Juicing the Right Way

As part of a balanced diet, juicing can pose incredible health benefits. For starters, 95% of vitamins and enzymes our bodies need are found in the juice of raw fruits and vegetables. Juicing not only strengthens the immune system, but facilitates weight loss, increases energy levels, and reduces the risk of heart disease. Many people who incorporate juicing into their diet also report healthier, more radiant skin! But is there a right or a wrong way to juice? How do you ensure you achieve optimal results from juicing?

According to Becky Hand, a licensed and registered Dietitian from Spark People, if you want to have success with juicing, practice the following tips:

1. Turn Yucky into Yummy. 

Are you someone who prefers not to eat certain fruits or vegetables due to texture and taste? Juicing, according to Becky, can be a way to incorporate produce that you might not normally eat. "Beets, kale and spinach tend to be less noticeable when combined with the flavors of fruits and berries." She suggests experimenting with different flavors and produce to achieve a recipe that you will enjoy! 

2. Don't Pitch the Pulp

Don't let the nutrients found in pulp go to waste! Do you know you can add it to soups, stews, grain and rice dishes, pasta sauces and muffins? Don't be afraid to get a little creative in the kitchen! 

3. Try a Juicy Smoothie

This is a wonderful idea for those who are trying to achieve a well balanced meal. Try incorporating your juice with yogurt (as a source of protein) or nut butter or avocado (as a source of healthy fats).

4. The Five-a-Day Challenge: 

If you are struggling to get at least 5-servings-a-day of fruits and veggies, juicing can certainly help you get there! Becky advises that you make sure you are incorporating enough whole fruits and veggies, whole grains, legumes and lentils to meet your 25 grams of fiber as well!

5. Rotate and Renew: 

No need to stick to the same recipe. Switch it up time to time and explore the many options available at your local farmers market. Some fruits and veggies are at their peak during a particular season! 

6. Boost Flavor: 

Becky suggests using herbs, such as basil, and spices such as ginger or cayenne, to add flavor to your juice blends and smoothies. 

7. Remember Food Safety:

Before you even get out the juicer, make sure you thoroughly wash your hands and produce. To ensure that your juicer is clean, make sure you follow the manufacturers directions.  Typically, you want to wash your juicer with hot, soapy water. 

8. Drink Now, Not Later! 

According to Becky, "Freshly made juices and smoothies are highly perishable since no preservatives or pasteurization is used." She advises to drink or freeze your mixture shortly after juicing or blending. 

Sources:

The Truth about Juicing and Your Health 

Visit mylifejuicer.com for more details!

Back to School Gadgets

Keep Cool at Your Workstation:
Stay cool with the innovative Breezie Tabletop Bladeless Fan. Perfect for the home or the office, the Breezie Tabletop Fan provides immediate relief and can be powered either by battery or USB connection. Simply plug the USB end cord into a desktop computer, laptop, or any other USB outlet to power the fan. Designed with an adjustable angle back, the Breezie Tabletop Bladeless Fan can be easily positioned to accommodate the consumer.

Additionally, the Breezie Tabletop Bladeless Fan is designed with a "Cool Breeze" feature. Consumers simply dampen the cooling sponge provided, freeze, and place it back into the fan. Once the fan is powered on, the Cool Breeze feature is activated; perfect for those hazy, hot, dog days of summer.

Retailed at $19.99, the Breezie Tabletop Bladeless Fan is the perfect gadget for those who need immediate cooling relief!

Perfect for After School Snacking:
The secret is EZ Popcorn's patented TPX wave technology that creates a perfect convection to cook healthy jumbo popcorn. Just watch them pop! And thanks to the EZ Heat Resistant handle your kids can always reach for their popcorn without the risk of burning themselves.

Your own personal popcorn maker is the healthy alternative to those greasy and expensive microwave popcorn bags. It's now quick, easy, and healthy to pop your favorite brand of popcorn while controlling how much butter and salt you use. It's microwave fast and holds an amount similar to store bought microwave bag popcorn. After you're done popping, flip over the EZ Pop, remove the base and enjoy your fresh popcorn the way you like it.

Flavor your Popcorn with EZ Popcorn Seasonings! 

Flavors include:

• Movie Theater Butter
• White Cheddar
• Kettle Corn

Save 20% site wide with Coupon Code: "BACK2SCHOOL" 

Shop Now at www.viatekproducts.com

Safety in the Kitchen: 5 Common Kitchen Accidents

Even the most seasoned cook encounters accidents in the kitchen. Thankfully there are precautions you can take to avoid serious injury. With the help of Teri Tsang Barrett, a writer for The Food Network, we highlight the top 5 tips on how to avoid ending up in the emergency room. 

1.Splitting Bagels Can Be Dangerous to Your Hand

Although delicious, bagels can ruin your morning if you end up cutting your finger. "BRI's" also known as "Bagel-related injuries" in the medical field, are an all too common problem. So how do you assure that you can enjoy your morning bagel without having to get stitches? Teri writes that you should "Lay it flat on a work surface while pressing down with one hand to keep it steady with fingers splayed upward and out of harm's reach. Hold a sharp serrated bread knife in your other hand and slice bagel horizontally, keeping the knife parallel to the work surface." If it still sounds dangerous, stick to the pre-sliced bagels in the grocery store. 

2. Forgotten Kitchen Spills are a Hazard Zone

Sounds simple enough, but we often forget to clean up a spill if we are rushing around the kitchen--especially if pots are boiling over!  To combat this problem, she suggests keeping a stack of dish towels nearby, so you can quickly wipe up a mess. If you don't have time, she suggests covering the spill with a dish towel to remind yourself to take care of it after. 

Our solution: Spill No More Pot Covers

Don't waste time cleaning up boiled over liquids on your stove. The Spill No More Pot Cover has been formulated specifically for this problem. Keep your kitchen surfaces clean and clear of burned-on stains from hot liquids. Spill No More Pot Covers fit most pots and pans from 6" to 10" in diameter and is made of tough silicone that can withstand temperatures up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Spill No More Features:

• Fits most pots and pans from 6" to 10"
• Measures approximately 11.5" in diameter
• Dishwasher safe

3. Washing Dishes Can Result in Nicks

"Store sharp objects, like kitchen shears, steak knives and metal skewers, with the offending ends pointing downward in dishwasher utensil bins." While this sounds like common sense, I have totally forgotten to do so, and have been pierced by knifes in the dishwasher. 

4. Unstable Cutting Boards are Asking for Mistaken Cuts

To prevent cutting boards from moving, try anchoring your board to your counter with a damp paper towel or dish towel. This well help keep things steady and you are less likely to suffer an unfortunate injury. 

5. Skin Contact with Chile Peppers Can Cause Discomfort

Hopefully you have never experienced the uncomfortable sting of rubbing your eyes after cutting up a spicy pepper! Make sure you always wash hands with soap and water after cutting up Chile peppers or jalapenos. 

Source:

Safety in the Kitchen: 5 Common Kitchen Accidents and How to Avoid Them

For more information on the products listed above, please visit: www.viatekproducts.com

Recently on Air: Mighty Jump on HSN

Mighty Jump Portable Car-Battery Jumper 

Don't let battery woes get the jump on you! Charge your battery and get on your way without leaving your car! This compact safety device safely charges your vehicle battery through your car's DC accessory port. Start your car in minutes without endangering yourself or your loved ones. It makes a great gift for anyone who is mechanically disinclined or who might be vulnerable in an emergency situation. 

Additional Features of the Mighty Jump:

• No more getting out of your car on dark, desolate roads at night
• No more flagging down strangers for help
• No clumsy, dangerous wires to fumble with
• Compact design
• Fits easily in a cup holder while in use
• Stow in your car's glove box or center console. 

Order on HSN.com 

Benefits of Flameless Candles

Did you know that you can enjoy the ambiance of candlelight and the fragrances you love without the mess, danger, and expense of traditional candles? 

Flameless candles are:

Safer for Decorating:

Over half of all candle fires are started as a result of coming into contact with combustible material. Reduce the risk of starting a fire in your home by switching to flameless candles. With flameless candles you do not have to worry about other materials coming into contact with a hot flame or being ruined by hot wax. 

Less Mess:

No smoke, no soot, no waxy messes to clean up! 

Less Maintenance:

No need to trim the wick, or relight, flameless candles are designed with a convenient on and off switch. Candle Sensations from Viatek even feature a built-in auto timer. 

More Control:

Many people enjoy lighting candles for the fragrance they give off. With a variety of flameless candles you have the option to enjoy a custom scented candle by simply applying your favorite scented oil, perfume or extract on the fragrance pad inside the candle. Not too keen on a particular scent? Candle Sensations allow you to change scents as often as you like! No need to waste money purchasing a whole new candle if you do not like the scent! 

Versatile:

According to Dee, from Bellasavvy.net, nothing is more versatile than a flameless candle. "They can be used as decorations to add ambiance to any room of the house or they can be used for emergency preparedness in case of a power outage." Flameless candles are also available in a variety of colors and sizes to accommodate your decorating needs. 

Candle Sensations Features:

• Flickers and moves like a real candle
• Easily change scents as often as you like with 4 customizable fragrance infusion pads
• No flame, no mess, no danger, no smoke
• Long-life powered by four AA batteries
• Safe for kids and pets around the house
• Built-in auto timer feature
• Available in colors Ivory and cranberry
• Available in sizes, 5", 7", 9"

Source: 

Benefits of Using Flameless Candles 

Featured: Pearl Hair Remover in Blush Magazine

"Glow Like a Pearl" 

No waxing, no shaving, no lasers, no chemicals--the Pearl Hair Remover really does seem like a miracle. The Pearl uses thermotransmitters to radiate heat into hair follicles to remove hair without any pain, continuously slowing hair growth. Various attachments allow you to tackle different areas--from the face to the bikini line--with precision and ease. 

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For more information on the Pearl Hair Remover: 

www.buypearlhairremoval.com

Ten Tips to Help You Prepare for a Road Trip

The end of summer is near and the kids will be heading to school soon enough. But if you are planning one last road trip with the family here are ten tips that will help you stay safe on the road. 

1. Plan your route well in advance and obtain necessary maps, or use a GPS system for your vehicle. 

It's probably not the best idea to hop in the car without any sort of plan. Especially when you are traveling in unknown areas. If you have AAA, they offer "Trip Picks", which include maps, a travel book, and your highlighted route. If you don't have AAA, but are traveling with someone who does, you can ask them to obtain this information for you. For any long trips you plan on taking, a GPS is probably your best bet.

2. Prepare your vehicle for the trip
It is important to make sure that your vehicle is ready for the trip. Make sure you check fluid levels, change the oil, and check tire pressure. Emergency equipment such as jumper cables and flares are especially important to keep handy in the back of your vehicle.

We suggest: Mighty Jump Emergency Jump Starter:
The Mighty Jump is an emergency jump-starter that allows you to jump-start a vehicle without leaving the driver's seat. When the Mighty Jump is plugged into the dashboard cigarette lighter, it transfers power from itself to the car battery using the internal wiring of the vehicle.

Additional Features of the Mighty Jump: 

• Small enough to store almost anywhere
• No more confusing jumper cables that rely on a jump-start from an other car
• Charges car battery when adapter is plugged into a standard car cigarette lighter
• Takes only ten minutes to charge a car battery enough to start the engine.
• Multiple uses 

3. Plan carefully what  you will take with you

How many people are going with you? How much space do you have in your vehicle? These are important questions to ask yourself! You don't want to be crammed and uncomfortable throughout the duration of your trip. 

4. Plan your stops along the way:

While you can't control everything about your trip, especially unexpected restroom stops, it is a good idea to plan for food, drink, and restroom breaks. Breaks to visit certain destinations are also encouraged! Don't forget to have fun! 

5. Have a passenger confirm hotel reservations or other lodging plans as you are traveling:

Nothing is worse than arriving at a hotel and discovering a problem with your room especially if you are tired and in need of desperate sleep! It is also good to have at least one other adult passenger so if need be, they can go ahead and make hotel reservations, or navigate if you become lost. 

6. Provide people who are staying at home with your itinerary and ensure that they have your cell phone number.

God forbid something happens on the road, make sure that at least one person knows your itinerary and destination. Make sure to carry your cell phone and bring a cell phone charger that can be plugged into your car should you have an emergency. 

7. Bring a cooler with drinks and snacks, especially if you are traveling with small children. 

Save time and money by bringing a small cooler with refreshments and snacks. 

8. Clean out the vehicle each evening once you arrive at your hotel or destination. 

Take a few moments each night to clean out your car. Over the course of the day you might have accumulated snack wrappers, empty drink bottles, or fast food bags. 

9. Use your traveling time to confirm your itinerary and play games.

Play games to cure those inevitable boredom blues. 

10. Take turns driving. 

This is another reason why it is important to bring another adult with you. Long periods of driving can become tiresome! Change it up! 

Source: Ten Tips for Preparing for a Road Trip