Nature's Wonders Blog

Finding Relief From Too Much Fun in the Sun

July 5, 2021July 6, 2021 by Nature's Wonders

Whether you’re spending your summer days working outside or just hanging out at the city pool or the lake, you’ve probably noticed the sun’s rays are the most intense they will be all year right now (and they’ll likely stay that way until Labor Day). With hot summers like this, people should beware of the hazards that come with too much fun in the sun – and know how to create some relief if that happens.

One of the most obvious risks of spending too much time in the sun is a sunburn, which is simply when the skin gets red and is painful due to too much sun exposure. Generally, the skin will heal itself and begin peeling after 4-7 days depending on the severity of the burn.

Aloe Vera and cool water are always options for soothing a sunburn, but there are some even more natural options too! Essential oils like Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Peppermint, Lavender, Tea Tree, Geranium, Chamomile, and Eucalyptus are all good for combatting a sunburn in their own ways. Natural after-sun sprays or lotions and Coconut Oil can also work to relieve some of the pain as well.

Worse than a sunburn is sun poisoning. Those symptoms are typically more severe and include skin burning or blistering, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and possible infection. The same general home remedies can provide temporary relief for sun poisoning, but depending on the severity, you may also need to seek medical attention.

As your skin begins healing, you’ll want to try to restore as much moisture as possible – using a lotion or moisturizer that is scent and dye free (which are generally marketed for sensitive skin) can keep irritation to a minimum. Regularly applying lotion, drinking plenty of water, and staying cool can help you recover from a sunburn more quickly.

If you need somewhere to come in from the sun, cool off, rehydrate, and do a little shopping don’t forget to visit either of Nature’s Wonders‘ two locations in Branson and Harrison!

How to tell if a melon is ripe? We’re glad you asked!

June 21, 2021July 6, 2021 by Nature's Wonders

One of the most controversial summertime debates, in our humble opinion, is what seasonal fruit is the best. Most commonly in this area people get excited about fresh blackberries, blueberries, or strawberries – while others prefer melons like watermelon, cantaloupe, or honeydew.

With so many options, it’s kind of hard to choose – so why not throw them all into a tasty fruit salad that is one in a melon?! (See what we did there?)

Before you start shopping, whether you’re picking out melons at Nature’s Wonders or from your garden, it’s important to be able to tell the difference between a ripe and unripe melon because some, like watermelons, don’t continue to ripen after they’re harvested.

Sometimes it’s hard to remember how to choose the best tasting melons from year to year, and some people just genuinely don’t know what constitutes a good melon until they cut into it. No matter how you enjoy a melon, it’s imperative that you choose one that is perfectly ripe!

When you’re shopping for melons, check the field spot (the part that had contact with the ground as it was growing on the vine). This spot should be yellowish – not white. You can also try thumping the melon; tap on the middle of the melon with your knuckles or flick it and listen for a low-pitched hollow sound. There are other ways to test how ripe a melon is before you cut into it such as sniffing or squeezing the melon to test how ripe it is. It’s important to remember that most melons should be heavy for their size too.

Although it’s still a little early to find a melon close to being ripe from a garden here in the Ozarks, it’s still worth noting that the same principles apply for picking out a melon there too. While checking for the color of the field spot (and removing any of the bugs that might be camping out to keep them from enjoying the melon before you do) or thumping it are still viable options, you can also check the vine the melon is growing on. The tendrils closest to the melon itself will most often dry out and look brown when a melon is ready to harvest. If that’s the case, the melon likely won’t get any riper and you might as well enjoy it.

No matter where you’re getting your melon, beware of cracks or soft spots on the rind as that’s a telltale sign that it will not be a good one.

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