Gear up for marathon season: Sun safety tips for runners

For many people, fall brings cooler temperatures and outdoor activities such as nature walks and trips to see the leaves change. But sports buffs across the nation are hitting the pavement in preparation for marathon season.



There is no slowing down fitness enthusiasts, who adhere to training regimens and participate in long-distance running events. However, rigorous outdoor activity, combined with heat, humidity and sweat, can make skin more vulnerable to the sun's rays. Even if you are not a marathon runner, it is important to help protect your skin while embracing the sun and the outdoors.



Although the majority of people (59 percent) consider putting on sunscreen important when preparing for outdoor activity, only 49 percent actually use sunscreen when exercising outdoors, according to a survey sponsored by the Coppertone Solar Research Center. Before lacing up your best running shoes, plan ahead with a sun safety strategy that best complements your routine.



As a practicing dermatologist, I know how challenging it can be to help keep my skin protected from the elements, especially now that I am training for my fifth marathon, says Dr. Elizabeth K. Hale, clinical associate professor of dermatology at New York University School of Medicine and consultant to the makers of Coppertone. Simple steps can help ensure that you are protecting yourself this marathon season and beyond.



Dr. Hale offers some of her key sun safety tips for fellow runners:



* Shield with shades. UV radiation can damage the eyes and the skin around them, so it is important for runners to wear their sunglasses. To provide the best protection for your eyes, your shades should block out 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays. Choose wrap-around frames, which stay on better while you train.



* Replenish yourself. Drinking water can help keep your body and skin hydrated, especially if you are sweating. It is essential for runners to pay attention to how much water they are drinking before, during and after outdoor exercise. I like to apply Coppertone Sport Pro Series with DuraFlex before stepping outside for training. This lightweight formula sprays on easily and helps keep my skin hydrated, says Dr. Hale.



* Protect every inch. Runners and other outdoor athletes tend to forget to apply sunscreen on all areas of their face and body. The most commonly overlooked areas when applying sunscreen are the scalp, ears and backs of hands. Just remember to bring your sunscreen and reapply every two hours.



* Timing is everything. Schedule your outdoor training when the sun is less intense; avoid exposure between the peak hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. If you do run during that time, choose a route that offers plenty of shade.



* Go safe with your style. Make sure to protect your skin during your run with the appropriate attire. Try wearing lightweight, sun-protective clothing. Also, stay cool with a baseball hat to help shield your face from the sun.



Before you head out for your next run, check out sun care tips from Dr. Hale on the Sunderstanding page of the Coppertone website to learn more about how to help keep your skin protected when you are training your hardest.



Courtesy of BPT

Three beautiful new date-night looks

Getting ready for a date night can be fun, but finding the perfect look can be overwhelming. Going out today can mean so many things - it's not just dinner and movie anymore, there is a style for everything. Whether it's a cozy evening at home with your sweetie, a big date night or a night out on the town with your girlfriends, you want a look that will wow everyone you meet, especially that special someone.



A recent survey found that 55 percent of women feel most confident when wearing cosmetics. So, for your next date, put your best face forward and try one of these three go-to makeup routines. If you are not a pro, there is no need to worry - these beautiful looks can be accomplished easily and quickly with the right tools, so you'll be ready in a snap.



Romantic night in: This natural look is all about flawless skin, a fresh glow and lots of lashes; the goal is to look like yourself, but extra irresistible. Try using the EcoTools Fresh and Flawless Five Piece Complexion Set - it has all the tools you'll need to create a smooth and airbrushed look. The brushes are all super soft and eco-friendly, so you can look beautiful and live beautifully.-



First, prep your skin with a primer and sweep on foundation and concealer using the right tools in the set. Then set with a loose powder (applied with a full powder brush) for an airbrushed finish. Next, contour and shape cheekbones using the EcoTools Deluxe Fan Brush dipped in bronzer. For a little glow, use the flat side of the brush to apply an illuminating powder. Top with a light pink blush on the apples of the cheeks.



To make eyes pop, apply a neutral-colored shadow on the eyelid and just under the brow bone, a darker brown shadow to define the crease of the eye and a taupe shadow just above the crease. Define brows with a brow pencil to tame fly-aways. Line the upper lash line and outer lash line with a soft black pencil, smudging away any harsh edges, and apply lengthening mascara for a flirty fringe. Finish off the look with a sweep of coral lipstick, using a detailed lip brush for extra staying power. Add a dab of clear gloss just in the middle for the illusion of added volume.



Big night out: Whether you are headed to a black tie affair, have a big date or are hitting a hot party, a night out demands your most stunning self. Play up your peepers with this eye-opening technique that is sure to deliver come-hither appeal wherever the night takes you.



Prep skin with a primer and use a foam applicator to apply a full coverage foundation over your entire face, using the flat edge for larger surfaces, and the pointed edge for precision application around the eyes and nose. Next, create a blank canvas with eye primer to prevent creasing and to make color last. Apply black liner along entire top lash line and outer lower lash line, making the line thicker toward the outer edges. Using the EcoTools Day-to-Night Set, take a small brush to smudge the liner, blending upwards on the top lid and inward on the lower. Apply shimmery burgundy cream shadow to entire lid, and a taupe shadow to define the crease. Highlight inner corners of eye and just under brow bone with a shimmery bone shadow. Finish with two to three layers of volumizing mascara. Using a detailed lip liner brush, apply a nude lip color and create drama with a highlighting pencil to outline just under the middle of your lower lip and curvature of your top lip.



Girls night: Girls night out is the perfect time to play with color and trends. Have some fun with this look and incorporate emerald, the color of the year, into an updated twist on the cat eye.



Apply a primer and then full coverage foundation, setting with powder. Use a matte bronzer on areas you want to minimize, and also apply on lower cheekbones for contouring. Use a blush with some shimmer on top of your cheekbones for a flirty effect. Bring bronzer down onto your neck and decolletage with a sculpting brush. Apply a wash of gold eye shadow over the entire eyelid and line with a black gel liner and extend into a wing slightly past the outer corner of the eye. Use an emerald green pencil to line entire lower lash line for a saturated burst of color. Finish the look with a wash of berry lipstick to really make the green eye accent pop.



For complete step-by-step instructions on recreating these looks and for more date-night inspiration, visit www.ecotools.com and www.facebook.com/ecotools.





Courtesy of BPT

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Good is just not good enough for many employers today. As companies look to do more with less, hiring managers are drawn to those job candidates who stand out from the crowd and clearly illustrate the value they bring to an organization.

If current employment trends didn't make landing your dream job tough enough, a gap between the skills hiring managers value in a candidate and how job seekers describe their own skills presents additional challenges.

According to the annual Job Preparedness Indicator from CareerAdvisoryBoard.org, more than half (56 percent) of job seekers are confident they know what qualifications are required for employment. Yet, only 14 percent of hiring managers reported that "most" or "nearly all" job candidates, over the past three years, have had the skills their company looks for in a potential employee.

J.T. O'Donnell, career strategist and author of "CAREEREALISM: The Smart Approach to a Satisfying Career," suggests that job candidates need to learn how to G.L.O.W. in order to close the employer-candidate disconnect and shine brightly among an ever more competitive job market. Here's how to G.L.O.W.:

G - Gain perspective: Take a step back and assess your situation. "No two people are alike," says O'Donnell. "You have to figure out what's important to you in your life and career. So, evaluating your values, preferences and interests will provide you with a customized plan and increase your ability to achieve success."

L - Luminate your goal: To "light up" your career goal, break down your preferred position into a list of "must haves," "nice to haves," and "don't wants." Let these criteria act as a compass to guide you toward your career destination. A vivid mental image of yourself as a success will keep you motivated and moving forward when things get tough.

O - Own your actions: Be ready and willing to put forth the effort required to make change happen. "Some requirements will seem more daunting than others, like having to go back to school for the right education and career-oriented skills set," says O'Donnell. "However, there are excellent options like DeVry University, which provides flexible onsite and online scheduling so you can maintain current responsibilities while pursuing your dream career."

W - Work it daily: Keep your goals in the forefront of your mind so that you'll take steps every day, no matter how small, to get closer to them. Display your goal where you can view it throughout the day. You should also ask yourself at least five or six times a day, "Is what I'm doing right now helping me achieve my goals?" A truthful answer to this question can be very enlightening.

If you are just starting your career out of college or are a mid-career professional seeking change - whether climbing higher in your current field or switching to a completely different industry - applying the G.L.O.W. method will brighten your future.

For more information about flexible education options, visit DeVry.edu; and to learn more about the G.L.O.W. method, visit Careerealism.com.

Courtesy of BPT

What you need to know about composite decking

Have you ever considered composite decking but disregarded the idea because you felt like you didn't know enough about it? Maybe you've wondered how composite decking is made? Or what kinds of materials make up composite decking?

Although composite decking is not new, lack of familiarity with the product may lead you to be confused when making a decision about what you should choose for your deck. To make this decision-making process easier, it often helps to go back to the basics.

So what is composite decking anyway? By definition, composite decking is a wood-like product that is created by the mixture of wood fibers, or sawdust, and virgin and recycled plastics. The combination of these elements along with color pigments and other protective additives, form a traditional wood-like decking profile that requires less maintenance than traditional wood decks.

Many composite decking products are manufactured through a process called extrusion. This is defined as a forming process in which melted plastic and wood materials are forced through an opening to produce a product that maintains a relatively consistent size and shape. Think of it like putty that is being pushed through a mold. The opening gives the board the shape and texture.

Another manufacturing method is compression molding. Combined molten materials for the composite wood are placed on to wood grain molds which are then compressed under tremendous heat and pressure to create a physical bond. The force applied helps to squeeze out air pockets and create a compressed board.

For outdoor living, composite decking provides many added benefits including weather resistance, complementary colors, durability and reduced maintenance.

* Weather resistance: The density of a composite decking board helps protect the board from rot and decay caused by prolonged exposure to moisture. By keeping moisture out, this helps reduce mildew, insects and bacteria.

* Complementary colors: The composite boards are also manufactured in a range of colors to perfectly complement any home. Instead of needing stain or paint, the colors are already added to the boards.

* Durability: Composite decking boards are manufactured to be stain resistant against certain common food and beverage stains, including mustard, ketchup, barbecue sauce, canola oil, fruit punch, wines and coffee. This stain resistance will preserve the life and beauty of the deck.

* Maintenance: Composite decking does not require paint, stain or a sealer reducing the overall maintenance of the deck. The best way to maintain a composite deck is to keep it swept, hose it off at least twice a year and attend to stains promptly with household cleaners or commercially available composite deck cleaners.

Overall, composite decking is a low maintenance product that has become a desirable alternative for outdoor living. Some composite deck products, like TAMKO's Envision, even add an extra layer of protection against weather, staining and scratching to preserve the natural beauty of the composite decking board.

TAMKO's Envision is uniquely designed with an added outer layer that is physically bonded to the core board under a compression process. This bonded outer layer adds durability to the core materials that provide the strength and consistency of the board. Envision also comes in four true, multi-shaded color options, designed with color highlights that emulate the textures and natural color variations of real wood to further enhance the natural beauty of the deck. To learn more about TAMKO's Envision, visit www.tamko.com.

Knowing more about the choices available helps you make a more informed decision about the product that is best for you. Composite decking shouldn't be something you avoid because you don't know anything about it. Composite decking has come a long way since it was first introduced and can provide you with the beauty and satisfaction you look for in a deck for years to come. You don't want to miss out.

Courtesy of BPT

What you need to know about composite decking

Have you ever considered composite decking but disregarded the idea because you felt like you didn't know enough about it? Maybe you've wondered how composite decking is made? Or what kinds of materials make up composite decking?

Although composite decking is not new, lack of familiarity with the product may lead you to be confused when making a decision about what you should choose for your deck. To make this decision-making process easier, it often helps to go back to the basics.

So what is composite decking anyway? By definition, composite decking is a wood-like product that is created by the mixture of wood fibers, or sawdust, and virgin and recycled plastics. The combination of these elements along with color pigments and other protective additives, form a traditional wood-like decking profile that requires less maintenance than traditional wood decks.

Many composite decking products are manufactured through a process called extrusion. This is defined as a forming process in which melted plastic and wood materials are forced through an opening to produce a product that maintains a relatively consistent size and shape. Think of it like putty that is being pushed through a mold. The opening gives the board the shape and texture.

Another manufacturing method is compression molding. Combined molten materials for the composite wood are placed on to wood grain molds which are then compressed under tremendous heat and pressure to create a physical bond. The force applied helps to squeeze out air pockets and create a compressed board.

For outdoor living, composite decking provides many added benefits including weather resistance, complementary colors, durability and reduced maintenance.

* Weather resistance: The density of a composite decking board helps protect the board from rot and decay caused by prolonged exposure to moisture. By keeping moisture out, this helps reduce mildew, insects and bacteria.

* Complementary colors: The composite boards are also manufactured in a range of colors to perfectly complement any home. Instead of needing stain or paint, the colors are already added to the boards.

* Durability: Composite decking boards are manufactured to be stain resistant against certain common food and beverage stains, including mustard, ketchup, barbecue sauce, canola oil, fruit punch, wines and coffee. This stain resistance will preserve the life and beauty of the deck.

* Maintenance: Composite decking does not require paint, stain or a sealer reducing the overall maintenance of the deck. The best way to maintain a composite deck is to keep it swept, hose it off at least twice a year and attend to stains promptly with household cleaners or commercially available composite deck cleaners.

Overall, composite decking is a low maintenance product that has become a desirable alternative for outdoor living. Some composite deck products, like TAMKO's Envision, even add an extra layer of protection against weather, staining and scratching to preserve the natural beauty of the composite decking board.

TAMKO's Envision is uniquely designed with an added outer layer that is physically bonded to the core board under a compression process. This bonded outer layer adds durability to the core materials that provide the strength and consistency of the board. Envision also comes in four true, multi-shaded color options, designed with color highlights that emulate the textures and natural color variations of real wood to further enhance the natural beauty of the deck. To learn more about TAMKO's Envision, visit www.tamko.com.

Knowing more about the choices available helps you make a more informed decision about the product that is best for you. Composite decking shouldn't be something you avoid because you don't know anything about it. Composite decking has come a long way since it was first introduced and can provide you with the beauty and satisfaction you look for in a deck for years to come. You don't want to miss out.

Courtesy of BPT

What you need to know about composite decking

<span><img align="left" alt="Deck" height="149" hspace="5" id="the_image" src="https://secure.systememerge.com/userfiles/4/image/15146842web_1351894066.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; margin: 5px;" vspace="5" width="200" ></span>Have you ever considered composite decking but disregarded the idea because you felt like you didn't know enough about it? Maybe you've wondered how composite decking is made? Or what kinds of materials make up composite decking?

Although composite decking is not new, lack of familiarity with the product may lead you to be confused when making a decision about what you should choose for your deck. To make this decision-making process easier, it often helps to go back to the basics.

So what is composite decking anyway? By definition, composite decking is a wood-like product that is created by the mixture of wood fibers, or sawdust, and virgin and recycled plastics. The combination of these elements along with color pigments and other protective additives, form a traditional wood-like decking profile that requires less maintenance than traditional wood decks.

Many composite decking products are manufactured through a process called extrusion. This is defined as a forming process in which melted plastic and wood materials are forced through an opening to produce a product that maintains a relatively consistent size and shape. Think of it like putty that is being pushed through a mold. The opening gives the board the shape and texture.

Another manufacturing method is compression molding. Combined molten materials for the composite wood are placed on to wood grain molds which are then compressed under tremendous heat and pressure to create a physical bond. The force applied helps to squeeze out air pockets and create a compressed board.

For outdoor living, composite decking provides many added benefits including weather resistance, complementary colors, durability and reduced maintenance.

* Weather resistance: The density of a composite decking board helps protect the board from rot and decay caused by prolonged exposure to moisture. By keeping moisture out, this helps reduce mildew, insects and bacteria.

* Complementary colors: The composite boards are also manufactured in a range of colors to perfectly complement any home. Instead of needing stain or paint, the colors are already added to the boards.

* Durability: Composite decking boards are manufactured to be stain resistant against certain common food and beverage stains, including mustard, ketchup, barbecue sauce, canola oil, fruit punch, wines and coffee. This stain resistance will preserve the life and beauty of the deck.

* Maintenance: Composite decking does not require paint, stain or a sealer reducing the overall maintenance of the deck. The best way to maintain a composite deck is to keep it swept, hose it off at least twice a year and attend to stains promptly with household cleaners or commercially available composite deck cleaners.

Overall, composite decking is a low maintenance product that has become a desirable alternative for outdoor living. Some composite deck products, like TAMKO's Envision, even add an extra layer of protection against weather, staining and scratching to preserve the natural beauty of the composite decking board.

TAMKO's Envision is uniquely designed with an added outer layer that is physically bonded to the core board under a compression process. This bonded outer layer adds durability to the core materials that provide the strength and consistency of the board. Envision also comes in four true, multi-shaded color options, designed with color highlights that emulate the textures and natural color variations of real wood to further enhance the natural beauty of the deck. To learn more about TAMKO's Envision, visit www.tamko.com.

Knowing more about the choices available helps you make a more informed decision about the product that is best for you. Composite decking shouldn't be something you avoid because you don't know anything about it. Composite decking has come a long way since it was first introduced and can provide you with the beauty and satisfaction you look for in a deck for years to come. You don't want to miss out.

Courtesy of BPT

What you need to know about composite decking

<span><img align="left" alt="Deck" height="149" hspace="5" id="the_image" src="https://secure.systememerge.com/userfiles/4/image/15146842web_1351894066.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; margin: 5px;" vspace="5" width="200" ></span>Have you ever considered composite decking but disregarded the idea because you felt like you didn't know enough about it? Maybe you've wondered how composite decking is made? Or what kinds of materials make up composite decking?

Although composite decking is not new, lack of familiarity with the product may lead you to be confused when making a decision about what you should choose for your deck. To make this decision-making process easier, it often helps to go back to the basics.

So what is composite decking anyway? By definition, composite decking is a wood-like product that is created by the mixture of wood fibers, or sawdust, and virgin and recycled plastics. The combination of these elements along with color pigments and other protective additives, form a traditional wood-like decking profile that requires less maintenance than traditional wood decks.

Many composite decking products are manufactured through a process called extrusion. This is defined as a forming process in which melted plastic and wood materials are forced through an opening to produce a product that maintains a relatively consistent size and shape. Think of it like putty that is being pushed through a mold. The opening gives the board the shape and texture.

Another manufacturing method is compression molding. Combined molten materials for the composite wood are placed on to wood grain molds which are then compressed under tremendous heat and pressure to create a physical bond. The force applied helps to squeeze out air pockets and create a compressed board.

For outdoor living, composite decking provides many added benefits including weather resistance, complementary colors, durability and reduced maintenance.

* Weather resistance: The density of a composite decking board helps protect the board from rot and decay caused by prolonged exposure to moisture. By keeping moisture out, this helps reduce mildew, insects and bacteria.

* Complementary colors: The composite boards are also manufactured in a range of colors to perfectly complement any home. Instead of needing stain or paint, the colors are already added to the boards.

* Durability: Composite decking boards are manufactured to be stain resistant against certain common food and beverage stains, including mustard, ketchup, barbecue sauce, canola oil, fruit punch, wines and coffee. This stain resistance will preserve the life and beauty of the deck.

* Maintenance: Composite decking does not require paint, stain or a sealer reducing the overall maintenance of the deck. The best way to maintain a composite deck is to keep it swept, hose it off at least twice a year and attend to stains promptly with household cleaners or commercially available composite deck cleaners.

Overall, composite decking is a low maintenance product that has become a desirable alternative for outdoor living. Some composite deck products, like TAMKO's Envision, even add an extra layer of protection against weather, staining and scratching to preserve the natural beauty of the composite decking board.

TAMKO's Envision is uniquely designed with an added outer layer that is physically bonded to the core board under a compression process. This bonded outer layer adds durability to the core materials that provide the strength and consistency of the board. Envision also comes in four true, multi-shaded color options, designed with color highlights that emulate the textures and natural color variations of real wood to further enhance the natural beauty of the deck. To learn more about TAMKO's Envision, visit www.tamko.com.

Knowing more about the choices available helps you make a more informed decision about the product that is best for you. Composite decking shouldn't be something you avoid because you don't know anything about it. Composite decking has come a long way since it was first introduced and can provide you with the beauty and satisfaction you look for in a deck for years to come. You don't want to miss out.

Courtesy of BPT