Saturday, October 25, 2008

7 Certified Organic Skin Care Tips™

Organic skin care is becoming big business. When you are choosing skin care, personal care and cosmetic products, you should become a label detective. This is the only way to ensure you purchase honest and truly natural and organic skin care products.

# 1: Learn To Read Product Labels

Be aware of the Rule Of Thirds:

The top third of the ingredients label generally lists the ingredients that comprise around 90-98% of the product. Most of this is usually water. Read on to find out why this matters!

The middle third generally represents approximately 5-8% of the product.

The bottom third represents around 1-3%.

# 2: ‘Natural’ skin care is not always natural.

There are two definitions of the world natural.
The dictionary definition: “Existing in or, formed by, nature”.
The cosmetic industry definition: “Any ingredient derived from a natural substance”.

Manufacturers commonly use the world ‘natural’ on labels to deceive consumers. For example, “Cocamide-DEA derived from coconut oil”.

Cocamide-DEA may well be from coconut oil, but a synthetic chemical called diethanolamine is used in the extraction process. It is known to cause cancer. An ingredient is not really natural if it has been processed in this way.

# 3: Organic doesn’t mean what you think.

An organic certification on a product label is the only way to guarantee the integrity of a product. The definition of certified organic is as follows:

“An independent third party guarantee of an organic claim”.

Always look for a logo that guarantees the product’s integrity.

Certified organic products must contain a minimum of 95% organic ingredients excluding water and salt/minerals, with a small allowance for natural, non-organic ingredients that must comply with very stringent processing criteria.

There are two definitions of organic:

Organic chemistry is concerned with substances that contain carbon. Carbon is present in all living things. Legally, the cosmetics industry is allowed to label any product that contains carbon as ‘organic’. So if it contains petrol, it is organic.

Methylparaben is derived from petrochemicals, which are derived from crude oil, which is derived from living matter. It is a widely used preservative in organic skin care products such as body creams, body wash and deodorants:

So effectively methylparaben can legally be labelled as organic. Now, it is worth noting that a recent study reported traces of methylparaben in human breast cancer tumours.

The second definition of organic is, “The sustainable system of agriculture that uses natural substances & methods to create healthy nutrient rich and fertile soils”

# 4: How much water is in the product ?

In personal communication with a leading industry expert, I was told what can actually be meant when companies put ‘73% Organic’ on their labels. Basically manufacturers can place a few organic teabags in a vat of water and let them infuse into the water.

Because the water constitutes 70+ percent of the overall product, the manufacturer is allowed to claim that the product is 73% organic at the top of the label (remember # 1 in this article?).

If you removed the water, the actual organic content of those fancy herbal infusions would probably be less than 0.05% of the total product.

# 5: Be aware of inconsistent labelling standards

In some countries, ingredients that are not allowed in certified organic foods ARE allowed in certified organic personal care and cosmetic products. This represents a lack of continuity or consistency in labelling standards.

How can food and cosmetics products have the same certified organic logo when ingredients that are allowed personal care and cosmetics are not allowed in food? Remember that if it’s on your skin, you’re drinking it!

# 6: Miracle ingredients don’t exist

Vitamin C, vitamin E, coenzyme Q10, active copper and other ingredients may be touted as miracle ingredients. The fact is that there is no miracle ingredient for the skin or hair, just as there is no magic pill for curing illness and disease.

The quality of the skin is a function of feeding the body and skin high quality nutrients over time and keeping the toxin levels of the body as low as possible.

When you use high quality, certified organic products, ALL the ingredients are active. They are ALL beneficial and they all feed the skin.

# 7: If it harms lab animals it will harm you !

If you read books by Dr Sherry Rogers, M.D, you will discover that in order to give a rat cancer or Parkinson’s Disease, it is injected with some of the very same chemicals that you will find in your cleverly labelled organic skin care, personal care and cosmetic products.

Certified Organic personal care products and cosmetics 100% free of ALL synthetic chemicals are available from an Australian Certified Organic company which has passed the stringent USDA Certified Organic standards for food. What this means to you, the consumer, is that the products are guaranteed synthetic chemical free.€™t

by David Hompes

Tune Up Your Skin With Toner™

Skin toners are the next step after a facial cleansing routine. Skin toners ensure complete removal from the skin of all cleansing preparations. They freshen and tone up the skin and prepare a clean surface for the application of make-up. They also restore the acid or alkali balance of the skin, because they are pH balanced. They are designed to penetrate pores, refresh and cool your skin while clearing away excess oil, impurities and dead skin cells that were not removed with your cleanser.

Toners restore the skin's natural pH balance. When you wash your face, the pH balance of the skin is distorted leading to skin working overtime to restore pH levels; the process of skin restoring the pH levels on its own can take up as much as half and hour or more. By using a skin toner, the pH level of your skin is restored instantly.

Choose a toner appropriate for your skin type. A wide variety of toners are available. Alcohol dries the skin and harms the soluble collagen below the surface of the skin. It is thus safer to use an alcohol-free toner.

The common herbs used in toners include witch hazel, geranium, honey, lemon, ivy, sage, nettle and burdock. Witch hazel has a tendency to dry the skin. It is ideal to combine it with moisturizers such as Vitamin E, honey, etc. Rosewater helps keep skin and face moisturized, fresh and balances the pH levels.

Essential oils are the gentlest way of toning up. Rose water for normal or dry/sensitive skin or witch hazel for oilier skins is ideal bases for fresheners. These can be applied with cotton wool, using smooth, gentle upward strokes or sprayed on to the face. Oily skin benefits from juniper or lemongrass whereas drier skins would benefit from rose or sandalwood.

Apply the skin toner to a cotton ball and sweep it gently across your face. The cotton wool should come out relatively clean when toning. If it is not clean it indicates the cleansing has not been done properly. Do not succumb to the temptation to tone the skin whenever you feel it has become dirty. It should be used only after the skin has completed a cleansing routine and not as a substitute for cleansing. So, remember that your toner must function as a toner and not as a cleanser.

Toning is pleasant and refreshing, can act as an additional cleanser on very oily or dirty skin, and is valuable in removing any traces of grease that the cleanser may have left behind. Think of it as the polishing touch in your skin care treatment.

Homemade Toner Recipes

Watermelon Toner

1 cup watermelon chunks, 2 tbsp witch hazel and 2 tbsp distilled water

Purée watermelon chunks in a processor or blender. Strain the liquid and discard the solids. Mix the strained liquid with the remaining ingredients, stir and pour into a glass bottle. Dab on face using a cotton ball. This is rich in sugar and vitamins A, B and cup Watermelon has astringent properties, and the super high water content makes it an excellent skin refresher.

Rose Skin Toner

3 ½ cups of witch hazel, ½ cup dried rose petals and 5 sprigs of fresh rosemary.

Mix ingredients together making sure it is all blended well. Strain the blend and splash on your face after cleansing.

The reader of this article should exercise all precautions while following instructions on the recipes from this article. Avoid using if you are allergic to something. The responsibility lies with the reader and not the site and the writer. €™t

by Sharon Hopkins

Friday, October 24, 2008

Essential Tips To On Using a Handbag Shop For Your Next Handbag ™

If you are considering opening your own business or if you're searching for a place to get exceptional accessories, you might want to visit a handbag shop for some inspiration. You'll discover a variety of purses and clutches that you can match with just about any outfit in your closet, and you'll be able to locate these items at inexpensive prices if you know where to search.

One of the best places to open up an online handbag shop is on the internet auction site Ebay. You can become a vendor on the site, and can advertise your business on the internet so that people searching for handbags can go to your store to buy items.

People actually make a significant amount of money if they become Ebay vendors provided that items they are selling are in high demand. So, you will have to partner with a boutique or a designer so that you can have variety of items to sell.

Comparison Shopping

If you're looking to purchase purses from a handbag shop of sorts, you can visit the online destination Nextag, where you will find all different types of discounted items for your home, office, and closet. You can locate the purses that you want from a number of recognized designers, and you will be able to see how much you will save by buying on the site as opposed to acquiring the bag from a department store or a live boutique.

There are also several handbag shop destinations in your town or city if you know where to search. If you have thrift stores or consignment shops in your local area, you can check out the shelves for a one-of-a-kind purse that might become your new favorite.

Local Shops

You also can search the shops in your city that are independent from the mall or major shopping centers; frequently, these are run by independent designers who have bags that you will not find anywhere else, and you might find that the prices are sensible as well.

If you wish to visit a handbag shop while remaining in the comfort of your own home, you can check out the online destination Zappos, where you will find purses for all social occasions, as well as shoes and other accessories that you will need.

You can also visit the online resource Handbagcrew to find a large choice of designer handbags to select from, along with price comparisons on the site so that you can decide how much you want to spend on each item.

If you are going to visit a handbag shop that also sells other items, or that is an online auction, you might be able to name your price for the purses that you want, so be sure to bid in a wise manner so that you can stay within your fashion shopping budget. Happy shopping !€™t

by Korbin Newlyn

Italian Handbag - Winning Tips When Shopping For a Italian Handbag™

They're fashionable and constructed from only the finest grade of materials. You can wear with them with everyday outfits, or with your favorite work attire. The Italian handbag should be an essential apparel accessory in every woman's wardrobe, no matter your personal style. Here are some handbag brands and styles that you can pick from, as well as the best places to shop for these great items.

Prada

This name brand is an upscale Italian handbag and fashion company; shoes, clothes, and other fashion accessories are also created by Prada, and each item will unquestionably make you feel dignified and refined. Prada bags are ideal for travelers, or for women who are constantly on the go; there are also messenger bags and wallets that are available for men.

The design of each purse is elaborate yet clean and modern, and the leather and handles are long-lasting, and will give any outfit that additional boost that you want. There are also book bags wallets by Prada that you can select from, and you can buy watches and shoes from the stores or internet websites as well.

Check out the Prada internet destination to acquire information on the latest fashion collections from this Italian handbag company, or visit department stores like Macy's or Bloomingdale's in your local area to discover Prada styles that will work for you.

Versace

Versace is for the refined socialite that is looking for a purse that is eye-catching and is practical as well. The leather and gold chain accents on these bags are certainly attractive, and the metallic tones of some of the bags will decidedly make your little black dress stand out at any social occasion. These type of bags are in the higher price range -you can very easily spend more than $500 on a bag, however this Italian handbag will last you for years, so the purchase is well worth it.

If you take trips frequently, and are looking to make sure that your luggage bag is as stylish as it can be, the Camel Suede Tote Bag from Dolce and Gabana is an excellent choice. This Italian handbag is easy to carry around with you, and will help you to organize the items for your trip. You can be sure that this bag will last for a long time as well, so despite the fact that it is priced online for over $800, you will be able to carry this bag for many years to come.

You can also visit the online destination of Handbagcrew if you want to pick from the large Italian handbag selection on the site. You'll be able to see pictures of each purse, and you can also read a short description of the item so that you can determine what you want to purchase. Purchasing a bag online will also save you money in most cases, since the prices are cheaper than in retail stores. Happy shopping !€™t

by Korbin Newlyn

Thursday, October 23, 2008

5 Ways in Which you Can Use Fine Lingerie™

The uses of fine sexy lingerie are as varied as one's imagination, so there's no limit on how you present it and yourself. The purpose, of course is to enjoy yourself while doing it! We've covered a few suggestions below.

1. Plan a Strip Tease

You can use your sexy lingerie in many ways, but a fun one would be to plan a strip tease with your partner. This will take a bit of planning as you'll want to have plenty of time, so choose a day and time when both of you will be fresh and not tired after a long day at work. Pick a very sexy Teddy, Baby Doll, etc. and get a feather boa and you're ready to go. I'm sure both of you would enjoy yourselves immensely!

2. Lingerie Party

A lingerie party, which is like a Tupperware party only with intimate apparel, would be a very fun and exciting way to host a get together with your close friends, along with potentially making a few extra dollars. This is a great way to showcase your lingerie in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

3. Romantic Gift for A Special Occasion

Fine sexy lingerie is a terrific way to surprise your partner on those special occasions. One thing to keep in mind, though, before buying, is to be observant and take notes in general on what the recipient likes and doesn't like. What's their favorite color ? What style or styles of fine lingerie do they like ? You get the idea! After all, you want to give something they'll wear with enjoyment!

4. Showing Off to Your Partner

Fine sexy lingerie is a great way to bringing out your sexy and romantic side to your partner. Men love to see women in fine lingerie, so it's a wonderful way to make an intimate occasion more meaningful.

5. Feeling Good About Yourself

You don't have to actually purchase fine sexy lingerie to show off to anyone, but rather to feel good about yourself. Nothing helps a woman feel sexier and more confident about herself than to know that she's wearing fine lingerie under her clothes, although no one else sees it.

This is just the tip of the iceberg on the many uses of your fine sexy lingerie. Don't be afraid to use your imagination and come up with more. And most important and above all, have fun !€™t

by Dagmar Anderson

Lingerie Tips to Tantalize™

Finding a unique lingerie website store that harbors an impressive collection of sheer lingerie and other amazing intimate clothing. This could be the one magic potion that your partner has been waiting for. Slipping on a provocative sheer-see-thru lingerie that is sure to get the blood pumping.

Sexy panties that will make you look and feel amazing. Revealing lingerie is seductive and one-of-a-kind in bold eye catching patterned colors. You will be creating special feelings to your significant other when you wear the risque' fishnet body stockings just sitting around the fireplace. You won't need any extra flames.

Don't forget Hot Sexy Panties for your everyday activities, so you can feel sexy wherever you go!! Wherever you are, the hot beach or the pool, sensuous and naughty will be your look when you wear a ravishing transparent swimwear. The feeling of bold and exotic will make you the only thing he will see and will make him unable to wait to get his hands on you.

Traffic stopping sheer lingerie is the best thing you can wear when you are celebrating your anniversary, and want to give him a special surprise. Spicey and luscious and simply unescapable.

Feel the soft lace of sheer see-thru lingerie and glow like a beautiful woman. Heart stopping swimwear is guaranteed to make you the most looked at woman of the moment. Be a tropical godess with a transparent sheer swimwear and make mouths drop by sliding into some sheer bikinis and tops.

Tantalize eyes when he sees you in one-of-a-kind exoticness. He can fully appreciate, even in times that you are not there. You have created your own dream and his too.

Enjoy pampering yourself in some sensuous sheer lingerie standing near your boudoir window as the moonlight becomes you. Your silhouette will be in all his dreams.

Expand his horizons time and time again with wearing sheer-see-thru lingerie.€™t

by Vinnie Wring

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

How to Buy Women's Shoes and Accessories Online™

Whether you are a woman with a professional career, spending an evening out on the town with someone special, or just a casual day of doing nothing, wearing comfortable, yet stylish women shoes and accessories, completes any outfit for any occasion!

Every woman probably owns at least one pair of black classic heels, comfortable flats and a pair of stylish casual and dress sandals. If not, she should definitely add these women shoes to her closet! These must-have women's shoes nicely complement a skirt and jacket, or bring to life to an otherwise boring business suit. Even owning a pair of women's dress sandals is perfect for adding flavor to a simple dress. And of course, every woman should own a pair of casual sandals for a summer day of sun and fun at the beach.

Online stores today offer many different styles and colors of women shoes to dress-up business suits or keep it simple for enjoying a summer day outdoors! These stores carry a wide selection of very affordable women shoes and sandals in sizes 6 – 11, as well as coordinating accessories all in one place! You can browse through an online catalogue with dozens of pictures and descriptions of stylish heels, trendy flats, and dazzling sandals for work or play!

Coordinating accessories are also perfect for adding your own personal style to your wardrobe. Whether it's a colorful handbag or matching necklace and earrings, the accessories can transform a boring and blah outfit to sparkling and spectacular! A good store usually also offers women's accessories including handbags and jewelry to fit anyone's budget!

Just as important as making a fashion statement, when shopping for women shoes you should also shop with comfort in mind. Wearing uncomfortable shoes can make for a miserable day! The discomfort, whether shoes are too tight and narrow, or too big and rub blisters on the back of your heels, can easily be avoided. When shopping for a new pair of women shoes, it's important to know your shoe size. With an idea of the style of women shoes you want, and knowing your comfortable shoe size, shoe shopping doesn't have to be a daunting task.€™t

by Jeff Author

New Balance Shoes For Women™

People say that a diamond is a woman's best friend. However, more women out there go gaga over shoes rather than diamonds. Well, it may be attributed to the fact that not all women can easily buy diamonds. But then again, shopping for shoes is always a wonderful treat and experience for majority of the girls. They simply cannot resist the impulse to buy a new pair anytime they happen to pass by a boutique.

This is because shoes has evolved from being something you wear to protect your feet. Shoes, has in fact, become various other things to women. Shoes have become women's hobby. There are many Imelda Marcoses out there, collecting as many pretty shoes as their wallets and credit cards allow. Shoes have become a passion, both for those who collect and make them. To create a fabulous shoe without compromising quality and comfort is indeed a science and art perfectly combined. And to buy these kinds of shoes is pure skill, especially if you can buy them at super-steal prices! Wearing shoes has also evolved to be a personal statement, or a way of expressing one's self. What kind of shoes you wear is a sneak peak on your personality and what you are up to for the day. Wearing cute white sneakers on a Monday spells F-U-N and A-C-T-I-O-N. A great pair of jet-black pumps means confidence for that company presentation with prospective investors. Strappy hot-pink wedge sandals mean a wholesome weekend date with the girls. And a fiery red, four-inch strappy heels on a hot date just plain means sexy.

Aside from the different meanings women associate with shoes, what has also evolved is the design. Shoe designs are endless---platforms, maryjanes, wedges, straps, sneakers, pumps, four-inch heels, stilettos, kitten heels etc. all in every single color and sizes imaginable!

A leading brand in the field of women shoes is New Balance Shoes for Women. They carry different types of shoes for different needs. Their rubber shoes, flats and sandals are trendy, classic, durable and are affordable. Best of all, the New Balance Shoes for Women are specifically designed to provide ultra comfort for the wearer. The materials are not only soft and durable, but provide the necessary support to keep you and your feet happy. The shoes for example have Encap midsole and suede/mesh uppers, foam inserts and other add-ons to ensure super shock absorption, proper cushioning and sole support. And of course, another thing to be extremely happy about is that with the New Balance Shoes for Women, you get all these amazing stuff and not compromise the look. The shoes' cut and color are very chic, trendy and classic at the same time. You can wear them and still look fabulous! Talk about getting your money's worth!

In choosing shoes to purchase, there are factors to consider aside from the price tag attached to it and the look. Quality and comfort should never be compromised.€™t

by Junaid Ashraf Mianoor

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Tips to Buy the Right Sports Bra™

For women on the go, choosing the right sports bra is almost as synonymous as picking the right diet that will facilitate a healthy lifestyle. As women undergo rigorous activities they usually render their chest sensitive to hits and accidents. But even if this is a fact, most women still make the mistake of choosing the wrong bra that does not fits their needs best. Whether you need a sports bra or not—is not the issue. The issue that stands above all is that you get a bra that protects your chest.

So why is a sports bra different from the typical type of bra ?

For one, it made of highly breathable material that allows your skin to breathe through while engaging in any type of activity. In spite of this, a sports bra will still allow you with maximum protection and lifts your breasts during the activity. Try to imagine jogging at such a lengthy place with your breasts jiggling about the whole time. Not only is it awkward to feel those ugly stares being thrown at you but having your chests bounce off that way is just totally uncomfortable. But when you wear a sports bra your breasts are kept in place and protected with specialized pads meant for rigorous activities.

How to Buy the Right Sports Bra ?

Some women become intimidated with the thought of buying a sports bra. One of the reasons why is that they think only sports shops retail these type of underwear. Another one is that they think a sports bra is way more expensive the regular type of bra they are used to wearing every day. But all of these are merely assumptions and nothing more. If you look at the situation much closer, you will soon find out that buying a sports bra is as easy as buying any other type of regular bra. Here are some of the useful tips you can use to make sports bra buying an easier task for you.

1. Scout stores and checks those which sell lingerie – Even if the store looks too feminine, make no mistake about it and leave it out from the list. If it's a lingerie shop then almost a hundred percent of the time they will be selling a sports bra too. Aside from scouting such types of boutique shops, you can also try purchasing your sports bra from department stores or even online. This option can also prove to be a lot cheaper than buying in boutiques. There are many online stores that sell discount sports bra from brands like under armour, nike and others

2. Put quality on top of quantity – Do not count the money too much and dwell on the expenses. Keep in mind that you do not have to buy a lot of sports bra anyway. One or two is enough especially if you do not lead an everyday lifestyle that involves heavy activities. You should also look at it as a form of healthy investment. At least you are taking care of your body and making sure that you can engage in whatever type of event without worrying about such bodily effects. You should also allot a budget already before buying your sports bra so that you can control yourself from splurging.

3. Try the bra before you buy it. – It's not enough that you like how it looks and that you can actually afford. What matters most is how you comfortable you are when wearing the sports bra. Shops and stores will let you try it on to see if the cups fit you well as well as its horizontal stretch. Since a sports bra is usually a full type of bra, make sure that you can still feel comfortable wearing it underneath your shirt. It will also help if you try to move a bit more when wearing it so you can gauge how it fits you especially as you begin to move about.

4. Shop with a companion. – If it is your first time to purchase a sports bra, it is advised that you shop with someone who preferably has done the same thing before. In this way, she can also advise you with the good brands out there and some specifics in terms of choosing sizes and the components that make up the sports bra. After all, it's always good to pair your own experience while fitting the sports bra with someone who has been using the product way before you started doing so.€™t

by Marcus Peter

Choosing Sports Apparel For Women™

Gone are the days when women who excel in sports are thought of as tomboys. With the rise of glamorous and fashionable sports icon such as Maria Sharapova and Martina Hingis, it seems that women have learned to combine fashion and sports with flair. Just because you are into sports or you are wearing sports gear does not mean that you can't be chic. You can look good and still look ready for the kill!

Below are some tips on how to balance out fashion and sports.

Don't be afraid of colors

Putting colors into your sports apparel and uniform is one way to put fashion into your otherwise drab outfit. Mix bold colors like reds, pinks and yellows with basic neutral ones such as blacks and whites for a more elegant combination.

You can also play with glittering colors like golds and silvers but don't put so much. Outlines and hemlines in these colors are enough. Don't put them all over your outfit.

Design differently

One of the things that makes a uniform stand out is the way it was designed. Of course, you cannot just wear something really new without first considering its suitability and functionality for the game. If you can, it is better if you can design the outfit yourself as you know what works for you and what does not. You can play with the cut and the fabrics. In fact, you can combine fabrics.

For instance, you can put one fabric for the top and another for the bottom. If this cannot work, you can always add fabrics on the hemline. Patterns are also great designs that you can incorporate into your uniform. If putting a separate pattern is too much for the uniform, you can choose a fabric that already has a wonderful pattern and have that fabric outfitted for you.

It's in the details

Putting really intricate details on your outfit is one way of being fashionable without sacrificing much of the look of your sports uniform. Designers can put in embroidered hemlines or necklines. You can also have flowers, butterflies or whatever icons you want emblazoned into your outfit.

Other great details that you can add to sports apparel are ribbons and buttons that are strategically placed. Of course, this depends on the sports that you are in. There are sports where buttons on clothes can interfere with the game; so be very careful also in putting too much designs in your wardrobe.€™t

by Low Jeremy

Monday, October 20, 2008

Cleaning Wallpaper™

After installing wallpaper, you can get the best of it by keeping it well-maintained. Making sure that your wallpaper is taken care of helps in retaining its colors and lengthens its life. Taking care of your wallpaper, needless to say, entails cleaning it every once in a while.

Most wallpaper manufacturers include instructions on how to clean wallpaper; they label their products as either “washable” or “scrubbable.” While most of today’s wallpapers are made of coated vinyl --- which makes cleaning a tad easier --- some wallpapers still require meticulous cleaning measures to ensure optimum preservation of its fabrics. The cleaning process also varies, depending on whatever stains you have on your wallpaper. If you see any spot or stain, it is best that you clean them immediately before the stain settles deep into the fabric.

If it is on kitchen wallpaper or laundry room wallpaper border, you can wipe it off immediately with a wet cloth. Wallpapers installed in high-activity and high-moisture rooms like these are more prone to stains. Majority of kitchen wallpaper, laundry room wallpaper border, and those used for children’s rooms are made of vinyl, which are more resistant to water and stains, and a lot durable than those made of paper.

It is important to remember that cleaning vinyl-based wallpaper is different from cleaning a paper-based one.
As mentioned earlier, manufacturers have a manual on how to clean wallpaper, but here are some general guidelines in keeping wallpaper spic-and-span:

For simple dust and dirt:

1. Line the floor with plastic to prevent any damage from excess water and spillage;
2. Whisk away any solid particles of dust and dirt with a brush;
3. Add a mild detergent to a bucket 2/3 full of water, enough to produce some bubbles;
4. With a sponge, dip and then squeeze out excess water and wipe the wall from top to bottom;
5. Rinse sponge constantly and repeat step 4 until the whole wall is covered;
6. With a dry towel, wipe excess moisture from the wall.

The same process can be done on kitchen wallpaper, laundry room wallpaper border, and other vinyl-based wallpaper. For stubborn stains, here’s what you need to do:

For crayons:

1. Rub Mr. Clean Magic Eraser on the stained area, that alone is enough to remove any crayon spot;
2. If there is no Mr. Clean Magic Eraser around, wet a damp cloth with a mild detergent (do not use strong abrasives as they can damage the wallpaper’s fabric and colors);
3. Towel the wall dry.

For marker stains:

If the marker is washable and the stain is on vinyl-based wallpaper, like kitchen wallpaper or laundry room wallpaper border, a simple buff with a wet towel can remove the stain, otherwise, you need to do the following:

1. Clean the spot with Mr. Clean Magic Eraser;
2. If Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is not available, apply a paste made of water and baking soda to the stain and to the towel;
3. Rub the stained area GENTLY;
4. If the baking soda paste fails; apply alcohol and rub gently (Test alcohol on a spare strip of wallpaper first; alcohol can cause discoloration and major damage to most wallpapers).

Stains that have already embedded themselves into the wallpaper are hard to remove and might require the use of solvents. For your protection, always wear gloves to protect your hands.

by Tammy Billings

Washing Carpets is Easy and Affordable !™

Deep cleaning is an ideal way to freshen up a tired-looking carpet, brighten the colour and put a spring back into the pile. It also helps prolong the life of a carpet by removing the ground-in dirt that flattens and damages carpet fibres, which dry vacuuming alone can't reach. All the family will feel the benefit too, as washing gets rid of unwelcome guests like pollen, bacteria and dust mites that thrive in warm, humid environments and can trigger allergies.

As hiring a professional cleaner to deep clean your home can be costly - around £70-£100 for two average sized rooms - it makes more economic sense to invest in a carpet washer.

With prices starting from under £100, Rapide carpet washers have been designed by Vax to be as easy to use as a regular dry vacuum and provide an affordable way to wash carpets and suck up spills.

The V-024 Rapide Classic is a lightweight, upright carpet washer with a static brushbar that gently loosens and lifts dirt from carpet pile. Easy to fill, empty, use and store, the Rapide's handle lays flat to the floor so you can clean under and around furniture really easily.

Next up are the V-025 Rapide and V-026 Rapide Deluxe, which both have a rotating brushbar that agitates carpet pile to lift and remove ground-in dirt and stains. The Deluxe has all the features of the Rapide, plus a wash tool and flexible hose for refreshing stairs, upholstery and car interiors.

In addition to a wash tool, the V-028 Rapide PowerJet Pro has an extra wide cleaning path so it's good for washing larger areas of carpet. It has a static brushbar that agitates pile to dislodge dirt and PowerJet technology that pumps jets of water deep into carpet fibres, and also a wash tool for cleaning stairs and upholstery.

Topping the range is the V-027 Rapide XL, which features two contra-rotating brushbars to deep clean carpet fibres and groom pile, as well as extra large capacity clean and dirty water tanks.

The V-033 Rapide Compact is the newest addition to the range. It's a portable, lightweight spot cleaner with a hand tool and hose for washing stairs, upholstery and car interiors.

All Rapide carpet washers come with Vax carpet washing solutions that are specially formulated to hygienically clean deep into carpet, lifting dirt and stains, and preventing odours. Vax solutions dry leaving a fresh fragrance without any sticky residue, helping to prevent resoiling.€™t

by Vax

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Spa Facials: 6 Steps How to Do it at Home™

Getting a spa facial is good for your peace of mind as well as your well-being. Facials are one of the most common treatments you can get when you are visiting a spa. What if you can't afford a trip to the spa but still want that glow from within that spa style facials can give you? Your beautiful skin needs to cleanse, moist and supple, and facials give you just that. When you can't afford a spa facial, why not follow the 6 steps below and give yourself a facial today.

6 steps to most facials are: Relax, cleansing, exfoliating, mask, and then rehydrating (meaning moisturizing).

After you gotten everything together that you want to be using for your facial, start off with:

Step 1~ The very first thing you need to do is get yourself relaxed. One way is to start off your facial with draping over your face a warm (not hot) damp towel. Leave it on till it cools or about a minute.

Step 2~ Take your favorite cleanser and warm it up in your hands. Then use gentle, circular motions when applying it. Wipe it off with a warm wet towel.

Step 3~ Exfoliate by applying a gentle scrub to your face. Make sure it's a fine grain scrub not one that's too rough for your skin. In fact its better to use a fine grain scrub once a week than a rough one every now and then. Facial scrubs help get rid of dry skin, dead skin cells and helps your skin renew itself. Gently remove the scrub with warm water.

Step 4~ You may want to practice this before starting your facial. Giving yourself a facial massage. Start by tapping your fingers lightly along your forehead. Now gently pinch your eyebrows along the brow line, then press your fingers along the bottom of your cheekbone. Now rub along your jaw line in a circular motion. Press your fingers along your cheekbone from your nose to your ear. Then press your fingers up and down the back of your neck, then using a circular motion, massage your scalp from your forehead to the top of your head.

Step 5~ It's time for your mud mask. Gently apply whatever you decided to use as your mud mask. You can make your own or buy one that is organic/naturally handcrafted just right for your skin. Why not place cotton balls soaked in cool water or cucumber slivers over your eyes while you lay back and relax for a 10 to 15 minute break? Rinse off your mud mask, and onto the last step.

Step 6~ Now its time to rehydrate your skin by smoothing on your favorite organic/naturally created moisturizer cream or lotion. That's all you need to do to create your own spa style facial at home. Saves you money and gives you and your pocketbook a break from the everyday world.€™t

by Kim Snyder Author

What is a Health and Beauty Spa ?™

If you are looking into going to the spa, you may want to consider making that trip one to a health and beauty spa. Instead of just getting a massage or a pedicure, a health and beauty spa offers many more options to the health conscious individual. At the spa you will be able to focus on both your health and beauty through professional body care.

What Happens At A Health And Beauty Spa

A health and beauty spa is different from an ordinary spa. Instead of just focusing on making yourself look prettier through a facial or hair highlights, a health and beauty spa will focus on things like the toxins inside your body and hair health and beauty. Some of the things that a health and beauty spa offers are thermo baths, thermo blankets, spa capsules, ultrasound therapy, laser therapy, hot rock therapy, mud baths, thermal wraps, and many other very natural products to put on your face or skin or even in your hair. A health and beauty spa will focus on removing the toxins from your body and relieving you of stress. It will help to rejuvenate you and relax you.

Of course, a health and beauty spa also includes things that a typical spa does. You can get several different types of massage from a hot oil massage to a deep tissue massage. Many of these spas have salons with hair stations, manicure stations, pedicure stations, and waxing stations. You can get anti cellulite treatments as well.

A Health And Beauty Spa's Philosophy

The philosophy behind a health and beauty spa is that beauty comes from being healthy. The key to being beautiful is to be healthy and happy, and then your natural beauty can shine through. If you think about it, this philosophy is very true. If your skin is damaged from the sun and therefore unhealthy, you will not be as beautiful as you could be. If you repair your skin, you will look and feel better about yourself. But because beauty is not only about how your skin looks but also about how you feel, spas like this also focus on removing toxins from your body. You may not even know that you have toxins in your body, but when you have them removed through various spa procedures, you will begin to look and feel younger and more rejuvenated. A health and beauty spa's desire is to give you that feeling of youthfulness again.€™t

by Mei Galang