Blog Archives

Sun Burned Butts aren't as Good as BBQ

6/29/2012

Sun Burned Butts aren't as Good as BBQ

How much do I love the beach? Well let me count the ways and the beaches. However there are some things about spending the day at the seashore that aren’t so enjoyable; namely the sunburn on my glow-in-the-dark skin. I wear at least two sunblocks to the water's edge, one Zinc based and another waterproof with sometimes a spray sunblock on my arms and legs. I pack in a Suntent, a hat, SPF sun shirt and if I can find somebody to carry it another umbrella. Yet somehow I managed to spend a nice afternoon at the beach and come away with purple legs that turned into a very bright red butt and back of my thighs sunburns. The last bad sunburn I got was on my belly after a fifteen minute nap where my parasol moved and uncovered my skin. However, one does not normally sit on their belly, to burn my butt has been quite the experience.
By the third day two family members saw my feet and asked if I needed to go the hospital, they were so swollen and purple from my thighs retaining liquid from the burns.
Lesson learned is that fair skinned ladies and gents should buy out the North American supply of sunblock starting in April.

Sunblocks-
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer® Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 45

EltaMD UV SHIELD BROAD-SPECTRUM SPF 45

Fresh Cooling Body Mist Sunblock with Helioplex SPF 45

Sun Tents-
InsTent Sun Shelter

After the burn I came home and applied buckets of differing agents to combat my suffering.
Gold Bond Medicated Anti-Itch Lotion, Aloe, Clinique After-Sun Rescue Balm with Aloe, neosporin and lotion.

The ati-itch cream really helped to keep me from hurting my skin further while the Aloe cooled and calmed my ravaged undercarriage. The sun balm is great for hydrating and soothing the skin and the neosporin really helps speed up healing.

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A Camp at Heart

6/29/2012

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A Camp at Heart

I grew up one of five kids with extended friends and family of other children, needless to say I know a lot about the art of summer play for kids and how to hide the bag of cookies so no one including myself will find them. One great thing about summer is that it holds the best excuse to get your kids outside; the weather is nice.
Having a wonderful childhood summer is not all about organized activities it's also about giving your children the framework to use their very own imagination to discover a wondrous world of summertime fun, something I think kids are loosing sight of way too fast today. Trying to build enough space into their summer days to allow for creatively is so important. Help them pitch a teepee or tent and then let the kids dream of great adventures; a Dino dig, a wilderness trek.
Just being present is vital and remember you don't need to be parent of the year. Just be there and have fun. It can be very relaxing to imagine the world differently for an hour and it bonds you and the children in ways that neither of you will understand until much later.
Sunlight sensitive paper for a hangable craft to decorate their walls in the fall is a great and simple activity to do together. A baseball cap hand painted to wear while on summer treks to the lake or seaside is something you'll both love for years to come.

Summer Activities for the Kids and the Kids at Heart. Below are numerous suggestions for how to keep the little ones entertained during the summer break without it breaking you.

Fairy Crowns- Gather some leather braiding string from the local crafts store and cut it off ahed of time in segments that fit their little heads. Let the kids (and you if the margarita wants to be put down) string on beads and charms and flowers to make lovely, wearable crowns.

Tents- A quiet night with you and the sweets watching an old movie? Your children will love being allowed to camp out in the yard in a tent, give them snacks, a few big flash lights and an audio book to listen to and they'll be in another world till dawn.

Chalk Art- Do you have a little Monet? Well, no probably not but they'll love creating art on the driveway or sidewalk all afternoon. Just make sure to keep them hydrated and unburnt.

Treasure Hunt- Try moving this from a short birthday party game to a weekend long affair. Make up a list that they can only read a section of each day and let them explore the
neighborhood and their imaginations.

Dad's Day- Take the yard apes to the wilds of a park and show them the wonders of nature. Try a butterfly net, watching tadpoles or bird spotting.

Mom's Brunch- Let them help you toss fruit in a bowel, for the bigger ones allow them to pour the batter (with a measuring cup) into the pan. Whole Wheat Pancakes and Fresh Berries are a great way to spend a morning talking and enjoying time together.

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Streaming Film Review: Crazy, Stupid, Love

6/25/2012

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Film Review

Crazy, Stupid, Love was not the film I thought I was going to see. It's both funny and sweet; a nice look into the lives of men at different points in the stream of life. The film follows a man going through a separation from his wife of many years and all that entails within their family.
I recommend this movie as a nice way to spend a weekday night with friends, it's funny and smart.

Cast: Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore, Emma Stone, Marisa Tomei, Kevin Bacon, Analeigh Tipton, Jonah Bobo, Joey King, Liza Lapira

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Men's Fragrance Recommendations from I Citizen Or... Hey handsome you smell nice

6/18/2012

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Men's Fragrance Recommendations from I Citizen
Or...Hey handsome you smell nice

Men here's a little secret that hopefully the womens' club won't kick me out for spilling, we love a nice smelling man. No flowery scents or clean lien. Just a solid, good scent that is both masculine and fresh. I Citizen has found three unique and special scents, but remember a little goes a long way lads.

Taylor of Old Bond Street Cologne for the well traveled homebody.
Court Hairdressers, which was established in 1854. Taylor of Old Bond Street colognes help the man make the statement. Classic fragrances that match, rather than conflict with those of other toiletries used. Available in 5 popular Taylor Signature Collection fragrances.

APIVITA EAU DE TOILETTE
Made with the essential oils of cedar, cardamom, lemon, orange, mandarin, bergamot and clary sage and organic alcohol derived from wheat. Free of parabens, phthalates, polycyclic musk, nitromusk, benzophenone and BHT.

Truefitt & Hill Colognes
In 1805, William Francis Truefitt opened his first Gentleman's Barber Shop at 2 Cross Lane, Long Acre, London. Over the years Truefitt & Hill's clients have included the Royal Family, CEOs, members of Parliament, dignitaries and countless celebrities. Truefitt & Hill is an invaluable asset to the well groomed man.

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Men's Spa-Time Recommendations from I Citizen Or how to relax and look great

6/18/2012

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Men's Spa-Time Recommendations from I Citizen
Or how to relax and look great

As you're getting into the full swing of summer fun we thought it would be a great idea to have a section just for the men on relaxing and summer related products that are healthy for all skin types, especially sensitive skin on men. Below are products from organic self-tanner to lotion for dry skin with SPF. All the products work great for men who don't want to metrosexualize themselves too much but want to take care of their skin and look good this summer.
The details are all from the stores but they give a nice overview of each product.

EVOLUTION MAN CONCEAL
A lightweight, sheer concealer that blends away dark circles under the eyes or any skin blemishes. Available in light, medium and medium dark shades. Anti-inflammatory agents Chamomile Extract and Hyaluronic Acid soothe and hydrate to treat dark spots or redness. Silicone creates a smooth texture that prevents the formula from appearing cakey on the skin. Paraben Free.

DR HARRIS MILK OF CUCUMBERS AND ROSES
Possibly DR Harris' most famous skin care product. A light, milky lotion that can be used as a deep cleanser or as a moisturizer. Best for light to oily skin, this lotion contains a mild, natural antiseptic that makes it ideal for skin suffering from acne. Will leave the face feeling fresh, clean and soft.

Self Tan LotionORGANIC ROSEHIP, GERANIUM & SANDALWOOD
Achieve a healthy, natural-looking tan without harmful sun exposure-Quick-drying and non-greasy leaving skin soft and supple-Lightly scented with natural essential oils-Note – self tan lotion does not offer protection against UV light-89% certified organicSuitable for people who may be prone to eczema or psoriasis, also helps to conceal blue veins in legs
This natural self tan is made without Parabens, Lanolin, phthalates, artificial perfumes, petrochemicals and colorants to bring you the purest self tan that nature can offer. Certified with the Organic Food Federation-Suitable for vegans and vegetarians

Beauty Mate's Moisturizer with SPF
Little known fact for you - a top-notch moisturizer can help with both dry and greasy skin. By properly hydrating, nourishing and protecting what lies beneath with ace vitamins (vitamins A, C and E, to be precise) and natural anti-oxidants, but omitting the oily additives, Beauty Mate Moisturizer will leave you with healthier, better looking skin in no time.

Living Nature Men's Soothing Moisturizer
This light non-greasy moisturizer that hydrates and soothes with the unique properties of Manuka Honey and Harakeke gel (New Zealand flax). The potent antioxidant properties of Totara extract and nourishing essential oils help protect against the elements and restore vitality for healthy-looking skin.Everything sold by mypure is sulfate free (sodium lauryl sulfate SLS, sodium laureth sulfate SLES, ammonium laureth sulfate ALES), paraben free & phthalate free.

Peppermint Foot Wash
Peppermint Foot Wash contains peppermint essential oil to tinkle the feet when applied. This tinkling sensation makes your feet feel refreshed rejuvenated and replenished. This product is especially effective when used after work outs, a hard day at the job or after stressing the feet from running or walking. All SkinbyMonica products contain the ingredients that will help your skin and body without the bad ingredients that can cause potential harm, like alcohol. This includes our foot wash.

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Hair on shine off Men's Natural hair enhancers

6/13/2012

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Hair on shine off
Men's Natural hair enhancers

I Citizen has put together a list of interesting products to help enhance those follicles on the lads' heads. The descriptions are from the manufactures and give a good insight into each Oil, Vitamin and Shampoo. It is always a sensitive subject broaching hair loss and finding natural, not overly chemical ways, to regain and keep hair for men. Remember that hair health starts with inner heath so make sure you're eating healthfully and taking the right kind of supplements, including a strong Mineral supplement from a whole food source that your body can digest as it is increasingly difficult to find the minerals necessary for healthy air growth in our diets.

Bhringaraj Oil, 4 oz.
Eclipta alba has been added to a sesame oil carrier to produce a hair growth formula that is suitable for use by those with color-treated or sun damaged hair. Can also be massaged into the scalp and/or feet to induce more restful sleep.

Eclipta Raj Hair Oil, 4.5 oz.
Massaging Eclipta Raj into the scalp strengthens the roots of the hair and helps to prevent hair loss. It also stimulates circulation and absorption of nutrients into the scalp. Because it is used before shampooing, the hair is nourished without leaving an oily residue.

Shou Wu Pills
Chinese Herbs for Youthful Hair- Used for Premature Gray Hair, Alopecia, Premature Baldness, and to Slow Aging.

SBM Silkol - Hair Root Stimulant
SBM Silkol oil Stimulates the hair root and enhances hair growth.

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Organic Baby Clothes

6/4/2012

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Organic Baby Clothes
You know they'll make you say awe...

I Citizen has put together a sweet and fun collection of organic baby clothes. Do you have a favorite organic clothes store? Share it with us in the comments. The Fleece cape is a cute little coat to keep your little one warm on a cool breezy day or the kimono in a thick green stripe for a stylish outfit for the little guy.