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5 precious surprises to send your sweetheart through the mail
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We don't often think of sending those who live with us something through the mail, which is why it is a fabulous gift idea. - photo by Megan Shauri
Megan Shauri
FamilyShare
Published: Feb 8, 2016, 7:09 AM
It is not very often we get something unexpected through the mail anymore. Usually, the only things that come are bills, advertisements and the occasional order from Amazon. So, if you are looking for a great gift idea for a special occasion or for no reason at all, try sending your sweetheart one of these surprises.

A love note

Love notes are special. They are simple yet meaningful. To handwrite a note takes time and thought and shows how you really feel. A sentiment of your affection like this is the perfect way to express your love to your significant other. And, sending the note through the mail is incredibly romantic. It is not an email that took only 3 minutes to write and send. Beyond the actual writing of the note, a lot more is also said by the act of finding paper and an envelope, paying for a stamp and walking to the mailbox to send it off.

A postcard

When was the last time you got a postcard? Doesnt it just make you happy to see one in the mail? A picture from some place your loved one has been with a short note on the back. So simple yet so thoughtful. The next time you are on a business trip or away from your honey, send a postcard. Even if it arrives after youre back, it is a fun surprise to get.

An invitation

Sending a formal invitation is a fun way to kick off a date or trip. Instead of asking your wife what she wants to do for date night, send her an invitation (through the mail) inviting her out for the evening with you. You will for sure get her attention. She will feel valued and appreciated and probably melt at the chivalry of being asked so formally.

A gift card

Does your significant other have a favorite shopping website or clothing store she loves? Does she hardly ever feel justified shopping there? Send her a gift card through the mail. If you tell her to just go and buy something, she never will. Or, if you simply give her money, she will probably spend it on something for someone else. A gift card can only be used at the place it is from, and if it is sent through the mail, you'll be sending a clear message that you really want her to spend money on something for herself.

An edible arrangement or a bouquet of flowers

It is always nice when your sweetheart brings home flowers or chocolates, but it is even nicer when he has it delivered. Having the gift show up suprisingly at your door, the anticipation of reading the card to find out who it is from and realizing of course it is from your one true love is a very special experience.

The best part about all of these mailed gifts is they are unexpected. Imagine the surprise and joy on your sweethearts face when she is looking through the mail and comes across a handwritten note from you or a gift card to her favorite store. If you are the one who usually gets the mail, send the surprise through the mail to her work. It will brighten her day and put a smile on her face. Best of all, she will know you are thinking about her. And remember, you can never send too many gifts through the mail.
Its toxic: New study says blue light from tech devices can speed up blindness
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A new study from the University of Toledo found that blue light from digital devices can transform molecules in your eyes retina into cell killers. - photo by Herb Scribner
Herb Scribner
Deseret News
Published: Aug 13, 2018, 1:39 PM
It turns out checking Twitter or Facebook before bed is bad for your health.

A new study from the University of Toledo found that blue light from digital devices can transform molecules in your eyes retina into cell killers.

That process can lead to age-related macular degeneration, which is a leading cause of blindness in the United States, according to the researchs extract.

Blue light is a common issue for many modern Americans. Blue light is emitted from screens, most notably at night, causing sleep loss, eye strain and a number of other issues.

Dr. Ajith Karunarathne, assistant professor in the UT Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, said our constant exposure to blue light cant be blocked by the lens or cornea.

"It's no secret that blue light harms our vision by damaging the eye's retina. Our experiments explain how this happens, and we hope this leads to therapies that slow macular degeneration, such as a new kind of eye drop, he said.

Macular degeneration is an incurable eye disease that often affects those in their 50s or 60s. It occurs after the death of photoreceptor cells in the retina. Those cells need retinal to sense light and help signal the brain.

The research team found blue light exposure created poisonous chemical molecules that killed photoreceptor cells

"It's toxic. If you shine blue light on retinal, the retinal kills photoreceptor cells as the signaling molecule on the membrane dissolves," said Kasun Ratnayake, a Ph.D. student researcher working in Karunarathne's cellular photo chemistry group. "Photoreceptor cells do not regenerate in the eye. When they're dead, they're dead for good."

However, the researchers found a molecule called alpha-tocopherol, which comes from Vitamin E, can help prevent cell death, according to Futurism.

The researchers plan to review how light from TVs, cellphones and tablet screens affect the eyes as well.

"If you look at the amount of light coming out of your cellphone, it's not great but it seems tolerable," said Dr. John Payton, visiting assistant professor in the UT Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. "Some cellphone companies are adding blue-light filters to the screens, and I think that is a good idea."

Indeed, Apple released a Night Shift mode two years ago to help quell blue lights strain on the eyes, according to The Verge. The screen will dim into a warmer, orange light that will cause less stress on the eyes.