27 minute read
DELISH
Looking for a festive Irish Drink?
For the parents, grab a cold glass of Guiness or put some Bailey's liquor into a cup of coffee for a delicious pairing with the St. Patrick's Day Cuisine. For kids, make some Irish punch! Mix together 3 parts ginger ale, 1 part orange juice and 1 part limeade. Then add 4 scoops of lime sherbet and a few drops of green food coloring. Top with whipped cream and an orange slice on the rim or dye some whipped cream orange!
No Luck Needed
For This Easy St. Patty's Day Meal
BY GRACE DOWNEY
If your family does not come from a long line of Irish blood, or if you are not familiar with classic Irish meals, you may mistake the most popular meal on St. Patrick's Day to be Sheppard's pie.
While this dish is delicious and comforting, the traditional Irish meal to prepare for St. Patrick's Day is actually corned beef and cabbage with some Irish soda bread on the side. Don't judge the food before you try it! This meal could quickly become your new go-to dish.
Corned Beef & Cabbage
INGREDIENTS 3 lbs corned beef brisket with included pickling spice packet 1 onion, chopped 3 large carrots, peeled and cut in thirds 3 stalks of celery, chopped (optional) 1 bag of red potatoes 1 head of cabbage, wedged
DIRECTIONS 1. Place the brisket into a large stove pot and add the included spice packet. Keep the fat on the brisket while cooking for extra flavor. Cover the brisket in water and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat to a simmer and add the onions, carrots, celery and potatoes. Cook for about 1 hour and 40 minutes until everything is tender.
3. Add the cabbage and cook for 20 more minutes.
4. Trim the fat off the brisket, slice and serve with the vegetables. Enjoy or save for
another day! (TIP: It is always better the next day).
IRISH SODA BREAD
INGREDIENTS 6 cups sifted flour 2 tablespoons baking soda ¼ teaspoon salt 1 ½ cups sugar 1 stick of softened butter 2 ½ cups milk 3 eggs ½ cup of raisins
DIRECTIONS 1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, salt and sugar together.
2. Knead in the softened butter. Once mixed, knead in the milk and eggs. Once mixed, add the raisins and knead.
4. Grease a loaf pan and pour the mixture in. Let rise for 20 minutes.
5. If you desire, sprinkle with sugar or salt. Bake at 300 degrees for 1 ½ to 2 hours.
OPEN
Know the Signs:
How Open-Air Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Can Turn a Day on the Water into a Tragedy
BY TRACY WRIGHT
Imagine the perfect day on the water—enjoying the sunshine, playing with water toys and swimming in the ocean or bay. However, for some families, a day like this can turn deadly in the most invisible and unexpected way. In a heartbreaking and now viral post shared this past August on Facebook, a mom shared her worst nightmare—her nine-year-old son passed away after a day of boating from open-air carbon monoxide poisoning.
In the heartbreaking public post, the mother details the tragedy. “He was at the back of our Malibu Skier most of the day. Boats, even moving, create a backdraft of exhaust. That’s right. Exactly what I’ve typed: carbon monoxide exits at the rear of the boat and drafts right back into the back of the boat. Backseat riders are especially vulnerable at low speeds and in long no-wake zones like the one we had to cross to return to the docks.”
“I didn’t know this. No one I know knew this,” the mom confesses.
According to the United States Coast Guard, carbon monoxide poisoning is the fifth leading cause of deaths among boaters and has killed more than 140 people in the last 15 years. And it doesn’t have to just happen on a boat. Instances have also occurred with people on recreational vehicles or breathing in sustained air from a charcoal grill or wood-burning fire.
Typically, on a boat, carbon monoxide develops when their generators vent toward the back of the boat where the swim deck is located. If people swim or play toward the back of the boat as it’s running, the extremely dangerous carbon monoxide can turn deadly. Unfortunately, signs of poisoning can mimic what may occur after a long day of boating—fatigue, dizziness or nausea—all sure signs of heat stroke or exhaustion.
If you notice any of these symptoms in your child or other boat passenger (especially someone who has been sitting, playing or swimming in the rear of the boat) get them into fresh air immediately and seek emergency medical assistance, said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Unfortunately, carbon monoxide cannot be seen or identified, which makes it the “silent killer.” In homes, CO detectors can be purchased to monitor levels in the air. For open air, it makes it more difficult to screen.
How can this tragedy be prevented? The CDC recommends to “properly install and maintain fuel burning engines and appliances.” Education is key as well—make sure your boat passengers are properly informed on ways to prevent CO poisoning and how to identify the signs of it. Never block exhaust outlets which can cause CO buildup inside and outside the boat. Don’t ever swim or play near any engine or generator while they are running, the CDC reports.
Avoid docking or anchoring near boats running their engines—park at least 20 feet away. And once you anchor the boat, wait at least 15 minutes before swimming or playing near the engine. Finally, if you are idling in long “wake” zones, avoid sitting near the rear of the boat.
All CO poisonings are preventable, said the Waterways and National Marine Manufacturers Association. The association encourages boat owners to have key parts of their annual maintenance performed by a qualified marine technician. This includes swapping out any exhaust hoses if you see any cracks or damages. Ensure cooling systems are working properly and examine each exhaust part for “cracking, rusting, leaking or loosening.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises all boat owners and passengers to know the signs of CO poisoning.
Seek medical treatment immediately if you find any of these signs:
Headache Confusion Fatigue Seizures Dizziness or loss of consciousness Nausea
For more resources and information about open air carbon monoxide poisoning visit www.cdc.gov/co/boating.htm.
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health | get healthy The ABC’s of Acne
BY LINDSEY JOHNSON, MS, MCHES
According to the Mayo Clinic, the definition of acne is “a skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. It causes whiteheads, blackheads or pimples. Acne is most common among teenagers, though it affects people of all ages.” The Cleveland Clinic states that up to 80% of people ages 11 to 30 will experience at least a mild case of acne and most people will have it at some point in their lives.
WHAT'S YOUR TYPE?
COMEDONAL
Comedonal acne refers to clogged pores that present as blackheads and whiteheads. Blackheads are open pores while whiteheads are closed pores. Blackheads are dark because they contain an oxidized version of melanin, the dark pigment made in the skin.
INFLAMMATORY
Inflammatory acne refers to papules, pustules and nodules beneath the skin that become inflamed. These can lurk under the skin’s surface and be painful.
CYSTIC
Cystic acne is the most severe type of acne. These blemishes also sit below the skin and contain pus. Cystic acne can progress to scarring.
PREVENTION AND TREATMENT
DAILY CLEANSING
Dr. Miranda Whitmer of Gainesville Dermatology and Skin Surgery recommends a good hygiene routine to help prevent breakouts. “A daily routine that includes a mild cleanser followed by a moisturizer is ideal. It’s important to include the moisturizer because dry skin can become inflamed and cause painful breakouts. If needed, use over the counter medicated solutions like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid on a regular basis to help prevent acne breakouts. Using non-comedogenic products is recommended because they do not clog pores.”
PROFESSIONAL SKIN CARE
Nicole Coullias, Certified Medical Electrologist, Medical Esthetician, and Laser Technician at Paradise Skin and Body recommends some additional routine treatments to keep skin healthy and clear. Coullias states “It is important to remember that your skin and results will need to be maintained. Have a good skincare regimen, maintain results with monthly treatments, and always consult your medical esthetician on best products and procedures to meet your skin care goals.”
FACIALS
Facials provide a deep cleanse, exfoliation and improved skin tone and texture. Facials are recommended every four to six weeks and can be combined with light chemical peels and microdermabrasion for optimal results.
Jordan Strack, Licensed Esthetician at Pure Aesthetics, LLC adds, “One of my favorite procedures for acneic skin is the HydraFacial. Unlike a traditional facial, the HydraFacial uses vortex technology to unclog pores while simultaneously infusing hyaluronic acid and peptides into the skin to hydrate and protect. The Hydrafacial allows for painless exfoliation and extractions of black heads in a comfortable and relaxing treatment.”
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
Dr. Whitmer advises anyone who thinks they have cystic acne to seek the advice of a professional.
Cystic acne is the most severe and
worrisome type of acne. It can lead to scarring on the skin. Cystic acne does not respond to topical treatments alone but rather requires a systemic intervention. Unfortunately, there’s no way to prevent cystic acne, but it can be treated with the help of a professional.
If you have developed mild to moderate acne, you are not alone. Fortunately, there are many skin care products and regimens you can do to minimize breakouts. If your acne is severe, consult a professional for a more advanced treatment regimen. For all types of acne, resist the urge to pop and pick at pimples as this can lead to infection and skin scarring. Treat with over the counter products if applicable and be patient. It may take several weeks to see results but stay consistent with a healthy skin care routine, which includes always washing breakout-prone areas after sweating as well as removing makeup before bed.
CHEMICAL PEELS
Chemical peels help to rapidly exfoliate the skin and kill bacteria. There are many types of peels. Light peels with little to no downtime all the way to heavier peels usually lasting between five and seven days. Both have optimal results when done in series.
MICRODERMABRASION
Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive procedure used to improve and renew the skin’s overall tone and texture. This treatment is recommended every four to six weeks.
LASER GENESIS
Laser Genesis is a zero downtime procedure used to treat and prevent acne. It effectively breaks up dirt, oil and bacteria. This treatment is also used to stimulate the regeneration of collagen for a smoother appearance.
If you or your child has questions about their acne, always consult a doctor prior to starting any new services, procedures or product regimes.
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Radio Frequency Radiation is Everywhere:
How Do You Keep Your Kids Safe?
BY AMANDA ROLAND
When wireless devices like cell phones and tablets
made their debut, we all knew that they would change the way that we communicate. Nowadays, they are almost a necessity if you want to stay fully connected in such a fast-paced world like ours. However, wireless devices aren’t just used for communication anymore, they are used for entertainment of all ages — including restless toddlers. Parents are now faced with decisions like “Okay, do I let my toddler cry throughout the entire grocery store, or do I turn on Cocomelon on my phone and preserve my sanity?” Many parents will choose the latter, and that is perfectly fine! But could these wireless devices be affecting your little ones over time?
First of all, it is important to recognize the struggle of tired, worn-out parents who just want a break. Wireless devices can provide that break with apps, fun educational games and programs like the previously mentioned Cocomelon (it’s all the rage for 1 and 2-yearolds). Sometimes handing over your phone to your restless little one is the only option, and the world understands that.
However, over the years people have been studying the effects of too much exposure to microwave Radio Frequency Radiation (RFR) and if they can be potentially harmful to children. RFR devices include cell phones, smartphones and tablets, and even if these devices only use Wi-Fi, they are still emitting radio frequencies to carry Wi-Fi signals. You can compare these devices to other radiation-emitting things like x-ray machines and radioactive elements on something called an Electromagnetic Spectrum. So, can RFR from wireless devices really harm your child?
Take a look at the spectrum at the bottom of the page. As you can see, cell phones rank far to the left on this scale, indicating that they emit low levels of nonionizing radiation. This type of radiation does not have enough energy to break chemical bonds or strip electrons from atoms, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). And, the National Cancer Institute says that “although many studies have examined the potential health effects of non-ionizing radiation from...cell phones, and other sources, there is currently no consistent evidence that non-ionizing radiation increases cancer risk in humans.” Ionizing radiation on the other hand can be very dangerous and can cause direct cellular and DNA damage.
All in all, the RFR emitted from our cell phones has not been proven to harm us like other ionizing radiation. However, if you are leary of your child’s exposure to RFR, here are some tips that you can use to limit their exposure:
If your child needs to talk on the phone to a loved one or a friend, have them use headphones with a microphone attached. This creates more distance between the phone’s RFR and your kiddo’s head.
Limit phone use to 30 minutes per day.
If your kiddo is playing a game on your phone, turn on your phone’s airplane mode feature to block RFR from cell towers.
ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM
AM FM TV CELL PHONES RADAR TV REMOTE
RADIO WAVES MICROWAVES INFRARED
NON-IONIZING
LIGHT BULB TANNING BED
ULTRAVIOLET
X-RAY MACHINE RADIOACTIVE ELEMENTS
X-RAYS GAMMA RAYS
IONIZING
*Information is constantly changing and updating regarding RFR. If you have concerns, please talk to your pediatrician.
Lash Logistics:
Make a Statement With Long Lasting Lashes!
BY KARA WINSLOW & NICOLE IRVING
With those newest accessories we have been adorning, aka masks, much of our face is covered throughout the day – except for our eyes. So, it’s time to make them pop and have those lashes on point at all times!
FALSE LASH 411 From Kara Winslow, Make Up Artist
Applying your own false lashes can be frustrating, but there are some simple tricks that can make it easier. And we’ve all seen some really bad lashes out there. We all want longer lashes and false lashes can give you that if done the correct way. Here are some steps to make it easier.
PICKING THE RIGHT LASHES 1. When buying lashes, first off, don’t spend more than a few dollars. You should only be wearing them once because they won’t apply as well a second time and it isn’t sanitary. So don’t waste money on crazy expensive ones.
2. Look for ones where
the lashes are attached to a fishing line not on solid black plastic strip. These will more easily bend to the curvature of your eyelid and the fishing line will disappear.
3. Choose ones that aren’t
too dense. If they are super dense they will drop a shadow under your eye, making a dark circle that isn’t really there and can weigh your eye down instead of causing your eye to look more open.
4. Also avoid ones that
are longer than the distance between your eyelashes and eyebrows. Everyone’s eye shape is different, so base your purchase on your eyes.
5. It’s very important to
buy good adhesive. Avoid the adhesive in the package and instead buy a bottle of DUO (I like the blue package). It dries clear, so if you mess up when placing it, you can’t tell. Also, it is latex based so it’s easy to remove!
PRO TIP: If you have a latex allergy they have a latex free option, but it’ll be harder to remove at the end of the night. LASH APPLICATION
1. When you are preparing to apply the lashes, make sure you do your full makeup because it’s hard to apply after they are placed.
2. Do a full black line on your upper lid. This will hide the seam of the lashes.
3. When you are removing the lash from the package, gently put your thumb on it and pull it down. You can move the lashes and bend the strip if you aren’t careful when removing.
4. Once you’ve done this, measure the lash to make sure it doesn’t hang past your eye lid. Most of the time it will need to be trimmed.
5. Trim the excess from the outside corner of the lash, not the inside corner. If you don’t trim this excess, it’ll make it hard to have the lash lay flat and the excess will hang over making your eye look droopy.
6. Apply a thin line of the glue to the seam of the lash.
7. Let it sit until it’s tacky. If it’s too liquidy, it won't stick to skin. 8. Then, holding it with two hands, slightly bend the lash so it takes on the curvature of your lid.
9. Place the lash above your natural lash line. If the corners pop up push down on them with the handle end of a small brush or your nails.
10. Once they are fully dried curl them with an eyelash curler. This will make them blend in naturally with your natural lashes so it doesn’t look like you have two layers of lashes.
PRO TIP: One of the biggest mistakes I see is when people use lashes that are too big for their eyes, which makes their eyes disappear. Another is when people don't trim the lashes, which makes the lashes crumpled and the eye look droopy. Also drawing that black eyeliner over the entire length of the upper eye to hide the seam is very important to make it look like you aren’t wearing false lashes. You want your lashes to look like they are part of your faces not a strange attachment distracting from your natural beauty.
LASH BOOSTERS
If you want to boost your lash growth, there are some great products on the line today that can help you achieve some long lashes!
1
2 3
1. Rodan + Fields Lash Boost, $139 ($155 retail) per 5 ml bottle 6 month supply, Erica Owen, Rodan + Fields Consultant, ericaowen.myrandf.com, (904)-608-0870; 2. Latisse, $175 per 5ml bottle 6 month supply, Pure Aesthetics; 3. Eyelash Serum with Lash Caring Complex, $14.99, Loreal Paris, lorealparisusa.com
IT'SIT'SIT'S YOUYOUYOU TIMETIMETIME
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Festive Flair!
BY NICOLE IRVING
2-in-1 Pedestal Cake Stand and Serving Plate
With this versatile cake stand and serving plate, you can use it to add height to the party or as a serving plate. Perfect to use year after year! Made of sturdy plastic and can hold up to a 10” cake.
target.com; $8.99
Create Your Own Reel Viewer
Create your own reel of birthday memories! Use the enclosed redemption code to send in your own birthday photos and you will receive a personalized reel to view.
uncommongoods.com; $29.95 Birthday parties may look a bit different these days, but there is no reason why we can’t go all out in the decorating department to bring some magic into the day! Even if you and your family are the only ones who will enjoy the decor, it will still make the day extra special for the birthday boy or girl. Try some of the decoration ideas below to add some flair to your parties at home!
Birthday Celebration Bib Set
Cake is messy! Your tot doesn’t have to be! These drool proof bibs with their festive pattern are the perfect accessory for your kiddo's birthday celebration.
uncommongoods.com; $15 per set of 2
Dinosaur Cups
Keep the party “roaring” with these fun dinosaur themed sleeves and jungle green cups!
shopcelebrated.com; $10 per set of 8 sleeves and cups
Wooden Hexagons
These wooden hexagons bring dimension and height to your table decor. Great for a bee or math and science themed birthday party!
shopcelebrated.com; $45 for 10 in. and 12 in. hexagon set
Corkscrew Birthday Candles
Add some flair to the celebration with these fun birthday candles!
target.com; $10 per set of 10
D.I.Y. Birthday Party Piñata!
BY MEGAN SAPELAK AND GRACE DOWNEY
Your kiddo's birthday is right around the corner, and this year he or she has requested a VERY specific theme for the party. You've searched for hours on the internet and in stores for a piñata that even comes close to the theme, but have had zero luck. Well, have no fear! Roll those sleeves up and get ready to make your very own piñata to match whatever theme you choose! Here is how we made a giant golf ball to match our party theme found on page 54.
MATERIALS
• Scissors • Newspaper • Balloon • Hole puncher • String • Masking tape • Flour • Liquid glue • Water • Whisk • X-Acto knife • Crate paper • Construction paper • Bowl for mixing • Paintbrushes
Directions
CREATE THE BASE
1. Blow up a balloon to fit the desired shape and size of the object you are trying to make.
2. Cut up newspapers into 1 to 2 inch sections and set aside.
3. Make a mixture with the flour, water and liquid glue. Use one part water to one part flour and whisk until you have a consistency that resembles pancake batter. Then drizzle in a small amount of liquid glue just to make it a little stickier.
4. Dip the newspaper sections into the mixture and slide off excess with your fingers.
5. Place the newspaper strips around the balloon and continue overlapping pieces until the entire balloon is covered, leaving a small opening around the tie of the balloon.
6. Let newspaper and mixture dry overnight and continue the next day with a second layer if desired.
7. Once completely dry, hold the tie of the balloon and carefully pop the balloon with scissors. Pull pieces of balloon out of the small opening you left.
8. Hole punch four holes around the opening in a square shape so that each hole has one across from it.
9. Sew the string around the four hole, then cross the string to make an "x."
10. Flip the piñata over and use an use an X-Acto knife to slice three edges of a square to make a "trap door."
11. Fill piñata with desired candy or small goodies, then use masking tape to cover up the hole on the top and door on the bottom.
DECORATE
1. Take the crate paper and cut 1 inch sections around the roll (As thick as your scissors will allow.)
2. Start at the bottom of the piñata and use a paintbrush and liquid glue to secure the crate paper on in layers.
3. Continue until entire piñata is covered with crate paper.
Bonus!
Type and enlarge the name of a common golf brand, print and cut out to tape on the front.
MAKE THE TEE
1. Tape the short side of two sheets of orange construction paper together. Tightly curl one end into a cone and hot glue in place. Trim the extra paper and cut the top all the way around to make a clean cone.
2. Take the excess paper you cut off and roll it into 1.5 inch diameter tube. Hot glue in place. Trim the top to make the tube flat. Hot glue onto large cone.
3. Repeat step 2 and make a small cone with a 1.5 inch diameter that would fit on the end of the tube. Hot glue in place and then hot glue onto bottom of the tube.
4. Securely hot glue entire construction paper “tee” onto the bottom of your piñata.
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Dangerous Cleaning Cocktails:
Which Chemicals Can't Be Mixed?
BY AMANDA ROLAND
With pandemics and flu seasons always on our minds, we all can get a little neurotic about cleaning. After all, we want to make sure our family stays healthy. However, did you know that if you mix certain cleaning products while cleaning you could create dangerous concoctions of chemicals that could be extremely harmful to you and your family? Let’s learn about which chemicals shouldn’t be mixed!
mixing BLEACH & VINEGAR
Bleach is typically made of diluted sodium hypochlorite, and vinegar is diluted acetic acid. When mixed together, chlorine gas can form. When inhaled, this gas could lead to coughing and difficulty breathing. It also releases a very strong and pungent smell, according to Healthline, an online health resource. So, if you are cleaning and notice this kind of odor, it is best to ventilate the room and leave immediately.
mixing BLEACH & AMMONIA
When bleach (sodium hypochlorite) is mixed with ammonia, strong-smelling chloramine gas is created. Exposure to chloramine gas can cause coughing, shortness of breath, watery eyes, chest pain and more. Prolonged exposure to chloramines could lead to unconsciousness and even death in some cases, according to Very Well Health. Ammonia is a common ingredient in glass and window cleaners, so never mix those products with bleach, according to a Good Housekeeping article. Again, if you are cleaning and notice a strong odor, it is best to leave immediately.
mixing BLEACH & RUBBING ALCOHOL
This mixture creates chloroform, a very toxic substance that can cause nausea, damage to the respiratory system, skin irritation and more. If you start to feel faint or nauseous while cleaning, get out of the room immediately. Prolonged exposure to chloroform can be deadly.
mixing
VINEGAR & HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
These two cleaning products are common for people who like to make homemade cleaners, but they should never be mixed together in the same bottle. Together, they make corrosive acid or peracetic acid, which can irritate the skin, eyes and respiratory system, according to Good Housekeeping. You can use hydrogen peroxide and vinegar to clean surfaces separately but never mix them together.
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
Keep these numbers posted on your fridge for emergencies:
EMERGENCY 911
POISON CONTROL (800) 222-1222
24 HOURS A DAY
BASICS TIPS
Make a mental note to only mix bleach or bleach products with water! Unless you are a chemist, chances are you don’t know which chemicals are going to react with which products, so it is best to play it safe.
Never leave cleaning products out when you are not actively using them. Curious kiddos in your house may not understand the danger of cleaning products, and many products could be extremely dangerous if they come into contact with the skin or are ingested.
Identify ventilation points when cleaning with chemicals. To be safe, open a window or a door to the outside in the room you are cleaning to ensure ventilation if the chemicals are too strong or you are new to the chemicals you are using.
When in doubt, Google it!
If you are using new cleaning products, or if you have a heavy cleaning job ahead of you, go ahead and do some research on which cleaning products should and shouldn’t be used together. This will grant you safety and peace of mind.
