Cheap Wine Wins Wine Trials 2010
Spanish $12 red wine, LAN Crianza, was crowned wine of the year in the Wine Trials 2010 book, trumping much more expensive wines from around the world.
More than 450 wines were nominated by industry experts and blind-tasted by a panel of judges. Blind-tasting the wines let the judges focus on the most important elements of wine: smell, taste and feeling, without the price tag.
With no extraneous factors such as name, bottle and label design, the trials showed that the main difference between a $15 and $150 bottle of wine is just that – $135.
The book includes a page dedicated to each wine, along with pictures and conversational-type reviews by the panel. More information is available on the Wine Trials 2010 website. Buy the book on Amazon.com.
Keep Your Hair from Frying in the Sun
A perfect tan might be at the top of the list this summer, but too much baking in the sun damages hair. UV rays dry and fade those precious locks, so here are some tips to keep your hair looking vibrant and natural this summer.
Wash your hair with a moisturizing shampoo that's low on drying chemicals, and once a week, give your hair a deep conditioning treatment to strengthen and restore elasticity to keep your hair natural looking. Use a wide-tooth brush to detangle wet hair and prevent future damage. When dry, opt for a paddle brush with widely spaced bristles that's less likely to tug on your hair and split ends.
Cut back treatment to once a month for maintenance after your hair returns to normal. Even with proper care, hair naturally fades in the sun, so remember to call ds Parada for a color appointment. And don't forget a trim every six weeks!
Block Deadly Rays European Style
Head across the pond for protection against the sun's deadliest rays. Many European sunscreens offer protection against harmful ultraviolet A (UVA) rays. Unfortunately, the UVA-blocking ingredient in those suncreens, Tinosorb M, isn't approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
In the United States, sun protection factor (SPF) measures how well sunscreens protect against cancer and wrinkle-causing UVB rays. There's just one problem – UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply than UVB and play a major role in aging, wrinkling and damaging skin cells where most skin cancers occur.
The FDA has proposed a four-star system of guidelines for UVA protection. That was three years ago. The FDA has been criticized for dragging its feet amid pressure from sunscreen manufacturers, according to the New York Times. Current sunscreen regulations in the U.S. have been untouched since 1978.
UVB-blocking sunscreens can be found online. Want to skip exorbitant shipping costs? Ask a traveling friend to bring home the goods! Duty-free shops in European airports carry sunscreens without local and national taxes.
Long Flight Comfort Measures
Screaming babies, small spaces, snoring spouses – long flights can be painful enough. But that doesn't mean you can't dress comfortably and make the most out of your flight. Here are some travel tips to make sure you arrive with your sanity intact:
- Avoid wearing tight clothes. The seats are already cramped, so wear leggings or a loosely fitting shirt.
- Dark colors are your friend. Don't be the one wearing Starbucks on a white shirt.
- Flights can get cold. Bring a light jacket or cardigan if the air-conditioning is blasting. If it's too hot, stow it!
- Bring a pair of socks. Wearing shoes for a long flight can be uncomfortable, so come prepared with some light socks.
- A small cosmetic bag is a must for long flights. Pack face wash, a toothbrush, makeup and deodorant. They make all the difference!
For more travel tips, check out The Frisky.
No More Stinkin' Eyeglasses
Eyeglasses strictly for vision? Think again. One French company's unique approach to eyewear fashion puts scent before vision. Les Opticiens Atol's latest eyewear line, AK Senteurs, comes in four scents: floral, mango, sweet and spicy and chocolate.
Although it's unclear how long the scent lasts and if the frames will cause skin irritation or headaches, the boundaries of eyewear are certainly being pushed. For now, the eyewear seems to only be available in France (the website is strictly in French).
Roman's World
It's true, dogs believe they are human. But cats believe they are God.
