Low Cost Charm Bracelets For Fashion Forward People

By Shiran Cohen

Original, creative and unique are just a few words that describe charm bracelets and charm collections. Finding silver and gold charms to hang from beautiful charm bracelets isn?t hard, even if you are on a bit of a budget. With smart shopping and a good eye for a bargain you will soon have a wonderful collection to wear and enjoy.

While some people may mistakenly think that charm bracelets and charms are extremely expensive, in reality they are not. Gold charms as well as silver and other metals are used to make very reasonably priced, absolutely beautiful charms for any and all occasions.

One way to keep the cost of charm bracelets within a budget is to select sterling silver charms and charm bracelets. These charms are bright, sparkling and very easy to keep looking polished and beautiful with minimum effort.

Silver is one of those metals that goes well with any color of clothing or any skin tone. Fair skinned people as well as those with darker skin look radiant in silver jewelry. Charm bracelets made of silver can feature a variety of silver or gold charms, making them a great fashion accessory.

While often seen as a bit more costly, gold charm bracelets and charms are still not unreasonably priced. The detail that goes into these charms and bracelets make them every eye catching and beautiful with a minimum of care and cleaning. Gold, like silver, looks good on all skin tones and is great for day or evening wear.

If you want to stay on a budget but love platinum, you may want to consider substituting silver. While platinum is rich and brilliant in color, it is the most costly metal for most charm bracelets and charms.

One less expensive option than a traditional bracelet is the Italian charm bracelets that are becoming more and more popular. These bracelets feature removable tile like charms that allow the wearer to create a new bracelet with just a simple changing of the charms. Gems and bright colors are used to enhance the designs on these types of charm bracelets.

Shopping for charm bracelets and charms on sale is also a great way to get a beautiful gift at a much lower cost. Buying charms and charm bracelets after the holidays or during the off seasons can be a wonderful way to add to your collection for a fraction of the price.

About the Author:

Shiran Cohen of World of Charms get more than seven years knowledge in the charms industry. If you want to purcgete a charm bracelet or to add charms to a bracelet you already have you must go to see World of Charms and check their wonderful variety of silver charms, gold charms and diamond charms and charm bracelets.

When Is The Best Time To Choose Engineered Hardwood Flooring?

By James Laton

Engineered flooring looks a lot like a solid hardwood floor, but something is different below the surface. Made up of three to seven cross stacked layers of wood that are glued and laminated together under high pressure, this flooring material doesn't react to humidity the way traditional hardwood does. Engineered hardwood floors work in almost every room in the home, including kitchens and basements that don't get much moisture.

Engineered flooring is available in either strips or planks, as well as in parquet tiles in a variety of designs. Most are designed for easy tongue and groove installation. It looks very similar to solid hardwood with the same pricing as well. However, engineered flooring works better in installations over concrete slabs, in basements, and in other places where it's hard to install a traditional hardwood floor. Need to install your floor in an area with high humidity, but one that's not wet? Engineered hardwood is a top choice here, too.

Some types of engineered hardwood flooring are more sustainable than traditional wood, as well. There are all kinds of floors, from those made from hardwoods around a core of hardwood, to hardwood around fiberboard, to hardwood wrapped around a high density board made from wheat waste material. Quality is determined by the thickness of the board and the thickness of the veneer. This is important, since thicker hardwood veneer means a greater ability to refinish the floor. Generally, this veneer is three eighths of an inch to five eighths of an inch thick.

The type and thickness of the finish used over the veneer can also tell you whether or not the engineered hardwood floor you're thinking about purchasing will be high in quality. Remember that you should always buy a few extra boards in case on needs to be replaced, and look for finishes that include UV cured polyurethane and aluminum oxide. This kind of finish is very durable, and guaranteed for twenty five years of longer in most cases. Prefinished floors are less messy and much easier to install.

Like regular hardwood, engineered flooring can reduce the dust and allergens in your home, enhancing the quality of your indoor air. They add value to your home, but often not as much as a solid wood floor. However, they're super simple to maintain, are suited for just about every room and are easier to install. If you love wood floors, then you owe it to yourself to ask the professionals at http://professionalhardwood.com for some advice.com so you can make the choice that works best for your home.

About the Author:

Learn all about Engineered Flooring and get your FREE Buying Guide at Professional Hardwood.com. Visit us today and receive $200 off your purchase of any kind of hardwood at http://professional hardwood.com.

Fingernail Fungus Treatment and Diagnosis

By Rashel Dan

Many people want to know the most effective fingernail fungus treatment. In the United States alone, about 35 million Americans are affected with fungal infection of the nails. Because of this great number, more people want to know a great solution to nail fungus.

The Cause - Nail fungus is caused by a Tinea Unguium or Onychomycosis infection. The fungus lives underneath the nail and feeds on the keratin which makes up the hard surface of the nails. It can be contagious, as it can spread to other fingernails and even to other parts of your body such as the toenails.

The good thing though is that fingernail fungus can be treated. However, the treatment usually varies with the type and severity of the infection. For you to make the most out of the treatment, it is important that you have it diagnosed first by a professional.

Nail Fungus Diagnosis

Have your doctor examine your nails. The initial diagnosis is often made by conducting a physical examination of the infected nail. Some visible symptoms include discoloration, thickening, crumbling, and streaking among others.

Answer your doctor's questions. Some risks of fingernail fungus include participating in sports, overusing fingernail polish and neglecting proper hand hygiene. Then, you will also be asked about your medical history, which includes any experience with illnesses that may decrease your resistance to infection, weaken your immune system, and interfere with proper blood flow. Such ailments include diabetes, HIV, and poor circulation among others.

Tests - The doctor will then perform some tests such as clipping off a small piece of your nail that will be sent to labs to verify if you have nail fungus. The tests use PAS or Periodic Acid-Shiff which turns any fungi red. Performing this test will help determine the precise type of fungi present so that it can be properly and effectively treated. If the tests show that you indeed have fingernail fungus, then the doctor will give you a list of possible treatments.

Fingernail fungus treatment

Medications - Among these treatments is oral anti-fungal medication. These prescription medications combat fungal infections. However, they are strong oral medications that must be always taken for months in order to be effective. And, they could also have potential harmful side effects that can affect other body organs. Side effects include headaches, upset stomach, liver damage, and even death.

Anti-Fungal Creams - Anti-fungal creams and lotions are also available. These are much safer but they are generally ineffective. This is because the creams do not actually penetrate the nail bed in order to kill the fungus at its source.

Anti-Fungal Topical Solutions - The best choice would be to go for a topical anti-fungal solution. It is effective and safe at the same time. It uses only natural ingredients like essential oils from tea tree, almond, lavender and lemongrass that contain antibacterial, antiseptic, and antifungal properties that will help fight the infection and at the same time keep your fingers smooth and soft to the touch. Also, it does not leave any medicinal smell on your hands.

About the Author:

Get rid of toenail fungus. Try the best fingernail fungus treatment available today.

Buy A Hybrid Car: Why You Need To

By Anton Rowd

People are discovering more and more reasons to buy a hybrid car. Of course, considering the many benefits of a hybrid car, this is not surprising. Still, there are many who believe that the technology is actually too expensive to invest in and that hybrid cars are just not powerful or spacious enough for their needs. So when is it really the right time to invest in a hybrid car?

The Price Of Gas

Almost everything that moves run on gas. We all know we need it. But we also know that it is fast becoming a depleted resource. Personal vehicles these days can consume up to 140 billion gallons of gas and diesel fuel in a year and these numbers don't seem like they are falling at all.

Gas prices, contrary to its availability, is always increasing, though. This should be the cause of concern for anybody who owns a gas-powered vehicle. This is one of the signs that should trigger the notion that more people should buy into the idea of hybrid cars.

Emissions And The Environment

Of course, you can always say that your current car isn't a smoke belcher. This is not enough of an argument to go against the fact that there are dangerous emissions that are released as your car burns the fuel it needs to move. To buy a hybrid car means that you will be making a world of difference especially with the way your driving is affecting the air around you.

Hybrid car emissions promise zero carbon monoxide emissions. This means that you can start driving around without worrying at all what your car is contributing to the pollution situation of the world. This is due in part by hybrid cars running on less gas and more electricity. This is another reason why you should really think about investing in a hybrid vehicle.

Purchase Incentives

Depending on what State you live in, purchasing a hybrid car will probably mean great savings for you in the future. A number of incentives offered by the government are another reason why more people should purchase hybrids.

A new incentive for hybrid car users came in 2006 in the form of full-dollar tax credit. This made it even more valuable for car buyers to buy hybrids when compared to the reductions of taxable income when purchasing regular cars. More specifically, buyers who purchased, for example, a Toyota or Lexus hybrid before October 1 2006 qualified for a 100 percent tax credit. Those who bought Toyota hybrids after that date received a tax credit equal to 50 percent of the amount that they spent.

The biggest reason to get into the hybrid trend really is that it is a life-changing experience in more ways than one. You not only get to contribute to positive changes in the worlds environment, but you also get the privilege of driving cars straight of the future with technologies that make it more convenient for everyday transport. Still not convinced? Buy a hybrid car and you'll see what it means to own one.

About the Author:

Discover the latest updates before you buy a hybrid car. Check out more hybrid car comparison and reviews online.

Yes You Can: Hot Panini Sandwhiches At Home With A Panini Maker

By Chris Smith

Panini sandwiches are probably the most perfect sandwich ever. If you haven't had the pleasure of trying one out yet then by all means stop reading this article and go get one. If you have already tasted the toasted goodness of a panini sandwich then you know exactly what I am talking about. These little sandwiches come from Italy and the word panini means little sandwich. They are typically made on a cibatta roll filled with sandwich meat and cheeses and then grilled. This article explores some of the reasons why you should own your own panini maker. I know you might be thinking not another kitchen gadget. I had the same thought when we first purchased one myself. However, I quickly fell in love with it and use it two to three times a week easily. Here are some of the top reasons you should consider getting a panini maker. Word of warning though these sandwiches are very addicting and once you get started you won't want to give up your panini maker for anything.

For Parties And Entertaining Panini sandwiches might be the perfect solution for getting rid of the stress of entertaining friends and family in your home. After all what can be more fun and very stressful at the same time then having friends and family over for a dinner party. Often there is so much food preparation, planning and clean up that has to be done it takes all of the fun of spending time with your guests. Well, in that case a panini maker might be the perfect solution. It is easy to have a build your own panini sandwich bar with a panini grill or maker. You buy all of the ingredients that go on the inside of the panini and then let each of your guests make their own. This way they can customize the sandwich the way they like. Just be carefully and be forewarned people will get addicted and if you don't have enough ingredients someone could get hurt. If you are looking for something a little more on the formal side and don't want to just do the sandwiches then you could always serve the panini for an appetizer and then still have a main course. This is a real crowd pleaser and will kick the party off right from the start.

Healthy Fast Food That almost sounds like an oxymoron doesn't it? You don't often hear healthy and fast food int he same sentence and typically fast food is anything but healthy. Yet with the busy lives we all live these days it sort of becomes a necessary evil. However, it doesn't have to be a necessary evil. Instead you can get a panini maker or a panini machine and just crank out some really healthy and super yummy sandwiches in a few minutes. Just keep the ingredients on hand at home and it only takes five to ten minutes tops to make a really healthy and great tasting meal. Plus, you can make them and then eat them on the way. Panini sandwiches are very easy to eat in the car. They can be made with healthy ingredients and still taste incredible. So next time you are in a hurry instead of buying fast food out instead make your own healthy fast food.

Healthy And Own Taste Another great thing about having your own Panini maker at home is you can make them your own way. Sure you can get a good Panini sandwich at a lot of local restaurants. However, you are forced into eating Panini that is their taste and filled with what they want. You are also limited to one or two different sandwiches and that is about it. If you have your own Panini grill at home there are so many more options for what you can make. For example there are even a ton of really great desserts that can be made with a Panini grill. I bet you didnt think about making desserts did you?

There are many different ways to call these things. Each one works a little different b ut essentially they are all the same. There is the Panini grill, Panini press and Panini maker while there are slight difference between them they all will work very well for creating how wonderful tasting Panini sandwiches. Panini makers are great to have at home as you can add your own tastes and come up with unique recipes. They are incredible when you entertain your friends as they make a great appetizer or meal. They also are the best when you are tight on time and need something quick and on the go. Check out the many varieties of Panini makers available.

About the Author:

For top reviewed Panini Makers you have to check out this site. It is chocked full of different panini makers including Panini Pans And Presses and great user reviews to help you make your decision.

Completing Pruning In The Southern Garden

By Keith Markensen

This is the traditional month of hearts and flowers, and even with a willing heart most of the flowers must still come from the florist. This is the last month of cold weather, though, and with warm days there are many garden activities that can be done.

All through this area gardens are in different stages of development from the first spring days of swelling buds to complete dormancy in the extreme northern parts. Evergreen plants should be moved balled and burlapped (B&B).

This kind of transplanting has to do with digging the plant with an undisturbed ball of earth around the roots. This ball is held intact with (originally) burlap (today plastic) securely fastened around it so that it will not break. This burlap is left on when the plant is replanted in the new location. It will rot away in a few days. Most of the young roots will grow through the burlap that is left.

Most gardeners are aware of the trend in planting to use container grown stock. These plants are grown pots and other containers. Actually, container-grown stock is a modification of the B&B type, in that the root system of a plant is not disturbed.

However, planting is much simpler as the gardener or landscaper is usually working with smaller plants.

Transplanting Rules

The soil should be thoroughly pulverized and some humus added. Horticultural peat moss cannot be surpassed for mixing in the soil. The addition of one-half peat moss with the soil in each shrub or tree location will be most beneficial for the plants. The grainy peat improves the physical condition of the soil and the spongy quality increases its water holding capacity.

After the peat decays, its value continues in the form of humus. Slow acting plant food can be worked into the soil at transplanting time if kept away from direct contact with the roots.

Watering is particularly important for the successful growth of the plant. Most plants undergo a certain amount of shock after transplanting. Light pruning of the top growth will establish a favorable balance with the roots and prevent an excessive strain on them to support the top as the root system becomes reestablished.

Planning vs Planting

To every gardener the question should not be one of planting or growing garden plants, but rather of planning what to plant. Even planting coleus without planning can become very expensive and impractical. Any garden problem should be studied and solved before work begins.

Pruning

This is an important job to be completed during February. All heavy pruning, sometimes referred to as remedial, must be done in time for the wound to heal before the flow of sap begins, otherwise there will be bleeding from the wounds.

All branches that have been split or broken should be removed with clean cuts to promote healing. There are usually many branches broken by snow, ice or wind. All cuts larger than one-half inch should be painted to prevent drying out.

About the Author:

Find out more as Keith Markensen shares his experiences on landscaping, house plants, lawn and garden at http://www.plant-care.com. You may not always get what you want, but you can find what you need on growing coleus.

Residential Solar Power? How Does That Work?

By Sam Deane

Consider the sun as being a giant star in our solar system. It provides heat, light and ultimately life to our planet. Every day, as the sun's heat washes over Planet Earth providing a form of solar power. In order to make use of this free and infinte resource, we must first understand What is residential solar power and how does it work?

Residential Solar Power Basics

The energy imparted from the sun arrives as heat radiation to the earth and other planets. This is known as UVA or UVB radiation. The benevolent sun is showering the earth with its warmth and light.

Most of the sun's rays are bounced back into space as they enter the Earth's atmosphere, but enough of is absorbed by the earth, giving us enough energy to fuel every home across the planet. Sadly, we still have not yet achieved this level of solar power production.

All those solar panels you see on rooftops and in back yards. They are a lot more streamlined these days. There was a time when only the rich could afford solar power for homes.

Here come the scientific part, but dont worry, I'll be gentle!

The science of residential solar power does not take a rocket scientist to understand.

The Scientific Explanation of Residential Solar Power

Solar panels are made up of an array of solar cells, also known as photovoltaic cells. These cells more often than not come as a form of silicon or some other semi-conductive-type material. They are arranged positive to negative, end to end, in a uniform way to create the solar panel itself.

For best effect, place the panel to the south of the building to capture the maximum amount of sunlight. When the sunlight strikes the solar panel, the radiation is absorbed into the solar cell as heat.

Scientifically, the light energy (aka 'photons') strikes the solar cells forcing electrons to be knocked loose.

Now freed up, these electrons rush to the other end of the solar cell and in this motion, electricity is made, the selfsame electricity you use to power your appliances in your home.

Right now though, the electricity is still in a DC format (aka Direct Current). Traditional houses require AC current (aka Alternating Current), so some more work needs to be done to render this a useful operation.

Now, the residential solar power system starts to do its thing. The electrical energy from the solar panel or photovoltaic array is sent to a DC disconnect device. This interrupts and changes the flow of electricity from the array.

Right about now, you can use one of two methods to send the electricity around your home. You could directly connect your residential solar power system to your homes electricity system. You will then have to pass the electricity through an inverter to transform your DC current into AC current.

You electricity supply is almost ready to use. It passes through the inverter direct to all the AC outlets in your home.

The other option is to invest in a few deep cycle batteries and direct all that extra solar energy you don't use in the day into them so they can store it for a later time when you might need it more.

To Conclude ...

Using residential solar power will reduce your home electricity bills. When you introduce your own residential solar power system you will be ahead of the curve, pre-empting the future that undoubtedly will be calling out for sustainable alternative renewable energy.

About the Author:

Sam Deane has been around the world as a magazine editor and publisher, life coach and trainer. These days, he writes about residential solar power, running an important and lively blog about residential solar power.

Solar Panels-An Important Piece Of The Energy Puzzle

By Neo Defrank

The use of solar panels to attract the energy from the sun is becoming more common than ever before. Solar panels are the connecting factor between the sun's energy and the energy we use every day to power our homes. There are many ways solar panels are used to create usable energy even in something as simple as a small calculator or as complicated as a space ship. Using the natural power from the sun by way of solar panels gives all of us an opportunity to help ourselves and help our environment.

A more primitive way of using the sun's power was discovered more than a hundred years ago. The use of steam from the sun's heat was used to power and maintain machinery. When the news spread, scientists showed up from everywhere to see the discovery in action. They wasted no time in research and development of more efficient ways to attract and use the sun's power including the development of solar panels.

Solar panels are produced in many shapes and sizes but they are all intended to attract the sun's light so that it can be converted into electricity. Photovoltaic or PV for short is the process that allows the solar energy to become a usable energy. Thin film solar cells or photovoltaic cells are thin layers of photovoltaic materials that are deposited on a substrate or semiconductor. These solar cells are an integral part for processing the power of the sun into electricity. We can then use this electricity (solar power), to heat our water, our homes or power our homes.

Solar panels can be seen on top of houses, buildings or you might see an array of solar panels in a field. The most common and often forgotten solar panel is that in our hand held solar calculators. With the ever rising electricity costs, research and development of more ways to use solar has skyrocketed. There are solar chargers, solar lights, solar computers, solar phones and ever solar vehicles in the works. Becoming more environmentally conscious is becoming the in-thing to do, it no longer belongs to the hippies of the 70's or the secluded who want to be left alone. There are even whole sub-divisions being developed to be completely solar powered.

Just a few years ago it could be costly to convert your home over to solar power but with today's advances it is much more affordable to convert. The initial investment is the largest cost but there are new programs sponsored by the government offering incentives and tax breaks to help cover the cost. In the long run using solar panels to power your home will save you money by cutting out your power bill. It is a win-win situation when you consider all the benefits of making the switch to using solar panels.

About the Author:

Neo Defrank has pointed out some simple yet helpful information about solar panels. As Neo has pointed out there are a multitude of solar photovoltaic products available and they are more cost effective & efficient than ever before.