Who’s Got Your Back? ~ We do!

Summer may be soaring by but the hot days keep slamming us right into September. Sure, you can always seek solace under the shade of an outdoor umbrella for relief. But what if you’re on-the-go? What then? We’ve come up with a spot-on solution.

The parasol! The parasol dates back 4000 years to ancient China, Egypt and Assyria. The first ones were made from

natural resources (you know this caught our attention) palm branches, large size leaves, etc. - but as time went on were fabricated using man-made materials. They remained popular until the beginning of the 20th century; until it became fashionable to be seen with a dark tan; proving that you could afford to spend time sunbathing at the beach.

But as the health risks of sun exposure to skin surfaced, the parasol has been making a bit of resurgence. Personally, we love strolling through the Chinatown section of New York City and seeing all the ladies elegantly carrying a parasol to protect their delicate skin. We’re ready to mimic their style. Now this is a change we can get behind…or rather under! Such an easy way to refresh naturally.

So we were on the hunt to find the perfect parasol for you and scored big! Fine Art Photographer, Carol Andrews, has created fashionable art in the form of an umbrella! Why settle for just any ole’ parasol –when you can look as good as you feel? Imagine walking around, staying cool, while sporting your own mini art gallery! Practical, pretty and portable! Best of all…Carol’s creations fit right in your purse. You’ve got to check them out for yourself: http://www.carolandrewsfineart.com/

Who wouldn’t want to get one of these for a gift – or how about winning one? Now we’re talking! Don’t miss out on this giveaway! Two very lucky people are going to be staying cool and refreshed in the very near future. We hope it’s you!

Entering is simple. All you need to do to enter is send us an email telling which of Carol’s umbrellas you’d love to be sitting under This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. – and we will add your name to the drawing. Get your entry in by Sept 30th.

“Dance your way through the streets in rain or shine beneath my festive art umbrellas.” Carol Andrews

Now that your parasol is sparing your skin the suns damaging rays, let’s take it a step further and pamper it. We have an easy peasy lavender peppermint face mist that is sure to please all the while keeping you cool. And if you’ve experienced our Lavender Air Scense - you already know that your nose is going to get the royal treatment too.

DIY Lavender Peppermint Mist

• Steep a peppermint tea bag in boiling water. Remove the bag and let cool completely.
• Add 2 to 3 drops lavender essential oil to the cooled liquid and shake to mix.
• Transfer to a small sterilized glass bottle with sprayer (you can find a spritzer at many health food stores.) Peppermint has a cooling effect on the skin and lavender has rejuvenating properties – together they offer the perfect face and body mist for summer!

So as you revive under your parasol, treating your skin to a reviving mist – all you need is a cold, icy beverage in hand. May we suggest some iced tea? But before pouring the tea, fill your glass with some ice cubes that “come packing” with mint and raspberries. You’ll love this flavor combo. And so easy!

Just rinse the fresh raspberries and mint leaves and drop them into an ice cube tray. You may need to shred the mint leaves if they are big with your hands or you can slice thin using clean scissors.

Fill the tray with water and freeze. As the ice melts, the flavors naturally escape and explode into the tea.

Sometimes it’s the simplest things in life that make us swoon… a colorful parasol, treating your senses and skin to a refreshing mist – and embellishing your beverage with a little something extra special!

So as you swelter in the heat - stay sane, sound and satisfied with our tips and tricks! We’ll see you very soon. Until then, don’t forget to shoot us an email to enter the parasol contest. Good luck!