Now for the trivia question.  The category is sunlight.  How many times does the sun orbit around the Milky Way galaxy?  Please send your answer to into the solatubeinternational@gmail.com, no later than 5 p.m. PT, Thursday, Jan. 12.  Winning answers go into the drawing for a Solatube Daylighting System and the Glass Distractions decorative fixture of your choice.  Six total packages will be given away over the next several weeks!

Want to win a Solatube Daylighting System AND Glass Distractions fixture of your choice? Just start answering these trivia questions.

The theme is sunlight. How many glasses milk would you need to equal the same amount of Vitamin D produced by only 20 minutes of sunlight exposure? (Hint: We posted this previously as a “fun fact of the day.”)

Please email your answer to solatubeinternational@gmail.com by end of day Monday, Dec. 19. Thanks!!

1.an inspiring or animating action or influence.

2.something inspired, as an idea.

in·no·va·tion, [in-uh-vey-shuhn] noun

1.something new or different introduced

What is inspiration to you? At Solatube International, inspiration is believing in the work that we do and striving to create products that better not only our customers, but the environment. Solatube turns inspiration into innovation by utilizing the most advanced technology in order to bring daylight, a human necessity, to every household and workspace environment.

Find out more about daylighting and our team’s innovation and become inspired. Watch this video and feel free to share this link (http://youtu.be/FfvImNrE4oM ) and shed light on daylighting.

Here are some great summer date ideas to enjoy the sunshine with your significant other.

Reserve a hitting session at your local batting cage

This is an inexpensive way to let your hair down (or release some frustration) while you reap the benefits of the sunshine.

Plan a picnic for two 

If you are tired of the same dinner routine, spice up your dinner scene and head outside! You can go to your local park or a nearby destination and pack your significant other’s favorite foods and side dishes. (This may even be a great surprise for a special occasion.) If you really want to get in the summer spirit, check out picnic baskets and fun summer items at Target.

Gather your friends and play flag football

This is a great way to get a group together and do an activity that both men and women love. The combined results of your body producing endorphins from exercising and the sun triggering the production of serotonin is guaranteed to boost your mood.

Remember the episode of Friends, “The One with the Football”? Watch this YouTube video and it is sure to make you want to play football with your friends. (and provide a good chuckle, too.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYf2AurBIhg

Go mini-golfing

Yes, we have all seen the cheesy mini-golf courses, but why not regress to your childhood? After a round of comical golf, you can always take a ride on the bumper cars.

Go-Kart racing

You can find numerous outside Go-Kart raceways, so make a bet with your partner and see who wins the race.

Take a tennis lesson together

If you already know how to play tennis, this is the perfect reason to set up a match. If not, sign up for couples lessons at a local country club or YMCA.

Bring daylight into your home

Listen to your favorite songs about sunshine, open the windows and research daylighting systems for your home.

sunshine and warm summer nights…

it also brings fantastic summer

fashion!

Follow these links to see what’s in for this year’s hottest season.

Be Bold, Go Bright!

Bright colors make the perfect summer statement: You are fun and ready to enjoy all that the summer entails. Mix and match brightly colored separates to grab everyone’s attention.

Embellished Sandals

The embellishments will reflect the sun’s rays, basking in the glory of the sun (pun intended).

Maxi Dresses

Patterned maxi dresses are one of the hottest summer trends. They are perfect for every summer occasion, to that family picnic or a trip to the pier.

Over-Sized, Colorful Purse

The summer, cheery patterns will follow the sun’s lead and boost your mood.

Boho-Chic

For generations, cultures and civilizations have admired and appreciated the sun. Follow their lead and embrace the past generation’s styles and pick out a 70’s inspired top.

Bold Bangles

Just as the sun’s rays prompt our body to produce serotonin, “the happiness hormone”, these bangles are sure to create happiness too.

Vintage Denim

This style is relaxed, just like you should be while enjoying all of the benefits of the sun!

Sun- Kissed Skin

We are constantly bombarded with warnings about the sun’s damaging rays, but it ultimately affects our health and well-being. So, don’t be afraid of the sunlight and all it can offer you this summer- embrace its natural desirability!

As an alternative to the sun’s direct exposure, enjoy the appeal of daylight and bring the sunshine in to your own house or workspace. Research daylighting systems for ways you can enjoy the sun… even if you aren’t outside.

Celebrate June 21, National Daylight Appreciation Day, by indulging yourself in the summer’s trends. June 21 is the summer solstice, giving you a few extra hours of daylight to show off your newest summer outfits!

]]> http://solatube.wordpress.com/2011/06/16/have-fun-in-the-sun-summer-fashion/feed/ 0 solatube Bold Colors Vince Camuto 'Martinique' Sandal Hinge® Strapless Maxi Dress Tory Burch 'Jaden' Nylon Tote Bellatrix 'Poncho' Woven Silk Blouse kate spade new york 'make waves' bangle Joe's Loose Fit Denim Shorts (Blanchett Wash) Women's Swimwear http://solatube.wordpress.com/2011/06/15/have-fun-in-the-sun-reap-the-benefits-of-sunshine/ http://solatube.wordpress.com/2011/06/15/have-fun-in-the-sun-reap-the-benefits-of-sunshine/#comments Wed, 15 Jun 2011 22:23:12 +0000 solatube http://solatube.wordpress.com/?p=101 ]]> We have all heard about the importance of protecting our skin from over-exposure to the sun. But have you considered some of the benefits that sunlight can have on your health and well-being?

Vitamin D: the sunshine vitamin

One of the most well-known benefits to sun exposure is how the sun triggers the production of Vitamin D within our bodies. Vitamin D helps protect us from heart disease, boosts the metabolism, helps fight depression, and can even reduce acne. A healthy intake of Vitamin D strengthens the immune system, defending the body from infection and future sun damage. While Vitamin D can be found in some foods, the best way to get your daily dose of it is to spend some time outdoors enjoying the sunlight! It is summer, after all.

Sunlight can increase your happiness!

 You have probably already noticed the way the sun brightens up your day…literally. Next time you’re    feeling blue, try going outside for a walk in the daylight. Direct sunlight causes our brains to produce    serotonin, a chemical that helps maintain feelings of happiness and contentment. Even  spending just  10 to 20 minutes per day in the sun can improve your mood and soothe anxiety.  According to some  research, people who live in sunnier climates tend to be more positive and  have a lower risk of depression. However, you can take advantage of the sun’s mood-boosting effect wherever you live by finding ways to enjoy natural light at your home or office through daylighting!

The Ancient Mysteries of the Sun

While ancient civilizations did not know much about the sun scientifically, they did realize its magnificence and began to worship it as a god. Throughout history, many civilizations have created names for their sun – god, establishing the significance of the sun in their daily lives. These include Helios by the Greeks, Marduk by the Babylonians, and Huitzilopochtli by the Aztecs. Each culture had its own ideas about the origin and purpose of the sun. For example, the ancient Egyptians believed that their sun-god, Ra, would travel in a solar boat across the sky in the morning and evening, ruling the earth and socializing with other gods.

Summer Solstice: A Lucky Wedding?

Did you know that the word “solstice” is derived from a Latin phrase meaning “the sun stands still”? On the longest day of daylight during the year, June 21st, the sun is high enough in the sky that it seems to stand still. For centuries, civilizations have been celebrating the summer solstice. The Druids, a group of ancient Celtic priests, celebrated the summer solstice as the “wedding of heaven and earth”. This practice led to the modern – day belief of a “lucky wedding” in June. One of the most notable summer solstice celebrations took place at Stonehenge, a prehistoric monument made of stones aligned according to the sun’s location in the sky. To this day, thousands of people still gather in England to watch the sun rise and to celebrate the summer solstice at Stonehenge.

Before modern light technologies, the daily lives of ancient peoples occurred with the rising and setting of the sun. Today we still depend on the sun as a source of heat, light, and energy. Try researching ways you can bring daylight into your home and celebrate the gift of sunlight all year long!

Set the stage
When hosting a party, you can add a bright splash of color to the natural backdrop and make an ordinary picnic table look festive by throwing a colorful tablecloth over it. Adding fresh-cut flowers as a centerpiece can also brighten up any backyard setting and create a relaxed environment for your guests to mingle.

Get grilling!
Planning a menu with grilled food is not only delicious and healthy, but cooking food outdoors gives a wonderful aroma for your guests to enjoy as their food is being prepared. Serve food with fresh lemonade and ice water to stay hydrated while celebrating. Perhaps try adding a cucumber to your water for a refreshing summer taste!

 Here are some crowd-pleasing recipes that are perfect for a summer celebration:

Grilled Artichokes With Creamy Butter Dip
Pineapple Bacon Burgers
Classic Coleslaw with Caraway
Spicy Corn on The Cob
Strawberry Light Lemonade

Fun games to play
Usually, the food is enough to keep guests entertained at a summer picnic, but it’s always a good idea to have activities prepared for those who want to take advantage of the beautiful sunshine. Plus, it’s a great way to keep the kids occupied before it’s time to eat! Some fun picnic games include:
Croquet
Badminton
 Frisbee
Bocce
Horseshoes

Take advantage of the extra hours of daylight on June 21 by spending quality time with family and friends, even if you’re not outside! Happy National Daylight Day!

Here are 10 songs inspired by daylight that will get you in the cheerful summer spirit:

“Sunshine On My Shoulder” by John Denver

“Here Comes The Sun” by The Beatles

“Let The Sunshine In” by Diana Ross

“Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” by Elton John

“Soak Up The Sun” by Sheryl Crow

“Staring At The Sun” by U2

“Warmth Of The Sun” by Beach Boys

“I’m Walking On Sunshine” by Aly & AJ

“Good Day Sunshine” by The Beatles

“Daylight” by Coldplay

These tunes will get you excited for the weather while you’re having a picnic with your family, playing volleyball at the beach, lying outside sipping a piña colada by the pool, or even reading a book in your home. Enjoy the official first day of summer, June 21, by listening to your favorite songs and taking advantage of the extra hours of daylight inside and outside!

Summer is over and the days are getting shorter and darker – changes that can cause people to develop a mild case of the blues. For some, however, feelings of sadness prompted by the change of season can be much more serious. Those experiencing fatigue, difficulty concentrating, weight gain and other symptoms may be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Add to that the heightened levels of depression in the down economy and the forecast gets even cloudier.

Luckily, there are ways to ward off the effects of SAD and other forms of depression, and in some cases it’s as simple as seeing the light.

“We have learned in the past five years that it’s the presence and intensity of light in the blue region of the visible spectrum that suppresses our body’s daytime production of Melatonin, and helps regulate our internal clock known as our circadian rhythm, which signals the body to fall asleep and wake up at proper times said Neall Digert, Ph.D., who has studied human psychological perceptions in various luminous environments. “Studies show that abnormalities in the level of melatonin, a hormone that our bodies suppress in response to light, have a direct impact on the circadian rhythm and sleep patterns and are linked to SAD.

Joan Roberts, Ph.D, and professor of chemistry at Fordham University in New York, further explained the effects of natural light on the circadian rhythm, or circadian hormone response.

“When this response is disrupted through environmental light changes, particularly light in the evening, severe damaging emotional and physical effects associated with SAD and jet lag can occur said Dr. Roberts. “External control of the dark/light cycle can be an effective preventative measure and treatment of these disorders

Letting the Light In
Arranging homes and workplaces to receive more daylight may, indeed, be helpful in preventing the “winter blues” confirms Mental Health America, the country’s leading nonprofit dedicated to helping all people live mentally healthier lives. What’s more, recent studies have also linked natural daylight to improved cognition, better school performance and higher worker productivity.

“We’ve long suspected that natural light could have tremendous power in rejuvenating the body and mind, but more and more studies are revealing just how beneficial daylight actually is to our overall health and well-being” Dr. Digert said.

Other Ways to Beat the Blues
Digert cites other known methods for preventing and treating Seasonal Affective Disorder and depression, including spending more time outdoors or near windows, phototherapy, antidepressants and counseling.