As we begin to enjoy summer activities, we may also get something we don’t enjoy: sunburns. If you have an aloe vera plant, an easy way to relieve your sunburn is to use aloe gel on the burn.
Benefits of Aloe Gel
Aloe gel not only relieves sunburns, but it is also help moisturize skin. Aloe gel can also help with redness and irritated skin. For those of us who really want healthy skin this summer, aloe gel is a must have. It’s really easy to make your own!
All you need is:
A blender
A knife
A cup
A small spoon
Essential oils (optional)
A container to keep your gel in
First, cut the outermost leaf off of your aloe vera plant. Once you cut a leaf on an aloe vera plant, it will stop growing, so it is recommended that you cut the whole leaf off. Next, sit the leaf upright in a cup and leave for 15-20 minutes. This will drain out a yellow substance from the leaf called resin.
After the 15-20 minutes are up, wash the leaf off to make sure there is not any dirt on the leaf. Next, cut the top part of the leaf off with a sharp knife and spoon the gel into the blender. Make sure that none of the green parts of the leaf make it into the mix. Finally blend the gel and move to a container. Mix in essential oils if you choose to do so. If you are not planning on using the gel right away, store in the refrigerator. Enjoy!
MEGHAN BOLEDOVICH IS one of New York City’s full-time restaurant foragers.
She recently joined photojournalist Michael Fiedler as she collected fresh produce for PRINT restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen.
MF- How would you describe what you do for a living?
MB- I truly would call myself an “urban forager” since I spend many mornings at the Union Square Market sourcing produce from the region’s unique growers. Oftentimes I can be found on the rooftop garden of PRINT restaurant tending to native plants and herbs that we use in the kitchen and bar program.
MF- Do you always find everything you’re looking for in the markets?
MB- Mostly, but every once in a while I get to escape the city and visit the farms we work with and learn more about their process and their stories.
It’s this mash-up of nature and urban landscapes that makes my position unique. From time to time I also go on actual foraging expeditions for wild edibles which is always an eye-opening experience.
MF- Why is that?
MB- Unlike farming, foraging is fully controlled by nature and you are working directly with the land and its untamed bounty. All of these combined aspects of my job help me to have a deep connection to the land, the farmers who work it, and the kitchen workers who clean and prepare it into nourishment for others.
MF- How does this approach help a large urban environment like New York City?
MB- Sustainability, with a low impact on our city and planet is an important endeavor we can all take a part in.
Personally, I am proud to play a role in this process for a restaurant that takes this mindset seriously.
MF- How can New Yorkers be more mindful and helpful with issues such as sustainability and renewable food sources?
MB- Whether it’s by donating excess food, separating our compost,
or sourcing from biodynamic farmers, there are myriad ways we
can strive towards zero impact.
We can always do more. I’m looking forward to the next decade where we will continue to feed people and spark joy sustainably.
About Michael: I discovered my talent and passion for photography more than 30 years ago aboard a Navy aircraft carrier. While traveling the world and experiencing the diversity of many cultures, I was naturally drawn to chronicling the experiences of people, especially in their vocational settings, telling their stories through my images.
I have a distinct documentary style, often using available or low light, creating pictures with a more intimate, realistic feel. My photographs are visual representations of the message my client wants to convey. Whether photographing a CEO in a board room or a farmer in the field, I can capture their individuality and uniqueness of their lives.
A good photographer is curious, confident, and even a bit nosey. I interned with the accomplished Magnum Photographer, Hiroji Kubota. In traveling all 50 states with him, I learned that it isn’t so much the technical mastery of a camera that ensures a good photographer – but it’s the love of people, the sensitivity of the situation, and the drive to capture the story. This is what I strive to give my clients with every project.
Trip.com is an innovative planning tool that tailors recommendations for places to stay, eat and play to your specific tastes. It also allows you to share your great experiences with people who have the same interests as you; people in your “tribes.” Trip.com’s TripPicks This Week feature empowers you to discover and take advantage of great events, openings and exhibits throughout the city each week.
Here are some exciting events and sites to check out this week in Downtown New York, courtesy of Trip.com. Visit the Trip.com site or download the app for more upcoming events.
VSpot Organic is holding a serious plant-based burger competition. Juicy, succulent and flavorful, you’ll sample 10 simple and souped up versions of all veggie burgers. Vying for first place are Marty’s VBurger, Risotto Burger, Monk’s Meats, VSpot Organic and others! $25.
Thursday, Mar. 30 from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Friday, Mar. 31 – Saturday, Apr. 1 from 11:00 AM to 8:00 AM; Sunday, Apr. 2 from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
It’s never too late or too early to start collecting art, especially when it’s actually affordable. Potential buyers and art lovers can browse a wide range of works from today’s leading art galleries including Manifold, Art Angler, Rebecca Hossack Gallery, HOV Eye and Galerie Youn. Make sure to check out the special workshops, talk and tours. Tickets start at $10.
The Singularity series is dedicated to showcasing films that explore the ever growing intimacy between science fiction and reality and its impact on human lives… This weekend audiences can check out Ridley Scott’s epic Blade Runner: The Final Cut or Fritz Lang’s Metropolis. $15.
Whitney Museum of American Art (Meatpacking District)
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM; Friday and Saturday from 10:30 AM to 10:00 PM
“To gauge the state of art in America today,” and to some degree America’s political and social landscape, look no further than the Whitney Biennial, the first at the museum’s new space. Though there are fewer artists, the quality of the work is notable especially from artists Dana Schutz, Jo Baer, Samara Golden, Celeste Dupuy-Spencer, Rafa Esparza, Henry Taylor, Sky Hopinka, Asad Raza, Jordan Wolfson and many more. As always, it’s an unmissable New York art event. Tickets start at $17; Fridays from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM pay-what-you-wish.
Tuesday, Mar. 28 or Thursday, Mar. 30 from 6:30PM to 7:30 PM
Herbs, flowers and micro greens! Oh my! Farm.One’s Hydroponic Farm Tour is a chance to explore New York’s secret indoor farming trend. You’ll lean all about hydroponic farming, introduce your tastebuds to a host of new flavors and take home a box filled with “unusual herbs” and fresh produce to use in your next meal. $50.
Mark your calendars! Friday, March 31st Wowfulls opens its first brick and mortar, serving Gai Dàn Jai, or 1950’s-style Hong Kong egg waffles brimming with ice cream. Camp out if you want to be one of the first 50 customers to snatch up $1 cones ($5 for the rest of the weekend) and to get first dibs on Wowfulls’ newest creations and ice cream flavors. Free t-shirt for first 200 customers.
Getting invited to dinner at someone’s house is, most of the time, a pleasure. Yet, at the same time, doubts arise. Unless it is a very intimate person or the invitation is extended on short notice, proper etiquette dictates that a guest should not arrive empty handed. Showing up with something in tow for your host shows respect and indicates a kind gesture of thanks in response to the invitation. The question is: What should you take as a gift for your host? There are a lot of options, actually, suggestions, because there is no one right way to go. Ultimately, in selecting a gift, the good taste of the guest and the appreciative intention behind the item is what matters most. If you are a creative person, don’t be afraid of using your inventiveness. Remember, different and beautiful surprises are always welcome. A classic suggestion for any type of event is flowers. You can take or send them to the place you will be attending. Preferably, it is best to bring flowers already in some sort of vase or receptacle, to prevent the host from searching for a vase to put the flowers in while guests are arriving. If you want to be thankful and extend a gift to the entire family, consider offering something that the whole family will enjoy. If you choose food, choose an assortment of sweet pastries or cookies or a box of assorted chocolates so that everyone can enjoy. In this case consider not only the quantity but the quality as well. Here are some suggestions to help you find the perfect gift!
–-Thais Morais, Maria Zanetti & Xavi Ocaña
DIY Round Sweet Basil Kit, $15, available at Uncommon Goods
Ms. Tilly Rosalie’s Beauty Tea, $24, available at R.L. Linden & CO
DIY Round Sweet Basil Kit, $15, available at 
