Updates from Terri Bonin

Summer Skin and Hair Care Tips: How to Restore Moisture After Sun and Pool Days

Summer Skin and Hair Care Tips: How to Restore Moisture After Sun and Pool Days

Summer Skin and Hair Care Tips: Restore Moisture After Sun and Pool Days

Have you noticed your skin feeling a little tighter lately?
Or maybe your hair has gone from soft and shiny to dry, dull, and difficult to manage?
You're not imagining it.
Summer sunshine, pool days, and outdoor adventures are wonderful for the soul, but they can be surprisingly hard on your skin and hair.
Today's tip is all about putting the glow back in your skin and the bounce back in your hair.

Why Summer Causes Dry Skin and Hair

By mid-summer, many people notice changes in their skin and hair, even if they're following the same routine they use year-round.
Here's why:
  • Sun exposure can deplete moisture from skin and hair.
  • Chlorine from swimming pools can leave hair feeling brittle and straw-like.
  • Sweat, sunscreen, and outdoor activities can build up on the skin.
  • Hot temperatures often increase moisture loss throughout the day.
The result?
Dry skin, dull hair, frizz, and a feeling that your normal products just aren't keeping up.

The Secret to Healthy Summer Skin and Hair

The solution may be simpler than you think.
Instead of overhauling your entire beauty routine, consider making one small seasonal adjustment:

Swap Your Shower Products for Summer

Just like you change your wardrobe with the seasons, your skin and hair care products may need a seasonal refresh too.
Summer calls for products that can:
  • Remove sunscreen and sweat effectively
  • Wash away chlorine residue
  • Restore lost moisture
  • Support healthy-looking skin and hair
Same shower. Same amount of time.
Just products that better match what your body needs during the hotter months.

My Favorite Summer Body Wash

Morning Start® Bath & Shower Gel

One of my favorite summer swaps is Morning Start® Bath & Shower Gel.
After long days in the sun, it helps wash away sunscreen, sweat, and outdoor grime without leaving my skin feeling dry or stripped.
What I love most is the fresh, energizing aroma. The uplifting essential oil blend makes those early summer mornings feel a little easier—especially when the heat has me moving slower than usual!

Why I Love It

  • Cleanses thoroughly without over-drying
  • Leaves skin feeling refreshed and comfortable
  • Helps remove sunscreen residue and sweat
  • Provides an invigorating start to the day

The Best Conditioner for Dry Summer Hair

Copaiba Vanilla Moisturizing Conditioner

Summer can be especially tough on hair.
Between chlorine, sunshine, saltwater, and heat styling, it's no wonder many of us end up with dry ends and extra frizz.
I've been reaching for Copaiba Vanilla Moisturizing Conditioner after every shampoo.
I focus on the mid-lengths and ends, where the damage tends to be the worst.
The difference is incredible.
My hair goes from feeling dry and brittle to soft, manageable, and healthy-looking again.
And the scent?
Absolutely amazing.
After a day of smelling like sunscreen and pool water, that's a welcome bonus.

Why I Love It

  • Helps restore moisture to dry hair
  • Leaves hair feeling soft and manageable
  • Supports healthy-looking shine
  • Perfect for hair exposed to chlorine and sun

Easy Summer Self-Care Starts in the Shower

Sometimes the simplest changes create the biggest results.
If your skin feels dry, your hair feels damaged, or you're struggling with the effects of summer heat, start by looking at the products you're using every day.
A simple seasonal swap can help:
  • Support healthy-looking skin
  • Restore moisture to hair
  • Improve manageability
  • Keep you feeling refreshed all summer long

Enjoy Summer Without the Dryness

Summer should be filled with sunshine, swimming, family adventures, and making memories—not battling dry skin and lifeless hair.
A few intentional changes can help your skin stay glowing and your hair stay soft no matter how much time you spend outdoors.

What's Your Biggest Summer Skin or Hair Challenge?

Is it dry skin, frizzy hair, chlorine damage, sun exposure, or something else?
Share your biggest summer beauty struggle in the comments below—I may have a tip for that too!
To summer-ready skin and healthy hair!

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Dried Wolfberries: A Healthy Snack Alternative for Kids and Adults

Dried Wolfberries: A Healthy Snack Alternative for Kids and Adults
If you're looking for a healthier snack that still satisfies a sweet tooth, dried wolfberries may become your new favorite pantry staple.
They’re naturally sweet, pleasantly chewy, and make an excellent substitute for candy-like snacks such as gummy bears, fruit chews, and sour candies. In our house, I have to portion them into small containers right away—otherwise, I might eat the whole bag myself!
Whether you're packing school lunches, looking for a nutritious afternoon snack, or trying to support balanced blood sugar, dried wolfberries are a simple and delicious option.

What Are Wolfberries?

Wolfberries, also known as goji berries, are a nutrient-rich superfruit that has been enjoyed for centuries. Historical records trace their use back to the Ming Dynasty, and today they remain popular around the world for their impressive nutritional profile.
Wolfberries naturally contain beneficial plant compounds, including:
  • Polyphenols
  • Polysaccharides
  • Antioxidants
  • Vitamins and minerals
Unlike many processed snacks, wolfberries offer natural sweetness without causing the dramatic sugar spikes often associated with candy and sugary treats.

Why Wolfberries Make a Great Healthy Snack

Many families struggle to find snacks that are both nutritious and appealing to children. Wolfberries check both boxes.

Benefits of Dried Wolfberries

  • Naturally sweet and satisfying
  • Convenient for lunchboxes and travel
  • Easy to portion into individual servings
  • Rich in antioxidants
  • Supports balanced blood sugar when enjoyed as part of a healthy diet
  • A healthier alternative to many processed snacks
If your child loves fruity, chewy treats, wolfberries can be an easy swap that adds nutrition without sacrificing flavor.

Creative Ways to Eat Dried Wolfberries

While we often enjoy them straight from the bag, there are plenty of delicious ways to incorporate wolfberries into everyday meals.

Add Them to Yogurt

Sprinkle dried wolfberries into plain yogurt for a naturally sweet and colorful treat.

Upgrade Homemade Granola

Replace raisins with wolfberries for a fun twist on your favorite granola recipe.

Boost Your Trail Mix

Add wolfberries to nuts, seeds, and dried fruit for a nutrient-packed snack mix.

Bake with Them

Try substituting wolfberries for blueberries or raisins in muffins, cookies, or quick breads.

Toss Them Into Salads

The sweet flavor pairs beautifully with leafy greens, nuts, and vinaigrettes.

Make Wolfberry Tea

One of the simplest and most enjoyable ways to experience wolfberries is in a warm cup of tea.

How to Make Wolfberry Tea

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces water
  • A small handful of dried wolfberries

Directions

  1. Bring water to a rolling boil.
  2. Allow the water to cool for about 3½ minutes.
  3. Place dried wolfberries in the bottom of a mug.
  4. Pour the hot water over the berries.
  5. Steep for 5 minutes.
  6. Stir and enjoy.
When you've finished the tea, don't throw away the berries! The softened wolfberries are delicious to eat and still contain valuable nutrients.
For an extra flavor boost, try adding wolfberries to your favorite herbal tea blend.

Potential Health Benefits of Wolfberries

Wolfberries have been studied for their potential health-supporting properties. Research suggests that compounds found in wolfberries may help support:
  • Healthy cholesterol levels already within the normal range
  • Digestive health
  • Energy and vitality
  • Healthy stress response
  • Cognitive function
  • Liver health
  • Sleep quality
  • Eye health
As with any food, wolfberries work best as part of an overall healthy lifestyle that includes nutritious foods, regular movement, quality sleep, and proper hydration.

What If You Don't Like the Chewy Texture?

Not everyone enjoys the texture of dried fruit, and that's okay.
If chewy snacks aren't your thing, you can still enjoy the benefits of wolfberries through products that contain wolfberry ingredients, such as:
  • Wolfberry-based beverages
  • Wolfberry crisps
  • Superfruit supplements that include wolfberry puree
These options provide variety while allowing you to incorporate this nutrient-rich fruit into your routine.

A Simple Healthy Swap for the Whole Family

Healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated. Sometimes the best changes are the simplest ones.
Swapping processed fruit snacks and candy for dried wolfberries is an easy way to add more nutrition to your family's day while still satisfying cravings for something sweet and chewy.
Whether you're packing school lunches, building a healthier snack drawer, or simply looking for new ways to nourish your family, wolfberries are a delicious superfruit worth trying.

What’s Your Favorite Way to Enjoy Wolfberries?

Do you eat them straight from the bag, add them to recipes, or brew them into tea? Share your favorite wolfberry snack ideas in the comments below!

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Signs of Dehydration: Why Drinking More Water Could Change Everything

Signs of Dehydration: Why Drinking More Water Could Change Everything
Have you ever said any of these things?
  • "I feel tired."
  • "I can't think clearly."
  • "I have a headache."
  • "I feel dizzy."
  • "I feel weak."
  • "I feel anxious or jittery."
If so, the culprit might be simpler than you think.
You might be thirsty.
Not just "I could use a drink" thirsty. I mean genuinely dehydrated.
And dehydration is far more serious than most people realize.

The Scary Truth About Dehydration

A dear friend of mine nearly lost her life because of poor hydration habits.
She went to a soccer game after drinking a cup of coffee.
No water.
No electrolytes.
No hydration plan.
Just coffee.
The result? A severe heat stroke that nearly took her life.
I'm not trying to be dramatic, but proper hydration can literally be lifesaving.
Before assuming something more serious is happening in your body, stop and ask yourself:
Have I actually had enough hydrating fluids today?
You might be surprised by the answer.

Common Signs You May Be Dehydrated

Many symptoms people blame on stress, age, or lack of sleep can actually be connected to dehydration.
Common signs include:
  • Fatigue and low energy
  • Brain fog
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness
  • Irritability
  • Feeling anxious or jittery
Your body depends on water to perform virtually every function. When hydration levels drop, everything from your mood to your energy levels can suffer.

Why Water Alone Isn't Always Enough

Here's something many people don't realize:
When you sweat, you're not just losing water.
You're also losing important minerals and electrolytes.
These minerals help regulate:
  • Brain function
  • Muscle contractions
  • Heart rhythm
  • Energy production
  • Fluid balance
That's why some people drink plenty of water but still feel sluggish, tired, or depleted.
The body needs both water and minerals to function optimally.

How to Make Hydration a Daily Habit

Let's be honest.
Most people don't struggle because they don't know they should drink water.
They struggle because water gets boring.
The secret is making hydration enjoyable.
When your drink tastes good and helps you feel good, you're naturally more likely to drink enough throughout the day.

My Favorite Hydration Boosters

Zyng™: A Healthy Energy Drink Alternative

When I need a little extra energy, Zyng™ is one of my favorite options.
It contains:
  • B Vitamins
  • Naturally occurring caffeine from white tea
  • Ningxia wolfberry
  • Black pepper
  • Lime essential oil
It's refreshing, energizing, and a fun way to support hydration while avoiding the crash that often comes from sugary energy drinks.

Lime Vitality™ Essential Oil

One of my simplest hydration tricks is adding a drop or two of Lime Vitality™ Essential Oil to my water bottle.
(Always use glass or stainless steel—not plastic.)
It sounds like a small thing, but the bright citrus flavor completely changes how much water I drink.
Instead of forcing myself to sip water, I actually look forward to it.
And when hydration becomes enjoyable, consistency gets much easier.

Why We Love These Hydration Solutions

Zyng™

Zyng helps support energy levels during hot weather, busy days, and afternoon slumps when water alone doesn't seem to be enough.

Lime Vitality™

Lime Vitality solves the "boring water" problem.
Just a couple of drops create a fresh citrus flavor that makes staying hydrated simple and enjoyable.

The Bottom Line: Hydration Matters More Than You Think

Hydration affects nearly every system in the body.
If you're feeling tired, foggy, irritable, dizzy, or simply not yourself, don't overlook the basics.
Before reaching for another cup of coffee, ask yourself:
Have I had enough water today?
And if you're already drinking water but still feel depleted, consider whether your body may also need minerals and electrolytes.
Sometimes the simplest habits create the biggest improvements.

What's Your Favorite Hydration Hack?

Do you add flavor to your water?
Carry a giant water bottle?
Love sparkling water?
I'd love to hear your favorite hydration tips in the comments below!
Here's to staying energized, refreshed, and hydrated all summer long.

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Our Summer Bucket List: Simple Summer Activities That Keep Kids Happy, Purposeful, and Off Screens

Our Summer Bucket List: Simple Summer Activities That Keep Kids Happy, Purposeful, and Off Screens
Summer can either become a season full of beautiful memories… or a long stretch of boredom, messes, and kids constantly saying, “There’s nothing to do!”
Our family stays home during the HOT summer months, so creating purposeful summer routines has become something I tackle intentionally every year. My goal isn’t to keep my kids endlessly entertained every second of the day. Honestly, constant passive entertainment usually creates grumpy, restless children anyway.

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Smooth Travel Tips: The Essential Oils Terri Never Travels Without

Smooth Travel Tips: The Essential Oils Terri Never Travels Without
Travel is exciting… but let’s be honest, it can also be complete chaos for the body.
Last month, my son Samuel and I flew 13 hours across the globe to the Mediterranean with a few hundred of my work friends. It was beautiful, exciting, unforgettable… and exhausting. 😅
Between cramped airplane seats, long bus rides, weird sleep schedules, overstimulation, and eating at odd hours (even if the food was amazing), travel has a way of throwing your body completely off-script.
And after years of traveling with a big family, I’ve learned there are two things that can ruin a trip faster than almost anything else:

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Summer’s Best Sidekick

Summer’s Best Sidekick
Summer is almost here, and that means it’s time for fireflies, lemonade, baseball games, backyard barbecues, family vacations, and spontaneous adventures into the great outdoors. Whether you’re headed to a woodland campsite or simply relaxing on the patio, there’s one summer essential you’ll want within arm’s reach all season long...

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He Itched. He Sneezed. He Married Me Anyway.

He Itched. He Sneezed. He Married Me Anyway.
Opposites attract. Humanity is hilarious like that.
But when we first got married, spending time outside was miserable for him.
He would....

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Healthy Living 101: The One Nutrition Tip That Changes Everything

Healthy Living 101: The One Nutrition Tip That Changes Everything
If you and I were sitting together over tea, and you told me you were exhausted…
Tired.
Discouraged.
Struggling with your health or weight.
Maybe just plain sick and tired of feeling sick and tired.
And if I could only give you ONE piece of advice—not 31 health hacks, not 7 foods to avoid, not another complicated diet plan—I know exactly what I would say.
But first…

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WELL, HELLO!

 
Hi Friend!


I’m Terri Bonin—wife to my favorite dentist (who keeps me smiling in more ways than one!) and mama to eleven incredible kiddos… yep, on purpose! Now, they’re growing up, getting married, and multiplying, so our family is basically the size of a small town!

I’ve homeschooled for over 25 years (with several more to go until our youngest, who’s eleven, graduates). I was crunchy before it was cool and slathering essential oils on my kids before they were a thing. Around here, I share mom hacks, marriage wisdom, wellness tips, and real-life glimpses into our beautifully chaotic, laughter-filled home.

I hope you find this space happy, helpful, and relatable! And if you love good conversations, come hang out with me on my podcast, "Terri Bonin At Home", where we chat about building a strong family culture, natural remedies, and navigating the wonderful (and sometimes wild) world of marriage and motherhood.

Let’s do life together—one drop, one laugh, and one lesson at a time!

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