Rice Cookers Top 10 Review

Are you looking for modern and nutritious ways to cook rice? If yes, you should buy a rice cooker. Rice takes some time to cook and can be a bit tricky to cook right every time. This is a solution to make the job quick and easy. Here, you will find the best rice cooker that meets all your cooking requirements: nutritional value, efficiency, high-quality material, safety, and simplicity. Long story short, I personally had the best experience with Zojirushi rice cookers. They can last a lifetime because it's quality allows durability. Click on image for more technical details.

Zojirushi NS-LAC05XT
Micom 3-Cup Rice Cooker and Warmer

Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 5-1/2-Cup

Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker and Warmer

Zojirushi NS-TSC10
Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer

Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD 

Digital Cool-Touch Rice Cooker

Panasonic Microcomputer IH
Rice cooker (5.5CUP) SR-JHS10-N/220V 

Aroma Housewares Professional 20-Cup
Rice Cooker, Food Steamer & Slow Cooker (ARC-620SB)

Panasonic SR-42HZP 23-cup 

Commercial Rice Cooker, Stainless Steel Lid

Zojirushi NS-PC10
Electric 5-Cup Rice Cooker and Warmer

Tiger JAZ-A10U-FH 5.5-Cup
Rice Cooker and Warmer with Steam Basket

Tiger JNP-S10U-HU
5.5-Cup Rice Cooker and Warmer

How a rice cooker works

The first practical electric rice cooker was invented byYoshitada Minami, who had an association with Toshiba Electric Corporation. It became possible to cook rice practically by employing the triple-chamber rice cooker (that provided heat insulation by air layers).

If you are busy, you would surely say, “It’s something that has the potential to change your life, by significantly reducing your time in the kitchen and liberating you to focus on other tasks while the rice cooks.”

A rice cooker is unlike a typical kitchen appliance. It not only cooks rice but also gives it the perfect shape and taste that traditional cooking pots cannot. So, what are the basic components of a rice cooker?

Rice cookers normally consist of the inner pot, which is detachable for convenience. In general, good rice cookers have non-stick inner pots, so that rice at the bottom does not stick, and you can clean the pot easily. The inner pot normally has a stainless steel material for quick cooking.

The inner pot goes inside the external casing that provides the heat. The construction of the external pot allows it to retain heat.

Rice cookers are electric appliances. So, they would not be complete without a power cord. Pour the rice and other ingredients into the cooking pot, plug in the cable, and switch it on. Leave the rest to this amazing machine.

So, you do not have to stir or check the status time and again. But, you do have to follow certain rules:

The amount of rice must be measured. It depends on the capacity of the cooking pot how much rice (cooked or uncooked) it can take. If you are putting uncooked rice, the cooking pot needs a little more space, because the uncooked rice will expand upon cooking. Follow the marks in the pot, and add water according to the measurements.

Put the lid and secure it properly. It will seal the rice and the cooking pot. The seal helps rice cook quickly, because there is no space for air or steam to escape.

The building temperature allows the water to convert into steam. As the steam has no way to escape, it builds pressure that in turn, allows the rice to cook fast. The water vapors keep the rice tender and moist.

Not to forget the keep warm feature. It activates automatically, as soon as the temperature inside the rice cooker hits a certain point.

In general, the entire process takes between 30 minutes and an hour. It depends on a number of factors, such as the quantity of rice, the quality and condition of rice, the heating technology of the cooker, the motor speed, and power supply, etc.

Psoriasis - Eczema and what causes it

Many of us know how ichi and discomfort eczema may cause. Well, that does not mean that we have to surrender.


What Is Psoriasis?

Unpredictable and irritating, psoriasis is one of the most baffling and persistent of skin disorders. It's characterized by skin cells that multiply up to 10 times faster than normal. As underlying cells reach the skin's surface and die, their sheer volume causes raised, red plaques covered with white scales. Psoriasis typically occurs on the knees, elbows, and scalp, and it can also affect the torso, palms, and soles of the feet.

The symptoms of psoriasis vary depending on the type you have. Some common symptoms for plaque psoriasis -- the most common variety of the condition -- include:

laques of red skin, often covered with loose, silver-colored scales; these lesions may be itchy and painful, and they sometimes crack and bleed. In severe cases, the plaques of irritated skin will grow and merge into one another, covering large areas.

Disorders of the fingernails and toenails, including discoloration and pitting of the nails; the nails may also begin to crumble or detach from the nail bed.
Plaques of scales or crust on the scalp

Psoriasis can also be associated with psoriatic arthritis, which leads to pain and swelling in the joints. The National Psoriasis Foundation estimates that between 10% to 30% of people with psoriasis also have psoriatic arthritis.

Other forms of psoriasis include:

Pustular psoriasis , characterized by red and scaly skin on the palms of the hands and/or feet with tiny pustules.

Guttate psoriasis, which often starts in childhood or young adulthood, is characterized by small, red spots, mainly on the torso and limbs. Triggers may be respiratory infections, strep throat, tonsillitis, stress, injury to the skin, and use of anti-malarial and beta-blocker medications.

Inverse psoriasis, characterized by bright red, shiny lesions that appear in skin folds, such as the armpits, groin area, and under the breasts.

Erythrodermic psoriasis, characterized by periodic, fiery redness of the skin and shedding of scales in sheets; this form of psoriasis, triggered by withdrawal from a systemic psoriasis treatment, severe sunburn, infection, and certain medications, requires immediate medical treatment, because it can lead to severe illness.

People who suffer from psoriasis know that this uncomfortable and at times disfiguring skin disease can be difficult and frustrating to treat. The condition comes and goes in cycles of remissions and flare-ups over a lifetime. While there are medications and other therapies that can help to clear up the patches of red, scaly, thickened skin that are the hallmark of psoriasis, there is no cure.

What Causes Psoriasis?

A variety of factors -- ranging from emotional stress and trauma to streptococcal infection -- can cause an episode of psoriasis. Recent research indicates that some abnormality in the immune system is the key cause of psoriasis. As many as 80% of people having flare-ups report a recent emotional trauma, such as a new job or the death of a loved one. Most doctors believe such external stressors serve as triggers for an inherited defect in immune function.

Injured skin and certain drugs can aggravate psoriasis, including certain types of blood pressure medications (like beta-blockers), the anti-malarial medication hydroxychloroquine, and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc.).

Psoriasis tends to run in families, but it may be skip generations; a grandfather and his grandson may be affected, but the child's mother never develops the disease. Although psoriasis may be stressful and embarrassing, most outbreaks are relatively harmless. With appropriate treatment, symptoms generally subside within a few months.

Compare Travel Agencies- Best Airfare

Find the best deals in a jungle of offers

It's always confusing to find the detect the right flight at the right price. Especially direct flights that are transparent isn't easy to spot in the internet. I have created a list of the most straightforward and attractive flight ticketing agencies. The best time to travel each year is during January and February, as flight prices plummet after the holiday season when consumers try to cut back on spending. So for those not burnt out from holiday travel and can spare some extra change, the Internet is bursting with great flight deals. While searching for deals, remember that traveling on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday are the cheapest days to fly, while Friday and Sunday are the busiest travel days and the most expensive.

Travelation is a leading online travel web site specializing in cheap flights, discount hotel rooms, cheap car rentals and wholesale cruises to the top travel destinations within the United States and the World. Their goal is to provide consistent value to our customers by offering discounted travel pricing, a large variety of travel content and outstanding customer service.

Very good customer service that answers any customer inquiries timely. CheapFlightNow is an online travel reservation service that specializes in cheap flights and discounted airline tickets to the top travel destinations anywhere in the World. Another impressive fact is the flexibility and customer service that the company offers.

Smartfares really does what it stands for. A smart way to travel around the world. SmartFares is a travel reservation service that specializes in providing consumers with the best fares available in the marketplace. Every travel company speaks about customer service and SmartFares has built its entire company around the experience of its customers.


Not all travel search engines are created equal and Skyscanner certainly stands out from the crowd. Travel metasearch is one of the most transparent ways of searching for travel and delivers just what consumers want - the ability to compare and contrast a huge range of products and purchasing options in a truly unbiased manner.

Fly like a virgin. My all time favourite airline from the UK. It's a true exciting experience to fly around the world with Virgin Atlantic. The Virgin Atlantic airline platform is very easy to use and transparent. I think good for customers that dont want to spend too much time in finding the right flight. Their customer service is fabulous too. A must try!

Newborn Baby - What to do

This is based on my experience, it's always good to check at different places because some places have some products that are good, whereas other places tend to be good for specific other products. Nowadays you can find everything on line which makes it much easier to source the products you need for your baby. You've survived 9 months of pregnancy. You've made it through the excitement of labor and delivery, and now you're ready to head home and begin life with your baby.

Once home, though, you frantically realize you have no idea what you're doing!What exactly do you need? What’s the best change table? Which car seat is best for your baby? How do you choose the right pram or cot for your lifestyle? Well, to help make your life easier, we’ve compiled a list of all the baby essentials so you can just read and then simply print it off and start shopping.

This is based on my experience, it's always good to check at different places because some places have some products that are good, whereas other places tend to be good for specific other products. Nowadays you can find everything on line which makes it much easier to source the products you need for your baby.

Sleeping

Baby monitor – Check the range and frequency before you buy. Choose one that has a large enough range to be useful in your home and a frequency that is different to your electrical goods, particularly your cordless phone to ensure a clear connection. Find out what baby monitors made it into the Kidspot Best of Awards.

Bassinet mattress – There are different types of bassinet mattress available. Whatever you choose, always invest in a new mattress – you know where’s it been and that it’s clean and ready for use.

Bedding for bassinet – Consider three sets – one being used, one being washed and one for little accident emergencies.

Cot – All new cots have to comply with minimum safety standards so if you are considering buying a second-hand cot, check the standards before you buy.

Cot mattress – Toddlers and preschooler don’t weigh much so there’s no reason to invest in a fully sprung cot mattress. Select instead a good quality foam or natural fibre mattress that’s at least 10cm thick and fits your cot snugly.


Bedding for cot – Consider three sets – one being used, one being washed and one for middle of the night emergencies.


Nightlight – Consider a rechargable portable night light – you can carry it with you as you move around at night and leave it on for hours before needing recharging.






Changing/Bathing

Change mat – Select one that has raised sides to stop baby from rolling away and a good quality wipeable surface.

Change table - If you don’t have a lot of space to spare, choose a foldable change table that you can close between nappy changes.

Toiletries – Select unscented, natural – possibly even organic – toiletries for newborns as their skin can react to unfamiliar chemicals. e.g. Muslin baby batch towel etc. 

Nappy wipes – Buy in bulk and store them in a pop-top dispenser that will prevent them from drying out. Choose thick alcohol-free wipes that are gently scented and not too moist.

Barrier cream - Be prepared to try a couple of barrier cream preparations before you find the perfect one for your baby. These creams are inexpensive and it’s worth the investment to find the one that works best for you.

Sorbelene cream – Consider using sorbelene cream instead of soap at bathtime if your baby’s skin seems to be becoming dry. Gentle and moisturising, it rarely upsets senstive skin.

Cotton wool – Useful when bathing and spot-cleaning baby’s face and bottom, cotton wool is gently on the skin than a flannel.

Cotton buds – Cotton buds are kinder than finger nails when healing umbilical cords need gentle cleaning. Also very handy when cleaning around ears, eyes and nose.

Soap/bubble bath – Not an essential but lovely to have. Choose one that is specially formulated for babies.


Shampoo – Don’t use adult shampoo on babies – it’s too strong – instead choose a baby shampoo that’s natural and mildly scented. Avoid using conditioner completely.

Nail clippers/scissors – If you’re nervous about cutting little nails, buy nail clipper rather than scissors as these are less likely to cut baby’s skin. Cut nails just after bath time when the nails are supple from the heat of the water.

Hair brush – Select a gentle brush – you’ll need to buy something stronger by the end of the first year, but little sprouts of baby hair only need the gentlest of brushes to get it looking good.

Nappies – cloth or disposable If you are using cloth nappies, you need to start with 24 nappies for your newborn. If you are using disposable, don’t stock up too much in the first months as your baby will grown quickly and you may be left with a pile of nappies that no longer fit.

Bath towel – Consider two towels – one for use and one for washing.


Face cloth – Consider two face cloths – one for use and one for washing.

Baby bath – Try to find one with a plug which will save you lugging a heavy bath of water.

Bath ramp – Not an essential but handy. This allows you to bathe baby with confidence by lying him in the bath on the ramp without any risk of him slipping under the water.

Bath seat – Handy when you have a baby who can sit up – a bath sit will keep him safe and secure in the water at bath time.

Leaving the house

Pram/stroller – Try to road-test friend’s prams before purchasing your own. This can be one of the most expensive baby purchases you’ll make and finding a pram that serves your purposes is important. Depsite the style you like, make sure it is easy to open and close. Check out the best prams, as voted by Kidspot mums!

Raincover - for the pram Some prams have their own rain covers which can be bought separately, but you can buy universal rain covers that are designed to fit various styles of pram and these are generally cheaper than the branded version.

Baby car seat/capsule – Legislation concerning car seats and infant restraints have changed in recent years so ensure the car seat you plan on using complies to current legislation.

Sun shades for the car windows – Choose a sun shade that encases the whole window rather than a suction cap sun shade as these can fly off the window in a collision.

Sling/pouch - Road-test slings and pouches with your baby in place before you purchase – you need to find one that is evenly distributes baby’s weight, is comfortable and is the right size for you so you don’t hurt your back. View Kidspot’s top rated slings & pouches!

Travel cot - Little babies will happily sleep in their pram for the first few months, but if you need your baby to sleep away from home often, invest in a good quality tavel cot that is sturdy and simple to set up.

Nappy-bag - Choose a bag that is big enough to house the essential but not so big you could move house in it. A good nappy bag should have internal compartments, a ‘wet area’ and a foldable change mat. Check out Kidspot mums’ favourite nappy bags!

Feeding equipment

If you’re breast feeding:


Breast pads - If you are choosing disposable breast pads, go for a brand that has a sticky patch on the back to secure it to the inside of your maternity bra and stop movement of the pad. Find some of our mums’ favourite breast pads here.


Feeding’ pillow – A pillow of your bed will do the job but specially V-shaped feeding pillows are more comfortable to use.

If you’re bottle feeding:


Steriliser – Microwave steam sterilisers are a great option because they are fast and easy to use.
Bottles – Consider using wide-necked bottles – they are easier to clean and to prepare formula in. See what Kidspot mums voted as the best baby bottles!

Teats – You may have to try a few types of teats before finding the right ones for you baby – whatever you use, make sure you use an age-appropriate teat to ensure correct milk flow.

Formula – Check that the formula is age-appropriate for your baby.

Clothing

Bodysuits – Bodysuits are useful in the colder months when a bare belly – where clothing has

separated – is not what you want to see. Body suits that stretch over the head and clip together between the legs are the easiest to put on and off.

Singlets - Have plenty of plain cotton singlets on hand at all times – this is an essential item of clothing even during the hotter months.

Grow suits - Grow suits can be worn day or night so it’s worth stocking up on at least 4 or 5 of these essential items. Choose grow suits with press studs that go all the way down the inside of the legs for ease of nappy changing.

Sunhat – Select a hat that can be thrown into the wash and that has a brim that’s big enough to shade baby from the sun.

Beanie – Choose a beanie that doesn’t have a cuff as these can unroll unexpectedly and cover your baby’s eyes and face, which can pose a safety threat.

Jackets, jumpers, cardigans – Select outer wear that can comfortably have another layer or two underneath so you can eaily keep baby warm. Don’t choose anything with ties around the neck as these can cause choking.

Socks - Buy a pair of socks for every day of the week – and consider choosing one colour and sticking to it. You will lose many socks and being able to pair up odd socks will save you having to buy more.

General

Drawers for storage – A small chest of drawers is the simplest way to keep all of baby’s clothing and accessories in one place – as you can use it for years to come, invest in one that is big enough to store toddler and preschooler clothes later.

Mobile - Choose a mobile that can be moved around the house, and try to avoid mobiles that play music and this will only be annoying after months of playing the same tune.

Toys - Babies don’t need a lot of toys so invest in good-qualtiy toys that are going to last – eg. rattle, mirror, soft toy, cloth book. For some great baby toys, check out what Kidspot mums voted as their favourites!

Baby Gym – Entertaining baby is much easier with a baby gym at hand. Choose one that folds away neatly, is easy to pop up one-handed and allows the toys to be moved around.

Bouncinette/bouncer chair – Buy a chair or bouncinette that isn’t too bulky and doesn’t have legs that extend far beyond the seat – this will save you tripping over them.

Paracetamol – Consider buying paracetamol infant drops as you’ll have more success administering a couple of drops than a couple of mls of medicine to your sick baby.

First-Aid kit - Accidents do happen even with small babies so invest in a first-aid kit for home and keep it topped up at all times.

Thermometer - A digital stick thermometer will give you the most accurate reading of your baby’s temperature but if your baby resists this type of thermometer, try an ear thermometer as these are very quick to use and give an accurate reading.

Prevention for your dog

To prevent a nasty disease is better than healing! Dogs are divine creatures who generously offer us mere mortals the kind of unconditional friendship and fidelity that’s almost impossible to find this side of Heaven. The only downside to doting on dogs?

They don’t live nearly as long as we’d like them to. So, in the interest of keeping my best friends in great shape as long as I can, I’ve become a de facto canine life extension specialist. I’m a health nut, so I try to eat right, exercise, and minimize stress in my life — and I’ve harnessed everything I know about wellness to make my dogs’ stay on Earth last as long as possible.

So far (knock wood) it’s worked: My previous dog (which I dearly miss) lived to the ripe old age of 18+. Okay, I’m not a vet, so I offer these tips Dogster-to-Dogster, hoping they will help you extend your time with your best friend. At the end of the day, your hound’s health is in your hands! Here are six things you can do to keep Spot from getting sick. Here’s to your pup’s best health.

Food, Glorious Food

Times have been tough of late, but I’ll make any sacrifice to feed my dog the best-quality pet food my budget will allow. “You are what you eat” is true no matter what your species, but it’s especially true of dogs. When dogs dine on wholesome, healthful grub they actually like the smell and taste of, the difference in their appearance is noticeable in a matter of days: their coats are shinier and shed a lot less; their eyes are brighter and their tails bushier. When dogs regularly dine on food that agrees with them, they also walk with a spring in their step, regardless of age. I usually go for dry and wet food, all they need is a balanced diet. In addition, you should consider supplements such as the latest GNC formula for hip and joint health. Another alternative would be Glucosamine and Chondroitin that is very beneficial.


A comfortable bed sofa

The right size for the right dog, or lets say different strokes for different folks. Choosing the right cushion and fabric is important for the well-being of your dog. Here some of the best rated bed sofas on Aliexpress, you can simply click on the images for more details.

Deworming is important

If you are unsure how often you need to deworm your adult dog, the answer is very simple. If your dog is mostly outdoors, in contact with other animals or often in public places with other dogs, it is recommended to deworm them every month or every 2 months, as they are more likely to catch worms. For dogs that are always kept indoors, deworm every 3 or 4 months. The most popular dewormer is the tapeworm dewormer formula by Bayer. Although it's not the cheapest out there, it's still reliable and efficient. At least it's to me it is. 

Deworming your puppy is a crucial step that we should never overlook, and they have to be free of parasites before receiving the first vaccine. For this reason, you should deworm your puppy for the first time when they are between 21 - 30 days old. Give them the treatment in a paste or syrup form as they are still feeding on their mother's milk.

After the first time, you must:

Deworm your puppy roughly every 6 weeks after they were born until they get their first vaccine.
Always deworm after each vaccination. Once your pup is 6 months old, how often you need to deworm them depends on their daily environment. If your pet is in contact with livestock or other animals, or if they go into parks where other dogs are, it is recommended to deworm every month or every 2 months. For indoor dogs or those at less risk, once every 3 or 4 months is recommended.

If you plan to breed your female dog, it is important to deworm her when she begins her heat cycle otherwise her unborns pups can be infected with worms through the placenta.

You should also deworm her 15 days before labour; ask your vet what signs you should out for to know when to do this. It is recommended to deworm your dog before the pups arrive, and from then on, follow the guidelines give above. It is good to speak to your vet about the possibility of deworming more often to ensure your pet's health.

Destress the Dog

Stress is a silent killer; it eats away at a body like nothing else, causing a variety of serious health problems. I do whatever I can to reduce stress in my dogs’ lives by being considerate of their needs.

Whenever I need to do something the dogs really don’t love — such as brushing their teeth regularly (which is critical for keeping them healthy) or giving them a bath — I try to make the chore as painless as possible by deploying tasty treats. Brushing their teeth with coconut oil, for instance, gives dogs a healthy mouth and sweet-smelling breath, plus they love the taste — so everybody wins. And on occasions when I expect my brat pack to stay calm and quiet, I give each one a raw beef bone or a rubber toy schmeared with peanut butter, for gnawing away at to their hearts’ content. A little kindness and consideration (and, okay, bribery) goes a long way in keeping dogs happy — and happy dogs are healthy dogs!

Give your dog a purpose
Dogs are pack animals and your family is her pack. Just as each human family member needs a specific task to perform within the group, so should your dog. By performing her task within the pack you are giving your dog a feeling of security, that she belongs and has a purpose.

No one, including your dog, likes to hang around all day and do nothing. Bored dogs can become a nuisance and bark a lot or get into trouble around the house. It is up to you to evaluate your dog and give her something reasonable to do based on her size, aptitude, motivation and personality.

Because dogs are pack animals they understand the idea of teamwork. They want you to be the leader of the pack and they want you to tell them what to do. Dogs can be taught to get the paper, bark at approaching strangers and animals, be your friend and confidant, tow you around on skis, protect you when jogging and provide something warm and fuzzy to touch.

Remember your dog performs its task voluntarily so always, always provide leadership by praising the dog when she has completed her job.

Dental Care for Dogs: How to get rid of bad breath

I have been trying to solve this issue since years but now I think I've got the right stuff to help my dog to get rid of bad breath. Guess what, its all about bacteria in his mouth and if we have the right stuff, we can solve it. You put a lot of thought into keeping your dog healthy: quality food, routine checkups, plenty of fitness. But what about his teeth?

Oral hygiene is an often-overlooked but important factor in your dog's overall health. If he has a toothache or sore gums, he's dealing with pain and stress that you may not even know about. Left untreated, bacteria introduced by the problem can enter the bloodstream and affect his heart, kidneys or liver. Veterinarians report that an estimated 85 percent of dogs over age 4 are suffering from some form of periodontal disease, a painful oral condition that can lead to tooth loss and infection. The good news? All of these problems are preventable with regular dental cleanings and professional checkups.

Like regular grooming or the daily jaunt outside, dental care should be something your dog comes to expect each day. But it won't happen overnight; most dogs take some time getting used to someone poking around in their mouth. Most owners need to warm up to the idea, too! Ideally, introduce dental care when your pooch is still a puppy. But don't stress if you just realized that your adult dog's teeth need some attention. Just take a slow, patient approach, and remember that lots of love and treats go a long way in winning him over.

Most experts agree that daily brushing is ideal, but if that's unrealistic, aim for three to four times per week. And don't be an overachiever: If your pup's patience only lasts for you to brush half his teeth today and the other half tomorrow, that's fine. Just remember which half you did each day!

Next up, we'll tell you what products you'll need and how your dog can help clean his teeth without even knowing it. Unfortunately, dogs can't care for their teeth themselves, but they can help by gnawing on the right product. A good long chew can help scrape away plaque and dirt, and most dogs are happy to comply. Natural choices include rawhide or a knucklebone. Knucklebones are a softer bone that's gentler on the teeth. Never give harder items, such as hooves or bones from steak, rib or ham shank as these can fracture teeth.

Some dogs won't bite on these natural choices, but many do enjoy chewing artificial bones or chew toys. Try a variety to see what your dog likes. Always choose rubber or nylon toys with a rough or bumpy surface, large enough so that it won't present a choking hazard. A chew toy should be somewhat flexible, not rock hard.

Dogs love to eat, and crunchy food and chew treats can help with your overall efforts. Look for the "VOHC-approved" stamp on any dental-cleansing product, which means they meet the tooth cleaning protocols established by the Veterinary Oral Health Council. While these items won't replace the need to brush, they can help reduce unwanted buildup.

You probably don't want to share your toothbrush, so once you're ready to begin brushing, get her some supplies of her own:

-Doggie toothbrush: A human toothbrush works well; choose a soft one in a size to match her mouth. Canine toothbrushes are more angled and also come in a fingertip style, which slips over the end of your finger. Choose the kind you both like.

-Canine toothpaste: It's unlikely your dog will learn to spit, so she needs a toothpaste that's safe to swallow. The toothpaste that I use for my dog is a brush set by Arm & Hammer. That rules out human formulas, which contain abrasives and detergent that she shouldn't ingest. Plus, she'll prefer the poultry or seafood options of canine toothpaste.

-Wipes or pads: When there's no time for full brushing, wiping her teeth and her gum line will whisk away some bacteria and food. You can use a canine dental pad, available at most pet stores, or a simple gauze pad wrapped around your finger.

-Dog Tarter remover:  I have recently purchased a product online that helped out my dog (a Jack Russel) to wipe out bacteria in this mouth. It's a dog tarter remover called Nylabone advanced. It sounds high tech but it really helps.

Nylabone Advanced

So you've gathered your supplies and you're committed to forming good dental habits. Your next goal is convincing your dog. Ready to start brushing? Don't expect your dog to sit and open wide. He may think tooth brushing is right up there with having a bath. Depending on your dog's age and background, it can take several days to several weeks to gain his cooperation. Don't rush it.

First, spend some time handling his mouth. Turn your finger into a treat by dabbing something tasty on it -- like peanut butter, meat baby food or nonfat yogurt. Let him lick at your finger, while you gently rub his teeth and gums. Reapply the tasty treat as needed, trying to move his lips aside to expose more of the teeth.

He'll also need to be used to having you handle his muzzle. Gently place one hand under his lower jaw and the other on top, and rest your hands like that for a few seconds. Gradually work your way toward manipulating his mouth by parting his lips, then gently easing his jaw open.

Once he's given everything the OK, choose a time of day that's quiet and unhurried, then bring out the brushing gear. To get started:

Let your dog sniff and lick the toothpaste and toothbrush. Move your dog's lips aside, then rub the visible teeth with either your finger or the toothbrush. A touch of toothpaste may spark his interest. Gradually increase the number of teeth you brush, reapplying the toothpaste as needed. Remember to brush along the gum line. A circular motion works best.

Once that's going well for a few days, try gently opening his jaw to brush the back teeth. Don't worry if it's too difficult to brush the inside of his teeth; with most breeds, periodontal disease is more common on the outside of teeth. Conclude with a special reward -- play, treat or affection -- even if the process didn't go well. You want your dog to form a positive association with brushing, so a happy ending this time may make him more agreeable next time. You'll need to take your pet to see the veterinary dentist at some point, so read on for ways to make that a smooth experience.

Whether it's for a professional cleaning or because your dog was up all night with a toothache, make his trip to the dentist as comfortable as possible.

Start by researching which veterinary dentists are in your area. Unless it's an emergency, ask your vet

or other pet parents for their recommendations. If it's convenient, make a dry run to let your dog say "hello" to the staff, sniff out the waiting room and sample a treat. This lets you both check out the place and helps your dog feel more agreeable about future visits.

When you set up your appointment, find out anything you'd like to know: if you'll be able to stay with your pet, if they accept your veterinary insurance (if you have it) or any other questions on your mind. Be sure to ask if you need to follow any instructions before his visit. If he's having a dental procedures -- even a cleaning -- he may be given an anesthetic, so proper preparation is important.

You may have dental anxiety, but your dog doesn't have to know it. Your faithful companion has become a master at reading your emotions, so if you act nervous come appointment day, he'll worry, too. Hop in the car and head to the office as you would any other fun outing. And tuck a reward in your pocket. If his teeth hurt, bring something soft like baby food or peanut butter.

During the appointment, don't hesitate to ask questions and gather as much information as you need. If you're uncertain about something, go home and do some research, or consider a second opinion.

Good dental care, both at home and from a professional, is a big part of keeping your dog healthy. With some patience and dedication, it can easily become a part of your lifestyle.

Phone Hub - Current offerings

There are some solid discount carriers and plans out there, and this tool helps you pick the one that’s best for you!

Apple iPhone 6
Unlocked Refurbished Smartphone 4.7inch IPS Multi-touch Screen 1334*750pixel 4G FDD-LTE 64Bit A8 Chip M8 Motion Coprocessor iOS 9.3.2 OS 1GB RAM 64GB ROM 1.2MP
8.0MP Dual Cameras
1810mAh Battery Nano-SIM
Touch ID FaceTime NFC

Blackview BV5000 IP67 

Waterproof Smartphone 

4G FDD-LTE 3G WCDMA Dustproof Shockproof Rugged Outdoor Drfy Android 5.1 OS Quad Core MTK6735P 5.0" IPS Screen 1.0GHz 64bit 2GB RAM 16GB ROM 5MP 13MP Dual Cameras OTG

OUKITEL K4000 Dual-UI 

4G FDD-LTE MTK6735P Quad Core Smartphone 5.0 Inches HD 1280*720pixels Touch Screen Metal Body Android 5.1 2G+16G 5MP 13MP Dual Cameras Smart Gestures OTG OTA

OUKITEL K4000 Pro 4G FDD-LTE 

MTK6735P 64-bit Quad Core
Smartphone 2.5D 5.0" HD
IPS Android 5.1 2G+16G
5MP 13MP Dual Cameras
OTG Smart Gesture

LEAGOO Alfa 5 Smartphone 

3G WCDMA SC7731 

Quad Core 2.5D 5.0" 

HD 1280 * 720 Pixels Screen 

Android 5.1 1G RAM+8G 

ROM 5MP+8MP Dual Cameras 

OTG Smart Gesture

 Straight Talk
 Samsung Galaxy S5 

 4G LTE Prepaid Smartphone