But once blackheads have already formed, there are still safe options available for you to remove them. If used gently and safely, home remedies for blackhead removal can have your skin glowing with health sooner than you might imagine! (Pictured: Panasonic Rechargable Pore Cleanser with Micro-fine Mist )

Squeezing is a Big No-No

We all know how frustrating nose blackhead removal can be when nothing seems to be working. The immediate temptation is to remove a black head by squeezing it with your fingertips. However, all dermatologists seem to agree that picking or squeezing a blackhead is a big no-no. Pressure applied to blackheads can damage the skin if done incorrectly, because it introduces a risk of swelling, inflammation, infection and broken blood vessels.

That is why you should never remove blackheads with your fingernails. Squeezing can push the waste material clogging up the pores deeper into the skin, where it can become inflamed and infected. It’s simply not worth the risk of developing permanent scars or enlarged pores.

However, if done correctly with the proper blackhead removal tool, gentle extraction can really improve the appearance of your skin. Good blackhead removal tools include comedone extractors, pore strips, and sterilized tweezers. For best results, you should visit a dermatologist or aesthetician for professional blackhead removal treatment, who is specially trained to extract blackheads safely.

The Best Blackhead Removal Method

The following four-step regimen is simple enough to be used by anybody as a blackhead removal home remedy, yet is powerfully effective at eliminating black heads and preventing their future formation. Many people swear that it is the best way to remove blackheads from your life for good.

Step 1 – Steam Facial
It can’t be stressed strongly enough how important steam facials are in your fight against blackheads. By bathing your face in warm moisture, you open up the clogged pores and loosen the toxins and debris trapped inside. Other benefits of steaming include improving blood circulation to the skin, opening clogged nasal passages, and better skin hydration. It is gentle enough to be done daily.
Step 2 – Exfoliation
The exfoliation process removes dead skin cells and helps to remove debris that can clog pores. You should choose an all-natural exfoliation product that will not irritate your skin. Oatmeal and baking soda is a great example of an effective natural exfoliation combo.
Step 3 – Skin Cleansing
The main purpose of skin cleansing is to prevent and remove the buildup of oil on your skin. It is recommended to cleanse your skin twice each day, once in the morning and again in the evening. The best cleansers to use are free of soap and alcohol which can damage your skin. Clay-based skin cleansers are especially useful for those with oily skin, because they are very effective at drawing out and absorbing excess oil.
Step 4 – Closing the Pores
After steaming and cleansing, you must close the pores that have been opened up. The simplest way is to use cold water for a final rinse. Optionally, you may follow up with a good skin toner.

Natural Blackhead Removal

If you prefer a more natural approach to avoid using commercial blackhead removal products or tools on your skin, then try enlisting the help of Mother Nature by trying these natural blackhead removal remedies:

• Witch Hazel – Witch hazel is a natural skin toner that balances your skin’s oil production. Cleanse the affected areas with a cotton ball soaked in witch hazel, once or twice a day. This approach helps for acne, too.
• Iodine and Epsom Salt – Mix 3 drops of iodine and 1 teaspoon of Epsom salt in ½ cup boiling water. A pply solution with a cotton ball. This loosens the blackheads and opens the pores, so you can remove the blackheads with a gentle scrub.
• Oatmeal and Rosewater – Creating a blackhead removal mask with these two ingredients will rid you of blackheads and prevent future breakouts as well. Combine ground-up oatmeal powder with rose water into a paste, and apply to the affected areas. Leave the mask in place for 15 minutes, then remove with cold water.
• Fenugreek Leaves – Make a paste by mixing crushed fenugreek leaves in water, and apply to the face as a mask for at least 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.
• Cilantro Leaves And Turmeric -  Mix 2 tsp of crushed fresh coriander leaves with 1 tsp of turmeric powder and a little water. Apply the paste to your face and leave on for 10 or 15 minutes. Wash off with cold water, but be very careful when removing, as the turmeric powder will stain a dark yellow onto anything it touches. Remove any remaining yellow tinge on the skin with a paste of chickpea flour and water.

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Food substances can affect weight loss in several different ways. But the most influential characteristics in regards to weight loss are:

• Suppression of appetite
• Increase of metabolism

Green tea has been demonstrated to have both effects. It contains special anti-oxidant agents called catechins. Catechins (pron. kat‘-i-chins or kat‘-i-kins) are a type of flavonoid present in high concentrations in green tea leaves. They are very powerful antioxidants (more powerful than vitamin C) and are known for their ability to fight disease.

In terms of green tea weight loss, the most potent catechin found in Camellia sinensis is named EGCG. It is said to to increase metabolism and reduce bad cholesterol levels. Furthermore, EGCG might also help to regulate blood sugar levels, since it can potentially inhibit carbohydrate absorption. Because it possesses such characteristics, green tea has gained a wide reputation as an effective and safe weight-loss supplement.

This reputation is backed up by clinical studies, albeit on a limited basis. There are several studies indicating that green tea extract may boost metabolism and help burn fat. One study confirmed that the combination of caffeine and green tea positively affected the ability of overweight subjects to lose weight and also to keep it off. Some researchers propose is is the catechins that account for green tea’s observed fat-burning effect. (Source: University of Maryland)

How Does the Green Tea Diet Work?

The short answer is that nobody knows for sure. Some researchers attribute green tea’s weight loss properties to its high levels of EGCG while others find that its caffeine content is primarily responsible (because it raises the metabolism). These are also plenty of experts who claim that green tea is not particularly effective as a diet supplement.

But one thing that nearly everyone agrees on is that more research is needed. The clinical benefits of the green tea diet are largely unexplored on a scientific level because not enough controlled studies have been done to draw any definitive conclusions. Nevertheless, anecdotal evidence and the personal experience of thousands of people support its effectiveness, even though scientists still debate the exact mechanisms of how it works.

How Do I Use the Green Tea Diet?

It’s very simple. There are only two basic concepts behind the Green Tea Diet plan.

• Drink green tea in place of water
• Take green tea diet supplements

Both methods of consuming green tea are effective, and it’s probably best to combine both of them. It’s always best to take a balanced approach to any weight loss program. .

Note to Pregnant or Nursing Mothers:

Since regular green tea contains caffeine – about 50 milligrams per cup — it should be avoided by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Drinking Green Tea

It depends on the brand, but the typical cup of green tea contains between 50 – 150 mg catechins (antioxidants). Drinking three cups of green tea daily will provide about 300 mg of catechins, which many experts recommend as a daily minimum. Caffeine-free tea is also available, but since caffeine by itself has also been associated with weight loss, you might prefer to drink the caffeinated variety instead (except pregnant or breast-feeding mothers).

Drinking hot tea stimulates the metabolism more than drinking iced tea. If you want to maximize the weight-loss properties of green tea, you should drink it hot or warm whenever possible.

Green Tea Supplements

The majority of green tea diet pills are marketed in the form of capsules containing dried tea leaf. You can also find liquid extracts prepared from the leaves and buds. There are several different types of green tea diet supplements available:

• Capsules and pills
• Liquid extracts
• Green tea patches

Some capsules contain 100% green tea leaf extract. These pills are essentially highly-concentrated pure tea leaf. However, most manufacturers combine green tea with other appetite suppressants such as chromium or conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Some people find the combined form to be more effective; others prefer the leaf concentrate in its pure form.

Whichever form of green tea diet supplement you prefer, the most important attribute to look for is the level of catechins contained in each dose. As a rule of thumb, you can count 100 mg of catechins as roughly equivalent to one cup of green tea. There is no scientifically established daily minimum dose, but many people see good results with a dosage in the range of 300-500 mgs per day.

Beware of diet pills that contain diuretics, which promote the loss of body fluids and can lead to dehydration. It does not make much sense to be drinking green tea and taking diuretics at the same time!

Take A Balanced Approach

Of course, we are not talking about some kind of magical Super Green Tea Diet Pill here. We are talking about using common sense and taking a balanced approach. Following the Green Tea Diet, by itself, is not nearly enough to lose weight permanently. You need to combine it with a healthy, low-fat diet, and regular physical activity. But there is plenty of evidence to indicate that green tea can be a powerful ally in your quest against excess weight.

Sources:

University of Maryland Medical Center: http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/green-tea-000255.htm

Mayo Clinic http://mayoclinic.com

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Goulash

This tasty goulash dish is one of our favorite recipes for ground beef. Preparation takes about an hour, but you only need to look after it once after you set it cooking, so it gives you plenty of time in between to tend to other chores. A family favorite!  (serves 4)

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp basil
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1 green pepper, chopped
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (16 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 cups water
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• salt and pepper

Brown ground beef in a skillet, add onions, garlic, basil, and green pepper. Cook over medium low heat for 5 minutes. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce and water. Simmer 1/2 hour. Addmacaroni, salt and pepper to taste. Cook another 20-25 minutes. Serve.

Salisbury Steak

Another one of our favorite recipes with ground beef is this scrumptious one for Salisbury Steak. Salisbury steak was invented by an American physician, Dr. J. H. Salisbury, around 1897 – and here we always thought it was British! (serves 6)

• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup minced onion
• 1 1/2 tsp butter

Saute garlic and onions in butter until translucent and set aside to cool.

• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
• 2 eggs, whisked
• 4 oz bread crumbs
• 2 tsp chopped parsley, fresh

Prepare patty mixture by combining beef, eggs, bread crumbs, and parsley together in bowl. Add cooled onion mixture to patty mixture. Divide into 6 patties and saute in pan with butter until golden brown on both sides. Set aside in a casserole dish. Patties should still be pink inside.

• 1 lb fresh mushrooms, sliced

Add  mushrooms to pan and quickly saute about 4 minutes. Set aside.

• 2 tsp butter
• 3 tsp flour
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth

Melt  butter in pan and add  flour. Cook 1 minute and whisk in beef broth. Add mushrooms and pour over patties in casserole. Bake at 350°F. for 30 minutes. Serve.

Beef Mulligan Stew

Mulligan Stew is an improvised dish said to have been invented by American hobos in camps in the early 1900s. You make it by throwing together whatever you can find, right into the pot. One of the very best easy ground beef recipes for dinner! (serves 6)

• 1 1/2 lb ground beef, lean
• 1 green pepper, chopped (any leftover vegetable is OK)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1 can (19 oz) tomatoes
• 1 can (16 oz) tomato paste
• 2/3 cup water
• 1 beef bouillon cube
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp wine vinegar
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 1 cup pearl barley
• 1 tsp salt

Cover and simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Lightly brown beef in large saucepan. Drain off excess fat. Add green pepper, onion and garlic. Saute until onion is transparent. Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil.

Ground Beef Storage

Store well-wrapped ground beef in the coldest part of the refrigerator (36-40 degrees F. / 2-4 degrees C.). Freeze unless you use it within 2 days.  Ground beef can be frozen for up to two weeks in its original plastic wrap packaging . For longer storage, wrap ground beef tightly in  freezer paper, heavy-duty aluminum foil, or plastic freezer bags and store up to 4 months at 0°F. or colder.

Find ground beef recipes quick at One Great Earth!

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Gold Karats

Gold content is determined in karats, which should not be confused with the term carat, used to measure diamond weight. The higher the karat the better its gold content and price. The k number indicates how many parts, by weight, of pure gold is contained in 24 parts of the alloy. The decision among 14k and 18k is a concern of delicate taste and preference. 14 k has the recompense of added intensity, but lacks higher gold substance and beauty of the rich yellow color found in 18k.

White gold is a combination of gold and a few white metals such as nickel, silver and palladium. It can be 14k, 18k or any karat. White gold will obviously have a light  yellowish shade because a 14k white gold is 58.3% gold, and 18k white gold is 75% gold.

Rhodium Plating

In the ultimate method of manufacturing, white gold is rhodium-plated to give white gold its brilliant white luster. In the current market, many men’s white gold rings are plated with rhodium for extra brilliance. Rhodium is a glossy, white metal, which is tremendously hard and durable. However, revealing the slightly yellowish tint of the underlying metal overtime the rhodium plating may wear away. It may require rhodium re-plating every 12 to 18 months to keep white gold looking its best depending on wear.

To maintain lifelong beauty and value proper care for your white gold rings is important. It is wise to remove your jewelry during rugged activities. Immerse it in a gentle solution of soap and water and lightly scrub it with a soft-bristled brush to keep your gold jewelry clean. Constantly store your jewelry individually in a fabric-lined case or in a box with dividers or separate compartments to avoid scratches or other damage.

Mens White Gold Rings

The term “white gold” frequently confuses many grooms, who may incorrectly assume that a mens white gold ring  is somehow less “gold” or has less value  than a yellow gold ring, or that it is just another way for the jeweler to make money and sell expensive engagement rings. But white and yellow gold both have the same value and  purity, usually appearing as 18 karat gold (approximately 25% ). White gold varies in appearance from pale yellow to silver. Mens white gold wedding rings are silvery only because the element gold is alloyed with a blend of palladium and  silver for strength and color.

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Green buildings are healthier places to live and work, they support the environment and can also save and make money. They have better air quality compared to traditional buildings, cost less to operate and significantly decrease the harmful environmental footprint of the building. Green buildings also provide an instantly measurable way that individuals can make a positive impact on the environment.

The opportunity to practice sustainable interior design is not limited to green interior designers. Individual homeowners and interior designers from all sectors of industry have the chance, through everyday choices, to become environmental stewards. We all share the responsibility for our impact on the health, safety and welfare of our living and working spaces, and for the triple bottom line: people, planet, and prosperity.

Residential Interiors

Residential interior designers should consider the following design practices if they strive to incorporate more sustainable principles into their work. By employing practices based on green design, interior spaces become healthier for their occupants and less harmful to the planet.

Follow REGREEN guidelines and strategies for best practices. Visit the REGREEN website for more information.

• Make ecologically-sound choices of wood from suppliers who can guarantee (through a chain of custody) that the original trees were harvested from an ecologically sustainable forest managed under Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) guidelines
• Specify paint and other finishing materials (“green paint”) that have documented low levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Avoid chemical-emitting materials as much as possible, and otherwise ensure that their emissions rate (dissipation rate) is as quick as possible.
• Use products free of urea formaldehyde, which is a proven carcinogen.
• Use sustainable fabrics made of materials from rapidly renewable, post-consumer or post-industrial recycled sources.
• Select rapidly renewable flooring materials (such as linoleum or bamboo) to reduce the amount of land resources dedicated to production of construction materials.
• Specify only energy-efficient appliances (such as refrigerators) with the EnergyStar™ rating. Consider eliminating some appliances entirely, such as dishwashers and garbage disposals.
• Work with contractors who use the LEED for Homes™ rating system.
• Design and specify standard product sizes to reduce wasted material.
• Look ahead and take into account the recyclability of all materials. Will their “next life” be in the landfill?

Some products have been referred to as “natural” in the past, but are now known to possess toxic qualities. For example, pesticides can be used to grow cotton and some wool is processed with poisonous chemicals. Thanks to new government labeling requirements, better information about such products is becoming more widespread. A new vocabulary is emerging that can help designers in evaluating green interior design products and other products used for interior projects. For the time being, pay close attention and be sure to investigate so-called “natural” products closely to make sure that they are, in fact, truly natural.

Commercial Interiors

The LEED™ for Commercial Interiors (CI) rating system provides guidelines for tenant improvement projects in existing buildings. It has proven effective in reducing waste and energy usage, as well as providing a healthier indoor environment for workers. Green interior designers can incorporate some of the following design practices into commercial spaces:

• Create flexible floor plans that facilitate multiple uses and allow for simple reconfiguration in the future. Use a floor plan that maximizes the inflow of natural daylight and allows outdoor views from all occupied spaces.
• Provide well-equipped spaces for occupants to recycle glass, paper, metals and plastic. Situate the recycling spaces in convenient areas.
• Anticipate future renovations and attempt to render them unnecessary. People often renovate interior spaces that seem outdated, even if the materials are still useful and productive. Most renovation waste materials are sent directly to landfills.
• Use carpeting made from wool or recycled fiber. Choose woven carpeting with minimum backing material and avoid backing material made of petroleum products.
• Recycle old carpet through CARE (Carpet America Recovery Effort) or donate for re-use.
• Specify locally-manufactured materials in order to reduce the fossil fuel costs embodied in the transportation of construction materials.
• Make a focused effort to incorporate, energy-efficient, high-quality lighting. Combine lighting controls with adjustable window treatments to maximize lighting quality, minimize glare and reduce energy usage.
• Recommend the use of office equipment with the EnergyStar™ rating and specify a protocol for switching off equipment overnight.
• Specify products with low VOC ratings. Buy from companies that have had their products tested by GreenGuard™ or similar testing agencies.
• Schedule a vacancy flush-out period before building occupancy to allow for the dissipation of toxic fumes from new materials.
• Use solar power energy sources wherever possible.

By using these and other green interior design ideas, we can all do our part to contribute to the fast-growing industry of green design.

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But for those of you out there who don’t have a clue how to go about finding an expensive engagement ring, here’s a short handy guide for your benefit. Please use it wisely!

Diamonds Are Your Best Friend

When it comes to the most expensive engagement rings, diamonds reign supreme. As beautiful as rubies and sapphires might be, nothing beats the brilliance (and expense) of a flawlessly clear diamond. Diamond is the hardest and longest-lasting natural material known to exist. Therefore, it is the engagement ring of of choice by those looking to spend the biggest bucks.

Bigger Is More Expensive?

With diamonds, that’s not necessarily true. To truly push its price into the stratosphere, a diamond must have four factors that are perfect or nearly perfect. These are the four C’s: Cut, Clarity, Color, and Carats.

Of course the more carats a diamond has, the more expensive it tends to be. (One carat = 200 milligrams or 0.2 grams) But without a flawless cut and perfect clarity, more carats won’t help much. And on top of that, there’s the color. Very expensive engagement rings are made with perfectly colorless diamonds, or else diamonds sporting an exotic color like blue, yellow, or rarer still – pink. You can even find chocolate diamond jewelry, although brown is not the most expensive color for diamonds.

Go For Pink or Blue

The most expensive diamond engagement rings are colored in pink or blue. Of all the colored diamonds, pink is the most expensive of them all. It’s brilliance and sparkle makes it a truly remarkable stone. Blue is also quite rare, and very expensive too. Blue diamonds have a starting cost of about $30,000 per carat, while truly outstanding examples can run upwards of a quarter million dollars per carat.

Stick With Platinum

Another way to make the price skyrocket is to use platinum as the metal for the ring. Platinum is the strongest and most indestructible metal to be found, which makes it the most expensive metal to buy. Platinum will keep its brilliant sheen and luster for a long time, whereas women’s and mens white gold rings will need re-plating at some point, and yellow gold is even softer and more easily damaged. The most expensive engagement rings are made from platinum, because no other metal says “forever” like platinum does.

Oldies But Goodies

Then there are antique diamond engagement rings. These are perfect, and expensive, choices for anyone who values a gorgeous ring setting rendered in intricate detail. Especially when the setting is detailed around a very large, expensive diamond.

If you decide to buy an antique ring, you are likely to make an investment that increases in value over time because, quite literally, “they don’t make ‘em like they used to”. The incredible attention to detail evident with antique rings is considered way too expensive to duplicate today.

Start Saving Now

So how would you go about finding the most expensive engagement ring of all? Simple. Just look for a pink diamond set in exquisitely detailed antique platinum. So listen up, all good boyfriends (or girlfriends) ! Be on the lookout for lots of extra ways to make money and start saving it up right now, because a good marriage will last a lifetime. So naturally you will want to choose an expensive engagement ring that will last a lifetime with you.

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