More Facts On Sunscreen Lotions , Sun Protection and Powder SPF - Are You On It ?

My latest it thing is powder SPF. I discovered this one from RAW Minerals back in November last year but didn't use it until summer came along.

Every time I start to write something about sun protection, I feel like I don't know enough. It is such a controversial topic. Over the years since I started my blog ( we will be three soon !) I've educated myself on various sides of the story. I am just curious like that and can never blindly stick to one party. I like knowing everything and making a regime that suits me from the knowledge I have.


Few Facts I've Learned

1. We need Vitamin D. From grade school on it is drilled into us that sun provides us with our daily dose of Vitamin D and our bodies cannot generate Vitamin D without the help of sun.
But there is more here
- you need have at least half you body exposed
- exposed for at least 15 minutes.
- the time differs based on your weight, skin color,location, age and many more factors.
to get your daily dose of Vitamin D.

2. UVA / UVB - there is a lot to talk here. Its mostly boring but keeping in with #1 - UVB is necessary for Vitamin D generation. Sunscreens block the UVB and hence the vitamin does not get generated.

3. You need to apply a shot glass full (4oz) of sunscreen for the SPF to be effective.

4. Higher SPF is not directly proportional with higher protection. "SPF 100 blocks 99 percent of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks 98 percent. (SPF 30, that old-timer, holds its own, deflecting 96.7 percent)"

5. "If you apply half the amount, you get the protection of only the square root of the SPF. So applying a half-ounce of SPF 70 will not give you the protection of SPF 35, but 8.4" - NYT

6. You need to reapply sunscreen after every two hours - generously. Refer to #3.

7. Many sunscreen lotions out there contain toxic ingredients. Look out for ones that are paraben free and oxybenzone free.

8. Continued beauty of our skin has more to do with diet than just watching out for sun damage.

9. We all need to get some sun everyday in moderation.

10. In addition to UVA / UVB protection with sunscreens, antioxidants play a major role in protecting our skin from harmful rays that come with too much sun exposure. Invest in skin care and foods that are high in antioxidants.

11. Products with additional SPF like moisturizers and others are said to be more volatile / unstable compared to the ones without SPF. So always remember to keep them in a cool dry spot where the sun does not reach it. And since we are not going to apply 4 oz of moisturizer better buy one without sunscreen, one with antioxidants and plenty of other goodness.

What Am I Doing

If it smells like chemicals and feels like chemicals - its probably chemicals. That's the way I feel about sunscreen lotions. But these are chemicals we need to keep our skin from burning during prolonged sun exposure. So I keep from slathering 4 oz of chemicals on my body unless I absolutely must. The best things to do is to avoid baking in the sun for long hours and I do just that. I avoid the sun as much as possible.

And I've taken a liking for powder sunscreen. I've realized I don't need SPF 100 everyday for what little sun seeps into my day. Most sun exposure I get is when I'm in the car traveling back and forth during peak sun hours. So I apply hand cream with SPF on my hands and powder SPF on my face. These are great for so many reasons.

They are light
I can apply them over makeup.
I can reapply as many times as I want without ruining my makeup or looking oily.
I feel good that they are not the first layer on my face. They sit on top of moisturizer and tinted moisturizer.

The powder SPF I am currently using is the one from RAW Minerals - Active Veil SPF 18. It is paraben, oxybenzone free and contains many additional naturally derived antioxidants.Though it looks a white-ish powder, it leaves no white cast on my brown skin. Its just like a good translucent powder. I use it all over my face and neck just before I get out. And if I'm gonna be out again - I keep a kabuki brush and reapply. It makes me feel happy that I get just as much everyday protection as I need and I don't think I need a whole lot !


One other thing I must start doing is taking Vitamin D supplements and get a little sun at least during weekends uniformly. I've been getting loads of antioxidants from the 2 pounds of organic blueberries I picked up last weekend ! Yay for good skin days !

Reading Material

I've learned a lot about the SPF numbers form this article here in NYT . I urge everybody to read it. Also follow Kimberly Snyder's blog - she is an amazing raw food writer who writes a lot about beauty through food !

Love,
Indian Girl

This article contains a sample product sent for consideration by PR. For more details on the disclosure policy please refer to it at the bottom of the page.

Wireless Baby Monitor

Keep an extra pair of eyes (and ears) on your baby from anywhere in the house with this Wireless Baby Monitor, which features night vision and remote pan/tilt control.  With this Wireless Baby Monitor, you finally have the freedom to watch TV, entertain guests, do household chores, exercise, and even sleep with peace of mind that you will always know when your baby needs you. A 2.5 inch LCD screen lets you to keep an eye on the little ones without having to wake them, while the built-in mic allows you to hear their every cry and yell. More after the break...

If you have a toddler who likes to crawl around the room, you'll absolutely love the Wireless Baby Monitor's ability to remotely adjust the camera from the receiver. With both tilt (up to 120 degrees up and down) and pan (up to 270 degrees left and right) functions, not only can keep you keep an eye on your children at all times, but you can even remotely scan their room for any dangerous items or objects that shouldn't be there. Designed specifically with you and your baby's needs in mind, this Wireless Baby Monitor includes 9 infra-red lights for night vision that will automatically go to work and provide a nice bright view of your baby. Those 4 AM checkups are no more, since all you need to do is take a quick glance at the baby monitor to know that your little one is sleeping as well as you are. If your friends or family have a small one at home, buy them a Wireless Baby Monitor to show that you care. In stock now and available at a parent-friendly price, order today and we'll express ship it out tomorrow! Brought to you by your best source of wholesale electronics, Chinavasion.  Price Wireless Baby Monitor with Night Vision Constituent about $ 147.

Vai — Link

Top 10 Caribbean Islands

1. Anguilla

A sister of the Leeward island chain, Anguilla is truly one of the most romantic places on earth. Tucked away in the middle of the tranquil Caribbean Sea, a magical island lives and breathes a dynamic culture amidst a Garden of Eden of white sandy beaches and scintillating azure waters. As one sways with the ebb and flow of the gentle currents, you become a witness to nature’s perfect functions when left untouched.

The Caribbean is unlike any other place in the world. It is home to some of the most beautiful islands and waters you will find anywhere. You will see white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters filled with some amazing marine life. The cultures that you will encounter are among the most carefree and relaxing in the world. More images after the break...

2. Antigua

Antigua means ancient or antique in Spanish, and it is the perfect name for that tropical and charming island in the Caribbean. Located in the West Indies, Antigua was colonized by the Spanish in the fifteenth century, and makes the absolute perfect destination of Caribbeans. Antigua is also famous as a best wedding destination in the world. Antigua is historic but not run down, and it has a special charm and beauty that makes it the most desired tourist destination in the Caribbean.

3. British Virgin Islands

The pristine BVI has long attracted yachties and royalty to its turquoise waters, thanks to posh resorts like Rosewood Little Dix Bay, Sir Richard Branson’s Necker Island, and Peter Island. The British Virgin Islands are part of the British Territories in the Caribbean. They are located northeast of the US Virgin Islands, on the northeast corner of the Caribbean Sea. Their exotic beaches are considered among the best Caribbean Beaches and the Islands are famous for Caribbean fishing, Sailing, Scuba Diving and Snorkeling.

4. Curacao

Curacao has historically trailed its sister Caribbean islands of Aruba and Bonaire when it comes to attracting vacationers, largely because oil refining and financial services, rather than tourism, dominate its prosperous economy. Sea Aquarium is a must for any one in Curacao for holiday. You can swim with the dolphins, kiss the sea lions (or get kissed by them actually) and see the beautiful flamingos.

5. Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic is an island with many features and incredible history. Dominican Republic main attractions gets the attention of many tourists with its great historical landmarks and nice people. The country has too many places to see and explore. One of the places located in the capital is the Cathedral of Santa Maria. The Aquarium with lots of beautiful marine life to see is another great attraction. The beaches are something you cannot forget. There is more than a 1000 miles of beaches all around. Punta Cana and Cabarete are worldwide known to have incredibly beautiful beaches. You can also go to a tour that will take you to Saona island and Catalina island for some of the best scuba diving you have ever seen.

6. Grenada

Grenada is a spectacular beautiful island that has golden beaches; crystal water falls, flourishing green mountains and aromatic spice trees, which give this island its nickname as the Isle of Spice. There are 46 sun soaked beaches around the Spice Island of Grenada. One important reason to visit Grenada is its wild and lively carnival held every year in the third quarter. It seems that anyone who visits will not be lacking in things to do and sights to see because of the many beautiful spots and year-round festivities Grenada is known for.

7. Jamaica

Jamaica vacations don’t just mean luxurious resorts with all amenities at your fingertips. Besides its pristine beaches lapped by warm turquoise water, Jamaica boasts a host of natural scenic wonders which are well worth a visit. Well, the most exciting is Dunn’s River Falls, where visitors can climb up the falls as part of a human chain, and enjoy the soothing effect of the massage parlor’s rushing waters as they cascade to the ocean. There are also nature trails through the lush tropical foliage of bamboos, ferns, ginger lilies, orchids, crotons, palms and breadfruit trees. Shoppers will delight in the straw crafts, wood carvings, and other artworks available at the craft park and there is a cafeteria specializing in Jamaican delights such as jerked chicken and curried goat.

8. St. Lucia

St Lucia is one of the smaller more leisurely Islands in the Caribbean, boasting beautiful beaches with a welcoming light breeze, like the popular Anse de Sable beach. As most Caribbean Islands, it has the typical white sands where the calm ocean waves are ideal for water sports, like sailing and para-gliding. The island is a popular stop for both cruise visitors and vacationers coming for a long-term stay at nearly 100 hotels, resorts and inns.

9. St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Before St. Vincent served as the setting for “Pirates of the Caribbean”, this remote island and the whole Grenadine chain was primarily known only to sailors and seclusion-seeking rock stars. Indeed, Mick Jagger and David Bowie discreetly frequent the exclusive Grenadine isle of Mustique. These days, however, the even prettier, quiet island of Bequia is on the rise, thanks to buzz about newcomer Firefly Plantation Bequia and the halfway complete Bequia Beach Hotel. Canouan Island already boasts a sprawling, superluxe Raffles resort that evokes the South Pacific. And lush St. Vincent is touching up its popular sights like the panoramic Belmont Lookout and the canopied Vermont Nature Trail.

10. Vieques, Puerto Rico

Vieques, Puerto Rico is one of the most unspoiled islands of the Caribbean. It is an unforgettable and very affordable destination for any traveler. Since embracing tourism in 2003 after decades as a U.S. naval base, the tiny island of Vieques has been the most accessible “uncharted territory” in the Caribbean. With Vieques harboring more than 40 miles of unspoiled sand and the Caribbean’s largest wildlife refuge, its small hotels and casual restaurants have attracted easygoing, eco-minded tourists.

Amisha Patel — The MAN Magazine July 2010

Amisha Patel Photoshoot for The MAN Magazine (July 2010). I was right when I said “B0mbshell Back in Business”. Amisha always remain in news by whatever mean, she try to mark her come back item song in “Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic” but didn’t get more, here is her second attempt to get noticed. She looks fab in the photoshoot, moreover , she wants to play a role Gundi (Gangstar) as shared by her during the interview to The MAN Magazine. Anyway checkout Amisha Patel The Man Photoshoot after the break...

The Oldest Person Turns 130

Authorities in the former Soviet republic of Georgia claim a woman from a remote mountain village turned 130, making her the oldest person on Earth. Antisa Khvichava from western Georgia was born on July 8, 1880, said Georgiy Meurnishvili, spokesman for the civil registry at the Justice Ministry. The woman, who lives with her 40-year-old grandson in an idyllic vine-covered country house in the mountains, retired from her job as a tea and corn picker in 1965, when she was 85, records say.

Antisa 'the oldest person on Earth' turns 130 (and she doesn't look a day over)

Birthday in bed: Antisa Khvichava rests during her 130th birthday party in the village of Sachino, Georgia. She claims to be the oldest person in the world  'I've always been healthy, and I've worked all my life - at home and at the farm,' Antisa said, in a bright dress and headscarf - and red lipstick. Sitting in the chair and holding her cane, Antisa spoke quietly through an interpreter - since she never went to school to learn Georgian and speaks only the local language, Mingrelian. Her age couldn't immediately be independently verified. Her birth certificate was lost - one of the great number to have disappeared in the past century amid revolutions and a civil war which followed the collapse of the USSR. More Images after the break...

Proof of age: Her age has not been independantly verified but Antisa shows her passport and other documents clearly stating that her date of birth is July 1880 Her 70-year-old son Mikhail, who was also at the party, apparently was born when his mother was 60. She said she also had two children from a previous marriage, but says they died of hunger during World War II. Mikhail said that, although his mother had difficulty walking and had stayed largely in bed during the past seven years, she made a point of hobbling unaided to the outhouse on the other side of the yard, because she hates to be a nuisance.

Make a wish: Antisa blows out candles on a special birthday cake and, despite her advanced age, can still get about with the aid of a walking stick But Meurnishvili showed two Soviet-era documents that he says attest to her age. Scores of officials, neighbors, friends, and descendants backed up her claim as the world's top senior. The Gerontology Research Group currently recognizes 114-year-old Eugenie Blanchard of Saint Barthelemy, France, as the world's oldest person. Antisa would make Eugenie look like a spring chicken - but the research group is yet to examine Antisa's claim.  She has a son, 10 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and six great, great grandchidren.

 Let's get this party started: A local folk group performs traditional songs for Antisa and her 70-year-old son Mikhail as part of the celebrations Though her body has all but quit on her - her fingers cramped by age mean she can no longer maintain her love of knitting - relatives say her mind remains sharp. 'Grandma has a very clear mind and she hasn't lost an ability to think rationally,' said Khvichava's granddaughter Shorena, who lives in a nearby village. To mark Antisa's birthday, a string ensemble played folk music out on the lawn, while grandchildren offered traditional Mingrelian dishes like corn porridge and spiced chicken with herbs to all guests as the party. Via : Link

10 American Rivers at Risk

1. The Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta

The Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta in California was second on the list. American Rivers cited two efforts to reenginer the water supply and flood control systems as threats to the delta. This photo shows the Sacramento River. This post features a list of 10 American rivers which are according to from the U.S. environmental group American Rivers are really endangered. More images after the break...

2. The Upper Colorado River

The Upper Colorado River could become “a shadow of its former self” if two new water diversion projects proceed, according to a report from the U.S. environmental group American Rivers. The river is on a list of the 10 most endangered waterways compiled by the group.

3. Coosa River in Alabama

Seven hydropower dams were built on the Coosa River in Alabama in the mid-1900s, but American Rivers wants the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to insist on protections for wildlife in the license for Alabama Power Co. to operate the dams for the next 50 years.

4. Cedar River in Cedar Rapids

A June 2008 image shows flooding along the Cedar River in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The report says outdated flood management by the Army Corps of Engineers is hurting fish and wildlife habitat.

5. Gauley River

U.S. regulators should stop mountaintop mining in West Virginia that is hurting the Gauley River, American Rivers says. The river is known for its whitewater rafting.

6. Monongahela River

The view from the Hot Metal Bridge of downtown Pittsburgh, where the Monongahela River meets the Allegheny River to form the Ohio. The Monongahela is threated by pollution created by natural gas extraction.

7. Eastern Idaho’s Teton River

Eastern Idaho’s Teton River provides habitat for Yellowstone cutthroat trout, but there’s a proposal to rebuild the Teton Dam, which collapsed in 1976, killing 11 people and causing more than $1 billion in damage.

8.The Upper Delaware River

The Upper Delaware River is at the top of American Rivers’ endangered list. The group says the river in New York state, source for drinking water for 17 million people, is threatened by chemicals from natural gas drilling and poor flood management.

9. National Wild and Scenic Chetco River

National Wild and Scenic Chetco River in Oregon’s Kalmiopsis Wilderness and one of the areas proposed for mining.

10. North Carolina’s Little River

North Carolina’s Little River provides drinking water and irrigation supplies. A proposed dam would hurt the river’s health, American Rivers says. Via : Link

Victims of Bulls

Every year from July 7th-14th thousands pack into Pamplona to start Spain's most famous bull-running fiesta to honour Navarre capital's patron saint, San Fermin. Spain stages more than 3,000 fiestas (festivals) each year but the 7 days of bull-running are the favourite in terms of spectacle and excitement. More Images after the break...

After the daybreak of July 7th, runners (mainly young men) gather at the bottom of Santo Domingo, which is the starting line. They crowd together and sing to the image of San Fermin which is placed in a niche on a wall. The song goes: "A San Fermín pedimos, por ser nuestro patrón, nos guíe en el encierro dándonos su bendición" ("We ask San Fermín, as our Patron, to guide us through the Bull Run and give us his blessing.")Then, as a rocket goes off, a number of fighting bulls are let out onto the streets. A second rocket is then let off to make sure everyone knows the bulls are loose in the street. The bulls run along the narrow street 825 metres (half a mile) to a bull ring. The runners dash along in front of the bulls, aiming to feel the breath of the bull on their backs, getting as close as possible - all whilst trying to avoid getting gored by their sharp horns. 

The supposed way to do this is to start off slowly when the bulls are quite a distance behind. Then as they get nearer start running like hell! You can then go near them for a short time, as near as you are prepared to risk it, and then quickly get out of the way. Runners look for a gap in the fence to slip through or jump over, or a space against the wall of the street. Text Via : Link