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  • Theme Park Vacation? Here are Some Tips to Save You Money

    Theme Park Vacation? Here are Some Tips to Save You Money

    A theme park vacation is a surefire way to make the whole family happy. What kid doesn’t love the idea of hopping on a roller coaster and doing loops and flips? Seriously, ask any kid where they want to go on vacation and they’re going to say Disneyland. If you’re planning a theme park vacation, here are some tips to help you make the most of it.

    Theme Park Vacation Tips

    Buy Tickets Online

    Don’t wait until you get to the gate to buy your tickets. That’s a surefire way to overspend. If you opt instead to buy your tickets online then you can likely save a great deal of money. When you buy online, you can see what the various deals, sales and promotions are and compare them at your own pace.

    After all, vacations can get pretty expensive. Why not save money on the tickets to get into the park? That’s the first thing you’ll need to spend on, so it might as well be the first thing you save on! Buying in advance online is a great way to plan ahead and save money all at once.

    Consider the Hotel

    Before you even get to the city the theme park is in, do some research. You likely won’t be using the hotel for much other than sleeping, so maybe you don’t need to be put up in a five-star resort. Instead, go for a more affordable hotel with less amenities.

    After all, if you’re visiting a theme park with a water park, roller coasters and ample attractions, why would you need a pool and included room service? Your theme park vacation will involve much more time spent in the park and much less time spent indoors, so spend your money accordingly.

    Don’t Forget Package Deals

    Many theme parks offer package deals with nearby hotels. Don’t forget to compare these deals to other nearby hotels and see if they’re right for your family. After all, some of these bundle deals can result in you saving a bit of money!

    Remember, you’ll often want to see all the rides the park has to offer if you’re going out of your way to visit it. As such, you’ll likely want to spring for multi-day passes. Multi-day passes ensure that you get a chance to see everything. In larger theme parks, this is critical, as it makes it so you don’t have to rush to see as much of the park as you’d like.

    Many hotel deals offer multi-day stays in a hotel as well as multi-day passes for guests. That’s the definition of hitting two birds with one stone, and it can often save you a ton of money.

    Make a Plan

    It can be difficult to hit every attraction you want to see in the park. Before you go, consider making a plan and following it through the map of the park. If there are rides you’d like to see, try to hit them before the busier times of day. During particularly hot hours, around four or five in the afternoon, head to the water-themed attractions to cool down!

    That said, you don’t need to strictly adhere to your plan. If you just follow what looks fun and make sure you’re not stressing over where you’re going and when, that’s what matters. The plan simply helps gives you some structure! These parks are designed for you to get lost in, after all, so it’s no surprise that many people don’t see all the attractions they want to.

    Eat Somewhere Else

    If you can help it, try not to eat in the park. The food served in the amusement park is tremendously overpriced compared to nearby restaurants. The only issue that crops up with this is that many amusement parks are so massive and have you park so far away that they are very difficult to exit and reenter quickly.

    In such cases, consider packing a lunch and keeping it in a lunchbox in your car. If it’s too hot to leave in your car, consider getting a locker in the park and stashing your bag lunch there!

    Don’t Forget the Basics

    Finally, don’t forget the basics. You’re going to want sunglasses, sun screen and a backup battery for your cell phone. The parks are huge and you’ll be in the sun all day, so make sure you’re well protected. Not to mention, having a fully charged phone helps you get back with your group should you get separated!

    Don’t forget to have fun out there! They’re not called amusement parks for nothing.

  • Stop Your Pain the Natural Way: Best Natural Treatments for Psoriatic Arthritis

    Stop Your Pain the Natural Way: Best Natural Treatments for Psoriatic Arthritis

    Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic disease that includes symptoms of inflammation in the joints. The inflammation cause by psoriatic arthritis is described as painful and chronic by those suffering from it. Many who suffer from it wonder what the best natural treatments for psoriatic arthritis are.

    Today we’re going to dig into that question and offer some suggestions for natural remedies. Remember, there are no “cures” for psoriatic arthritis, or PsA. However, there are many natural treatments that may work well with therapies and traditional medicine to lessen your symptoms.

    Natural Treatments for Psoriatic Arthritis

    What is Psoriatic Arthritis

    Psoriatic arthritis is a distinct ailment from rheumatoid arthritis, though the joint pain and inflammation is similar. However, the main difference in the two is the presence of psoriasis. Psoriasis is marked by the red, flakey skin and plaques that develop on some parts of the skin.

    Typically, those with PsA also suffer from psoriasis symptoms on the skin near the affected joints. As such, PsA is a distinct issue from normal arthritis. It can often appear in younger people, which is very unlike typical arthritis.

    Natural Remedies

    Keep in mind that these are natural substances and behaviors that have been noted to help with PsA aches and pains. These aren’t clinically tested or medically documented remedies. The suggestions here are simply that: suggestions. That said, many people have anecdotally noted that these natural remedies help them combat their PsA symptoms.

    Turmeric

    Long heralded as a natural way to combat inflammation, turmeric is a great choice for fighting PsA symptoms. Since most arthritis pain is related directly to inflammation, incorporating turmeric into your diet is a great way to try to combat it.

    Anecdotally, turmeric milk is a great drink to supplement normal meals to help incorporate turmeric into your diet. Other ways to incorporate the spice include adding it to food directly or simply taking capsules of it. It’s natural and harmless, so why not try it?

    Massage Therapy

    Massage therapy has more applications than simply helping you to relax. Relaxation is a great side-effect of the therapy process, but it’s not all the therapy is about. Many people have reported that massage therapy applied to areas of PsA symptoms have helped symptoms abate.

    Notably, your massage therapist should be well-versed in helping work out tension related to PsA. Massage therapists who are thusly trained should be able to provide great amounts of relief for those suffering from PsA. This is a very direct, straightforward process for relieving pain related to symptoms.

    Topical Applications

    Many people suffering from PsA swear by topical application of natural substances like Aloe Vera. Aloe is a soothing balm derived from the plant of the same name. It is often applied to skin that has been sunburned, but it can also work wonders on skin afflicted with psoriasis.

    Another example of a balm applied topically is Oregon grape. Studies suggest that this balm has properties that can alleviate skin discomfort related to psoriasis. While neither is a long-term solution to the problem of PsA, they might help reduce psoriasis-related discomfort.

    Acupuncture

    Acupuncture is an ancient alternative treatment that many people swear by. It’s not considered a medical treatment, as no medical literature really supports its purported benefits. However, many practitioners swear that the process helps them manage chronic pain.

    For the curious, acupuncture is a therapy method that involves carefully inserting needles under the skin in select parts of the body. The exact nature of the spots chosen is unclear, and some acupuncturists take an almost spiritual approach. Spiritualists claim acupuncture manipulates the body’s “chi,” or spirit force.

    Realists tend to focus more on the nervous system, and how acupuncture interacts with nerve endings. In any event, many people find that acupuncture can help with chronic pain. While PsA in particular isn’t a main target of acupuncture, many who suffer from PsA claim acupuncture helps them manage their pain.

    Capsaicin

    Capsaicin, that stuff that makes peppers so darn hot, has been shown to have some capacity to block pain receptors. People who don’t love the taste of extremely spicy foods need no worry, however, as there are other ways to take capsaicin other than eating spicy peppers.

    Namely, many companies make over-the-counter topical creams using capsaicin. Users have anecdotally noted that these creams have the capacity to help with psoriasis symptoms. The skin plaques and itchiness of psoriasis is somewhat abated in some cases by capsaicin-based creams.

    Acupressure

    Something of a hybrid between acupuncture and massage therapy is acupressure. A related field to both aforementioned therapies, acupressure involves using the hands or other non-invasive methods to manipulate the focal points used in acupuncture.

    Acupressure specifically targets problem areas and uses specific techniques to help alleviate different types of pain. Those who receive acupressure therapy often state that it’s a great way to deal with chronic pain.

    Acupressurists who are well-trained in treating arthritic symptoms often know techniques intended to alleviate the specific joint pains in question. Patients are recommended to talk with acupressurists before seeing them to treat specific arthritis pain.

    Behaviors

    Those with ongoing PsA symptoms might also benefit from a healthier overall lifestyle. Gentle exercise, better diet and mindfulness have all been noted in various patients to help deal with pain. For instance, if you often eat junk food or fast food, you might find you’re experiencing more aches and pains.

    On the other hand, a diet of fruits, vegetables and other healthy options could lead to decreased chronic pain symptoms. Similarly, many who suffer from PsA have noted that gentle exercise like yoga helps to keep their muscles and joints from becoming stiff, thus reducing their overall chronic pain.

    In addition, meditation has been stated by many patients to help them cope with chronic pain. Sessions of deep reflection and mindfulness can help people with ongoing pain symptoms to manage their reactions to the pain. This can potentially ease their stress regarding their physical situation.

    Hopefully some of these natural remedies for psoriatic arthritis will help you. Remember, none of these treatments are meant to be replacements for traditional medicine prescribed by your doctor. Always consult your doctor about changes in lifestyle and treatment.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Finishing the Garage? Top Garage Floor Options

    Finishing the Garage? Top Garage Floor Options

    There’s never a wrong time to upgrade the old garage. Whether you’re just moving in to a new place and looking to modernize it or just giving your old garage a face lift, actually finishing it can be a daunting task. Thankfully we’re here to help you find the top garage floor options.

    There are a ton of options available when it comes to finishing a garage floor. While plain concrete works, it’s not flashy and it’s pretty bland. If you’re looking to spice up your garage space and make it much more impressive, try some of these options.

    Top Garage Floor Options

    Coverings

    One of the more straightforward ways to address finishing your garage floor would be to use a covering. Coverings come in a variety of styles, so we’re going to go over some of the more common types. It’s worth noting that while you can put any old rug down in the garage, it might not survive repeatedly being run over by a car.

    Tiles are a very common style of covering. Varieties of tiles used in garage coverings include wood composite, flexible rubber and rigid plastic. Which kind you prefer depends on what material and appearance you like. Rubber tiles have a lot of give and can look very slick, for instance. Wood composites have a more natural look but are a bit more rigid.

    Rigid plastic is popular among people who have a smaller amount of garage traffic and want to spend a bit less. Typically rigid plastic costs less than rubber or wooden tiles.

    Another type of covering is a garage mat. Garage mats come in a variety of durable, tear-resistant materials and many sport cool designs. Coverings are ideal for people who want a bit of style without changing their garage floor.

    Coatings

    Coatings are another popular garage floor finishing. They’re a bit more intensive than simple coverings, as they literally coat your garage’s floor. That said, there are a few different coatings you can apply and they’re markedly different. The two coating types commonly seen are paint and epoxy.

    Paint is a straightforward way to make your garage floor look way better. If it’s badly stained and looking like it’s seen better days, a quick layer of paint can bring it way up. Namely, garage floors are best served by latex paints.

    They’re generally inexpensive and not difficult to apply. All you need is to clear the floor space and get a roller brush!

    Another example of coatings is epoxy. Epoxy is a bit different from paint, with a decidedly more complex process to apply. The main difference between epoxy and paint is mainly that epoxy can treat your floor and make it more durable and long-lasting.

    However, the trade-off for this is that epoxy coatings are more expensive and more complex to apply. Consider epoxy if you have a very busy and highly trafficked garage.

    Insulation

    If you’re thinking of converting your garage into a livable space you’ll need to insulate the concrete slab. As you’re certainly noticed, the slab gets downright cold in the winter months. That’s not a problem if it’s insulated, though! Many people will even insulate their concrete slab just to make their garage more comfortable.

    Insulating a slab is a bit more complex than other floor finishing methods. It will likely require a contractor to help with the work, unless you’re particularly handy. As always, we caution you to exercise discretion when working with heavy, dangerous equipment.

    Another option, besides just installation, would be installing a radiant floor heating system. These are typically not difficult to install in existing concrete slabs. These will make your often-cold concrete slab significantly warmer and much nicer in the winter. Consider a radiant heater if you do a lot of work in the garage and want the floor a little warmer.

    Important Notes

    Remember, if your floor is badly damaged by grease and oil, coatings and coverings alone aren’t enough. Just covering the cracks up with a mat or a coat of paint doesn’t make the problem go away. Often, such damage will require the floor be refinished. While this is a significant expense, it greatly increases the value of a given home.

    Additionally, remember that if you’re going to paint or epoxy your garage floor that it needs to stay dry. That means you’ll need to be careful about spilling oil or grease onto the floor and be diligent about cleaning it.

    If your garage is a very moist area and condensation develops on the concrete, consider getting a dehumidifier to let your coatings last longer. This will increase the value of your house and help your hard work endure. No matter what garage floor options you go with, take care of them.

  • Best Outdoor Storage Options

    Best Outdoor Storage Options

    There are a wide range of backyard storage sheds to choose from, but which are the best outdoor sheds worth investing in? Which will continue to look great in 5-10 years?

    Choosing the best outdoor storage shed for your needs may seem difficult at first. They are made from all sorts of materials and some are better than others.

    If you’re tired of cluttering your yard, garage, or basement with supplies or tools that you only use outside, a storage shed could be the ideal addition to your backyard. I have broken down a few of the best options to meet your backyard storage needs. Lets take a look at the best Best Outdoor Storage Options.

    Shed: Suncast Tremont Shed

    These are large outdoor sheds, and the 8 X 10 foot version provides a lot of storage. One thing about having such a large structure in your back yard is that you don’t want an unsightly shed. Here, the Suncast BMS range rises to the occasion. It has a classic look and won’t look out of place in any yard. While looks may be important, practicality and durability are equally, if not more important. In this regard, I’m solidly in favor of this outdoor shed range.

    The Suncast has a steel reinforced double wall resin construction. This makes it incredibly sturdy and highly durable. If you’re concerned about rain and snow, this shed will hold its own in all weather. The shingle style metal reinforced roof panels are excellent and are going to stand the test of time. This is an important thing to look at. You want your shed to last and remain looking good for years to come. This design will most certainly do just that.

    Storage Tent: The YardStash IV Storage Shed Tent

    Part shed, part tent, this one requires little commitment. Not only is it relatively inexpensive, it’s also easy to set up (10 minutes or less, no tools required), move and store. Made of tough vinyl tarpaulin with a patented snow-shedding roof design, it’s tough enough to withstand weather of all sorts, but it’s also lightweight and extremely versatile compared to other metal or wooden sheds.

    It’s great for storing bikes, tools, lawnmowers, toys and more, and it also includes a carrying bag, so you can take it on the go or store it easily when it’s not in use. It’s big enough to hold a considerable amount of stuff (74″ x 32″ x 68″), but it can also fit in small spaces. If you’re looking for temporary storage from time to time or don’t want the commitment of a more permanent shed, this one may just be right for you

    Life Time Storage Sheds

    Lifetime’s 12.5′ x 8′ Polyethylene Outdoor Storage Shed in Sand is an attractive and durable storage option. This Shed comes with two shelves, a tool pouch, a storage pouch, and six wall hooks. This will allow you to customize the storage to your specific needs. Built with steel reinforced walls, shelves, and roof provide durability for many weather conditions. Lifetime Storage Sheds allow you sturdy storage solutions for your outdoor storage needs, and a padlockable latch on the doors offers security

    Steel Sheds: Arlington Steel Outdoor Storage Shed

    Arlington Steel Shed has an attractive, high gable-style roof and a 62 in. wall height makes the Arlington a perfect place to store lawn tools, garden equipment and other seasonal items. A baked-on enamel finish assures a quality storage solution year after year.

    Portable Units : PODS

    Portable On Demand Storage, more commonly known as PODS, is one of the most well-known companies in the moving container and storage industry. Prominence aside, PODS has the most variety in its container options—allowing you to choose the container that best fits your yard best. While these are designed for movine and temporary use, there are options for permanent placements.

    Garden Sheds: Horizon Structures

    Garden sheds and tool sheds make excellent potting and storage sheds for the avid gardener. In addition to its attractive appearance, these garden potting sheds offer many practical elements such as a built-in workbench and lots of windows. A garden shed is the ideal place for starting tender seedlings and nurturing plants with ample space left over for storing your gardening tools and equipment.

    Garden storage sheds and tool sheds are available in many different exterior and roof/trim color combinations. Vinyl and wood siding are both available. There are options to  match your new garden shed to your home, or other buildings on your property.

  • Soak it Up: Best Soaking Tubs for Your Money

    Soak it Up: Best Soaking Tubs for Your Money

    The best soaking tubs are the ones that are the most comfortable to spend a bit of time in. Whether you’re soaking for medical purposes or you just like spending time relaxing in the tub, there are a few common criteria you want for a soaking tub. Without further ado, let’s discuss the best soaking tubs for your money.

    Best Soaking Tubs

    OVE Rachel 70-Inch Freestanding Acrylic Bathtub

    Reinforced fiberglass is a great material to build a tub out of, and this Rachel tub is made of that exact stuff. It’s a gorgeous, sleek white with a polished finish that makes it a great central point of any bathroom. Elegant and durable all at once, this is a great soaking tub.

    The durability on display here is great, as you know the tub will last you for years. It’s free-standing, so it’s got a unique and old-school look.

    American Standard 7236V002.020 Evolution Form Fitted Back Rest Bathtub Review

    American Standard is a common name when it comes to tubs. Soaking tubs are also in their repertoire! The form-fitted back rest in this tub is top-notch and reason enough to consider it. When it comes to soaking tubs, one of the most important criteria is that the tub be comfortable to sit in for long periods.

    In the case of this American Standard tub it’s hard to overstate how much more comfortable the tub is with the form-fitted back. Whether you’re looking to soak and relax or just take a quick dip, this tub is a great value for you.

    KOHLER K-1123-0 Archer Bathtub

    Kohler is a respected name when it comes to home appliances, and tubs are no exception. This Kohler tub has a unique recessed design that makes it very striking and comfortable. The tub sports armrests as well as an overflow basin.

    With its depth, this tub isn’t really suited to children. It’s a soaking tub made specifically for adults, thanks to its dimensions. Just keep that in mind when considering having it installed. Speaking of installation, it does require a bit of skill (or hiring someone with said skill) to install.

  • Best Psoriasis Treatment Options

    Best Psoriasis Treatment Options

    Skin plaques, itchy spots and painful skin are all trademark signs of psoriasis. If you’ve been diagnosed with this disease, it’s likely that you’re looking for effective ways to combat it. To help you find relief, here are some of the best psoriasis treatment options.

    Best Psoriasis Treatment Options

    The newest psoriasis treatments have a number of side effects ranging from increased thirst to depression and joint pain. Speak with your doctor to see which medications are right for you.

    Newer psoriasis treatments are different from prior ones in a number of notable ways. Firstly, doctors used to prescribe mostly topical creams and such for psoriasis. Modern-day remedies tend to be injected, however, and target enzymes and chemical signals instead of being applied to the skin.

    This makes newer treatments more effective, though gives them more serious side effects. In any event, make sure you discuss with your doctor any psoriasis symptoms you’re having so you get effective treatment.

    Taltz

    Taltz is a psoriasis medication that targets the chemical signals that cause inflammation and lead to plaques. After an introductory period, this medication is administered through injections at periodic intervals.

    This medication is often prescribed for moderate-to-severe psoriasis. It is considered a systemic and biological drug. It targets many different chemical signals in order to prevent the growth of psoriatic plaques.

    Humira

    Also used in order to combat arthritis, Humira is another injectable medication for psoriasis. Unlike Taltz, it can be injected at home. It is typically injected once every two weeks and can be injected within the comfort of your own home.

    Like all psoriasis medication, of course, it requires a prescription. Your doctor may prescribe you Humira if it fits with your diagnosis and lifestyle.

    Enbrel

    Enbrel is another injected medicine that helps with psoriasis. It can also be injected at home and is typically injected twice a week. Like Taltz, it’s a systemic biological drug that blocks enzymes. The enzymes in question are responsible for the growth of skin cells that become psoriasis plaques.

    Enbrel has to be injected more often than Humira and Taltz, but it can also be injected at home. As always, remember to discuss all available options with your doctor.

  • 7 Natural Remedies for Allergies

    7 Natural Remedies for Allergies

    Do you have Runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, watery eyes, itchy, watery eyes, nose, or throat? Have you been coughing or experiencing postnasal drip, fatigue or even facial pressure or pain? Relax its just allergies.

     

    Allergies are your body’s reaction to allergens (particles your body considers foreign), a sign that your immune system is working overtime. The first time your body encounters an allergen, your plasma cells release IgE (immunoglobulin E), an antibody specific to that allergen. IgE attaches to the surface of your mast cells. Mast cells are found in great numbers in your surface tissues (i.e., those with close proximity to the external environment, such as in your skin and in the mucous membranes of your nose), where they help mediate inflammatory responses.

     

    Sneezing, watery eyes and sinus pressure. None of these symptoms and fun to deal with. And they can really get in the way of your daily life. Many people break down and take prescription or over-the-counter medications just to get some relief. Let’s take a look at  7 Natural Remedies for Allergies to give you some relief this season.

    1.Local, Raw Honey

    If you eat a spoonful of local, raw honey every day, it can help keep your springtime allergies at bay. The honey must come from bees that are in your local region — the closer the better — and it can’t be pasteurized.

     

    2.Nettle

    You can purchase nettle in capsules or drink it as a tea. Since it contains histamine, which is released when you have an allergic reaction, nettle works by helping your body build up a tolerance to histamine. It can also help reduce inflammation. Don’t overuse nettle, though, as it can reduce your potassium levels.

     

    3.Eat an Anti-Inflammatory, Alkaline Diet

    First and foremost, start eating an anti-inflammatory diet to reduce your risk for allergies and many other health problems. Caring for your body with nutrient-dense foods gives your immune system the ability to repair itself, bringing it back into balance so it can fight off common allergies in your environment. Foods like, garlic, lemon, green leafy vegetables, and bone broths can greatly reduce inflammation and relive this allergy pressure.

     

    4. Eucalyptus Oils

    This is one of my favorites, not even for allergy relief but general relaxation. You can put several drops of eucalyptus oil into your neti pot, inhale it via a diffuser, or use it in your laundry detergent as an antimicrobial agent. It will break up gunk in your respiratory system and open airways. Plus it smells terrific. If your allergy symptoms are going strong, mix eucalyptus oil with coconut oil and rub it on your chest and behind your ears and diffuse it in the air during the day and while sleeping.

    5. Hit It Over The Counter; Zyrtec VS Flonase

    Just go to the pharmancy and hit it with chemicals. But which one? Zyrtec VS Flonase?  Flonase is an over the counter products that are non-drowsy, anti-inflammatory allergy relief nasal sprays that provide more complete relief than a single-ingredient antihistamine. Flonase will not cause drowsiness, which is nice. Zyrtec works to treat sneezing and runny nose, and causes less sedation that others but will still cause some drowsiness. Zyrtec works well to also treat hives and itchy skin. its and age old debate Zyrtec VS Flonase but both will get the job done.

    6. CBD Balm

    This one has some hesitation to it, it is still cannabis oil but I use this for my sinus headaches. If I wasn’t able to avoid my allergies, CBD Balm for headaches has been soooo helpful. I rub it on my sinuses, temples and neck. If you combo it with Peppermint Halo from Saje, it’s a double whammy!

    7. Shower and Change Your Pillow Case

    I know this seems like an obvious one but it really makes a huge difference. Pollen or whatever allergen you’re allergic to can get stuck to your hair, skin, clothing etc… and then also end up on your pillows and in your bed. Frequent washing when you’ve been outside for a long time can go a long way. Even though I HATE washing my hair, if I’ve spent a couple hours outside I know I have to wash it.

  • Cyber Monday is Over, but You Can Still Save!

    Cyber Monday is Over, but You Can Still Save!

    Just because Black Friday and Cyber Monday are over doesn’t mean that you can’t still find amazing sales on electronics and other gifts! In fact, you can still get some of the very same bargains you saw advertised this past weekend.

    Cyber Week

    Cyber Monday was originally the internet retailer’s answer to Black Friday. As the years went by, more and more people began shopping online and the two shopping holidays have more or less merged into one long weekend of incredible deals.

    Lately, Cyber Monday has started stretching further out into the week… And it’s no surprise. Adobe announced that people spent $7.9 billion on Cyber Monday, making it the biggest online sales day ever. Some $24.2 billion was spent by shoppers between Thanksgiving Day and Cyber Monday. Retailers are not going to throw their arms up and call it quits when shoppers are this hungry for savings on electronics and gifts.

    Amazon has taken to calling the week after Cyber Monday “Cyber Monday Deals Week” and many of their savings, especially on Alexa products, are continuing the rest of the week. Plenty of other retailers are also continuing their sales through the week. If you thought that you missed out on a great bargain on electronics or gifts, then it’s worth looking again.

    Free Shipping

    Retailers are also offering tons of free shipping deals through the holiday shopping season and you can expect to continue to find 10 to 20 percent discount sales.

    All in all, retailers are going to keep tempting customers with bargains until December 22nd– the last day to have something shipped to arrive by Christmas Eve.

    Inventory is the Challenge

    The challenge these days is not to find a great sale – it’s to find a great sale before it sells out. The unfortunate reality for shoppers who miss Black Friday and Cyber Monday is that the hottest electronics and other gifts are no longer in inventory.

    This also means that shopping after Christmas for inventory price slashes are going to become more and more rare. Finding the hottest items at the lowest prices will continue to happen on Black Friday, but as you can see, there are and will continue to be plenty of great sales between now and December 22nd. Happy shopping!