A Quick Buying Guide for Choosing the Perfect Mattress

“You must make a choice to take a chance, or your life will never change,” says a brilliant motivational quote. That’s all true, but sometimes it feels more painless to decide on a delicate matter than to choose what product to buy for you or your house! It has come to this point because we have too many options and we have developed many needs and preferences. Diversity is a fantastic thing, but sometimes we need a manual to navigate through it. This demand applies even to the crucial quest for the right mattress. The market offers so many brands, so many types and so many choices that we may feel overwhelmed. I put down a short guide for choosing the perfect one, which I hope it will come in handy, considering we spend almost one-third of our life in bed.

Shop online

It’s a more convenient option because you don’t have to leave the house and go from store to store. You have access to a lot of brands, and the mattress is delivered to your door. Most online stores offer a trial period and have fair return policies (stipulations you need to check in the first place). Also, you’ll save some money since the prices are usually 10 – 15% lower than they are in traditional stores.

Do extensive research

Reading a lot of reviews about various products will help you make an informed decision. Unbiased assessments make an excellent ally in this quest. When shopping online, you can quickly analyze and compare options due to the broad range of reviews and videos created by real customers. Don’t disregard the tips offered by specialized websites, like Try Mattress: for instance, to determine your sleeping position and look for a product that will fit your body type.

Set a budget

If you’re going to sleep on this mattress for ten years, you need high-quality materials, but they may not be cheap. So consider the budget you’re willing to invest, and this will help you narrow down the list. This guideline was very constructive for me when I started looking for a mattress.

Choose type and material

Mattresses come in various forms: innerspring, foam, memory foam, polyfoam, latex, air-filled, gel. Once you know your preferences and what kind of sleeper you are, you can decide which of these materials will work best for you. Also, take allergies into account, if you have any. Or the sleeping position of your partner. The bright news is that there are manufacturers who offer hybrid mattresses, combining the best of all options, but these are quite pricey models.

Ask for details

Try to get as much information you can on how well the product is made, its expected durability, on the quality of the materials and other important aspects, like heat transfer, motion isolation, edge support or bounce. Ask questions if you feel that the description of the mattress doesn’t provide all the details. Remember: information is power, the more you have, the better the outcome of your quest!

Things to Pack for Your African Safari

No matter where you go on vacation, experience has taught you that it’s better to make a packing list well in advance instead of the night before. With this in mind, it’s clearly more important for some trips than others; after all, you’ll need more stuff if you’re on the way to scale Mount Kilimanjaro than it is if you’re headed to a theme park.

 

Not everything you’ll pack should be considered a must-have; some of the things will be for creature comfort and convenience. If you can’t pretty much live without music, for example, and are traveling with a treasured group of family and friends, then your JBL speakers will help you rock out to the latest jams even when you’re several continents away from home. Now that we’ve got the accessories for a full day of jamming out of the way, there are some things you’ll definitely need if you’re headed to the land where it all started: Africa.

 

Packing the Proper Clothing is a Must

 

Although this varies from person to person, there are some important constants in the choice of apparel. You want to avoid all black clothing because of the heat and the vicious tsetse fly biting, which is attracted to dark surfaces – they can bite through even thick clothing if it is dark and attracts them. For this reason, khaki and other earth tones are recommended for clothes, shoes, socks, packs and even hats.

 

As you can imagine, the weather on an African Safari is hot. Quite hot, most days. However, this doesn’t mean you need shorts and tank tops – in fact, you definitely need long-sleeve apparel and pants (no skirts or shorts) to travel through the bush and grasslands. Pack the shorts and skirts if you want to relax while at the lounge – but on the actual safari, these are no-nos.

 

Sunglasses and hats are common accessories; as are the usual underwear and sleep outfits you might take with you on any other vacation.

 

Lotion and Moisturizers

 

These are for people with drier skin. Even if you don’t characteristically have dry skin, an African Safari is a different kind of trip and you may wish you had some. It can be quite dry out in the field – just make sure the ones you buy are TSA-approved so you can travel with them in your luggage.

 

Warm Clothing for Cold Days

Yes; the African bush can get cod and rainy. Depending on where you’re traveling, you may spend one day on a truck watching African lions hunt wildebeest, and the next in Ngorongoro Crater where the temperature plummets on overcast days. Pack your favorite fleece or raincoat just in case.

 

While you’re at it, be sure to grab a waterproof bag for transporting your stuff in case of inclement weather. This is especially important for your electronics – smartphone, tablets, power chargers and more.

 

Insect Repellent

 

Keep in mind that even powerful repellent with DEET won’t work on tsetse flies (mentioned above) so don’t think you can get away with wearing dark clothing as long as you bring your DEET. Their resistance to the chemical is well-known; but DEET will work on just about any other of the annoying bugs that are mad you’re visiting their home.

 

Cash Money

Credit cards are cool for the Safari lounge and all – but what happens if you want to buy native stuff in a village somewhere? They’ll certainly accept newer US bills – but most simply aren’t set up to accept credit card payments. Make sure you have a couple of bills with you – preferably in 1s, 5s, 10s and 20s.

 

Bring a First-Aid Kit Just in Case
Every Safari you choose will have first aid kits; but it never hurt anyone to bring their own just in case. They may not have antihistamines; or may not have enough for the insect bites you could suffer even with all the precautions. Plus; you know your body and which OTC medicines work for you. Bring some diarrhea meds too, incase the local cuisine doesn’t sit with you. These should be in a pack along with your Yellow Fever Card, which is standard for anyone traveling to certain African countries.

Mouth Watchers Toothbrush

You hear the loud buzz of your alarm – time to rise and shine. Face washed? Check. Shaved? Check. What about your teeth? While the first thing you do when you get up might be brushing those pearly whites, it might be time to change up your tool. Make your mornings brighter with MouthWatchers®, the leading toothbrush for better health.

As we transition into a new season, shake up your routine with a bathroom essential that will brighten your smile and keep your mouth healthy. Learn why more people are starting their day with Mouth Watchers®:

  • Eliminates 99.9% of bacteria that builds up on bristles in 6 hours with EPA- approved silver bristle technology
  • Revolutionary Flossing Bristles™: long, soft bristles with 1 micrometer diameter tips reach areas missed by other toothbrushes
  • Gets deep into teeth grooves and pockets for a superior clean
  • Comfort grip handle
  • High quality construction
  • PBT bristle material outlasts traditional nylon used in competitive brushes
  • Travel size/foldable version

Toothbrushes come in Manual and Power, available in Adult, Youth and Travel sizes and range in price from $4.99 to $24.99 for the power pack.

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Must Have Travel Items

Choosing your travel accessories can be a challenge, even for those who travel regularly. With so many products to choose from, it’s hard to decide what’s necessary and what’s better off left at home. To keep your bags lighter and your trips more convenient, we’ve put together a list of 10 items that belong in everyone’s luggage:

1. Travel Converter

A travel converter allows the use of North American electronics overseas with charging conversion from 220V to 110V. For non-dual voltage items like your hairdryer, flat iron, laptop charger, etc., your travel converter is going to be a lifesaver. Many travel converters also feature commonly used overseas plug adaptors as well as USB ports, so no matter where you’re staying, you can still use your own products.

2. Theft Prevention Bags & Wallets

When you’re abroad, it’s wise to keep identity protection in mind. In 2012, the Bureau of Justice Statistics found that financial loss due to identity theft in the United States alone totaled a staggering $25 billion. While identity theft can occur anywhere, traveling with credit cards, passports, ID’s and other personal items can put you at a higher risk. Tourists are an easy target, and it’s best to stay vigilant to avoid theft.

Travel bags have adapted to meet these security needs. Many include tough, cut-resistant straps, tamper proof zippers, and even material that blocks credit card and passport scanners to protect your information.

3. Travel Garment Steamer

Tight packing is inevitably going to lead to wrinkles in your clothes. Solve the problem with a travel-sized garment steamer, easier to use than an iron and without the worry of burning your fingers. Compact, light, and simple to use, travel garment steamers let you look your effortless best while you’re traveling.
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Precision Sports Performance Hosts 2nd Annual Burn The Bird Day Event Proceeds Donated to Diva for a Day Foundation

 The 2nd annual “Burn the Bird” is back. Precision Sports Performance (PSP), the leaders in strength and conditioning training, invite teens and adults on Black Friday to come sweat out the calories on Friday, November 24 at 50 Williams Parkway, East Hanover, NJ. Many don’t realize that an average Thanksgiving plate has 4,500 calories. To help you get back on your fitness track, PSP will be offering three morning fitness classes; 8:30 a.m.9:45 a.m., and 11:00 a.m. All three classes will be taught by a licensed PSP coach.

 

The day will feature two of PSP’s most popular PrecisionSquad classes which encompasses a high-intestacy, boot-camp style workout aimed to improve strength, cardio, flexibility, agility and endurance. The PSP Power workout (offered at 8:30 a.m. and at 11:00 a.m.) is a one-stop-body-shock fitness program broken into three sections: weight training, core activation and conditioning. The PSP Peak workout (offered at 9:45 a.m.) is a dance-inspired, full body athletic based program that focuses on moves that sports-inspired exercises set to music. Each 55-minute class is offered to both teens and adults (16 and older).

 

Attendees will receive a PSP branded t-shirt at the completion of their PrecisionSquad class. Additional Black Friday promotions will include:

  • A 60-minute PSP Therapeutic Massage will be available to purchase for $60 (originally $105). Up to five massages can be purchased, and must be used by May 2018.
  • New PSP members will get a 10% discount towards a training package purchase.

 

A portion of the PSP PrecisionSquad class ticket sales will be donated to the Diva for a Day Foundation, an organization aimed to help women escape from the daily stresses she faces while battling cancer. The foundation provides days of pampering at participating salons and spas so she can rest, relax and restore her energy. The co-founder, Peggy Matzen, a breast cancer survivor, will be taking the 11:00 a.m. class, taught by her nephew, Andrew Moore, MS, NSCA-CSCS director of education at PSP.

Space is limited to 25 per class. To reserve your spot, please RSVP by emailing andrew@precisionsportsperformance.com or call 973-585-6008.

 

For additional information, or to learn more about upcoming events and news,  please visit the Precision Sports Performance website (www.precisionsportsperformance.com).

 

About Precision Sports Performance

Precision Sports Performance is a training facility that offers strength training, flexibility, plyometrics, speed/agility and sports specific training to student athletes. Our proprietary programs are designed to support our athletes, making them both physically and mentally stronger on the field. At PSP, each athlete works side-by-side with our highly trained and well-respected coaches. As D1 athletes themselves, our coaches have a personal understanding of the college-level requirements, each student is expected to perform in. Additionally, our coaches have personal relationships with national college scouts, and have proudly trained both college and professional athletes.

 

WHEN:                Friday, November 24, 2017

8:30 a.m. – PSP Power Class

9:45 a.m. – PSP Peek Class

11:00 a.m. – PSP Power Class

 

WHERE:               Precision Sports Performance

50 Williams Parkway

East Hanover, NJ 07936

 

ADMISSION:      $25 per class

Call 973-585-6008

 

Win New Years Snack Package

Welch’s Fruit Rolls deliver the same quality consumers love in Welch’s Fruit Snacks, in a new, irresistibly fun format. Featuring fruit as its first ingredient, they come in three mouthwatering flavors: Berry, Tropical Punch, and White Grape Strawberry.
  • Munk Pack’s ready-to-eat Oatmeal Fruit Squeezes, packed with grains and fruit bites, are perfect for a quick breakfast or snack on the go! Available in five delicious flavors, including Apple Quinoa Cinnamon, Maple Pear Quinoa, and more, they are gluten-free, non GMO, vegan and high in fiber.
  • Cased in 7 fluid ounce bottles, Brooklyn Crafted’s small but mighty ginger beers pack a zesty punch and are made with 100% fresh, unfiltered ginger pieces you can actually SEE. Available in four trendy flavors – Traditional, Earl Grey, Lemon & Lime and Mango – the minis are perfect for enjoying on the go.
  • AquaBall’s naturally flavored water is the only zero-sugar, zero-calorie, zero-preservative children’s beverage around. Available in four flavors and featuring fan favorite Disney and Marvel characters, AquaBall is not only fun for kids, but also smart for parents.
  • Carrington Farms NEW Organic Goji Berry Powder is a nutrient-rich superfood that is high in antioxidants, sure to keep you energized enough to shop ’til you drop! It is organic, gluten-free, and vegan, containing vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron to keep you fueled throughout the day. Mix it into your smoothies, yogurt and desserts for a nutritious punch, or use it to make a pleasant juice or tea.
  • Fuel up with a protein filled meal from Explore Cuisine before hitting the stores! Explore Cuisine integrates beans, peas, lentils, and rice to provide you with nourishing meals which are easy, quick, colorful, and simply delicious! All Explore Cuisine products are vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO and jam packed with nutrients.
  • Stay hydrated throughout your Black Friday shopping with Sparkling Ice. An excellent soda alternative, Sparkling Ice is slightly carbonated with B-Vitamins, Vitamin D and antioxidants. This light and refreshing beverage contains Zero Calories, Zero Carbs, and Gluten Free.

One of you can win a prize package of these items. Feel free to enter by using the RC Code below. Ends Dec 11, 2017. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Best Style Dresses for the Party Season

With the party season coming up fast, now is the right time to treat yourself to some new clothes. Right now, there is a huge range of outfits available to get dressed up for Christmas, with all shapes and sizes covered.

Shopping early, for your party clothes, ensures that you get the best choice and that you are more likely to find what you like in your size.

Detailed little black dress

For versatility, you really cannot go wrong with a little black dress. Every girl or woman should own at least one. Using the right accessories enables you to dress it up or down, so you can always create a look that works for the type of party you are attending.

This year, a lot of designers have decided to add some sort of special detail to their LBDs. Usually, it is small and simple, for example, some embroidery on the shoulder strap or a satin belt that is sewn into the dress. These little touches are very subtle, yet make a big difference to how classy the dress looks.

Something more colorful

However, if black is not for you, do not worry because there are also plenty of brighter options available. This year, plum, sapphire blue, russet and green dresses are very much back in vogue. But, for the more daring amongst you red is still a very popular colour.

Pencil dresses

For 2017, the pencil cut is very much back in vogue. A knee-length LBD made from a high-quality fabric like velvet or lace is a great way to smooth your silhouette and create a classy look.

The good thing about these slightly thicker fabrics is that they fold and travel well. If you are planning to enjoy a city break or are spending the festive season away from home, this is a particularly important consideration. The last thing you need is to be running around a strange town or city on the eve of a big party trying to find a dry cleaner to fix your rumpled party dress.

Something shimmery

For 2017, shiny fabrics are once again back in vogue. There are still some nice gold or silver lamé dresses available in the shops. However, that trend is on the way out, but ultra shiny patent leather style clothes are already starting to fill that gap. If you want a more edgy party outfit, a dress made out of this ultra shiny material is a great option.

As normal, there are also plenty of sequined dresses available. This year, a lot of designers have had fun with this material. As a result, you can easily find your favourite style of dress in a sequined fabric.

Getting the fit right

If you are very lucky, you will find an off the peg dress that fits you perfectly. However, most of us rarely have this experience. Usually, your dress will need a few adjustments to make sure that you really do look your very best. Fortunately, with the help of a friend, adjusting a dress is a task that most people can manage to do at home. This video shows you how to correctly tailor and adjust a dress.

The Top Tours in NYC

hop on hop off

Traveling can be exhausting enough without having to do all of the planning to make sure every minute of your tour is perfectly prepared. A lot goes into creating a successful trip, and sometimes it’s best to leave the planning to the experts. Luckily, there are a lot of great tours in New York City that take the stress out of traveling and let you focus on the fun. Here are the top tours in NYC for travelers visiting the city!

Hop On / Hop Off Tours

New York City Hop-On / Hop-Off tours are the best way to see everything in a short amount of time. If you’re only visiting New York City for a limited amount of time, a sightseeing tour that allows you the flexibility to hop on and off as you please is the best way to make the most of your short time in the Big Apple. The biggest advantage of these guides are that they are led by a knowledgeable guide who provides a much-needed commentary while you explore the city free from crowds.

Food Tours

New York City is one of the top foodie destinations in the world for a reason. With a strong international culture, there are top eateries in this city representing cuisine from around the world. There really is something for everyone, and there are tours that take out the guessing when it comes to choosing the best place to eat. It doesn’t matter what kind of food you like to eat because you can choose anything from chocolate tours to Chinese food tours.

Street Art Tour

New York City is home to a lot of different street art, and you’d be surprised with the story behind it. While it is often overlooked, there is much to learn about the street murals and designs around the different neighborhoods. In recent years, street art tours have become increasingly popular as locals are sharing the unique history of this urban art. See the city in a different way with a street art tour!

Boat Tour

Sometimes the best way to see a city is from the outside. You can find great views of Manhattan by boat, and there are a number of tours available for all budgets and itineraries. For budget savvy travelers, the Staten Island Ferry is a free option which departs every half-hour and connects Manhattan and Staten Island. Sights include the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and more! Be sure to have your camera ready!

Pub Crawl

There’s a reason the Big Apple is known as the city that never sleeps! Much of NYC culture can be found in its local pubs and breweries, and there are a lot of tours and pub crawls which highlight the best nightlife spots in the city. Whether you want to take in the high life at the hottest night clubs or explore the local, dive bars, there are pub crawl options for everyone! You might even discover some hidden speakeasies or hidden gems in Hell’s Kitchen.

Top Tours in NYC

Planning a trip is stressful enough! Sometimes you just want to let someone else take the reins while ensuring you’re going to have a great time. Booking one of these top tours in NYC is an easy way to get the most bang for your buck when it comes to experiencing the best of the city. There are different tours for all budgets and styles of traveling, whether you prefer to take things slow or travel quickly with a big group. Make the most of your trip with a great tour!