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  • Best Ways to Fight Fleas

    Best Ways to Fight Fleas

    Few situations are more annoying to pets and their owners than a infestation of fleas. Fleas are mean, evil, awful little bugs. They get into your carpets, lay eggs and stick around for interminable lengths of time.

    Quickly becoming a problem, fleas can infest homes in very short amounts of time, posing health risks and frustrating living conditions for both people and their pets.  All the while, they pester your animals, making them itchy and uncomfortable. What’s worse, some pets even have allergic reaction to the pests!

    While there are many products that can be used to combat flea infestations, it’s vital to choose the right products that are appropriate for severity of your pet’s flea problem — otherwise you’ll end up wasting time and money as the flea problem gets worse. Today, we’re looking at the best ways to fight fleas.

    Best Ways to Fight Fleas

    Flea Collars

    Flea collars are a great first line of defense to keep your animals safe from the tiny pests. Using a combination of pesticides that are harmless to animals and scents that disgust fleas, these collars have a high success rating. While your animal might not like having to wear an odd-smelling collar, it will help them avoid the worst of the flea infestation! This is just one part of the fight, however.

    Flea Sprays

    Spraying your carpets and furniture for fleas is another effective strategy. A number of high-quality flea sprays are sold in pet stores and online. Such sprays not only kill fleas but also help to kill their eggs. The trouble with fleas is that you will often think you’ve rooted them out, only for another round of eggs to hatch. The eggs can go dormant for months at a time before being activated by vibrations in the carpet.

    As such, spraying in often-unused rooms is advised. That way, any hidden, dormant eggs can be killed by the spray. This prevents the eggs from reactivating when you or a pet enters a low-traffic room!

    Diatomaceous Earth

    Also known as D. Earth, this naturally occurring mineral deposit works wonders as a pesticide. If you’re having trouble with a particularly nasty flea infestation, consider this mineral. Make sure you purchase food grade diatomaceous earth, as it’s pet safe. Sprinkle it around your carpets and near the thresholds of your doors and windows. Earth works by compromising the lipids in fleas’ exoskeletons. The chemical interaction causes the fleas to become dehydrated, as their bodies can’t lock in water anymore. As such, they die of dehydration shortly after contacting the mineral. Don’t worry, though, the mineral doesn’t affect anything bigger than a small bug. The worst it can do to a pet is dehydrate them slightly, so just avoid getting it on your animals if you can!

    Flea Pills

    Flea pills for pets generally have the highest success rates for preventing and treating fleas. Pills come in chewable tablets or capsules that must be swallowed, usually with food. These oral medications for fighting fleas require a vet prescription, and usually fight flea adults or eggs, but rarely both at the same time. Flea pills, like other medications, come with side effects; it is essential for pet owners to ask what these side effects may include. The two most popular feel pills include Capstar and Comfortis, and both start working within hours of being administered.


  • 2019 Toyota Highlander Review

    2019 Toyota Highlander Review

    The 2019 Toyota Highlander is here! Since its redesign in 2014, the Highlander has been a much more desirable vehicle than its original iteration. Available as a gasoline-powered model with two engine choices or the gasoline/electric Highlander Hybrid, Toyota’s popular mid-size crossover vehicle provides something for a wide-ranging tastes.

    The 2018 Toyota Highlander ranks near the top of its class. It has an upscale interior, a powerful available V6 engine, and a comfortable ride. Is the 2019 model a continuation of this trend? Or does it return to its unlovable roots? Let’s take a closer look!

    2019 Toyota Highlander

    The Toyota Highlander is a great midsize SUV. The Highlander provides a comfortable and quiet ride. It sports a handsome interior and a long list of standard safety features. Its available V6 engine scoots the eight-seat SUV around confidently.

    Under the Hood

    The 2019 Toyota Highlander has three powertrain options. There’s 4-cylinder, 6-cylinder and hybrid options available. If you’re looking for all-wheel drive, you’ll have to go for the 6-cylinder configuration. Meanwhile, the hybrid powertrain is the best for the environment, and also helps you net much better gas mileage. In fact, the hybrid engine gets nearly 28 miles per gallon in good conditions!

    Interior

    The interior of the 2019 model is spacious and luxurious. It seats eight, with three rows of seating. The third row is mainly for kids, but adults can fit back there. It just might be a bit cramped for long trips! The Highlander sports a huge, gorgeous infotainment screen, too. Other notable interior features include tons of charging options for smart devices, understated design and premium-feeling materials.

    Overall Ride Quality

    The 2019 Toyota Highlander has great suspension and responsive steering. Prior to the 2014 redesign, Highlanders were infamous for their abysmal handling. They leaned too much, rolled over too easily and drove like tanks. The 2014 models and forward have been markedly better, with redesigned and upgraded suspension. Thankfully, the 2019 continues this trend.

    Additionally, the 2019 model has a very quiet and luxurious ride. If you like riding high in the saddle, far from the road and quiet, this is the car for you. It’s got tons of space for a big family, and it’s a great value, too.

    Bottom Line

    The 2019 Highlander starts around $30,000, which makes it a pretty great value. It’s got a luxurious and quiet ride, great handling and a high-quality interior. If you’re looking for a good vehicle for a big family, this is one to consider!


  • Best Anti-Wrinkle Cream

    Best Anti-Wrinkle Cream

    Every time you turn on the television you are bound to see a commercial for anti-wrinkle creams. The skin-care market is filled with anti-wrinkle creams, all claiming to rid your face of signs of aging.

    However, not all wrinkle-creams are equal. Some anti-wrinkle creams work better than others for different people; some contain ingredients that may react poorly with certain people’s skin. With so many options available, the idea of choosing the right wrinkle cream can seem a bit overwhelming. For us, we think 5 wrinkle creams are top notch – and for good reason, since they come so highly rated:

    Asking the following questions when shopping for wrinkle creams can help you find a higher-quality product without overspending for results.

      • Will this keep my skin hydrated?
      • What are the ingredients?
      • Will this product protect my skin?
      • Is this product suitable for my skin type?
      • What is my budget?

    Best Anti-Wrinkle Cream

    Amara Organics Advanced Age-Defying Moisturizer

    Amazon’s Choice isn’t a term used lightly, but this popular face cream has that distinction! How’d it get that high accolade? Well, that’s got to do with just how highly-rated it is. The vast majority of reviews of this cream are four- or five-star. Many people swear by this cream for moisturizing, and say it helps their skin look more youthful!

    Active Wow Youth Enhancing Eye Gel

    Fans of this eye cream rave over it. They say that it’s great for tired eyes, making them look bright and well-rested. Advocates of this eye cream say that it’s a must-have for bags under the eyes. The Active Wow Youth Enhancing Eye Gel is a favorite of people who want to make their eyes look younger and more well-rested!

    Radha Beauty Miracle Retinol Moisturizer

    A ton of five-star reviews and happy customers follow this Radha beauty cream. Reviewers rave about the cream’s moisturizing properties! After all, a great way to take care of the skin on your face is with moisturizer. Reviews comment on the moisturizer’s effect on their skin, noting that it has reduced their dark spots and made their complexion more youthful. Fans of the cream note that it isn’t greasy and does a great job of making skin feel young!

    TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C Serum

    This TruSkin serum is one of the highest-rated anti-aging cream serums around! Reviewers of this serum note just how young their skin looks thanks to it. The cream uses vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, which are noted for their restorative properties. If you’re looking for one of the highest-rated and most-loved anti-aging creams, this is the one for you!

    Over 8,000 reviewers have left 5-star reviews for this one. If you’re looking for a trusted cream to help fight wrinkles, this one is beloved by many faithful users!

    Nu Skin ageLOC Future Serum

    Discover a more youthful appearance, morning and night.  The most advanced anti-ageing product Nu Skin has ever created, ageLOC Future Serum delivers the maximum concentration of ageLOC to the skin. This powerful, clinically tested formula reveals younger looking skin in eight ways, combining the benefits of many different anti-ageing products into a single product. ageLOC Future Serum – for a dramatically younger looking you.


  • Vermont Net Neutrality Laws Challenged by Broadband Lobby

    Vermont Net Neutrality Laws Challenged by Broadband Lobby

    The ongoing battle over net neutrality rages on. On Friday, lobby groups such as NCTA, CTIA, the American Cable Association and more filed suit against the state of Vermont. Their suit deals with Vermont net neutrality laws that force ISPs to follow net neutrality guidelines in order to get government contracts.

    Vermont Net Neutrality in the Crosshairs

    The lobbying groups filing suit in Vermont represent almost every major broadband company. AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile US, Sprint, Comcast, Charter, Cox, Frontier, and CenturyLink are among the groups represented. These groups were vocal supporters of Ajit Pai’s moves to have the FCC repeal net neutrality protections.

    The Vermont laws are somewhat narrow. As it stands, they only stipulate that government-owned buildings can only get Internet service from ISPs who follow net neutrality guidelines. However, the broadband companies are saying this is illegal, as they feel that the FCC’s ruling should preempt state laws.

    The Lawsuit

    The suit itself reads as a very antagonistic and surprisingly aggressive takedown on the part of the broadband companies.

    “Vermont’s attempts to revive and, indeed, expand a repealed regulatory regime are plainly preempted by federal law […] Under the Supremacy Clause of the United States Constitution, state measures that contravene validly adopted federal laws and policy determinations, including those contained in FCC orders, are preempted and have no force or effect.”

    Legal commentators have mentioned how similar this case is to one in California. California’s state net neutrality laws, however, don’t have a terribly good chance of standing up in court. California’s laws almost directly contradict the FCC’s ruling, which is a clear violation of the supremacy clause. Vermont’s law, however, has a much better chance of sticking around.

    Why This Matters

    This case could provide a road map for other states that wish to exert net neutrality protections on ISPs. States have a great deal of control over how they award government contracts. Such contracts are highly lucrative and could cause ISPs to actually change their practices.

    If Vermont wins this case, it could prove an invaluable tool in the ongoing fight for a fair and open internet.

  • 2018 Chevy Suburban Review Roundup

    2018 Chevy Suburban Review Roundup

    Anyone who loves SUVs will tell you that they’re impossible to replace. If you have a lot of people to cart around, you want an SUV. The combination of power, space and comfort makes them hard to beat! Today, we’re looking at a review roundup of the best qualities of the 2018 Chevy Suburban, a favorite SUV in the US!

    2018 Chevy Suburban

    Chevrolet

    Overview

    The spacious, easy-driving and stylish Suburban is just as good in 2018 as it has been for years! You can be certain you’re getting the right vehicle for you with the three trim levels. The LS, LT and Premier trim levels each feature a variety of great features that make them perfect for different buyers.

    The LS trim can seat between eight and nine people, making it great for big families. The LT and Premier trim levels seat seven to eight people, but sport other great features to make up for less seating. The Premier, for instance, offers keyless entry. It also has an automatic, programmable liftgate! It also sports 12-way power seats that are both heated and ventilated. Talk about luxurious!

    Other Specs

    The engine is a powerful V8 that can really move when it needs to. Sporting 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, the Suburban can even handle some light towing! Automatic, six-speed transmission is standard, as you’d expect. The engine does, however, take a lot of gas to operate. It only gets 16 miles per gallon in the city and 23 on the highway.

    That said, this is a very safe vehicle. Sporting antilock brakes and a 4-star safety rating from the NHTSA, the Suburban is a trusted SUV.

    Bottom Line

    As a more luxurious SUV, the 2018 Chevy Suburban is a great option for people looking for something nicer. It starts at $50,200, which puts it a bit higher than some of the competition. However, you get a very big, very comfortable ride with a ton of features. Standard Bose speakers, a huge infotainment center and more make this one of the best SUVs out there!

  • 2019 Ford Explorer Early Impressions

    2019 Ford Explorer Early Impressions

    The Ford Explorer has been a favorite SUV in the US for years. And that’s for good reason: it’s spacious, smooth and great for families. After all, if you’ve got a lot of people to carry back in forth, you want an SUV! Let’s take a look at the early impressions of the 2019 Ford Explorer.

    2019 Ford Explorer

    CarGurus

    Early Impressions

    Early impressions of the 2019 Ford Explorer hold that this is going to be as solid an entry in the family as those that came before it. The 2019 model, of course, still has the unibody construction that the Explorer unveiled in 2011.

    Trim levels are expected to be largely unchanged as well. That means we can expect to see base, XLT, Limited, Sport and Platinum. That’s in order of least to most expensive. If you’re looking for a great value, the base trim will have tons of great features. However, those looking for a more luxurious ride will be interested in Sport and Platinum trims. Confirmed features of those two trims include all-wheel drive and driver safety features.

    What’s Under the Hood?

    The 2019 Ford Explorer will have three different options for engine. The first is a normal V6 engine, which is standard. However, there will also be a turbocharged four-cylinder and turbocharged V6. Those interested in some serious horsepower in their SUV may be interested in the turbocharged V6! However, it’s expected that this engine will only be on the higher trim levels.

    Luxury and Affordability

    The difference between Ford and other SUV makers is the fine balancing act of luxury and price. The Explorer line is known to be affordable without sacrificing comfort. Ample legroom, great amenities and soft seats are all hallmarks of the Explorer. Not to mention, the SUV offers a smooth, gentle ride.

    It’s expected that the 2019 Ford Explorer will have a base MSRP of roughly $33,000 for the base trim. However, it’s not yet known when the new SUV will be released, but we can expect it very soon!

  • Best Patio Furniture Deals

    Best Patio Furniture Deals

    There’s nothing quite like sitting on the back porch, enjoying a cold drink on a mild afternoon. You’ve got a good book in your hands and a cool breeze in your hair. That is, of course, if you have nice patio furniture to make this a reality! Let’s check out the best patio furniture deals!

    Many people are looking to purchase new patio furniture for the deck; however, trying to find brands that are both made well and within the budget can be a challenge. Qualities of patio furniture that people need to consider include the size, the style, and durability, and the price. Fortunately, there are plenty of options to choose from and many of these include some fantastic deals as well. The top 3 patio furniture retailers are Forever Patio, Harmonia Living, and Alfresco Home.

    Best Patio Furniture Deals

    Alfresco Homes
    Alfresco Homes is a well-known brand in the world of outdoor furniture. Their prices are quite reasonable for how modern and stylish their furniture is! They have a wide variety of materials, including resin, marble, aluminum and more.

    Their pieces span a wide range of decorative options, including woven wicker, resin, cast aluminum, and marble mosaic garden pieces. They regularly come out with inspiring, cutting-edge designs that set the bar high for the rest of the industry. For those who are looking for inspiration with their outdoor furniture, take a look at what Alfresco Home has to offer.

    If you’re looking for sturdy outdoor furniture, Alfresco is a great choice. They often have great deals on their website, where you can shop for a ton of different types of furniture. They’re one of the better options when it comes to high-end outdoor furniture!

    Forever Patio

    With a name like Forever Patio, you can expect their patio furniture to be rather durable! Their high-quality furniture pieces are rated quite highly and will typically withstand even heavy weather conditions. If you’re looking for durable furniture, Forever Patio is a great choice.

    The Forever Patio brand has developed an impressive track record over the years of providing excellent, quality furniture for a good price. They have a large collection to choose from, so every family should be able to find something that they need. They span everything from bar tables to daybeds and everything in between. They have stylish designs that can fit any scheme and the furniture is made in a detailed way. Finally, the name fits the furniture. Their durability is famous throughout the industry and their furniture is known to withstand all different types of weather.

    The best thing about this brand is that they are rather affordable for how durable their products are. Whether you’re getting a table and chair set, a day bed or a bar table, you can rest assured they’ll be sturdy. Check out their site to see what kinds of deals they have going on!

    Harmonia Living

    If you’re looking for wicker furniture, Harmonia Living has a great range to choose from. While wicker is known for its tendency to unravel, Harmonia takes steps to make their furniture more durable. Their furniture all uses High-Density Polyethylene Wicker, which is sturdy and scratch-resistant. It also has the benefit of being less likely to unwind than traditional wicker!

    The problem that many people have found with wicker furniture is that it has a tendency to unwind over time; however, this is not a problem with this famous brand. Harmonia Living uses a different kind of wicker called High-Density Polyethylene Wicker, which is resistant to scratches, resistant to ultraviolet radiation, and environmentally friendly. All of these qualities mean that the furniture is going to resist unwinding, allowing it to last for years.

    Harmonia Living often has deals on their various furniture ranges through their website. If you’re looking for a great set of wicker patio furniture, check them out! You’re sure to find some great deals on wicker furniture!


  • Best Dental Chews for Dogs

    Best Dental Chews for Dogs

    When it comes to dental health, it can be difficult to get your dog to sit still long enough for a proper teeth cleaning. However, there are tons of great options for dental chews for dogs! These are great, because dogs love chewing, and they help clean their teeth!

    Your dog’s dental health is important, but it isn’t always easy getting him to sit still long enough to brush his teeth on a regular basis. Dental treats that are meant to help with the brushing process can make a big difference. They help remove plaque and freshen your dog’s breath. They also make her happy as she sees them as just another treat to be enjoyed.

    Best Dental Chews for Dogs

    MilkBone

    Dogs love the taste of MilkBone brand chews. These chews have nubs and a twisted design, so it makes them great for cleaning teeth. Thanks to the easy-to-grip design, dogs can really gnaw on MilkBone chews. This ensures that they clean crevices and hard-to-reach parts of their mouth!

    MilkBone chews are also loaded with calcium. That means that not only will they help your dog clean their mouth, but also stay healthy! There’s nothing better than making sure your dog is happy and healthy with a mouth full of clean teeth!

    Oravet

    Oravet chews are well-known for their unique bacteria-barrier properties. These chews release an ingredient that bonds to your dog’s teeth, developing a bacteria-resistant barrier. The chews have what is described as a mild, vanilla flavor.

    Oravet chews are also good at cleaning plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth! Their design makes them ideal for getting the hard-to-clean gunk off of your pup’s teeth! It’s recommended that you give your dog one of these chews daily to see the best results.

    Dentastix

    Dentastix are a favorite dental chew due to their unique shape and flavor that dogs love. They sport a chicken flavor that encourages tons of chewing, meaning they really help to clean your dog’s teeth. Additionally, they come in a variety of sizes for all types of dogs!

    Dentastix aren’t for dogs under 15 pounds, though Pedigree does make a puppy version. Dogs of all sizes love Dentastix for their flavor, so make sure you pick the right one for your dog! Additionally, dog owners love Dentastix for their shape. Their unique X-shaped design has ridges that help to really clean dogs’ teeth. However, the chews are soft enough that they won’t hurt when chewed on by over-excited dogs!

    Greenies

    Greenies dog treats come in three flavors, original, chicken and parsley, and cheese. This is a variety that is sure to please nearly any dog. The cleaning action works on both teeth and gums and it also freshens breath. These treats are made with natural ingredients that are highly soluble, making them easy to digest. Added vitamins and minerals make them even healthier for your dog. One treat a day will keep your pet’s teeth free of plaque buildup that can result in tooth and gum problems.

    Whimzees
    Whimzees dog dental chews are made from six natural ingredients and contain no artificial colors or flavors. They are GMO, gluten, and grain-free, making them some of the healthiest on the market. The variety of shapes make them a fun treat for your dog. They are even designed with a “paw pad” to help your dog hold them more comfortably. They chewy texture creates a brushing action that helps keep teeth and gums healthy when given daily.


  • Best Robot Vacuum Cleaners

    Best Robot Vacuum Cleaners

    Hopefully there will come a day when all that boring stuff we don’t want to do is done by robots. We already have machines wash dishes for us and wash our clothes. Now we even have robot vacuum cleaners! They’re really quite convenient, hoovering up any dirt with the push of a button. What’s not to love about these little guys? Today, we’re bringing you our list of the best robot vacuum cleaners.

    Robotic vacuums have come a long way. The latest iterations have stronger suction, better edge-cleaning capabilities, and improved programming. for daily cleaning of surface debris, a robotic vacuum can work wonders—if you choose one of our top-rated models. And you no longer have to spend $1,000 to get great performance. If you’re thinking of purchasing one of these little machines, consider your flooring (some are better on carpet, others on bare floors), the layout of your home, and the types of detritus your home generates (pet hair, kid spills).

    Best Robot Vacuum Cleaners

    iRobot
    These popular robot vacuum cleaners have been in production since the early 2000’s. Their Roomba 890 is a great option, as it comes with an app that allows you to schedule when it will clean. You can also set cleaning patterns to make sure the Roomba doesn’t miss those corners and hidden areas.

    Roomba’s offerings are generally mid-priced compared to the competition. While they’re not the most technologically impressive, they’re generally pretty good. Remote activation and scheduling are the biggest draws to these classic robot vacuum cleaners.

    The great thing about the iRobot brand is that they were pioneers of this industry and over the years have been able to offer a giant array of different products with different price points. you can get the older models for $150 or you can get their top of the line for almost $1000.

    iRobot 690

    Last year’s mid-range fave is still a great pick. It has many of iRobot’s covetable features, without the staggering prices. It connects to the same easy-to-use app to schedule cleanings and check battery life and even uses the same invisible wall barrier system. A few downgrades were inevitable—instead of the 980’s powerful AeroForce cleaning technology, the 690 has an earlier iteration called AeroVac, and the wonderful rubber carpet agitator was swapped for a boring, but effective carpet brush. But these are acceptable tradeoffs for being able to pocket more dough.

    iRobot i7+
    iRobot’s Roomba i7+ solves one of the most pressing robovac pain points: It can empty its own bin. This is in addition to smart maps that let the user map up to 10 different floor plans. In iRobot’s simple app, you can designate different zones in each floor plan, then remotely send the i7+ to tidy up the foyer and bathroom while leaving the cluttered bedrooms untouched. It also has updated navigation tech and a proprietary rubber carpet agitator to grab grime. If you can justify spending a month’s rent on a home appliance, this is it.

    Samsung POWERbot R7070
    On the higher end of prices is the Samsung POWERbot. This little robot is Alexa-enabled, and even works with Google Home. It sports a HEPA filter, which is great for those with allergies. It has smart-deploying side brushes that pop out when it gets near walls. This is a huge improvement over other side brushes that can scatter dirt when not near a wall.

    The POWERbot also offers app functionality, programability and scheduling. You can activate it remotely and even view its pattern and path. It has great power, too, sucking up dirt, pet hair and messes with the best of them.

    Eufy Robo Vac11

    On the less-expensive side of things is the Eufy Robo Vac11. This entry doesn’t have any Wi-Fi connectivity, and it doesn’t feature a companion app. The trade-off is a lower price, and the vacuum is controlled from a remote instead. You can still program a schedule for the little robot, but you can’t check on it from your phone or change it remotely.

    All in all, these three options are all pretty great! The biggest difference is price. If you’re looking for a robot vacuum, any of these would be a great choice. The biggest question is how much money you want to spend!


  • Best Car Tracking Systems

    Best Car Tracking Systems

    If you’re trying to keep up with a vehicle, you’re probably looking into a car tracking system. Car tracking systems are like reverse GPS devices: they help you find your way to your car, rather than finding your way in your car!

    These systems are great for concerned parents, employers of drivers with company cars and just for people who are worried about their cars being stolen. Let’s check out the best car tracking systems!

    Best Car Tracking Systems

    Automatic Pro Car GPS Tracker

    This Alexa-enabled gizmo is awesome. If you’re a fan of convenience and want to be able to track wherever your car goes, this is for you. When you get near your house, the Automatic can interface with your smart home system over the internet. Then, your smart home can start running programs for your arrival, such as turning on lights and setting the thermostat. What’s more, once you’ve purchased this gadget, you get five years of tracking over 3G completely free!

    ABLEGRID GPS Vehicle Tracker

    This is a more low-tech approach than some of the competition, but the ABLEGRID has some notable upsides. For one thing, this is really more of a GPS beacon than anything. It works by connecting to 2G networks, which are older and less prevalent than 3G. The ABLEGRID doesn’t require any setup: just throw it in a glove compartment and it’s tracking its current location.

    The lack of in-depth setup and low-tech build give this tracker some advantages. For one thing, it can be transferred from vehicle to vehicle very easily. For another, it has superb battery life, lasting for half a year on standby mode. It can even work for two weeks while actively being tracked!

    Spy Tech STI GL300 Mini Portable Vehicle GPS Tracker

    The incredibly long name of this tracker shouldn’t distract you from how good it is. This tracker has very easy-to-implement geofencing technology. That means that you can set up an area that a vehicle should remain within and receive alerts if it leaves that area. This is great for alerting you if your car is stolen, as well as for company cars that should only operate in certain regions.

    You can get detailed reports from the Spy Tech either on desktop or mobile. If you’re looking for a very high-quality, dependable GPS tracker, this is the favored option.