Outside cushions

Due to the resilient nature of the job it has to do, outdoor furniture is not always as comfy as we would like. Sitting for long periods on materials that are pretty much indestructible, may take its toll on your backside. However outdoor patio furniture, be it made from wicker, teak, metal or plastic, is an expensive investment, and so manufactures, at least good ones make the furniture to last. The solution to making this furniture comfortable and stylish, is to add the right outside cushions.

Buying the right outdoor furniture cushions is very important, not only has the style got to fit your eye, but you need to be mindful of practical issues, such as will the cushions be left outside at the mercy of the weather, or will your really put them away at the end of use? Buy the wrong outside cushions for your chairs or chaise lounges, and you will soon grow tired of them. So let's see if we can help you get this decision right...

First consideration goes to the colors and patterns you may consider, ideally your outside leaving area may draw from themes you may have indoors, alternately you maybe looking to create an outside oasis of your dreams, either way note down colors, styles and themes that interest you. There are many retailers of outdoor furniture cushions, and the vast selection may become mind blowing. I would suggest looking through decor magazines or ideally the Internet, where you will able to browse through all the variations and compare prices at the same time.

There can be a vast difference in price between outside cushions, the main reason for these differences is the level of hardiness the outdoor cushion, pillow or pad may possess. If you opt for cushions made from marine grade fabrics designed to handle the hardships of a sea faring life, you'll pay a lot more than for a cotton cushion designed for use in perfect weather and lucky enough to be stored in a dry airy storage area.

If your climate is warm and wet, you know your battle is with mold and mildew, If you have to endure blistering sun you will need cushions with UV protection. No fear though as there are now cushions designed and manufactured that seem near indestructible, and are guaranteed accordingly! I would again suggest a little homework on the web to discover the level of protection you will need manufactured into your perfect outdoor cushions, pillows and pads. I also believe that buying the cheapest cushion will become a false economy, and would suggest getting the best quality outside cushions your budget will allow.

Should you cushions encounter any spillage, clean immediately before the stain can lock in, gently rubbing with soap and water, will deal with most stains, you can use commercial stain remover, if the stain is more oil based, but adhere to the manufactures instruction, as if the cleaning agent is too strong it may damage the cushions finish or treatment.

Though we have talked about some of these modern outdoor furniture cushions being near impervious to extreme weather, if you can your cushions will thank you for be stored when not used, and if they could ask for a dry airy environment, they'll gratefully serve you for many, many years.

Well I wish you all the best for your replacement outdoor cushions hunting project, and that you enjoy your outside space as much as I do, do take the time for a little research on the web if you can, the vast amount of choice, and competition for our money, is reducing prices substantially, and there are subsequently some fantastic bargains to be found

Peeling fingernails

I work in the nail industry and I am amazed at just how many people still believe the wive's tale that eating jello or gelatin will help them improve their fingernails. Every self-help website on the internet has people giving advice to take vitamin E or gelatin. I am here to remind people that don't know yet, that buying an oral supplement to help your fingernails is a complete waste of time and money.

WASTED MONEY SPENT ON ORAL NAIL SUPPLEMENTS

It is generally accepted that unless you are malnourished, no supplement will help you grow stronger nails. Dry, brittle, cracking and peeling fingernails are in most cases caused by environmental factors. Fixing the problem is usually simple, straight forward and relatively inexpensive.

THREE BIGGEST FACTORS EFFECTING NAIL HEALTH

Three of the biggest factors that effect the health of the fingernail (excluding injury and fungus) are water, the weather and efforts to make them look prettier (polish / fake acrylics). These factors act to strip the lipids out from the protective coating. This "dries" the fingernail out and makes it brittle or susceptible to peeling. I will briefly explain each factor and then tell you how to get the best bang for you nail care efforts.

Water: Health care professionals or teachers or anyone that washes their hands many times a day are giving their nails a beating. Nails in water strips out the lipids and raises heck with its protective barrier.

Weather: Living in a harsh, dry, cold (or hot) climate also dries out the nail and hurts the nail's protective coating.

Nail Polish and Fake Nails: Excessive use of nail polish doesn't give you nail a chance to "breathe". The frequent color changes and the harsh nail polish remover strips the nails. I won't waste a lot of time on what happens to your nails under the acrylics.

SIMPLEST, MOST COST EFFECTIVE WAY TO IMPROVE YOUR NAILS

Use a lipid-rich, penetrating nail conditioner to remedy peeling fingernails.

Don't cheap out and buy some oil that will just sit on top of the nail. Spend a few extra dollars and get a formula that will penetrate into the nail and through its protective coating. If you don't, you are again wasting your time and effort. When you consider how long a small amount of nail conditioner actually lasts, the added cost is really insignificant.

An excellent penetrating nail conditioner is the simplest and best thing you can do to help strengthen and make your nails naturally gorgeous. It literally costs just pennies and takes only seconds a day.