Managing Anxiety & Panic Attacks with Clonazepam: My Experience

I have suffered from general anxiety for years, but within the past 6 months, my anxiety has gotten worse and I began to suffer from debilitating panic attacks. Because my symptoms were affecting my daily life, I decided to seek the advice of a psychiatrist to see if there were any treatments that might be good for me. Because of the nature of my anxiety, and because the frequency of my panic attacks was increasing, the doctor decided that I should try taking the prescription medication clonazepam (also known by the brand name Klonopin) to help with my anxiety.

Clonazepam is a fast acting anti-anxiety medication in a family of drugs known as benzodiazepines. While these drugs are extremely effective at reducing anxiety, they also have the potential to cause addiction, so it is very important to follow your doctor's instructions carefully when starting treatment with a drug like clonazepam. Your doctor will likely start you off at a low dose to see how you do, and then increase your dose if necessary. My doctor started me off at a dose of 0.5mg of clonazepam, twice a day. 

I was definitely surprised at how quickly the Klonopin affected me the first time I took it. Within a half hour of taking my first pill, I had a definite sense of calm, and noticed that I had absolutely no anxiety symptoms for the first time in months. The drug also made me feel a little "giddy," for lack of a better word. Based on how good I felt after taking the clonazepam tablet, I could definitely see why there was a potential for drugs like it to be abused and become addictive. 

I noticed a couple of hours after taking the clonazepam that I would become extremely sleepy. The first few days I was taking this anti-anxiety medicine, I found myself napping a lot. Luckily, the sleepiness and the initial "loopy-ness" after taking the pill quickly wore off as I became adjusted to the medication. I've been taking clonazepam daily for a few months now, and I can honestly say that it no longer makes me feel sleepy or "high" after I take it. 

Clonazepam has been extremely effective, however, at helping me manage my anxiety and stopping my frequent panic attacks. I've noticed that I'm much more calm since I started taking this drug, and I've gone from having several panic attacks per week to just one or two per month--a huge improvement for me! Overall, clonazepam has been a "lifesaver" for me, and has helped reduce my anxiety symptoms to a manageable level so I can get on with my daily life without being nervous and worried all of the time. 

Benzodiazepines like Klonopin and Xanax are not for everyone, and only your doctor can let you know if any particular medicine might be right for you. I feel like clonazepam has given me my life back, and I am happy that I found a doctor that was able to prescribe an anti-anxiety drug that worked for me. I don't think I want to take clonazepam forever due to the addictive potential, but it has certainly helped me get through a very "rough patch" of anxiety in my personal life.

How Long Does it Take to Have Verizon FiOS Service Installed?

Recently, I moved to a new home in a different city, and one of the things I was particularly excited about during my move was the fact that Verizon offered their new FiOS service in my new neighborhood. For those unfamiliar with the service, FiOS is basically a fiber optic line run directly to your home which allows you to get your phone, television, and high-speed internet service all from Verizon. As is true with many consumers, I have had very bad experiences with Comcast customer service, so I was excited to be able to get my cable television and internet through Verizon, a company which I have had nothing but positive experiences with. As soon as I found out FiOS was available at my new home, I ordered service through the Verizon website, but I was very surprised when I got my confirmation e-mail back from them. They said that the installation of FiOS would take between 4 and 6 hours. This seemed like a long time to have to stay at home while a technician installed service, but I was eager enough to get away from Comcast that I decided I would accept this minor inconvenience. 

Still, I couldn't help but wonder whether or not my Verizon FiOS cable and internet would really take 6 hours to install. The day of my installation came, and the technician showed up within his scheduled time slot, which I was very pleased with. The installation of FiOS was a little more involved than I expected it to be, I must say. The technician had to climb up a telephone pole outside of our house to run a fiber optic line to our home, and this took just over an hour. Then the technician needed to make sure our FiOS modem and set-top television boxes were set to receive the FiOS signal, which took about another hour. About 2 and a half hours after the technician arrived at my home, my Verizon FiOS internet and television services were up and running. 

I asked the Verizon technician if he was able to install my FiOS quicker than most peoples', and he said that I had a pretty typical installation. He also told me that Verizon quotes a 6 hour installation time just to be safe, but in the real world a FiOS installation almost never takes that long. So, if you've been wanting to order FiOS but have been put off by the 6 hour installation, you may want to reconsider. Chances are, the Verizon technician can have you all set up and ready to go with FiOS service in less than 3 hours.

Shaving Tips for Guys with Sensitive Skin

Call me a sissy or a pretty boy if you want to. But I take my shaving very seriously. While normal guys bring a can of shaving cream and a razor with them when they travel, I have to have a whole separate bag for all of my shaving tools. But there is good reason for this. When I first started shaving, I used to get horrible razor burn on my neck and then I would break out and get horrible acne where I shaved. Not a fun experience, needless to say.

It wasn't until I was 22 years old and became a direct sales consultant for "The Body Shop at Home" (a job I no longer hold) that I really learned the secrets to getting a good shave without irritation. If you're willing to change things up a bit and invest a little bit of money up front, you too can get a close shave without the razor burn. Here's how: 

• Ditch the can of shaving cream, and invest in a higher-end "shaving lotion" or "shaving soap."Shaving cream from cans is nothing more than a bunch of fluff, and the shaving gels are so thick they clog up your razor and make you press harder against the skin. What you want is a product that produces a nice, thick lather when combined with a little bit of water. Choose either a "bar" (usually a round disc) of shaving soap or a creamy shaving lotion that you can lather. I recommend the "For Men Shave Cream" from The Body Shop or Aveda's great line of shaving products. 
• Invest in a shaving brush and a small dish. Here's where things get weird for most guys. They are not used to having to use these tools in order to shave. A shaving brush is simply a small, bristle-haired brush that can be used wet to apply shaving lather to the face. You just put a <i>small</i> amount of your shaving product, or your bar of soap, into your small dish, wet the brush, then swirl the brush in a circular motion through the shaving product to get a good lather. Then you apply the lather to your face with the brush. This accomplishes two things. First off, the brush helps lift and separate the hairs from the surface of your face, making each stroke of the razor more effective and providing a closer shave. Second, the brush/dish combo provides a continuous source of lather that you can reapply throughout your shave. Doing a quick internet search for "shaving brush" should yield lots of places to buy a brush...I recommend going with a synthetic material instead of animal hair, because synthetics tend to last longer, are easier to clean, and don't tend to smell like animal-based brushes can after time.
• Take a shower and use a good face scrub to exfoliate your face before shaving. There are lots of good face scrubs out there...I like the "For Men Face Scrub" by The Body Shop. Taking a nice, hot shower softens the hair on your face and using a face scrub gets rid of dead skin cells and makes your razor glide across your face more smoothly. You'd be amazed what these two simple things will do towards helping you get a less irritating shave. 
• Use proper shaving technique. After getting out of the shower and drying off, step over to the sink and fill it up with water. Wet your face and the shaving brush. Add your shaving product to your shaving dish and work up a good lather...spread the lather all over your entire face. Use small, downward razor strokes (no more than ¾" at a time) and rinse your razor in the sink between each stroke. Always make sure you're using a relatively new, sharp razor blade (I prefer the Mach 3 by Gillette) and save your neck area for last...that's the area where the hairs are the coarsest by saving that area for last, you give the shaving product a chance to work to soften the hairs. 
• Use a good after-shave with a high alcohol content. After washing any remaining shaving product off your face and patting your skin dry with a clean towel, apply a generous amount of an alcohol-based aftershave product. This may burn a bit the first few times you do it, but trust me, you'll get used to it. The alcohol in the aftershave helps to sterilize your skin and close your pores, preventing razor burn. Aftershave products also have moisturizers to help keep your skin protected and looking young. 

By following these few simple steps, you'll find that you can shave as much as you (or your partner) wants without dealing with unsightly acne or razor burn. It may take a little bit longer to follow this regimen, but your great looking skin will be worth it in the long run.

Spice Curls Bar Soap from Lush Cosmetics: Product Review

It is very difficult for me to find a bar soap that I like. Most bar soaps I've tried leave my skin feeling tight or dried out, or else they don't leave my skin feeling clean. After a lot of trial and error, I decided to use Olay Soap with Shea Butter, because it can leave my skin feeling both clean and moist. While I like the feel of the Olay soap most of the time, sometimes I would like a product that I feel really deep cleans and exfoliates my skin when I use it. I had used some salt and sugar scrubs from The Body Shop in the past, but those products were inconvenient and messy to use. I wanted something simpler. Then, I was in my local Lush Handmade Cosmetics store to buy a massage bar, and the sales person put a sample of their Spice Curls bar soap in my bag for me to try out at home. 

A few days later, I decided to use the Spice Curls soap from Lush in the shower. Once I got the bar soap wet, I rubbed it directly on my skin and I could feel the exfoliating power of the soap. Spice Curls contains ground up cinnamon and nutmeg, and it turns out that this blend of natural crushed spices can be great for your skin. Along with the "grit" I could feel, I could also feel moisturizers and cleansers cleaning and conditioning my skin. After rubbing the Spice Curls bar over my body, there was enough product on my skin that I could put the bar down and work the product into my skin. The spices in the soap definitely made my skin feel smooth and clean, and I found that the product rinsed off nicely. 

When I got out of the shower and dried off, I really noticed how much dead skin the Lush Spice Curls bar soap had gotten off of my body. The product left me feeling smooth and soft all over, and very, very clean. My boyfriend said he noticed that the Spice Curls soap made me smell really good, which is no surprise since most products from Lush Cosmetics do. I would definitely recommend having some Spice Curls soap on hand if you want to have an all-natural product for when you really want a good rub down. Plus, all Lush products are vegetarian and are never tested on animals, so you can really feel good about using this soap. Spice Curls bar soap is available for $7.95 at all Lush Cosmetics stores or by visiting the Lush website.

Pandora Internet Radio: How to Make a Holiday Music Station

I love listening to holiday music! This year, I actually found my holiday music playlist in iTunes and listening to Christmas songs the day after Halloween. I get tired of the same Christmas songs all the time though, but I have found it can be difficult to find a good internet radio station with holiday music, especially early in the year when I like to start listening. This year, I set out to find a good holiday music internet radio station, when I stumbled across a blog posting that talked about how to set up a holiday music station on Pandora Internet Radio. 

For those of you not familiar with the service, Pandora Internet Radio is a customizable, and (mostly) free streaming music service that many people already use and enjoy. To get started, just go to the pandora.com website. If you haven't used Pandora before, you will be asked for the name of an artist or song that you like. There are two ways to listen to Christmas songs on Pandora. Either type in the name of a Christmas song that you like and select the closest match in the drop down box. Or, try typing an artist that you like followed by the word "holiday" (Example: 'Whitney Houston holiday') and then select the artist match in the drop down box. For current users of Pandora, the process is the same, except instead of registering for an account you create a new station, using either the title of a Christmas song or the name of your favorite artist followed by the word "holiday." 

Once you have your streaming holiday station set up on Pandora, the real fun begins. If you like a song that Pandora plays, give it a "thumbs up" and Pandora will play more songs like it. On the other hand, if you dislike a particular song, give it a "thumbs down" and it will never be played on your internet radio station again. The more you listen to your holiday music on Pandora, the better the service will get at only playing songs you like. The best part about listening to Christmas music online through Pandora Radio is that, unlike with other services, you can stream holiday music at anytime of year. So if you need a little pick-me-up mid-year, or are having a "Christmas in July" party, you'll be able to access your holiday music station on Pandora and hear great Christmas songs whenever you want.

I Miss This Place...

Does anyone remember the Franklin Covey store at the mall?  It was back when "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" was really popular.  I remember going around 1998 or 1999 to the store at the mall in Columbia, MD.  I bought a really cool day planner...my favorite one I've ever used!  I think I also bought some audio CDs there, too (I'm a big audiobook fan!).

I was just looking online and it looks like they closed down all the Franklin Covey stores.  I would have thought it would have done well at the Columbia Mall.  But maybe there's just not enough demand for day planners and self-improvement materials in that kind of a retail environment.  I see Franklin Covey does offer an online store, so I think I might look for my 2016 day planner on their website! :)

Lunesta Vs. Ambien: Which is the Better Sleep Aid?

If you have been having trouble sleeping, chances are your doctor has recommended a prescription sleep aid to help you with your insomnia. Two of the most popular sleeping prescriptions are Lunesta and Ambien. But which drug is the right one for you? Here, we'll look at the pros and cons of each of these popular prescription medicines. 

Ambien, which is also known by the generic name zolpidem, has been used in the United States for more than a decade to treat mild-to-moderate cases of insomnia. Ambien works quickly, causing many people to fall asleep within 15-30 minutes of taking the pill. Ambien can be taken on an empty or a full stomach, although it may take longer to work if taken on a full stomach. The drug is meant to be taken for a short period of time (less than two weeks usually), and has not been approved for long-term use. Users should know that Ambien is meant to help you fall asleep, but it does not do much to prevent you from waking after you fall asleep, and thus may not be as effective for people who have problems with waking during the night. Because Ambien is available as generic zolpidem, the cost of getting a prescription filled is usually minimal for those with some form of health insurance. 

Lunesta, on the other hand, has only been approved for use in the United States for a few years. Like Ambien, Lunesta acts quickly to help you fall asleep, but Lunesta can also help keep you from waking in the middle of the night. Lunesta must be taken on an empty stomach--in my experience, the pill will not work if it is taken when there is food in the stomach. Lunesta is also approved for long-term use for up to six months if needed. Lunesta is a brand-name prescription only, so some insurance companies may not cover it unless you try a cheaper option first, and the co-pay will almost definitely be higher than with generic zolpidem. 

When it comes to side effects, I didn't experience significant problems with either drug. I had zero side effects with Ambien, and the only side effect I had with Lunesta was a slight bitter taste in my mouth the morning after taking the drug which quickly went away on its own. Some people say they feel groggy the day after taking one of these medications, but actually woke up feeling more refreshed and alert than I normally would. Both medications can be habit forming, so it is important to take them exactly as prescribed and for the smallest amount of time possible. Some studies indicate that Lunesta may be less addictive than Ambien, but so far these have been inconclusive and more research is needed. 

In terms of which medicine is better, for me I would have to say it is Ambien. I like not having to worry about what I eat at night, knowing it won't affect the effectiveness of my sleep aid. I also like that it is a relatively cheap medicine, and has a long track-record of safe use. Lunesta and Ambien both help me sleep about the same, so the rest of those factors "tip the scales" towards zolpidem. Only a doctor can help you decide which sleep medicine is the right one to try, but the information in this article can give you some idea of the kinds of questions you'll want to ask in order to find a medication that works for you.

Review: Dentemp O.S. Temporary Tooth Filling

A few weeks ago, I had the extremely unpleasant experience of having a dental filling which had been placed in my wisdom tooth fall out while I was eating. I knew as soon as it fell out, because immediately a surge of pain shot through my face and throughout my head. It was absolutely awful. I immediately headed to the drugstore and bought some Anbesol gel, which certainly numbed the pain as soon as I applied it. The problem with Anbesol (and other oral numbing agents like it) is that it doesn't actually do anything to solve the problem; instead, it simply numbs the pain, and unfortunately it wears off quickly so it needs to be reapplied frequently. 

I knew it was going to take me a couple of weeks to save up enough money to get to a dentist, and I needed a more permanent "fix" for my lost filling in the meantime. I headed back to the drugstore and looked more closely at the Oral Care aisle. It was during this second trip to the drugstore that I found a product called "Dentemp O.S. Temporary Tooth Filling." The package contained a small vial of putty and a white "scoop," and it stated that I could use the putty to create a temporary filling so strong I could eat on it. It also promised immediate pain relief. At $4.59, I was quite skeptical of these claims, but I was desperate to ease my tooth pain, so I decided to go ahead and buy it. 

The directions were relatively straight forward. After rinsing my mouth with water to remove any loose particles, I was supposed to take a small amount of the putty material out of the vial with the white scoop and roll it into a little ball. Then, with my fingers, I would just press the putty into the hole created by the lost filling, remove the excess material, then rinse my mouth with water once again to "set" the temporary filling. Easy enough. 

When I got the putty in my hands, it reminded me very much of the "sticky tack" material we used to use in elementary school to hang things on the wall. When I went to put the Dentemp O.S. material in my mouth, I was surprised how easy it was to fill the hole in my tooth completely and remove the excess material with just the pressure of my finger. After just a few seconds of working with the Dentemp material, the temporary filling was in place and my tooth once again had a smooth, closed surface instead of a gaping hole. Even more noticeable was the fact that as soon as the Dentemp was in place, my tooth pain subsided immediately. I was very impressed. 

I waited a few hours before trying to eat anything, but when I did, the Dentemp temporary filling stayed in place just like the package said it would. The temporary filling also held up to repeated brushings, which I found especially impressive. My Dentemp filling didn't really start to chip until about a week after I put it in place, which was easily remedied by just placing a very small amount of the material over the chip. The single vial I bought said it has enough Dentemp material to replace 10 lost fillings, but based on the amount I used, I think it could actually replace many, many more...you need such a small amount, it is almost unbelievable. 

With the help of Dentemp O.S. Temporary Tooth Filling, I was able to wait 3 weeks to see a dentist when I lost my filling with relatively little discomfort. I still find it hard to believe how such an inexpensive, unassuming little product I almost looked over could work so well. If you have lost a filling and need to buy yourself some time to get to the dentist, I would highly recommend this product from Dentemp. For less than five dollars, I promise it will be one of the best purchases you will ever make.

Which Dance Pad is Best for Dance Dance Revolution?

Years ago, I was walking past the arcade in the mall when I saw someone playing the video game "Dance Dance Revolution" (also known as "DDR"), and I was immediately mesmerized. I couldn't believe that anyone could actually keep up with the arrows scrolling speedily along with the music, and I knew I wanted to learn how to play the game. I picked up a Dance Dance Revolution disc for my Playstation 2, and a soft, fold-up dance pad was included with the game. For quite a while this soft dance pad sufficed, and slowly but surely I taught myself how to play the game. As I began to get better and move on to harder levels, however, I realized there were some problems with the soft dance pad. 

For starters, the soft pad was made out of extremely lightweight material, so it would slip around on my floor and move out from under my feet. The harder and faster the DDR dance steps got, the more I noticed the problem with the dance pad slipping and moving around. Also, although the soft pad had arrows printed on it to show you where to step, it wasn't necessarily apparent where the sensor was contained in the soft pad, so sometimes I would make a dance step correctly but it wouldn't be registered and Dance Dance Revolution would show that I missed the step. This became very frustrating as I got better at DDR, since often times this problem would cause a long combo to end and would ultimately lower my score and dance rating. 

Frustrated, I began to search the internet for a better Dance Dance Revolution dance pad. It didn't take me long to discover that there are many, many third-party dance pads available for the various game consoles. Many of these pads were simply modified versions of the soft dance pad I already had. But a few of the DDR pads I saw were actually solid, made out of metal or plastic. These hard dance pads had the huge advantage of weighing enough that they wouldn't slip or move from underneath me while I was playing the video game. Also, the hard dance pads had large buttons that you press with your feet as you dance, so there is never any question as to whether or not you're hitting the sensor or whether a step you make will be registered. I knew if I was serious about Dance Dance Revolution I would need a better Dance Pad, so I went ahead and ordered a hard plastic model. 

Once I received my hard dance pad, the difference in my game scores was like night and day. I could do much better on the DDR songs with the hard dance pad, and I found that the super-fast songs became much easier once I had the proper equipment. The hard dance pads don't fold up and are rather large, so they're not the best for traveling with, but if you primarily intend to play Dance Dance Revolution in your own home, I would highly recommend purchasing a hard dance pad. The pads made out of plastic are cheaper than the ones made out of metal, and you should be able to find a good quality hard dance pad for less than $100 if you search the internet for a good deal. I never though that the dance pad I was using could make such a big difference, but if you are a big DDR fan, you'll definitely want to ditch your soft dance pad and replace it with a plastic or metal one.

How to Get the Nicotrol Inhaler Without a Prescription

In recent years, a number of smoking cessation products have hit the over-the-counter market. In America, you can now buy the nicotine patch, nicotine gum, or nicotine lozenges right from your local pharmacy or mass retailer without the need to first get a prescription from a doctor. This over-the-counter status for nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) is no doubt responsible for many, many people using them and quitting smoking. There are still two nicotine replacement therapies that do require a prescription from a doctor in America: the Nicotrol Inhaler and Nicotrol Nasal Spray. Many smokers are interested in trying the Nicotrol Inhaler (which delivers a low, safe dose of nicotine via a mouthpiece that mimics a cigarette) but haven't because they have needed a prescription. 

On my last quit attempt, I was extremely interested in trying out the Nicotrol Inhaler, as I have used nicotine gum and patches in the past without much success. I was ready to go to my doctor to ask for a prescription for the nicotine inhaler, but I decided to do some research on the internet about it first. As it turns out, the Nicotrol Inhaler is sold in many, many foreign countries as the "Nicorette Inhaler." The Nicotrol Inhaler and the Nicorette Inhaler are exactly the same--they use the exact same mouthpiece that holds the exact same nicotine cartridges. The only reason for the name difference in America is the prescription status of the nicotine inhaler. Most other countries have approved the nicotine inhaler as safe for over-the-counter consumption, but the United States FDA has not yet decided to make it over-the-counter. 

There is a huge difference in price between the Nicotrol and Nicorette Inhalers, however. As a prescription product, the Nicotrol Inhaler sells for about $100 for everything you'll need to use the device for about a week. In Canada, the exact same product sells for about $40 USD. So, I did what most reasonable consumers would do and purchased the product from a Canadian website. Since the product is over-the-counter in Canada, I didn't need a prescription, and I was able to save myself a lot of money when compared to the Nicotrol Inhaler. 

If you are thinking about trying the Nicotrol Inhaler to quit smoking, you should definitely look at importing it from Canada. Not only will you save money on the product itself, but you can also save yourself a trip to the doctor's office. The Nicorette Inhaler is packaged with clear directions to help you get the most from the product, and most people do not need a doctor to understand how to use the device.

Pretty Good Day

I've been depressed recently, but today was actually a pretty good day.  I woke up early and in a good mood...got myself out of the house and ran some much needed errands.  When I got home in the afternoon, I was able to put several hours worth of work into my blogs (yes!  Blogs...as in plural.  More on that in a future post!)  I took a little nap, had a wicked healthy dinner, and then even did some more writing and watched a little TV.  That might sound like a boring day to some, but compared to just spending the day in bed (which is what I had been doing), it's actually refreshing and fulfilling to get some stuff accomplished.

How was YOUR day?  Let me know in the comments box...I'd love to hear from my readers!

Will Zithromax Cure Strep Throat?

Very recently, like a lot of people in America, I got sick. It started with a fever, and then progressed to a sore throat and stuffiness. I figured I had gotten the flu, but I got concerned when my fever wasn't going away after a few days, so I decided to go to a local clinic to make sure it was just the flu. While I was there, they did a throat culture to test for strep throat. The in-office rapid strep test came back negative, but the culture that was sent off to a lab ended up testing positive for the strep bacteria. A doctor from the clinic called me and told me I should start taking penicillin to treat the strep throat, so I picked up my prescription and began antibiotic treatment. 

After 5 days on penicillin, however, my strep throat still wasn't cured, as I still had a lingering low-grade fever and a sore throat. I called the clinic and told the doctor who had written my penicillin prescription that I wasn't getting better. The doctor agreed to put me on a stronger antibiotic called Zithromax (the generic version is called azithromycin). I wanted to get better quickly so I was glad to be placed on a stronger antibiotic for my strep throat. 

A course of treatment with Zithromax is just 5 days, instead of 10 days like penicillin. The package stated that 5 doses of azithromycin is equivalent to 30 or more doses of a conventional antibiotic. For most people, you'll take 2 pills of Zithromax at once on the first day followed by 1 pill per day for 4 days, however be sure to follow the instructions the doctor gives you with your prescription. The package of Zithromax also stated that azithromycin taken days 1-5 keeps working days 6-10, so it stays active in your body a while after you stop taking it, which is great for stubborn cases of strep throat and other infections. 

I'm happy to report that within 24 hours of taking my first dose of Zithromax, my sore throat began to subside and my fever went away completely. Penicillin will cure many cases of strep throat, but not all of them. If you don't start feeling better within 48 hours of starting antibiotics for strep throat, you should call your doctor and see if a stronger antibiotic like Zithromax might be appropriate for you.

iPod Touch: How Long Does it Take to Fully Charge the Battery?

This year for my birthday, I was extremely fortunate to receive an iPod Touch from my boyfriend. The iPod Touch was a replacement for my iPod Nano, and within a few minutes of playing with it, I knew the iPod Touch was definitely not even in the same league as my iPod Nano. You can do all sorts of thing on an iPod Touch, like check your e-mail, surf the web, and even browse Facebook. Because it's so much more than a music player, I was concerned about the battery life on my iPod Touch. I figured the battery would probably drain a lot faster than my other iPod, so I always wanted to make sure the battery on my iPod Touch was fully charged whenever I left the house.

Then I began to wonder just how long it would actually take to completely charge the battery on my iPod Touch. So I decided to try a little experiment. I let the battery on my iPod Touch die completely, so that the iPod would not even power on. Then I plugged it in. As with most electronic devices, the battery on the iPod Touch is charged in two stages. The first stage is a "Quick Charge," which means that the battery on your iPod Touch can get an 80% charge by being plugged in for about 40 minutes. Once the battery reaches the 80% level, the charging switches to a "trickle charge." This means that while your iPod Touch can be charged to 80% relatively quickly, it will take much longer to get it up to a 100% charge. In my experiment, I found that it took about two additional hours for the iPod to go from being 80% charged to 100% charged. 

So overall, I had to leave my iPod plugged in for just over 3 hours for its battery to be fully charged. I was using a wall charger for my experiment, because when I just plug the iPod into a USB port on my computer it seems to charge slower. If you want your iPod Touch to charge as fast as possible, I would definitely recommend purchasing a wall charger which should cost less than $20. Once your iPod is fully charged, you should be able to get about 8-10 hours of heavy use out of it.

If You're Young and Going Bald, Talk to Your Doctor

Growing up, I thought that I was invincible. I was rarely sick growing up, never hospitalized, and in general experienced great health. I thought that I would never get old. Boy, it sure didn't take long for life to smack me in the face with a major reality check. At the ripe old age of 22, I began to lose my hair. 

At first, I just noticed a few hairs falling out here and there. Then, I noticed my hairline starting to creep back and my forehead starting to get bigger and bigger. But, I thought that I was really the only one that noticed. Then one night I was out at a bar having a drink and the bartender, who is a friend of mine, said "Hey, Rob, you know, I think you're going bald." That sealed the deal...something had to be done. 

I did some research and quickly figured out that 99% of the "baldness remedies" out there are a bunch of crap....I knew early on that I would be sticking to one of the handful of FDA-approved hair loss treatment options. Not wanting to have to see a doctor, the first one I tried was Rogaine (minoxidil), a topical treatment that is available over the counter. With in a few days, I knew that Rogaine wasn't going to work for me...I found that it made my hair greasy and having to apply it twice a day was extremely inconvenient. I knew that I needed another option. 

After a few more hours of internet research, I decided to take the plunge and talk to a doctor about getting a prescription for Propecia, the only FDA-approved pill to treat male hair loss. I didn't really have a primary care doctor at the time, so I looked on the Propecia website and found the doctor on their list that was closest to me. He happened to be a dermatologist. I called and scheduled an appointment a few weeks out. 

The "big day" of my appointment arrived and I was nervous...I certainly wasn't "bald" by any stretch of the imagination and I thought that the doctor was going to look at me like I was crazy. Fortunately, my fears were unfounded. The doctor agreed that I was in the very beginning states of male pattern baldness and that I might benefit from trying Propecia. After a quick 10 minute discussion, I left with a prescription for a year of Propecia in my hand and a lot of hope that my hair loss could be stopped, if not reversed. 

While I don't have the time or credentials to discuss all the side-effects, benefits, and limitations of a prescription drug in this article, Merck, the manufacturer of Propecia, maintains an excellent website.  In addition, your doctor would be more than happy to give you all the information you need to make an informed decision.

I got the prescription filled, and it wasn't cheap. Insurance does not cover Propecia, so you have to pay the full price out of pocket, and I find that it generally costs me about $60 a month. As soon as I got my hands on my prescription, I began dutifully taking one pill of Propecia every morning as prescribed...and then I waited. And waited. And waited some more. 

Three months into it, I was ready to give up....even though the doctor had told me that most people don't see any results for at least 6 months. My brother encouraged me to keep taking it, noting that I had already invested a lot of money and another month or two wasn't going to break the bank. I'm so happy that I listened to him. 

At about 4 and a half months, something amazing started to happen. All of a sudden, I noticed that you couldn't see my scalp near the front of my head any more...the hair was starting to get thicker. I also noticed that I didn't have nearly as much hair falling out. Within a few more months, I noticed that my hair was noticeably thicker all over and my hairline was beginning to return to its "normal" position. 

For me, Propecia has been a wonder drug. A year and a half after I started taking it, I no longer even give any thought to losing my hair (except when I'm shelling out money for the pills). My hair loss has been completely reversed, and I don't feel like I'll be going bald any time soon. I know Propecia might not work for everyone, but for me it did and I want to shout it from the rooftops. 

I promise that I'm not some sort of paid writer for Merck or anything of the sort. I'm just a young guy who was losing my hair, and now I'm not and I think more guys my age should know about their treatment options. Even if Propecia isn't right for you, there may be other treatment options that are. You'll never know unless you ask. 

The fact of the matter is, the earlier you start treating your hair loss, the more likely it is that you'll have hair in the future. That's a proven, scientific fact. Get over the hour or two of "embarrassment" that you're afraid of, talk to your doctor, and find out if Propecia is right for you. Ten years from now when you have a full head of hair, you'll be glad that you did. 

The 3 Best Hair Styling Products for Guys with Thinning Hair

As much as we don't want to admit it, the fact is that most guys will have to deal with thinning hair at some point in their lives. While there are some effective medical treatments for hair loss, they don't work for every man and many people find them too expensive to use consistently. Whether or not you are attempting to stop or reverse your hair loss, the proper hair style can make your thinning hair much less noticeable to the world. Of course, the proper hair style starts with the proper styling products. Here is my list of the 3 best hair styling products for men experiencing thinning hair, along with the reasons I like each product so much:  

1. Thickening Lotion by American Crew - This is probably my favorite styling product for thinning hair, because it seems to add actual volume and thickness to the hair, instead of just "fluffing it up." To use the Thickening Lotion, just apply a small amount of product to your hands, then run your fingers through your hair. As you work the product in, you'll notice your hair becoming thicker and more difficult to run your fingers through-this means that it is actually working. Just be sure to only use a small amount of Thickening Lotion at one time, as too much of the product can make your hair appear greasy or dirty. 

2. Fiber by American Crew - This styling product, made by the same company, allows you to achieve a more noticeable, "funky" hair style than you can with the Thickening Lotion alone. To use Fiber, you apply a small amount of product to your finger tips, then apply it to select pieces or "chunks" of hair to achieve your desired style. I find that Fiber works best when I use it in conjunction with the Thickening Lotion, since the lotion serves to add volume to the hair while the Fiber holds your chosen hair style in place. Also, Fiber will never make your hair shiny or oily, like many other styling products can. This lack of shine and oil is particularly important if you have thinning hair, as a "matte finish" will give the illusion of fuller, thicker hair. The American Crew Fiber (which costs around $15) and the Thickening Lotion (which should set you back less than ten bucks) are available at your local, upscale salon or wherever American Crew products are sold. 

3. Pure Abundance Hair Potion by Aveda - This is the most recent hair styling product that I have started using, and I must say that it is really growing on me. The unique thing about the product is that it starts out in powder form, but when you rub it in your hands, it becomes somewhat of a liquid paste. Like the other products, just a little bit of the Pure Abundance Hair Potion will go a long way, and like Fiber, the Hair Potion will allow to achieve your desired style without weighing down your hair. This product also seems to absorb some of the natural oils from the hair, so it is especially good for styling your hair if it hasn't been washed very recently. The Aveda Pure Abundance Hair Potion is $18.99 for a small bottle (making it the most expensive product in this review), and this product is available exclusively from Aveda retail stores, salons and spas or through their website at www.aveda.com. (Readers should also note that neither Aveda nor American Crew tests their products on animals, so both of these hair care lines are completely "cruelty free.") 

Losing your hair can be an unpleasant experience, but it is a problem that most men find they will need to deal with at some point in their lives. If your hair has started falling out, the right hair style can really help to improve your appearance and make your thinning hair less noticeable. The right hair style starts with the right hair products, and I hope this article has given some guidance as to which products to use if your hair is thinning.

Archer Farms Black Pepper & Sea Salt Potato Chips: Product Review

I have always been a big fan of salty snacks, especially chips. I would take a bag of potato chips or Doritos over ice cream or cookies any day of the week. When it comes to potato chips, plain ones were never my favorite. I love all the different flavors of potato chips, especially barbecue and salt & vinegar. I usually purchase Utz or Lay's brand chips at the store because that's what I grew up with. 

Then, about a year ago, I was browsing through my local Target super store and noticed that they carried their own brand of chips called Archer Farms. The Archer Farms potato chips were available in around 10 different flavors, including tempting ones like Buffalo Wings and Black Pepper & Sea Salt. From the picture on the bag, it looks as though they were more like kettle-style chips than regular potato chips, and normally I don't care for kettle-cooked chips. But, the Archer Farms potato chips were on sale for two dollar per bag, which was a full $1.50 cheaper than the national brand potato chips, so I decided to pick up a bag of the Archer Farms chips and try them out. 

When I got home and went to open the Archer Farms Black Pepper & Sea Salt potato chips, the first thing I noticed was that the bag was designed much better than an ordinary potato chip bag. Rather than just tearing open the seam at the top of the bag, the Archer Farms chips actually featured a resealable "ziploc-type" zipper which I really liked. The potato chips smelled wonderful and seemed fresh. When I bit into the first chip, I was surprised that it was very crunchy but not as crunchy as other kettle-cooked chips I had had in the past. The flavoring was also perfect, giving the chips just a bit of a kick and making them a quick, savory snack for anytime of day. 

Since then, the Archer Farms Black Pepper & Sea Salt chips have become one of my favorite snacks, and I make sure to pick up a few bags whenever I go to Target. They taste better than the national brands and come with a cheaper price tag. The regular price for a bag of Archer Farms chips is $2.69, however they are often on sale for $1.50 to $2.00 so you can save money by stocking up then. Archer Farms also makes baked potato chips for those who would prefer a healthy alternative. If you are a potato chip lover like me, head to your local Target and try a bag of Archer Farms potato chips...you'll be glad you did!

How to Make a Temporary Filling for Your Tooth

Losing a filling from one of your teeth can be one of the most painful experiences ever. A few years ago, I had the unpleasant experience of losing a filling that had been place in one of my molars about a year earlier, and it really hurt. Almost immediately after losing my feeling, I could feel a shooting pain going through my jaw and into my head, and taking several Advil didn't really seem to put much of a dent in my tooth pain. Someone suggested I try a numbing gel like Anbesol, which I did. The Anbesol helped for a little while, but after a half an hour or so the pain would return, sometimes worse than before. It was going to be a while before I could get into my dentist, so I knew a more permanent solution to my lost filling was required.  

I did some research on the internet, and it turns out you can actually make a temporary filling for your tooth out of several products that are currently sold over-the-counter in drugstores. I headed to the oral care aisle in my local Rite Aid store, and sure enough, right next to the Anbesol were several temporary tooth filling products. They were all about the same price, so I picked the one that looked the best to me which was called Dentemp OS. Once I had the right product, replacing my lost filling was a relatively easy process. I just had to take a small dab of the temporary filling putty, roll it into a ball, and press the ball of putty into the hole in my tooth created by the lost filling. The Dentemp OS temporary filling filled up the tooth hole very nicely, and left it feeling smooth and unexposed. 

Almost immediately after putting the temporary tooth filling in place, my tooth pain subsided. Many temporary tooth filling products have a pain relief ingredient dissolved in them that work directly on the exposed nerves in the tooth. The temporary tooth filling held up very well, for several days and through many tooth brushings. After 5 days or so, the temporary filling did begin to chip away, but this was easily remedied by putting just a bit more of the Dentemp OS product to cover up the chips. If you've recently lost a filling in your teeth and are looking for pain relief, check out some of the temporary tooth fillings available at your local drugstore. They're obviously not a long-term solution, but for a few dollars they can have you feeling a lot better until you are able to get in to see a dentist. 

Doxylamine Succinate Vs. Diphenhydramine: Which is the Better Sleep Aid?

Lack of sleep can significantly affect your performance at work and in your personal life, and no one likes to have a sleepless night. For bouts of occasional sleeplessness, over-the-counter sleep aids are available. Some of these sleep aids just contain herbal supplements like melatonin and valerian root, but most over-the-counter sleeping pills contain a medicinal active ingredient. Common sleeping pills that fall into this category are Nytol, Unisom, and Tylenol P.M. All of these OTC sleep aids contain an antihistamine that is known for inducing drowsiness, and these antihistamines are generally considered safer and less habit forming than prescription drugs like Ambien and Lunesta. 

Among the over-the-counter sleeping pills, one of two antihistamine ingredients is used: diphenhydramine (sometimes listed as diphenhydramine hydrochloride) or doxylamine succinate. Diphenhydramine is the ingredient most frequently used, and is found in most formulations of Tylenol P.M. and Nytol. Most people report feeling drowsy after a normal dose of diphenhydramine, although this drowsiness can range from very slight to incredibly pronounced. Many people require just one dose to be able to fall asleep, although some people need a second dose in order to be able to sleep on some evenings. Diphenhydramine is eliminated quickly, and most users don't experience any lingering grogginess from the medicine the next day. Tolerance to this particular antihistamine builds up quickly, though, and it loses it's effectiveness as a sleep aid after just a few nights of repeated use. 

Doxylamine succinate, on the other hand, is one of the most sedating antihistamines available over-the-counter, and a single dose causes rapid and marked drowsiness in the vast majority of individuals. Doxylamine succinate is eliminated somewhat more slowly from the body than diphenhydramine hydrochloride, so while it will help you stay asleep longer, it may have somewhat of a "hangover" effect the next day. Unlike diphenhydramine, most people don't develop any tolerance to the sedating effects of doxylamine succinate, so it may be a better choice for people who need to use an OTC sleep-aid more frequently. 

Diphenhydramine tends to be cheaper than doxylamine succinate, and the lack of hangover effects makes it an ideal first-choice for those who have never used an OTC sleep aid. If, however, a diphenhydramine sleeping pill doesn't seem to cure your insomnia, you may want to give a doxylamine succinate based pill a try. Over-the-counter sleep aids shouldn't be used for longer than 2 weeks, and if your sleeplessness lasts longer than that, you'll want to see a doctor as it could be a sign of a more serious medical condition. For most people, though, one of the two antihistamine-based medicines covered here should solve most sleep problems. Store brand sleeping pills contain the same active ingredients as the brand name versions, so you can usually save money by looking for a generic alternative. 

Zoloft Versus Lexapro: My Experiences with Two Popular Anti-Depressant Medications

Many people find that they go through a time where they need an anti-depressant medication at some point during their lives, and deciding which medicine to take can be a very confusing and daunting decision. Zoloft and Lexapro are two popular anti-depressant options, and when patients begin treatment with medication, they are often started on one of these two drugs. I have personal experience with both of these medicines, and in this article I'll compare the pros and cons of both Zoloft and Lexapro. 

When I was 16 years old, I experienced my first bout of depression and was prescribed Zoloft by a child psychiatrist. I didn't really know what to expect, and for a few weeks after starting the medicine, I couldn't feel much of an effect at all. After about 4 weeks of taking Zoloft, however, I noticed things were getting better. I moved to a new high school, and soon my depression began to lift. After about 6 months of treatment, I was well enough to stop taking the Zoloft and I figured my problems with depression were behind me. 

A few years later, however, I started my freshman year at college and my depression began to return, worse than before. I sought help at the college counseling canter, and after a few sessions with a psychologist, I was referred to the school medical clinic to get a prescription for anti-depressants. Since I had done well on Zoloft when I was younger, the doctor decided I should give it another try, and I immediately resumed taking a daily dose of Zoloft. 

Again, I didn't notice much of an effect at first, but within a few weeks my depression began to lift. As I continued my treatment with Zoloft however, I began to experience some strange side effects. The first thing I noticed was that I began to feel emotionally numb. Although I was happy that I wasn't hopelessly depressed, I noticed that nothing really seemed to upset me anymore--even things that it would be perfectly normal & healthy to get upset about. I also wasn't feeling particularly happy about anything, even things that were really exciting going on in my life. I really did just feel numb to the world. 

The other troubling side effect I experienced with Zoloft was sexual in nature. (Note to readers: if you don't want the details, please skip ahead to the next paragraph.) Before starting Zoloft, I was your typical 18 year old guy with my fair share of partners, and I never had any trouble having a fulfilling sex life. Shortly after starting Zoloft, however I began to have the frustrating experience of being unable to have an orgasm. No matter how hard I tried (and believe me, I tried), I could not reach a climax. At first, I began to think something was seriously wrong with me and I got scared. I started searching around on the internet, and discovered sexual side effects like I had been experiencing were actually quite common with Zoloft. In fact, Zoloft causes sexual side effects more frequently than many other anti-depressants that are currently on the market. At least I knew it wasn't a problem only affecting me. 

After a few more months of taking Zoloft, I decided that the side effects weren't worth it and I soon stopped taking it. I was actually okay for almost two years, but then the intense depression returned and I new it was once again time to seek medical help. I went to a psychiatrist, and after sharing with her my experience with Zoloft, she decided she would start me on a different anti-depressant called Lexapro. I was nervous about Lexapro since the information the pharmacist gave me said it could potentially cause the same side effects, but I needed help, so I decided I would at least give it a chance. 

The first thing I noticed about the Lexapro was how quickly I began to feel better. Within a few days of starting treatment, that all too familiar ''cloud of depression" definitely started to lift. This surprised me since it was always several weeks before I started to feel better on Zoloft. Encouraged, I decided to keep talking Lexapro, but I was still worried that unpleasant side effects could start at any time.

So I waited... then I waited some more. But as the weeks and months went by, no side effects emerged. I kept feeling good and the Lexapro definitely seemed to keep my depression at bay. After doing some research, I learned that Lexapro has a very low incidence of side effects and is very well-tolerated by the majority of individuals. My doctor has recommended that I keep taking Lexapro indefinitely, and while I am a little uncomfortable with the idea of having to take a pill every day for the rest of my life, Lexapro seems to have great efficacy with minimal-to-no side effects, which helps to set my mind at ease. 

While only your doctor can decide which medication is appropriate to treat your depression, I have found Lexapro to be a far superior choice to Zoloft. Lexapro seems to work better and much faster than Zoloft, and it also seems to cause far fewer side effects. If you've experienced side effects while taking Zoloft, you should take the time to ask your doctor if a switch to Lexapro might be right for you. If you're anything like me, your quality of life will improve so much that you'll be disappointed you didn't make the switch from Zoloft sooner.

Wiccy Magic Muscles Massage Bar from Lush Cosmetics: Product Review

My boyfriend and I are big fans of giving each other massages every so often. A massage is a great way to relieve stress, help your partner relax, and increase physical intimacy between you and the one you love. Over the past year, I've found that the best massage is one that involves a lotion or oil of some sort. These products allow your hands to glide more easily over your partner's skin and heighten the sensations of the massage itself. 

I usually use a bottle of massage oil from Aveda when I give my boyfriend a massage, however I find that sometimes it is hard to control the amount of oil dispensed from the bottle and it can create a mess. One day, I was at a local mall and decided to browse a store I had never been in before called Lush Cosmetics. It was there I found a product called the Wiccy Magic Muscles Massage Bar. Intrigued, my boyfriend and I decided to purchase one and give it a try. 

The Wiccy Magic Massage Bar is about the size of a large bar of soap and is made primarily from cocoa butter. The massage bar actually melts at the temperature of body heat, so when you hold it in your hand you can immediately feel the bar softening and releasing it's oils. One side of the Wiccy Magic bar from Lush is smooth, while the other side has a layer of coffee beans. The coffee bean side of the Lush massage bar is great to rub over sore muscles and to provide a unique massage sensation, whereas the smooth side is better for applying a thicker layer of the massage oils contained in the bar. 

I really enjoy giving massages with the Wiccy Magic Massage Bar from Lush Cosmetics. It is much easier to control than a bottle of massage oil, and I found that it made my hand glide more easily over skin without being too slippery. My boyfriend also enjoyed the sensation of the coffee beans on his skin very much. All products that Lush Cosmetics sell are hand-made and never tested on animals. All Lush products are vegetarian and most are vegan, so you can use their products with a clear conscience. Lush Cosmetics are available in Lush shops around the world or online at www.lush.com. The 2.4oz Wiccy Magic Muscles Massage Bar is sold by Lush for $8.95 and is well-worth the price. If you like to give or receive massages, I would highly recommend picking up a Wiccy Magic Massage Bar and giving it a try.

How to Use Selsun Blue Shampoo to Treat Tinea Versicolor Inexpensively

Several years ago when I was attending college, a strange skin rash began to appear on my chest. It started out as a small, blotchy patch but quickly spread out over my torso. The rash wasn't painful, although it was itchy at times. As time went on, however, the rash grew more and more unsightly. Finally, I decided to go see the doctor to find out what was going on. 

The doctor told me the skin rash was tinea versicolor, which is a very common condition. Tinea versicolor is caused by a fungus on the skin and affects millions of people in the US alone. Most people are naturally immune to the fungus which causes tinea versicolor, but some people's immune systems are unable to fight off the fungus, allowing the fungus to multiply and cause a characteristic rash on the skin. Luckily, tinea versicolor can be treated by applying an antifungal cream to the affected area. The doctor wrote me a prescription for the cream and I was on my way. 

When I got to the pharmacy, I found out the cream used to treat tinea versicolor is not covered by insurance, as the insurance companies consider it a cosmetic condition. With no coverage, the pharmacy wanted almost $100 for the small tube of cream. As a poor college student, this was much more than I could afford, so I headed home to do some research on more cost-effective treatments for tinea versicolor. 

After just a few minutes of searching on the internet, I found information that suggested Selsun Blue dandruff shampoo might be a good treatment for tinea versicolor. Selsun Blue contains selenium sulfide which is an anti-fungal ingredient. Since tinea versicolor is caused by a fungus, I figured it might be worth a try. I headed to the local pharmacy and picked up a bottle of Selsun Blue, excited that it might actually cure my skin rash. 

Treating tinea versicolor with Selsun Blue shampoo is a relatively easy process. Once a day, you need to coat the affected skin with a thin layer of the dandruff shampoo, let it dry, and then shower to rinse it off. I did get some chuckles out of my roommates as they saw me sitting covered in what appeared to be blue paint day after day. Once the Selsun Blue is dried on the skin, it can be a bit difficult to rinse off, but I always found using a wash cloth allowed me to remove the shampoo quickly and easily. 

After a couple of weeks, I was very surprised with the results. My skin rash was completely gone and there were no visible signs that I had ever had tinea versicolor. The Selsun Blue had done the trick and my skin was back to normal with no blotchy appearance. In order to maintain the results, just repeat the Selsun Blue treatment once every week or two. This will keep the fungus that causes tinea versicolor at bay and keep your skin looking great. 

In the end, I am very happy I chose to treat my tinea versicolor with a cheap, over-the-counter shampoo instead of an expensive prescription cream. Although the cream may have been more convenient, the Selsun Blue regimen was easy enough to follow and cost less than a tenth of the price. If you are one of the millions of people in America affected by tinea versicolor, you may want to give Selsun Blue shampoo a try before shelling out lots of extra money for prescription treatments. You'll get the same results and for a lot less money.

Back and Ready to Rock!

Hey folks!  Long time, no see.  Seasons change, life moves so quick.  This website was down for a little while due to some hosting issues, but I'm proud to report that I am back online and all of my original content has been restored!

I'll be working on getting the rest of my Associated Content and Yahoo! Voices articles posted.  I also have lots of ideas swirling around in my head for some fresh, original content.  I'm really excited about what I have to share with all of you over here in my little corner of the internet. :)

Scentsy Fragrance: How to Make Your Wax Melts Last Longer

Wax warmers (known in some circles as "tart burners") are a hot new trend in home fragrance. Instead of burning a candle (which can be dangerous because of the open flame), a small piece of scented wax is melted with an electric warmer, releasing a surprising amount of fragrance into the air. One of the most popular brands of wax & warmers is Scentsy, a brand that is sold exclusively by direct sales consultants all over the world. 

I have been a Scentsy consultant for almost a year now, and in the process, I have learned a whole lot about scented wax warmers and how they work best. Before my time with Scentsy, I was a Yankee Candle employee, which also sells their own line of wax melts. In all of my years of experience, I have come up with a few tips to make your wax melts last the longest. 

Air, heat, and light are the enemies of fragrance. So, to make your home fragrance products last the longest, you'll want to make sure you store them in a cool, dark, dry place. A basement closet is the perfect storage spot for your wax melts. You'll want to make sure you store your melts in the original product packaging, as this packaging was designed to seal in as much of the fragrance oil as possible. 

When you do go to use your wax melt, make sure you use a warmer produced by the same manufacturer as your melt. This might seem unnecessary, but I can tell you from my first-hand experience with various fragrance companies that the warmers do indeed heat up to different temperatures. Each manufacturers' wax is designed to melt and release fragrance at a specific temperature, and using a warmer that gets too hot is the number one way to "waste" your melt and have it not last very long at all. 

Finally, resist the urge to burn more than one or two pieces of your melt at a time. It seems logical to just add "another block to the fire" so to speak, but this actually diminishes your fragrance return. Most warmers are designed to optimally heat just one or two pieces of paraffin wax, and if you add more wax than that, the wax pool will not get as hot and not as much fragrance will be released. 

By following these simple steps, you can get the most out of your scented wax warmer and have your home smelling great for years to come!

GymPact: Earn Cash Rewards for Working Out

Over the past year, I have gotten pretty good about integrating more physical activity in my life. I go on walks several times per week, and I've even started to work out at the gym on occasion. While I find it easy to stick to my exercise routine most of the time, I do have to admit that sometimes the motivation is lacking and I end up skipping work outs. 

A few months ago, my friend told me about a company called GymPact that can help provide that extra motivation needed to get out there and workout. GymPact is an application that runs on Android and iOS devices, and actually offers cash rewards just for completing a pre-determined number of workouts each week. 

Here's how it works: you tell the GymPact app how many days you will work out next week, and you set certain "stakes" per work out--this can be any amount from $5 to $50 per workout, depending on what amount you decide will motivate you. As you go through your week, you workout like normal, verifying your workouts at a gym via GPS or outside using the RunKeeper app. It is important to note that the GymPact app has built-in safeguards against cheating, so you will need to verify all of your workouts via the app in order for them to count towards your pact for the week.

At the end of the week, GymPact settles up. If you skipped any of the workouts, your credit card is billed the amount of the stakes that you set at the beginning of the week. If you completed all your workouts, however, GymPact actually deposits real cash into your account. This cash comes from all the people who skipped their workouts, and usually adds up to about $0.40 to $0.60 per workout. So after just a few weeks of exercising regularly, you can start to see a sizeable amount build-up in your GymPact account, which can be cashed out to your PayPal account to spend as you wish.

For me, GymPact has been just the motivation I need to get out there and workout, even when I don't feel like it. Knowing that I lose money if I don't workout, whereas I actually earn money if I do...well, let's just say it's been a powerful motivator for me. The GymPact app can be downloaded from iTunes or the Google Play Store for those who are interested in this unique fitness program.