A shofar is a natural instrument made from a ram's horn (ashkenazi shofar) or an African antelope yemenite shofar). In ancient times, it was blown during religious ceremonies as well as a signal for battle. Today, shofars are blown during the high holiday services, during Rosh Hashanah and at the end of Yom Kippur. Sometimes educators will bring a shofar into school to teach on the ancient traditions, and increasingly more and more Christians are using shofars during their worship times. Besides these regular uses, a shofar makes a great gift for bar or bat mitzvah, birthday, anniversary, marriage and more, because it helps reinforce Jewish heritage, and the values of Judaism, and many a home has a shofar on display.

Shofars in general measure from about 7" to 52", measured along the curve. The sound is affected by the length of the shofar along the curve, the size of the mouthpiece, thickness of the shofar, size of the twist/curve, and, of course, the person playing it. In general, the larger the shofar, the easier it is to blow, the deeper the sound you'll get from it, and the more tones, but this does not always hold true and sometimes there are radical exceptions to the rule!

One thing to note is that many shofars have a distinctive odor, particularly the yemenite shofars which are more difficult to clean. If the smell is bothersome, it can be cleaned with a mixture of sand, vinegar and water, which should be shaken around inside, then rinsed and dried off. It is strongly recommended that no form of lacquer or other permanent substance be poured down the inside of the shofar, since this can cause irreversible damage.

A quality shofar will produce a good sound without an additional mouthpiece, and it is not recommended to put a mouthpiece into a shofar since it is a natural animal product and it's sound and variance in tones are all part of its distinction. In addition, because it is a natural animal product, all shofars have some form of nicks, dents, and/or scratches; remember, it has been knocked around by an animal for a long time before you ever saw it! The only thing that is not acceptable is a crack going through to the inside of the mouthpiece, since this can stop it being played properly.

When you decide to purchase a shofar, make sure you buy it from a company that's willing to provide customized service. For instance, you may want a very large, fully polished shofar that will be used primarily as a display, or you may want one that gives the most number of tones and/or highest volume for a synagogue. You may want the shofar for a young child, so it must be easy to blow and produce sound, or you may want one for yourself that has a specific tone to it.

A good shofar seller will work with their customers individually to find the perfect shofar for each person, and will even encourage them to call or email if they have any questions at all about their shofar purchase. Not all shofars are created equal and come from quality manufacturers, so don't be shy to ask questions before you buy!

The Product

Virtually no allergy risk, natural mineral cosmetics allow skin to breath. Talc free, chemical free, and dye free natural cosmetics recommended by plastic surgeons and dermatologists, are created from powdered minerals. Their consistency and mineral content act together to calm the most sensitive skin.

Over time mineral cosmetics actually improve your skin. Since your skin is allowed to breathe through the mineral foundation, no oily barrier preventing oxygen from reaching your skin, the texture and tone of your skin improve. Microscopic fibers fill up those tiny lines in your skin and give your complexion a natural healthy glow.

The best part of natural cosmetics is their ability to add a youthful glow while protecting your skin from harmful solar rays. Consisting of mica, titanium dioxide, iron oxides, ultramarine, zinc oxide, mineral foundation is particularly well suited to use as a sunscreen. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are both used in high quality sun blocks. These cancer fighting sun-blocking agents are both in most mineral make up products.

Mineral cosmetics are ideal for anyone suffering from acne or post surgical skin procedures. In most instances acne improves after extended periods of using mineral make up because titanium dioxide does not promote the growth of bacteria as some cosmetics may. Due to the dry formula of mineral cosmetics, ingredients such as talc, dye, and perfume are not added. Therefore mineral cosmetics offer a chemical free option to popular cosmetic choices.

100 percent natural cosmetics provide excellent coverage, staying power, and creaseless beauty all day long. Natural anti-drying agents help to seal in moisture and prevent clogged pores. Mineral cosmetics dusted on liberally with special high quality brushes fill tiny lines and hide blemishes, leaving a soft healthy glow and sun protections. Because they don't have to be reapplied during the day, they reduce stress and increase the happy factor in your life.

The Application

Foundation gives your face a flawless silky glow that reflects health with fine texture and uniform color. A little goes a long way. It is always best to start your make up application with clean fresh skin. If you choose to use moisturizer, it must be fully absorbed before applying mineral cosmetics.

To conceal any flaws: Lightly brush mineral foundation over any areas where flaws exist. Light layers cover better than one heavy layer; so go lightly.

Mineral foundation should be applied to dry skin, moisture will make it cake and appear uneven on your skin. Using a brush to apply the foundation in circular motions results in flawless coverage.

Blusher or bronzing powder should be applied as a highlighting accent to your face and completed with a finishing powder to set your make up.

Eye shadow can be applied either wet or dry, using a shadow brush, apply lightly and add more as needed. A bit of bronzer is an excellent eye shadow choice for daytime wear.

Using a light touch and the right brushes will help you achieve that dewy glow of youth and good health. These products are inexpensive and long lasting, making them an excellent choice for everyday cosmetic needs.

Generally, I have gotten fair use from my purchases. I have found some staples, and products I can do without as well.

#93 - Most Discussed (Today) - Howto & Style
#65 - Top Rated (Today) - Howto & Style
#89 - Most Responded (Today) - Howto & Style

Duration : 0:9:30

(more…)

Best of Luck!!

Pincess

Most people wonder where they should start when they are ready to start improving their health. There is so much information on getting healthy and every practitioner or health guru wants you to start with their program. So what do you need to do and where do you go for that information/

If you go back and read many of the books written during the 50' to 80's you will find that most of the natural health healers always recommended you starts with the colon.

If you go to your health food store you will find numerous colon cleansing products and in health magazine you will finds many advertisements on colonics.

If you first concentration on improving your colon health, you will do your whole body a favor and you will start to feel and be healthier. Because your colon serves your whole body with nutrients and information, you can make a big impact on becoming healthier.

Every part of your body is reflected in the colon. This means that every spot on the colon corresponds to some part of the body. It is through this spot that nutrients and information is sent to that part of the body. Can you imagine if that spot that represents your brain is filled with toxic matter and filled with layer after layer of toxic material that has built up over the years?

When the brain spot on your colon is corrupted, then toxins move readily into your brain and in addition traumatic life incident can readily move into the brain and settle there forever. The toxins in the brain make you senile in old age and the traumatic feeling can activate a heart attack when your heart immune system weakens.

Can you then imagine all parts of your colon walls being covered with toxic matter or being constantly exposed to toxic matter that stays there for 3-5 days because you were constipated? You could expect toxins to be flooding all parts of your body and weaken those parts to the point of failure when you get older.

It is my opinion that if you do anything for your health that you concentrate colon cleansing. This can be done by always eating and living a lifestyle that gives you a natural colon cleanse. Here are three things that you can do as a natural colon cleansing.

1. Change the way that you eat and not what you eat by helping your body during its normal body cycles. The body detoxifies from 8 am to noon, so don't eat any heavy food during this period. Eat only fruits and vegetables and their juices. This helps to detoxify your colon and other areas of your body.

2. Eat more fiber since this helps to keep your colon clean and free of constipation and of other disease. Get your fiber from fruits and vegetables. For those of you that are over 60, since you may have diverticulosis, avoid these foods, seeds, nuts, black berries, cucumber, tomatoes, wheat, and rye. Avoid those foods with seeds since they my get lodged in the diverticula's pockets and cause inflammation.

3. Use a colon cleanse once a year that helps to dissolve built up toxins along the colon walls. Once such product is Oxypowder.

Keeping your colon in good health is your key to your overall health. Plan to remove toxic matter from your colon. Eat a diet high in fiber to keep your colon strong and healthy. And, assist your body to detoxify by eating foods and liquids that digest quickly from 8 am to noon.

Finding the best natural acne treatments ever really depends on who is looking. The mistaken notion is that teens mainly fall victim to acne.

However, you may be surprised to know that 80% of adults between 25-39 suffer with acne. Some still wage the acne battle well into their forties.

The dilemma for this group of acne sufferers is that they are seeking treatment that was formulated for a younger age group. They are using treatment for their acne that was made with younger skin in mind. More oilier skin.

The more mature acne sufferer is caught out. In a way they are forced to seek alternatives in the natural arena. This is not a bad alternative.

Natural medicines are toxic free and tend to zero in on the underlying causes. While the over the counter acne medications tend to zero in on symptoms only.

It is easy for this group to find the information for themselves on the internet. And many prefer to make their own concoctions to fight their acne battle.

The most all round, versatile acne treatment is Aloe Vera. This miracle plant can stand alone when battling many of todays diseases. Acne included.

It has healing properties that are second to none. It has been known to reduce inflammation, and hold acne off from an imminent attack. So it can also prevent the spread of acne.

Aloe Vera Gel stands out as one of the best natural acne treatments we can have in our arsenal. It also mixes well with other potent natural treatments.

Although Aloe Vera can be used as a moisturizer by itself, it can also be added to most any other product.

Acne brings with it pain, irritation, and pustules. Certain healing herbs can be made into a poultice and applied to the affected areas.

A really ancient but effective treatment is the use of the leaves of the strawberry plant.

Moisten the leaves with water and put them directly on the affected areas. You can even mash up the strawberry and apply it as a paste to the face.

Dandelion is very effective in fighting acne. Use the complete dandelion plant. Root, leaves, and stem. Chop, boil, simmer and then strain the dandelion. Use the liquid as a tea and/or apply it directly to the affected areas.

The best natural acne treatments are great because like dandelion, many can be used internally as well as externally.

It is a given that when acne surfaces there are internal problems that manifest themselves externally.

A singular focus on the skin is not a wholesome way to approach acne treatment. A two pronged attack is the way to go.

A wonderful penetrative agent is Tea Tree Oil. It can go very deep into the skin and spread its antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Diet is another crucial plank. Fresh pumpkins and carrots loaded with beta carotene strengthen the immune system. Vitamins A, B complex and E uphold the integrity of the skin. Mix these with regular exercise and you are fortified against acne.

Duration : 0:8:19

(more…)

One of the most popular and widely used anti-aging skin ingredients is of course Vitamin C. In anti-aging skin treatment, Vitamin C is probably the most effective ingredient of them all. The skin receives many great benefits from Vitamin C such as helping to get rid of the free-radicals that can seriously damage your skin and also helps your body to increase it's production of collagen. Manufacturers have also invested vast amounts of money into researching ways to find alternative forms of solving the major oxidation problem that occurs when Vitamin C is exposed to air and it oxidizes immediately thus rendering it ineffective. Increasing the concentration of Vitamin C so it doesnâ??t loose its effectiveness is just one solution they have found to counteract this problem. Often at times, manufacturers will increase the concentration to 10%. As the concentration of Vitamin C increases so does the price. So for this reason many consumers look for alternatives to skin products that contain Vitamin C.

Some derivatives of Vitamin C can easily penetrate the skin cells and release a proper amount of acid to help the production of collagen, and these are ideal. The most common fat soluble Vitamin C derivative in skin care products is called ascorbyl palmitate. This ingredient is more stable and less irritating than Vitamin C alone. Another derivative is the water soluble magnesium ascorbyl phosphate. This ingredient is also good for products that are made specifically for sensitive skin and can reduce any effects of itching and rashes etc. Both of these derivatives donâ??t oxidize as easily as Vitamin C and donâ??t cause as much irritation which is a great step forward (although it should be noted that they arenâ??t as effective as pure Vitamin C). Now depending on the individual using it, the effectiveness of a product will vary, sometime by quite a lot. While Vitamin C products will work well for some they can be useless for others. Some skin care product ingredients donâ??t respond effectively for all skin types either, so in order to maintain and improve the efficiency of products you should make sure you store products properly.

So, which Vitamin C products should I be buying then?

Well, that's a good question indeed, in fact it is definitely best to check a product first before buying a clinique cosmetics product based with Vitamin C. You can also determine the effectiveness by the color of the product - a product is useless and harmful if it is yellowish-brown since this means it has been exposed to the air and is oxidizing as previously explained. With Vitamin C products you should read the label very carefully to ensure you arenâ??t wasting your money on a product that wonâ??t work!

INTRODUCTION

This article introduces deer velvet antler, its origins and use, but more importantly velvet's beneficial clinical effects. The report combines traditional knowledge with modern science and describes velvet's use in a way that today's consumers can make informed decisions on the benefits of velvet for them.

HISTORICAL

The Chinese has used velvet antler for over 2000 years for its powerful health promoting properties. The first documented evidence of the use of deer antler velvet in China, as a health tonic has been dated back 168BC. Traditional Asian usage has been for the promotion of well being and prevention of illness.

WHAT IS DEER VELVET ANTLER?

Velvet antler is the growing stage of the horns borne on the heads of male members of the deer family. They are called velvet antlers during the phase of rapid growth and development because of the velvet-like covering of skin.

Velvet antler is living tissue that grows at a very fast rate of up to 2cm/day in some species. This means that cartilage, bone, and support tissues such as nerves, blood vessels and hair follicles must grow at this phenomenal pace. Velvet antler is the only mammalian organ that regenerates like this. This may be the reason for its powerful health benefits.

A RENEWABLE RESOURCE

Deer velvet antler is unique in that it grows each spring is cast in the late winter and is replaced the following spring by the same natural process. So velvet antler is not only a product unique in the animal kingdom but it can be considered as a renewable resource.

VELVET IN THE NEW AGE

From the growing antlers of deer comes a natural product with the potency and flexibility to safely benefit a great many people throughout the world. Although velvet antler's extraordinary properties were originally recognised in Asia, particularly China, its relevance to the lifestyle needs of the 21st century are becoming apparent. These needs transcend the barriers that separate Eastern from Western medicine. Perhaps it is better to use the words `lifestyle choices' rather than `lifestyles needs'. `Choices' implies a level of individual responsibility to conduct life in a manner that is self-directed. Lifestyle choice carries the further meaning of expressing individual preference on how to maintain and advance quality of life. Velvet antler can impact at several levels of quality of life. Research evidence supports treatment, restorative and protective roles. In addition, consumption of velvet antler can not only provide an immediate benefit, but also amplify and enhance long-term benefits.

Velvet antler is the health-promoting tonic that is right for our times.

It is easy to become confused by the many purported – and substantiated – benefits of taking velvet antler. It seems too good to be true, in Westerners eyes that a single product could benefit in so many different ways. It may be useful to simplify the many benefits and state what velvet doesn't appear to do. We have no evidence of anti-bacterial, anti-viral or anti-fungal activities of velvet. Velvet cannot `cure' by destroying active pathogens.

The actions of velvet are consistent with:

â?¢ restoration of normal body processes,

â?¢ strengthening of the body, possibly leading to mental and physical performance increases, and

â?¢ protection of the body.

In Asia these functions are considered as `tonics', but tonic is not an easy word to define in English and hence may have limited value. The benefits of velvet do not overlap with Western medicine but in many respects can be thought of as complementary. A good example is the use of velvet antler extract to mitigate the damaging side effects of anti-cancer drugs, while at the same time helping their effectiveness.

Product safety is another key issue for our times. Velvet antler has been consumed for at least 2000 years and no general toxicity or negative side effects are known. The fact that velvet has been used safely by young and old male and female alike for some 2000 years is evidence that velvet is a relatively safe preparation.

This is important because people conscious of their quality of life need this information to weigh up costs and benefits.

Velvet antler is a win-win product; safe to take yet known to be effective. It is a product in transition from an Asian medicine enshrouded in mystery to a functional supplement of benefit to East and West alike. Exciting possibilities for this product can eagerly be awaited – the current applications are but a glimmer of the future of velvet antler.

TRADITIONAL USE

The benefits of velvet that we are rediscovering were well known to the Chinese. It is unlikely that in even earlier times the shaman cultures of North Asia were familiar with medicinal plants and animals. So although the concept of medicinal animals may seem odd, given that we accept medicinal plants, historically medicinal animals have held an important place. In Europe, for example, bee venom was used as a treatment for arthritis until relatively recently. The development of velvet antler as a traditional medium has been greatest in China and there are many references in Chinese literature to the benefits of velvet.

The functions of velvet antler are many but all fall into the major categories of:

â?¢ general body strengthening,

â?¢ healing,

â?¢ promoting blood cell growth

â?¢ improving the immune system, and

â?¢ Influences cardiovascular function.

Recent research in China, Russian and New Zealand and Canada has added to this list and has provided modern research support for the traditional knowledge.

Traditional Chinese Medicine, while having curative functions, focuses on promoting wellness as a medical goal in itself. In both Chinese and Korean medicine velvet antler can be regarded as an effective promoter of health. This may be because the substances that promote rapid growth and regeneration of velvet are responsible for the tonic actions. Western medicine lacks a formal understanding of a tonic, but it is important for a potential user of velvet antler to accept the context in which to seek the benefits of velvet. In keeping with Chinese and Korean use of velvet these are overall strengthening of the body, healing and improving tissue function. View velvet antler as a powerful restorer and strengthener not a curative in itself. The mechanisms for this true tonic activity are as yet only poorly understood. In the future this list of benefits may lengthen.