This process has a natural beauty that is unmatched. This is the reason why Sandstone home worktops have become quite popular in recent years. Natural sandstone is also available in a variety of shades of colors. Some of the plates feature fossils embedded in the surface. It is easy to understand why many homeowners and builders make the choice of Sandstone paving more common decisions such as granite and marble.

Natural sandstone can compliment either traditional or modern designs, where the unique combinations of colors and textures can place a bid, as well as a contemporary feel. Because of its natural beauty, sandstone is used for the interior and exterior decoration including flooring, paving, walls and floors.

Sandstone is weather resistant and can be used for indoor and outdoor. The beauty and versatility of the sandstone finish lies in the texture or matte appearance of the stone. As with sand, sandstone can be almost any color. The most commonly used colors of sandstone are Tan, brown, yellow, red, gray and white.

Some sandstone is resistant to weathering, but they are relatively easy to work. That is what makes a common sandstone building and paving material.

Sandstone staping stones are some of the finest work plates are available. Because of its rich texture, grain and colors they offer a breathtaking addition to a dream home. You may require a little more care and attention than other stone work tops, but the aesthetic value of the sandstone slabs kitchen work is hard to beat.

Sandstone can use in kitchen design. Natural stones are having lot of products and designs. It is also recommended that sandstone kitchen work surfaces should be sealed after installation. Sealing can protect the surface and lasts several years.

The best protection for Sandstone kitchen worktops is cautious and wiped spills immediately. You should be careful at all times not to allow any leakage set. For cleaning use pH balanced and mild detergent, untinted, unscented detergents. A very mild detergent works very well on sandstone surfaces. Do not use acidic cleaners, especially those with citrus additives, as they etch and over time break down the polished and sealed surface.

Sandstone Home Floors are Made From a Sedimentary Rock is a post from: Tanning Lotion At It's Best

How can I keep my acrylic nails from getting stained by sunless tan? is a post from: Tanning Lotion At It's Best

The issue with growing tomatoes outdoors is the weather. Drastic changes up or down can stunt or kill your crop. Plants like to be warm like humans, and avoid extremes of weather patterns. Naturally correct watering and fertilizing is super critical too. Particularly when going for the gold. I assumed we had it for sure last year until a rabbit came out of the blue and ate half of our prize winning nine pound tomato! I had it with nature, lack of rain and bushy rodents with lovable ears and unpleasant appetites!

Oddly enough a buddy of mine brought over a High Times magazine on the way back from the store with a pack of smokes and a case of beer. After a few cold ones, and some rubbish reruns on the T. V. , I started flipping through the best of High Times magazine and they had some write up on some company called local Hydroponics out in Weston Florida. Hell, these guys are practically my neighbors I thought! I called the eight hundred number and spoke to some guy named Howard. I told him I was tired of growing the way I mostly did and needed to try something new. Turns out that they pioneered the modern day grow box. Sounds like a bit of furniture to me.

What the hey is a grow box you ask? Hell, I wouldn’t have been able to tell you that 6 months back. Turns out these suckers are boxes that look like ordinary cupboards, but inside they were given all of the lights on times, fans to bring in fresh air, and even a tub to hold the water and plants. Looked pretty useful on the web site, but I don’t believe in purchasing anything until I lay my hands on it! So, the old woman and I hopped in our ‘57 Ford and took a ride down to their producing facility in Weston Florida. Boy, let me tell you these guys run an impressive show out there!

I been in manufacturing shops before, but I haven’t seen anything as professional and high end as this. Turns out they got an engineer employed full time planning these machines in some program called Solid Works, and they get to design them and work out all of the issues on the computer before they even build them! Allegedly the machine I purchased from them called the Cultivator Pro was the product of 5 years of study and development into plant mechanics and from what I saw they really pushed things to the limits on this one.

Long story short I decided to make the leap on changing my out dated old fashioned and took a big gamble with Howard of local Hydroponics. I paid for my machine by assistants check and Howard told me it might be ready to pick up in 4-6 weeks. Looked a bit long, but hell – I got time to attend for something done right . Not more than 3 weeks later some guy named Shannon calls me and lets me know my unit is complete, and ready to pick up! Wow, completed in 1/2 the time! So we drove down there again and when we got there our Cultivator Pro was set up on display for us running so bright, and looking good! The store foreman Wayne was nice enough to give me a first hand demonstration of the way in which the product worked, and showed me all of the ins and outs before proceeding to pack it up for me and load it In my van. I couldn’t wait to get it home and plant my tomato clones!

After talking to Howard again on the phone, he walked me through getting it all setup. It was simple and took less than an hour from unpacking it to filling it with water and turning it on. My God, when those 800 watts of light blast on your plants you need some sun shades and sun tan lotion! Talk about perfect conditions for the tomatoes and any plant really. They are living in plant heaven in this grow box built to keep them happy as a kitty on the settee.

It has been 2 months now, and I’ll truthfully say I have never seen a better looking, prize winning tomatoes than the one I got going on now. It’s looking good for the fare this year and I barely lifted a finger apart from filling it with water. To assert my eyes have been opened to a new way of growing plants in an understatement. Those people at Homegrown Hydroponics opened up a door to me that I can never close!

I don’t miss the dirt, the cold, the furry rodents of the lack of water in nature! I got this baby purring in my spare guest room, and my plants grow like wild fire. I am in the process of starting a blog, and will post some photos soon as my plants ripen up. This year is looking good to take my rightful first place victory at the state fair! Aside from the potato, tomatoes are America’s most important commercial vegetable, both in yearly weight consumed and annual yield.

To learn more about Homegrown Hydroponics you can check out their web site at:

http://www.homegrown-hydroponics.com.

To make is simple if you dont like to read: A hydroponics grow box is a device for growing any kind of plant in a self contained environment. These automated growing systems are typically totally enclosed, and contain a built in hps light, intake and exhaust fan system for ventilation, hydroponics system for growing, and odor control system for removing strong smells and odors. Some advanced grow box units even include air conditioning to keep running temperatures down, as well as CO2 to boost the plant’s growth rate. Grow boxes are generally used by indoor gardeners who do not have a patch of soil to grow in, or by dwellers of high-rise condos who lack a garden. They are also popular with year round gardeners who wish to grow plants out of season, and in the dead of winter. These hydroponic grow box systems are generally very easy to use, and allow the gardener to tweak all aspects of a plant’s environment to perfection for optimal growth.

Happy Customer Just Back From Homegrown Hydroponics is a post from: Tanning Lotion At It's Best

Clothing

If you want to enjoy the outdoors or the beach, but don’t want to be exposed to the sun all day, consider purchasing special clothing. There is special clothing made specifically for sun protection. This clothing is lightweight so it does not keep you warm, yet it protects your skin from the sun’s rays. Several makers of sun protection clothing offer apparel including long sleeve shirts, pants and jackets to protect your body, as well as hats designed to protect your head and neck.

Eyewear

Eye protection from the sun is extremely important, as excessive exposure to UV rays can lead to damage to the eye, especially for people with sensitive eyes, children, seniors and anyone who has had eye surgery recently. A good pair of sunglasses will protect the health of your eyes and even help you see better during the harsh light of a bright day. So when you’re headed outdoors, don’t forget your sunglasses.

Sunscreen

Sunscreen is available from many brands in hundreds of preparations. There is a sunscreen product for everyone. Generally, sunscreens are rated according to SPF, which stands for “Sun Protection Factor”. Every bottle of sunscreen will have an SPF number, even many lipsticks and make-up products now have SPF ratings. While there is no sunscreen available that blocks out all UV rays, generally the higher the SPF number, the more you are protected. For instance, an SPF rating of 30 will block 97 percent of the sun’s UV rays if it is correctly applied. That’s another tip to remember, you must apply sunscreen correctly for it to be effective. If you use too little or don’t apply it to all areas where your skin will be exposed, then it won’t be able to do it’s job. A sunscreen product with SPF protection of 50 will effectively block up to 99 percent of UV rays, so look for this rating on any products you purchase, especially if you are buying it for people who are sensitive to the sun.

Physical Protection

Some of the best ways to block the sun’s harmful rays is with physical objects. The best of these is an umbrella. You may still enjoy laying out by the pool or the beach, but if you are under an umbrella, you are physically blocking the sun from hitting your skin. A tent, gazebo or other structure can also block the sun’s rays effectively.

Sun Tanning Safely

Many people still want to have a nice, healthful looking tan, regardless of the skin cancer danger. These people should consider using sunless tanning products. These lotions and creams applied to the skin once every week or so will dye the most outer layer of your skin. However, this method of tanning is perfectly safe as opposed to laying out in the sun for a few hours to achieve the same effect. The latest innovations in sunless tanning products mean that you can get a beautiful tan without risking skin cancer.

Protecting Yourself From The Ravages of The Sun is a post from: Tanning Lotion At It's Best

By Carl “J.C.” Pantejo, Copyright January 2008

(Author “My Friend Yu – The Prosperity Mentor,” Copyright August 2007. Pantejo – Y.N. Vurce Publishing.)

*Below is the sixth episode in a series of real life events experienced by the author. The only deviations from the truth may be the names of people and places. These stories are also incorporated in “My Friend Yu – the Prosperity Mentor: Book II,” Pantejo – Y.N. Vurce Publishing. Release Date: Mid 2008.

- The Other Side of the Coin -

I’m sitting here at my laptop, drinking my favorite (meaning: currently available) Thai beer, listening to my favorite old Rock songs, and watching Nueng prepare dinner. It always amazes me how she can prepare banquets fit for Thai Royalty every night on our tiny, one skillet, propane tank “stove.” Today, as usual, she went to the market, shopped for fresh food, and is now cooking dinner for us.

She also remembered to buy anything I needed for the rest of the day and for tomorrow’s workday (i.e., beer, phone card, breath mints, etc.)

Wow. And to think, three short months ago I was miserable! I was dealing with the lying, cheating, very expensive, and now, “ex-girlfriend.”

Living with Nueng, I naturally compare her to the ex.

There’s no comparison.

In fact, they are total opposites in almost all respects! It’s like I’m finally experiencing “the Other Side of the Coin” – the Good Side.

- Stark Contrasts -

First off is appearance. All my life I preferred dark-skinned women. The ex was the first fair-skinned woman I’d been with in a very long time. When I first met her, her pale, white skin didn’t attract me at all – mainly because I’m a Falang (Thai: foreigner).

I guess it’s true what they say about beauty and preferences: 1) Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and 2) People usually prefer the opposite of what they see everyday.

For example, Asia is predominantly populated by brown skin people, but white skin is almost always preferred over dark skin.

Anyone who has spent time in Asia (Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, etc.) has noticed how the local people, especially children and women, scurry around trying to avoid the sun. Every form of skin whitening product (e.g., soap, shampoo, facial cream, body lotion, deodorants, anti-perspirants, etc.) is available – and wildly popular – in all Asian stores.

You see, in Asia, white skin is considered more beautiful than dark skin – the total opposite of most Western countries. The reason for this? My guess would be the implied Economic and Social status: In Asia, dark skin instantly conjures up visions of poor, uneducated, farm people toiling away in the hot sun; while their rich, whiter skinned countrymen have wealthy relatives, are college educated, and work indoors, away from all tanning rays.

In contrast, most Westerners seek out dark skin (both for themselves and their mates). They go to the beach and pay exorbitant fees at the Tanning Salon. In the United States especially, tanned skin implies that you are financially well off enough to spend a lot of time outside in the sun, playing volleyball, golf, or tennis, etc.

For the same socio-economic reasons, a similar dichotomy of opinions exists about body type: Westerners prefer slim figures, while Asians prefer people with a little “meat on their bones.” In other words, in Asia, being thin is associated with poverty, while a little fat means you have enough money to eat well.

Nueng has beautiful, brown skin – the kind of skin that most tourists look for in places like Hawaii, Guam, or Bali. Nueng is about 5’ 5”, where the ex was barely 5’ 1” tall.

Nueng’s athletic body is strong and sexy, reflecting her upbringing “up country” – the region northeast of Bangkok where the people are identified as “Isaan.” Isaan Thai’s are regarded as hard working and fun loving; satisfied with a simpler lifestyle than their sophisticated Bangkok counterparts. They are also darker skinned.

Traditional Isaan life requires a lot of daily physical labor, labor that surpasses the exertion required for most American farms

Juxtaposed with Nueng, the ex was petite, ultra-feminine, and fragile. She came from a city in Laos and was not used to much manual labor. I can still remember her complaining about going up and down the stairs of my townhouse.

- Domestics –

Nueng comes from a large family: three “Pee Chia” (Thai: older brother/s), two “Luk Chai” (younger brother/s), and one “Nong Sao” (younger sister). With no “Pee Sao” (older sister) to help her and her mother in their big family’s house chores, Nueng learned early how to cook, clean, wash clothes, and look after her younger siblings.

She was industrious too. At age 7, Nueng would come home from elementary school and then clean the house of a neighbor until late into the evening. This was done for 60 baht per day (the equivalent of $1.70). As an adult, she was the breadwinner for her and her lazy, “no-job, no-money” boyfriend. She would wash and iron other people’s clothes, cook at a local food stand, and serve drinks at a local pub – while keeping up with her own housework and cooking.

Needless to say, I’ve never lived so contently and cleanly since I’ve been in Thailand. Our townhouse is always spotless. My clothes are always fresh smelling and expertly pressed. And, as mentioned before, I enjoy home-cooked meals fit for a king almost every night (with the exception being when I take her out for dinner on the weekends).

Comparison time again.

The ex-girlfriend was pretty lame at domestics. I was the one who routinely washed the clothes and did the dishes. I ALWAYS did the ironing. I cleaned the condominium we lived in when we met (and then cleaned the townhouse we moved into before breaking up).

Working 50-60 hours a week AND doing all the housework, laundry, and bill paying left me chronically exhausted.

What did the ex-girlfriend do all day while I was working? I’m not really sure, but I’d guess most of her day was spent sleeping, watching T.V., or cavorting with her friends; or, as I found out later, maybe even sneaking in a secret date with one of her other men.

I’m not a chauvinist. In fact, like most Falangs in Thailand, I habitually share in all domestic responsibilities. It’s just that I was always so tired working long hours, THEN coming home to “work.” And after a few months of “hinting,” I realized that domestic work was not the ex’s forte.

The resentment slowly grew. Finally, I threw subtly out the window, semi-feigned anger, and basically told her to get off her lazy butt and help me.

This tactic only worked for two or three days. Then it was back to the old routine of cleaning up after her and scrambling every morning for something appropriate to wear to work; finally ending up doing the laundry by myself – again.

Looking back, I’d always hoped that she (the ex-girlfriend) would change. I mean, I didn’t want a “maid,” but an equal, fair sharing of the housework would have made my life so much easier. I guess I was asking the ex to do something she wasn’t accustomed to (or even capable of).

Now, with Nueng, I hardly lift a finger at home. She even scolds me if I try to do something she feels is “HER RESPONSIBILITY.” What a change! I’m not fatigued all the time anymore. Nueng does her thing while I’m at work, so we can enjoy good, quality time together when I come home. What a change, indeed!

Yes, living in “The Flow” is wonderful. My days are filled with laughter, smiles, love, and beauty.

I thank the Original Substance (God) everyday that Nueng and I decided to end our old relationships and begin anew…

(Continued in “Experiences from ‘The Flow’ (7) – Living Well: Friendship, Fidelity, Finances, and Family”)

“Until next time, find ‘The Flow’ and jump in!”

Your Friend in this Intrepid Journey called Life,

Carl “J.C.” Pantejo

Note: If you want to read more about overcoming heartbreak, unconditional love, exorcising past personal demons, and the Illusive Secret of Happiness, please read the following articles:

“Experiences from ‘The Flow’: From Heartbreak to Happiness”

“Experiences from ‘The Flow’ (2): Coincidence or Synchronicity: FROM RELAPSE TO MIRACLES…”

“Experiences from ‘The Flow’ (3): LOST AND FOUND – Kindred Spirits and Mistakes made in Haste.”

“Experiences from ‘The Flow’ (4): LOST AND FOUND – Meant to Be?”

“Experiences from ‘The Flow’ (5): “The Stray”

“How Dare She! Out of Desperation I Learned How to Forgive”

“Remember Who You Are!”

“Need to Heal Your Broken Heart? Read on. Overcome Heartbreak and Learn the Illusive Secret of Happiness.”

(By Carl “J.C.” Pantejo and published internet-wide, keyword: [title of article] or “Carl Pantejo”)

Pantejo@ynvurcepublishing.com

?experiences From ?the Flow? (6): New Beginnings, Old Endings? is a post from: Tanning Lotion At It's Best

The good thing is that there’s a lot you can do to protect yourself.  More than one million dangerous skin cancers are identified every year in the United States.  That is a lot more than the cancers of the prostate, breasts, lung, intestinal tract, uterus, ovaries, and pancreas cancers put together. Follow some of these useful measures — they provide some of the best protection when utilized together.

Limit the direct sun exposure while in midday.

The suns rays are the most strong throughout mid-day, usually in between the hours of 10 in the morning and 4 pm. Try to do your out of doors activities out of that time-frame, whenever possible.

Try to avoid sun tanning beds and sunlamps.  The alternate choice is to use sunless tanning cream.

Sun tanning lamps provide UVA and frequently UVB rays, also. Both Ultraviolet types might cause significant longterm damage to the skin, as both contribute to skin cancers.

Use sunglasses and a hat. Invest in a large-brimmed hat to protect the face and a pair of wrap around sun glasses with at least 99 Percent Ultra-violet absorption.

Apply sunblock lotion that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. The SPF number symbolizes the level of protection towards UVB sun rays, the kind that induces most cancers of the skin. A greater number signifies a lot more protection. Sunscreens referred to as “extended range” also safeguard against UVA rays, which also may play a role in skin cancer.

Utilize one oz of sunscreen lotion or just a little amount within your hand to cover your arms, legs, and head. Re-apply about every two hours — more frequently if you are swimming or have constant perspiration. Be sure and put it on your mouth by using a chap stick that has SPF.  You shouldn’t skip the sun block lotion even if it looks cloudy outside: Ultra-violet rays can still comes through during hazy days.  Directory of sun tanning products.

Look at your body. Examine your own skin on a regular basis, and have your doctor check it, as well – specifically you may notice any kind of moles which have developed size, form, or coloration. Skin cancer can readily be avoided with the use of sunscreens and it is most easily cared for when found at the beginning stages.

And Foremost it is time for you to observe Do not Fry Day. Remind your friends and family about the need for skin cancer prevention and early diagnosis on the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention’s -  Do not Fry Day, the the Friday before Memorial Day weekend.

Keep Safe and Safeguarded from the Suns Rays is a post from: Tanning Lotion At It's Best

do self-tanning lotions prevent you from getting a sun tan? is a post from: Tanning Lotion At It's Best

To understand tanning bed burns you must first understand how tanning beds work. When we expose ourselves to natural sunlight, we expose ourselves to a combination of ultraviolet rays that affect the pigmentation of our skin and cause it to tan – or burn. UVA rays – the longer of the two ultraviolet rays – reach into the deep layers of our skin. UVB rays – the more dangerous of the two – are shorter and therefore reach only to the top layer of our skin. Tanning beds act as an alternative to the sun, exposing the skin to a combination of UVA and UVB rays. However, in the case of tanning beds, UVB rays are actually increased to speed the tanning process. The result can be tanning bed burns.

Overexposure to these UV rays can result in the advanced aging of skin as shown by wrinkles and age spots. Such overexposure can also result in eventual skin cancers such as melanoma. Additionally, exposure to the sun – and similarly, to tanning beds, can result in burned skin. When your skin is severely sunburned, it is forever damaged, increasing the likelihood of skin cancer and early aging. Tanning bed burns – just like the burns you receive via natural sunlight – are dangerous and the effects can be long reaching.

In order to avoid tanning bed burns, use your head. If you are fair skinned or have a tendency to burn in the sun, then, without question, avoid tanning beds. Even if you have a darker pigmentation and do not have a tendency to burn, you should still take precautions against tanning bed burns. Be sure to use plenty of protective lotion designed for your skin type and minimize both your frequency of use and amount of exposure time.

Using common sense and tanning responsibly – or not at all – will protect you from tanning bed burns and ensure a lifetime of healthy skin.

Protecting Yourself From Tanning Bed Burns is a post from: Tanning Lotion At It's Best

One interesting trend in the Indian cosmetics market is the use of sun protection creams & lotions. People use sun care products only in summers. All sun care products have become a seasonal product with sales starting from Mid March and ending by August.

Consumers believe that sunscreens are only meant for the summers. This is a hugely wrong presumption. This belief can lead to serious skin damage and tanning. I am writing this article to educate the people to save their skins from the sun in all seasons.

I would like to bring to the notice that sunscreens protect the skin from harmful UVA & UVB rays. These are invisible rays to the human eyes. Though the intensity of heat & light of sun rays is less in winters but UVA & UVB rays are existent in the environment which cause skin damage. Therefore use of sunscreens is important in winters too.

Although the intensity of sun rays is a little less in winters, but the exposure to sun increases in winters as people tend to sit outside in the sun for longer durations. Therefore the exposure of our skin to sun rays increases drastically in the winters. UVA & UVB rays fall directly on the skin and cause tanning and other skin diseases. On the other side in summers, we avoid the sun and mostly stay indoors or under the shade, therefore direct contact with sun is lower.

In recent years, the temperature in northern India, even in winters stays much higher than normal. There is hardly few days of a no sun now. In the day time, the sun is pretty strong. Therefore with changing times, use of sunscreen lotion in summers has become a necessity.

I would recommend a SPF 15, herbal based sunscreen lotion for winters for all persons to save the skin from sunrays. A sunscreen blended with herbal extracts like papaya & orange peel is a very good option as it keeps the skin moisturised and also saves the skin.

How to protect your skin from sun in winter season is a post from: Tanning Lotion At It's Best

Inspirational And Healing Stories From Silver Sun Publishing. is a post from: Tanning Lotion At It's Best