Category: Reviews

5 Ways To Treat Mild Gum Disease

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If you or someone you know suffers from gum disease, you may be wondering what the best treatment is. While prevention is key, many adults do experience gum disease at some stage, and there are times when prevention is too late. At that point in time, it’s always best to seek advice from a professional dentist, like this Dentist in Augusta Maine. Nothing compares to professional medical care.

Fortunately, treating mild gum disease is relatively easy and once treated, you can then continue preventing a reoccurrence with good oral hygiene and regular visits to a dentist in Robina. There are different kinds of dental options available to you when dealing with receding gums, for example something like pinhole gum surgery could help to fix the problem.

The Best Way to Treat Gum Disease

Below, we have put together some tips for treating mild gum disease, or gingivitis. This is the less severe form of gum disease that usually occurs due to a build-up of plaque. The most common symptoms of gingivitis include:

  • Inflamed, sore gums
  • Bleeding gums
  • Bad breath
  • Loose teeth
  • Receding gums
  1. Improve Your Oral Care Routine

There are two things to do in treating gingivitis:

  • Reduce and get rid of plaque build-up
  • Reduce and get rid of the bacteria that causes the plaque

Harmful bacteria combined with particles of food irritate the gums and result in gum disease. The first step is to remove bacteria and plaque by brushing for at least two minutes at a time, twice a day. Here you can find the Best Electric Toothbrush For Receding Gums, which will help to treat your gingivitis. You should also floss daily.

2. Remove Hidden Bacteria Below the Gum Line

Bacteria are tiny and can get caught in all kinds of inaccessible places. One particular area for concern is just below the gum line. Regular brushing can’t quite reach there and flowing only tackles between the teeth. That’s why you should use a specially designed brush that can reach below your gum line to get rid of the bacteria that lurks there.

3. Use a Mouthwash

When you experience a flare up of gingivitis, try introducing a natural or medicated mouthwash to your hygiene routine for a short period of time. A mild saline solution can also neutralise the bacteria and should be used for about a week.

4. Keep Brushing

Even if your gums are inflamed and bleeding, it’s still important to keep brushing. While it may be unpleasant at first, especially if your gums are bleeding, gums do have exceptional healing abilities and recover quickly once you get rid of the bacteria. Sensitivity also tends to end quickly, as does the inflammation. It can’t be stressed enough how important it is to visit your local dentist if inflammation continues. This could be a dentist Milltown.

5. Watch Your Eating Habits

If you do have gum disease, you should try to minimise how much acid and sugar you consume as these are things that bacteria thrive on and you will only exacerbate the problem. Snacking between meals is a big culprit, especially when you snack on fizzy drinks and sugary goodies.

Overall, the best treatment for gum disease is prevention. Once you have treated gum disease, you can get to work minimising the chance of it developing again with the following preventative measures:

  • Remembering to brush twice a day for two minutes at a time
  • Remembering to brush before going to bed
  • Daily flossing with interdentals used a few times a week
  • Minimising how much sugar and acid you consume
  • Regularly drinking water and rinsing to remove bacteria and food particles throughout the course of the day

If you are worried about gum disease or need help with your oral health, book an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.

Boosting Self-Esteem Within Your Child

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Self-esteem can easily be knocked, especially with children who are much more vulnerable to the knocks life throws their way. This is why it is highly important that when you see your child’s self-esteem has been damaged in some way, you take steps to top it up.

 

Self-worth is a massively valuable human asset that can promote confidence and later life success. This is why it’s crucial to find the root of the diminished self-worth and start rebuilding it instantly.

 

Firstly, you should ask whether your child’s learning or day care environment is helping or contributing to the self-esteem issues. It is best to look for a safe, up-building and encourage environment that adds to your young one’s self-esteem rather than takes from it. You can find amazing day care in Melbourne or in your local area where children are provided with the tools and atmosphere they need to build great self-esteem.

 

For now, however, if your child is having issues, we have some great tips that you can put into action straight away.

 

TOP TIPS FOR REBUILDING YOUR CHILD’S LOST SELF-ESTEEM

 

First, it’s important to notice the signs of low self-esteem as young children may not know how to communicate they feel this way. Kids who have a good sense of self-worth normally:

 

  • Feel accepted by others and in the world
  • Have confidence and can rise to small challenges set before them
  • Feel good and pleased when they accomplish something
  • Have positive and good thoughts about themselves

 

If your little one struggles with self-esteem, they may emit the following qualities and behaviours:

 

  • Easily criticise themselves
  • They won’t acknowledge their successes and be really hard on themselves
  • Suffer with insecurity, especially around others
  • Have low confidence in themselves

 

How To Nurture Self-Esteem

 

Self-esteem isn’t helped by telling your child how great and amazing they are. Instead, they need to experience their capabilities and excellence on their own accord. Here are some things you can do to nurture self-esteem:

 

  1. Give your child new learning experiences – Whenever you can, give your child a chance to learn something new and rise to the challenge. Every time they do, it builds self-esteem.
  2. Help them out- Provide a helping hand to start them off when learning. Don’t hinder them for mistakes or make anything too easy/hard.
  3. Give your child the right kind of praise – You don’t want to build up their egos too much but praise is normally healthy for kids. Great ways to praise is to look at effort over qualities, steer clear of going over the top and focusing on the strengths of the child.

 

Doing the above can make a world of difference to a child’s self-worth and value. Value starts at home and the more you can create an environment where it’s nurtured, the more your child’s self-confidence will flourish.

All You Need To Know About The Different Types Of Hair Extensions

Almost all people have felt envy over a celebrity and their luscious locks, cursing genetics for not blessing you with a beautiful mane. Do you remember Beyonce when she flips her hair from one side to another? Delightful, isn’t it? Well, what if we were to tell you that the glorious mop of hair is potentially not her own.

No mean to disrespect the Queen, but the majority of Hollywood’s leading ladies receive some help in this department including Beyonce. So, instead of sitting back and waiting for your hair to grow to those lengths, why not cheat your way to great lengths similar to the A-list divas? You could easily get something like these clip in hair extensions to give you a similar look that Beyonce has if you wanted. This way you don’t have to wait to grow your hair.

What Is The Lowdown On Hair Extensions?

Firstly, all types of Russian hair extension require correct maintenance and care; therefore, it is essential that you understand what you are buying before you buy it. There are various types of textures, hues, and extension application methods meaning that you need to do some research before taking the plunge. Furthermore, hair extensions are expensive investments and can cost in the range of $500 or more – and this is only the beginning of the process! Be sure to do some homework, compare extensions, and speak to hair experts to find the best priced hair extensions denver available.

What Type Of Hair Extensions Should You Choose?

If you have not used hair extensions before, you may be feeling somewhat overwhelmed at the moment. Do not fret – we are here to help you through the procedure. For example, choosing hair extensions for straight 180-strangs are not necessarily the most suitable for a person with wavy hair; therefore, it is important that you explore the options available. While a tape-in and fusion extension can work with all hair textures, weaves are considered the best suited alternative to individuals with curly hair.

  1. The Clip In

The most popular temporary form of hair extension is the clip in extension. This type of extension can be applied and removed within a few minutes.

The benefits of a clip in extension are that they are reasonably cheap to purchase and are not permanent, so you can remove the item when you do not wish to use them any longer. Moreover, there is no need to visit a salon to apply a clip in extension as they can be applied at home without any damage to the hair.

Unfortunately, there are drawbacks to clip in extensions and this is primarily that the extension is made from low-quality hair. The cheap materials contribute to a synthetic appearance making them look like extensions and not natural hair. Clip ins have a tendency to fall out if not applied correctly, and since clips can be chunky they are difficult to wear with an up hairstyle.

  1. The Weave Option

Weaves involved braiding natural hair into cornrows and then sewing the extensions into the cornrows using cotton and a needle. This option is ideal for females with medium to thick curly hair.

One of the greatest benefits of weaving is that it ensures the hair extension remains in place, as well as looking relatively natural. Extensions as part of a weave are available in a plethora of colors, lengths, and hair types making them suitable for females with curly and wavy hair.

The drawbacks of this type of hair extension is that the extension is typically created using low-quality human hair or artificial hair. Furthermore, if the braid from the cornrow is too tight, it can place a strain on the individual’s scalp causing the hair to fall-out or scab. If the weft of the extension is too heavy, ladies with thin hair may suffer because the weight can pull hair out. Although, you could always try the hair products from luxuriouslook.co.uk, with their Clinical Densifying shampoos.

  1. The Pre-Bonded Option

Pre-bonded hair extensions, also known as a fusion hair extension option, involves bonding natural hair to extensions using adhesive.

The positive aspects of the pre-bonded option is that they are easy to maintain, are highly discreet, and can be cared for in the same way as one’s natural hair. This method is mostly permanent, made with high-quality human hair, and depending on natural hair growth can last for approximately six months or more.

Drawbacks of the pre-bonded hair extension option include a long application process that can last in excess of four hours for suitable application. It can also be a painful application as the hair extension is placed close to the scalp, and if it is too tight the extension will pull on the natural hair resulting in damage. Certain pre-bonded extensions utilize polymers or glue adhesives that are petroleum-based, which can result in hair thinning when used over a long period.

  1. The Tape Option

To hold hair extensions in position, a double-sided tape option is applied between two sections of the natural hair. This type of extension is easy, painless, and quick to apply; furthermore, the tape hair extension lies comfortably and flat in the hair without causing any damage to the natural hair strands.

As is mentioned, the tape hair extension is easy to apply and it is simple to remove when required. A semi-permanent option, the extensions are easy to maintain and can be styled as per normal; furthermore, the extensions will last approximately twelve weeks depending on natural hair growth.

Unfortunately, there are drawbacks including the fact that tap extensions are typically created using synthetic hair or low-quality human hair. The extensions have less mobility than natural options and they do not have clear adhesive strips, so there is the chance that the extension application will be seen through the natural hair.

  1. The Micro-Link Option

The micro-link option, similar to these from Airyhair.com, involve a procedure where hair extensions are looped through natural hair and then clamped using pliers and metal beads.

This is a beneficial option as it can be easily moved up along the hair shaft making it a cost-effective alternative. It is relatively painless and can last for approximately one year.

The drawbacks of a micro-link extension include the extensions tendency to slip down the natural shaft and receiving attention. Moreover, the metal links can cause damage to natural hair strands, and when heat is applied to the hair the metal can cause breaking to the natural strands. The extensions are also made from low-quality hair that will require trimming.

The Chair that Grows

Hey Mamas!

We wish you the happiest of Mother’s Day and hope it is spent doing what you love best!

I love this day of celebration mostly because I get a chuckle out of watching my husband take on the impossible task of independently feeding and clothing two kids for church and brunch. I can’t help intervening to inform my husband our daughter isn’t wearing shoes or my son yet again took off his dress pants and switched back to pajamas.

That’s why Mother’s Day always involves brunch right? Dad’s can’t keep the kids alive and clean all the way to dinner so we have to get the celebration out first thing in the morning!

Then nap time rolls around and exhausted dads everywhere finally find the time to sit and praise their wives with the common phrase

“I don’t know how you do this all day, everyday!”

Moms are a special beings because we do it all day every day…and love it.

Yes we love the drama, kissing ouchies, sweeping a forever dirty floor, and even dare I say it, changing diapers. We love the chaos because it’s OUR chaos brought to us by OUR kiddos. We love our kids unconditionally and want nothing but the best for their lives.

Which leads to my husband getting a chuckle from my Mother’s Day want list. You see the word “want” has lost a lot of value since being a mother. Why waste money on things I want when there are two little humans with a ton of needs. But the funnest part is I actually geek out over baby and house wear items! One of my favorite Christmas gifts this year was an avocado tool.

So my husband struggled yet again between finding a balance between getting me something beautiful and getting me something I wanted for our house.

But if you geek out over baby gear like I do, you will agree the Stokke Tripp Trapp Chair is not only practical its a beautiful piece of accent furniture for your home.

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Tripp Trapp Chair 

  • Brings baby closer to the family

My family is a huge supporter of family dinners. I think it is important to have everyone in one place at one time with no distractions. Family dinners is also one of the reasons we chose to introduce solids with baby led weaning. We want our children eating what we are eating and engaging in the same healthy habits we choose for ourselves. The Tripp Trapp Chair was specifically designed to fit comfortably against a table. An infant, toddler, and adult can all find a perfect fit up against any table with the adjustable seat and diagonal design.

We love having our children at the table and using our Stokke chair for meals, crafts, games, and baking.

 

  • Adjustable seat

Any little one can find maximum comfort by having the perfect height and depth combination with the adjustable seat and footplate. The goal is to promote correct body alignment for a seated child by getting their feet to rest squarely on the footplate. A 6 month old and 60 year old can both find the same comfort and support in the Tripp Trapp Chair.

I love that my 3 year old can easily climb onto this chair and be at the perfect height to reach his food.

My 6 month old nephew can be supported and secure in the Tripp Trapp and still have the benefit of eating at the table with the family.

And I actually love using this chair when I am sewing! I adjust the seat so that my foot rests perfectly on the sewing pedal. The leveled seat and angled backing supports my postures and prevents me from hunching over. It is encouraging to know that once my kids eventually stop using this chair it can still find use in our home.

  • Safe and Secure

I truly appreciate the ingenious design of the Tripp Trapp Chair! We use to have a lot of chair battles with our kiddos. My 3 year old son liked to push against the table with his hands and consistently got disciplined for sitting on his knees. My 18 month old daughter liked to push against the table with her feet and watch me have a panic attack.

The concave design of the chair back helps me scoot my kids’ lower half under the table; preventing their legs from escaping.

The Tripp Trapp chair extender gliders provide increased backward stability. Meaning pushing, rocking, and backward arching isn’t going to tip this chair. Our first dinner using the Tripp Tripp my daughter was being ornery and pushed the table with her hands to try and rock backward. Her chair scooted away from the table and didn’t rock in the slightest bit. I was amazed and my daughter was defeated and frustrated her little “trick” only made her food unreachable.

 

Also included with the Tripp Trapp chair is a 5-point harness. The straps are durable and very easy to clean.The back of the straps includes a fastener that can be adjusted to keep the straps from slipping off baby’s shoulders. My 6 month old nephew felt very secure strapped in and my 18 month old could not escape.

 

 

  • Easy to clean

Yes! My favorite part of this high chair! I had a fancy chair with a cushion for 2 months. 2 MONTHS and then I gave it away! Personally I thought it was the dumbest baby product in our home. Even with a toothpick and toothbrush I couldn’t completely clean the cracks and crannies of our highchair, which resulted in mold!

The Tripp Trapp Chair is pretty straight forward when cleaning. The solid beach wood is easy to quickly wipe down with a wet cloth and there is no place for food to hide. I am confident our chair is clean and there isn’t dingy food bits wedged in crevices waiting to mold.

  • Variety of colors

Check our the variety of woods and colors the Tripp Trapp Chair comes in. You can easily find a chair that accents your kitchen, matches your dinning set, or is a bold vibrant pop of color in your house.

 

Tripp Trapp Baby Set 

One accessory you can buy for your Tripp Trapp Chair is the baby set. The environmentally friendly plastic accessory easy attaches to any Tripp Trapp chair. The set was made to support children from 6 months to 3 years.

   

For my newly sitting 6 month old nephew, the hi-back and seating rail supported him from loosing his balance.

He was able to sit at the table without the risk my face planting into our oak table top. He was certainly happy to be sitting at the table with his older cousins.

Although my 3 year old does not need the baby set to sit securely in the Tripp Trapp chair I appreciated he can fit in it. We have the baby set on our chair to keep my 18 month old safe and secure. My son eats multiple snacks a day while I work, clean, or tend to his sister. He thinks it is awesome to sit in her cool chair while I appreciate the assurance of his safety while I am multitasking. With the baby set my son can’t get down without my help, he can’t sit on his knees, he can’t fall off a chair, and he can’t tip the chair back. So if you have multiple little ones under 4 you can use the Tripp Trapp with the baby set without having to remove baby set to fit the older ones.

Tripp Trapp Cushion 

For an extra splash of style and comfort Stokke makes cushions for the Tripp Trapp chair. These lush comfort cushions prevent babies from slipping down during meal time and provide extra support on little backs from 6 month to 3 years. The 100% polyester material comes in a variety of colors and patterns.

We loved our cushion was able to to fit on the baby set as well as directly onto Tripp Trapp chair.  The versatility and durability make it a practical addition to our chair.

My sister was completely impressed when she started to wipe down the cushion after her son “ate” an avocado. Everything cleaned up perfectly without staining or scrubbing.

I personally loved how waterproof it felt as my daughter dumped her cup on herself. Baby can be ready to sit back on the cushion without having to let it dry, which also means the inside stuffing is safe from molding.

More from Stokke

If you love the ingenious deign of the Tripp Trapp Chair then chances are you will love Stokke’s other baby products as well!

 

We hope you have a beautiful Mother’s Day and you get spoiled on this special day!

Heres to many more years of wishing for clean floors and geeking out on baby products!

 

Chill Out with Arctic Zero Light Ice Cream

I love this heat wave we are finally getting!

The Midwest needs some sunshine, and nothing goes better with the sunshine then ice cream!

 

We are true ice cream fanatics in the Fox household.  We have tried so many brands and flavors it would amazing you. Each of the members of my family have their top favorite flavors and combos.

 

My son loves vanilla – nothing but plain vanilla for that little boy

My daughter loves chocolate and mint chocolate chip

My husband loves peanut butter and ice cream with crunchy bits mixed in

This Mama loves the sweet and salty flavors like caramels and toffee

 

 

Whatever flavor you love best Arctic Zero, the new light ice cream now available in stores, will have one that will make your mouth water.

 

The most popular ice creams on the market now are the “light” and “low calorie” options. I am loving this craze! I have a problem with self control and proportions with it comes to sweet treats with ice cream. With the containers conveniently packaged with a low calorie total – clearly stated on the carton – I am way better able to gauge how much I can splurge on.

 

 

There are a lot of light ice creams on the market now – so what makes Arctic Zero different?

 

The new pints are packed with rich flavor and a creamy texture from real milk, cream and cane sugar.

Arctic Zero is made with clean ingredients.

No Sugar Alcohols

Non-GMO Verified

rBST Free

 

Connect with Arctic Zero

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Now Available at Select:

Fresh Thyme, Giant, Giant Eagle, Jewel, Martin’s, Russ’s, Safeway, ShopRite, Stop & Shop, Super Saver & Woodman’s stores.

* Arctic Zero light ice cream flavors contain between 64%-74% fewer calories and 84%-94% less fat than similar flavors of full-fat ice cream.

 

Have more questions about Arctic Zero – click here for FAQ’s

How To Find A Good Teen Therapist

 

 

When looking for a therapist to help your teen deal with any problems he or she is experiencing, it is important that you choose one who is skilled. However, looking for a good therapist can be a daunting task as there are many therapists who work with teens. Finding a good therapist to help your teen can be easy if you know what to consider and which questions to ask when looking for a therapist.

 

What to consider when looking for a therapist

 

Experience and expertise

A therapist with expertise and experience can help your teen in the best way possible. Keep in mind that teens are not a junior version of adults and the problems they experience have to be dealt in a unique way as they are unique to their age group.

 

If possible, ask for a recommendation from a person with personal knowledge of a certain therapist%u2019s skills and personality. This will make it easy for you to find an experienced and knowledgeable therapist to help your teen.

 

License

It is always a good idea to look for licensed teen therapists as this indicates that the therapist is licensed to practice psychotherapy. Insurance policies only cover services provided by a licensed mental health professional. Therefore, choosing a therapist who is not licensed means that your sessions will not be covered by your insurance policy.

 

However, you should remember that there are exceptions when it comes to licensing such as a trained religious and drug counselor. You can find such important information about the different teen therapists found in your area by searching on the internet.

 

Visit the websites of the different therapists found in the place where you live to know about the details of practice of different therapists and how they work with teens.

 

The training and approach of the therapist

Since there are different ways to treat teens, it is good to familiarize yourself with the different approaches of therapy. Familiarizing yourself with these approaches will help you choose an approach that can be ideal for your teen. You should base your choice on the issues your teen is struggling with and the background that makes that seems sensible to you.

 

The qualities your teen needs in a therapist

Think about the specific qualities your teen needs in a therapist. Is your teen likely to respond best to a therapist who is direct and to the point? Or does he or she respond to a therapist who is more supportive and nurturing? Does he or she prefer a therapist of a certain gender? Does he or she consider the age of the therapist? Does he or she prefer someone who is young and energetic or does he or she like an experienced therapist?

 

Questions to ask a potential therapist

You can interview potential therapists over the phone, by email or in a face to face meeting. Some of the therapists often conduct an initial consultation at a reduced cost to enable you to meet them and ask them questions regarding their practice. Here are questions to ask a potential therapist to determine whether or not he or she will be best placed to work with your teen:

 

  • Have you ever dealt with a problem such as the one my teen is struggling with? And if so what is your experience?
  • How many years have you been in practice?
  • How will you work with my teen?
  • Would you like other family members to be involved in the therapy process?
  • Are you licensed? And if so, is it updated?
  • How do you create goals therapy goals and measure the progress of these goals?
  • Which therapy approach do you use?
  • Are you a member of any professional organization?

 

Once the therapist has answered the questions above, consider how they have described their approach and their personality. Does the therapist know what they are talking about? Does the therapist have genuine empathy for teens? Is he or she patient in answering questions? Do you feel comfortable around them?

 

What is the most important factor when looking for a therapist?

While experience and credentials are important factors to consider, the personality of a therapist and the therapeutic rapport that develops between the therapist and your teen is the most important factor.

 

This relationship is often the most important factor as it determines whether or not the therapist will succeed in providing help to a troubled teen. They are already quite closed off at that age, so it would be important to find someone who can break that shell and help offer different Coping skills for teens with mental health issues. When looking for a therapist, choose one who will be able to bond with your teen. And remember to pay attention to your gut feeling when looking for a therapist.

 

Other things to consider when looking for a therapist

Ideally, your teen should be part of this process even if you are the one insisting they take part in therapy. In most cases, it is good for parents to get referrals and do the initial screening and then provide this information to their teens and let them make the final decision.

 

If the relationship doesn’t seem to be coming together after a few sessions, it may be good to look for another therapist or ask the therapist to refer you to someone he or she thinks will be a better fit.

 

The Dos And Don’ts Of At Home Gel Nails

 

If you go to the nail bar often you know the price of gel nails. However, it’s possible to do the same job at home if you know what you’re doing. These Future in Beauty online courses can teach you a thing or two if you’re interested in learning from the professionals, but you can get started here. Here are the do’s and don’ts of home gel nails.

 

Do Your Research

 

You should never hesitate to do some research via the internet because virtually all knowledge will be at your fingertips. Of course, you should always use official and reliable resources for tips, tutorials, and tricks. Watching a few videos on basic gel nail application is important and many brands will have these available. You should also look at your favorite nail blog for any tips that they have gained from experience. When you research, you should also create your own notes. This will help you ensure that your gel manicure lasts.

 

Complete Proper Nail Preparation

 

Gel polish requires a clean and dry surface to adhere to if you want it to last. To do this, you should start with pushing back your cuticle. File your nail to the desired shape and you can learn how to do this when doing your research. When you prepare your nails, you need to ensure that the little hangers from the edge and underneath the nail because this will leave rough edges that cause issues.

 

You should then lightly buff the surface and edge of your nails with an extra-fine buffer. You have to then spray cleansing alcohol on the nail and wipe it off with a lint-free wipe. You should also use a pH balancing liquid or primer on the nail before you start the application process. You can also look at using pure acetone before the primer to ensure that there is no moisture present when you start the application. If you have nail issues, then gel nails may not be the best possible solution and you should perhaps use a suitable nail polish – we have heard good things about drs remedy nail polish

 

Prepare Your Supplies Before You Begin

 

You need to make sure that everything you need is within reach before you actually start. Once you begin the application process, you will not want to touch anything unnecessary as this could leave you open to debris and lint sticking to the unfinished manicure. There are a few items that you have to get ready before you start your gel nails including:

 

Plugging in the gel lamp

 

All the gel polishes you are going to use including the primer, base, and top coat

 

The acetone

 

Lint-free wipes

 

Cleansing alcohol

 

Paper towels in case something goes wrong

 

A clean-up brush

 

Use Proper Removal Techniques

 

If you want to maintain the health of your nails, this is a very important thing to do. While the acetone will dehydrate your nail plate, properly soaking off the gel polish will prevent it peeling off your nails. You should use a file to break the surface of the gel polish. You should then saturate lint-free wipes with pure acetone, wrap them in foil and leave them for 10 to 15 minutes. Using an orange stick, you will need to gently lift the remaining gel from the nail. If some of the gel remains, you will need to reply the acetone-soaked wipes to the nail and foil for a few more minutes.

 

Do Not Apply Thick Layers

 

When applying gel polish, you need to avoid thick layers. Thin layers of the polish will make the application smoother. Additionally, with gel polish, when the foundation and top coat are too thick, the curing and adherence can be negatively affected.

 

If you think that you have applied too much of the polish, you need to use a dry-brush technique. This is where you wipe the excess product off with the brush and drag is back over the already polished nail. Once the polish has cured, you will need to repeat this once to twice for a total of 2 to 3 layers of polish.

 

Do Not Wash Your Hands

 

While this might seem strange, you should avoid washing your hands before product application. The fact that it is better to have super-dry nail plates is the reason behind this. If you wash your hands, all the dehydrating which was done will be reversed. If you have to wash your hands right after polish removal, you need to dry them thoroughly and proceed with prepping your nails.

 

Do Not Let The Gel Touch The Skin

 

This will take a bit of practice and the right tools, but it is vital if you want your manicure to last. Gel polish does not like skin and will start to lift if any is left on the skin to cure. Additionally, the errant polish which is left to cure will also make the sides of your manicure uneven and jagged which can catch and lift. Before each layer cures, you should use an angled brush which has been dipped in acetone to clean along the side of the nail and the cuticle.

 

Do Not Pick

 

This is the worst thing that you can do with any nails or manicure. There is a lot of temptation to do this, but picking is actually the most damaging action that you can take. This is also the reason why gel polish has earned a reputation for damaged the nail plate. The high adhesion that is offered by these products means that when the polish lifts, some layers of the nail come with it. This will leave uneven, thin and flaking nails, so remember to not pick at them.

 

Detergent for Athletes – Hex Performance

When we work out we do it to break a sweat.

 

To get those muscles working. To feel the burn, that great feeling of pushing yourself and then exhaustion – followed by the adrenaline rush and endorphin peak.

 

After we finish a run, a HIIT class or a bike ride, typically we are not leaving our socks and clothing smelling like roses.  We stink!

 

 

Regular laundry detergents are for regular clothing – but we know that after we sweat, those clothes are any but regular!

 

With the newly released HEX Detergent, specially designed for athletic clothing, we can get that stank out the first time through the wash.

 

Sweat and grime sticks to clothing differently than a jelly sandwich would. The composure of our sweat is very different than that of food or dirt. This means we need a detergent that knows how to battle that stink and those types of germs left behind.

The clothing industry has changed what our clothing is made of – Fabrics are now synthetic or blended mixes. Traditional detergents don’t take into account these types of materials and what happens when grime and sweat gets absorbed into them. Using a traditional detergent, you can typically still smell grime on synthetics (your running shorts or tops) after they have been fully washed. This is because its not getting into the fabric and releasing the unwanted parts. Its still dirty!

 

HEX eliminates odors caused by sweat, bacteria, and mildew

 

HEX is a clean liquid – no dyes or fillers to try and cover up smells – instead HEX works and removes those smells. There is nothing to hide with HEX.  HEX pours like water and is easy to use. It has no dyes, no fillers, no optical brightener, no phosphates – it’s just clean.

 

Traditional detergents will clog your clothing with dyes and fillers. Once you start to use HEX on your clothing, after a few washes, you will remove all those cover up agents and start to truley have clean clothing.

 

 

HEX Performance contains an eco-friendly non-allergenic molecule behind that helps to actively prevent future stink and stains!

 

HEX Performance offers a variety of products including:

 

  • Advanced Laundry Detergent
    FREE + CLEAR
  • Advanced Laundry Detergent
    FRESH CLEAN SCENT

  • Advanced Single Dose Detergent
    FREE + CLEAR

  • Advanced Single Dose Detergent
    FRESH CLEAN SCENT

  • In-Rinse Fabric Booster
    FREE + CLEAR

  • In-Rinse Fabric Booster
    FRESH CLEAN SCENT

  • Laundry Odor & Stain Fighter
    FREE + CLEAR

  • Ultra+ Dual Action Gear Wash
    FREE + CLEAR

  • On Demand+ Spray & Go
    FREE + CLEAR

 

 

Whether you are a runner, an athlete, work in manual labor, or just sweat easily – HEX Performance Detergent will be a game changer for you

 

MamatheFox Thoughts

 

  1. I love how easy to use the pods and the liquid pour pouches work. I can quickly start a load without a hassle
  2. My clothing smell great – like nothing!
  3. I feel like my clothing will last longer now because they are getting clean, but not being over worked by harsh dyes and additives
  4. The On Demand + Spray and Go is amazing for shoes! My feet stink after I jog, and this really helps a LOT
  5. The Laundry Odor & Stain Fighter is for sweat and bacteria, not your kids PB&J stains. It works differently than other stain removers – so keep HEX for your performance needs
  6. My husband doesn’t mind the switch! He is a creature of habit but seems to not mind my new HEX Performance detergent in the laundry room.

 

 

Connect with HEX Performance

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The Pros And Cons Of Bio Ethanol Fireplaces

 

 

There’s no doubt that a bio ethanol fireplace would be an awesome addition to your home. But before you invest money on one, you should become familiar with the pros and cons of owning one of these fireplaces first. Below we’ll discuss some of the pros and cons you can expect from owning a bio ethanol fireplace.

 

 

Ownership Pros

 

One major advantage of owning a bio ethanol fireplace is not having to have a chimney installed. This seemingly minor detail is actually an important one because it gives you a lot of freedom and flexibility when it comes to fireplace placement.

 

Furthermore, bio ethanol fireplaces and ethanol fire pits are also quite mobile, which means you could easily take it with you if you ever decide to move in the future. This flexibility of movement is impossible with a standard fireplace. You’re not taking a built-in brick fireplace with you should you decide to move.

 

Bio ethanol fireplaces, similar to those offered from Ethanol Fireplace Pros, are also safer than traditional fireplaces because no dangerous fumes are released when the fireplace is burning. They are cleaner too. Unlike a traditional fireplace, bio ethanol fireplaces won’t leave behind any ashes. The main waste byproduct of this kind of fireplace is a little carbon dioxide and water, both of which are harmless.

 

Ownership Cons

 

Unfortunately, there are a few cons associated with owning a bioethanol fireplace.

 

While they are generally considered the safer alternative when compared to other fireplaces,fires have been caused by using these fireplaces. However, it must be stressed that this is a rare occurrence, and is usually caused by inferior hardware present on cheap, low quality fireplaces. This potential issue is easily avoided by investing in a high quality fireplace.

 

Another con typically associated with bio ethanol fireplaces is the lack of heat produced. They usually heat a small room or area quite well, but struggle when it comes to heating an entire home, so keep this in mind before purchasing. The heat produced by a bio ethanol fireplace is quite similar to that produced by a radiator. If you need a heat source that heats your entire home from one central location, a bio ethanol fireplace probably isn’t for you. However, they work great as supplemental heating sources in small rooms or areas.

 

Button Diapers are Super!

Who loves Fluff Mail?!

This month I had the opportunity to try out Buttons Cloth Diapers. My sister has used them for both her boys so I wanted to see why she was so loyal to this particular brand.

Meet Button Diapers

Buttons was created by your typical mom who wanted to keep things simple. Her and her husband’s goal was to keep cloth diapering affordable and easy to use.

Their diapering options continue to expand and new adorable prints are frequently released.

 

 

 

 

 

I also want to add their social medias are a delight to follow! They always give great encouragement to cloth mamas and have fun revealing new prints!

 

Connect with Buttons

Facebook.

 Twitter.

 Pinterest.

 YouTube.

Instagram.

 

 

 

 

The Diapers

Buttons diapers takes a new and improve twist on past cloth diapering systems. The outer shell is waterproof and wipeable, meaning it can be used multiple times before washing. Rather than changing the whole diaper (like inserts and AIO), just the insert can easily snap out and be replaced with a fresh clean one.

 

It also makes it convenient to use the same diaper night and day. Snap the daytime insert in for play time then at bedtime add a nighttime insert underneath a daytime insert for a peaceful dry night.

Sizes

Button Diapers covers have the same great quality in three different sizes.

Newborn, One-Size, and Super.

I especially loved their sizes because one-size really doesn’t fit all!

NEWBORN

Both of my cloth diapering sisters had babies in the fall. My sister with newborn Button diapers started cloth diapering way before my sister with one-size. The cut of these pip squeak diapers fit perfectly around even tiny newborn chicken legs and while still preventing mega leaks.

It is a big deal because after changing and washing 6-12 diapers a day, no one wants to add wardrobe changes to the laundry. Also with the estimation of newborns using over 300 newborn diapers, cloth can be a mega money saver in the end.

ONE-SIZE

One-size diapers are a great option for frugal cloth diapering. Both of my kids were born weighing over 8 pounds, so I assume I would have been able to put them in One-Size diapers before a month old.

I do find a lot of mom’s prefer waiting a month or so before switching to cloth. It gives them time to recover and relax before taking on diaper laundry.

Since these diapers can fit up to 35lbs it is likely they will fit until potty training. My son being of of those kids! So if you have a pretty average baby, one-size Button diapers could be your one stop shop for cloth diapering.

SUPER

Now a mom with an above average size babe, I appreciate the Super size. My daughter has always been in or above the 85% range for height and weight. Before she was mobile she was especially rolly-polly.

All the more to love right?!

I remember around 6-9 months thinking she was going to outgrow her one-size cloth diapers! The snaps were on the second to last spot and her back side would creep out when she was sitting. Fortunately, when she started walking and crawling she leaned out and developed more of a toddler shape. I actually was able to snap her diapers tighter.

However, the hight issue stayed the same. I could never find a diaper that completely covered her bum, and more importantly kept messes from spilling out. I feared she would exceed the maximum weight of her one-size diapers before we hit potty training.

The super sized diapers became a great addition to our cloth collection. They provide maximum coverage and maximum protection!

As if my daughter knew I was reviewing her diaper, she almost immediately “tested it out” if you know what I mean. I was happy to say her Buttons diaper held strong through crawling, rolling, walking, and even a dance party.

Inserts

Buttons offers a variety of snap inserts to meet the needs of your diapering preference.

DAYTIME: Buttons cloth inserts snap right into our diapers covers to keep inserts from shifting around.

  • Hemp/Cotton 3 Pack
  • Bamboo 3 Pack
  • Microfiber 3 Pack

NIGHTTIME: They work as a doubler when snapped underneath Buttons daytime inserts.

  • Hemp/Cotton 2 Pack
  • Bamboo 2 Pack
  • Microfiber 2 Pack

Since we are new to Buttons diapers we tried out their Hemp/Cotton Daytime Inserts.

These inserts are made with an incredible 4 layer absorbent system. Moisture-wicking fleece sandwiches layers of hemp and organic cotton.

The inserts are very durable and feel well made. I especially loved the seem and edging on each insert. It is rare to find both, and honestly I think it helps all the more to lock moisture in and prevent leakage with movement.

The snaps hold the inserts in place and are easy to remove and replace.

Overall I loved joining the Buttons Diapers family!

And to especially support Earth Day I wanted to leave you all with a few diapering facts!

  • Over 92% of all single-use diapers end up in a landfill.
  • No one knows how long it takes for a disposable diaper to decompose, but it is estimated to be about 250-500 years, long after your children, grandchildren and great, great, great grandchildren will be gone.
  • Over 300 pounds of wood, 50 pounds of petroleum feedstocks and 20 pounds of chlorine are used to produce disposable diapers for one baby EACH YEAR.