Friday, December 14, 2012

Why does the sun make your hair lighter but your skin darker?

Have you wondered where that classic "just home from the beach" glow comes from? That sunkissed skin and those highlighted streaks actually have a scientific explination for their appearance after a long day in the sun. It seems a bit strange that the sun's rays could cause such opposite reactions to our skin and hair, but upon further inspection, it's really quite simple. In short, the sun's effect hingest upon the fact that skin is alive and hair is dead.

Your skin produces Melanin, a dark brown pigment designed to absorb some of the UV radiation caused by sun exposure. Hair also contains Melanin, but the Melanin in hair is destroyed by the sun.
(photo source here)
 
Being that hair is dead, it cannot produce more Melanin to respond to the UV radiation and will stay lighter until new hair grows in.

(photo source here)
 
Skin, on the other hand, responds by producing more Melanin and therefore, making your skin darker. 

One of the best ways we can help our skin protect itself from those harmful UV rays is to, of course, diligently wear sunscreen, put a hat on when possible, and be sure to have any suspect skin spots checked regularly by a dermatologist.

Do you have a favorite sunscreen that you use?  Do you prefer spray-on sunscreen or lotion? Sunscreen or sun block?

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Easy Beach Photography Tips {look like a pro - even if you aren't}

So you and the family are headed to the beach. You throw your iphone and your point and shoot camera in your bag and toss it in the car with piles of beach toys, coolers stocked with food to feed the 5,000 and 3 kids already saying "are we there yet?"
You dream of lovely photographs to capture your adventures. The kids building sandcastles and racing in the waves. You want to have memories, not just photos.
Googling "photography tips" brings a mirage of technical terms that make no sense, so you resolve to take as many pictures as possible and hope a few turn out.

Thankfully, you are reading this article. You can thank me later :)

I'm going to give you the best basic photography tips I know. It doesn't matter what kind of camera you have. Did you hear that? It really doesn't matter. Use your iphone. Your point and shoot. Or your rockin' DSLR that you always keep on Auto because you have no idea how to use it.
The point is to change the way you view life through your lens. And allow your creativity to blossom.

1. The Lowdown. The number one photography tip to remember (at the beach or just about everywhere) is get down and dirty...er, uh, sandy. Some of the best photos happen because you change your angle. Get down low. Eye level with your little munchkin pouring a bucket of saltwater. Sand level with the rising surf. Lay it all out on the sand and throw caution to the wind as your race your husband in the water, camera in hand, allowing the splash and fun in every frame. Or get up high in a nearby lighthouse. There's no telling what you might find when you change your perspective.

2. The closeup. Never underestimate the power of getting close. Really close. Sand particles mixed with pb&j-crumb close. It might be the best thing you'll do all day. Those sweet round cheeks won't be cuddly forever. Capture them in all of their golden beach glory and get nice and cozy with your camera being a lot closer than usual.

3. The Crummy Weather. You might typically cringe at overcast clouds rolling in to ruin your sunny tan, but not any more. No sir. Gather your sweet family and their coordinating outfits (did you hear that? coordinating...NOT identically matching - see point #4) and hit the beach. The overcast skies will give you dozens of non-eye-squinting photos and near perfect white balance (whatever that is :).  It's also a great time to take some landscape and open sand shots because there will be few people on the sand. Again, get down low and change your angle. You can take advantage of a cloudy walk with desolate sand to get some beautiful shots of your kids running wild in the open expanses. It might end up being one of your favorite days at the beach.

4. The Look. In my opinion, nothing is more impersonal than perfectly matchy-matchy outfits. Let your family's personality come out as you coordinate your colors and styles. Mix in pops of color with headbands, ties, scarves, jewelry, etc.  You'll later love that your son insisted on his Star Wars T-shirt because it was his favorite and you'll smile remembering his boyhood imagination and sweet love of super heroes. Don't be afraid to step out of the classic kacki and white beach photo. Add some coordinating color or prints, creative props (chairs, stools, large picture frames, flowers, etc) and allow your kids to have some say in their outfits. Notice I said "some" say. Well coordinated outfits are as important as your background and angle. Creative details are important too, but use discretion and choose wisely. You can also take several prop options and see what works best. Do a goofy shot last or let the kids be in charge of the last few shots. They will be more cooperative if they know you value their ideas too. (Note: Use your self timer and camera propped on a suitcase or box if you don't have a camera stand.)

5. Do something new. For example, spend the day taking photos from a bird's eye view. Look straight down on everything. The change of perspective might give you a new found love for the way your daughter's pig tales look from above and the lovely composition of the spilled bucket of seashells on the sand.  Another idea would be gathering friends and family and having them do some awesome simultaneous sand jumping, running in the surf or get some early morning or evening shots. Try shots with the sun behind you, or in front of you. Make your friends and family sit or lay in the sand or surf. Play around with reflections or throw water balloons at each other. Try something out of the ordinary to capture something new and beautiful.

6. Mini-Technical Tips. Watch your horizon line. Often beach photos look "cut in half" when the horizon line is placed in the center of the photo. Choose to highlight the area below or above the horizon, otherwise known as the rule of thirds. Place the horizon in the bottom or top third of your shot. Also be aware of odd or distracting elements such as power lines, trash, a nearby sunbather's rear end, etc. Do a quick check before you snap that perfect family photo.


There are lots of other tips I could recommend, but if you start with these, you are sure to come home with more than a memory card full of random photos of the beach. By trying some new techniques, you will begin to know your style and learn the angles and perspective that you like, allowing your personality and love of your family and friends to shine through.

6 FUN ways to Exercise at the Beach

Whether you are an avid fitness guru, or looking to burn off some extra calories from last nights awesome margaritas, these beach workout tips are sure to have your fitness routine begging for more seaside variety.

(photo credit)

  1. Walk in the water.  Low impact and a great workout with one secret...walking in water that is at least 1 foot deep, providing an optimum workout. The higher the water, the more sand/water resistance you will have, which means you'll have an even better workout.
  2. Play paddle ball, Frisbee, Volleyball, Throw a Football. Beach sports have a way of giving a great workout without even realizing it. Get down low, make each other run, and play close to the edge of the water for added calorie burning.
  3. Go for a Run.  Running barefoot at the beach is one of the most fun ways to get your run on. It's an even better cardiovascular workout and more of a challenge than running on pavement or a treadmill. Start by running on wet sand, which can be easier on muscles and joints than dry sand. Reward yourself with an after-run dip in the ocean waves.
  4. Pick up shells.  Grab a bucket and hit the sand. Be sure to bend low with your knees as you pick up shells and treasures in the sand.
  5. Be a Kid.  Make sand castles and seaside creations. Get sandy and relive your playful childhood days at the beach. Shovel sand, carry buckets of water, and create something fun to look at when your "workout" is done.
  6. Body or Board Surf.  Whether you try body surfing or a board surfing lesson, it's one of the hardest workout at the beach. You'll be using every muscle in the book and will feel the burn tomorrow.

Rip Tide Safety {A Must Read before your next beach trip!!}

Rip currents are among the most dangerous and misunderstood ocean occurrences. Claiming more than 150 lives each year, they are especially dangerous in Florida and kill more people annually than thunderstorms, hurricanes and tornadoes combined. It is estimated that approximately 80% of all beach rescues are caused by rip currents and are the main safety concern for beach lifeguards.

Understanding more about these complex wave patterns and how to react if you are caught in one could very well save your life, or the life of a friend or family member.

The name "Riptide" is a confusing term in that it implies that these currents are associated with tides themselves, but it isn't true. Tides are consistent, change gradually and are mostly caused by the moon's gravitational pull. Rip currents are actually caused by the shape of the shoreline and can occur suddenly and without warning.

Another misconception regarding rip currents is an association with "undertow." The main difference is: undertow pulls you down to the bottom of the ocean, whereas rip currents move along the surface of the water, pulling you out into the ocean. A rip current can knock you off of your feed, even in shallow water. They occur in all types of weather and beaches. Most people don't even notice a rip current until they are captured by it.

How do Rip Currents Occur?

In short, rip currents occur when water gets caught up in a sand bar. Sometimes the sand bar is visible from the shore, other times it is covered fully by water. When the water finds (or creates) an opening in the sand bar, the water rushes out to sea in a similar way to water rushing out of a bathtub when the plug is pulled.
This illustration from "How stuff works" clearly shows the rip current and best way to escape from its path.

As the water rushes through the hole in the sandbar with great force, you must swim horizontally either before the sandbar or after. Staying in the middle is of the greatest risk.

Escaping a Rip Current

1. RELAX and STAY CALM

If you thrash and fight the rip current, you might end up being pulled along the ocean floor. But, if you RELAX your body, the current should keep you near the ocean surface.

('Typically, the strongest part of a rip current is the direct line between the water's edge and the sandbar opening. ...Once the receding wave makes its way through the sandbar opening and meets up with water at its own level, its pressure immediately drops' making escape more manageable.)

If you get caught up in a rip current, it's crucial  to stay CALM and ALERT. Your first instinct may be to swim against the current, back to shallow waters. In most cases, even if you're a strong swimmer, this will only wear you out. The current is too strong to fight head-on.

2. SWIM SIDEWAYS

Instead, swim sideways, parallel to the beach. This will get you out of the narrow outward current. If it's too hard to swim sideways while you're being dragged through the water, just wait until the current carries you past the sandbar. The water will be much calmer there, and you can get clear of the rip current before heading back in.

3. CONSERVE ENERGY & GET PAST THE RIP CURRENT

People drown when they thrash about in the water or expend all of their energy swimming. To survive a rip current, or any crisis in the water, you have to keep calm, and you have to conserve your energy. If you don't think you can swim all the way back to the beach, get past the rip current and tread water. Call for help, signal to people on the beach and, if all else fails, wait for the waves to carry you in.


How to spot a Rip Current

Depending on its severity, you may be able to see a rip current from the beach. Strong rip currents disrupt incoming waves and stir up sand from the ocean floor.
When you're at the beach, keep an eye out for narrow, muddy streaks in the ocean where there aren't any waves breaking.


How To Help Someone Caught in a Rip Current

If you're on the beach and see somebody else caught in a rip current, call for help from a lifeguard or the police. Don't immediately dive in and swim out to the person. It's too risky to swim out there yourself unless you have a raft, boogie board or life preserver with you.

The most effective way to fight rip currents is to follow basic swimming safety rules: Never go in the ocean alone, and if you aren't a strong swimmer, stick to shallow waters (although even shallow waters can be dangerous). Ideally, you should only swim in areas where there is a lifeguard or strong swimmer on the beach who can keep an eye on you.
If you plan to swim in the ocean anytime soon, it's a good idea to learn everything you can about rip currents. After all, they are the beach's number-one killer.'
(quote source)



Quick Guide to Surviving a Rip Current

1. RELAX your body and the current should keep you near the water surface
2. STAY CALM and ALERT
3. SWIM SIDEWAYS, parallel to the beach
4. or CONSERVE ENERGY and wait until the current carries you past the sandbar, then swim clear of the tide

Top 5 Margarita Recipes {it's 5 o'clock somewhere}

Our top-5 favorite margarita recipes.
Fresh & tasty. Just add salt and a chilled glass and it's 5 o'clock somewhere...or at least we're pretty sure it is!

And just for kicks, we've added several versions of each recipe.
Version 1: You've got a little extra time. Go all out.
Version 2: Keep it Simple. bada-boom, bada-bing. You've got a margarita.


The Classic Margarita

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
 
(photo source here)

Version 1: Go all out

  • 1-1/2 oz.silver tequila 
  • 1 oz. Cointreau
  • 1/2 oz. fresh lime juice
  • splash simple syrul
  • salt rim
Directions: Combine all ingredients in an ice-filled coctail shaker. Shake until cold and strain into a chilled salt-rimmed glass. Makes 1 serving.

Version 2: Keep it Simple
  • 1 oz. Jose Cuervo Especial® Gold Tequila
  • 3 oz. Jose Cuervo® Margarita Mix
  • 1 lime wedge
  • salt

Directions: Pour Jose Cuervo Especial Gold and Jose Cuervo Lime Margarita Mix into a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously. Strain into salt rimmed margarita glass. Garnish with lime wedge. Makes 1 serving.
 
Version 3: Keep it Simpler
Directions: Fill blender with crushed ice. Pour in limeade concentrate, tequila and triple sec. Blend until smooth. Pour into glasses and serve. Makes 4 servings.
 

The Mango Margarita 

 














 
 
 
(photo source here)

Version 1: Go all out

  • 1 (10-ounce) bag frozen diced mango
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 2/3 cup tequila (preferably silver, 80 proof)
  • 2 tablespoons Cointreau or other orange liqueur
  • 2 tablespoons superfine sugar
  • 2 cups ice water
Directions: Put all the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into chilled glass and enjoy. Makes 4 servings.


Version 2: Keep it simple
  • 1 can of Dole’s Orange Peach Mango frozen juice
  • your favorite tequila
  • your choice of Cointreau, Grand Marnier or Triple Sec.
Directions: put can of Dole frozen juice into blender. Fill can 3/4 full with tequila and remaining 1/4 with your choice of cointreau, grand marnier or triple sec. Add a few handfuls of ice and blend. Sugar the rim of the glass and garnish with an orange slice. Makes 4 servings.
Options: Add either lime juice or margarita mix to taste. Add about half a cup of diced (fresh or frozen) mangoes, if you want an even richer mango flavor!



Skinny Margarita (130 calories or LESS)

(photo credit here)
 
Version 1: Go all Out (115 calories)
  • 1 (2-serving) packet sugar-free lemonade powdered drink mix (about 1 teaspoon)
  • 6 ounces diet lemon-lime soda
  • 1 1/2 ounces tequila 
  • 1 ounce lime juice
  • Crushed ice, as needed
  • Lime slice, for serving, optional
Directions: Combine powdered drink mix, soda, tequila, and lime juice in a glass or shaker. Stir to dissolve the drink mix. Pour into a margarita glass with lots of crushed ice. Finish it off with a slice of lime on the rim of the glass, if using. 115 Calories per serving.

Version 2: On The Rocks (130 calories)
  • 1 ounce premium or silver tequila
  • 1/2 ounce Cointreau or other orange-flavored liqueur
  • 1.5 ounces fresh-squeezed lime juice.
Directions: Shake with 3/4 cup ice; garnish with lime. 130 calories per serving.




 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 







(photo credit here)

 Version 3: Keep it simple
  • buy Skinny Girl Margarita mix
Directions: see bottle :) Only 25 calories per serving!!


 


The Grand-Ultimate Margaritas

Version 1: The Grand
  • 1 lime, halved
  • Coarse salt
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice, from about 4 limes
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/4 cup orange-flavored liqueur (recommended: Grand Marnier)
  • 1/4 cup Triple Sec
  • 1 cup gold tequila
  • Ice
  • 1/2 can good quality lager-style beer
  • Lime wheels, for garnish
Directions. Combine the lime juice, sugar, orange liqueur, Triple Sec, tequila, and a big handful of ice in a cocktail shaker (or blender). Shake the margarita really well (at least 20 seconds), add a splash of beer and strain into the salt rimmed glasses filled with ice. Garnish with a lime wheel. Makes 4 servings.


Version 2: The Ultimate
  • Kosher salt or ground sea salt (for rim)
  • 2 ounces (1/4 cup) white, silver or blanco tequila
  • 1 1/2 ounces (3 tablespoons) fresh lime juice
  • 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) fresh orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon light agave nectar
  • 1 lime wedge or round, for garnish
Directions: Fill a small cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in the tequila, freshly squeezed lime and orange juice and agave nectar. Shake for 30 seconds. Strain the liquid into a salt rimmed glass filled with ice and garnish with a slice of lime. Makes 1 serving.
 
Variations:
- Smash a few of fruit like strawberries, peaches, watermelon or mango at the bottom of your shaker before adding ice and the other ingredients.
- Smash a few fresh herbs, like basil or cilantro leaves, for garden-fresh flavor
- add a skinny slice of serrano or jalapeƱo pepper for heat.
- Strawberry basil and grapefruit serrano are both great combinations.
- Add a splash of fruit juice to your shaker. Fresh squeezed grapefruit, pomegranate or cranberry juice are great ideas.
- For a frozen margarita, blend the basic margarita ingredients in a blender along with 1/2 cup frozen fruit (blueberries or mango) and a few ice cubes. Serve over ice cubes to slow melting.
- Expiriement with rim salt. Mix in raw sugar or spices, like ground cinnamon or chili powder



The Champagne Margarita



 




 
 
 
 

(photo source here)

  • finely grated zest from 1 lime
  • 1 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1 cup Cointreau
  • 1 cup silver tequila (I like El Tesoro and Partida)
  • superfine sugar, if needed for added sweetness
  • 1 lime, cut in half, for serving
  • Coarse (Kosher) salt, for serving
  • 1 bottle Champagne or other sparkling wine
Directions: In a pitcher, combine the lime zest, lime juice, Cointreau, tequila and sugar if you are using it. Cover and refrigerate until cold (at least 1 hour). Pour about 3 oz into each salt rimmed glass and fill the rest of the way with Champagne or sparkling wine. Makes 8 servings.

Crab Watching {top 4 crabs to find at the beach}

A trip to the beach wouldn't be complete without a visit from one our favorite little creatures. With over 6,000 species of sand crabs in the world, identifying each brand can be as fascinating and difficult as a hobby such as birdwatching.

Let's take a look at the 4 most common crabs to see at the beach.


Fiddler Crab

(photo source found here)


A personal favorite, these chipper little sand inhabitants seem to enjoy a good round of hide and seek, taunting nearby beach goers to a rousing game of "catch me if you can." These recluse creatures seem appear just long enough to dart across the open sand, hunting for scraps of food.
And just as the game seems a bit too easy, these little creatures disappear into the depths of their freshly carved sand tunnels.
As it's name suggests, this crab gets it's name from the motion of it's claws during feeding. The small claw gathers and eats food and appears to be "playing" the larger, fiddle-like claw.

The large claw might be one of the most interesting features of this little crustacean. Often fights break out between these crabs (most likely to impress potential female mates) and casualties can include the loss of a claw. Usually the smaller claw begins to grow in a large one and the lost claw regenerates, but this time returning as the smaller claw. Although, sometimes the lost large claw regenerates itself, but never reaches it's former size.

These busy creatures spend hours upon hours making fantastic displays of sand art. Their job is never done, it seems, as each day brings another long fight against approaching waves and home crushing sand.

(photo source found here)
 
(photo source found here)
 
 
Common Shore Crab
 
(photo source found here)
 
Of the most widespread species throughout the globe, this crab is found in shallow waters and estuaries, but can also live deep water. This aggressive scavenger crab is usually secondary consumer and feeds on any dead food it finds. It also eats worms, mollusks, algae and anything else it can catch such as other fish or creatures swimming by. These crabs are aggressive, often fighting with each other, and as a result, at least 5% of common shore crabs only have one claw.  
 
A favorite pass time for many children involves dangling bait like shellfish or raw chicken on the end of a string to entice these hungry crawlers out of their well camouflaged homes under seaweed and rocks.
 
 
Horseshoe Crab
 
(photo source found here)
 
 
This ancient looking creature is commonly found washed up at the beach. It's prehistoric look is actually linked to the fact that the horseshoe crab is not a true crab or even a crustacean. Scientists categorized the horseshoe crab as an Arthropods, or a living fossil and classify them under the class Merostomata. Spiders and ticks are believed to be the closest present day relatives to the four known species of horseshoe crab.
 
Unknown to most, this ancient looking crab might just have saved your life...and mine. 'If you've ever received an indictable vaccine or indictable medical drug treatment you owe some thanks to this strange animal. The horseshoe crab's blue blood provides a way to test bacterial contamination in intravenous fluids. That means, the horseshoe crab may have saved your life, without you even knowing it. The unusual animals are collected, blood is taken, and the creatures are released back to the wild they came from.' (fact source)
 
 
Sand Crab
 
Tiny sand crabs are among the strangest of the shoreline creatures. Often found wiggling into sand on the water's edge, these little plankton eating creatures are actually quite amazing.

(photo source found here)

These mini-crabs don't have too much going for them. They can only walk backwards...yes, that's right. Backwards only. The sweet little legs of theirs don't have claws. Unlike most crabs which move in all directions, these darlings live life in one direction.

The shifting sand of the waters edge is home to these creatures and they spend life browsing the ever moving waves and sand for bits of plankton with their tiny feather like antennae. They sweep so quickly, in fact, that they can gather multiple feather-fulls of food with each passing wave.

(photo source found here)

By burrowing quickly and often, they can maintain balance in the rushing water. But if dislodged from the sand, they have the ability to tread water using their tiny back legs, an ability quite rare for a crustaceans.

These creatures might seem quite useless, but their filter feeding style is an important signal to dangerous toxins that often enter the ocean water through pollution and other contamination. Since sand crabs live at the waters edge, they are one of the first to ingest land-bound toxicity.
One naturally occurring toxin, Domoic acid, causes serious amnesic poisoning in higher animals, and occasionally in humans. This acid is a nerve toxin produced by microscopic, single celled plants that live in the ocean. As filtering feeders, sand crabs ingest the toxin and it progresses up the food chain. The amount of Domoic acid in the sand crabs flesh can indicate the amount of toxin in the water. (fact source found here)

Another interesting fact about these small creatures is their use in neurological studies conducted in laboratories. The tail of a sand crab has the largest sensory neurons found in any animal. For being the size of a bottle top, these little creatures pack a powerful punch.

In addition to their ultra sensitive tales, female sand crabs have the amazing ability to produce as many as 45,000 eggs and she can carry them on her abdomen for 30 days until the eggs hatch. The larvae live as drifting plankton for 2-4 months and water currents can carry them long distances from their origin. Sand crabs can reproduce during their first year of life and live for approximately

Tiny Filter Feeder: The Sand Crab {What makes them so interesting?}

Tiny sand crabs are among the strangest of the shoreline creatures. Often found wiggling into sand on the water's edge, these little plankton eating creatures are actually quite amazing.

(photo source found here)

These mini-crabs don't have too much going for them. They can only walk backwards...yes, that's right. Backwards only. The sweet little legs of theirs don't have claws. Unlike most crabs which move in all directions, these darlings live life in one direction.

The shifting sand of the waters edge is home to these creatures and they spend life browsing the ever moving waves and sand for bits of plankton with their tiny feather like antennae. They sweep so quickly, in fact, that they can gather multiple feather-fulls of food with each passing wave.

(photo source found here)

By burrowing quickly and often, they can maintain balance in the rushing water. But if dislodged from the sand, they have the ability to tread water using their tiny back legs, an ability quite rare for a crustaceans.

These creatures might seem quite useless, but their filter feeding style is an important signal to dangerous toxins that often enter the ocean water through pollution and other contamination. Since sand crabs live at the waters edge, they are one of the first to ingest land-bound toxicity.
One naturally occurring toxin, Domoic acid, causes serious amnesic poisoning in higher animals, and occasionally in humans. This acid is a nerve toxin produced by microscopic, single celled plants that live in the ocean. As filtering feeders, sand crabs ingest the toxin and it progresses up the food chain. The amount of Domoic acid in the sand crabs flesh can indicate the amount of toxin in the water. (fact source found here)

Another interesting fact about these small creatures is their use in neurological studies conducted in laboratories. The tail of a sand crab has the largest sensory neurons found in any animal. For being the size of a bottle top, these little creatures pack a powerful punch.

In addition to their ultra sensitive tales, female sand crabs have the amazing ability to produce as many as 45,000 eggs and she can carry them on her abdomen for 30 days until the eggs hatch. The larvae live as drifting plankton for 2-4 months and water currents can carry them long distances from their origin. Sand crabs can reproduce during their first year of life and live for approximately 2-3 years.

Why does sand change color?

Sand is fascinating, complex and covers vast expanses of our planet. It can be soothing and soft and mouldable. Erosive and destructive. It is home to a multitude of creatures and provides endless enjoyment for kids and adults alike.
 
But why or how does it change color? What causes such drastic differences along our shores? How can one beach be pristine white and another along the tide of the same body of water be black or pink or blood orange? It has much to do with the surrounding landscape and the nearby ocean floor activity. These elements along with years of erosion and massive quantities of waves play distinct roles and give way to unusual and breathtaking sand landscapes.
 
WHITE:
Widely renowned as one of the greatest pure white sand beaches, the Siesta Key Crescent Beach in Sarasota, Florida boasts sand that is composed of 99% pure quartz. After flowing down rivers from the Appalachian mountains, the quartz granules eventually found their way to the shores of Crescent Beach. The bright white quarts sand is so pure, in fact, that the sand temperature stays cool no matter how hot the air temperature is.
 
(photo source found here)
 
RED:
Maui hosts a tiny beach of deep red sand in a small cove near Hana Bay. The iron rich landscape surrounding the bay give the sand it's red-black color.
 
(photo source found here)
 
The beaches of Santorini, Greece are also known for their red beaches, caused by the steep crumbles of iron encasing around the beaches.
 
(photo source found here)
ORANGE:
The amazing, rare orange sands in the dunes of Ramla il-Hamra beach in Gozo derive from volcanic deposits in the ocean floor of the Mediterranean.
 
(photo source found here)
 
OLIVE GREEN:
One of the rarest sand colors resides mainly on Mahana Bay in Hawaii, the territory of Guam, and the Galapagos Islands. The olive green sand finds its color from large qualities of lava that contains olivine, the mineral that forms the semi-precious gem peridot. Strong waves move dirt particles out to sea, while leaving behind the heavier olivine sand on the beach. People have even been rumored to find peridots among the sand!
 
(photo source found here)
 
 
 
PINK:
 
Fantastically pink beaches are among the most rare, only occurring near massive coral reef formations with tiny red skeleton organisms. The skeletons fall to the ocean floor when they die and gradually erode into small particles carried to shore by the current. The red skeletons mix with the sand and cause the sand to hold a pink tone.
A favorite example of pink beaches can be found in the Bahamas on Harbor island (although others can be found in Puerto Rico, Bermuda, Barbados, the Philippines and Scotland).
 
(photo source found here)

BLACK:
 
The jet black sands of Hawaii, Greece, Tahiti and Arentina are truly one of the most fantastic and dramatic beach getaway sights. These lava induced beaches get their bold, deep color from the volcanic activity that occurred near the coastline in years past, leaving the the sand with particles of cooled lava giving it a rich, dark tone.  

(photo source credit here)