Test Your World Trivia Knowledge - Twenty World Trivia Questions

The world is steadily shrinking. It's time we started thinking globally. So let's begin by brushing up on our world trivia knowledge. I've put together about 20 questions with the answers for you to use.

Find out how much world trivia your family and friends know. You can print out the test and use a felt tip pen to mark out the answers, or simply copy and paste the questions and answers into any form you wish. Then print them out and have a trivia party!

\"Mineral Springs\"

World Trivia

Test Your World Trivia Knowledge - Twenty World Trivia Questions

What mammal do fishermen in China train to help them increase their catch?
A: The otter; The Chinese train otters to chase fish under large nets, which are then dropped and pulled in.

Where in the world is Spa, the resort town that gave its name to mineral springs everywhere?
A: In Belgium.

In 1512 why did Franc's King Louis XII order the removal of all the garbage that for years had been routinely tossed over the walls surrounding the city of Paris?
A: He feared invaders would climb the mounds of garbage and scale the walls.

What daily exercise routine did seventeenth-century French statesman Cardinal Richelieu perform to stay in shape?
A: He jumped over furniture.

How did the Caribbean island of Curacao get its name?
A: From the word cure--for the cure for scurvy it unexpectedly provided to Portuguese sailors set ashore with the disease. When they were later picked up, all were in good health--having partaken of the island's abundant crop of citrus fruit.

What was the name of the space vehicle in which Yuri Gagarin, the Soviet Union's first cosmonaut, orbited Earth on April 12, 1961?
A: Vostok I.

What nation was the first to be represented on both U.S and Russian space missions?
A: France. It had representatives aboard a Soviet space flight in June 1982 and on an American flight in June 1985?

What was the cost of a first-class ticket on the first and only around-the-world flight by an airship, made by the Graf Zeppelin in 1929?
A: The ticket for the 20,000 miles, 21-day trip was ,000.

What South American country is named for an Italian city?
A: Venezuela--which, translated, means "Little Venice."

How long did King Edward VIII sit on the English throne before he abdicated for the woman he loved?
A: Eleven months, from January 20 to December 10, 1936.

What are the citizens of Rio de Janeiro, Brail, called?
A: Cariocas.

For what country did Florentine explorer Giovanni da Verrazano sail to the New World?
A: France.

What would world-famous family changed its name from Wettin early in this century?
A: England's royal family. Wettin--the family name of Queen Victoria's German husband--was changed to Windsor when Great Britain was fighting Germany during World War I.

What country's highest mountain is named for Thaddeus Kosciusko, the Polish general who fought in the American Revolution?
A: Australia.

What was Pago Pago, the administrative capital of American Samoa, formerly known as?
A: Pango Pango, which is how Pago Pago is pronounced in the Samoan language, with "g" pronounced "ng."

What was 18-year-old Queen Victoria's first act after her coronation in 1838?
A: She had her bed moved from her mother's room to the very first room of her own.

In what country can you find Europe's last remaining herd of bison?
A: In Poland, in the Bialowieza Forest.

What natural phenomenon did the ancient Egyptians use to mark the start of their New Year?
A: The annual flooding of the Nile River.

Shang-tu in China was the summer palace of a great ruler. What name do we know it by?
A: Xanadu, the "stately pleasure-dome" of Kubla Khan in the poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge.

Where did the umbrella originate?
A: In Mesopotamia, in 1400 B.C. It was used for shade, which is why its name is derived from the Latin word for a shade, umbra.

Who made it fashionable to leave undone the bottom button in the vest of a man's three piece suit?
A: The Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII), at the turn of the century--because he was too portly to button his bottom button.

Test Your World Trivia Knowledge - Twenty World Trivia Questions

Free fun world trivia with answers for you to use as you wish:Trivia Quiz Questions [http://www.triviacountry.com/] Hundreds of fun trivia questions on all topics with the answers.

Free fun triviaFun Trivia Questions and Answers. Thousands of fun-filled free trivia questions on all topics complete with answers.

The Philippine Topography and Its Scenic Beauties

The Philippines is a rugged land traversed by many mountain ranges, extensive but narrow coastal plains, navigable rivers, fertile valleys and deltas and beautiful lakes and waterfalls.

Most of the islands in the Philippine archipelago are characterized by irregular seacoasts, fertile plains and wooded uplands in the interiors.

\"Mineral Springs\"

The Two Largest Islands

The Philippine Topography and Its Scenic Beauties

Luzon in the north, 104,688 square kilometers in area.
Mindanao in the south, 94,630 square kilometers-comprise 67.1 percent of the total land area of the country.

The other major islands from the largest to the smallest are Samar, Negros, Palawan, Panay, Mindoro, Leyte, Cebu, Bohol, and Masbate. About 800 of the islands in the archipelago are inhabited, while the rest are islands, islets, or rocks too small to be populated.

The Philippines has an irregular coastline totaling 17,465.5 kilometers long or about twice as long as the coastline of the United States. Our coastline is considered the longest discontinuous coastline in the world. This has resulted in a great many fine harbors and landlocked straits. Located between Samar and Leyte is what has been called "the narrowest strait in the world."-The San Juanico Strait. Manila Bay, with a circumference of about 193.2 kilometers is one of the world's finest natural harbors. The fourth lowest spot in the world ins the Philippine Deep, situated off northeastern Mindanao. It is only a little less deep than the Marianas Deep, just east of Luzon, and is about 10,539 meters deep. Mount Everest, the world's highest mountain, can easily be submerged in it, with 1.6 kilometers of space to spare.

The Philippines has four major plains

• Central Luzon Plain is the largest lowland area in the north and is considered the rice granary of the Philippines.
• Cagayan Valley, in Northeastern Luzon is the leading tobacco-producing region in Asia.
• Agusan-Davao Plain
• Cotabato Valley

It also has two pricipal plateaus-the Lanao-Bukidnon Plateau and the Tiruray Tableland in Maguindanao.

Volcanoes abound in the Philippines, a few of them active.

The Most Known volcanoes in the Philippines

• Mayon in Albay
• Iraya in Batanes Islands
• Taal in Batangas
• Banahaw in Quezon
• Apo in Davao del Sur
• Makaturing in Lanao del Sur
• Hibok-Hibok in Camiguin Island
• Isarog in Camarines Sur
• Bulusan in Sorsogon.

Among these, Mayon is the most active and the most famous, with its nearly perfect cone rising above the surrounding landscape that it enriches with its occasional eruptions.

Of the many scenic waterfalls in the country, the best known are Pagsanjan falls and Botocan Falls in Laguna, Hinulugang Taktak in Rizal, Tamaraw Falls in Oriental Mindoro, and Maria Cristina Falls-the tallest and most beautiful of them all-in Lanao del Norte.

Mineral springs are plentiful in the Philippines too. Best known among these are Tiwi Hot Springin Albay; Los BaƱos, Pansol, and Bumbungan Hot Springs in Laguna; the Pandi and Sibul Hot Springs in Bulacan; and the Magsingal Spring in Ilocos Sur.

There are some 59 lakes in the country. Lake Dagatan in Quezon is said to be the smallest of these lakes.

The Six Largest Philippine Lakes

Laguna de Bay - pronounced as ba-I,a rich source of fish and shellfish and is Manila's source of these items.
Lake Lanao in Lanao del Sur
Lake Taal in Batangas - surrounded by fertile agricultural land; it is a lake at the top of an extinct volcano, and there is another volcano in the middle of the lake.
Lake Mainit in Surigao del Norte - the crater of an extinct volcano and got its name from the many hot springs along its shores.
Lake Naujan in Oriental Mindoro - abounds in ducks and edible shells as well as freshwater fish.
Lake Buluan in Sultan Kudarat
Lake Bito in Leyte

The Philippine Topography and Its Scenic Beauties

About the Philippines

Philippine Almanac offers you all the information you need about the Philippines. If you are a traveler, a student, foreigner or native who is looking for a certain information about the history, politics, livelihood, entertainment, tourist destinations and attractions, accommodation or where to stay, jobs and specific places in the Philippines, then this website can offer you so much. To visit Philippine Almanac immediately, Click Here.

Dead Sea Salt - Anti-Aging Naturally

Anti-aging - Mineral Rich

These genuine essential minerals enhance your skin's natural ability to retain moisture. Retaining moisture in your skin will help keep lines and wrinkles from forming, making it smooth and healthy.

\"Mineral Springs\"

Dead Sea salts can be used widely in anti-aging skin care products for the body, face, and hair, treating skin aliments, aromatherapy, or simply bathing.

Dead Sea Salt - Anti-Aging Naturally

Deep Sea Benefits

Genuine Dead Sea salt provides the highest mineral content possible. Minerals such as calcium chloride, magnesium, bromine, potassium, and many others are vital for your skin's health and proper function. This composition improves cell metabolism and contributes to its restoration and regeneration.

Dead Sea products can exfoliate your skin, clean your pores, and help rid your skin of toxins.

This natural salt will work therapeutic wonders. Used as a soak or spa bath treatment, the crystals will nourish, cleanse, and refresh your skin. A Sea Salt bath provides a medium for deep relaxation, as well as a feast of minerals for the skin. This luxury was once relegated to high-end spas and expensive skin clinic's, but now therapeutic salt baths are becoming common practice in homes all across America.

Bringing the Dead Sea properties right into the privacy of your home for relaxation and relief, the widely reputed soothing effects of it can now be enjoyed. Now every bathtub and jacuzzi can be a private spa, rich in benefits of Dead Sea salt and its life giving minerals.

Another benefit it offers is its effective relief from psoriasis, eczema, hemorrhoids, muscular pain and stress induced tension. Many people travel from all over the world to the Dead Sea to find relief from their skin aliments. The minerals in the salt are also naturally present in our skin cells. When some of these minerals are lost it can cause skin to appear dull, become dry, and wrinkles may set in.

Using Dead Sea salt ant-aging products will help restore and improve the over-all health and vitality of the skin. Not only are these minerals able to help in slowing down the aging process, but they are also able to improve the condition of our skin and enhance it's natural beauty.

History "Mystic"

The therapeutic and beautifying properties on the skin have been legendary for centuries.

Cleopatra - the queen of ancient beauty was legendary for her magically youthful looks throughout her whole life.

She went to great expense to obtain exclusive rights over the Dead Sea area so she could gain access to supplies of Dead Sea salt and black mud. The remains of the first cosmetic factory commissioned to be built by Cleopatra are still visible today.

It is said the secret to the beauty of her skin was the anti aging effect of bath salts, mud and cosmetics made with Dead Sea salt.

Unique elements of nature

The Dead Sea forms part of the Israeli-Jordan border, fed by the Jordan River. This unique sea has no out-flow. The high rate of evaporation produces the large quantities of raw chemicals that are extracted and exported world wide.

It is some of the saltiest water anywhere in the world, almost 9 times as salty as the ocean. It is the most un-drownable lake on earth because of the extremely high concentration of mineral salts in the water. It makes it impossible to sink below the surface and one can float effortlessly.

A unique combination of the chemical composition of the water, the mineral-rich mud, and the adjacent fresh water and mineral springs - A trip to the Dead Sea will rejuvenate your spirit, body, and mind. You don't have to wait to take a trip to the Middle East to soak up the benefits - Bring the Dead Sea to you - experience the beauty products.

Dead Sea Salt - Anti-Aging Naturally

Hope this proved useful information. Interested in more Anti-aging skin care information? - Visit- http://www.anti-aging-skin-care-illusions.com/index.html

In the meantime- "Pamper yourself"- Create a more "beautiful you"-The total package!

The Dead Sea History!

The Dead Sea

Dead Sea, located in the south of the Jordan Valley, the salty closed sea 400 meters below sea level is the lowest spot on Earth. The scenery on the shores of the sea in enchanting.
The Dead Sea is famous for its extraordinary salt and mineral content, which many people say makes it a natural healing agent for skin problems. To ORDER The Dead Sea Products Click HERE. Or visit http://www.giftsfromtheholyland.com. Or call TOLL FREE 1-888-336-3275. People from around the world have been visiting the Dead Sea for many years for curative treatments and to enjoy its relaxing waters.

\"Mineral Springs\"

5.000 Years of History

The Dead Sea History!

King David, King Herod, Jesus, and John Baptist were closely linked with the Dead Sea and its surroundings. The prophets knew it via the infamous Sodom and Gomorra. During the Egyptian conquest it is said that Queen Cleopatra obtained exclusive rights to build cosmetic and pharmaceutical factories in the area. Later on, the wily Nabateans discovered the value of bitumen extracted from the Dead Sea and needed by the Egyptians for embalming their mummies. Aristotle wrote about the remarkable waters. In Roman times the Essenes settled in Qumran on the Dead Sea northern shore as a place of refuge and on the heights of Masada a small group of rebellious Jewish zealots held out against the might of the Roman Legion. The remoteness of the region attracted Greek Orthodox monks since the Byzantine era. Their monasteries such as Saint George in Wadi Kelt and Mar Saba in the Judean Desert are places of pilgrimage. Bedouin tribes have continuously lived in the area and more recently explorers and scientists arrived to analyze the minerals and conduct research into the unique climate. Since the 1960's, tourists from all the world have also explored the Dead Sea region.

The Lowest Point on Earth

Situated on the heart of the Great Syrian-African rift valley that stretches throughout Israel and beyond, the Dead Sea is the lowest point on the earth (400 meters or 1,320 feet below sea level), and is flanked by the Judean Mountains on the west, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Mountains of Moab on the east, the Jordan Valley and Sea of Galilee to the north and the Negev Desert as well as the Red Sea to the south.

The Dead Sea Water

The water of the Dead Sea contains 21 minerals including magnesium, calcium, bromine and potassium. 12 of these are found in no other area or ocean and some are recognized for imparting a relaxed feeling, nourishing the skin, activating the circulatory systems and for easing rheumatic discomfort and metabolic disorders. As an example, the Dead Sea contains 10 times more salts and minerals than the Mediterranean Sea. The high salt and mineral concentration enables everyone to float in its waters but doesn't allow the proliferation of fish and other marine life.

Thermo-mineral Springs

Found in several locations along the Dead Sea shores. The many minerals contained in the warm water are dominated by sulfur. Soaking in the heated sulfur pools activates the circulatory system and increases the oxygen supply to the body.

Natural mineral spring water

Flows from the Judean Hills into the lower areas fronting the Dead Sea. When hiking along the area's "wadis" (seasonal dry river beds) and oasis, one can often splash in waterfalls and cool streams. Natural mineral spring water is bottled and locally marketed throughout the country.

The Sun

The Dead Sea is the only place on earth where one can sunbathe for extended periods with little or no sunburn because harmful ultraviolet rays are filtered through three natural layers: an extra atmospheric layer, an evaporation layer that exists above the Dead Sea and a rather thick ozone layer.

The Air
The region's miraculous air is dry, unpolluted and pollen-free with low humidity. Due to the constant evaporation, the air contains high concentrations of several minerals, mainly bromine, providing a genuinely relaxing effect.

Because of the high barometric pressure it has approximately 8% more oxygen than anywhere else on earth and consequently makes breathing easier.

Black Mud

A signature element of the Dead Sea, black mud is homogeneous mixture of Dead Sea minerals, important organic elements from the shoreline as well as earth. Indulging in a black mud body wrap has both cosmetic and therapeutic benefits - known to cleanse and stimulate the skin, relieve muscle and emotional tensions, improve blood circulation, and ease rheumatic pain. The rich minerals and the mud tightening action promote circulation by increasing the supply of oxygen to and removing the toxins from the skin, thus toning and firming up skin tissues, leaves the skin glowing and youthful looking. Dead Sea Mineral Mud cleans, purifies, and restores the skin's natural minerals.

The Salt

As the name suggests, the Dead Sea is devoid of life due to an extremely high content of salts and minerals. It is these natural elements which gave the water its curative powers. Dead Sea Salt and Dead Sea Mud have been recognized by millions of people as a single source of health and beauty since the days of Herod the Great, more than 2,000 years ago. The Dead Sea has a 33% concentration of salts and minerals (compared to only 3% in the ocean). Dead Sea Salt original mineral composition improves cell metabolism and contributes to its restoration and regeneration. Dead Sea Salt also acts as a disinfectant and help in removing harmful substances from the skin.

The Dead Sea History!

Anwar Abedrabbo CEO Gifts FromThe Holy Land john@giftsfromholyland.com 1-888-336-3275 Voice/Fax

Choosing Spa Treatments - It's All in the Name

Shakespeare's much-loved heroine Juliet may well have felt that "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet" as far as her beloved Romeo was concerned. However, when it comes to the names of spa treatments, there's no doubt that a well-chosen and imaginative name certainly helps to grab the attention of prospective spa visitors more than a mundane, literal one.

Let's face it, if you were choosing between two treatments - one called "scrub treatment to remove dead skin" and the other called "Lavender and Tea Tree Exfoliation" - which would be more likely to appeal to you? For most of us, the latter would almost certainly seem more alluring, even if we knew deep down that a "Lavender and Tea Tree Exfoliation" may well involve precisely what the first option suggests...

Spa

Other scrub pseudonyms at top UK spas include intriguingly titled treatments such as "Li'Tya Yanko" or "Madagascan Red Island Ritual". Unsurprisingly, names like these have spa-goers signing up in droves and, in fairness, these treatments don't tend to disappoint.

Choosing Spa Treatments - It's All in the Name

The first treatment involves a full body exfoliation that cleanses the spirit and revitalises the energy meridians, bringing tone and clarity to the skin. During this treatment, Australian oils are applied and desert salts are sprinkled over your skin, then massaged in to exfoliate and purify the skin. Finally, a warm shower rinses away any residual stresses, before cherry alder body lotion is applied to soothe and nurture. Sounds gooooood!

And judging by the detailed description of the Madagascan Red Island Ritual, this one is equally worth adding to your list of "spa treatments I'd love to try". It's billed as "a ritual with a strong sensorial dimension directly inspired by the rich and resourceful nature of Madagascar Island" - but what does it actually involve? Well, for a start, it appears that a fabulously fruity experience is in store...

This ingenious treatment combines the sweet scents of apricot, orange and argan fruit powders, blending them with spices such as cinnamon and ginger, and incorporating essential oils including grape, sunflower and apricot. All these natural ingredients conspire to create an indulgent, nurturing beauty treatment that leaves your whole body superbly silky and soft.

During the treatment, the therapist's professional hand massage technique is expertly complemented by the use of a unique wooden relaxer to apply 100% natural aromatherapy balms - the end result is that tension and knots simply melt away, to be replaced by feelings of comfort and relaxation.

So much for fabulous exfoliation techniques - what about other types of spa treatments? Are they blessed with equally irresistible names? A quick glance at the "pamper menu" of any self-respecting spa reveals that they certainly are.

For example, during your spa visit you could choose spa experiences such as Shakra Silks, Crystal Wand Therapy or even Visibly Stoned - not to mention Lomi Lomi (Hawaiian massage) or Mini Lava Shell Tummy Treatment.

Alternatively, if you're more of a "get-up-and-go" than a "lie-back-and-be-pampered" type, energetically inspiring exercise class names such as Pom Pom Workout, Sinatra Swing and Hoola Hooping are sure to have you heading hotfoot for your chosen spa's gym or aerobics studio. Somehow, the rather pedestrian term "keep fit class" just doesn't have quite the same magnetic appeal.

So it seems that, despite what star-crossed lover Juliet may have thought, modern-day spa managers know that designations do matter. It really is all in the name.

Choosing Spa Treatments - It's All in the Name

Many of today's spa treatments boast truly fabulous names - and luckily for spa guests, the majority of them live up to those names.

Wonder of the Waters - A History of Essential Mineral Baths

For centuries, hot springs have offered numerous health benefits for everything from arthritis to indigestion. Sulfur, for instance, is credited with relieving nasal congestion, while sodium bicarbonate and calcium are said to enhance circulation. A number of studies have also indicated that soaking in hot mineral spring waters lessens the pain of arthritis. For instance, a study published in the August 1995 issue of the Israeli medical journal Harefuah reported patients bathing in the Dead Sea salt experienced improvement in knee pain. Other Israeli study results published in the April 2001 issue of the Rheumatology International indicated that hot sulfur baths helped relieve the pain and lessen the fatigue of fibromyalgia.

The benefits of hot springs, or mineral baths, were first endorsed by the Romans. They were so much a part of life that nearly every Roman city had at least one bath, which served as centers of public bathing and socializing. Throughout the Empire, baths sprung up wherever natural hot springs existed, including the United Kingdom, Germany, Algeria, and The Netherlands. Here, Romans bathed, exercised, and socialized with one another. They were used by the rich, poor, free or slave.

\"Mineral Springs\"

The hot springs in Baden-Baden, Germany, were well known to the Romans. In 1847, well preserved remains of Roman vapour baths were discovered below the castle. In fact, the direct translation of Baden-Baden is Baths-Baths. The name actually refers to both the city and the Baden region of Germany and the city lies along the Oos River in the Black Forest. One of the world's great spas, Baden-Baden has been popular with patrons of its natural mineral springs for centuries. In fact, Britain's Queen Victoria was an annual visitor who made the health benefits of Baden-Baden well known during her reign.

Wonder of the Waters - A History of Essential Mineral Baths

Today, the bathing houses in Baden-Baden are considered some of the most elegant in Europe. However, the baths cater to people of all means. There are a total of 29 hot springs, which is conveyed through the town in pipes to the various baths. The waters at Baden-Baden are known to bring relief for cases of rheumatism, gout, paralysis, neuralgia, and skin diseases.

One of the world's first health resorts, the Dead Sea is one of the world's saltiest bodies of water. Herod the Great, the Roman king of Judaea from 73 BC to 4 BC, enjoyed the healthful benefits of the Dead Sea, as well as Queen Cleopatra, who obtained exclusive rights to build cosmetic and pharmaceutical factories in the area. The region's climate and unique conditions created by its low elevation has made the Dead Sea a popular destination for a variety of health and beauty treatments. Multiple studies have shown the mineral essentials of the sea are effective for psoriasis, acne, and rheumatism. The Ein Gedi Spa, a well-established site on the shores of the Dead Sea, offers indoor thermo-mineral pools, resting areas, and a large outdoor bath containing rich, heavy black mud, which is ideal for ridding the body of poisons.

The healing properties of hot springs were espoused by the Native Americans, as well. When Spanish explorer Hernando De Soto reached the Valley of the Vapors in 1541, he was the first European to see the curative nature of what is now known as Hot Springs, Arkansas. For many years, tribes had been enjoying the springs - agreeing to put aside their weapons to partake of the healing waters in peace while in the valley. By 1832, the Hot Springs National Park was formed, which granted protection of the thermal waters, giving Hot Springs the distinction of being the first national park to be designated for government protection.

The thermal springs, situated in the Ouachita Mountains of Central Arkansas, emerge in a gap between Hot Springs Mountain and West Mountain. Nicknamed "The American Spa," visitors from around the world flocked to the natural hot springs. Today, this rich history is preserved in the faithfully-restored Fordyce Bathhouse, a museum and visitors center on Bathhouse Row. A variety of bathing facilities are open as well to visitors on Bathhouse Row and in hotels and spas downtown.

More than 100 years ago, the rich and famous traveled by private rail car to Mount Clemens, Michigan, to experience its magical mineral waters pumped from 1,400 feet under the city. Following the opening of the first bath house, "America's Bath City" reached its height of popularity with luxury resort hotels offering heated baths, which were widely known to relieve the pain of arthritis and rheumatism, as well as skin problems such as eczema. Henry Ford, William Randolph Hearst, Mae West, Babe Ruth, and European royalty made visits to Mount Clemens to partake of its mineral essentials.

In the 1900s, the mineral water from Mount Clemens drew thousands of polio patients. Legend had it that people came to the city in wheelchairs and left walking under their own power. Ultimately, eleven major bath houses operated in the city, supported by dozens of resort hotels, resulting in a thriving therapeutic industry.

Wonder of the Waters - A History of Essential Mineral Baths

Geologix Inc. manufactures products using a proprietary formula featuring 34 natural minerals contained in the ancient sea water from the famous Michigan Basin -- a concentration of minerals higher than that found in any known body of water in the world. Mineral Essentials focuses on spa, skin care, and massage products to moisturize and provide anti-aging protection for great skin. Visit us at http://www.mineralessentials.com and http://www.acheaway.com

Baking Soda For Gout: Why Take Drugs?

Bicarbonate of Soda, bread soda, cooking soda, sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate... all names for Baking Soda.

What is Baking Soda? Here's what you will find at Wikipedia:

\"Mineral Springs\"

Sodium bicarbonate is a white solid that is crystalline but often appears as a fine powder. It has a slightly salty, alkaline taste resembling that of washing soda (sodium carbonate). It is a component of the mineral natron and is found dissolved in many mineral springs. The natural mineral form, nahcolite, is found in dissolved form in bile, where it serves to neutralize the acidity of the hydrochloric acid produced by the stomach, and is excreted into the duodenum of the small intestine via the bile duct.

Baking Soda For Gout: Why Take Drugs?

Why is Baking Soda so good for Gout?

Baking Soda has been used for relieving the symptoms of Gout for hundreds of years. The condition of Gout is well-known for the high levels of Uric Acid that develop in the blood stream.

Uric Acid is a natural and normal part of our metabolism that is an important and essential Free Radical. It helps to eliminate pathogens and microscopic foreign invaders that cause various illnesses but when it becomes too concentrated, the body deposits it as crystals in a number of different joints throughout the body.

Baking Soda is a natural alkalizing agent and is used for many different medical applications including forms of Metabolic Acidosis like Chronic Renal Failure and Renal Tubular Acidosis. Typically the over-abundance of Uric Acid in the blood is an indication of an over-all condition of Acidosis and the sign that the pH of the body chemistry is down at the acidic levels.

In the event of a Gout Attack, periodically smalls doses of Baking Soda will serve to raise the pH of the body back up to the alkaline levels and also keep the Uric Acid in solution. Additionally, it will dissolve the Uric Acid Crystals that have already formed. It is especially effective when combined with Apple Cider Vinegar or Lemons or Limes.

The medical industry is fully aware of the effectiveness of Sodium Bicarbonate and uses specialized forms of it to neutralize many different acidic conditions. The question that needs to be asked is: "Why don't we use natural alkalizing agents to relieve the Acidosis that causes Gout Attacks instead of using anti-inflammatory drugs and drugs that inhibit the production of Uric Acid?"

So much emphasis is placed on limiting the production of Uric Acid rather than addressing the general Acidosis of the body when plagued with Gout; the corrosive damage and oxidation that is the root cause of so many other degenerative diseases is swept under the rug.

Gout is just a painful Omen of Heart Disease and Diabetes.

The typical "treating of the symptoms" of Gout by western medicine is another example of how our current medical system is designed to manage diseases rather than promote wellness. If our MD's observed the overall acidity that is generated by our diets and lifestyles and did not add to the acidity with pharmaceutical drugs, we could maintain a far higher degree of health and dispense with the need of so many detrimental prescription drugs.

The measured and moderate use of Baking Soda is a perfect example.

Baking Soda For Gout: Why Take Drugs?

Discover what other Former Gout Sufferers have learned to do about the Pain, Frustration, and that "What Can I Do To Make This Stop!" Feeling. Visit: http://bertmiddleton.com to see how easily your Gout Attacks can be SQUASHED and what can be done to keep them from coming back.

Arkansas Casinos

The state of Arkansas is a Southern state with a population of nearly 3 million. Arkansas' capital city is Little Rock, where one of Arkansas' casinos is located. The state of Arkansas is the only U.S. state with an official pronunciation (ar-kan-SAW), and the only state where diamonds are found naturally. There are not a large number of Arkansas casinos, but visitors to Arkansas can find gambling action in several places situated around the state.

One popular Arkansas casino is Cherokee Casino in Siloam Springs. This 50,000 square foot casino is open 24 hours a day and features a restaurant and a bar with live music. This Arkansas casino boasts 813 electronic gaming machines and over 40 tables for card games, roulette, craps and more--including 19 poker tables. One interesting feature of Cherokee Casino is that they offer poker games that are played against other players rather than the house. Cherokee Casino is an Arkansas casino worth checking out.

\"Mineral Springs\"

Another Arkansas casino, located in Holiday Island, is Spinzz Casino. This Arkansas casino was closed down because of gambling law disputes but has recently reopened for business. Guests visiting Spinzz Casino can stay at the nearby Spinzz Casino Hotel to be close to the action.

Arkansas Casinos

Though there are not many Arkansas casinos, there is a town with a rich casino history, which also happens to be former President Clinton's boyhood hometown. Hot Springs, Arkansas, in addition to being celebrated for its naturally 140-degree mineral springs, was one of America's original "sin cities." The town was a meeting place for gangsters, but instead of shoot-outs and showdowns, crime families such as the Nittis and the Capones would come to Hot Springs to sit down and talk. Historic Arkansas casinos were rampant in Hot Springs, and despite their "illegal" designation, residents of the town insisted that the casinos were good for business. At its peak, Hot Springs served as a Mecca for gambling and tourists flocked to the colorful Arkansas casinos lining its streets.

Today there are fewer choices for Arkansas casinos. However, gamblers looking for great casino action can visit the exciting Cherokee Casino or the centrally located Spinzz Casino. Of course, online Arkansas casinos are always a great option for anyone! Despite limited availability, Arkansas casinos have a long and rich history and should not be overlooked by casino aficionados and casual gamblers. Visit an Arkansas casino today!

Arkansas Casinos

This article is the property of Arkansas Casinos Before you use my article(s), you must agree to my Terms of Service [http://www.incomekey.com/terms_of_service.html].

The Origin Of Spa - A Brief History

A spa, as known to us today, is a centre for treatments through various alternate medications, and has grown to include relaxation, unwinding and getting pampered. But what makes for an interesting read is the origin of this culture, and the genesis of the word spa. So, when did the concept of spa - relaxing and getting treated for ailments through water - come into being? Where from did it get its present name? There are myriad answers to these questions, but all intertwined in the same theory.

Genesis of the spa

\"Mineral Springs\"

Popular belief has it that the origin of spa dates back to the Roman era, when soldiers of their legions fatigued by wars, would take to rejuvenation, relaxation and treatment of sore wounds through water. Hot, natural spring water was considered to be the best cure for wounds and tired muscles. The legionnaires, hence, started building baths around naturally found hot water springs or hot water wells. These baths were popularly known as 'aquae', while the treatments undertaken at these aquae were called 'Sanus Per Aquam' - of which SPA is considered to be an acronym - meaning health by or through water. Others believe that spa is an ellipsis of the Latin phrase 'Sanitas Per Aquas', meaning the same. The Belgian town Spa, which rose to fame in the 14th century in this context, thus got its name, since a thermal spring having curative and thermal properties was discovered there.

The Origin Of Spa - A Brief History

Another accepted credence is that the word spa is derived from the Walloon (the dialect of the people of Wallonia in south Belgium) word espa, meaning fountain. Alternatively, the origin of the word can also be attributed to the Latin word 'spagere', which means to scatter, sprinkle or moisten.

History of the spa

Social bathing was religiously adhered to as a culture in the ancient Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Minoan, Greek, and Roman civilizations. Among the first to use a variety of baths, the Greeks pioneered the concept of laconica (hot water tubs and hot air baths). The Romans adopted and modified it progressively into balneum and then thermae (Greek for heat).This spearheaded the culture of social bathing which gained immense popularity in the following years. Even though the first thermae can be traced back to 25 BC, the balneum existed in the Roman society almost 200 years before the advent of thermae. Each succeeding emperor to the Roman throne outdid his forerunner in building more spacious and luxurious baths. Some baths were large enough to hold about 6000 bathers at a time.

Growth of the spa culture

Subsequent years saw the thermae grow into wholesome entertainment complexes where bathers could indulge in sports, leisure, and restaurants apart from the varied baths available. A characteristic bath comprised of visits to different chambers for a complete relaxation routine. The bathing ritual started with exercises at palestra, followed by an hour long session in three increasingly warmer rooms beginning with tepidarium, where the bather's body would be smeared with oils and other herbal extracts. Private bathing rooms called caldariums that offered a choice of hot or cold water would be the next in line. The bather then moved on to laconicum, the hottest chamber of the thermae, where a vigorous massage and dead skin scraping would be carried out with the help of an object called strigil. The bath would end with a dip in a pool of cool water known as the frigidarium. After this ritual, the bather could relax in the other parts of the thermae indulging in a sumptuous meal, or retiring to the library. Since baths were located in close proximity to natural hot or mineral springs, the Renaissance witnessed towns abundant in natural springs graduating into spa destinations. Some examples are that of Spa, Belgium; Paeffers, Switzerland; Baden-Baden Germany; and Bath, Engalnd. Often these natural waters were considered to have medicinal properties and curative value.

The downfall and rediscovery of the spa

The fall of the Roman Empire resulted in a decrease in the popularity of the thrmae concept the world over. All existing spas fell prey to the cyclic order of being discovered, forgotten, and then being rediscovered. But although spas and hot water treatments went in and out of vogue since man first stumbled over the concept, water as a healing liquid never lost sheen. With innovations in the medical science, allopathy took over almost every other branch of medicine and well being in the early 20th century. Dispensaries and public hospitals started to be viewed as an alternative to natural healing processes. This threw the existing spas out of gear as they got transformed into vacationing hubs, losing their original purpose and catering only to the rich. Other spas responded by concentrating on the beauty business offering an amalgam of fitness and beauty in glorified saloons called day spas.

But, thanks to the indulgent and health conscious populace that looks at relaxation more as a way of life rather than a leisure activity, the spa culture has sprung back to life in most parts of the world. Modern spas, though having undergone a paradigm shift in their ways of treatment, still retain water therapy as their nucleus, and follow a routine of cleaning, heating, treatment and rest, akin to their older counterparts.

The spa of today

Call it thermal waters or spa, the concept of healing through water is also known by copious other terms such as taking the waters, spa therapy, balenotherapy, or hydrotherapy. The meaning of spa has constantly evolved through the ages to accommodate several other types of treatments. Now, spa treatments can range from wet and dry treatments to wellness therapies and beauty treatments. Treatments at spa include thalassotherapy, meditation, Yoga, Ayurveda flotation therapy, watsu, wassertanzen, water dance, liquid sound, Swedish massage, Japanese Shiatsu, Thai massage, European facials, acupuncture, Dead Sea salt scrubs, Moor mud wraps, aromatherapy, reflexology, microdermabrasion, endermologie, reiki, aura imaging, rasul, hypnotherapy, Tai Chi, dream therapy and much more. Mechanical devices such as Jacuzzi whirlpools, hydrotherapy tubs, Swiss showers, scotch hoses, and vichy showers have been developed to assist these therapies efficiently, and have collectively made the spa experience a better one. Today's spa has successfully stuck to its core traditions, simultaneously innovating, interpreting and expressing them in its own way.

The Origin Of Spa - A Brief History

Rohan Mistry is the owner of a day spa in Mumbai. Being in trade for about a decade, he is the keen observer of upcoming trends in the spa industry. Destination spas are the next big thing if his predictions are to be believed.

Salt Chlorine Pool Problems

As salt chlorine generation becomes more popular, problems are abounding due to a lack of consumer education and dealer / installer education.  What are the problems? There are FOUR general issues.  They deal with water quality as well as equipment maintenance.  The issues are water quality, general misunderstanding of the product and process, lack of education (installer as well as pool owner), and finally equipment problems.

Let's first say that the overwhelming majority of customers are ecstatic with their salt-chlorine pool -- the first season, then reality sets in (that's somewhat facetious).  And that's true with virtually any pool care system. Why? Because normally the first season you have a freshly filled pool (new water) and zealous care by the new pool owner. In subsequent years, routine sets in, lack of zeal is the norm, and novelty is lost (these are general statements - not all pool owners are this lax).

\"Mineral Springs\"

The first general issue with salt - chlorine pool care is water quality.  Water quality is just that: how the water looks, feels, tastes, and performs.  All of these are connected to water balance and products used.  Saline pools tend to run with a higher pH, so a dry or liquid acid must be added to the pool on regular basis to maintain proper pH.  Most saline pools are started on "plain salt," that is salt without any additives.  In a swimming pool, these additives are necessary to 1) buffer the water, 2) shield the chlorine from UV degradation - stabilizer, 3) stain and scale prevention - staining and scaling of pool surfaces and equipment especially in areas of typically "hard water".  Often times, pool owners neglect maintaining proper levels of salt in the pool, either high or low.  Low levels prevent proper chlorination.  High levels add to scaling and "salty" taste, not to mention wasted product.  High levels of salt can cause the water feel "thick" and look dull.  This we have noticed to be especially true with indoor pools (lack of fresh water additions is one cause).  All of these sub-issues leads us to the general misunderstanding of the product and the process.

Salt Chlorine Pool Problems

When set up properly, saline generation is a fantastic way to treat a swimming pool.  The key is proper set up.  And the fault often lies with both pool owner and builder-installer.  As far as product goes, using the correct product in the correct amounts makes all of the difference. Pool owners, know the correct volume of water that your pool holds.  Incorrect knowledge is the cause of over or under dosing.  Make sure that the system is operating 10 to 12 hours every day the pool operating.  Test the water twice each week - chlorine level, pH, total alkalinity.  Add algaecide periodically.  Contrary to what your builder told you, no saline system is "set it and forget it," there is upkeep and maintenance needed.  Builder-installer, don't oversell what the product and system can do.  The saline system can not maintain water balance.  Use the best salt products available.  There are different kinds of salt available: mined versus "solar."  What kind of other minerals or impurities are present in the salt, etc.  For example, depending on where the salt is mined from, there may be "excess" amounts of magnesium or potassium that scale differently on pool surfaces.  So called "solar salt" is salt that is harvested from ponds adjacent to the ocean.  A great idea but what is flying over head and making deposits in the salt?  That's one form of impurity.  The actual equipment to convert the salt to chlorine: the bottom line is you get what you pay for.  The name brand equipment with a proven track record is the best to use.  There are newer, cheaper "cells" that may work the first year (see above), but will be disappointing in subsequent pool seasons.

All of what has been just said ties directly to education of the product by all of the parties - pool owner, builder, installer, service person.  Know what saline generation can and will do.  If what you hear sounds too good, it probably needs further explanation or investigation.  A saline pool system is a big investment.  Do the necessary homework.

Finally, there are equipment problems.  More than anything else, these problems can be almost eliminated or at least marginalized. What do we mean by equipment problems?  Scaling of cell - where the chlorine is actually generated. The cell needs to be cleaned on a regular basis to optimize the chlorine generation process.  Keep in mind that the inside of the generating cell is one of the most hostile environments on planet earth - pH alone is incredible with one side of the plates having a pH of less than 1 (purely acidic) and the other side of that same plate having a pH of almost 14 (purely basic).  Never mind a local electrical charge. That's a harsh environment!  That's why thorough, regular cleaning of the cell is imperative and water balance must be maintained.  Other equipment issues to watch for: be sure that the pool is and has been properly electrically grounded. Stray electrical currents from the salt generator can lead to early degradation of ladders and railings (including stainless steel), heaters, and excess scaling and staining on pool surfaces including vinyl liners.

All of that said, saline generation, salt - chlorine generation, Mineral Springs, whatever you choose to call it is an excellent way to sanitize and treat your pool.  But now you know and understand full the picture.

Salt Chlorine Pool Problems

http://www.parpools.com

http://www.parpools.com/mineralsprings

Spa Day Etiquette - Your Guide to Day Spa - What to Take, What to Wear, How to Prepare

Spa Etiquette is a fairly new phenomenon and becoming increasingly popular as the commercial 'day spa' market continues to grow.

These days there are many 'spa' venues to choose from, some are hair salons, some hotels, some small treatment or alternative therapy salons - ultimately many businesses can call themselves a 'spa' - these tips and guides are intended for true 'Day Spa' venues.

Spa

What to wear for a spa day

Spa Day Etiquette - Your Guide to Day Spa - What to Take, What to Wear, How to Prepare

It really doesn't matter what you wear as long as you're comfortable. At a day spa you'll usually get into your robe and slippers upon arrival, and only put your clothes back on when you leave.

What you should take along with you

Taking a book or magazine is a great way to help relax, or pass time whilst you're waiting for your treatment. Most good spa's have magazines/newspapers around the poolside, but take your favorite book just in case.

Day spa hygiene

Shower before you get into the pool/Jacuzzi, and shower/rinse after the steam room and saunas.

On the day

Aim to be ten or fifteen minutes early for your treatment, a good day spa will have a relaxation/waiting area that you call chill out in whilst waiting for your therapist.

Modesty

When you for your treatment, your therapist will guide you and let you know whether you need to undress, and how you need to position yourself on the table. They will leave the room to give you privacy whilst you get yourself organised.

Sometimes after your spa treatment you'll need to shower (if so your treatment room will be en-suite), sometimes you just get dressed. Either way, your therapist will tell you what's needed and leave the room again until you are finished (they will knock before re-entering).

Spa day top tips

o Avoid applying makeup before going on your spa day
o Always arrive early!
o Talk to the therapists if you're not sure on any aspect of your treatment
o If pregnant, talk to your therapist before booking your treatment
o Don't feel like you have to talk during your treatment
o Take a good book

Spa Day Etiquette - Your Guide to Day Spa - What to Take, What to Wear, How to Prepare

The Club & Spa Chester

Spa Party Games for Healthy Relaxation

Spa party games sound like trivia or card games based on favorite Chick-Lit books or movies. They can be or they can also be based on nutrition, diet or exercise guessing games. Really anything that brings a round of light amusement to the gang waiting for their facial or turn in the mud is great fun for this party meant to relieve stress.

Mud Body painting:

Spa

This Spa party game themed idea is a great way to have a little fun with your mud or clay masks at the spa party. You can make this game competitive by giving an award at the end of the session for the most artistic body art. Spread out a large floor cloth to keep the mud from getting everywhere and you'll also need plenty of mud, brushes and some water.

Spa Party Games for Healthy Relaxation

Guests at the Spa party games will get in groups of three and paint on each other's bodies. They can paint anywhere on the body, but the back makes the largest canvas.

Caloric Count:

Try guessing games like guessing the caloric content of certain fruits, vegetables or other foods at your Spa party games. Set a nice example of different foods on display with a numbering system. Leave paper and pencils for guests to write their guesses on and then drop them into a box with a slot on top. Later on open the box and see whose guesses were the closest. You can give the food examples as prizes to the guests who were closest in their guesses.

Spa parties for the after work crowd center around the home Jacuzzi, lap-pool, sauna or other relaxing home spa equipment. This can be a summer evening party with all the decorations of a back yard pool party or can be a winter warm up in the basement spa. The basic decorating theme for this party can incorporate all of the traditional elements of other similar seasonal parties. Hot chocolate by the fireplace served in sturdy ceramic cups for winter or fresh lemonade served in spa party paper party cups for summer. Either season is the time for fresh salad and fruits served on paper spa party plates.

Spa Party Games for Healthy Relaxation

Mrs. Party... Gail Leino takes a common sense approach to planning and organizing events, celebrations and holiday parties with unique ideas for spa party supplies and fun free educational party games. She explains proper etiquette and living a healthy life while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. The Party Supplies Shop has lots of party ideas with hundreds of free holiday printable games and free birthday party activities. Over 100 adorable Party Themes to fit your birthday celebration, holiday event, or "just because" parties is at the Party Theme Shop. Party themes include cartoon characters, sports, movie, TV shows, luau, western, holidays, and unique crazy fun theme ideas.

Day Spa Business - Ways to Promote Your Spa

The day spa business is more competitive now because there are more salons opening left and right. More people are seeing the comfort of being pampered after a whole week of work stress. Most customers come to a spa for a massage, for body treatments or manicures. With more spas sprouting everywhere, you will need to promote your spa even more.

Giving away coupons is one of the most effective ways for a day spa business to get new customer and get old ones to come back. Once a person has a coupon he or she will likely come with a friend. That friend will pay full price and you also would have gained one new customer. Coupons have been so traditional that many businesses often use it to get more clients. Use it when business is at its low season.

Spa

Offer a 15% percent discount for a client's 1st visit. You can also offer discounts for anyone who brings in a new customer. Give discounts to couples who come together for a procedure or offer a discount for a yearly membership or package. Discounts as a promotional gimmick will always work to promote your day spa business.

Day Spa Business - Ways to Promote Your Spa

Announce a free tour on opening day. Residents and future customers in the community can freely walk around your salon, check out your services and check your prices. Offer free procedures for visitors who come early or bring a friend. Give away promo items like tiny bottles of lotion with your logo on it.

You know many people look toward the internet for information and to find things and places. Set up your website and make it interesting by providing fresh content on it for people to read. You can also post your promotional offers online. Encourage clients to submit their own stories and beauty tips and reward the ones who has the most interesting article. Customers like to patronize establishments that they feel part of.

If you already have a website, do some internet marketing to boost your online visibility. Write a lot of articles that will improve your ranking on search engine results. That will make it easier for new and old clients to find you on the Internet. Join online spa directories and have your company name listed on salon association websites.

Create a unique selling point so you won't just be offering what all other spas are giving others. Give customers a reason to patronize you over other day spas. Have a suggestion box at your spa or make one on your website to find out what you are missing or which area you need to give more attention to. It is also a good chance to get ideas on how to improve your day spa business.

Day Spa Business - Ways to Promote Your Spa

Learn how to open a day spa, and learn new promo ideas for your day spa business owners make, visit DaySpaStartup.com.

Choosing Your Day Spa

Where you choose to go for your day spa treatments is extremely important. It is no secret when we have the chance to get the day to ourselves and spend it at the spa we are excited. But, it is important to do a bit of research before just choosing a spa... your health depends on it in more than one way. We know the psychological benefits of taking time for ourselves. A day to just recharge our batteries and to relax. For us women the stress of work, family and keeping the home under order takes its toll. For men, the stress of work and the outside environment as well a family gives you time to breath. Over time it not only stresses us it begins to show in our appearance and the way we carry ourselves.

Know The Day Spa You Are Choosing For Safety Sake

Spa

Pure indulgence for a few hours, what could be better? Not really much. But beware of the hidden dangers and know what to look for before you make the appointment. If you have time, visit a few spas. If not, at least visit the spa you are choosing. While on your visit keep your eyes wide open. Will a pedicure be part of the day? Pay attention to the chairs that are being used. Are they in good shape? How does the water look in the foot bowl? Ask if the water is just being recirculated or if it is free running. May sound a bit disgusting but many spas recirculate the water. Not a very well-known fact and something to be aware of.

Choosing Your Day Spa

How are the manicure and pedicure equipment cleaned? Is the equipment cleaned after each and every client? Food for thought. Just dipping the equipment in cleaning solution should not be acceptable to anyone.

Medical Day Spa For Corrective Treatments

A medical day spa is very different from just a regular day spa. First, if you are concerned about the cleanliness of the spa you want to have treatments at the medical day spa is usually the better option. There is normally one or more physicians on staff. The overall stall of the medical day spa are chosen with care because they have been trained medically. Medical day spas can also perform corrective treatments that a regular spa cannot. These treatments may include:

Medical Aesthetic Procedures - Fractional laser, skin tightening, hair removal, cosmetic injections, Botox, dermal fillers, and IPL photo rejuvenation.

Skin problems where medical advice is warranted.

When choosing a spa be sure to ask questions. If you are afraid you will not remember just write them down. Although calling a spa and asking questions is fine it is more advisable to make a visit. It will be well worth the time and effort in the end. When you choose a day of relaxation you do not want to have to worry about anything.

Choosing Your Day Spa

A Medical Day Spa is a perfect place to visit for both corrective treatments and if you are concerned about spa cleanliness. Medical Day Spas do not have to feel like a medical facility and can be warm, inviting and relaxing. The Medical Day Spa of Chapel Hill is located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina and offers not only the best in care but the ultimate in a relaxing spa experience.

Spa Inspired Home Decor Ideas

Have you been inside a luxurious spa resort?

On a holiday, we stayed at a spa resort. Although we did not use the spa facilities, we did enjoy the tranquility of the resort. Actually, the clever use of home furnishings and accessories can bring that spa ambience to any home, big or small. No doubt it would be ideal to renovate the entire home, change the flooring and wall coverings to use wood and stone like a close-to-nature spa resort but, hey, you can get the effect for less by refurnishing your home.

Spa

First, get rid of all clutter. No matter how beautiful a home is, clutter spoils the look. A messy home is a stressful one. For a tranquil environment, go minimalist.

Spa Inspired Home Decor Ideas

1. Get a carpenter to do built in cabinets for all the storage in your home. These would maximize your space and keep the clutter out of sight. Go for a natural wood veneer. Rich polished wood cabinets or at least veneer on your cabinets would be a great start for your spa resort inspired home.

Get rid of plastics and artificial eyesores. If a sofa doesn't go with your home, get rid of it. Hold a garage sale to sell off all these things and use the proceeds to by furniture and furnishings made of wood, cane, bamboo, glass, stone or metal, in the natural finish.

2. Put a large vase of fresh cut flowers in every room and some indoor plants to give it a resort ambience.

3. Use uplights and downlights to throw shadows on these plants at night.

4. Buy a fountain and put it in the living room, to simulate the fountains and waters found in spa resorts.

5. Take a large basin and fill it with water and fresh flower petals and floating candles. Light the candles at night to form a majestic yet tranquil display of light and water in the room you intend to spend the night in. Remember to blow out the candles before you sleep and watch out for gas leaks.

6. Play with texture. Rugs or floor covering made of rough natural fibers give any room a close to nature ambience.

7. Decorate your home with rattan baskets and chairs [http://www.home-decor-ideas.com/rattan.html] that are both beautiful and functional.

If you can renovate your home, check out Spa resort inspired home makeover [http://www.home-decor-ideas.com/articles.php?article=18] for more ideas.

Spa Inspired Home Decor Ideas

You can get everything you need to decorate your home at home-decor-ideas.com

Hot Tub and Spa Reviews

Are you looking to purchase a brand new hot tub or spa for your home? With so many different models and name brands to choose from, you will want to make sure that you do your research before you purchase anything as it will be a big investment for many years to come. In our hot tub and spa reviews we will show you the top models that are out along with a wide range of prices so that you can find one that fits your needs and budget.

The first hot tub and spa we will review is the Dream Maker EZ Spa and it is more of a budget type of hot tub. This one is a 4 person seating which has a capacity of 220 gallons of water and 11 self controlled hydrotherapy waterway jets. The best feature about this model is that's it very easy to have it shipped to your house and a snatch to setup. You do not need to hire an electrician to wire anything as it plugs into a regular 110v plug in you have in your house. You can get this unit for under ,500 shipped and it will do the job if you're looking for a basic hot tub that is easy to setup.

Spa

The second hot tub and spa that we review is QCA Ruby Deluxe which also comes with a flex cover. This is one step up from the Dream Maker as it seats 6 people and holds 375 gallons of water. It has a total of 15 jets that is good for hydrotherapy. It's definitely a step up from the Dream Maker because it's larger and has more power but also comes with a ,000 price tag. This type of spa will also require wiring by an electrician as it requires more power.

Hot Tub and Spa Reviews

The third hot tub that is reviewed is HydroOasis which is in the top of it's class for spas. It fits up to 6 people comfortably along with a total of 103 jets, 8 inch LCD television and DVD player. It also has an input for an mp3 player so you could also hook up your ipod to it as well. It has muscle targeting configurations so if you are looking to get hydrotherapy jets in your spa and use it for muscle pain relief, this is the hot tub for you. There are so many features on this model that there are too many to list. The only down side of course is the price which is about ,000 and it will also run you a higher electricity bill because of the power it uses.

Depending on your budget and needs the three hot tub and spa reviews above should give you a better idea of what to expect when you are shopping for new units and comparing the prices.

Hot Tub and Spa Reviews

To compare prices on hundreds of the top hot tub models visit: [http://SpaReview.info]

How to Move a Hot Tub Or Spa

So, you want to move your hot tub or spa? Wondering how to go about undertaking such a large project. Luckily for you I helped some of my friends move their hot tub. So, you can learn from what we did and make the process go a lot smoother.

Lets take this one step at a time.

Spa

The tools and material you need to get started would be 8 pieces of PVC pipe (slightly more or less depending on the size of the spa) and a battery operated or handheld electric saw.

How to Move a Hot Tub Or Spa

Step 1) We start by cutting pieces of PVC pipe. We should keep around five 3-inch pieces and three 4 to 5 foot pieces assuming that you have a truck or trailer.

Step 2) Put the pipe right next to the hot tub such that if you tip the spa to the right onto the its side, your tub would be on top of the PVC pipe. You should turn the pipe such that it rolls in the same direction as you want to go (the spot where you want to move the spa to).

Step 3) Lets assume you have at least four people moving the hot tub (including yourself). On one end, you should two of them and two on the other side right opposite the pipes. Now we can lift the spa till its sitting on the PVC pipes. Don't forget the pipes can roll in this step. Be careful.

Step 4) In this step, you are ready to roll the spa. you are going to be rolling the tub slowly till you remove the pipe at the back and place it in the front. This requires some basic coordination between the four people but nothing crazy. You should keep on rolling this till you have moved it to where you want it to be.

Step 5) This time you lower the spa into the final location

Step 6) This step is for those who are moving the spa outside their house using a trailer or truck. You want to backup your truck to the point closest to which you can move the hot tub safely. Keep the PVC pipe pieces into the trailer. Tilt the spa onto the back of the truck and slide it into the spot that works. Tie it down and take it where it needs to go.

The above steps aren't set in stone. You should be able to use a variation of the above using materials or ideas that work for you. Make sure no one gets hurt. Move slowly and if you must, hire professionals to move it.

How to Move a Hot Tub Or Spa

Whether you are moving a 2 person hot tub or a 3 person hot tub, the process is the same as the above.

How to Sell High End Spa Treatments and Products

How do shoe companies charge 00+ for a pair of shoes? They offer something different and they have a reputation for quality. They may offer exclusive hand sculpted designs, made-to-measure, superior Italian leather, upscale address and a history of high quality.

How can a spa sell prestige products and treatments?

Spa

What makes you Different and Exclusive?

How to Sell High End Spa Treatments and Products

Why should someone pay more? Before you establish an exclusive brand, you must create a mythology around it. Sitting in a Jacuzzi with a glass of champagne, followed by a mud wrap and massage, is just not going to cut it. You need some mystery and intrigue. A spa may incorporate ancient therapies and rituals with native ingredients and raw materials for a luxuriant full body blitz. The treatment may involve exotic ingredients such as crushed opal, herbal remedies and hot stones and gems. Specialized techniques and procedures and a uniquely designed environment with sophistication, conducive to relaxation will set a spa apart. Continue to broaden your skill set and learn specialized skills like Reflexology, Rolfing or Pressure point techniques to enhance the spa experience for your clients.

*What makes you Different?*

Can we Trust You?

Top luxury brands regularly ask celebrities to promote their products. Who can promote your spa? They don't need to be famous, but ideally they must be well-known within your community. Getting endorsements from your community and clients is one of the best ways to promote your spa. Client testimonials are useful to prove you have raving clients who would recommend your services.

*Do you have a brag book of Testimonials to show potential clients?*

Reputation, not Novelty

Classics are desirable. Fashion is constantly changing and what's hot this season is replaced by something new next season. However a classic is not replaceable. Typically the spa is known for pampering and relaxation. However results are a winner. Results are not going out of fashion -it's a classic. When you offer innovative technology which erases aging or offer make-overs to improve looks and features or a weight loss boot camp, then you have a classic which is easy to sell. How do clients buy top of the line spa packages? You talk to them. You compare what you have in store, in compared to the usual run of the mill spa. You focus on your specialized techniques and procedures and exclusive results.

*What makes you a classic?*

Create Buzz with Relief, Remedies and Wellness

Wellness is a new buzzword in the spa industry. Anti-aging, health and fitness is becoming synonymous with the spa industry.

By having a photo-rejuvenation laser treatment you are admitting that you are getting old. Be sensitive to marketing to aging clients. Just like a person doesn't like to admit they are fat, they don't want to be told they have wrinkles.

Everyone wants to live longer, prevent disease, look and feel better and control stress. The spa sector is opening up to alternative and complimentary therapies: Vibrational medicine, New Age therapies, Eastern philosophy, Ayurveda (ancient science of Longevity), and integrated modalities. These complimentary therapies are based on the belief that illness is caused by energy imbalances. The concept is based on the premise that human bodies are made up of interconnected fields of energy (qi, chakras, aura) and that when a human body is unwell, it is the result of the energy fields being unbalanced and that by re-balancing these energies will help to re-establish a person's good health.

Organic products, health and nutritional supplements, massage therapy, natural holistic therapies and spa treatments are popular among the affluent who want to improve their quality of life by attempting to influence their own health. Clients want hope, and often deny that they are getting older. Affluent clients welcome wellness treatments and products, however be sensitive not to trigger resentment or denial.

*Is your spa creating Buzz?*

How to Sell High End Spa Treatments and Products

*Coming up with new and exciting concepts can be the difference between a dull salon and a fabulously profitable one.* If you want to break into the luxury niche, you will need to Innovate and Create New and Exciting Spa Concepts.

Belinda Meyer invites you to sign up for her monthly newsletter which offers information to help you make your Beauty Salon or Spa unique and profitable. Available at http://www.salonprofit.net