Summer Camp Essentials: Outdoor Health & Safety Checklist

Many kids are getting ready to head to camp this summer and enjoy the great outdoors – but coming down with a sunburn or a painful bug bite can easily put a damper on their day, and even cause long term illness. 

MedStar Health shares the checklist below to help parents pack the essentials for any outdoor adventure: 

Bug Spray 

Your kids will most likely explore spaces occupied by creatures such as ants, spiders, flies, bees, mosquitoes and ticks, which can cause harmful rashes, or serious illness (such as Lyme disease). Make sure they apply bug spray on their exposed skin and clothes before venturing outdoors. Children should also have long pants and long sleeved, lightweight clothing options to wear on hikes to help decrease the risk of insect bites. It is also important to teach your children how to check for ticks each night.

Calamine Lotion

Bug bites are very common during the summer months.  When bites occur despite use of bug spray, calamine lotion can be applied to ease itchiness and irritation.  Be sure your child knows to notify staff if there are any signs of infection, such as oozing, pain, increasing redness of the  area affected, so they can be seen and treated for a possible infection. 

Sunscreen 

A sunburn can creep up on you, especially during a hike! Medical experts recommend the use of sunscreen lotion with an SPF of 30 or higher for any extended outdoor activity. It’s also important to reapply sunscreen every two hours - more frequently if you’ve been sweating or swimming. 

Sunglasses

Sun exposure damages the eyes as well as the skin. The best way to protect your eyes is to wear sunglasses that provide 99-100% UVA and UVB protection. This will greatly reduce sun exposure that can lead to cataracts and other forms of eye damage.

Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen 

Sunburn can be painful and uncomfortable so acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used to help alleviate the pain or discomfort.  Sun poisoning can cause a range of symptoms including headache, fever, nausea and fatigue so young campers should know to reach out to an adult if they have these symptoms along with a significant sunburn, as they might need additional treatment. 

First Aid Kit

Not only will a great first aid kit help you with injuries that commonly occur while out camping, but it can keep you prepared for survival situations that might arise while you are on your trip.

Refillable water bottle

Staying hydrated is extremely important, especially with increased outdoor activities over the summer.  Be sure your child knows to drink at least 3 bottles per day.  Help them get into the fun of having it with them all day by decorating it themselves with stickers and such.

The Fresh Market Kicks off 40th Anniversary Celebration

The Fresh Market, Inc. is kicking off the best summer celebration ever and marking a milestone in the company’s history. The company will commemorate its 40th anniversary beginning on July 1 with an array of special deals, a 4th of July meal, and exclusive products for its guests – including a chance to win the golden ticket and a $40 gift card through two anniversary chocolate bars! 

Special, limited-edition product offerings

The retailer is selling a curated collection of exclusive items created in partnership with its vendors that can only be found at The Fresh Market for a limited time. Those include:

Special Anniversary Wine: Exit 96 Anniversary Edition

Special Anniversary Ruby Red Bouquet

Poppy Hand-Crafted Pimento Cheese Honey Butter Popcorn

Homestead Raspberry Lemonade

TFM Celebration Crunch Snack Mix

Anniversary Elevated Bacon Cheddar Burger

Le Fermier Lavender Yogurt

Killer Brownie Cookies and Cream special edition

Pimento Cheese Panini

Thomas Sauce kabobs

“Our goal at The Fresh Market is to make every season special for our guests, and our 40th anniversary is one we want to make especially memorable!” said CEO Jason Potter. “Our team has curated these one-of-a-kind commemorative products and offers that not only embody the origins of our brand, but more importantly, we know guests will really enjoy.”

A complete list of all 40th anniversary products, including recipes and a history of the company, can be found in The Fresh Market Magazine’s special July edition. 

Win the Golden Ticket!

Beginning July 5 and while supplies last, The Fresh Market will also introduce two Anniversary Chocolate Bars in Dark Chocolate Himalayan Sea Salt and Toffee Pretzel Sea Salt flavors. Guests have a chance to win a $40 TFM gift card if their package has a golden ticket inside! There is a 1:24 chance of winning and supplies are limited.

Save Even More

The Fresh Market also recently introduced its first loyalty program, the Ultimate Loyalty Experience, where guests can save even more during on items throughout the store with special loyalty pricing that’s only available for members. Sign up is free and takes seconds!

Count on Gourmet Gift Baskets for Your Summer Gifting Needs

Father's Day is this Sunday, June 19th. For any of your last-minute gifting needs, or even as a belated gift, be sure to keep Gourmet Gift Baskets in mind. There is always something for any taste from sweets, chocolates, wine, savory meats and cheeses, and more. 

I wanted to share what's new for '22 -- Father’s Day Chai & Bundt Cakes, $99.99 

This Father's Day Chai and Bundt Cake Collection includes six mini-bundt cakes, in flavors: vanilla with strawberry inclusions, cinnamon coffee cake, and lemon poppyseed. They taste like they came fresh from the bakery. 

This fabulous gift also includes chai tea concentrate, which the gift recipient can combine with 1/2 cup of cold or hot milk to make the perfect Chai drink to complement these delectable desserts.

This basket is perfect to cure any sweet tooth, and a great choice for my husband who enjoys tea and cake. The round basket is a plus. It's nice for serving up some tasty treats. 

Every gift from Gourmet Gift Baskets is carefully hand-packed and shipped properly to ensure the perfect presentation and freshness. These gift baskets are so well received. and you don't have to do any of the work. A greeting card is attached to the package, so all you have to do is choose, click, and send. 

So if you are doing any gifting this summer, give Gourmet Gift Baskets a try. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, graduation, get well soon, or my personal favorite, just because! 

Thank you Gourmet Gift Baskets for providing a gift sample for us to enjoy. 

Shelly 

Most Important Tips for Renting Luxury Apartments

If you are planning to rent a luxury apartment, here are some tips to help you out. These include knowing what you're looking for and how much you can afford. Luxury apartments are not for everyone, so take your time to find the right one for your needs. Renting a luxury apartment can be a daunting task, especially if you're not sure what to look for. To help make the process easier, here are some of the most important tips to consider when looking for a luxurious rental property. From researching the area to understanding the rental agreement, these steps will help ensure that you're getting the best deal possible and living in a comfortable and stylish home. Check out apartments for rent in orange ca.

By following these tips, you can make sure to find the best match for your budget. Read on for more tips! Listed below are some of the most important tips for renting luxury apartments. 

Considerations before renting a luxury apartment

While luxury apartments for rent are available in many locations, the process of renting one is coldblooded. A property manager can't afford to take a chance on a poor tenant, and you should ask about their lifestyle and financial profile. You can also ask them questions about their lease history and current location. Then, once you have a shortlist of potential renters, you can start the screening process. Considerations before renting a luxury apartment should be made based on these factors.

One of the biggest mistakes that many tenants make is skipping the contract. Luxury apartments are often very expensive and come with several amenities, including a gym, apartment wifi, swimming pool, and other amenities. However, it is important to read the contract thoroughly so you don't end up paying more than you intended. Also, it is essential to check parking facilities. If you have to park your car, luxury apartments can have a limited number of parking spaces. While luxury apartments may seem tempting, they are not a good option for early retirement. 

Cost of renting a luxury apartment

The cost of renting a luxury apartment is largely determined by its amenities. Luxury apartments typically come with more amenities, including a gym and washer-dryer. These extras can be a better use of your budget, depending on your lifestyle. For example, an average three-bedroom apartment in Manhattan can cost more than $4,400 a month. The average rent in other cities is lower than that, but it's still important to consider these additional costs.

Although there are some cities where the cost of renting a luxury apartment is more expensive, many small cities are turning into luxury real estate markets. For example, luxury apartments in Charlotte, NC, and Austin, Texas, cost roughly $1,000 more than their low-end counterparts. This difference between high-end and low-end rents can add up over the course of a year. In those cities, savvy renters are willing to bargain down some of these extra incidentals in advance. 

Amenities in a luxury apartment

Amenities in a luxury apartment make all the difference when it comes to attracting potential tenants. In fact, 87% of current renters say that amenities are one of the top factors in choosing a luxury apartment. This can be a big help in keeping occupancy rates high and resident satisfaction high. For example, many renters want an apartment that is pet-friendly, but this doesn't mean you have to fence off an area of the apartment for your furry friend.

Apart from being a good location, luxury apartments also offer excellent finishing and furnishings. You may find an on-site concierge and parking as part of the package. In addition, you may also find countless amenities, including high-end fitness centers, large pools, and even spas. You can even find a movie theater in a luxury apartment. It will make your living space more comfortable and enjoyable. You can even purchase smart home devices to make your living experience more convenient. 

Finding a luxury apartment

Whether you're looking for a luxurious apartment in an exclusive area, or are just seeking a stylish and sophisticated place to live, luxury apartments are an excellent choice. They are often located on prime real estate and feature updated stainless steel appliances and smart home technology. Luxury apartments are also pricier than average apartments, so you will likely have to pay more for your rental. It's also more difficult to find luxury apartments than standard apartments, so you should set a budget beforehand.

The first step to finding a luxury apartment is to find a realtor with a track record of success in the luxury market. A good realtor should also have an extensive database of luxury apartments available for rent in your area. 

Why Buying a Home in Texas is a Smart Move

If you’re planning on buying a house, one of the most important things you need to consider is where you want your house to be. While some people may need to look in certain areas due to a job or other responsibilities, others may be free to go wherever they please. If you are not sure where to buy your next house, Texas is a good idea.

There are many reasons why buying a house in Texas is a smart move, and we’ll be discussing a few of them.

Texas homes are often more affordable

While there are always exceptions to the rule, generally, houses in Texas are much more affordable than in other places. And even if a house costs the same as in another area, the odds are that the one in Texas will be much bigger, so you will be getting more value for money. 

Buying a house isn’t cheap, so you need to try and save wherever you can. Texas homes are known for being both big and affordable, making them a great option for those with smaller budgets. Have a look at Texas real estate to see more of what a house in Texas can offer you. 

Warm temperatures

If you are someone who loves summertime, you’ll probably enjoy Texas. While there are months that have more severe weather, Texas in summer is a paradise for those who prefer warmer temperatures. Even the winter months are often much milder in Texas compares to other locations.

So, if you love swimsuit season, the odds are that you will love the summers in Texas. That being said, you should keep in mind that you may not have as much snow there as you are used to.  

There are plenty of opportunities

Texas is one of the fastest-growing US states, which means that if you are seeking more opportunities, it’s a great place to be.

With it being one of the bigger states, you are bound to find something you will enjoy doing in Texas, and if you’re lucky, you could land a job with room for growth. If you feel suffocated and like you don’t have many options where you are, buying a house and moving to Texas might just be the change you need. Of course, you will also need to follow these steps for getting a better job once you are in Texas. 

The resale value is great

Another important thing you need to consider when buying a house is what the resale value will be. Luckily, as you can imagine, houses in Texas often have great resale value.

This is because of Texas’s reputation for low real estate, its warm climate, and the opportunities that it offers. If you do buy a house in Texas and you ever decide to sell it, you will probably have many willing buyers. 

For that to be the case, however, you also need to make sure that you keep the house in good condition and take on these projects if you want to boost its resale value.