Posted by Jacki on 4/24/2025 to
There are three things I wish I’d remembered before overzealously trotting off into the “wilderness” (okay, fine—it’s actually just a hilly mountain bike trail through the woods, but still...) on a four mile hike yesterday: A hat, hydration, and the fact that I’ve spent the better part of the last few months in my office chair eating Sour Cream ’n Onion Pringles. I’m a nature girl and usually eat clean, but anxiety’s been riding high lately—and apparently, Pringles became my emotional support snack.
Turns out that whole Couch to 5K thing? It's supposed to have a few steps in between the couch and the 5K. But I skipped ’em all, cut to the chase... and paid for it.
Because what resulted was a sunburn, some seriously unhappy calves, and blisters. I know better than this, I really do. But after a long winter, it was my first real chance to get back into my happy place—the woods—on a warm day with loved ones. I guess I leapt before I looked. I'll be honest: It’s not the first time and it won’t be the last.
None of us actually thought it would be quite so warm (in the upper 70s), quite so sunny (it’s supposed to be the woods, right? But we forgot the leaves haven’t popped yet), or that we’d love being out there on a beautiful day quite sooooooooo much that we’d ambitiously take the long loop and wind up going further than we planned. tsk tsk
It was worth it for my mind and spirit. But what came to my body's absolute rescue were three products I happen to make, and it seems they’re top sellers regardless of season for a reason: Muscle Mender Organic Massage Balm, Tingle Toes Organic Foot Spray, and Lavender Get Whipped! Organic Shea Butter.
Even though I was wearing my good hiking boots, my feet weren’t ready to go from zero to hero. They were perturbed, hot, and quite bothered. Cooling, minty Tingle Toes to the rescue!—and flip-flops for the rest of the day.
Before I even showered, I massaged Muscle Mender on my knotted-up calves, and like magic, they eased up immediately. Letting Arnica and Comfrey do their natural, herbal anti-inflammatory thing took care of it. No soreness the next day. None.
After the shower, I used my Lavender Get Whipped! Body Butter to soothe the sunburn I’d gotten because of being stupid. I’d had a long sleeve zip-up on when we started, thought, as I’d mentioned, we’d be in the woods most of the time, but as it turns out that had to come off due to the heat, and we trekked across some meadows in full afternoon sun. And today? No sunburn, no sting, no crispy skin. Organic Shea Butter is naturally rich with Vitamin E and organic Lavender essential oil has proven wound-healing powers, so this combination is ideal for soothing skin from sun exposure.
Did I learn my lesson? For this year, yes. Maybe. Probably. Let’s go with yes. But it’s nice to have some backup for when I’m not better prepared—or when I get a little too leapy-before-I-looky and overdo it.
Sometimes, we all overdo it. And when we do, it’s nice to know we’ve got something to help us recover, heal, and feel better quickly. Whether it’s sunburns, sore muscles, or just a little too much fun outdoors, I’ve got my favorite products ready to save the day. Not sure what to say about the emotional support Pringles, though...hopefully the hiking helped to cancel at least one serving of those.