It’s August, and in most parts of the country, that means it’s hot. Really hot. Especially here in the South. It’s the kind of hot that makes you want to sprawl out in the ice cream aisle with a pint of Phish Food. Luckily we have ways to stay cool and comfortable on these sticky summer days. But what about our pets?

House pets are the lucky ones who get to spend most of the day stretched out on the cool linoleum instead of panting in the sun. But farm animals are a different story. Though they’re often exposed to the elements, they don’t have to suffer. Here are a few ways to keep your animals cool during hot weather.

• Keep them well-hydrated. This is a no-brainer for pets and humans alike. One of the best ways to endure hot weather is to stay well-hydrated. It keeps the body cooled and functioning at its peak.
• Provide shelter and shade. Whether you have a barn or a big shade tree, giving your animals a place to escape from the midday sun is essential for keeping them cool.
• Give them showers. Hose your big guys (horses, donkeys, etc.) with lukewarm water regularly to keep them cool. For smaller critters, especially water-loving ducks, fill kiddy pool with cool water and allow them easy access.
• Provide ice packs for small animals. Rabbits and guniea pigs, for example, don't endure heat well. They should always be kept in a shaded hutch with plenty of water to drink. You can also wrap an ice pack in a towel or wash cloth to put in the cage for extra comfort. 
• Got chickens? Try mud baths! Run your hose out in a patchy area of the yard where you can stir up some cool mud for chickens. They may enjoy nestling down into the cool mud to escape the heat.

Be sure to watch for signs of heat stress in your animals such as panting, staggering, swollen tongue, trouble breathing, or vomiting blood. If you suspect your animal is getting overheated, cool them down and seek professional help immediately.

And don't forget about yourself! Humans are just as capable of experiencing heat stroke, so keep an eye on your own well-being, too. If you begin to feel sick in the heat, try using peppermint essential oil to alleviate nausea and combat heat exhaustion. Drink some cool peppermint tea or take a lukewarm bath infused with peppermint oil to cool your body down and lessen the effects of overheating. 

Is it hot there today? Make sure you pamper your animals for a bit to keep them cool, and make sure you stay hydrated, too!

Happy summer, everyone! 'Tis the season for beach trips, picnics, fireworks, cookouts, and...sunburn. Yep, if you've ever spent a few too many minutes in the sun, you know the pain and discomfort that sunburn can bring. It's enough to ruin any vacation.

Luckily, you don't have to let sunburn dictate whether or not you have a good time. Here are a few natural ways to stop the burning and soothe your skin.

Essential oils: Lavender, rose, frankincense, and chamomile are among the oils that can help heal sunburn. Young Living recently wrote a helpful article about DIY sunburn relief using essential oils, including a recipe for DIY sunscreen. While lavender is by far the most helpful oil, it can be combined with other ingredients, such as apple cider vinegar and baking soda, to provide the best relief.

Cool milk compress: It just sounds refreshing, doesn't it? This is one of the easiest ways to soothe sunburn, and you probably already have the ingredients in your kitchen. All you need is a washcloth soaked in a cup of chilled milk to pat over your most painful burns. 

Witch hazel: This plant works wonders for the skin and has been used to treat acne, ingrown hairs, and sunburn. A few dabs of witch hazel on a washcloth or cotton ball will soothe the skin and decrease the burning. 

Oatmeal: Though the smell of oatmeal may bring you back to the chicken pox you had in second grade, it's actually a great way to calm irritated skin (obviously!) and ease some pain. And no, you don't necessarily have to take a bath in the stuff...unless that's your thing. You can just apply it to the areas where you need it most. 

Aloe vera: Last but not least, aloe is a tried and true way to relieve sunburn and cool the skin. In fact, aloe is often synonymous with sunburn as it has graced the cabinets of many homes for years...and for good reason. It works! Check out Humblebee & Me's recipe for Aloe & Silk Body Spray.

While using sunscreen should be the first method of prevention, sunburn happens even to the most careful of beach-goers. When it does, glance through your cupboard to see what remedies you already have on hand.