Brushing your teeth is one of those essential tasks for good oral hygiene. It is recommended that you brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes. It is a good habit to teach your children from a young age to make sure that they grow up with beautiful white teeth.

It is important that you replace your toothbrush once every three months. Worn out bristles are also less effective at cleaning your teeth. It is also important to replace your brush after you are sick as the brush can hold germs for a long time. The firmness of the bristles is one of the most important factors to consider. A brush with soft bristles is best as if won’t irritate sensitive gums. Small headed brushes are preferable as they can reach all the areas of your mouth.

Manual Toothbrushes: A manual toothbrush is cheap, light and easy to travel with. Most of them come with tongue scrapers. The negatives of manual toothbrushes are that there is no built in timer to tell you when two minutes is up. Manual brushing is around 300 strokes per minute so it is still a good basic toothbrush for everyone.

Electric Toothbrushes: Electric toothbrushes have larger ergonomic handles and some have built in timers to let you know when you have brushed your teeth for two minutes. They also feel like they are giving your teeth a better brush. However they can be quite expensive and require charging or battery replacement. Some of the children’s toothbrushes play music which is great because it will help make them brush their teeth. Some research has suggested that electric toothbrushes are slightly more effective at removing plaque from teeth. Electric toothbrushes provide from 3,000 up to 40,000 strokes per minute. They are also great for people who have limited hand movement or arthritis.

When you are deciding on whether to buy an electric or manual toothbrush it should come to what you desire and what you can afford. The best toothbrush is the one that fits in your mouth and can reach all of your teeth easily. The most important thing is that you actually use it to keep your teeth and mouth clean and healthy.

Hair colouring has been popular for a long time. Heroes of ancient Greece would use harsh soaps and bleaches to lighten their hair. First century Roans use dye from boiled walnuts and leeks to darken their hair. Dying your hair at home is quick and inexpensive way to get beautiful new coloured locks. Below are the steps to ensuring that dying your hair at home is easy!

1. Make sure that you do a skin test first: Many people are allergic to hair dyes so this is a very important step. You should test every time you colour your hair, even if you have been colouring.

2. Choosing the right shade: When you choose a colour, it is not going to look the same on your hair as it does on the picture on the box. A good guideline is to select a shade that’s within two shades lighter or darker than you natural colour. Another good guide is if your current hair colour isn’t pictured on the box then that colour won’t work for you. If you are going for drastic changes such as brunette to blonde then it is better to visit the salon and let a hairdresser do it.

3. Colouring it: make sure you have old clothes on and lots of old towels to make sure that no dye goes near unwanted places. Also have gloves so that you hands don’t get dyed. In order to get an even application part the hair into four sections and apply the colour section by section. Make sure that you have a timer so that you cna let the colour develop for the correct amount of time.

While you may not look like Eva Longoria on the L’Oreal adverts, you will still have some gorgeous coloured locks. Remember to always follow the instructions listed on the packaging by the manufacturer and get ready to enjoy a new look!

Moisturising your face is an important part of a healthy skin care regime. Stores are flooded with moisturisers that are claiming to be the latest and greatest and it is hard to know which one is right for you. They range from cheap over the counter creams to the most expensive creams available.

Choosing a moisturiser: The type of moisturiser that you choose should depend on your skin type, age and personal taste. You don’t need to spend lots to get the perfect moisturiser for you. Make sure that you check out the ingredients as they are the best indicator of the quality of the moisturiser. It should be non-comedogenic which means that it does not contain ingredients that will clog the pores. Most facial moisturisers come labelled for a certain skin type of: sensitive, dry, oily or combination.

Sensitive Skin: If you are prone to redness and irritation then you most probably have sensitive skin. Make sure that you steer clear of moisturisers with perfume, alcohol, detergents and other ingredients that might irritate the skin. Always make sure that the product is fragrance-free and hypoallergenic.

Combination skin: This is when it is oily on the T-zone and drier around other areas of the face. Look for moisturisers for combination skin that will repair, hydrate and protect the skin.

Dry skin: Dehydrated skin can carry a dull look and can often feel itchy and tight. Look for rich concentrated creams that will help make your skin glow. Be sure to use a night cream to get that extra hydration. Some ingredients that are good for dry skin include alpha hydroxides, antioxidants, vitamin E, aloe vera, shea butter and sweet almond oil.

Oily skin: If you have oily skin then you will have enlarged pores, blackheads and become more prone to acne due to the overproduction and build up of oil. Water based oil free moisturisers are best for you.

Once you know your skin type, find a good moisturiser to use every day to ensure that your skin is glowing.

You would think shopping for running shoes would be easy, right? Well after stepping out to purchase a pair of running shoes I clearly hadn’t thought about it enough. This guide will help you through the jargon to find a shoe with the perfect fit.

There’s no single ‘best shoe’ – everyone has different needs. Think about your weight, the surfaces your shoes will be on and the shape of your feet. The first rule is that the fit matters more than anything else. Even if they are the latest and best looking pair of shoes, if you pick shoes with a bad fit then you will end up with discomfort and joint problems.

One way to determine your foot’s shape is to do a ‘wet test’. Wet your foot, step on a piece of paper and trace your footprint. If your footprint shows the entire sole then you have a flat foot. If it shows only a portion of your forefoot and heel with a narrow connection between the two then you have a high arched foot. If you can see about half of your arch then you have the most common foot type.

There are three types of feet that we will discuss below:

The Normal Foot: they have a normal sized arch and lands on the outside of the heel. This type of foot doesn’t need a motion control shoe. This type of foot is considered a normal pronator and you can just about wear any type of shoe but the best type of shoe is a stability shoe.

The Flat Foot: This has a low arch and would leave a print that would look like the whole sole of the foot. If you’re flat-footed, you’re most likely an overpronator, which means that your feet roll inward when you run. They should look for motion control shoes or high stability shoes with firm midsoles.

The High-Arched Foot: this leaves a print showing a very narrow band or no band between the forefoot and the heel. If you have high arches you probably underpronate. The best shoes are cushioned shoe with plenty of flexibility.

Buying shoes without trying them on is like buying a car without test-driving it. It is important to know your type of foot so that you can select the correct type of shoe. Jog or walk a little in the store to make sure that they will be comfortable and you will get good use out of them. Happy shoe shopping!

Recently I’ve been on the hunt for a ‘new’ car and thought I would share a few tips and pointers I picked up along the way.

I sold my last car 3.5 years ago, before moving overseas to do my big O.E. and never looked back. It was one less thing to worry about and getting around in London was just so easy and efficient. Returning to Auckland I thought I’d get by without a car and continue catching public transport – forgetting it’s not so straightforward here, especially when you live on the North Shore and work in South Auckland.

After juggling the use of my boyfriend’s car over the last 3 months, I decided it was time to bite the bullet and give in to the fact that I had to purchase my own vehicle [sigh]. So now the search begins…

1. There are a number of resources you can use when looking for a car but before you jump in I’d recommend you have an idea of the type of car you’re looking for. Narrow it down to 2-3 models and make a list of all the mandatory things it needs to have i.e. mileage, airbags, ABS breaks and engine size.

2. Once you know what you want, the obvious place to look is Trademe. Trademe is a great site for aggregating products from a range of different sources including private sellers, car dealers and auction houses. So rather than going to individual websites or publications, it’s all in the one place. Jump on www.trademe.co.nz and filter your search by the make, model, year and the price range you can afford.

3. Compare your options online and pick 3-4 that meet your criteria. You can then save these to your Watchlist.

4. Some cars may be listed on Trademe as an auction and some with a Buy Now price. Depending on what your preference is, you can narrow down your options accordingly. But remember, if you’re going to bid at an online Trademe auction, be sure to check when the auction ends. As you’ll need time to view the car and potentially get it checked by an expert. Personally, I selected cars that had a Buy Now because then I had a fair idea of what I would have to pay.

5. Once you have chosen the pick of the bunch, contact the seller/s to arrange a convenient time to view. If you’re like me, you’ll want to do it over the weekend and make consecutive appointments throughout the day. That way everything is fresh in your mind and you can essentially compare apples with apples.

6. On viewing day, arrange to take a friend or family member with you for a second opinion – even better if they know something about cars. Ensure you know the questions you want to ask the seller too. Some common ones are:
a. Does the car have a current registration and W.O.F? New imports aren’t normally registered, so ensure this is done before you drive away.
b. Has the vehicle ever been in any accidents?
c. Is there a full service history available?
d. Has the car been modified?
e. What is the fuel consumption like?
f. Are there any faults you should be aware of – dents, scratches, anything not working the way it should?
g. Has the cam belt or battery ever been replaced? It’s recommended that the cam belt is replaced at 100,000kms – so take note of the mileage on the car because there’s every chance it will be close to this
h. What condition are the tyres in?

7. Test driving a car can be fun but you also need to be on the look out for any faults or quirks the vehicle may have. If you’re viewing a car that’s for sale privately, be aware that the owner may expect to come along for the ride for security reasons. But if it’s through a dealer they may just ask you to leave the keys to the car you came in or something else of value.

8. Once you’ve taken a couple of vehicles for a spin you’ll get a sense for what you like and what feels right. Then it’s just a matter of weighing up your pros and cons and picking the car that best meets your criteria.

9. But wait! Don’t jump right in just yet. Consider getting your mechanic or the AA to give the car a thorough check to ensure everything is in order. This gives you piece of mind and assurance that you won’t be forking out on unexpected costs as soon as you drive away. If it’s good to go, ensure you have your finances sorted and then you’re nearly ready to make an offer.

10. Making an offer can be a bit daunting but don’t be afraid to negotiate. A lot of cars on Trademe will say ONO (or next offer) which means they expect a figure close to the one advertised but there is room to move. Even with car dealers, it’s worth asking the question because the worst they can say is ‘no’.

11. Once you’ve come to an agreement on the price you may be expected to pay a deposit to the seller so they can hold the car for you until you’re ready to pay the full amount. Then it’s just a matter of sorting out a bank cheque or direct debit to the seller for the remaining balance and filling out the paperwork required i.e. change of ownership.

12.
You’re now the proud owner of a new car! But before you drive away don’t forget to insure it. If you have an insurance company of preference, just give them a call and they should be able to sort it out for you over the phone right there and then. Alternatively, if you would like to shop around for insurance, make sure you do this before you collect your car.

Phew! You made it! But there is just one last thing I forgot to mention – make sure your car is pretty. I know guys roll their eyes at this and will never understand but it’s important to us girls, so make sure you stand your ground on this one :).

If you are like me and feel like your hair has lost its shine and beauty, then this guide could help you obtain the gorgeous healthy looking hair you desire. I have recently moved from overseas and I have noticed there must be something in the water in New Zealand that has transformed my hair into a lifeless, dull, damaged mane. Below are a few solutions.

Shower Head Filter Like I said, ‘there must be something in the water’ and there is! A great number of New Zealand water pipes contain chlorine and heavy metals that can result in some serious hair damage. I suggest getting a filter for your shower head. They range in price from $70 to $280. Some filters even help eliminate chlorine, calcium build-up, heavy metals, herbicides, pesticides, and sediment.

Dietary Supplement My hair is not only damaged but it also seems to have stopped growing. Taking a dietary supplement containing silica, horsetail, and zinc will help. Horsetail facilitates the body’s absorption of calcium, which in turn helps the body to nourish nails, skin, hair, and bones. Silica is believed to make individual hair strands stronger, thicker and more resilient as well as helping to manage excessive oily skin and hair. Zinc has proven to be involved in hair growth and clearing skin.

Find it on Lasoo:
• Nutralife Silicaplex 5000 Plus Capsules 50
Silicaplex 5000 Plus is a high-potency organic silica formula designed to promote healthy hair and skin and strengthen soft, brittle or splitting nails.

Hair products Besides the New Zealand water, heat from blow dryers, hair straightners (yes even GHDs) and curling irons can wreck your hair. There are thermal hair protection products out there designed to defend your hair from heat and to improve its strength.

Find it on Lasoo:
• Redken - Real Control by Redken Real Control Thermal Resist Inner Hair Repair (For Dense/ Dry/ Sensitized Hair)
A weightless leave-in spray treatment. . Developed with patented Interbond Conditioning System & potent Care-Adjust Complex. Immediately detangles, repairs & nurtures heat-damaged hair. Protects hair against extra thermal damage. Reveals smoother, stronger & revitalized hair in a healthy lustre.

• Nioxin - Hair Care by Nioxin Volumizing Reflectives Bliss Thermal Protector
A lightweight leave-in conditioner & detangler for fine hair. Features a triple-action formula to offer thermal, mechanical & environmental protection. Contains BioAmpT to increase dimension of cuticle from within & reinforce hair shaft. Immediately repairs cuticle damage & enhances tensile strength. Recovers & preserves natural hydration balance of hair. Boosts manageability for frizzy or rebellious hair.

• Keratin Complex - Hair Care by Keratin Complex Nano Technology Ceramic & Ionic Thermal Round Large Brush (2 1/2 Inch)
Helps minimize blow-drying time, purify & invigorate hair. Boasts a weightless design, thermal fast drying vent, cushion rubber handle. Features a 2 1/2″ metal brush barrel. Helps diffuse heat evenly & speed up shaping of all types of hair. With a specially designed thermal round brush. Helps deliver more heat to hair shaft to lessen drying & styling time.

My hair used to shine and be full of life and I have faith that these products will get it back to its original state. I have already seen changes and I have only been using a few of these products for one week! Your hair is too important to be taken for granted so follow my advice and protect it against those various factors. Obtaining fabulous hair is not a one time thing, it’s a lifestyle!

Are you about to have your first baby or looking for a pushchair? While this is one of the most exciting times in your life, it is also filled with a lot of planning and purchasing the right pushchair can help your days run more smoothly. It is probably one of the most considered purchases you will make for your baby/child. Whether you’re expecting your first child or want to upgrade to a better model, our guide can help you choose the perfect pushchair for your child.

What’s your lifestyle? You need to think about where you will be taking your purchases. Modern pushchairs are made with sturdy lights frames. These are great for urban living. If you are driving around in your car a lot then you want to find one that it easy to fold up and fit into your car. However, if you are walking or jogging along country path and hills then you may need a more weighty design. Do you walk to your supermarket and need to storage to carry everything. Once you have thought about your lifestyle it will help you determine which pushchair will be suitable.

What does my baby need? An important consideration is the age of the baby/child. Some pushchairs are only suitable for babies of 3, 6 or 12months+ so it’s important to look at age recommendations before your purchase. Newborns need to lie back so you’ll need a pushchair with a reclining option. Some models allow your baby to face you while others face the direction of the travel.

Pushchair types

1. Forward facing pushchair: This is when the seat unit faces the parent. These are great if you want to interact and keep an eye on your little one. It has four wheels and is lightweight and manoeuvrable. Means the seat unit faces the parent.

2. Strollers: strollers are generally very lightweight and compact. They tend to have a fixed seat unit.

3. Three wheeler: There is a single front wheels which makes it easy to push in more difficult places. They are great if you live near countryside or the beach or like to job. These types of pushchairs are not usually recommended from birth and may be too bulky for some car boots.

4. Buggy: These are lightweight and robust. The best ones have easy one-hand fold mechanisms. They are the most popular every day option but some of them don’t have shopping baskets and are not that comfortable for your child/baby.

Strollers have made it easier to bring your baby along with you. There are a range of pushchair options and it is important to take into consideration all aspects of your and your child’s life to choose the appropriate pushchair. Many parents also find it helpful to have a couple of pushchairs to accommodate the different activities.

Camping is a great activity that is loved by adventurous, outdoorsy people throughout the world. It is fun, can help clear your mind and you will also never see a prettier sight than a sky full of bright stars when you are camping. However camping can also provide certain dangers and it’s important to adequately prepare yourself.

Tent: The tent should have a waterproof exterior (especially in this New Zealand weather) to ensure that all your belongings are kept dry and so that you can get a good nights sleep. You also need to think about how big you need the tent to be to accommodate for the amount of people that will be coming.

Food and water: When you are packing food think of what is light and easy to cook such as nuts, instant oatmeal and instant soup. Pack all of your food in plastic bags to keep the moisture out. Make sure that you have an adequate supply of water and take some iodine drops or water purifying tablets to add to water if you come across a spring.

Warm clothing: While it is usually warm in summer you never know when cold weather will strike. It’s always good to have at least one lightweight pair of pants with you to keep you warm and to help keep away the mozzies. Avoid jeans because they are heavy, don’t dry quickly and will be hard to lug around.

Sunscreen and bug spray: Sunscreen is needed to protect you from the harsh sun in the day and bug spray is needed to protect you from the mozzies at night. You don’t want to be stuck with mozzie bites or sunburn on your camping holiday.

Survival kit: You need a kit with a flashlight, waterproof matches, swiss army knife, whistle, batteries and a map. It is vital that you have a first aid kit in the event of an injury. It should contains essentials such as a bandage, tweezers, plasters, cream.

Sleeping bag, mat and pillow: Ensure that your sleeping bag is warm enough for the cold nights that can come at any time. A mat is light to carry around but will also provide that extra comfort instead of sleeping straight on the ground. If you have room then a pillow is a great luxury but if you don’t have much room then make a pillow out of some of your clothes.

Conclusion: Camping can be a great fun adventure but make sure that you are prepared for all of the elements. It is great to reconnect with the outdoors and have fun with family and friends. To ensure that you are adequately prepared for your trip, make sure that you go through these checklists of items.

Do you feel like being a daredevil this summer? Imagine speeding through the crisp blue ocean. Jet skis are a fun and thrilling way to get around in the water. If you have decided to purchase your own jet ski then there are a few important considerations to take into place such as the type of jet ski you will need and the cost.

Type: Before you purchase a jet ski you need to consider what size of craft is going to suit you. Jet skis are generally designed to carry one to four pole. If you are after a one seater there are two types. The solo craft have no seats and you have to stand up to use it. They are great for fitness and performing freestyle tricks. The solo craft is the most thrilling type of jet ski ride. The other is a sport craft which have a seat. They are easier to learn how to ride. The two seats are great if you want to ride with another person and the stability is also increased. The three or four seaters are very stable and great for families.

Budget: Your budget is a very important consideration. Before you go out to buy a jet ski think about how much you want to pay. It is a substantial expense and you also have to think about the costs of running it. New, high-quality jet skis can cost anywhere from $6,000 to $15,000. You may save money by purchasing in the winter offseason or purchasing a used model. Make sure you pick a seller that will let you have a test run on the water and get a mechanic check. Jet ski engines, if not cared for properly, can be easily damaged. You don’t want to waste your money on a jet ski that will break in a couple of months. When creating a budget also take into consideration the cost for a trailer, registration, insurance and additional accessories such as life jackets.

Storage and trailer: when you decide on a jet ski you need to consider where you are going to store it and transport it from your house to the location. If you are going to buy a large four seater jet ski then it will take up a large amount of space. You also have to think about where you are going to launch the jet ski and what type of trailer you need. If you don’t have space or can’t move your jet ski then it isn’t going to provide a lot of fun.

Safety: Most jet skis have a lanyard which automatically turns off the jet ski if you overturn. For your own safety make sure that is has a lanyard. A used jet ski may not have one so make sure that you ask the seller.

A person new to using a jet ski might want to consider renting or trying out several models before making a purchase. Making sure that the jet ski suits your riding style and budget means that you will be happier with your purchase. Once you have made your purchase you might be able to encourage your friends to do the same and have lots of fun weekends out on the water with your jet skis.

It’s the festive season again and no Christmas is complete without a tree. A Christmas tree is the most iconic symbol of Christmas. If you have already found the old decorations stored in the back of your cupboard from last year then you are half way there. Growing up my family always had an artificial tree and my grandparents had a real tree so I had the best of both worlds. This guide will help you determine if an artificial or real tree is the right one for your household.

Dimensions: Before you decide on a real or artificial tree, you should think about how high your ceiling is and where you want to display the tree. If you want the tallest Christmas tree your room will allow, we recommend buying a tree that is at least six inches lower than your ceiling height. This will ensure that the top of the Christmas tree isn’t scratching your roof and that there is room for a star or angel at the top. You should also think about where you want to put the tree so that you know how big you want the tree. Remember the taller the tree, the larger the base, so keep this in mind when you are choosing your Christmas tree.

Artificial: Man-made trees are much more appealing than what they used to be. They are convenient, hassle free and easy to set up. You can purchase one that has the exact size and shape that you are after and can last for up to ten years or more. Most artificial trees are made out of PVC (polyvinyl chloride). The needles are made from sheets of PVC and then cut into the needle shape and then put onto the branches of the tree. They are great because they don’t shred like real trees which means less mess for you to clean up. There is a reduced risk of fire and they are also great for people with allergies. They are cheaper in the long run and are also better for the environment because it prevents one from being cut down. The downside is that you have to make space to store an artificial tree when it’s not being used.

Real: Real trees are great for their ability to retain needles, general colouring and shape. They are also generally selected if you love the smell and feel of a real Christmas tree. They stay healthy for around three to five weeks which means that they are sure to keep their needles well after Boxing Day. To ensure that it stays fresh, cut the end off the trunk to open up the veins that will deliver water to the branches. To test the freshness of the tree, smell it and then run your finger along the branches and if no needles fall off it’s probably a newer tree. When you are selecting a tree, look for one with a bright colour. Be sure to purchase one that was recently harvested. Having a real tree requires additional care, however if you keep the tree hydrated, it will stay vibrant and fresh.

Setting up and decorating your Christmas tree is an activity that the whole family can enjoy. Make sure that you position the branches so the tips bend upwards in a slight arc to support the hanging ornaments. Whether you choose an artificial or real Christmas tree, enjoy the festivities and have a great Christmas.