Living Life Abundantly

If you are feeling out the market for massage chairs, then consider going to a Home Show or County Fair. You may find massage chair vendors. We have had many clients buy massage chairs at Fairs, for instance, and then only have a series of problems. We checked into a number of these venues as mystery shoppers posing as serious buyers. Based on input from our customers and our own firsthand look, we offer 5 tips to avoid mistakes, so you get the best massage chair to meet your long term needs.

1. Massage Chair Components are Critical: Ask what country the main components are from. The critical components are the motors and the pc board. The motors should be made in Japan and the pc board should be from either Japan or Singapore. If the components are from other locations, then these components are of inferior quality and subject to short life spans or in other words – junk!

2. Look for These Warranty Points: You want to get adequate warranty protection when buying a massage chair at a home show or county fair. You can sometimes even negotiate longer terms, since many times you are dealing directly with the manufacturer. You should at least get 3 years parts, 3 years labor and make sure they have in home technician service. You want at least 90 days as part of your deal. Check to see if it is nationally available. If its only available where you are buying the chair, then they obviously do the service from one location.

3. Our Massage Chair is made in Panasonic’s Factory: I saw a few salesmen claim that their massage chair comes from the same factory as Panasonic or some other name brand. Of course, there is no way for you to verify this independently. I am sure Panasonic wants their resources to be used to make knock off chairs that are then imported to compete in their main markets at rock bottom prices. Yeah, right, sure! If a salesperson tells you their chairs are made at the same factory as a name brand chair then I think you know the answer. Steer well clear!

4. Jack of All Trades, Master of None: Beware of vendors at fairs and home shows that sell everything but the kitchen sink. This is a sure sign of a one man importing machine. Now, I have a healthy respect for the entrepreneur, but one must specialize. I have seen booths with a couple of massage chairs along with a million other gadgets. It is like a one man flea market. These guys import everything and anything, especially what they just got a good deal on. Seriously, who knows what massage chair will be on the next shipment? They are armed and dangerous. Use Extreme Caution!

5. This is The Deal of The Century: We all know the saying: If it’s too good to be true, then it probably is! This is certainly true when looking for a massage chair. The major manufacturers offer show specials, so you truly can get a good deal. Where you must be careful, are the small time vendors. They bring in a cheap chair loaded with features and sell it at ridiculously low prices. Avoid the temptation of short term gain for long term pain. You may be buying a long string of breakdowns, long waits for parts (if ever) and expensive technician service calls. Be careful of the deal of the century!

With the help of our customers, we offer you these nuggets of advice when shopping at a home show or county fair. There are many excellent massage chairs at these events. It is a great venue to take a break and try one. You will find the major manufacturers at these events and can take advantage of their special show price. Just make sure if you are seeing too good of a deal, then dig a little deeper to avoid some of the pitfalls we point out for you.

We trust you found this article interesting. Check out a Massage Chair Review on the best massage chairs available. We author Massage Chair Reviews on all major brands. Browse our massage chair review index, see our articles and see what massage recliner is right for you.

categories: shopping,tips,advice,review,product review,electronics,gifts,exercise,massage,massage chair,fitness equipment,health,alternative health

There are now a number of exciting new features being added to recliners. You may be familiar with the traditional recliner with a hand operated lever. Today’s recliners have integrated many electronic and other therapeutic features for a wonderful new experience and a recliner. You can find features such as heat, vibration massage, air compression massage and even MP3 music players.

There are a lot of exciting new developments happening in the world of recliners. Most of us are familiar with the famous hand operated lever located on the side of the recliner. You can now find recliners with powered recline features. Many new recliners also have a variety of other therapeutic options including heat, air massage and even vibration massage.

Comfort is an important aspect of choosing a recliner. One of the important elements of a recliner is the upholstery covering. Make sure you select and upholstery that is comfortable to sit on for long periods of time. Also consider ones that are easy to clean and more stain resistant.

Manual control levers are now being replaced with powered recline systems. A powered recline is a great way to go to find the exact position comfortable for you. These powered systems usually include the chair back and the leg rest.

The recline function of these chairs has been automated with motorized controls. Recliner is may use one or two motors depending on their design. In most cases the recline function for the chair back and the leg rest can be controlled easily.

Many recliners now come with built-in remote controls. These remote panels allow you access to the recliners automated features. You can activate these features to increase your enjoyment of your relaxation time.

There are many recliners built for relaxation. Some of these recliners have integrated air compression massage. This system uses airbags to push and pull on different muscles for relieving tightness and stiffness.

One of very relieving type of therapy being integrated into recliners is vibration massage. Sophisticated programs are being used to deliver different pulsing and rhythmic vibration. This is a great way to get deep penetration through the muscle tissue for a row relief.

Why not listen to your favorite music while in your recliner? Many recliners now have built-in MP3 music players. This enables you to listen to your favorite music while relaxing in your new chair. Music is a great way to relax your mind. It is used by many therapists to help calm and quiet the mind so that the body can also relax.

Another therapeutic feature you find in many recliners is heat. Heating elements are being integrated in recliners to provide the comfort of want. This is a great way to relax your body.

Recliners are changing from passive to more active. A variety of new features are being added to provide therapeutic treatments. This is a great way to get relief from minor aches and pains while you relax in your comfortable chair.

These are just some of the features being added to recliners. The basic design of a recliner has not changed. However, what has changed is the integrating of many sophisticated electronics and mechanical devices to provide for a grade relaxing experience. See what’s new in recliners.

Discover what is new in Recliners. There are many advanced features to provide a relaxing environment. Experience the comfort and convenience of a powered recliner. This gives you a new way to power lounge. The genre of Relaxation Recliners are just coming out with fun and relieving programs to titillate your senses.

categories: gift,gifts,christmas,shopping,review,furniture,product review,electronics,home,home improvement,exercise

When it comes to Christmas gifts many people prefer something store bought over something home made. Would you rather have that hot IPOD you’ve been eye balling all year or a sweater your sister spent months knitting?

Personally, I believe its the thought that counts. Nobody owes you anything. If someone uses their own resources to present you with a gift…no matter what the gift is…shouldn’t you appreciate the fact that they even thought of you?

A home made gift means the person took TIME to actually CREATE something with THEIR OWN HANDS especially for YOU.

They may not have spent a lot of money or waited in ridiculous lines to get you the latest greatest gadget….but they did take TIME (the one thing we can neither put a price on or get back).

Doesn’t that count for something?

I believe it does. A home made gift is always made with Love and surely comes straight from the heart. My aunt April says those are often the best gifts. When I was a little girl I always made gifts for my family and friends. Most of the time I had to explain what the gifts were because it wasn’t always apparent (smile). This year I’m going back to the basics…

I won’t be wearing a Santa hat this year…today I’m putting on my Betty Crocker hat and apron to make tasty treats made with lots of LOVE for the ones I love!

With only 15 days left until Christmas this Ultimate Gift Guide will help you pick the perfect gifts for everyone on your shopping list. As a matter of fact, you will find this list helpful year round for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, special occasions, just because and holidays. The list is divided into the following 5 categories for your convenience:

Gifts For Him
Gifts For Her
Gifts For Kids
Gifts For the Family & Gifts under $25 Read the full story

Here’s a complete list of gifts you can give and a portion of the proceeds go to charity!

Love Quotes is a line of scarves that come with inspirational messages.  These scarves  have become pretty popular thanks to the Today Show and celebs such as Lindsay Lohan, Cameron Diaz, and Hilary Duff.  When you purchase a scarf 10% of the proceeds go to several international children charities.  The scarves come in  fifty different colors and cost $74.

When you purchase a pink pair of Lobz ear warmer headphones from Gordini a portion of the sale goes to the Young Survival Coalition which helps women under forty with breast cancer. For more information and details visit Gordini.com

St Judes Children’s Research Hospital has some wonderful gift options ranging from carry on/garment bags, stocking stuffers, accessories, cards, jewelry, quilts, patient art, and more. Proceeds go to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Perhaps you’re considering buying a laptop for the special kid in your life…If so, thanks to the great people at OLPC you have until December 31st to participate in the Give One Get One program. For a donation of $399, one XO laptop will be sent to empower a child in a developing nation and one will be sent to the child in your life in recognition of your contribution.

This is a great charitable giving opportunity

When you buy (RED) Products or sign up for a (Red) Service a portion of the proceeds go towards buying and distributing anti-retroviral medication in Africa. (more info»)

There are numerous products and services to choose from including cellphones, credit cards, clothing, accessories, shoes, electronics, and greeting cards. Here’s a complete list of participating companies.

Gap
www.gap.com/red
T-shirts, Hoodies, Sweaters, Coats, Jackets, Jeans, Tote Bags, Hats, Scarves, and Mittens.

Converse
www.makeminered.com

Apple
www.apple.com/ipod/red

Hallmark
www.hallmark.com/red

Emporio Armani
www.emporioarmaniproductred.com

Motorola
www.motorola.com/red

American Express (UK Only)
www.americanexpressred.co.uk

The holiday season is not just about showering our family and friends with gifts. Our focus, attention, and love is required throughout the world…not just during the holidays but every day. People are buying gifts that give back and many families are adopting new family traditions in the spirit of volunteering and charitable giving.

char·i·ta·ble:

giving:

When we help others we help ourselves by making the world a better place. There are many charitable and/or random acts of kindness that you and your family can do in your community or through existing organizations (you can even start a charitable organization). It’s better to give than receive.

Charitable Giving Ideas for Givers at Heart:

1. Volunteer at a Homeless Shelter.
2. Go Christmas Caroling at a Nursing Home.
3. Pay it Forward with random acts of kindness.
4. Create a Random Act of Kindness website

Charitable Organizations for Givers/Volunteers:

1. First Book is a nonprofit organization with a single mission: to give children from low-income families the opportunity to read and own their first new books.

2. Modest Needs is a not for profit organization dedicated to helping people with unexpected financial emergencies.

3. Project Angel Food cooks and delivers free and nutritious meals prepared with love to men, women, and children affected by HIV/AIDS and other serious illnesses.

4. The Hunger Project is a global, strategic organization committed to the sustainable end of world hunger.

5. Children for Children promotes hands-on youth volunteering and giving programs which teach and instill the value of community involvement and civic engagement in children from all backgrounds beginning at a young age, with an emphasis on providing resources to under-served schools.

6. The Camel Bookmobile operates from Garissa in Kenya’s isolated Northeastern Province near the unstable border with Somalia. Initially launched with three camels on Oct. 14, 1996, the library now uses 12 camels traveling to four settlements per day, four days per week. The camel library is now operating also in Wajir, Kenya, even further to the northeast. The camels bring books to a semi-nomadic people who live with drought, famine and chronic poverty. The books are spread out on grass mats beneath an acacia tree, and the library patrons, often barefoot, sometimes joined by goats or donkeys, gather with great excitement to choose their books until the next visit.

7. New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity is mobilizing for an unprecedented rebuilding effort and welcomes volunteers from to help with ongoing recovery and rebuilding of New Orleans.

8. Global Citizens Network sends short-term teams of volunteers to communities in other cultures where participants immerse themselves in the culture and daily life of the community. Each volunteer team is partnered with a local grassroots organization active in meeting local needs. Global Citizens Network creates a worldwide network of people and organizations committed to addressing global issues.

9. Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust supports physical and psychological rehabilitation programs, meets the special needs of veterans with specific disabilities such as amputation and blindness, and aids and shelters homeless veterans.

10. The Midnight Mission is one of the oldest continuously operating human services organizations in the Los Angeles region. Centered in the Skid Row area of downtown Los Angeles, the Midnight Mission offers a bridge to self-sufficiency for homeless people through counseling, education, training and job placement. We also make available the necessities of life to homeless people: food, shelter, clothing, personal hygiene needs, and medical care. The Mission serves homeless people with empathy and respect, without sermonizing.

For the name brand top designer divas on your gift list (if you have the money to spend) get in on the clearance sale for Prada, Gucci, Chanel, Dolce & Gabanna and more…They will think you spent a fortune lol! You will spend a pretty penny but not as much as would if you headed to a department store. Many of these items come from closets of celebrities…Yes some of these items are “used” but in mint condition the celebrity in your life will never know the difference

Gucci Light Brown Sunglasses With The Gucci Logo On The Sides. $110.00

Gianni Versace Teal and Pink Silk Sexy Floral Dress. $185.00

Prada Suit Khaki Stretch Cotton Trouser Suit $178.00

Prada Beige/Gold Canvas Logo Tote Bag $397.00

Chanel Navy Silk Evening Dress With Cream Shawl Collar $478.00

Dolce & Gabbana Soft Black Pleated Leather Bag With Gold Hardware $897.00

Donna Karan Dark Red Leather Skirt $118.00

Vera Wang Sexy Olive Silk Satin Knotted Sandals $245.95

These gifts should perk up any designer loving diva.

Green is the thing! Living Life Abundantly involves caring for the Earth.

Wrapping gifts with organic, non toxic, biodegradable, recycled, and reused materials, is a gift to the Earth. Instead of buying fancy wrapping paper and plastic bows use your old:

• Newspapers
• Wallpaper
• Brown Paper Bags
• Sheet Music
• Posters
• Blueprints
• Maps
• Fabric/Cloth

Think green and save some green

Most people experience stress during the holidays due to a lack of planning, poor time management, and financial worries. The holiday season does not have to be stressful or expensive. Follow these five strategies to reduce holiday stress:

1. Plan and manage your time.
2. Make preparations early.
3. Think outside the box.
4. Set a budget.
5. Shop Online.

Plan and Manage Your Time:

Time to pull out the calendar and To-Do List. Make note of important dates and times such as picking up grandma from the airport, the company Christmas party, and/or your child’s school holiday program or class potluck. Set aside specific day(s) and times for shopping, cleaning, decorating, gift wrapping, and meal preparation. Add personal time for reading, relaxing, and/or self pampering for each day on your calendar. DO NOT under any circumstances skip personal time. One of the most important aspects of time management is making time for yourself!

Make Preparations Early:

If heavy cooking and entertaining is part of your holiday tradition prepare now. Write out your menu for your holiday feast and all meals proceeding the festivities. Make your grocery shopping list and stock the shelves, refrigerator, and freezer with everything you’ll need. (Blow the dust off your crockpot it will save you time and come in handy in preparing meals before the holiday).

If you have family traveling to spend the holidays with you, prepare the guestroom now. Get your house in order now, do not wait until the day before they arrive. If you start now you’ll discover all the quirks that need to be fixed like the loose doorknob, the protruding spring in the mattress, or cob webs and dust on the lamps (lol). Call in Molly Maids or pull out the duster, broom, mop, and gloves.

Think Outside the Box:

Don’t let money stress you out this holiday season. Gifts from the heart are priceless. Expensive gifts and material things are nice but thats not what gift giving is all about. Your time, energy, resources, knowledge, skills, and/or talents make wonderful gifts. You may not necessarily be able to wrap them in a box with a bow but you can certainly come up with creative innovative ways to present your time, energy, resources, knowledge, skills, and/or talents as gifts.

Set a Budget:

Determine how much you can afford to spend without going into the new year with debt from the holiday. Divide that number by the number of people on your shopping list. This is the amount of money your budget allows per person. As tempting as it may be to over spend or add people to your list that you may have over looked…the best gift you can give to yourself is to resist the urge and stick to your budget and original list. Buy a box of holiday cards and use those for the people that didn’t make the list this year (at least they’ll know you thought of them…its the thought that counts smile).

Shop Online:

Going to the mall and department stores during the holidays is stressful. Fighting traffic, finding a park, wrangling the crowds, and standing in long lines is exhausting. Avoid the hassles! Save time, money, and gas by shopping online. Many websites offer free and/or discounted shipping for the holidays. Now is the time to shop online so that your gifts arrive in time.

Happy Holidays