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Month: December 2018

  • Best Amazon Alexa Features: Is it Time for You to Get an Echo Device?

    Best Amazon Alexa Features: Is it Time for You to Get an Echo Device?

    Amazon’s Alexa personal assistant can be found in a number of the company’s hardware releases. The Echo line of smart home hubs as well as the Fire TV line have been using Alexa for a few years now. Today we’re looking at some of the best Amazon Alexa features to help you decide whether one of these devices is right for you.

    Alternatively, if you’re already an Alexa user, maybe you’ll learn about some new features you didn’t know about. There are so many Alexa features that it’s unlikely you’ve seen them all! It’s hard to overestimate just how many skills Alexa has. You might even learn about some new ways to use the technology in this article.

    Best Amazon Alexa Features

    Simple and Easy

    Alexa’s best features are often her simplest. If you’re getting ready for work and want to know how to dress for the day, simply ask Alexa about the weather. Rather than having to pull out your phone and check the weather app, Alexa can just read it off to you as you get ready. What’s more, she’ll tell you the expected high and low and if any precipitation is expected, in addition to the current temperature.

    Another excellent feature Alexa has built-in is simply telling time. It sounds like such a small thing but asking for the time and having it quickly announced back to you is about as convenient as it gets. If your phone is far away, or dead, it can be useful to quickly find out what time it is just by asking.

    The most useful “simple” task we’ve found that Alexa handles is setting timers while we’re cooking. Since the device is hands-free, you can call out to start a timer while you’re in the middle of cooking a meal or some other task. She’ll alert you when the timer is up, and you need only tell her to stop to make the alert go away. Easy and simple, simple and easy!

    Books

    You can have Alexa read your Kindle books to you. It’s a really cool way to keep up with the books you’re trying to read even while you’re doing things like cleaning or cooking. You can have her pause, skip ahead or back, and even skip to different chapters. It’s essentially a text-to-speech audiobook. There’s not a lot of personality to her voice, but she’ll keep you up-to-speed on your favorites.

    Additionally, you can have Alexa playback your Audible audiobooks. Audible sports a ton of books read aloud by professional voice actors, and they have much more in-depth emotional heft than a machine simply converting text-to-speech. That said, Audible audiobooks tend to cost a bit more than simply buying the book on Kindle.

    Organizing

    If you want, you can use Alexa to organize your activities. Telling her to add items to a shopping list lets you see them the next time you open Amazon. Alternatively, you can just flat-out shop through Alexa. You can use your voice to reorder common items or even browse Amazon’s online inventory.

    If you sync your Alexa with your Google Calendar, you can also ask Alexa to tell you what upcoming events you have. Asking her makes it easier on you, since you can be getting ready in the morning or cleaning and be reminded of what you have coming up later that day or week.

    Similarly, Alexa can set alarms for you so that you don’t miss important deadlines. If you need to leave at a certain time so that you don’t miss the window to be on time, have Alexa tell you when it’s time!

    Hosting

    The most advertised aspect of Amazon’s Alexa is her ability to act as an impromptu DJ. You can call out for Alexa to start playing music by naming an artist, genre or song you want to hear. The digital assistant grabs the song off of Prime Music and begins playback quickly. It’s very intuitive to tell the device to pause, skip or start over.

    Alexa can also play music through Spotify if you have an account and link it with your device.

    If you have house guests over and want to set the mood for a gathering, Alexa is your friend. If you’ve invested in smart lights like Philips Hue, you can have Alexa adjust the lights for you. Colors, intensity and more can be switched with your voice and on the fly. Be ready to wow your guests when you switch the mood of a room with music and lights just by telling Alexa which pre-sets to use.

  • 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan Review: The Right Car for Your Family?

    2019 Volkswagen Tiguan Review: The Right Car for Your Family?

    The bigger, beefier design of the Tiguan is still here, but does it live up to its body’s big promise? The German engineers over at VW have unveiled the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan. It is a beast to behold, but does it have the power to match? Today we’ll answer that question and more with our review.

    If you’ve been looking into buying a new SUV, you may have been considering the VW Tiguan. We’ll break down the features, trims and drive experience to help you make an informed decision. Is this the right car for your family, or should you opt for a different SUV?

    2019 Volkswagen Tiguan Review

    What’s New?

    Honestly, not much is new this year. That’s to be expected: 2017 to 2018 saw a huge redesign for the Tiguan. If you missed it, the Tiguan grew by about a foot between 2017 and 2018, and got room for a third row or additional cargo space.

    The true changes this year are really minor. The SE trim level gets a standard alarm system, while the SEL trim now gets a digital gauge cluster. Oh, and the SEL gets parking sensors, now, too. That’s about all that’s new to the Tiguan this year.

    Trim Levels

    Speaking of trim levels, let’s get into those a bit more. There are four, and they’re pretty easy to parse. The base trim is S, and it starts a $25,290. The SE trim is $27,690, while the SEL is $32,790. The high end is the SEL Premium trim, which goes for an eye-watering $38,190. That puts the Tiguan in the mid-range of price at the base level and up to the “luxury” mark for the high end.

    All trim levels get a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 184 horsepower and automatic eight-speed transmission. Buyers can opt for a four-wheel drive powertrain, though in any event the engine never really feels quite powerful. The body’s massive size actually somewhat belies the underwhelming engine under the hood.

    Fuel Economy

    Another important consideration with any new vehicle is gas mileage. Impressively, the front-wheel-drive model gets 32 mpg highway, making it a surprisingly efficient engine for an SUV. That goes double for just how big the Tiguan is. It looks and handles a bit like a tank, so the good fuel economy is a welcome boon.

    Ride Quality

    While the engine is nothing special, the ride quality is solid. It’s not terribly precise, and it won’t be taking turns with anything resembling speed. That said, the ride is quiet and smooth, which will be more than enough for most use-cases. If you’re getting an SUV to tear up the road, you’re probably missing out on some great sports cars that you would rather have.

    That said, the automatic transmission feels like it’s never in a hurry. The car can even feel sluggish as it hesitates to downshift, keeping you somewhat locked in awkward rhythms, especially during heavy traffic. In any event, it’s fine for going on trips or picking up groceries. It’s just less than ideal for driving downtown or on crowded highways.

    Interior Features

    The interior is simple, in the classic VW style. It’s not showy or flashy and it gets the job done while remaining comfortable. It’s hard to say whether this is a good thing or bad thing and it really more up to your individual preferences.

    Impressively, the Tiguan uses its space efficiently enough that you can squeeze seven people into the vehicle, including the driver. That makes this a great compromise for bigger families that don’t want to bump up to the minivan level but need tons of seats.

    The standard trim has cloth seating, but you can opt for faux-leather seats with higher trim levels. The seats themselves are comfortable and well-made, and never feel to cramped. Even with seven people squeezed in, everyone has ample legroom (assuming they’re not NBA player-sized, of course.)

    Bottom Line

    Between the unassuming interior, large cargo space, good fuel economy and smooth ride, there’s a lot to like about this vehicle. On the flip side, those looking for a flashier vehicle, or one with more fun under the hood, should look elsewhere. While the prices are mid-level for the base trim, you get a lot of good features standard.

    Notable among the standard features is the excellent Car-Net infotainment system. The large, easy-to-navigate system makes you feel like all of your car’s features are right at your fingertips. As for non-standard features, there are ample safety features available at higher trim levels. Examples include Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring and emergency braking.

  • Top 5 Meal Delivery Services

    Top 5 Meal Delivery Services

    Have you stopped and looked around at the world we live in today. We are undoubtedly in the best of all times to be alive. This statement can be righteously confirmed with simple services like meal delivery services.

    Our species has evolved past the hunter gather format to a place where pre-prep foods from all over the world are sent on a daily or weekly bases,  delivered to your doorstep for you to cook into gourmet dishes at your convenience. I really don’t know what manifest destiny means, but I’d like to believe this is it. For those of us that want to get healthy meal prep is one of the best ways to ensure you have the time and energy to make healthy meals all week long. Meal prep kits are the best way to do meal prep without all the work.

    The meal delivery services field is growing, with specialty purveyors focusing on vegan foods, seasonal ingredients, and smoothies. These meals are healthy, tasty, easy to make, and maybe best of all, you don’t have to wait for inspiration to strike and then battle the crowds at the grocery store. With home meal kits, you just go online and browse the latest recipe ideas, and they come straight to your door ready for you to put together. So this leads to the question, which one? Lets Look at the Top 5 Meal Delivery Services.

     

    Purple Carrot

    Purple Carrot runs on plant power. If you don’t eat animal products or are lactose intolerant, you’re in luck. Every single dish from Purple Carrot is not only vegetarian, but vegan, too. But don’t worry, we’re not talking boring grilled veggies here. This box features seasonal produce, herbs, and creative sauces that keep things interesting. Each week, Purple Carrot chefs create a new selection of plant-based dishes like cauliflower l’orange and coffee teriyaki skewers. In addition to being healthy and tasty, Purple Carrot encourages users to appreciate the way that eating plant-based meals instead of ones containing meat is environmentally friendly, cutting down on water use and emissions. In addition to the individual plan serving one to two people there is also a family plan returning that makes two meals for three to four people, and a “performance” plan that ups the protein content of each meal, and is gluten-free.

     

    Blue Apron

    They’re the OG of meal delivery services.  Most of Blue Apron’s recipes are pretty easy, making the company a good choice for beginner cooks.  Instead of spending all night at the grocery store or in the kitchen, Blue Apron delivers pre-measured ingredients for simple recipes straight to your door. Meals start at just $9.99 per serving and you can choose the two-person plan, This comes with two or three meals per week or the family plan which comes with up to four meals per week. Also for those of use that like a nice glass of wine to to compliment this 5 star gourmet dinner you just prepared check out the company’s wine delivery options.

    Blue Apron never fails to take you out of your comfort zone. The most impressive thing was that out of the dozens of meals I made, there were only one or two dinners that I’d never make again. Another perk is that they love condiments as much as I do. Many of the recipes require you to whip up different sauces or au jus for dipping.

    Though there are generally a few choices for your three weekly meals, this isn’t the best option for those with dietary restrictions, as they really only offer a regular and vegetarian option. And even though the meals won’t take forever cook, you’ll still spend a decent amount of time in the kitchen—somewhere in the neighborhood of 45 minutes. If you use cooking as a way to decompress and chill out after a long day, you are in luck. Blue Apron never fails to take you out of your comfort zone. The most impressive thing was that out of the dozens of meals I made, there were only one or two dinners that you would never make again.

     

    Plated

    Plated has easy to follow recipes and is very flexible with customers, but it’s the food that is simply divine. The recipes are crafted by the company’s culinary team and use high quality ingredients that are free of hormones and antibiotics. And while the recipes can be exotic and seductive, you can also just whip up some more standard fare like waldorf chicken salad and spicy crunchy shrimp bowls. You can also add dessert if you really feel like getting carried away.

    Plated is also flexible – the company will allow you skip weeks, switch recipes and cancel anytime. There is a great range of recipes—from an elevated grilled cheese to stuffed roasted squash to pumpkin rigatoni—that reflect the current season. It’s also great they have a two meal a week option. One drawback though – the company doesn’t offer specifically vegan options

     

    Hello Fresh

    What makes Hello Fresh unique is that it offers a vegetarian meal plan for folks who don’t eat meat. The company is also committed to using responsibly-sourced ingredients. To use, first choose from the veggie, classic, or family plans, which all come with two or three recipes per week and start at $7.99 per serving. Still skeptical? Purchase a Hello Fresh Meal Delivery Services in select grocery stores for your first go-around. All the recipes are straight-forward and rarely included unnecessary steps. Plus, the portions are bigger, so we always had leftovers for the next day.

    Sun Basket

    If you’re trying hard to stick to a certain food regimen like Whole 30 or the Paleo Diet, Sun Basket’s meals can help. They only send the cleanest ingredients to their customers. Choose from either a classic plan, which serves two to four people, or a family plan, which feeds four people and starts at $10.99 per serving.

     

    The Final Meal Delivery Services Thought

    It didn’t take long for me to realize that a meal delivery service was exactly the type of instruction I needed. You choose the meals you would like to make and they send you the stuff needed. Not only did it save me time since I didn’t have to go to the store and scour the shelves for specific ingredients, but it also broke down every step for me in dummy terms. Not only am I getting to eat these gourmet meals with ingredients Ive never even heard of, I get a daily win and sense of accomplishment from cooking a 5 star meal.

  • 2019 Buick Encore: Does it Deserve a Standing Ovation?

    2019 Buick Encore: Does it Deserve a Standing Ovation?

    The 2019 Buick Encore is here. Does it deserve the encore it has as a namesake or is it time for this car to get off the stage? Today we’re digging into the 2019 Buick Encore and dissecting all the ins and outs to help you decide whether it’s worth it. The Buick name has long been synonymous with luxury. Does that legacy continue with this year’s Encore?

    2019 Buick Encore Review

    Design

    The Buick Encore is a slick-looking and solid SUV. And when we say solid, we mean solid: this thing looks like a sturdy vehicle and has a really smooth drive. The interior is made of high-quality materials, making it feel very premium and luxurious. The seats are plush and comfortable, and the cabin is incredibly quiet. You could take a nap during a firework show in this thing.

    Okay, that last one is an exaggeration but you get the idea.

    Interior Features

    It wouldn’t be a modern SUV without ample features in the interior to make you feel like royalty. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, so the car functions as an extension of your smartphone. Controlling your phone with your voice keeps you from driving distracted, which makes things easier (and legal) while you’re driving.

    As for other interior features, trim levels can dictate just how much luxury you get with the 2019 Encore. The infotainment screen is big and easy-to-use, but you can get an even bigger one with higher trim levels. The same goes for the seats: the higher trim levels have even more luxurious materials and levels of comfort for the seating.

    You can fit five people in the Encore, although the backseat may be a tight fit for three adults. That said, there’s ample headroom, and the interior uses its space well. No one should have cramped knees unless they’re tremendously tall.

    For people who love being in control, the driver’s seat is sufficiently high to see the road well. The drive itself is smooth, though not lively. The Encore handles well and drives very smoothly, though it’s not for thrill-seekers. Acceleration and horsepower are not the name of the game here, even at higher trim levels.

    Exterior Features

    LED lights, well-known for their extreme brightness, are out in full force with the Encore. You’ll be able to see way ahead of you on even the darkest roads while making sure others see you coming. There are a variety of paint colors available from the manufacturer, and they all look sleek and luxurious.

    Make no mistake: anyone who sees you driving an Encore will know you’re in a Buick. If you like the classic Buick body style, you’ll love the Encore. It doesn’t swap out the tried-and-true “Buick SUV” look, but it does look modern enough to impress.

    Under the Hood

    The engine in the Encore is nothing to cheer for. It’s sporting 138 horsepower in a four-cylinder engine standard, which isn’t going to impress anyone. The Sport Touring and Essence trims both have the option for a slightly mightier engine, one sporting 153 horsepower. Well, that’s not turning any heads either.

    As for fuel economy, the Encore is an average vehicle. It gets 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, which is ever-so-slightly ahead of the competition. While that’s not going to win any awards, it’s in a car that earns its spot in the Buick lineup in other ways.

    Bottom Line

    On the upside, the 2019 Buick Encore has a few things going right. There are a lot of standard features, especially in the interior of the vehicle. The infotainment system is very useful and has a much better user interface than some of the competition. That’s not to mention that the interior is luxurious in even the base trim level.

    Additionally, the ride is smooth and comfortable, if unexciting. However, most SUV owners aren’t looking for a high-performance vehicle, so this is hard to mark against the vehicle. That said, the underwhelming engine does raise some alarms with the higher-than-average price.

    Pricing

    The 2019 Buick Encore has a base price of $23,200 for the intro-level trim. That gets you a number of standard features for the interior, as well as that smooth, quiet ride Buick is well-known for. However, it’s also a bit pricier than other cars in this category, meaning you’re paying a bit more for that Buick name.

    At the top end of the range, the Essence trim level comes in a hair over $30,000, which puts it firmly in the luxury range for an SUV. If you’re looking for a Buick SUV, the Encore doesn’t disappoint, though it is a little on the pricey side.

  • How to Pick out the Best Laundry Detergent: Get the Best Clean

    How to Pick out the Best Laundry Detergent: Get the Best Clean

    Laundry is one of those things that everyone has to deal with on a regular basis. It’s unavoidable if you want to wear clean clothes. So, that begs the question: how do you pick out the best laundry detergent? Well, we’re here to help you answer that question.

    First, let’s consider what kind of things you need your detergent to do. Of course, you want it to clean your clothes. However, not all detergents are made equal, and that shows in repeated tests. Let’s dig into the how, why and which detergent you should be using for your clothes.

    Best Laundry Detergent

    A Note on Laundry Pods

    To start, we’re going to quickly cover laundry pods before we dig into the best detergent brands. Laundry pods have a few issues that aren’t exactly laundry-related that are worth disclaiming. Due to the appealing colors and feel of laundry pods, they can often result in accidental exposure to children and adults with dementia.

    In fact, of the six reported deaths from laundry pod exposure, four were adults with dementia. As such, homes with young children or adults with dementia should consider not keeping laundry pods in the house. These can cause serious harm if ingested or exposed to the skin for too long.

    Best Practices

    Before starting your laundry, make sure you prepare your clothes well. The best detergent in the world can’t help you if you’re not using it right! Namely, make sure you’re measuring how much detergent you use. If you’re just liberally pouring detergent into the washing machine, you could be wasting money. Or, worse, you could be leaving a film of detergent on your clothes over long washing cycles.

    Another tip: though it might seem a bit excessive, you need to sort your laundry. Keep red items away from white ones unless you want them to turn pink. Keep you sweatpants and towels away from your sheets so they don’t pill. Finally, make sure you wash your jeans inside out so they don’t fade as quickly.

    Don’t Overstuff

    A lot of people think their detergent is to blame for under-washed laundry. However, sometimes the issue is that they’re overstuffing their washing machine. Your washing machine has a maximum effective capacity, and if you’re consistently going over that then you’re likely not getting your clothes very well washed.

    Finally, make sure you’re pretreating stains before just throwing clothes in the wash. Even the strongest detergent isn’t going to take out dirt, wine or blood stains on its own. Pre-treatment products like Shout are ideal for this as they help to begin breaking down the stain before you run it through the wash.

    The Brands

    Based on our experience, these are some of the best laundry detergent brands. This list is made up of the detergents we’ve found have the best overall performance in cleaning and eliminating stains.

    Tide

    First introduced in the mid 1940’s, Tide has been household name in the detergent game for decades. They are one of the highest-selling brands of detergent in the US and they have a number of products suited to any and all laundry tasks.

    From Free and Clear options that contain less irritants to bleach alternatives that won’t hurt your clothes, Tide has what you need. If you’re looking for a thorough and affordable clean, you can’t go wrong with Tide.

    Seventh Generation

    Seventh Generation is a green-focused detergent that is interested in sustainability. While they are a bit more expensive than some other brands, we can recommend them highly. Their high-efficiency detergent doesn’t just save the planet, it saves you money.

    The only thing better than saving money is getting your clothes extra-clean, and Seventh Generation has you covered. Their HE detergent can even be used in normal washing machines, so you don’t need to upgrade to a high-efficiency washer to use them. That said, you should absolutely invest in an HE washer, but that’s a story for a different day.

    Arm & Hammer

    Arm & Hammer is a well-known brand around the world. They’re most well-known for their baking soda, which has notable properties in cleaning. Specifically, in the 1970’s they introduced a number of cleaning products like detergent for normal household use.

    Since then, they’ve become one of the most dependable laundry detergent brands. If you’re looking to get your clothes extra clean with the power of baking soda, Arm & Hammer has you covered.

    In 2006 the company acquired OxiClean, and their Arm & Hammer with OxiClean product has remained one of the most popular detergent brands ever since.

  • To the Cleaners: The Best Washer and Dryer Combos

    To the Cleaners: The Best Washer and Dryer Combos

    It can be very difficult narrowing down which washer and dryer you want. However, one of the most cost-saving moves you can make when shopping for a washer and dryer set is to get a combo. Washer and dryer combos not only look sleek in your laundry room, they also work well in unison and tend to cost less than buying two appliances.

    Today we’re going to help you narrow down which washer and dryer combo you should get. These are some of the top-rated washer and dryer combos on the market right now. Remember, there are no “correct” choices, these are just some of the most highly rated options.

    Best Washer and Dryer Combos

    GE 5.0 cubic foot Smart High-Efficiency Washer and 7.4 cubic foot Dryer

    This smart, high-efficiency model is a great device for new homeowners and long-time veterans of domesticity alike. For one thing, it’s a high-efficiency washer and dryer at once, meaning it will keep your power and water bills down.  For another, it’s absolutely massive.

    The huge interior and impeller in the washer mean you’ve got room for even the mightiest of laundry loads. That includes huge comforters, large amounts of laundry and obscure items like cushions. The big tumbling space for clothing in the dryer is a great pair to this, meaning that you’ve got tons of room for even the biggest laundry loads.

    You’ve also got the option of several heating and tumble cycles. There are 14 cycles available, meaning you can handle any task. There are also 5 heating modes, meaning your clothes won’t get ruined by the dryer.

    Did we mention it’s smart-home enabled out of the box? “Alexa, start my laundry,” is a pretty cool command. Not to mention asking how long until your laundry is done. The best part of this smart capability is that the washer-dryer combo can act as an auto-dispenser for detergent. It’ll even reorder detergent for you on Amazon if you want it to.

    Whirlpool WTW4816FW Washer and WED4815EW Dryer

    If you’re all about energy efficiency then this is the washer and dryer set for you. This combo was literally made with money-saving as a primary concern. The washer and dryer both have custom settings in place to consume less power, water and money. What’s not to love?

    The washer is only 3.5 cubic feet, but it can fit a surprising amount of laundry. It has load-sensing technology that detects how much laundry is in the drum. Then, it attempts to tailor the amount of water being dispensed to match the load in question. That means that you’ll spend less water on small loads.

    The dryer, for its part, has an AccuDry mode you can use that will cut the machine off when the clothes inside are dry. It will even tumble the clothes occasionally, in a mode called Wrinkle Shield, to keep them from getting those annoying wrinkles. Talk about handy!

    Samsung WF45M5500AP Washer and DVE45M5500P Dryer with Steam

    Samsung’s name is linked with quality, and for good reason. If you want one of the best overall washer and dryer combos, this long-named pair is what you’re looking for. Where do you begin with a set of appliances this well-made?

    Well, we’ll begin with the steam technology. With steam technology, the washer and dryer get clothing clean in a deep, holistic way that is hard to describe. It’s almost like picking up your clothes from the cleaners, but they’re coming from your own home.

    Next, the combo looks absolutely elegant in any laundry room. The stainless-steel design and high-quality interface make these luxurious to use. If you want your laundry to feel like less of a chore, making your washer and dryer into sleek pieces of technology is one way.

    People who use this washer and dryer set describe it as quiet and efficient. No obnoxious clanging or home-filling sounds of laundry. If you’re like us, you hate all that racket when you’re trying to watch TV or read at home. Thankfully, these don’t have that problem, if the reviews are to be believed.

    Bottom Line

    There are no right answers when it comes to the best washer and dryer combos. However, these three devices represent the best of their fields according to reviews online. The GE set has top-of-the-line smart home features. The Whirlpool set is the best high-efficiency set out there, according to reviews.

    Most notably, the Samsung set was highly rated across a number of both professional and user reviews. If you want the best of the best, these are what you’re looking for.

  • Best Laser Hair Removal Options that Actually Work

    Best Laser Hair Removal Options that Actually Work

    No one likes having to shave manually. Between ingrown hairs and irritation, traditional razors just aren’t all that great for getting the job done. That said, laser hair removal hasn’t been a great alternative either until recently. Previously, laser hair removal gadgets were just too expensive and didn’t even really work all that well.

    However, modern gadgets are much better about actually, you know, removing hair. Not to mention they’ve become more affordable in the intervening years. That’s not to say you should feel compelled to remove body hair; it’s totally natural after all…  but if you do want to remove it, try these laser hair removal options.

    Laser Hair Removal Options

    Silk’n Infinity 400,000

    This device doesn’t actually use lasers, it uses Intense Pulse Light, or IPL, to eliminate hair. Interestingly, this IPL does a number of things when used on hair follicle. For one thing, the pulse itself burns the hair away easily. The second effect is the one that people love about laser treatments.

    It destroys hair follicle. No, seriously. After repeated IPL treatments, you’ll find that the hair follicle will be destroyed entirely. That means that some people who use these devices regularly will eventually have no hair growth in the treated area.

    As for the Silk’n Infinity, it’s a long-lasting device. As the name suggests, it has 400,000 IPL pulses stored in its battery. After it spends those pulses, though, it’s dead. That’s pretty much standard across all laser hair removal devices.

    This one is a bit on the pricey side, though. It retails for $350. That said, it’ll last you for a long time, and it works on all skin tones.

    Remington iLight Pro Plus Quartz Hair Removal System

    Speaking of skin tones, that’s this system’s drawback. This Remington iLight is a fantastic hair removal device… unless you have darker skin. This device won’t even activate if it can’t differentiate skin from hair, so people with darker skin often can’t even use this.

    The reason for this is that the Remington iLight system uses IPL, like the Silk’n Infinity. However, it can’t differentiate from hair and skin by any method other than color detection. That means people with especially fair body hair would also likely be unable to use it.

    Those complaints aside, this is a fine hair removal system. It retails for $243, and it sports an impressive 300,000 IPL bursts. Like the Silk’n Infinity, it can destroy hair follicle over repeated treatment. That means you won’t have to worry about hair in a treated area after multiple treatments.

    Tria Hair Removal Laser 4x

    The Tria Removal Laser is unique among gadgets on this list, as it is actually a laser hair removal device. As in, it uses energy in the form of lasers to eliminate hair follicle. It’s FDA approved for home use, making it nearly one-of-a-kind in this field. It also costs enough to balance out just how unique it is: it comes in at $450.

    While that may seem expensive, consider what you’re getting. This is a laser designed for home use that can make it so you don’t need to shave anymore. If you think about how much you spend on razer blades and other shaving products it makes it really hard to call this a bad investment.

    If you’re not already familiar with laser treatment, this device walks you through it quite easily. It’s recommended that you only use the device with clean, freshly-washed and shaven skin. If you don’t you could risk burning yourself or improperly using the device.

    After that, the device’s LED display walks you through the process step by step. That’s a good thing, as this process isn’t exactly straightforward. For those looking to use a real laser to get rid of their body hair, this is the device for you.

    Illuminage Touch Permanent Hair Reproduction System

    Another IPL device, the Illuminage system retails for $445. It sports a relatively small 120,000 IPL pulses, but that’s not the whole story. The notable thing about this system is that it can target hair follicles of red and blond colorations, making it unique among IPL devices.

    That’s because it has the ability to differentiate hair follicle of that color from the surrounding skin. This means that it’s safe to use even if you’ve got a fair complexion, unlike some other systems. This device offers best results if used once a week for about six or seven weeks.

    That said, consistency is key with this device and others like it. It’s important to get on a schedule and stick to it. While you may not see results immediately, god things come to those who wait. Keep up the treatments, stay consistent with shaving and keeping your skin clean, and you’ll see results.

    Remington iLight Ultra Face and Body Hair Removal System

    Another Remington iLight device, this one is a bit different than the Quartz from earlier. How so, you ask? Well, as the name implies, you can use it on your face. That’s right: any pesky facial hairs that are hanging out can be targeted with this device.

    Well, as long as they’re dark enough. Like most IPL devices, this one can’t easily target light hair colors. Blonde, gray and red hairs tend to avoid the IPL beams, making this more for people with darker colored hair they want to target.

    A note on this one: avoid your eyes. Don’t put the device anywhere near your eyes. The IPL bursts it lets out can literally blind you, so be careful when you’re using it. That goes for all of these devices, of course: don’t point them into your eyes. Seriously.

    This device is also $450, which seems to be a normal price for devices that can remove hair with a laser. If you’re looking to get into home laser hair removal, it is much less expensive than going to a clinic for treatment, and it’ll likely save you a ton of money on shaving supplies.

    Above all, remember: you should only change your body if it’s something that makes you happy. Body hair is completely natural, so only remove it if that’s what you want to do.

  • Looking for a Great Gift? Order Canvas Prints Online

    Looking for a Great Gift? Order Canvas Prints Online

    When it comes to printing out photos, there are tons of options available for doing it from home. Certainly you’ve purchased a printer that can output “high-quality” images of your home photographs. Are they really all that great, though? Have you considered ordering canvas prints online?

    The answer is yes!  It turns out that you can order very high-quality prints on canvas material online. Today we’re going to cover some of the most frequently asked questions about this interesting process. If you’re looking for a great gift idea for Christmas, consider these gorgeous canvas prints.

    Some of the top companies for ordering canvas prints online are Simple Canvas Prints, CG Pro Prints and Gallery Direct.

    Order Canvas Prints Online

    The Canvas Difference

    Getting your photo printed out on canvas offers some interesting benefits when compared to traditional prints. Normally, a traditional print needs to be backed and framed in order to be elegantly displayed. In the case of a canvas print, however, the unique durability, appeal and design makes them ideal for just hanging up as-is.

    Canvas prints have a high-quality, artistic quality that makes them look great on any wall. You don’t need to have them framed and they don’t require any backing. Not to mention, the three top-rated services provide prints that are so high-quality that they’ll put most normal printers to shame.

    Cost

    The cost of canvas prints online varies depending on the issuing company and size. That said, you can expect the smallest prints to run right around $5, and some of the largest prints to be upwards of $500. That is to say, it’d be a good idea to shop around and compare price.

    There are some excellent savings to be found online if you compare and shop. When you buy online, one of the best upsides is that you can shop at your own pace. There’s no pressure, and you’re able to easily compare sites to hunt down the best price.

    Shipping

    Depending on which site you order from, you can likely find various rates and speeds for shipping. Some sites will be able to offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount, while others may have a surcharge for shipping and handling. When it comes to high-quality prints, you want to make sure they’re handled well.

    Another consideration for shipping is how long they take to ship. Most canvas prints online will ship in roughly 10-14 business days, although that number could also vary. Again, you have to consider the time it takes to manufacture the print and how careful you have to be transporting it.

    For Professionals

    Professionals love sites like CG Pro Prints as they offer a great way for their photographs to be displayed as art. In fact, in order to accommodate artists, CG Pro Prints offers wholesale prices on their prints to keep costs down for artists.

    If you’re a photographer looking to get a large number of studio-quality prints made for display or sale, consider CG Pro Prints. They’ve got what you need.

    For the Office

    If you’re looking for a great site for prints of stock images and landscapes, consider Gallery Direct. They have a number of generic images you can choose from to decorate a space like an office or lobby. This is a great way to fill a space with high-quality art to keep your space fun and tasteful at the same time.

    While Gallery Direct isn’t the only site who offers this kind of service, they are highly-rated and considered one of the best. They have a wide variety of images to choose from if you don’t have one already picked out. There are landscapes, stock images and more to make your space look that much more inviting.

    For the Family

    Simple Canvas Prints, of the three listed here, is one of the best sites for getting prints made for the family. They offer low prices and good deals on shipping. They also have a relatively quick shipping time if you opt for the expedited shipping, though it costs a bit more.

    However, their biggest draw is their user interface. This easy-to-use site makes it simple to upload you image and have it converted into a gorgeous canvas print sent right to your home. If you’re somewhat daunted by the prospect, don’t be, as it couldn’t be simpler.

    There’s never been a better time to be a photo enthusiast. With ample choices for high-quality printing and fast shipping, all available right from your computer, it’s hard to believe we ever shopped for canvas prints the old-fashioned way.

  • Best Jean Brands for Every Woman’s Body Type

    Best Jean Brands for Every Woman’s Body Type

    There’s nothing better than a fabulously-fitting pair of skinny jeans. As soon and you slide into them, you just know they’re the right jean for you.   The length is perfect, the knees aren’t baggy and they sculpt your body in all the right places.  Not to mention they make your booty look amazing. These are your go-to jeans, and putting them on makes you feel like the goddess that you are.

    While this casual wardrobe fixture has been reinvented endlessly, it is still a classic. Denim is one of those outfit staples that can be both perfect and overwhelming all at the same time. Nothing is worse than an ill-fitting pair of jeans. For example, finding the right denim for someone with a shorter frame, hips, and a sizable butt can be extremely difficult.  With the countless styles, fits, and wash options available,  along with the dreaded dark fitting rooms with incredibly unflattering mirrors – it’s easy to get overwhelmed pretty quickly.

    The key is to know what design features will enhance your particular shape.  A higher rise is great for curvy women as it slims the waistline and gives a sleek overall look. However, petite and boyish figures will want to avoid the higher waistline as it can engulf the shorter torso. Also, you want to check the back pocket placement. It makes a monumental difference for aiding in lift, accentuation and creating smooth lines. The wash of a jean can also make or break a look depending on a lady’s body type.  Let’s look at some of the top options available for women’s jeans.

    The GAP

    A favorite cheap denim and staple since high school for many are Gap’s consistently good jeans. The brand has a great range of petite sizes and they boast a well-rounded selection of curvy, cropped, slimming, straight, and even novelty denim. Gaps jeans have ridiculously soft fabric engineered to upgrade your comfort.  Gap has some of the best jeans and the best prices.

    Forever Karlie Flare Jean

    Karlie Kloss, a world-renowned supermodel, first collaborated with Frame Denim after confessing her struggle to find jeans that were long enough for her 6’2” silhouette. This jean was designed with tall girls in mind and features a higher rise, lengthened leg proportions, and a stretch blend fabric.  While these are designer jeans created for specific body types, they are elegant and striking for the right-sized ladies.

    True Religion Casey Low Rise Super Skinny Jean

    These jeans are most suited for women who have a straight up and down figure. These are a lower rise jean, and are a great option to help accentuate or even invent new curves. This particular pair from True Religion is constructed of stretch cotton denim and has a flattering dark wash. These jeans also feature a lower waistline, with a slightly cropped hem. With a super skinny fit in a deep midnight blue wash, this low rise jean takes you from day to night with minimum effort.

    Levi’s 712 & 311

    The 712’s jeans from Levi’s are flattering and comfortable, and can be dressed up or down. You might be surprised by how much you will like the slim cut.  The 712 is a slightly more grown-up and less overtly “sexy” look, with a versatile fit. They will definitely become your new favorite daily jeans if given the chance!

    The 311’s are a mid-stretch denim with a skinny leg and fit that shapes throughout the hip and thigh.  This style includes tummy-slimming technology with added stretch for comfort. They hold their shape and don’t end up baggy by the end of the day. For those with athletic thighs you won’t be nervous about skinny jeans any longer. These are very slimming.

    As the main stream American jeans brand for the last 100 years, Levi’s are readily available just about everywhere. Most major retailers carry all styles and offer discounts and BOGO’s frequently. This makes it very easy to get your favorite style of Levi’s at a great and affordable price.

    Good American Good Legs High Rise Skinny Jeans

    Contrary to what you may think, wide hips can look rather fabulous and jaw dropping even in skinny jeans. This is especially true in Good American Good Legs High Rise Skinny Jeans!  In addition to a body-lengthening high waist, they feature a contoured waistband and “advanced stretch recovery” for a fit that moves with your shape.

    These jeans feature a signature four-piece, gap-proof waistband that contours to the body to help avoid a gap appearing at the back of the waist. Good American was launched last year by Khloé Kardashian and Emma Grede. They are available from the Good American website and Nordstrom at lower prices than you might expect.

  • The Best Hair Loss Shampoos on the Market

    The Best Hair Loss Shampoos on the Market

    Losing your hair is one of the most tragic and horrific realizations that can happen in life. However, hair loss is more common than you think and it can happen to anyone. Even Women. Thin hair is nothing to be ashamed of. It is a fact of life that is shared by many. Thankfully, there are options available that can help, starting with the right hair loss shampoo.

    The main causes of hair loss  range from hormone-related hair loss, stress related-hair loss and dandruff. Medications, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disorders, excess styling, and autoimmune disorders can also cause hair loss and thinning. The good news is that there are viable solutions available, starting with hair growth shampoos. When looking for the right hair loss shampoos we recommend formulas with antioxidants such as vitamin E and ginseng, amino acids, and B-vitamins. These help to  rebuild hair and reduce environmental damage.   Let’s look at some of the best best hair loss shampoos.

    Laritelle Organic Shampoo

    This certified organic shampoo is free of all the nasty stuff like parabens and sulfates. Instead it’s made with naturally derived ingredients like ginger and cedarwood to promote hair growth. This hair loss shampoo softens hair, nourishes the hair-shaft and rejuvenates hair follicles. Made with certified organic hydrolats of horsetail, rose hip, marshmallow, hibiscus and fenugreek, vegan-friendly keratin protein, quinoa protein, and other best-known ingredients to prevent hair loss and promote new healthy hair growth, such as essential oils of pink grapefruit, ginger, rosemary, thyme and cinnamon leaf.

    Jason Thin to Thick Extra Volume Shampoo

    I don’t know who you are Jason, but thank you. Jason Thin to Thick Extra Volume hair loss shampoo combats fine, limp hair with this volumizing shampoo infused with biotin, panthenol, and proteins. Fortified with hair-strengthening proteins & vitamins, Jason Thin to Thick hair products deliver weightless volume and manageability to fine, limp hair. Even the name Jason means healer in greek, and heal your hair it will. Complements will reign down upon your hair like the water from the sky.

    Tea Tree Scalp Care Anti-Thinning Shampoo

    Paul Mitchell’s color-safe hair growth shampoo, which has a mix of kakadu plum, pea peptides, clover flower, turmeric, and ginseng is a great option for hair loss. This shampoo gently removes impurities to prime the scalp for stronger, thicker-looking hair. Exclusive regeniplex blend contains kakadu plum, pea peptides, clover flower, turmeric and ginseng to stimulate the scalp and provide fuller, thicker hair.

    Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

    Nizoral will keep the flakes off of your head while keeping hair on it. It’s a proven anti-dandruff fighter. It is good for even the most severe cases of those pesky white flakes – but, for our purposes, it is also designed to treat hair loss. And treat it well, at that. The key ingredient in Nizoral is ketoconazole, which reduces the hair follicle inflammation that contributes to hair loss. Ketoconazole also kills the fungi that causes dandruff, but there’s not so much of it as to be toxic (which large amounts of ketoconazole can be).

    Purebiology Hair Growth Shampoo

    Purebiology Hair Growth Shampoo is loaded with active ingredients and natural extracts of oils like keratin and biotin. Clinical studies have shown that these oils can promote our body’s own ability to prevent hair loss and stimulate hair re-growth. In addition to promoting growth of new hair, this unisex hair loss shampoo provides gentle but effective cleansing for all hair types, and regulates hair follicle development while revitalizing damaged hair, giving it a fuller appearance. It contains a blend of several plant ingredients that are clinically proven to encourage hair growth and stimulate hair proliferation.

    Living Proof’s Full Shampoo

    For women with naturally fine, flat hair, a thickening shampoo may be something that is already part of your hair-care routine. But whether you’re looking to try a new shampoo, or you’re searching for the perfect shampoo suited for your thinning hair, you can’t go wrong with Living Proof’s Full Shampoo. It is gentle, yet extremely thorough. This shampoo uses Living Proof’s patented healthy hair molecule to deep clean hair down to the root. It also creates a barrier to help repel dirt and debris. This helps in  keeping your hair full, luxurious, and clean even longer than your other everyday thickening hair loss shampoos.

    Vie Naturelle Hair Loss Shampoo

    Vie Naturelle hair loss treatment shampoo provides nourishment to the hair follicles to help them function at their maximum. This allows your hair to grow at its fastest. It contains caffeine to prolong the follicle’s life cycle, ketoconazole to reduce inflammation, and saw palmetto which prevents the production of DHT, a chemical linked to male and female pattern baldness. The ingredients are 100% natural and it comes with a money back guarantee so you have nothing to lose by trying this shampoo out.