Drones Review

DJI Phantom
As time goes by, Drone technologies are advancing in gigantic steps month by month! In the near future, new models will be released that can reach 10 miles control range. I will update this post with new models from time to time. Drones are undeniably cool, but unless you have the necessary know-how making an informed purchasing decision is virtually impossible - there are so many options, from cheap quadcopters to expensive professional drones for which you'll probably need to justify spending that much on a 'toy'.

What is the difference between a drone and a quadcopter?

In the majority of cases you can think of a drone and a quadcopter as the same thing, though you'll often find more expensive devices are marketed as drones and cheaper toys as quadcopters. In truth, a drone is any unmanned aerial vehicle, while a quadcopter is any drone controlled by four motors. Typically speaking, a drone will be able to stay in flight for longer than a quadcopter.


Flight time and range

Cheap drones tend to fly for about five- to 10 minutes before they need recharging, and USB chargers tend to take 30- to 60 minutes to recharge the batteries. Try to get a drone with replaceable batteries and buy a couple of spares.

Although some manufacturers claim a range of over 100m, it’s best to assume you’ll never get more than about 50m. Small and light drones will be blown around in the wind, so warm, windless days are the best times to fly, although the smallest micro drones can be flown indoors.

For bigger drones, such as DJI's Phantoms, expect flight times around 20-25 minutes. These use big batteries but are of course bigger and heavier than the toy drones. Even the most expensive consumer drones (and we're talking over $3,000) don't fly for longer than 30 minutes.

























Daruma for Setting Your Goals - 達磨



The first thing that comes up to my mind is Daruma, especially when visiting the ancient town of Kyoto in Kansai area. The Daruma doll (達磨), also known as a Dharma doll, is a hollow, round, Japanese traditional doll modeled after Bodhidharma, the founder of the Zen sect of Buddhism. These dolls, though typically red and depicting a bearded man (Dharma), vary greatly in color and design depending on region and artist. Though considered an omocha, meaning toy, by some, Daruma has a design that is rich in symbolism and is regarded more as a talisman of good luck to the Japanese.

Daruma dolls are seen as a symbol of perseverance and good luck, making them a popular gift of encouragement. The doll has also been commercialized by many Buddhist temples to use alongside goal setting. Daruma is widely spread in Japan and even the neighboring country of South Korea is familiar to daruma's. Daruma hasn't yet become popular in Europe but it's somewhat more popular in the United States due to numerous Asian communities that pass on traditions from generation to generation.






When purchased, the eyes are white so a person can decide on a goal or wish and paint one eye in. Once the goal is achieved, the second eye is filled in. There are so many different colors, shapes and kinds of daruma. I have listed some colorful ones below;




















The World of Asian Lanterns

Paper lanterns, originating from Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220), mainly were used as lamps in ancient China. A variety of crafts were used in their making such as Chinese paintings, paper-cutting, and pricking and seaming and many kinds of materials such as bamboo, wood, wheat-straw and metal were used in their manufacture. Paper and silk were the major materials. Originally, monks used lanterns on the twelfth day of the first lunar month in their worship of the Buddha. During the Eastern Han Dynasty, the Emperor Liu Zhuang was a Buddhist and he ordered the inhabitants of the imperial palace and citizens to light lanterns to worship the Buddha just as the monks did. Later, this custom gradually became a grand festival among common people. During the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907), people made lanterns to celebrate their peaceful life while the splendid illuminations symbolized and celebrated the prosperous, strong and powerful country. From then on, lighting lanterns became popular in the country.

Once used for lighting before the introduction of gas and then electricity, lanterns are now merely decorative or more significantly used during of the yearly Lantern Festival. There are countless shapes and forms of lanterns but the most popular ones are the Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese lanterns.

Now more types of lanterns appear in festivals apart from the traditional ones. More modern technology is used on making lanterns, so people can see lanterns with music, with colorful bulbs inside and so on. The shapes of the modern lanterns have changed a lot too. These shapes can be cartoon characters, Chinese zodiac animals and the makers can even involve the computer games, which give visitors a different new and fresh impression.





For common people, lanterns are hung up from the eve of Spring Festival (Dec. 29th of lunar year) and not removed until the Lantern Festival (Jan. 15th of lunar New Year). The Lantern Show is an attractive activity around the day of Lantern Festival in many cities. If you want to see the lantern fairs, Beijing, Nanjing, Xian, Shanghai and Hangzhou have their unique shows during the festival.

On the lantern show, many people love the ‘lantern riddles’ most. Anyone who knows the answer to the riddles on the lanterns will get a small gift as award. The activity attracts people because of the riddle itself rather than the gift. The interesting riddles make the colorful lantern shows more interesting. Before the Lantern Festival, all kinds of lanterns are sold along the street and these beautiful lanterns light the dark nights. In Chinese culture, an uncle needs to buy his nephew (under 12 years old) a lantern before the festival. It is the happiest time for children to playing with their companions outside the houses. The red lanterns stand for the best wishes uncles have for their nephews, hoping their nephews grow up happily and are as healthy as last year. Some examples of the most common lantern shapes and styles are listed below;











Best Fertilizers Review



Choosing the right fertilizer for your lawn can be a real challenge especially if you are just starting out and don’t exactly have a clue what to use. However, when it comes to choosing lawn fertilizer products, there are three important elements that are needed for the proper growth of your lawn and plants. These are: hydrogen, oxygen and carbon.

While these nutrients are readily available in the environment, there are also certain nutrients that are not readily available to plants especially those that do not exactly stay long in soil and need to be replenished on a regular basis.

Each of the nutrients contained in lawn fertilizers have a critical role to play in the overall health and survival of your plants. By applying fertilizers, you can be sure these nutrients are available to them.

Among the important macronutrients among plants include phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium. Secondary nutrients that are also required include magnesium and calcium but both in lesser quantities. You should also check for boron, copper, manganese, cobalt, chlorine, zinc, nickel and molybdenum to complete your list.



With the much publicized adverse reactions of chemical fertilizers, the availability of organic varieties presents a great alternative for many. Milorganite is an organic nitrogen fertilizer that can be used on a variety of applications such as shrubs, lawns, vegetables, trees, flowers and even gold courses.

This 36-pound bag contains 4% iron that is non-staining, which is just the right amount to bring out that attractive lush green hue. You can actually apply this fertilizer any time within the growing season and it’s known to work well with any type of climate.

The organic fertilizer is composed of heat-dried microbes and has met the EPA standards, which imposes one of the stringent criteria in the industry when it comes to protecting the health, safety and environment.




Dr. Earth Organic 5 Tomato, Vegetable and Herb Fertilizer is a superior blend of fish bone meal, feather meal, kelp meal, alfalfa meal, soft rock phosphate, fish meal, mined potassium sulfate, humic acid, seaweed extract, pro-biotic seven champion strains of beneficial soil microbes plus Ecto and Endo Mycorrhizae. Primary Uses: Feed tomatoes, Summer vegetables, Winter vegetables, Herbs, Root crops, Established vegetables and During transplanting. 5-7-3 formulation. This is the second year I have used this product and I even begin to say just how awesome it is!! Last year I had tomatoes that weighed over 2 lbs and lots of them. And the bloom boost is the best I have ever found, my flowers are just going crazy, and the flowers last a long time. I totally recommend this product!!




A green lawn is a healthy lawn, and a healthy lawn is a product of a thriving ecosystem within your soil. That’s why Safer Brand has created Lawn Restore II – an organic fertilizer that immediately goes to work to ensure the proper balance of natural elements in your soil, in turn giving you a healthier, greener lawn in just 3-5 days. Backed by over a quarter-century of research and development, this formula is the best choice for any turf; use it to promote greening in fresh sod, or bring life back to existing grass. Number One reason to use, It's safe for humans as well as pets. Well I should qualify this, its the safest I have found so far.



100% Natural & Organic fertilizer for All Purpose and easy to use. Maximizes microorganism activity for healthier and stronger soil & plants. It provides organic matter essential for microorganisms. It is one of the building blocks for fertile soil rich in humus. Develops bigger & stronger root to improve the structure of the plant and increase it’s ability to hold water and more nutrients. Greater resistance to disease and insect attacks. Never harms soil & plants. No danger of over concentration. No danger of over concentration. Once a healthy soil condition is reached, it is easier to maintain that level with less work.

This is an amazing fertilizer! I started growing an avocado tree about a year ago and my fertilizer didn't work on my tree. After countless types of fertilizer I came upon this Pro Organic All Purpose fertilizer. I used it on my tree and after about a month it started growing! I strongly suggest you buy this if you plant anything.



How fertilizer helps your lawn


Fertilizer helps to provide the required nutrients in the soil that plants, including lawn grass, need to successfully grow. Three of the elements that are vital include carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. In addition, there are other nutrients, which are quickly depleted from the soil that require replenishing. This is accomplished through the application of fertilizer.

Macronutrients including nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium come in second behind oxygen, carbon and hydrogen, but are still important. Secondary nutrients such as magnesium and calcium are not as important, but smaller amounts can give your plants the boost that they need. Micronutrients including manganese, cobalt, copper, iron, chlorine, boron, molybdenum, zinc and nickel complete the nutritional checklist to ensure that your lawn is receiving all of the nutrition that it needs to thrive. These are the ingredients that a high quality fertilizer should contain. Read more about how to apply lawn fertilizer.

Different types of fertilizers

The two main types of fertilizers are granular and liquid. Liquid forms act very quickly as they are absorbed into the plant. These are usually purchased in a concentrated form that you dilute with water and apply every 2 to 3 weeks. They may either be applied with a watering can or hose end sprayer.

Granular fertilizers are sprinkled on the surface of the ground by hand for smaller areas or with a mechanical spreader for larger areas. They are used in a dry form so will require watering after they are used. Granular fertilizers are divided into two different classes. Quick release fertilizers usually last for 3 to 4 weeks before any additional applications are needed.

This type is water soluble nitrogen and is good for any general fertilizing use. Slow release granules are water insoluble nitrogen fertilizers which are intended for specific uses. They come in either sulfur coated with lasts for around 8 weeks or polymer coated with lasts for up to 12 weeks.

Different types of lawn fertilizers


Your lawn has changing nutritional needs at different times of the year. Here are a few tips for helping you to select the right fertilizer formulation that will help to encourage the establishment of new grass and to keep it healthy throughout the seasonal cycles.

Starter fertilizers and winterizers

These mixtures are recommended for new lawns and as they are heavy on phosphorus to encourage healthy root growth. For the last fall application, a winterizer that is also heavy on phosphorus will provide nutrients for root preservation during the winter months.

Weed and Feed


Fertilizer formulations that are known as Weed and Feed mixtures contain weed killers in a dual purpose mix that kills broadleaf weeds while nourishing lawn grass. This is useful for helping to eliminate noxious weeds such as crabgrass and dandelions. When a weed and feed product contains post emergent weed killers, they are intended for weeds that are already present and can be seen. Those containing pre-emergents are intended for killing weeds at the germination stage, but do not kill weeds that have already broken through the ground.

What to look for in lawn fertilizer

The bags that contain the fertilizer are clearly marked with a set of three numbers. The numbers represent, in this order, the amounts of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium that are included in the fertilizer. The numbers are known as the NPK. These are the main ingredients. Nitrogen helps in the development of leaves and for producing a healthy green color. Phosphorus promotes root growth and Potassium or potash also assists root development and helps plants to become more disease resistant.

The numbers represent the percentages of the given nutrient, so you will know which ingredients are predominant. This is helpful in choosing a mix that will either promote more leaf growth, green your grass or reinforce the root system. Inert ingredients are necessary for helping to distribute the fertilizer, so don’t be alarmed if there is a fairly high percentage in the bag. This does not lessen the effect of the other ingredients and it can actually be beneficial in preventing chemical burn.

In the event that weeds become a problem, the application of a weed and feed blend will help to eradicate any broad leaf weeds such as dandelions, which can become a nuisance. Look for weed and feed products that are formulated to kill the types of weeds that you see most in your lawn grass. In most cases, these are clearly indicated on the bag.

Conclusion

Lawns require very specific formulations with include nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. There are different mixtures that serve a variety of purposes for lawn health. Fertilizers that are intended for other plants may not work as well for grass, so when shopping, look for the fertilizers that are specifically designed for use in lawn care.

Even if your lawn looks green and healthy, it is important to remember that grass has the need for nutritional elements that may initially exist within the soil, but may be fairly quickly depleted. Replenishing the nutrients is accomplished through the application of the recommended formulation of lawn fertilizer. You now have the information about what your lawn needs to maintain good health throughout all seasons of the year. By following the simple tips included in this guide, you are prepared to choose the lawn fertilizer that will work best to promote optimum lawn health.




Anti-Snoring Solution - Top Five Alternatives to Solve your Snoring Problem


I have tried a number of the best anti-snoring devices, including pillows, snoring mouthpieces, and chinstraps. I’ve personally tried most of the non-prescription devices which are  more or less reasonably priced and tried to list out main benefits and cons for each. When affected by such problem, it is not easy to identify what works best immediately. Often doctors don't know how to solve our snoring problem effectively.





The night guard anti snoring jaw supporter is a really interesting item which is one of the devices that helped me a lot. Based on Amazon reviews it's scoring four out of five stars which is not a bad considering that this product is value for money. The strap was very comfortable to wear and it helped fall a sleep faster. Coming down to the bad parts of what I have noticed is that the anti snoring jaw supporter is not adjustable. Long story short, if you have a larger head like I do, it can get pretty tight. But that's probably the only negative point that I have noticed so far. 





Another cool and very popular product is called SnoreCare Premium Nose Vents to easy breathing and snoring. SnoreCare Vents provide a warm, comfortable feeling and is virtually invisible to outsiders. Soft and enhanced Medical Grade Silicon is used to make SnoreCare Vents, making this solution the most comfortable device on the market. The product does help you breathe a lot better in general. I think that you would need to train yourself to get used to this product. So yes they do work but for me it was not a 100% fix according to my wife. The bottom line is that SnoreCare Premium worked a lot better then the breathe strips I used every night. Only negative was that some nights I found that they fell out of my nose. Tried different sizes, but still happened. Otherwise they worked great.





These Breathe Right strips were my very first anti snoring experiment. Based on my experience I must say that nasal strips are not bad but probably only a short to mid term solution. Imagine that you have to buy one pack each and every month, simply because each pack has only 30 stripes. Some of my favorite sport athletes on TV like to use Breath Right strips. I have been using these strips for years. For the most part they do keep the nasal passages open during the night. The downside to the product is that, with daily use, as already mentioned before it is rather expensive. I see no reason they need to be individually packaged.







Dr. Dakota snoring stop is the fastest anti snore device that enjoy's enormous popularity in the snoring world. If used correctly, this Product may help to lower the Volume of Loud Snoring simply by keeping the mouth closed, preventing it from gaping open involuntarily while sleeping. If you Snore Loud even with your Mouth Closed, this Product may not work for you and at this point, I would recommend seeing a Sleep Clinic for a Sleep Assessment. Throughout the process I've learned that there are different kinds of snoring and not all devices work well for everybody. I still can't sleep on my back with this, but it helps immeasurably when I sleep on my side.




Lastly, the snore eliminator device can really make a difference. The Eliminator Pro Mouth Guard has all the great functionality of the original Eliminator, with the critical added feature of being able to adjust the mouthpiece according to your personal requirement. I have used this for a couple months now and my wife says that it helps quite a bit with my snoring. It's ok when I put it in at night, but I somewhat frequently wake up with discomfort with my teeth and some point in the early morning and end up taking it out for the rest of the night.











Top 5 Mosquito Repellents to Keep Viruses at Bay



I am using mosquito repellents every spring and summer time. I have found that there is a huge difference between the products. Expensive does not necessarily mean effective. Sometime even too cheap can be tricky but often the price does not tell much about mosquito repellent effectiveness. Good repellents are important, especially when Zika mosquitoes are luring everywhere. The following products are all available on Amazon by the way.







An absolute top is the Lemon Eucalyptus mosquito repellent. This pump spray contains oil of lemon eucalyptus and is effective for seven hours.







Sawyer was named one of the three most effective repellents. This pump spray will repel mosquitoes for a full eight hours. Effective against the Yellow Fever Mosquito, which can transmit the Zika Virus; 4-ounce lotion.







Effective against the Yellow Fever Mosquito, which can transmit the Zika Virus. Lasts up to 6 weeks (or 6 washings); will not stain or damage clothing, fabrics, plastics, finished surfaces, or outdoor gear.




Lotion formulation developed for and used by the US Military. Repels deer ticks that may carry Lyme Disease, and mosquitoes that may carry West Nile Virus. In addition, its been tested in the world's most demanding insect environment- the infested jungles of central America.




The all time classic product by Repel. It's highly effective and lasts 10 hours. Repels mosquitoes that may transmit the Chikungunya, Zika, Dengue and West Nile viruses. The bottle is very popular among back packers enthusiasts.

Herewith the end of story that might help you to decide which mosquito repellent may be the most suitable to your needs.






Top 5 Face Primers - the secret to flawless foundation application

Top 5 face primer review



The perfect primer is the secret to flawless foundation application. Primers don't just help to keep your base in place, they can also add an extra glow or mattify the skin if it becomes oily.

Like with many beauty products, there are so many to choose from when it comes to picking the best primer. From tinted formulas to glow-enhancers and everything in-between, it's easy to feel overwhelmed when presented with your options.

We have picked out our all-time favorite primers, including high-end picks, and those to suit a smaller budget. Take a look below in order to find your perfect product..


The POREfessional Face Primer - Minimise the appearance of pores and achieve silky-smooth skin instantly with Benefit’s hero product.

Minimise the appearance of pores and achieve silky-smooth skin instantly with Benefit’s hero product. Quickly minimize the appearance of pores, fine lines for smoother-than-smooth skin! Apply this silky, lightweight balm alone, under or over makeup. Translucent, oil-free formula complements all skintones and helps makeup stay put.



HOURGLASS Veil Mineral Primer - This silky, weightless and multipurpose primer goes beyond traditional formulations by concealing redness, minimizing the appearance of pores, fine lines and wrinkles, and shielding skin with Broad Spectrum SPF 15 protection.
This silky, weightless and multipurpose primer goes beyond traditional formulations by concealing redness, minimizing the appearance of pores, fine lines and wrinkles, and shielding skin with Broad Spectrum SPF 15 protection. In addition, it repels water to keep your make up looking freshly applied all day long. Extends the durability of any foundation or powder.






Laura Mercier Foundation Primer Radiance - With a lightweight, creamy gel texture that blends well with skin Contains Jojoba Oil, Vitamins A, C and E that revitalize, hydrate skin Features a universal pearl tint for a soft focus effect.

With a lightweight, creamy gel texture that blends well with skin Contains Jojoba Oil, Vitamins A, C and E that revitalize, hydrate skin Features a universal pearl tint for a soft focus effect. Visibly reduces the look of imperfections with a luminous finish Forms an invisible layer that works as a barrier against outside elements. Enables makeup to stay fresh and colour-true all day long Perfect for all skin types Free of silicone and paraben.




Smashbox Cosmetics Photo Finish Travel Primer - Create a perfect canvas for foundation application with this lightweight, oil-free, silky blend of vitamins A and E, grape seed extract and green tea.
Create a perfect canvas for foundation application with this lightweight, oil-free, silky blend of vitamins A and E, grape seed extract and green tea. Worn alone or under foundation to increase its longevity, this unique formula helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores for visibly softer skin with a velvety smooth finish. Oil free.







BECCA Ever Matte Poreless Priming Perfector - Silicone-free primer that controls excess oil and reduces shine Gives instant skin tightening and mattifying effect.

Silicone-free primer that controls excess oil and reduces shine Gives instant skin tightening and mattifying effect. Visibly eliminates the appearance of pores Offers a smooth matte surface throughout the day Lightweight formula without oil, alcohol and fragrance. Use alone, before or after foundation.









e.l.f. cosmetics

Top Five Dishwasher Detergents

Dishwasher Detergents Review - Top 5 detergents


In a jungle of dishwasher detergents it is not easy to pick the right one. On the other hand, differences between the best and the worse detergent is significant. Therefore it is important to pick make the right choice. As a rule of thumb, the less chemicals the healthier it is of course. Based on my experience, I have selected 5 dishwasher detergents that can make a difference in your household. In addition, an expensive detergent does not necessarily mean the best detergent! We often pay for the brand instead of really knowing what is into it.




Contains bleach that targets & removes tough stains including tea & coffee.
Finish powerball super charged dish washing tablet



Biodegradable formula made with plant-based and mineral ingredients
Ecover dishwashing tablet - automatic dishwasher tabs



Enzyme-rich formula powers away 48 hour stuck on food and fights tough stains




No pre-wash needed - dishwasher detergent removes burnt-on food without pre-washing




Contains Glass Protect Action to help prevent glass corrosion & redeposit