Many sunscreens advertise UVB, UVA and ultraviolet protection. But, depending on our geographic region, skin type, sun intensity and whether you have been swimming or sweating are important factors to consider when purchasing sunscreen. Most top selling products do a good job at protecting against UVB radiation and UVA radiation but some may not work well with your skin type and the other factors I listed above.

When purchasing sunscreen look for these specific ingredients: Oxybenzone,  and nanoscale zinc and titanium oxides, Make sure to spray carefully. Avoid using spray sunscreens on children and remember to always spray into your hands before applying to the face. Make sure to use enough. Use two or three tablespoons of lotion on your body or spray as much as you can rub in. Make sure to reapply every two hours.

1. Calcium: We have all heard the saying, “We don’t take in enough calcium, especially women.” After being constantly reminded of this fact many Americans, specifically women, have taken action by fitting calcium supplements into their daily diet. This is great but it is actually becoming overly done. Many women are actually taking in to much calcium which has a lot of negative consequences, including kidney stones. Don’t take more than 1000 mg daily.

2. Fish Oil: Fish Oil is known to help reduce the risk of heart disease, joint trouble, arthritis, helps improve mood, reduce eye diseases and more. Don’t take more than 1 gram per day.

3. Glucosamine and Chondroitin: These help with reduces pain related to arthritis, knee pain and helps slow the progression of osteoarthritis. Opt for 1500 mg per day.

4. CoQ10: There is talk that this vitamin may help prevent migraine headaches, slow progression of Parkinson’s disease, ease the effects of muscular dystrophy, and possible lower blood pressure. There is no recommended daily dosage but most have ranged from 100-300 mg daily.

5. Magnesium: Magnesium improves calcium absorption, helps bones and protect the heart against abnormal heart rhythms and blood clots. Daily recommended intake is 320 mg, for women, and 420 mg for men.

I put the top selling garbage bags to the test: Glad Drawstring, Hefty The Gripper, and Glad ForceFlex Tear Resistant. When put to the ultimate test, holding up to 50 pounds, Glad Drawstring and Hefty the Gripper outperformed other garbage bags. Glad drawstring has been advertised as using less plastic and it showed to be one of the strongest brands. Although these brands seemed to outshine the cheap brand it is more expensive. Just because of a higher price tag does not mean you are getting a better product. Opt for more than one brand. Use the more durable Hefty or Glad in the kitchen or garage and the cheap brands for bedroom and bathrooms.

Glitter nail polish, neon eye shadow and colored eye liner trends come and go but mascara is an every day essential that is in style forever. There are so many brands of Mascara to choose from its hard to know which one to get that is at a decent price, good quality and long lasting. Here are some tips and DO’s/DONT’s about mascara shopping.

DO try different brands of mascara. Mascara wands and bristles differ in size depending on the brand try different types to find which one you prefer most.

DON’T add liquid of any kind to your mascara. It’s always tempting when your bottle is getting low to just add a few drops of water but this is a big no no. When adding liquid you are creating bacteria in a bottle.

DON’T pump your mascara. Pumping your mascara wand will add air pockets in your tube leading to dried out mascara.

Many whitening strips work the same way and work well. The best whitening s are the ones that keep the strips in place securely. My favorite whitening stips are Crest Intensive Professional Effects. I noticed my teeth were whiter in a couple of days! I drink coffee daily and dark wine occasionally and these strips wiped all of the stains out. I didn’t even have to use the whole box to get the best results. I still have strips left from my first box and when my teeth are looking a little dingy I pop one on to brighten up my mouth!

I know its unusual to come by a wine coupon, unfourtunate I know. I have found a few websites that I searched and found a couple of wine deals, www.wow-coupons.com, www.couponcabin.com or www.wine.com .

ALong with searching the web think about joining a wine club. Often times you can join through your retailer or a local vineyard. Members can receive exlusive offers.

Order by the case instead of an individual bottle. If there is a type of wine you can’t get enough of the cheapet way to get your wine fix would be to buy the whole case. Otherwise if you enjoy all kinds there are often times variety packs by the case.

Victorias Secet: Beach Sexy Sunkissed BronzeI love using this because it doesn’t give me streaks, it smells good and it gives believable color. It has a bronze shimmer so it has an instant bronze while its building up color. I like that the color stays on my skin rather than down my shower sink or on my clothes. I would give this an 8 out of 10.

While I loved the first sunless lotion I did NOT enjoy this one. THis is from Bath and Body Works it is the Strike Gold Selftan. The color made me look like a Dorito rather than a bronzed beach goddess and it smelt horendous, like your typical sunless lotion. I would rate this product a 3 out of 10 because it made me completely orange. I would not recommend this for those of you that are fair or medium skin toned.

I found the “caviar manicure” and fell in love instantly. I really wanted to know how to get that beaded look so I tried it out one night at home and it worked! Don’t let this picture intimidate you the caviar manicure is so much easier than it looks all you need is beads and nail polish. I used little tiny beads, glitter beads is what they are called. First, I painted my nails black and while they were wet I poured the glitter beads over the top, let dry, and applied a clear coat! It didn’t last as long as I had hoped but it was fun to have. I think for an occasion this nail application would be so cute.

I found the most unique engagement ring, Black titanium diamond engagement ring. I never thought I would be interested in this type of ring but it is so eye catching and unique! Since its made of titanium I know it will last. Titanium is not just for men ladies there are so many unique pretty designs for women also!

As a Mom I am always worried about my children’s safety while at school after hearing about school shootings left and right. Having security cameras is an easy way to monitor safety of students and a good investment for people. I live in what I thought was a safe neighborhood but I’m quickly finding out there is no such thing as a “completely safe” neighborhood. I want to keep my family, neighbors and friends safe at all costs I’m thinking of buying a security camera for my home. I’m still trying to decide if I am overreacting or if getting a home security camera is necessary, what do you all think?