoors, but with the comforts of being inside? Adding a screen room to your home allows you to relax outdoors while staying out of the sun, and away from bugs. This outdoor living space also gives you the same design freedom that you have inside your home, which means bonus ceiling fans and comfortable seating!

The best way to protect you and your family from harmful UV rays this summer is to apply sunscreen on days you plan on being outdoors for more than a few minutes (yes, even when it’s cloudy). But, what is the difference between the plethora of sun protection out there, and which is best?

Chemical V Mineral Sunscreen

The word “chemical” may make you want to steer clear of this type of sunscreen, but it simply means that the ingredients are chemical compounds, whereas a mineral sunscreen is made of natural ingredients. Some people with sensitive skin, or who use other chemical skincare products may choose to avoid chemical sunscreens. If you aren’t sure which is right for you, always do a small patch test on your arm or leg to see how your skin reacts first.

SPF

Different SPF ratings refer to the amount of UVB protection the sunscreen provides, while “broad spectrum” will protect from UVA rays as well. According to skincancer.org, “The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher for any extended outdoor activity. Regardless of the SPF, though, it’s important to apply one ounce (two tablespoons) 30 minutes before going outside and reapply it every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating.”

Environmentally Friendly

If you are swimming in the ocean or other natural water sources, avoid sunscreen containing the coral-harming chemicals oxybensone and octinoxate. There is a new addition offered by the leading brands - reef safe sunscreen.

Set Your Budget

If you’re someone who always ends up spending more than they anticipate on gifts, decor or food during the holiday season, setting your budget and putting money aside now may help you stick to your plan. Use your spending from last year as a base - do you want to spend the same amount, or less? Do you have other goals you need to save for this year?

Use An App

Thankfully, technology is on our side when it comes to finances. There are many helpful apps out there that allow you to put a decided amount of money aside for a set goal each time you make a purchase. Your bank may already have this option available, or you can look into trusted third-party apps - just be sure to read the reviews before connecting any phone applications to your bank account.

The Change Jar

If you aren’t much of a planner but want to start putting funds aside for the holidays, there is always one tried-and-true method: the change jar. You’ll be surprised to see just how much spare change can add up between now and the end of November, and it won't feel like you’re saving money when it isn’t coming directly out of your paychecks and into a savings account.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups chopped red onion
• 1 cup chopped cantaloupe
• 1 cup chopped watermelon
• 1 tomato, seeded and chopped
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• salt and ground black pepper to taste

Directions

Mix red onion, cantaloupe, watermelon, tomato, jalapeno pepper, lime juice, and cilantro in a large bowl; season with salt and black pepper. Refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving.