Archive for June 8th, 2009

Different Sizes and Uses of a Garden Fork

Not everyone has the luxury of large open spaces and a garden tiller to break up tough patches of ground to create a workable planting area. Sometimes, patches of ground are at a premium and therefore there is no room for a large motor-operated machine to break up the soil so the use of a garden fork is quite important.

Not all gardening jobs are light and in fact, many of them can be quite physically labor intensive with removing sod grass and breaking up soil topping the list. However, with a garden fork, you have a strong implement in which to break up tough soil, a physical, easier way to till by hand without any motorized aids.

The Right Size for the Job

The garden fork comes in a variety of sizes and styles and it will depend on your needs as to which one you choose. For small garden raised beds which needs some soil break up and simple root aeration, a small hand held garden fork would be perfect. However, for large patches of ground, a taller, stronger, heavy duty garden fork would be best for breaking up rocky soil, compacted dirt and aerating large plants and shrubs.

There is even a special garden fork specifically for garden composting and it looks similar to the gardening version except for the fact that the tines are farther apart and curved. With compost, you are turning and mixing peat and compost and you need tines that allow for chunks to prevent from clumping on the fork while at the same time still serving to scoop and mix.

How It's Made

The large garden fork is largely made from stainless steel tines with heavy-duty forging but the handle could be made from a variety of materials. For instance, some of these tools may have a solid hardwood handle made for durability and time while others may be made from steel. The large version and even the smaller hand held version of the garden fork typically has a "D" shaped handle which offers your hands the best grip and leverage when digging into the ground.

Rubberized grips may be added to the garden fork to provide traction for your hands and to avoid slippage. Another reason for the grips on this particular garden tool is to help prevent the formation of blisters, a common malady gardeners suffer when faced with repetitive movements against a tool without hand protection.

All in all, the garden fork is an excellent tool for any gardener serious about turning the soil and creating something beautiful within a patch of ground. This tool is tough against stubborn soil and saves you some back-breaking physical labor to boot.

Celebrity-Inspired Perfumes

There are more than a few different celebrities that are now making a mark on the world by introducing their very own line of perfumes. There are several reasons that they may do this; they want to provide their fans with a perfume that they would choose to wear, they want to attract more attention, and of course they want to make money as well.

There is a variety of perfumes out there with a fragrance that is approved by your favorite celebrity. Take, for example, Britney Spears - "spears fragrance" is a commonly searched-for perfume on the internet.

Not only do the sales increase as every new fan finds the new fragrance but it encourages the celebrities to come up with new ideas.

Heir, Can Can, Heiress or Just Me are a few of the fragrances that constitute the Paris Hilton Perfumes line.

Some celebrities donate portions of the profit they receive from their fragrance range to a charity that's in need of assistance. This is great advertisement and it enables the fans to support a charity that they might not normally donate to.

Fragrances can be an excellent way to express your true self. You feel more powerful and confident merely by the scent of your musk perfume. Celebrities feel the same and they may wish to pass it on to their fans.

You may have a preference for particular aromas for spring, summer, fall or winer. Some scents linger all day while others may not last you until evening.

This is a problem that celebrities face too. That is one reason why it's a great idea to see what they have on offer. If you are not sure what celebrities have on offer, search your favorite celebrity's web site to learn more.

Protect The Skin With Pine Bark Extract

Pine Bark Extract also known as pycnogenol is a premium herbal supplement ingredient extracted from the bark of the French maritime pine tree. That special pine bark is loaded with a concentrate of active bioflavonoids, and phytonutrients, which are also found in fresh fruits and vegetables.

The extract from the pine bark is a potent blend of active compounds. Exhaustive research over a period of more than three decades was done to ensure the safety of Pine Bark Extract and to prove the large number of benefits for human health contained inside this extraordinary extract.

Studies have shown that it is effective in treating many inflammatory conditions, skin disorders, and chronic venous insufficiency (poor blood circulation) because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It was also shown to be effective in treating erectile dysfunction when used in combination with L-Arginine. Animal studies indicate that Pycnogenol exhibits protective effect against cardiac toxicity caused by doxorubicin (a chemo drug).

Pycnogenol is a common name for pine bark extract, and it is used in several ways. Pycnogenol is also the name of a group of compounds that contain proanthocyanidins taken from a number of natural sources, such as grape seeds (see Grapes) and other plants. There are several other pine bark extract supplements available in addition to the brand called Pycnogenol, which may use different types of pine bark and have different formulations.

It can help with swelling of the lower legs, cold hands and tendency to easily bruise as well as protect the skin as an antioxidant to help fight against photo-aging from UV-radiation on the skin.

Whether you are looking for Pine bark extract or something with similar proanthocyanidins content, stop in to your local or internet health food store for name brand products to ensure quality and purity in the product you purchase.

*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Pycnogenol is not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.