So This Is Christmas

Merry Christmas is such an infectious feeling I like to feel that way all year around.

So if you are visiting just before Christmas, just after Christmas or even here on Christmas day I am sure you will find something of interest for you and in the spirit of Christmas.

It may be said that Christmas is no longer a celebration but this must be spoken by people that have never had trouble closing their eyes on Christmas Eve in an expectation of what maybe left for them on the carpet under the tree.

I continue to look forward to the surprise on my Grandchild's faces to this day at Christmas events.

Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Product Review for the Panasonic EP-1272 Massage Chair

By Steve Esquire

This review is of the Panasonic massage chair model EP 1272. The EP 1272 is part of the Real Pro Elite series of massage recliners. Panasonic is known for its advanced massage techniques and simple electronics. This review will point out the main features, functions and warranty coverage for your perusal.

One of the important aspects of the purchase is your long term protection. The warranty coverage is designed to remove the longer term risk from the purchase. Let us take a look at what Panasonic offers with the EP-1272. This model comes with 3 years parts and 1 year labor. Labor is only available at authorized outlets which is not too convenient. Panasonic now offers in home service, but does not include it with this model. We find this warranty under par for the rest of the industry.

Let's look at some of the more important features of this shiatsu recliner. There are many therapeutic massage functions incorporated into this model. There are 4 automatic massage programs, 8 manual massage programs, and 3 manual back massage courses. There are also lower body air massage capabilities for the calves and feet.

The 4 automatic programs include: shiatsu, Swedish, stretch and quick. Shiatsu provides overall stimulation of the back, neck and shoulders utilizing the soft shiatsu, deep rubbing and tapping actions. Swedish provides overall loosening of the muscles in the back, neck and shoulders using longer strokes, circular motions and rhythmic actions. Stretch provides overall stretching of the back muscles using the rolling, pressing, shiatsu and kneading massages. Quick provides loosening of the back, neck and shoulders using rhythmic actions, circular motions, squeezing and tapping.

The 8 manual massage modes include the following massage techniques: kneading, compression, Swedish, Hawaiian, soft shiatsu, tapping, regional rolling and full rolling. Kneading is particularly effective for the neck and shoulders. Compression is recommended for full body relaxation. Swedish loosens up large areas of the back. Hawaiian helps to relieve tension in the lower back. Soft shiatsu is excellent for loosening up knots in the back. Tapping loosens up the finer muscles of the neck or as a finishing massage. Regional rolling provides focused rolling out of the back muscles. Full rolling provides overall stretching of the back muscles.

The leg rest has a dual purpose massage. It can be used to massage the calves or the feet. If you place your legs into the leg rest, then it will target your calves. To massage your feet, the leg rest must be raised more horizontal and you must bend your knees to place your feet in. The leg rest provides an air compression massage. This is accomplished by energizing airbags built into the leg rest. They provide a gentle or firm squeeze, hold and release massage. This is particularly effective to relieve tight, sore or aching muscles in the calves and feet.

We like the simple design of the Panasonic remote control. They have certainly set the standard over the years for the industry. The one touch automatic programs are excellent for a full body massage. Need a little customization, then just flip open the hidden panel and select from the eight manual massage treatments. Select exactly the area or pinpoint a specific point to work over in your favorite technique. You can even adjust the roller width and set the massage intensity. This massage recliner is very versatile.

Overall, the Real Pro Elite model EP 1272 is a well designed shiatsu recliner. It comes with an excellent variety of massage therapies and can be effectively targeted to specific regions. The design aesthetics of the chair could have been better along with the warranty. The Panasonic EP 1272 does deliver effective massage therapy, so if you are in the market for a mid range massage chair, then this deserves your serious consideration.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Whitening your Teeth

By Gregory Chase

Afraid to smile? Afraid to show those not-so-white teeth? Afraid that you'll be looked down upon because you don't have pearly white teeth like the movie stars? Well, relax. Not to worry. We've put together the top 10 teeth whitening questions here, so you can find out what it takes to brighten that smile. Check it out, and prepare to get noticed!

Can anyone benefit from teeth whitening? Everyone wants a bright, white smile. Unfortunately, not everyone can get one, at least not without spending a lot of money. Those who are fortunate enough to have healthy teeth can easily benefit from teeth whitening.

However, the teeth whitening systems of today can't do too much for those who've had re constructive dental work. Also, those with really bad teeth stains aren't guaranteed of totally white smiles, either, although they will see some improvement.

What does a teeth whitening system consist of? There are different types of teeth whitening systems, ranging from an hour-long procedure done in the dentist's office, to teeth whitening strips you can put on your teeth as you go about your daily activities.

The most popular systems use bleaching trays and a whitening gel. That's about all there is to it - simple and effective. Of course, there are all kinds of whitening toothpastes available on the market, and they do a good job, too, although they're a little more superficial.

How does a teeth whitening system work? Probably the most common tooth whitening system today uses a bleaching tray, which either you or a professional lab, mold to the shape of your teeth. Then you fill the tray with whitening gel, and wear it from one to four hours a day.

Most gels have hydrogen peroxide in them which chemically breaks down the stains on your teeth. Some gels use carbamide peroxide instead of hydrogen peroxide, but the results are good, either way. Over a period of time, the gel bleaches your teeth, getting rid of stains, and returning your teeth to their original, natural shine.

How long will it take for the bleaching system to whiten my teeth? If you want your teeth whitened quickly, say perhaps for an important date, then you can take advantage of a system like the Zoom! Teeth Whitening System. This is done in a dental office, and takes an hour. Your teeth will come out about six shades lighter in that short period of time. Or, if you have a bit more time, you might want to use the Zoom! Take-Home System. That system uses the bleaching trays and the whitening gel to brighten your teeth. There are many other systems that use the same principal, so shop around to find the one that suits you best.

How do my teeth get stained in the first place? There are a number of things that'll stain your teeth. They're referred to in the industry as chromogenic agents. The most common chromogenic agents are tea, coffee, red wine, and smoking.

If you drink a lot of any of those liquids, or if you smoke a lot, then you're probably going to have some discoloration in your teeth. As you get older, the enamel on your teeth breaks down and you're more susceptible to stains.

Do teeth whitening systems hurt? Since most teeth whitening systems use some form of peroxide, then it's possible that you could experience a small amount of pain. But it's nothing like getting teeth pulled or anything like that. It's more of just a discomfort, and it doesn't last very long. The discomfort is usually felt in the gums, because that's there the nerves are. If you have too much discomfort, you should contact a professional and find out what you can do to prevent it.

What are moldable bleaching trays? Moldable bleaching trays are an integral part of the teeth whitening system. They're the parts that hold the whitening gel against your teeth which, ultimately, cleans and brightens your teeth.

It's important that you have a bleaching tray that's exactly formed to your teeth, otherwise the gel may not get even coverage of your teeth, and you may get what they call zebra teeth. It may also take a lot longer for the system to work if the gel isn't in constant contact with your teeth. And that means you'll have to buy extra gel.

If you don't think you can get a proper fit by yourself, then you can take the bleaching tray and make a mold of your teeth. Then you send it to a professional lab who'll make the tray for you and return it to you within a few days. Then you're sure of the right fit.

How long will my teeth stay white after using a teeth whitening system? The actual time your teeth keep their natural shine depends on what you eat and drink. If you come into contact with a lot of chromogenic agents, then your teeth won't stay white as long.

Most teeth whitening systems last for a couple of years, but it's recommended that you do touch-ups every 6 months to a year. That way, you'll keep your lovely smile all the time.

What's the difference between Boil-and-Bite trays and the trays you send to a lab? The general rule, when dealing with a profession, is to use a professional. After all, that's what they're there for. However, if you want to save a little money, there's no reason you can't do a reasonable job yourself.

So the choice is yours. If you're confident that you can make your bleaching tray yourself, then by all means, use the Boil-and-Bite trays. All you do is soften them by dipping them in boiling water, then mold them to your teeth. It's quite a simple process. However, as always, if you're not able to do something yourself, then there are professionals waiting to help you out. And you know the job will be done right because that's what they're trained for.

Do I have to stop drinking coffee and red wine to keep my teeth white? It's not necessary to change your lifestyle just to keep your smile bright and shiny. If you see your teeth starting to discolor, then it's ok to do a little touch-up for a few days, every four to six months.

In Summary everybody wants to have a winning smile. It's the first thing other people see, and first impressions are important, whether your in the business field or engaging in social activity. A bright smile is an icebreaker in any situation.

So that's why teeth whitening systems were developed. Whitening teeth isn't rocket science. That's why you're given the choice of doing it at home on your own if you want. Or you can go to a dentist's office and get more sophisticated treatment, like laser teeth whitening.

Whichever method you choose, you don't need to go to the great expense and hassle of cosmetic dentistry. All you need is a good teeth whitening system. And where do you get that? Check out all the great online teeth whitening systems - they'll have your smile back to its natural whiteness and brightness before you know it. Then you can go around flashing that lovely smile!

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Kombucha Recipes for a Healthier You

By Virginia Pipolini

Have you heard of Kombucha tea? This unusual elixir is known around the world and is an ancient remedy. In areas of Japan and China the Kombucha starter was given as a wedding gift as a blessing for good health.

Growing Kombucha is easy, and starts with a piece of Kombucha. Thoroughly clean a gallon ceramic or glass jar, and add to it a tea mix made from two liters of boiling water, one cup of sugar, and 4 tea bags. Let the tea bags sit in the water as it naturally cools to room temperature. You are then ready to add your Kombucha start along with one cup of the fermented Kombucha brew.

Just remember a few things before you work with your Kombucha. Clean your hands thoroughly, and rinse them with a little Kombucha tea before you touch the mushroom. Don't ever touch metal to your mushroom, either. Store your new tea mix in a dark place, covered with a cloth or paper towel that's secured in place to keep out insects.

It only takes a week or so for the blend to ferment. Now you can strain off all but about a cup of the blend and bottle it. Store your fermented tea in the fridge to slow further growing. Mix a new batch of sugar tea as you had before to replace what you strained off. Now you can put the jar back in its dark storage space for another week.

With your new batch of Kombucha tea ready to drink it is recommended that you start slowly. Drink about a quarter cup in the morning and the evening. You can increase this amount as you feel comfortable. This tea is very good for your digestion and is very calming as well.

About once a month you will need to clean the jar. You can start another gallon supply as you had with your earlier batches. The oldest bottom layer of mushroom can be taking out at this time. You can bury bits of the mushroom in the soil for your house plants, or under a tree in the garden as a supplemental nutritional treat.

Don't forget your friends! Kombucha makes a great gift. Give away the extra layers along with a little of the tea, and your friends can enjoy this same healthy drink. You can also keep those layers in the fridge or freezer, they keep for months.

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Knowing When to Replace Your Contacts

By Amy Nutt

Wearing contact lenses requires a little more attention than using glasses. The contacts need to be cleaned and after a certain amount of use, they will need to be replaced. Your contact replacement schedule will depend entirely upon the type of contact lenses that you choose to go with.

Types of Contact Lenses There are several different kinds of contact lenses, each has a different life span and it is really a matter of personal preference as to which one you use. There are two main types, hard and soft.

Hard Lenses Hard contact lenses are rigid and cannot be used overnight. These lenses are very durable, however, and can be cleaned daily to maintain them. With proper care, hard contact lenses will last a very long time, often up to two years. However, it is possible for the harder plastic to become contaminated or end up with mineral buildup if they aren`t carefully looked after, which will shorten their life span.

In general, hard contacts will be replaced if they are lost, damaged or have become too contaminated to fix.

Soft Lenses Soft contacts, on the other hand, do not last as long since they are made of thinner material. There are far more varieties of these lenses and many people prefer them for comfort. It takes less time to get your eyes used to soft lenses than it does for hard ones.

Regular soft contact lenses should last up to a year with proper care. This means taking them out each evening like hard contacts and cleaning them. Keep in mind that the material tends to tear easily, so they need to be handled very gently while cleaning.

Daily wear lenses are just that, meant for daily use. You toss the contact lenses at the end of each day. This ensures fresh, clean and sterile ones are used in the morning and prevents infections and possible injuries due to improper cleaning, something that often occurs when people are using long term contacts.

Special silicone lenses allow you to wear them non-stop for an entire month. This is possibly the most popular option these days. You don`t need to think about your contacts, just put them in at the beginning of the month and wear them day and night for up to 30 days. These will need to be replaced each month, an easily remembered date.

It`s important to replace your contacts when needed. When older lenses are used, they can end up with bacteria and mineral buildup. When the encrustations scratch your eye, they open the path for those bacteria to creep in and cause infections. Since the eye is a very delicate organ, infections can be serious. Some even cause blindness.

Eye doctors often recommend daily use or frequent replacement lenses to prevent problems. When you use completely new and fresh lenses on a daily basis, or whenever you take out the old ones, the chances of developing issues with this type of eyewear are extremely low. It`s a good idea to check out this option if you aren`t interested in cleaning your lenses on a regular basis with contact lens solutions or dealing with the constant upkeep required.

To prevent possible problems, be sure to change your contact lenses when necessary. Not all lenses make it to the supposed change-by date, so if you notice that they seem cloudy, scratched or smell funny, toss them and replace. It might mean a little more cash outlay, but that`s well worth it to keep your eyes healthy and safe.

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Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Grand vacation in Boutique Hotels

By Gary Criston

So, have you saved all year long and are now all set to go out on your much-awaited vacation? In addition, have you by any chance made up your mind to make this vacation a grand and therefore memorable one by staying in a boutique hotel? If this is your plan then you are quite on the right path to making it a grand vacation. But wait a second. Do you actually know what a "boutique hotel" is? Did you set your mind on this type just because you have heard about them a lot from your friend, and now want to try out the same grandness as they have indulged in? If this is the case then here is a brief description for you as to what a boutique hotel is.

As the popular definition goes, a hotel must have a minimum of 100 rooms to qualify as a boutique hotel. So you see, even if a hotel has all the qualities to boast of being a boutique hotel, but fails to possess a hundred rooms on offer to their guests then it will not be considered as a boutique hotel. This of course is not all. There are various other factors that determine if a hotel is truly a boutique hotel or not. The ambiance of the hotel is a very important determining factor. The ambiance of course includes everything that you can think of when it comes to a hotel. Be it the visual appearance of the hotel, the gardens it is offering you, the cleanliness of the entire place, or the behavior of the staff. So you see, the service of the staff of a boutique will be excellent and prompt. Ask for whatever service you wish to, you will be immediately and satisfactorily served. There will be a sense of familiarity and ease that you will feel when in a boutique. A boutique hotel puts in a great stress on the professional touch of intimacy. So you will find, in a boutique hotel you will be referred to by your surname instead of "sir" or "madam". "Professional personal touch" means little changes like these, which make a huge impact on the sense of ease of the guests. This is a feature you will not come across most of the five star hotels.

Another specialty of these hotels is its cuisine. You will have cuisines of every type, chosen carefully from all over the world that will be on offer for the guests of the hotel. You just name the dishes and the very best of the chefs from around the world, specialists in particular cuisines, will bring to your service whatever you desire to eat or drink. And they will make sure that you never forget the taste of what they serve you.

These hotels are quite expensive. True! But then think of the luxuries days you will get to spend. Added to that is the sense of familiarity. And above all, vacations like these don't happen every now and then, and so you might just spend a bit extra on this special vacation!!

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