Sharron Pattison Posts

Using baking soda to treat blackheads? Does it work?

Blackheads are a result of clogged hair follicles. These are very small black or dark bumps on the skin, specifically found on the nose and the chin, but you may find some at the chest, arms, neck, shoulders, and or back. Blackheads form when the open bump is exposed to air, causing the collected dead skin cells and oil in the hair follicle to look black.

There are several ways to treat blackheads, including over-the-counter treatments, prescribed medication, manual removal, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and laser or light therapy. But did you know that there are recommendations to use baking soda in treating blackheads?

Baking soda as a blackhead treatment

Yes; this ingredient found in your kitchen can also be used as a blackhead treatment and prevention, according to several medical sources.

Sometimes, baking soda is used to reduce acne breakouts, blackheads, and whiteheads. Also, it is used to manage skin pain and inflammation. The reason behind this is the baking soda has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Also, it is a mildly abrasive substance and is excellent in exfoliating the skin.

However, using baking soda as a blackhead treatment is not widely recommended by dermatologists and other healthcare professionals because it can also remove essential protective oils, leaving your skin dry, causing your skin to irritate.

So, is using baking soda to treat blackheads good or bad?

The Bad

One of the reasons why baking soda is not widely recommended is because of its pH level. Baking soda has a pH level of 9, which is alkaline, while the skin has a natural pH level of 4.5 – 5.5. So, using a substance with a high level of alkaline to the skin can strip its essential oils, causing unpleasant side effects, such as:

• Dry skin
• Early appearance of wrinkles
• Worsening of acne breakouts
• Skin irritation or inflammation

The Good

On the flip side, baking soda can still be used as a treatment for blackheads, only if you use it accordingly. When you use baking soda as a blackhead treatment, never use it without proper measurement. For instance:

• As an exfoliant

You need to mix 1 or 2 teaspoons of baking soda with warm water to form a paste. Next, carefully massage the mixture to the skin. And then, wash it off right away. You may include your facial cleanser in the mixture, and or you may use the cleanser after washing off the mixture.

• As a facial mask

Similarly to an exfoliant, mix 1 or 2 teaspoons of baking soda with warm water to form a paste. Next, apply the mixture to the skin and leave it for 10 – 15 minutes. Lastly, wash it off with warm water.

• As a facial wash

To use the baking soda as a facial wash, you need 1 or 2 teaspoons of baking soda to an adequate amount of facial wash. Next, apply it to your face. And then, wash it off with warm water.

Take note, do not use baking soda more than 2 teaspoons because it can do more harm than good.

Are you thinking about starting a dropshipping business but still skeptical about its legitimacy? Dropshipping is always misunderstood by many as a scam, but the truth is, it is not.

What is dropshipping?

Dropshipping is an online retailing business wherein the seller does not need to have an actual store or do inventory. Dropshipping involves 4 things:

• The e-market website that allows dropshipping method.
• The seller.
• The customer.
• The supplier.

In dropshipping, you need to sign up to an e-market website that allows dropshipping method. And then, create listings on products that you want to sell. However, beginners should sell at least 2-3 types of products to guarantee focus when promoting the product.

Next, get a reliable supplier that supports the dropshipping method. If you have customers, you have to provide the details of the purchase, including applicable tax and fees.

Lastly, to ship out the product to the consumer, it is the job of the third party to do the packaging and the shipment of the product directly to the customer.

In other words, in dropshipping, sellers do not need to need to exert too much effort when it comes to product packaging and shipping.

Isn’t it too good to be true?

It is, but dropshipping is legal. And here are the top reasons why it is legal:

Reason #1: Dropshipping have policies

Like in many e-commerce transactions, in dropshipping, each business owner and customer has to follow strict e-market policies to protect the rights of both parties.

In dropshipping, the sellers should not miss the policies on;

• Selling products with and without trademarks.
• Guarantees and returns.
• Proper information dissemination about additional tax and fees.
• Prospective supplier’s policies about product warranties and damaged and missing shipments.

Breach of policies in dropshipping could result in cancellation of dropshipping listings and or e-store.

Reason #2: Dropshippers are found in trusted e-commerce sites

There are legit dropshipping websites that you can start your dropshipping business. But did you know that other e-commerce websites such as eBay, Shopify, and more allow dropshipping on their websites? However, dropshippers should follow the strict policies on dropshipping, placed by these e-market sites.

Reason #3: They guarantee refunds

Did you know that dropshipping also offer refunds? As per dropshipping general policies, dropshippers should guarantee refunds to their consumers. This is not only to gain customer loyalty and increase customer turnout but also to guarantee the rights of consumers. Plus, dropshipping practice good customer-seller relationship, which is one of the reasons why most of dropshippers guarantee refund.

However, consumers should also understand that there are return policies that protect the rights of the sellers.

Final Thoughts

Dropshipping is legal.

It may not have an actual store where the sellers do inventories and hire workforce, dropshipping works as a real business company. In dropshipping, the dropshippers need to understand the dropshipping policies before starting a dropshipping business. Also, dropshippers have to look for reliable suppliers that support dropshipping business. Lastly, dropshippers have to pay extra attention to promoting their business.

Installing a wireless dog fence provides your dog the freedom to run around within the yard without worrying that your dog will run away from home. But which wireless dog fence should you consider?

What is a wireless dog fence?

A wireless dog fence is a wireless dog containment system with two parts – the transmitter and receiver. The transmitter produces a radius of radio signal within the desired limit of the boundary. Meanwhile, the dog’s collar serves as the receiver. If your dog is near the boundary, a warning signal will set off, alarming the dog not to cross the boundary. And if the dog crosses the limit, it will receive a static electric shock, similar to a splash of cold water.

How to choose the right wireless dog fence?

There are several kinds and models of wireless dog fences available in the market today. And when choosing a wireless dog fence, you should consider the following:

#1: The location

Not all wireless dog fences are designed for all types of terrain, especially for narrow properties. If you are considering installing a wireless dog fence, generally, your property must be 30 feet wide. And as for terrain, the wireless dog fence is not ideal for sloping or terraced property. Also, the electronic fence may not work in heavily wooded areas because of the slow signal transmission.

Before purchasing a wireless dog fence, it is essential to research if the fence will perform well in your area.

#2: Easy to use

Choose a wireless dog fence that is easy to install and easy to use. Also, consider a wireless dog fence with an easy-to-adjust range and settings. You may read product reviews on a few top wireless dog fences first before considering one model or brand. You can read a few well-reviewed wireless dog fences at The Pet God website.

#3: Know your dog’s personality

There are highly anxious dogs that extremely react to static shock, even if it does not exactly physically hurt the dog. And in the worst-case scenario, it may worsen the dog’s nervousness. Meanwhile, there are aggressive dogs that can withstand the static shock from the wireless dog fences. So, ideally, traditional dog fences are suited for these types of dogs.

#4: The size of your dog

How big is your dog? Is your furry buddy with a size of Chihuahua or a Pomeranian? Or do you have bigger breed dogs such as Great Danes and Labrador?

When choosing a wireless dog fence, you need to consider its size, especially when choosing an e-collar that will fit your dog. Fortunately, some manufacturers provide guidelines, usually based on the dog’s weight.

#5: Your budget

How much are you willing to spend on a wireless dog fence? If you have the budget to spend more to ensure your dog’s safety and security within your yard, you may consider models with a more advanced security system. However, if you have just enough budget, you need to go through a couple of reliable product reviews to ensure you are buying the best.

Dead Sea mud mask is becoming popular these days, but it is worth it?

Did you know that the Dead Sea is actually a lake? What is more surprising is finding out that its mud has been used for hundreds of years to treat various health conditions, ranging from skin problems to body pain and inflammation. And each year, millions would visit the Dead Sea for its healing waters and its restorative mud.

Since the Dead Sea’s mud contains restorative properties, are the Dead Sea mud-based masks effective?

There are several restorative and hydrating facial masks that you can find in the market today, but one of the most intriguing, yet popular facial masks is the Dead Sea mud mask. What makes it so popular? Is it worth it?

To find out if the Dead Sea-based mud mask is worth purchasing, it is time to check the pros and cons.

PROS

• It helps regenerate the skin cells

The mud from the Dead Sea is known for its restorative properties. It helps regenerate new skin cells while replacing the damaged ones; providing you a more glowing skin. Also, it helps prevent the skin to become dry. So, if you have dry facial skin, you may consider using a mud mask from the Dead Sea.

• It helps reduce acne breakouts

Another advantage of using a Dead Sea-based mud mask is its ability to tighten the pores. For this reason, it helps prevent clogging of the pores due to oil and dirt that can result in an acne breakout.

• It helps exfoliate and detoxify the skin

Applying a Dead Sea-based mud mask helps exfoliate and detoxify the skin. The mud mask absorbs the toxins, excess facial oils, dirt, dead skin cells, and other impurities out from the pores, leaving you glowing, fresher, and healthier skin.

• Has anti-aging benefits

One of the beauty regimens of Cleopatra is applying Dead Sea mud to her skin, believing that it can keep her ageless beauty throughout her living years, which is a fact. According to several studies, the mud from the Dead Sea contains anti-aging properties that help tighten the pores, tone the skin, and improve the skin’s texture, providing you younger-looking skin.

• Shows fast significant changes

Another notable advantage of using a Dead Sea-based mud mask is the immediate changes after a week of use. However, the results may depend on the mud mask’s brand and formulation. Try to visit http://youngerskinguide.com/ and find out the best Dead Sea mud mask for your skin type.

CONS

• It has a distinctive smell

Several Dead Sea-based mud masks have a distinctive smell that can cause discomfort to the mud mask user. So, if you have a sensitive smell, you need to look for an odorless mud mask or a scented one.

• It has an unusual color

Mud has an unusual color, and so does the Dead Sea mud mask. Even so, you’ll get a better result.

Final Thoughts

Is the Dead Sea mud mask effective? Considering the benefits, it is safe to say that the mud mask is worth using.

Did you recently discover that you love to play the guitar and have recently bought your first one ever? Are you still in the process of buying everything you need to be able to produce a top-quality sound? If you dont have a guitar amp yet, you should have a closer look at the benefits of DIY guitar amps. Many think about a diy guitar amp as a remote idea because they arent handy types of persons, and they have the idea that this could be a very difficult project. The truth is that if you have the right DIY guitar amp kit, building your guitar amp can be easy. Before you begin searching for a DIY guitar amp, here are the biggest benefits of building your own.

1.You can create an affordable copy of your dream amp. Guitar amps can be expensive, depending on the type that best suits your needs and preferences. Boutique amps and vintage amps are on top of the list, with some of the priciest tags on the market. Also, these are extremely hard to find. You can build such a guitar amp with the same electrical layouts, as well as the same components that the originals are made from. The sound quality produced by these guitar amps is stunning. The DIY guitar amp kits for these types of guitar amps are sold for a fraction of the cost of a regular, boutique amp, so they are worth the investment.

2. You can understand your audio system to the finest detail. If you want to become a renowned guitar player, you need to understand your audio system in detail. When you build a guitar amplifier, you get to understand its components. Once you know its components, you also understand the mechanical aspect of the amp and how the audio system works. When you work through these technicalities, you are forced to learn numerous terms that describe sound quality, so we can say that you get an understanding of the audio system to the finest detail.

3. Learn valuable skills. Another benefit of building your guitar amp is that you get to learn valuable skills. You might begin with a simple audio kit, but as you accumulate knowledge, you might feel attracted by the idea to work through more sophisticated kits. It means that you will do gradual learning, which is effective when it comes to learning new skills. You might see some tasks as easy, but as you get to work through them, you might come across mechanical details that you have never come across. It is how you will learn new things and how you will manage to advance and grow in this field. Numerous famous guitar players say that they reached the point they are at with the help of DIY guitar amp kits, so it is obvious that doing things by yourself is a great way to learn.

Try a simple DIY guitar amp kit, build your first guitar amp, and you will see that you love it.

Flashlights can be handy in any situation; whether you are in the outdoors or in the safety of your own home. It is even better to have one that has a brightness that has a longer range, and this is what Tactical Flashlights are for.

Tactical flashlights are not just ordinary flashlights that would brighten your dark areas when you need them but they are flashlights filled with niche features. They come in all shapes and sizes, but they are handy so you can easily bring them in times of emergency. Grab one when you happened to extend your work till night, or there is simply a power outage in your area.

Before picking one, here is a guideline that will help you figure out which fits right in your preference and in your current situation. When buying a tactical flashlight, consider the following aspects:

Brightness: This is your primary reason why you bought a flashlight. You want everything visible and that depends on the light you will put on. Since a flashlight’s brightness is expressed in lumens, you need to check how many lumens the equipment contains. A flashlight expressing one thousand lumens will do for most situations. There are circumstances, however, which call less or more beams, so you just need to know when to adjust.

Weight or Ease of Use and Transport: It’s no brainer to bring a lighter or easy to handle tactical flashlight in your pocket. What is not practical is to bring a heavy one in an emergency. Instead of gaining ease from your equipment, it served a heavy load to carry. However, the smaller flashlights do not give the same power most of the time as compared to heavier flashlights.

Lighting Modes: Variations in lighting modes are to be considered when selecting a tactical flashlight. They come in floodlight, strobe, and even multicolor. These modes are mostly used in an industrial setting like in hospitals, theaters, and airlines; more additional light modes, of course, costs additional pennies.

Water Resistance: Flashlights are mostly used during calamities like heavy rains and storms. You can’t escape possibilities whereas your flashlight is exposed to water. So, the best tactical flashlights then, are resistant to any water move. Check out the water-resistance rating of the products before buying them.

Batteries and Charging: Replacing batteries on your gadgets or any other equipment is an old-school trend. Rechargeable batteries are the common batteries nowadays. Make sure to have built-in batteries in your tactical flashlight and choose the one which has batteries that can’t be easily drained.

Durability: How well can be your tactical flashlight withstand use, pressure, and damage portrays the product’s durability. It’s always safer to go for a quality tactical flashlight (though the cost may be a little bit pricier) rather than to have a cheap one but won’t last long.

Budget: Like what is mentioned above, the quality of the product must be your priority. However, it does not necessarily mean that if the tactical flashlight is costly, it is automatically quality in form. Be wise to check all of the above-mentioned features and check the price if they show compatibility. Upon checking them, you can now estimate if your budget jives with the best tactical flashlights you like.

Keeping your camping knife sharp is a must, especially while in the wild. But knives get dull with frequent use. What should you do if your knife becomes dull while camping? Here is a step-by-step guide on how to keep your camping knife sharp. 

A knife is one of the basic and most important tools in your arsenal. The multi-purpose tool can be used to hunt food, gather plants, build a temporary shelter, and defend yourself from attacks. On the other hand, some camping knives are used for specific purposes; you can check out this review to find the best knives for camping and their specific functions.

A camping knife is easy to carry – pocket-sized and quite handy. Though it does not need battery work, this survival also needs proper care and maintenance.

The knife gets dull over time – a fact that no one can deny. For this reason, knives need constant attention and care. Unfortunately, not all can keep their knives clean and sharp. As a result, they get dull frequently, and worse, it could happen while camping.

If you’re in the wild and your camping knife happens to get dull, here are some tips you can use to bring it back in good shape.

#1 Bring a Knife Sharpener

Before going to the camping ground, make sure to bring all the supplies you will need, including a pocket knife sharpener.

The easiest way to keep your knife sharp is to carry a pocket knife sharpener when you go camping. You don’t have to bring the entire sharpening station; this tool is enough to keep your knife in top shape.

#2 Sharpen your Knife Using Materials Harder than Steel

If you forgot to bring a knife sharpener, try using any materials harder than steel to sharpen your tool. These materials include ceramic, glass, and steel. A broken ceramic coffee mug, plate, or glass is hard enough to keep a knife in the best condition.

When sharpening the knife using these materials, make sure not to cut yourself. Turn the ceramic upside down. And then, use the unglazed portion of the material to sharpen the knife. Slide the blade forward against the unglazed area of the mug or plate. Do the steps on how you sharpen the knife using a sharpener or whetstone.

You can also use glass to sharpen knives. Glass bottles, sea glass, and automobile windows are great sharpening solutions.

#3 Rocks as Sharpening Solution

Whetstone is a special rock used for sharpening knives. But did you know regular rocks work well as whetstone in sharpening tools?

River rocks are the best sharpening solution and alternative to the whetstone. These rocks can sharpen knives easily. But when using river rocks, experts suggest flat ones since they are easier to use.

If the rocks are too rough, wash them with water to smoothen them. If there’s no water around, get two similar rocks and rub them together to smooth out their surface.

#4 Use Sandpaper

In the absence of a knife sharpener and whetstone, sandpaper, either wet or dry, are a great substitute. All you have to do is wrap the sandpaper around the stick to create multiple layers. Once it is thick enough to sharpen your knife, you can use it as an alternative to a knife sharpener.

Are you currently struggling to write an essay that will give you better grades? Dive into this article and find out how.

“Awkward”, “wordy”, “verbose”, and “redundant” are the common markdowns that most students would receive in their essays. So, how to make your essay powerful and convincing? Simple; improve your sentence structure.

How?

Tip #1: Use a combination of long, medium, and short sentences

For a better essay, try not to make your readers feel bored or uninterested. Ensure that every paragraph you write has varying sentence lengths: a combination of long, medium, and short sentences.

An essay with too many short sentences will make your essay appear monotonous and awkwardly made. Meanwhile, an essay with too many long sentences is hard for the readers to understand. Most people won’t be able to retain strings of words; so, if you want to get a better essay grade, make your sentences clear and comprehensible with varying lengths of sentences.

How to make long sentences short?

• Split the sentences.
• Cut the redundant words.
• Avoid adverbs.
• Avoid passive voice.
• Avoid words that end in –tion
• Be specific.

Tip #2: Use linking words

Linking or transitional words helps connect sentences to other sentences and paragraphs to other paragraphs – ideas to other ideas. Also, it adds cohesion and clarity to your writing. Here are a few transitional words that you should use:

• Similarity or addition: In addition, Furthermore, Similarly, Also, etc.
• Contrast: Nevertheless, But, Yet, On the other hand, etc.
• Exemplifying: For example, For instance, etc.
• Consequences: Thus, As a result, Therefore, etc.
• Summarize or conclude: To summarize, In conclusion, etc.

Writing your essay without linking words is not an essay but a list of unrelated statements and ideas.

#3: Maintain a consistent verb tense

As your essay lengthens, you’ll probably lose track of the tense (past, present, or future), which you are using. To avoid confusion and inconsistencies in the flow of sentences, make sure to maintain consistent verb tense. Avoid switching of verb tenses because it is grammatically incorrect.

#4: Each sentence should consist of an idea

If you are to separate a long sentence into two, each should contain an idea related to the other. Do not omit the idea of its original sentence to a new one. Also, avoid shifting your focus that might ruin your point of view. Moreover, avoid sentence fragments – a sentence fragment is a short and incomplete thought. If you can’t spot sentence fragments, you may use a Sentence checker – a grammar checker that helps identify sentence or grammar errors. Furthermore, keep each of the sentences strong by omitting deviation or any unrelated details.

#5: Organize your thoughts

A well-structured essay has an organized flow of ideas. And for sentence structure, make sure that each sentence is within a paragraph is well-connected. Do not bury the idea if you are to craft an argument. Make sure that your point of view is always clear.

Are you new to surround sound systems? If yes, here is a short introduction on 6.1 surround sound and how it differs from a 5.1.

All this talk about surround sound systems can get confusing for a beginner. You don’t have to learn every nook and cranny of home theater systems. Familiarizing yourself with the basics is enough to help you get started.

One thing you probably noticed when browsing for surround sound systems is the differences in speakers. The most common sound systems in the market are 5.1, 6.1, and 7.1. The first number indicates the speakers the system has. Meanwhile, point one in surround systems refers to the subwoofer.

The number of speakers can indeed influence the audio quality of the sound system. However, it does not entail that more speakers a sound system is always better. Find out why below.

What is a 6.1 Channel Surround Sound System? 

Most buyers tend to choose a 5.1 or a 7.1 surround sound. A 6.1 channel sound system is less popular and sometimes neglected.

A 6.1 surround sound consists of the five basic speakers, including a center channel speaker, two front speakers, two surround speakers, and a speaker placed behind the seating area. The purpose of the additional speakers is to create a new dimension when you are watching a movie or listening to music. It creates the illusion that there is sound coming from the back, which enhances your movie experience.

Hence, a 6.1 surround system provides a feeling that you’re enveloped with sound. It extra center channel behind the seating area also adds depth and richness to the audio quality.

If you are planning to invest in a 6.1 surround sound, take note that this type of system is compatible with some sound formats. Examples of sound formats that you can use on this system are DTS-ES, Dolby Digital EX, and THX Surround EX.

Is it a Better Choice Than a 5.1 Surround Sound System? 

Some rather choose a 5.1 or a 7.1 than a 6.1 surround sound system. Also, some buyers might prefer this option rather than others. Your choice will depend on your audio preferences.

Likewise, remember that your room’s dimension is an important factor you need to consider. If you are living in a studio or standard size apartment, a 7.1 is not a good choice. For standard-sized rooms, the best option is a 5.1. However, if you want a more theater-like movie experience, a 6.1 is also a good choice.

Additionally, take into account that 7.1 sound systems are more expensive. If you don’t have the budget for this sound system, a 6.1 will do since it is more affordable, and provides more enveloping than a 5.1.

You can also find a wide variety of 6.1 sound systems at physical and online stores. As an example, you can check out the Home Cinema Effect. You will find right here the top-selling home theater systems this year, including their comparisons and reviews.

Also, you have to consider several factors before purchasing a sound system. Determine your budget, room size, and your sound preferences.

Choosing the best 13-inch subwoofer is not an easy task since there are a lot of options to choose from. Fortunately, this post got you covered.

There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a subwoofer in general. However, if you have a specific size in mind, choosing between brands can be very confusing. Fortunately, there are qualities to look for when choosing between brands of the 13-inch subwoofer, and these include the following:

#1: Delivers astonishing low-frequency response

You will know a subwoofer is well-built if you can feel the immersive impact of its low levels of frequency output. So, if you are going to purchase a 13-inch subwoofer today, you should look for a brand that has deep and thunderous low-frequency output with a clear, accurate, and flawless tone that can boost your home theater speakers.

#2: Delivers accurate and detailed sound

Another feature of a well-built subwoofer is its accuracy on the low-frequency output. A good subwoofer will deliver detailed sound, especially low-frequency production without off-putting boomy effects or trace of distortion and will always stay completely loyal to the artist’s musical intention.

#3: Innovatively designed

Most of the subwoofers today are more advanced than the subwoofers before; however, not all subwoofers are designed with similar innovations. So, when choosing a subwoofer that can boost your home theater audio production by enhancing the low-frequency output, look for the following innovations:

• Designed with pinpoint precision, wherein it can start and stop on a dime with crisp precision.
• Designed with the efficiency of the Class D amplifier that can move an immense amount of current through MOSFET.
• Designed with a subwoofer app where it is easier to control the volume and will allow you to access several DSP functions and programs that are custom presets. It should be a one-touch tuning to optimize the music, gaming, movies, TV series, and more – enjoying audio in the most convenient way and all from your seat.

#4: Designed with smart integration

To have a convincing home theater audio experience, you should look for a subwoofer that is designed with advanced DSP. Having an advanced Digital Signal Processing system will enable you to produce a seamless blending of the subwoofer with all of your speakers within the room. And for this reason, you can adjust the crossover frequencies, the EQ, the room gain, polarity, and more.

#5: Worthy of its price

One of the best ways to ensure that you are paying for the best subwoofer is to read the reliable product and customer reviews. For instance, this SVS SB-3000 review will help you understand why the subwoofer is one of the most popular models of subwoofers today.

You should check if the subwoofer’s features are all worthy of its price. Also, when reviewing some honest customer or product reviews, make sure to check if the subwoofer is compatible with your audio system. Lastly, do not compromise quality over price; make sure that it is durable, offers accurate and detailed production, especially its low-frequency output.