Smart Ladies Over 40: Smart Ladies Over 40

Advantage of 2 stage filters

By admin on July 12, 2010

What’s In Your Water?

Understanding Common Toxicities Found in Everyday Drinking Water

Municipal drinking water systems were designed and constructed decades ago when the primary objective of the treatment processes was to remove harmful bacteria. Much has changed in the composition of our source water over those decades. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) openly says, “the way we guarantee safe drinking water is broken and needs to be fixed.” Additional statistics support the toxic dangers we face when ingesting unfiltered water. Over 20% of US water treatment systems have violated provisions of the Safe Drinking Water. Only 91 contaminants are regulated by the Safe Drinking Water Act, and yet there are more than more than 60,000.

Water Checking

The best way to get your water tested is to contact your local health department, which is required by law to test your water for under $100. And, according to the EPA Municipalities “right to know” law, all municipalities are required to send and post an online report on the quality of water it is treating every year.

Your Right to Know

The Aquasana Difference

According to the most recent World Health Organization report, there are several health benefits to drinking water that has been selectively filtered. Unlike other products on the market, Aquasana uses a selective filtration process, versus a mechanical one, which means our technology eliminates dangerous chemicals like lead and chlorine, but keeps the good stuff like potassium and calcium. Our exclusive dual filter system uses a combination of carbon filtration, ion-exchange and sub-micron filtration to produce truly healthy, great tasting water.

Selective Filtration

The “A” cartridge filters out chlorine and turbidity (milky haze and/or floating particulate), the two most concentrated contaminants in tap water. This allows cartridge “B” to focus on the more difficult contaminants such as lead, VOCs, THMs and synthetic chemicals. The “B” Cartridge is where the final stages of filtration take place. Lead is reduced by a complex ion-exchange process that replaces harmful lead ions with healthy potassium ions. Following this is the most important stage, which involves the absorption of synthetic chemicals like herbicides, pesticides and industrial solvents. Moreover, the “B” cartridge is a 0.5 micron absolute filter that is effective in the removal of chlorine resistant organisms and cysts like Cryptosporidium and Giardia.

Click here for a 20% discount on the well respected Aquasana brand.

Posted in Articles | 1 Response

How To Check Your Home Water – Legal Limits for Contaminants vs Healthy Limits – New Report

By admin on January 6, 2010

Water, water everywhere, but check your water before you drink. Smart advice! The best water filter may be the insurance you want. Read on for up to date info.

A timely report by non-profit advocacy group, Environmental Working Group, advises that the nation’s tap water has been compromised by weak federal standards and pitiful protection of our drinking water supplies. Additionally, the EWG has provided a website so you may check the amount of contaminants in your drinking water. Enter your zip code at http://www.ewg.org/tap-water/whats-in-yourwater and I bet you will be as surprised, as I was.

The info is current as it was collected from individual state agencies between 2004 and 2009. The problem appears to begin with the source water the utilities must use. It is contaminated from pesticides, pharmaceuticals, industrial and human and animal waste. Understand, all water is re-circulated and we can no longer dip water from an ancient, stone covered well with a pure aquifer beneath! The necessary chemicals (especially chlorine) are added to kill dangerous bacteria, before sending it down the pipe to you. The added chemicals add their own problems. Hazardous byproducts (like chloroform) are released by chemical disinfection. And, it’s in your water.

So we are back to the question of how to have clean, pure drinking and bathing water in our homes. The obvious answer is to use the best water and shower filters manufactured, with strict standards, in the USA. It is a simple solution that is not as costly as one would think – especially when considering the value received.

The best water filters are manufactured by Aquasana (see discounted price) and are guaranteed to your satisfaction. Having converted my kitchen tap and showers has increased the pleasure of having a cool drink of water and knowing my cooking water is not tainted with chemicals I do not choose to include in our meals. And showering with a filter to remove chlorine is really nice. I’m happy not to be inhaling chemicals from the warm misty water and I love the way my hair and skin feel. I didn’t realize how drying the coating of chlorine was to my skin and hair. Even hair styling products work much better on truly clean hair. Watch the “Easy Install Video.”

http://www.smartladiesover40.com/wp-content/video/Aquasana-Shower-Filter.flv

When you look at the Aquasana site, be sure to notice that it is a Consumers Digest “Best Buy” for all types of water filters. The filters come with detailed, and easy, instructions for installation. And, I only have “girl tools.”

Congratulations for being curious about contaminants in your water supply and seeking a simple solution. Drinking or showering in water that has chlorine is very aging to your body, and especially your hair. Nobody wants that . Cheers to you and your good health and happiness!

You may want to see this site as well. www.Best-ShowerFilter.com

Posted in Wellness | Tagged best shower filter, best water filter, filter chlorine, shower filter to remove chlorine, shower head filter | Leave a response

Order Glasses on the Internet and Save Lots of Money

By admin on December 10, 2009

Glasses have become quite expensive. Be smart and order your glasses from the popular Glasses Shop, over the internet.

Take your time as you look over the site. You will see a “Live Chat” option, for questions. It is best to bookmark this site so you can refer to it easily.

Posted in Internet | Tagged cheap glasses, glasses online, prescription sunglasses | Leave a response

Proven and Inexpensive At Home Exercise Program

By admin on November 24, 2009

Unless you have been living under a huge rock you know that staying fit is vital to a happy, healthy life. No one knows how long they have on this beautiful earth, but we do know that we would prefer to enjoy our time here with a healthy body and mind.

Your first step is to make a decision to exercise. Take a walk and think about it. Then continue walking everyday until you can walk for 30 minutes a day. You may walk with a buddy, if chatting with another is enjoyable to you. Or, you may use your walking time to be alone and think about anything you like. It may be the only time of the day that you may have all of your thoughts for yourself!

The second and last step in a home exercise program is to find a resistance training program to strengthen and tone your muscles. Remember, more muscle fibers mean better metabolism. Your body will burn more calories to support the increase in muscle. Resistance training is also known as strength training and can be accomplished by using repetitive motions that contract your muscles, applying stress to the areas you are toning. This is an example of good stress! You can test the concept by pushing your hands together for 30 seconds. Breathe and concentrate on all of the muscle groups that are involved in this simple exercise. You should feel the tension in your hands, arms and even into the chest. This is how muscle toning takes place – little by little.

You may choose to purchase a devise to aid your whole body strength training program. Be sure to find a user-friendly system that has been in use for years and that you can see is easy to use. There is no need for anything elaborate. You want something that will provide resistance and allow you to do as many repetitions as you are able. A training DVD and workout booklet are valuable tools to insure you get the most benefit from your new “exercise buddy.” This is the toning system I use. I even do the exercises while sitting in bed, watching TV. It works for me!

Everything counts in exercise. So look for opportunities to include more movement in your life to increase your overall fitness naturally. This muscle toning system is only $30 and is appropriate for all family members.

Posted in Wellness | Tagged ThighMaster | Leave a response

Why Stop at Your Neck When You Exercise? Exercise Facial Muscles, Too

By admin on November 8, 2009

It’s annoying but the older we get, the harder it is to stay in shape. But, we don’t give up and we know that exercise is the key to a toned body. The muscles in your face can be exercised too, and you can keep a youthful appearance. Normal aging, the sun, genetics and that powerful force called gravity are always exerting a downward pull to the face. At about the wonderful age of 40 is when we usually begin to notice slight sagging, little crow’s feet and/or lines in the forehead. All is not lost. There is a remedy! It’s not surprising when we learn that there are 22 muscles of each side of the face. Many of those 44 muscles are small and attached to the skin rather than bone. Actually, this is fortunate as it makes the facial muscles more readily available to exercise. Your face tone relies on plump muscles to stay vibrant and uplifted. Slack, untoned muscles pull the face down and inwards creating wrinkles and sagging. Not the look we are going for! Take a look the face of older people and you will see that this is true. The most efficient way to stimulate muscles is to cause them to contract forcing blood into the muscles, just the way your bicep muscle contracts when you lift a weight. And, we don’t need to lift facial weights to get the same effect! Muscle stimulation of the face is accomplished with a micro-current, powered only with only a 9-volt battery. Gentle muscle contraction and relaxation is sufficient to restore the muscles to give the look of a non-surgical facelift, without cutting, anesthesia or recovery time. The delicate facial skin will be tighter, smoother and uplifted. You will look the way you feel – Great! Some dermatologists offer this type of facial rejuvenation. It is also available at upscale spas. One manufacturer had even miniaturized the concept for home use. That is what I use! And I love having the “power” to keep my face muscles toned and not just give in to gravity. A toned body and facial muscles contribute to a sleek, healthy and younger appearance. Keep that in mind while you exercise your whole body, and smile! Are you eager to be rid of sagging skin and wrinkles and ready for a facial spa system at home? Are you ready to take charge of your appearance? Do you have 20 minutes for yourself 2-3 times a week? http://www.mariejones.com/2009/04/facemaster-facial-toning-system-kit/

Here’s a clip from the Ellen Show featuring Suzanne and the famous FaceMaster.

Posted in Wellness | Tagged FaceMaster, facercise, facial toning | Leave a response

October — My Petal Pink Pashmina

By admin on November 5, 2009

I attended a luncheon in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. My very dear friend is a survivor and a member of the group hosting the event. I was happy to be able to attend.

The members collected donations to be raffled from the very generous community . Each guest could purchase tickets to win any of the approximately 50 prizes.

After purchasing my tickets, I made my way to the raffle. The method used to determine the winners was similar to a silent auction. But instead of bidding, you would place a ticket in the bag by the gift you would like a chance to win. I decided to peruse all of the offerings before distributing my tickets. At the second table, I spied a beautiful, petal pink pashmina. My fingers glided over the finely loomed cashmere and I was “sold.” I confidently put all of my tickets into the bag!

Authentic pashmina yarn is woven of hand gathered wool from the underbelly of Himalayan goats. And, this was the real thing. Knowing the origin of the prize and that pink is my best color, I felt sure that I would win this beauty. Having “stuffed the ballot box” insured success!

After a delicious lunch and a heart warming speech the raffle began. Finally, the pink pashmina came up. The number was drawn. And it was not one of mine. How could that be? But, as luck would have it, that person had already left. Another number was drawn, and while it was close to one of my numbers, it wasn’t mine either. After a moment of disappointment, I reminded myself the reason for being there was for donations and support of a very good cause.

I felt good that lots of money was raised for much needed continuing research. As I was leaving, I congratulated the winner of “my pashima” and told her how pretty it would be on her. She said, “I’m going to give it to my best friend. Tomorrow is her one year anniversary of being a breast cancer survivor”.

Ohhhhhh. I was so happy to have been a loser!

Posted in Wellness | Leave a response

Smart Ways to Bring Bamboo into Your Home

By admin on September 3, 2009

The exotic allure of bamboo has long pleased the eyes with its towering beauty. And if you are fortunate to be near a stand of bamboo on a breezy day, you will enjoy hearing the movement of the branches make the sound of an old, creaking wooden boat.

No longer just to enjoy outdoors, highly versatile bamboo is becoming commonplace indoors, too. And you will see why it is smart to bring bamboo into your home.

Since bamboo is the fastest growing of the woody plants, it is eco friendly and highly sustainable. After harvest, new growth appears very quickly from underground rhizomes and is again ready for harvest in 5-7 years. Much quicker than the 50 – 100 years that hardwoods need!

The first smart way to use bamboo is to expand on the idea of bamboo flooring, which has been used for some time, and move into the kitchen. Bamboo is now being used for kitchen cabinetry, counter tops, cutting boards and utensils. Surprisingly, bamboo is 15% stronger than maple, and much less expensive.

Secondly, bamboo is moving into the bathroom. Bamboo is naturally anti-fungal and anti-bacterial. Fibers made from this amazing plant retain those qualities. This makes them ideal for bath towels, bath mats, shower curtains, robes and even slippers.

And finally, bamboo sheets are a sprouting up on our beds and are softer and more luxurious than silk. The weave is strong, absorbent, free of irritants and long lasting. Super comfortable bed linens encourage good sleep and sweet dreams!

Bamboo fibers are also used to make clothing that wicks away moisture and adapts for winter or summer wear.

Enjoy the beauty of bamboo indoors as well as outdoors. You will be doing a good thing for yourself and our planet.

Check out the bamboo clothing here.

And for luxurious bamboo sheets, towels and robes.

Posted in Home and Design | Tagged bamboo clothing, bamboo robes, bamboo towels, organic clothing | Leave a response

Best Shower Head Filter Removes Chlorine – Easy to Do!

By admin on August 17, 2009

On an Oprah show, Dr. Mehmet Oz began to talk about the best thing you can do for your hair. “Hmmm, let’s see what the wise and wonderful Doc has to say”, I thought as I left my computer to give the TV my full attention. His message – Buy a shower head filter to remove chlorine!! I had an instant flashback of swimming in chlorine and hating the way my hair and skin and eyes felt. Chlorine is a toxic antiseptic type chemical which is used to kill bacteria and micro-organisms in public drinking water and swimming pools. But do we need to have chlorine absorbed into our skin and hair as we shower? No way! Much less, breathing in the warm, moist fumes of chlorine gas and other harmful chemicals into our lungs. The good Doc didn’t give name brands, so I researched every brand and chose the well respected Aquasana brand. They have the highest rating for all water filters, “Best Buy” rating from Consumer’s Digest and have enjoyed a fine reputation for over 20 years. Their home water filters and shower head filters remove not only chlorine but THS’s, VOC’s and chloroform which vaporize quickly into the air we breathe . (Supermodel Carol Alt, said on the Dr. Oz show that her good hair secret is a shower head filter. Hair product bonds to truly clean hair.)

Filtering your shower water removes all harmful chemicals, leaving only pure water and healthy minerals. It is less expensive that you would imagine. A really great, lifetime value! And, an easy way to insure your children, too, have the best bathing experience. Specifically, choose the hand held shower filter for childrens baths. You can spray off the tub easily afterwards. AND, you will notice that you no longer have pesky mildew around the tub or shower. Review the details of Aquasana’s 2 stage water and shower filters here.

A by-product of chlorine is chloroform. An article in the Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine in 2000 reports, “Researchers recorded increases in chloroform concentration in bathers’ lungs of about 2.7 parts per billion after a 10-minute shower. Worse, warm water causes the skin to act like a sponge; and so, one will absorb and inhale more chlorine in a 10-minute shower than by drinking eight glasses of the same water.” Dr. Oz’s comment and this article convinced me to purchase the best shower head filter to remove chlorine.

Under $70 (standard shower filter model, with discount below), and it arrived in just a few days. Installation was easy with step by step pictures (and I only have “girl tools”). Other than your fingers, the only tool needed is pliers to loosen the old connection and tighten the new shower head filter. Watch the “Easy Install Video.”

These are very efficient shower heads. You will wonder why you didn’t get filters for your showers years ago.

http://www.smartladiesover40.com/wp-content/video/Aquasana-Shower-Filter.flv

Aquasana offers a 30 day 100% money back guarantee, but I won’t be needing that. After just the first shower, I could tell a difference at how much softer and cleaner my skin and hair felt. It reminds me of the way my hair felt when my mother rinsed it in rainwater! Not being stripped of its natural oil by a harsh chemicals, my hair is brighter and more lively. It’s even easier to style. Styling products bond better to chlorine free, really clean hair!

A bonus I didn’t expect is that the bathtub and shower stay cleaner!

The shower head has good water pressure even after passing through the chlorine filter. There is a luxurious massage feature option built into the shower head. And if you prefer, get the handheld shower head filter with massage. Consider this style if you bathe children. Using the filtered water, you add just enough water to bathe children. This way they will not be inhaling chlorine fumes. Children contract too many respiratory illnesses as it is. So it is smart to keep noxious chemical irritants out of their little lungs! They loved being rinsed off with the massaging shower head spray. One pass around with the wand and the tub is clean.

If you have dryish hair (or are losing hair), dryish skin, colored hair or sensitivity to chemicals, a shower filter to remove chlorine is an essential. Dry skin ages more quickly. Chlorine and the other chemicals greatly affect the color retention and condition of your hair. I’m going to take mine when I move!

To keep your shower water quality clean and chemical free, the filter should be tossed in 6 months. By that time your shower filter has absorbed lots of nasty chemicals. Aquasana has a free shipping option for the new filters. Semi-annual filters are only $42 and have free shipping. That means clean water for just pennies a day. And, customer service at Aquasana is top notch, in case you have questions when your filter arrives.

So, since inhaling chlorine gas and absorbing it into hair and skin is not what you want when you shower, here’s a healthy, inexpensive solution. And, you get the bonus of much prettier hair and more supple skin.

Please click on the blue Aquasana banner below to review their offerings. When you add you item to the shopping cart, you will receive a 20% discount! They were offering free shipping when I purchased mine, so look for that, too. And, I’m sure you and your family will will enjoy showering chlorine free.

You may want to see this site, too. www.Best-ShowerFilter.com

Posted in Wellness | Tagged best shower filter, chlorine free shower filter, dry hair, efficient shower heads, filters for shower, shower filter to remove chlorine, shower filter water | 7 Responses

I Want What I Want and I’ll Know It When I See It.

By admin on August 2, 2009

Tribes by Seth Godin

Searching for something you have in your mind? A familiar sentiment, and now marketers have developed into suppliers of exactly what we want, in the time we have to purchase it.

Seth Godin, a marketing guru, developed the concept of “permission marketing.” You decide if you are the appropriate customer and “opt in” to receive more info. “Googling” for a need or interest, and/or what email newsletters you agree to receive are examples of giving your permission to receive more information to make a buying or joining decision.

His new book, Tribes, is a good overview of where we are now and the future of marketing. Not a traditional business book, this is an enlightening explanation of how the internet enhances our connections to each other.

The common desire to belong makes you a member of a tribe. Family, community, country, religion, ethnicity, political, music, book clubs, SmartLadiesOver40, philantropy, schools (past and present), medical, knitting circles and on and on and on. If you have a thought, you are a part of a tribe.

The internet is without geographical boundaries and a perfect playground for tribes to thrive. There’s no boss of the internet! New leaders will emerge. You, maybe? Social networking via email, FaceBook, Twitter, Ning, MeetUp, Craig’s List and blogs on every idea imaginable topic will continue to expand, offering more connections to everyone. Software to participate is an easy learning curve. Even a novice can tighten her grip on technology. Hop aboard and mingle – or lurk until you need to “talk.” It’s a fun ride!

It took ten years for “sliced bread” to be accepted. Now it takes 10 minutes for new information (or a You Tube video) to become viral. Seth’s latest book takes you from the loaf of bread to the present, and a look at the “potential” future. It’s a short book that explains the current social marketing impact and causes you to think about your potential. Curious? You know, we never run out of ideas. And, our interests and skills can be used in new ways. Go for it!

You can appreciate Seth Godin’s refreshing personality in this video with Dave Ramsey. Dave’s the leader of a “Debt is Dumb” tribe.
http://www.foxbusiness.com/search-results/m/23184843/keys-to-marketing-success.htm#q=Dave+Ramsey+++seth+godin

Posted in Internet | Tagged books, Internet | Leave a response

Adequate Nutrition – Do You Get it?

By admin on August 2, 2009

Nutritional Supplements are a Personal Matter.
I use vitamin nutritional supplements, do you? Why?
Where is the best place to buy them?

Quality is always the main concern. Products that are created from ingredients found in nature are recognized by your body as food. Wish that we could get everything we need from our standard food supply. It would be wonderful to have an organic garden with a huge, colorful variety of vegetables and herbs. Then complement that with fresh, wild fish – especially, expensive wild salmon. It seems only wild salmon counts. We read disturbing reports that crowded farmed fish (restricted swimming area) give no more benefit than chicken, albeit at a higher price.

The early stages of nutritional deficiency are usually silent. A daily good quality multi-vitamin/mineral is an inexpensive insurance policy. Supplementing with Omega 3’s (DHA & EPA) for heart, mood and brain seems to be a no-brainer. And of course, magnesium, calcium, trace minerals and Vitamin D support healthy bone growth. Best to take these minerals at night for relaxed sleeping.

The internet is the most cost effective place to buy vitamins and nutritional supplements. With no “retail rent”, just a huge warehouse, savings can be passed on to the customer.

I have examined quite a few vendors, and I think iHerb.com offers excellent value. They are independently owned, have been in business for 12 years and offer discounts up to 45% (average 30-40%) off retail prices of recognized, quality brands. High quality and low prices is a winning combo. And, they will give you a $5.00 discount to give them a try.

Their website is very simple and easy to navigate. Click on an item to see all of the ingredients clearly listed. There are over 14,000 brand name items to choose from! For research purposes, iHerb supports a free online Health Encyclopedia. The ordering process is secure and they ship quickly, usually the same day.

Shipping is free for orders over $40. Be sure to check out the natural beauty products. They even carry natural deodorant and toothpaste, too.

iHerb.com offers high quality, name brand products and natural supplements as well as cosmetic products for a very low price. Customer service is courteous and responsive. They value their customers and it shows!

See their offerings and use the code QUS366 (at time of check out) for a $5.00 discount. I have been pleased with each product and I think you will be too!
http://www.iherb.com (They’ll give you a coupon to share, too.)

Posted in Wellness | Tagged nutritional supplements | 1 Response

Smart Ladies Over 40