June 28, 2009

Using the Correct Sunscreen



sunset over the bay


A day at the beach means lots of sunscreen.

But what SPF (sun protection factor) is the best and how often does one need to apply it?

It is now recommended that an SPF of 30 is needed to block the UVB rays. Since there is no rating system for the UVA rays, we need to purchase a sunscreen that contains protection for both kinds of rays.

For the most part, we do not apply enough sunscreen and we do not reapply it often enough.

An adult needs to apply between 2 and 3 tablespoons every two hours.

And the sunblock must be water resistant too even if you do not go in the water - perspiration could make short order of your sunscreen protection.

The best deal I have found to date is the No-Ad Sunblock Lotion Maximum SPF 45.

Works as good and covers all the recommendations as the expensive ones for less money.

Now, it would be great if we could get some sun and put it to use!
















June 23, 2009

We Need the Sun!



sunset over the bay


Getting in the steps has not been an easy thing these past two weeks.

It has been raining and very damp and just not encouraging to get outside to walk.

I have tried to though - rubber boots and all.

Through the too tall, very wet grass that needs mowing badly.

Once the weather clears and it dries that grass - what I good walk that will be.

Don't know how many times the yard gets circled to accomplish the mowing, but it sure is a lot of steps.

Can't believe I can't wait to mow the lawn.


















June 19, 2009

Diet Quote



If you hang your swimsuit
On the refrigerator door,
The goodies inside
Will be easier to ignore.
~The Quote Garden


It sounds like this person is on to something - I wonder if it worked for them?

I think I need one for the cupboard door as well!












June 13, 2009

Walking the Mall



Having to make my once a year trek to the mall is not something that I find enjoyable.

Too many people, stale air, and the whole atmosphere is just not what I find appealing.

But since we had to go anyway, we decided that we would make it part of our walk routine for the day.

I scoffed at first as the thought of old people in sweats and sneakers filled my mind.

Well, I admit, I can be wrong, and this time I was.

There were not many people at the mall and as we strolled along there was no dodging or sidestepping to get around the slow pokes or children running wild.

The climate controlled air actually felt pretty good on this warm day, and there was pleasant music playing and fresh plants all around.

Our steps added up pretty quickly, and the whole experience was quite different from other trips to the mall.

Perhaps we could do this again this summer on a hot and humid day. And the window shopping is an added free benefit!















June 9, 2009

First Time for an Artichoke






I have seen artichokes many times in the supermarket, and never felt inclined to even try one.

There didn't look to be too much that was edible on them and I would have no idea of how to begin to break into them

And they were too expensive to even give them a second thought anyway.

My sister had mentioned to me that she had eaten them and that they tasted pretty good.

So, when I saw a tray of them on the markdown cart at the market, I figured that for sixty cents for three of them, I could give them a try.

Thanks to the internet, I found step by step instructions on how to prepare, cook, and eat an artichoke.

I chose the steaming method for cooking them, and I must say, they didn't smell too good.

But since I was determined to try them, I didn't let the smell stop me.

All of that "hair" in them was something else too.

It was a job to get to that edible heart, but it was well worth the work.

It was suggested to dip it in butter, but I found it to be quite delectable straight from the plant itself.

Very glad they were in the clearance section, and even happier that I decided to try them!















June 6, 2009

Combat Belly Bloat





Did you know that the carbon dioxide in carbonated beverages can stay in your belly and cause visible bloating?

That and a couple of other foods will make the belly bulge and can disrupt the digestive tract also.

Chewing gum causes one to swallow air, and the sugarless variety contains sorbitol which gets turned into gas in the belly.

Salty foods cause one to retain water which can make you look bigger than you actually are.

A couple of sure fire tricks to help ease a bloated belly:

Drink peppermint tea or eat yogurt with live cultures to boost the good bacteria in the digestive tract. The cultures work to keep you regular which will help with a bloated belly too.















June 2, 2009

America's Food Consumption






We are currently watching the Earth 2100 show that is on television tonight.

I just heard something that I found quite shocking.

They stated that it would take four Earths to feed the rest of the world the way America eats.

I know that this show is just an assimilation, but this is a scary thought.

We are out of control in this country with our eating habits.

If that thought isn't motivation enough to pay attention and take care of ourselves so we can take care of our planet, then I don't know what is.