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Officials Accused of Mishandling Docs: Trump, Hillary Clinton, Nixon
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- The Mar-a-Lago raid was part of an investigation into Trump’s handling of government records.
- Federal officials seized 11 boxes of classified information, though Trump has denied wrongdoing.
- Hillary Clinton and Richard Nixon are among the officials who have also been accused of mishandling records.
Federal agents conducted an unprecedented raid on former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence on Monday, but the potential issues being investigated are not new territory for the Justice Department.

The agency is investigating if Trump broke three federal laws related to the handling of national security information. One of the potential violations falls under the Espionage Act and concerns the removal of information that pertains to national defense. The others involve concealing or destroying government records.

The FBI seized 11 sets of classified or top secret documents from Mar-a-Lago, according to court documents unsealed on Friday. Trump has denied any wrongdoing.

It’s relatively rare, but not unheard of, for the Department of Justice to investigate and even bring charges against federal officials accused of mishandling government records, including some that are considered classified or top secret.

From former President Richard Nixon to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, here are some examples that include documents, emails, and audio tapes.

President Richard Nixon

Nixon is in part responsible for the creation of the Presidential Records Act, a law passed in 1978 that mandates the preservation of records created or received by the president and vice president during their time in office. It also established that presidential records belong to the US and are to be maintained by the National Archives and Records Administration at the end of a president’s time in office.

The law was part of a series of measures passed to address potential corruption after Watergate, when Nixon sought to destroy millions of pages of documents and hundreds of hours of tape recordings from his time in the White House.

Following Nixon’s resignation, Congress passed a law in 1974 that would require him to turn over the documents. Nixon challenged it, but the Supreme Court ultimately ruled it was within the legislative body’s rights to request them.

The Presidential Records Act was passed four years later, solidifying presidential records as public, rather than private, documents.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton

Clinton’s emails are perhaps the most well-known example of a federal official being accused of mishandling government documents. While serving as President Barack Obama’s secretary of state from 2009 to 2013, Clinton used a personal email address and server to conduct official business, rather than a more secure government email server.

After The New York Times first reported in 2015 on her use of a private email and potential violation of federal requirements, it became one of the major stories of the 2016 election cycle, when Clinton was the Democratic nominee for president against Trump.

A State Department inspector general report released in May 2016 found she had violated government policy but that it did not constitute criminal conduct. In July 2016, FBI Director James Comey said their separate investigation found there was “evidence of potential” criminal violations concerning the handling of classified information but that there wasn’t sufficient reason to bring charges.

Another State Department investigation that lasted for three years and ended in 2019 found Clinton’s use of a private email server put classified information at risk but that there was “no persuasive evidence of systemic, deliberate mishandling of classified information.” No charges were ever brought against her.

Clinton’s email server was found to contain more than 100 emails with classified information, 22 labeled top secret, and over 2,000 that were designated classified at a later date.

Sandy Berger, national security adviser to President Bill Clinton

Sandy Berger, who served as a national security adviser to President Bill Clinton from 1997 to 2001, pleaded guilty in 2005 to the unauthorized removal and destruction of classified documents from the National Archives.

After leaving his White House post, Berger testified before Congress’s 9/11 commission, which was examining the government’s response to the September 11, 2001, terror attacks. Berger said he made multiple visits to the National Archives to revisit relevant materials.

But a National Archives employee said they saw Berger leaving with documents wrapped around his socks and under his pant leg, prompting a criminal investigation by the Justice Department. Berger was found to have smuggled out highly classified documents, destroying some, and lying about possessing them.

He agreed to plead guilty and was fined $50,000, sentenced to two years of probation and 100 hours of community service, and stripped of his security clearance for three years.

Lower-profile federal officials are more commonly charged

In addition to former presidents and top White House officials, lower-profile federal agents are more commonly charged with mishandling government documents.

The FBI and the Justice Department have conducted at least 11 investigations into such crimes since 2005, Voice of America reported.

The outlet compiled a list of notable cases that included former members of the military and Defense Department employees or contractors; NSA and CIA contractors; and former CIA, FBI, and NSA employees. The sentences included thousands of dollars in fines and several years of probation.
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August 13, 2022
CH Freaky Friday Giveaway – £1000 Space NK Voucher

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Honestly aren’t we all a little exhausted reading the news headlines and watching the world in turmoil recently?

I thought we could all do with a little boost, so welcome ‘Freaky Friday’ to your regular scheduling. 🙂

Freaky Friday will be weekly, and across my different social channels, but I’ll always keep you updated here about where you can enter on any given week.

To get us going, Space NK have offered one lucky winner a £1000 Space NK voucher to spend as you please in Space NK stores or online.

Head over to my IG to enter before Thursday 11th August at 11.59pm BST, all of the terms are on there.

GOOD LUCK!

*Huge thanks to Space NK.
I have received no payment for holding this giveaway.

This giveaway isn’t associated with Instagram or any third party. This ends at midnight BST on Thursday 11th August 2022.

Team CH wont message you from any account other than KGs (my Brand Manager) @_gardnerk so ignore any messages from
fraudulent accounts pertaining to be me or her.

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August 13, 2022
How to choose the right pair of headphones – PHIATON
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Have you ever asked yourself, which is better: earphones or headphones? Whether you’re looking for something to spice up your next workout, a sound solution for that next conference call, or a personal sound device to drown out the drone of the engines on your next transcontinental flight, a good set of headphones can make the difference between a good day and a not-so-good one. But before you decide which model to buy, you first need to figure out what sort of headphone design works best for your intended purposes.

In this post, we’ll discuss the three main categories of headphone design—traditional headphones, earphones, and the newer crop of neckband Bluetooth headphones (or behind-the-neck headphones) that have cropped up in recent years—and the potential pros and cons of each based on your specific needs and desires.

Full-sized Headphones

If you hear the word “headphones” in isolation, chances are good that a very specific image comes to mind: a pair of cups with some manner of padding around the lip, connected by a curved band of some sort designed to rest atop your head. By their very design, headphones are the biggest of the bunch, so if you like to travel light, that’s something to consider. Even smaller on-ear designs like the Phiaton BT 390 — which offer some features that many over-ear designs don’t, like a flexible folding design—will still take up a lot more space in your purse, carry-on, backpack, or briefcase than a good set of earphones.

But partly as a result of their larger size, headphones do have several distinct advantages over other styles. For one thing, they generally deliver better sound quality and a more universally comfortable fit, and are known for being the best Bluetooth headphones for calls. If you opt for a model that offers such features, headphones also generally boast better battery life, especially for wireless listening. The 900 Legacy, for example, can go 40 hours or more on a single charge. Due to their size and universal fit, headphones also generally offer superior active noise-canceling and/or passive noise isolation (if you’re asking yourself, “how do noise cancelling headphones work?” read our recent post).
- Pros of full-sized headphones include: Better audio performance, longer battery life, no need to dig through a bag of ear tips to find the ones that fit your ear canals best.
- Potential cons of full-sized headphones include: Not as portable as earphones, may not stay in place well during vigorous exercise, and they can get a bit warm when worn for extended periods.
- Best for: Discerning music enthusiasts; long-distance travelers; and those with small, uniquely shaped, or sensitive ear canals.
Earphones

Headphones may represent the platonic ideal, but these days it’s hard to deny that earphones rule the personal audio market in terms of ubiquity. But if your only experience with earphones is the free pair that came with your last smartphone, you might be surprised to find that these small in-ear devices often offer many of the technological features of their larger counterparts. Features like active noise cancellation (not to be confused with noise isolating) go a long way toward making up for the fact that some people find it harder to get a good, tight seal with silicone or foam ear tips (read our post to learn about noise cancelling vs noise isolating). And many earphones these days—like Phiaton’s CURVE BT 120 NC —offer noise isolating technology and are wireless, which takes portability to whole new levels.

In-ears also often use their size to their advantage in other ways, like the use of balanced armature driver technology on the aforementioned BOLT BT 700, and are also regarded as arguably the best Bluetooth headphones for running.
- Pros of earphones include: Ultimate portability, customizable fit, easier to wear (and keep wearing) while working out, better sweat resistance, and their small size means they don’t trap heat the way some full-sized headphones do.
- Potential cons of earphones include: Smaller drivers sometimes struggle to deliver the deep bass and open sound of full-sized headphones; battery life on wireless and other active models is way less than that of full-sized headphones; finding the right fit can be tough for those with peculiar ears.
- Best for: Fitness enthusiasts, daily commuters, and travelers who are tight on space.
Neckband Headphones

This new style of headphones—alternately referred to as neckband headphones, behind-the-neck headphones, or even collar headphones—can best be described as earphones evolved. As with earphones, they include a small earpiece that fits into your ear canal. What sets them apart is the band that rests behind your neck, which often houses electronic components like batteries, noise-canceling circuitry, microphones, controls, etc.

As such, they represent something of a compromise between regular in-ear and traditional headphone designs. They generally offer better battery life than earphones (though usually not as good as the best headphones), as well as better portability than full-sized headphones (though not as compact as regular earphones). The one advantage they have over both other styles, though, is accessibility. Since the earphones are housed in a convenient collar, they’re there for you anytime you need them. And they can easily be removed from your ears without needing to be stowed away.

Neckband headphones like Phiaton’s BT 100 NC or CURVE BT 120 NC also offer easier and more convenient access to controls, like play/pause and volume, as well as answering and hanging up phone calls.
- Pros of neckband headphones include: Instant accessibility with minimal inconvenience or discomfort; better access to controls; better portability than full-sized headphones; better battery life and noise-canceling than many earphones.
- Potential cons of neckband headphones include: to truly reap the benefits of neckband headphones, you need to wear the collar even when you’re not using them; battery life still doesn’t compare to full-sized headphones.
- Best for: Endurance fitness enthusiasts and business professionals who participate in frequent (or unexpected) conference calls.
By Dennis Burger

Mar 20, 2019

Recommended Reads:

Wireless vs. Wired Headphones: How to Pick the Right Pair for You

Earphones vs. Headphones: A Sound Debate

Neckband Headphones: Why Is This Design Becoming So Popular?
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August 13, 2022
Must Know Goldendoodle Grooming Tips – Dogster
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Like many of our Dogster readers, you may have ventured into at-home grooming during the pandemic, but if you’re a Goldendoodle pet parent, it’s worth putting professional grooming back on your to-do list.

Goldendoodles are very high on the list of breeds that need professional grooming regularly, plus weekly brushing at home, says Jay Spainhour, owner of Chicago’s Tucker Pups Pet Resort.

This is because the Goldendoodle is typically low-shedding — a trait she picks up from her Poodle parent — which means the hair will continue to grow and get matted if not brushed and trimmed regularly. There’s also the influence of the Retriever’s thick coat, which, depending on whether your Goldendoodle has more dominant Poodle or Golden Retriever genes, can alter the texture and grooming style of the dog.

Jay gave Dogster tips on keeping the mats out of a Goldendoodle’s coat, keeping grooming costs down and where to find Goldendoodle grooming inspiration.

Is there a standard for Goldendoodle grooming styles?

A Goldendoodle puppy gets his first grooming using the Andis Pulse ZR II Flora © agroomernamedtristian

No, there’s no standard because the Goldendoodle isn’t an official AKC breed. However, there are common styles that groomers continuously get requests for.

The most popular Goldendoodle grooming styles are:
1. Teddy bear cut: The fur on the dog’s body is trimmed a universal length, typically anywhere from a half inch to 2 inches, while the fur on the head is kept a little longer. The face remains soft and rounded.
2. Lamb cut: Similar to a teddy bear cut, but the fur on the legs is kept longer than the fur on the body. This is a more balanced look and avoids the possibility of the legs looking too skinny, explains Jay.
3. The Poodle cut: There’s a wide range of poodle cuts, but typically this involves shaving the face and feet bare and leaving a full top knot on top of the head. This cut only works on Goldendoodles who have more dominant poodle genes and therefore, a curlier coat, than Golden Retriever genes.
4. The Kennel cut: Also known as the Retriever cut, the coat is cut one length, typically less than an inch, all over the body, including the ears. This cut is ideal if the Goldendoodle participates in lots of outdoor or water activities.
How short should I cut my Goldendoodle’s hair?

Dogs who are very active do better with a shorter cut, explains Jay. He doesn’t use the term shaved Goldendoodle because it can scare people off, but instead refers to this trim as a reset cut.

Some people prefer to have their Goldendoodle’s fur reset, or cut very short, if the dog spends a lot of time outside, especially in the water. The short coat is easy to maintain, can help prevent burrs and matting and can help pet parents easily spot ticks, explains Jay.

“Reset coats can still look very attractive and the hair will grow back quickly,” he adds.

Where can I see pictures of different Goldendoodle grooming styles?
A Goldendoodle grooming chart can give you a better idea of what each fur length and style will look like. Some of these grooming guides have samples you can feel.

Groomers have personal styles for each type of cut, so communicate with your groomer about your preferences. Even better, bring a photo of a Goldendoodle into the groomer, so he can emulate the style.

What happens if my Goldendoodle’s hair is matted?

If the Goldendoodle’s hair is extremely matted, it will be necessary to reset the dog’s hair. Matting is more than a bad look. Matted fur can pull the skin, making it painful or uncomfortable when your dog moves, explains Jay. In severe cases, it can block oxygen from reaching your dog’s skin, which can cause skin conditions, such as dryness, lesions or hot spots.

The top grooming issues for Goldendoodles include:
- Matting due to lack of grooming
- Overgrown nails
- Impacted, dirty ears
- Impacted anal glands
How much does Goldendoodle grooming cost?

Prices range based on where you live and the complexity of the cut, but in general Goldendoodles are one of the more expensive types of dogs to groom. “Goldendoodles cost more than most breeds because their coats are often thicker than Poodles and more complex than Golden Retrievers,” says Jay.

At Tucker Pups Pet Resort in Chicago, a mini Goldendoodle haircut costs between $85 and $100. Standard Goldendoodles are $100 to $130. These prices include a bath, haircut, ear cleaning, nail trim and brushout. De-matting services cost extra.

At Posh Paws Salon in Seattle, Washington, prices vary based on Goldendoodle size and hair condition, but in general cost between $80 to $100 for a haircut, which is the highest among their list of breed costs. There’s a $20/half hour charge for de-matting services.

Can I groom my Goldendoodle at home?

Goldendoodles need regular brushing and professional grooming to prevent matting. This Goldendoodle was groomed with the Andis Pulse ZR II Flora. © house_of_wolves_dog_grooming

Regular home maintenance can sustain the health of your Goldendoodle’s coat and make the groomer’s job easier. However, because the Goldendoodle has higher grooming needs, Jay recommends taking regular trips to a professional groomer every 6 to 8 weeks. Here are our experts’ top home Goldendoodle grooming tips:
- Brush and comb your Goldendoodle at least three times a week. Talk to your groomer about how to properly brush your dog at home
- Bathe your dog once a month, unless your dog is extremely active outside
- Dry and brush your dog immediately after he gets wet.
- If you trim your dog’s nails at home between grooming appointments, find a safe space and a partner to help secure your dog.
- Do your research using Goldendoodle photo searches and Goldendoodle grooming charts to find the exact style you want.
Scheduled trips to the groomer come hand-in-hand with caring for a Goldendoodle. Keeping up with the home maintenance between trips to the groomer ultimately lessens your grooming costs and keeps your dog, and your family, healthy.
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August 12, 2022
Trump Says He Won’t Oppose the Release of Mar-a-Lago Raid Documents
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- Trump says he would not oppose the release of documents linked to the FBI’s Mar-a-Lago raid.
- He even demanded that the documents be released “now,” while lauding his poll numbers.
- Media reports said Trump is free to release the search warrant for the raid but has not chosen to.
Former President Donald Trump said on Thursday night that he would not oppose the Department of Justice’s intended release of documents related to the FBI’s Mar-a-Lago raid.

In a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump continued to rage against the investigation while addressing the DOJ’s motion to unseal the search warrant.

“Not only will I not oppose the release of documents related to the unAmerican, unwarranted, and unnecessary raid and break-in of my home in Palm Beach, Florida, Mar-a-Lago, I am going a step further by ENCOURAGING the immediate release of those documents,” the former president wrote.

Trump also posited without substantiation that the documents had been “drawn up by radical left Democrats and possible future political opponents” and created by people with a “strong and powerful vested interest in attacking” him.

In his statement, Trump also referenced his “poll numbers,” saying that they were “the strongest they have ever been” and added that his fundraising was “breaking all records.”

“Release the documents now!” he wrote.

According to multiple reports and legal experts, Trump has a copy of the search warrant for the Mar-a-Lago raid but has so far chosen not to release it.

“No, we’re not releasing a copy of the warrant,” a source close to Trump told NBC News, adding that it would be up to the DOJ to present its reasons for the warrant.

Trump allies have also called on the DOJ to release more information about the search.

The FBI has not given an official reason for why Monday’s search of Mar-a-Lago took place. Multiple news outlets — along with Trump’s son, Eric — have suggested that the search was related to an investigation by the DOJ into whether Trump had improperly removed documents from the White House. The Washington Post also reported on Thursday that the FBI was looking for classified documents related to nuclear weapons.

More information about the search might be revealed soon as the DOJ has filed a motion asking for the Mar-a-Lago search warrant to be unsealed. The DOJ argued that Trump’s own publicizing of the search — which had attracted little public attention before Trump broke the news himself — made it a matter of public interest.
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August 12, 2022
Why Sleeping With Makeup Is Bad (And How To Remove It)
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You may have heard that one of the biggest beauty blunders is forgetting to remove your makeup before bed. But why? Sleeping in makeup can cause countless problems including inflammation, breakouts, tired-looking skin and dullness. It’s crucial to remove your makeup thoroughly before your head hits the pillow to prevent skin issues. We have gathered all the skin care tips you need to learn how to properly remove your makeup.

What Happens When You Don’t Remove Makeup? | How To Remove Your Makeup | After You’ve Removed Your Makeup

What Happens When You Don’t Remove Makeup?

Is it really so bad to sleep in your makeup? While one slip up won’t ruin your complexion, consistently skipping your skin care routine can cause cumulative damage. Here’s a breakdown of why you should not sleep with makeup on and what happens to your skin when you don’t give it a thorough cleanse before bed.

Free Radical Damage

During the day, your skin accumulates oxidative stress through contact with pollution, blue light and UV rays. These environmental stressors expose your skin to free radicals, highly unstable molecules that attack otherwise healthy cells. As a result, you may notice skin dullness, inflammation and premature aging. Products like silicone primers, foundations and powders may be key to your makeup routine. However, these occlusive cosmetics can trap debris and oil, preventing your skin from repairing itself. Our Product Support Representatives tell us: “Free radicals cling to makeup, causing a number of skin issues including collagen breakdown.” When you sleep in your makeup, you deprive your skin of the opportunity to recover naturally from the day’s oxidative stress. As a result, damage to structural proteins, like collagen and elastin, continues, and your skin takes on the visible signs of aging more quickly.

Dull Skin

There’s truth to the term “beauty sleep”: Your skin performs its most important regenerative functions overnight. While you sleep, growth hormones kick into gear and stimulate skin cell renewal. This triggers the skin’s natural turnover process whereby dead and damaged skin cells are shed from the surface and replaced by new, healthy cells. Makeup interferes with this cycle by trapping dead skin and preventing your skin from sloughing them off.

We naturally shed close to 50 million skin cells a day. When skin cell turnover is interrupted, dead cells aren’t efficiently removed and accumulate on the skin’s surface. This contributes to a dull, dry and lackluster complexion. Dendy Engelman, MD tells SELF: “When we’re not exfoliating or removing those top surface cells as quickly, the light doesn’t reflect off the skin as nicely as it does when it’s very clean and properly exfoliated. Even if your skin doesn’t break out, it is going to look older, rougher and less radiant.”

Clogged Pores And Breakouts

The fact that comedogenic products (products with ingredients likely to clog pores) lead to breakouts is a no-brainer. The potential for acne is amplified when these types of cosmetics are left on overnight. Wearing makeup to bed traps these impurities under the skin, increasing the risk of a breakout. Breakouts or acne worsens when oil, debris and bacteria combine, causing infection and inflammation.

In fact, there’s a type of acne that is caused specifically by makeup. Acne cosmetica is caused by pore-clogging makeup and shows up as tiny bumps and whiteheads on the cheeks, chin and forehead. If you’re going to sleep with a full face of makeup on, you’re not only preventing these breakouts from clearing but also contributing to their emergence in the first place.

Irritation And Inflammation

Makeup’s occlusive effect also contributes to skin irritation and inflammation. Heavy cosmetics form a barrier overtop of the skin that locks in environmental irritants such as chemical agents, allergens and pollution. Cosmetics themselves often include synthetic ingredients and fragrances that can be irritating to the skin, especially when left on for a prolonged time.

Inflammation is the skin’s first line of defense against external stress. When faced with harmful stimuli, the skin issues an immune response that rushes blood to the area. While this is meant to speed up healing, it also results in uncomfortable symptoms such as heat, swelling and redness. For some skin types, this can be temporary but for those with sensitive skin, it can cause ongoing discomfort in the form of blotchiness, itchiness and dryness.

How To Remove Your Makeup

By now, you have a handle on the importance of removing your makeup before bed, but how do you do it properly? If you’ve ever detected a trace of mascara smeared under your eye or a smudge of foundation on your pillowcase (even after you’ve washed your face), you’re probably not making the most of your cleansing routine. Follow these tips to ensure you clear every last bit of makeup from your complexion.

Avoid Cleansing Wipes

First, skip the cleansing wipes. While they may be convenient, most makeup wipes won’t fully remove your makeup. As James C. Marotta, MD tells Good Housekeeping, “very few makeup wipes contain ingredients that can actually break down all of your face oils, makeup and gunk on your skin, so you’re really just rubbing bacteria, irritants and makeup wipe residue around your skin.” Plus, many cleansing wipes contain chemical ingredients and preservatives that can irritate the skin and cause dryness.

Double Cleanse

The best way to remove makeup is to double cleanse. This method is crucial for breaking down makeup as well as other surface impurities such as dirt and oil. This cleansing technique begins with an oil-based cleanser and is then followed by a second cleanser of your choice (we suggest a gel-based option like our Stone Crop Gel Wash). If you have an oily skin type, don’t let cleansing oil scare you. Cleansing formulas with natural oils will not only clear makeup, but also lift excess sebum from your skin’s surface.

These are the steps to perform a double cleanse:
1. Break down makeup with a cleansing oil or balm. The oil in the cleanser will solubilize oil-based products like foundation and mascara so they lift easily from your skin’s surface. Warm a small bit of Stone Crop Cleansing Oil or Wildflower Cleansing Balm in your hand. Then, use your fingers to swipe it across your eyelids and lips and use circular motions to lightly massage it over your face. Rinse clean with lukewarm water.
2. Remove remaining impurities with a second cleanser. Now that you’ve loosened and lifted your makeup, you need to sweep away stubborn dirt, grime and bacteria that are left on the skin. Simply apply your favorite cleanser to wash your skin more deeply and target specific skin concerns such as acne or aging. With this two-step process, you clear both types of impurities that can clog pores, dull your skin and contribute to premature aging.
Ready to start double cleansing? Watch this video for tips and product recommendations from our Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie Pergar:

Don’t Forget Your Neck And Hairline

You may have removed (what feels like) an inch of foundation from your face, but be sure you haven’t skipped your neck and hairline. If you stop short of these easy-to-miss areas, you can accumulate makeup residue that clogs pores and leads to breakouts. Pull back your hair with a headband and extend your face wash past your jaw to ensure you catch every last bit of makeup.

Remove Eye Makeup

Waterproof mascara and eyeliner can be notoriously difficult to remove. If you’ve done a double cleanse, you’ve probably removed most of your eye makeup, but it’s worth touching up the area with a natural and organic makeup remover.

Before you tackle your eye area, remember that the skin there is thinner and more delicate, so it’s important to be gentle. Rather than rub vigorously, saturate a cotton pad with remover and hold it over each eye for ten seconds. This will give it time to break up and dissolve the make up products before you gently wipe it off. Tackle the eye line and inner corners with a cotton bud to complete your cleanse.

Use Steam

Still not feeling quite clean? You can give your skin a facial steam to deepen your cleanse. Steam softens surface debris and releases any leftover grime and makeup that is still trapped in your pores after cleansing. Follow these steps for a facial steam at home:
1. Fill your sink or a bowl with hot water.
2. Place a large towel over your head.
3. Hover your face five to ten inches away from the steam. Lower or raise your head for more or less heat.
4. Steam for five to ten minutes (we recommend two minute intervals so you don’t overheat).
What To Do After You’ve Removed Your Makeup

Makeup removal gives your skin a clean slate, but it needs to be followed with proper care to maintain your skin’s health and resilience. After cleansing, continue your skin care routine with these essential steps:
- Apply a toner or facial mist to hydrate your skin and prep it for the skin care products that follow.
- Use a serum, oil or concentrate to target specific skin concerns and conditions.
- Moisturize to lock in hydration and protect your skin’s lipid barrier.
- Tap on an eye cream for a bright and smooth eye area.
- Apply SPF to protect your skin from the drying and aging effects of UV rays.
Which products are part of your cleansing routine? Visit an Eminence Organics Spa Partner for skin care recommendations from a licensed esthetician! Use our Spa Locator to find a spa near you.

This article was originally written in August 2019.
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August 12, 2022
Expect the Unexpected with Maverick & Farmer Coffee

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Travel

Text by Avani Thakkar. Images courtesy Pavan Srinivas.

How do you like your coffee? Piping hot and black or ice-cold with swirls of Nutella? Strong enough to lend you a surge of productive energy that could potentially turn into jittery anxiousness by your third cup or lightly dosed with just enough caffeine to pretend like you have your wits about you on yet another Monday morning?

Ashish D’abreo likes his fermented with beer, which might sound like an unusual choice to those who swear by their trusty cappuccino, but he makes no excuses for it. The Bengaluru-based barista, mixologist and one-third of the brains behind Maverick & Farmer Coffee, an artisanal coffee brand (with a namesake cafe) that’s been brewing in the IT city since 2018, gets a kick out of unlocking new flavour profiles to showcase Indian coffee in a way that he maintains hasn’t been done before.

D’abreo, who grew up in Mangaluru (Mangalore), speaks for most South Indians when he describes his fondness for filter coffee — an integral part of their food culture. “Traditional filter coffee is and always will be comfort for us,” he says, before going on to question why desi coffee is so underrated. “Places like Ethiopia and Colombia pop up first when you think about quality coffee beans. In fact, most international baristas don’t even know that India produces coffee, and a distinct one at that,” he reveals. Along with partners Sreeram G and Tej Thammaiah, D’abreo set his sights on bringing innovative variations to this unilateral Starbucks-engulfed drinking segment that was also momentarily possessed by the TikTok-propelled Dalgona coffee craze while in the throes of the 2020 lockdown.

Top: Different stages of roasting for 2 Beans In A Pod (cocoa fermentation); bottom: Manual grading, done for sample roasts to work out a basic roast profile to test the experimental lots

“The pandemic changed coffee-drinking habits of Indians across the country. We had this massive generation of workers who would go to their fancy offices, and they had gotten used to their daily cup of coffee either at work or in a nearby cafe. Suddenly, they found themselves cooped up at home with no access to that coffee, so they started doing some research and discovered brands like ours. And so, we were busy as ever,” says D’abreo.

Maverick & Farmer fine-tunes coffee beans’ cultivation, fermentation and drying processes on their sprawling 150-acre plantation nestled in Coorg, Karnataka’s lush hill station that’s home to some of the best panoramic views in South India. Think of it as a laboratory where all the magic happens, which is all but confirmed when D’abreo speaks of a smoke chamber: “A lot of us love smoky notes in our coffee, but unless you really dark roast the coffee and almost burn it, you won’t get those notes. Unfortunately, when you do that, you risk losing the subtle, nuanced flavours. So, to achieve smoky notes in light-roasted coffee, we created an airtight smoke chamber on our farm out of the old estate manager’s bungalow that was on the verge of crumbling. We introduced cold smoke into freshly pulped Arabica coffee beans to concoct Ol’ Smoky – Cold Smoked Coffee, now known as one of our signature drinks.”

Cold-smoked coffee process

Thammaiah, co-founder and a third-generation coffee farmer, lends his technical know-how and expertise to the business; together the duo spent the first harvest season testing new roast profiles to come up with exciting flavours that steer away from the all-too-predictable chocolate and caramel. But they’re aware of the risks that come with taking a chance on the unconventional — a fruit-fermented, citrus-infused coffee may be too niche for traditional coffee lovers, and, after all, the customer is king.

“But at the end of the day it’s the story of our lives, and we want to keep feeling excited about the coffee we make,” D’abreo explains. “We run these ‘what if’ sessions every other week with our team over Zoom to vocalise the most random things that could be done to coffee, a sort of wish list of the kind of radical flavour notes we’d like to taste in our coffee someday. There are more horrible ideas than good ones to be honest, but that’s part of the process!” he chuckles.

Top: Ashish D’abreo and Tej Thammaiah; bottom: 2 Beans In A Pod in the fermentation vat, after 18 hours

Filtering out the doable is just step one, and it stays that way for at least seven to eight months because ideas can’t be executed until the harvesting season begins later in the year. Maverick & Farmer’s plantation in Pollibetta only comes to life in November, bustling with energy to put thoughts into action, but not at the cost of the surrounding environment. The brand’s sustainability efforts may not be plastered all over their website, but it’s because they’re not just surface-level gimmicks; these initiatives are an intrinsic part of their ecosystem. “Coffee pulping puts a lot of acidic water into the ground, which, over a period of time, isn’t good news for the crop or surrounding soil,” says D’abreo. “So, to tackle that, we strain out the flesh of the coffee at the pulping stage. Then it is passed through these calcium beds and collected in larger tanks to be treated in such a way that the acidity is reduced and the water is made completely alkaline. It is allowed to settle for three months and then this water is repurposed for cultivation and irrigation purposes.”

There’s an element of the human touch to artisanal coffee, as evidenced by the care that goes into nurturing the crop and building a loyal community of customers. And it’s clear that, along with an experimental soul, Maverick & Farmer is all heart when it comes to giving us a cup of freshly brewed goodness.

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August 12, 2022
Plantronics/Jabra Hearing Aid Compatible (HAC) Headsets for office telephone or PC softphone

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Plantronics/Jabra Hearing Aid Compatible (HAC) Headsets for office phone and computer soft phone:

Almost 16% of adults suffer from hearing loss. In Europe about 71 million of the working population have a hearing loss greater than 25 dB. Here’s how HeadsetPlus.com can help:

Many hearing aids today have EIA 504 standard telecoils (some refer them as t-switch or t-coil). Telecoils are used in place of the microphone to pick up sound from magnetic source such as a telephone handset. Telecoils also eliminates feedback and reduces background noise. All landline phones (and some cell phone) are required by law to be Telecoil compatible.

Plantronics EncorePro headsets model HW510, HW520 are special headsets fitted with HAC Telecoil speakers and, therefore, they emit very high levels of magnetic energy. These headsets are compatible with BTE and ITE aids providing, of course, they have telecoils built in.

Plantronics H251H, H261H HAC headsets are being discontinued – see new models below:

Plantronics HW510V EncorePro VoiceTubeBuilt with special hearing aid compatible magnetic speakers and, typically, will work better with tele-coil (T-coil) hearing aids. It’s the direct replacement for Plantronics H251H. You can Order it HERE

Plantronics HW520V EncorePro Binaural VoiceTube Headset Engineered with special HAC speakers and dual speakers, typically, will work better with Telecoil (T-Coil) hearing aids. HW520V is a direct replacement for the previous model Plantronics H261H. You can order it Here

Plantronics HW510 EncorePro 510 Noise Canceling Headset

The Plantronics HW510 the same headset as the HW510V, but with a noise canceling microphone to block out the unwanted office noise. HW510 also equipped with the HAC magnetic energy speakers that support T-coil hearing aids. Order it Here

Plantronics HW520 EncorePro Noise Canceling Binaural Headset – (my recommendation)

HW520 is the binaural (dual ear) version of the EncorePro Hearing aid (Telecoil) compatible headset. I highly recommend the binaural model for anybody wearing hearing aids as it has two speakers for both ears and a noise canceling mic. Order it here

If you’re in the noisy office, we recommend you add Plantronics Circumaural Leather Ear Cushions, so the headset “surrounds” your ears, the end results of the Plantronics HW520 looks something like this:

Note: These Plantronics headsets require the Plantronics M22 Vista amplifier to work (except for the phones with headset jacks, which only require a Plantronics bottom cable, call for compatibility).

WIRELESS

The newest Plantronics Savi 7210, Savi 8210 (single ear) and Savi 7220, Savi 8220 (dual ear) wireless headset are also Hearing aid (T-coil) compatible. It has “active noise canceling” speakers on the Savi 8220 only to block out office noise so you can focus on your phone call as well as noise canceling microphone so the caller on the other side can hear clearly you without all the background noise. The Savi 8210 and 8220 can be used for 3 different devices (desktop phone, computer, and Bluetooth cell phone), switch between the 3 devices easily with push of a button. Plantronics, Savi 7210, Savi 8210, Savi 7220, Savi 8220 both are compatible to virtually any desktop office phone. The Savi 8220 is also a great music headphone while you’re in the office (stream either from the PC or your smart phone).

Plantronics Savi 8210 Wireless Headset Monaural, Savi 8200

Plantronics Savi 8220 Wireless Headset Binaural Savi 8200 series

Poly (Plantronics) Savi 7210 Office Wireless Headset, Mono Style

Poly (Plantronics) Savi 7220 Office Wireless Headset Stereo

Other Plantronics Headsets are not HAC hearing aid compatible because they don’t meet the EIA 504 standard and electronically incompatible.

Jabra/GN Corded Hearing Aid Compatible Headsets (Telecoil Compatible):

GN 2125 Noise Canceling Telecoil headset for Hearing Impaired – This is the only Jabra Telecoil hearing aid compatible headset. It has a noise canceling microphone, where as the Plantronics models does not. This headset can be seen here for more details.

Note: Jabra headset require a GN Netcom 8000 amplifier (recommended). For telephones with built-in headset ports (ie Nortel, NEC, Cisco), an amplifier is not necessary, you only need the GN Netcom 1200 Smart Cord

If you work on a computer and use a softphone, Plantronics also makes Hearing aid compatible PC headsets with USB jack.

Plantronics EncorePro HW515 USB Headset UC, HACPlantronics HW515 USB headset is also hearing aid telecoil compatible and it has composite material, making it very light and durable, only 52g. Digital wide-band audio, so your voice transmission sounds more natural. Comes within in-line controls for volume, mute, etc. Microsoft Skype for Business certified.. Full 2-year warranty, very high quality.

Plantronics EncorePro HW525 USB Headset UC, HAC

Plantronics HW525 is the binaural (dual ear) version of the USB headset. If you’re in a busy call center. this headset cover both ears, so you can focus on the call. It also has in-line controls to answer/end calls, volume, and mute. soft ear cushions for all day use. Fully adjustable for a perfect fit, regardless of your head size. Wideband “stereo” sound for your phone calls or even music when you’re not on the phone.

Plantronics C3220 Blackwire Stereo USB Headset MS Skype

Plantronics Blackwire 3220 is an affordable hearing aid HAC compatible USB Headset. Super light weight for all day use. Over the head “stereo” dual ear style. Wideband audio for best sound transmission. Soft foam ear cushions. Noise canceling microphone to block out unwanted background noise. If you have a Macbook or PC/laptop with a USB-C port, there is the USB-C version of this headset also available: Plantronics 3220 Blackwire USB-C

Plantronics Blackwire 5210 Mono USB, 3.5mm Headset, Microsoft Skype

Plantronics Blackwire 5210 USB Headset has it all. It addition to being telecoil hearing aid compatible, The Blackwire 5210 is compatible with all major softphones, most smart phones (using the 3.5mm jack), and Microsoft Skype for Business certified. It has in-line controls for volume, end/answer calls, and mute. wide band audio for the most natural human voice.

Poly 3320 Blackwire USB-A Stereo Headset

USB-C version: Poly 3320-M Blackwire USB-C Stereo Headset

Plantronics Blackwire 5220 Binaural Computer USB with 3.5mm plug

The Plantronics Blackwire 5220 USB also t-coil hearing aid compatible. It comes with a 3.5mm plug for use on most smart phones. It’s foldable and comes with carrying case easy for travel. Microsoft Skype for Business certified and soft leather ear cushions for comfort. It’s one of most popular all round computer headset.

Poly Blackwire 8225 USB-A Stereo Wired Headset

Poly (formerly Plantronics) is the top of the line corded Blackwire 8225 USB computer headset. Also telecoil hearing aid compatible with most major brand telecoil hearing aids. It has adjustable 180 pivoting speakers, so it be be folded flat for travel or storage. Padded leatherette ear cushions for all day use. ANC Active noise canceling speakers for blocking out background noise so you can focus on your phone call or work. Built-in LED to alert others around you that you’re busy. It has it all, simply top of the line Poly USB headset on the market. Also available is the USB-C version for Apple Macbook or Windows PC or laptop with USB-C jack: Poly Blackwire 8225 USB-C Stereo Corded Headset

Wireless USB telecoil hearing aid compatible headsets:

Plantronics Savi 8210 UC Mono USB-A Wireless Headset

Poly Savi 8220 UC Stereo USB Wireless Computer Headset

Bluetooth Wireless Hearing Aid pendant Desk phone Compatible Systems:

You may use the Plantronics MDA220 with a SSP-2714-01 Bluetooth Dongle (56bit security).The Plantronics SSP-2714 is a version of the BT300 that has a lower security level, compatible with almost all hearing aids. If your hearing aid does not have a microphone, you will need a pendant or neck loop from your audiologist or hearing aid provider (we do not sell pendants). Incoming audio from a desk phone is sent via Bluetooth to the Pendant. Incoming audio is then sent from the Pendant to the T-Coil hearing aid(s) via induction. The Pendant (neck loop) has a built-in microphone. It captures the user’s voice which is then sent out to the desk phone or MDA220 via Bluetooth. Desk phones do not pair with the hearing aid itself, it pairs with the Bluetooth Pendant. (No headsets are used in these situations.)

The Plantronics dongles are specially designed for Bluetooth Hearing Aids Pendant systems. It’s known to be compatible with the following Bluetooth hearing aids: Phonak ComPilot, Oticon Streamer, Phonak iCom, Phonak Unitron uDirect, Rexton Remote, Mini Blu RCU and Blu RCU, Siemens Mini-Tek, ClearSounds Quatro, Starkey SurfLink, Widex M-Dex, Noizfree Beetle H-3ST Neckloop and ReSound Unite Phone Clip+

The Neck loop/pendant (made by Clarity, Phonak, Oticon, Siemens, Unitron, Starkey) has a built-in microphone. It captures the user’s voice, then sent to the desk phone via the MDA220 via Bluetooth. No headsets are needed.

If your hearing aid does not have a microphone or include a Bluetooth Neckloop pendant (to talk into), you will need to purchase a hearing aid pendant (microphone) separately. Otherwise, you have no microphone to speak into.

Wireless Solution for use for softphone on a computer:

To use the Bluetooth hearing aid on a PC for a soft phone application, you simply need the Plantronics SSP2714 and a Bluetooth hearing aid compatible pendant (Bluetooth dongle attached to the PC) then you’re all set to go.

Optional Plantronics HL10 Handset Lifter or EHS cables are also compatible with with the MDA220. Fee free to call one of our headset experts at HeadsetPlus.com (650-306-9768) if you need further assistance.

*application Note: The customer must determine the security level of their Bluetooth Neck loop Pendant.

Also see Phonak ComPilot (UniTron uDirect2) installation/user guide for some sample installation and user instructions.

See our blog on How to Connect a Bluetooth Hearing Aid to an Office Telephone and Pairing your Bluetooth Hearing Aid to the MDA220/SSP2714-01

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August 12, 2022
How to Get Dog Pee Out of Your Carpet – Dogster
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Even the most well-trained dog pees on the carpet sometimes. Dogs pee in the house for a variety of reasons — an infection, old age, boredom, marking or anxiety — so odds are high that you’ll have to deal with it at some point. Carpet cleaning solutions and tools are effective to combat dog pee stains and odors. For a quick fix, at-home remedies, such as hydrogen peroxide, Dawn dish soap or baking soda can be a dog parent’s best friends (other than your dog, of course).

How do I get dog pee smell out of carpet?

To ensure that your dog doesn’t make peeing a regular thing, you need to get any underlying urine smell out of the pee spots. Male dogs in particular will pee on spots that other dogs have already peed on.

To prevent a lingering urine smell, treat the accident quickly. To clean up a new, wet dog pee accident:
- Use a towel to absorb any liquid and then spray a combination of 4 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide, 2 tablespoons of lukewarm water and a few drops of Dawn dish soap onto the spot. Another homemade option is spraying one part white vinegar and one part water solution onto the pee spot, according to S&S Rug Cleaners, Inc. The vinegar neutralizes the urine smell.
- Use a towel or carpet spotter machine to agitate the area and work the dog pee out of the carpet.
- Let it set for 20 minutes and then flush out the spot with a cup of warm water and soak it up with a towel or carpet spotter machine.
- Sprinkle baking soda over top of the dog pee spot and keep it on for several hours to absorb any lingering odor.
@Cleanthatup on TikTok has some helpful videos on cleaning methods using common household products.

How do I get dried dog pee out of carpet?

Although hydrogen peroxide, Dawn dish soap or vinegar can work in a pinch, having carpet-cleaning products on hand is a good idea for any pet parent – especially when a spot may already have dried into the carpet. When dealing with a dried-on dog pee stain, Hoover spokeperson Cierra Hannah recommends first dabbing the spot with a wet paper towel and then pre-treating the stain with a product such as the Oxy Pet Urine and Stain Eliminator. Let the solution sit on the stain for 5 to 7 minutes and then use a carpet/rug cleaner, such as the Clean Slate Pet Spot, with the concentrate solution that’s included with the carpet cleaner, to permanently remove pet stains and eliminate odors.

If peeing in the house is becoming a more frequent problem, or if it comes on suddenly, reach out to your veterinarian. Urination issues can be linked to a variety of different health issues, so rule out any underlying problems first. With the right products, you can eliminate even dried dog pee stains from your carpet or rug and remove odors so it doesn’t become an on-going problem.
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August 11, 2022
How much should I spend on my kitchen renovation?
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That’s a great question. And, as you’ve probably guessed, the simplest answer is- it depends. Most homeowners are simply looking to update the kitchen aesthetically however, there are other improvements that can be made. Adding storage, improving function, and changing layout are other updates homeowners are seeking.

To arrive at the right budget and most value for your kitchen project will require giving some thought to the following questions:
- How long are you planning to live there?
- How well is the kitchen functioning now? Do you need to change the floor plan?
- Is the overall look of your kitchen well (or poorly) and how it functions that is bothering you?
- How are you planning to finance the renovation?
- What’s your timeline for the renovation?
- What are the other properties in your neighborhood doing?
The bottom line: Everyone has a budget. It is important to decide where to splurge and where to save.

Break it down. The best way to determine the best solution for you is to think about each component separately, then think of them as a whole. The main components of any kitchen are cabinetry, countertops, floors, tile, and appliances.

Don’t close the door on new cabinets

There are different options when it comes to cabinetry and remodeling solutions that will have an impact on the cost. Here are some questions to ask:
- Do you need additional storage or modifications to make your kitchen more functional?
- Are your existing cabinets sturdy and is this the layout, you plan to keep?
- Do you prioritize a full plywood cabinet, or are you okay with pressed composite wood?
- If pressed wood is okay, how important is understanding its construction and that it has a good warranty?
- Would you consider RTA cabinets and doing a bit of work yourself?
Hard facts about countertops

Countertops can make a big difference in your investment too.
- Do you need easy-to-clean and heat-resistant counters, like Quartz?
- Are you a bit more care and love the look today’s new engineered laminates can give you? Very much like natural stone and wood even down to the texture.
- What material & color countertop do you want? Natural stone, like granite, will have more variation, is often less expensive than quartz, but also requires sealing and maintenance you will not need to worry about with quartz surfaces.
Flooring options that will ground you

Flooring is often in good shape and can be reused. But first, you need to answer a few more questions:
- Are you changing the footprint of the kitchen?
- If so, does the flooring go under the current cabinetry?
- If not, it is likely better to just replace what you have or install a floating floor above it. Many homeowners are making use of the LVP flooring because it is easy to install, easy to clean, and generally more cost-effective.
A laminate backsplash can be a great place to save

Everything can’t be a focal point and many customers use tile as a way to bring the design elements together. Subway tile is classic and versatile and fairly budget-friendly. If you want something a little unique, simply use a different size, grout color, or pattern of subway tile. None of those changes will add much to the bottom line but they will all add to the finished look of the kitchen.

Full slab stone or, better yet a laminate that resembles stone, is a designer-esque trick that instantly creates an upscale look. Choosing Wilsonart laminate for your backsplash is a budget-friendly option for the remodel.

Working your remodel in phases

The cost of appliances varies widely but one thing you can do to try to contain the budget is to keep the placement of the appliance the same. Adding a false panel to the appliance fronts is a great way to conceal an outdated, yet still working appliance. Other than refrigerators, appliances are typically uniform in size. So, you can always wait to upgrade the appliances, as phase two of your project.

Moving the sink or gas range can be expensive. If appliances don’t need to be moved, try to work with the existing location.

Are you willing to take on work yourself?

Are you confident in your DIY ability to lay flooring or install tile? For some, these are fun projects and for others, it just adds stress. It’s important to know how you really feel about it. If you’re in the latter category, don’t try to save here; you will be thankful you have a professional shouldering the responsibility of marking sure it’s done correctly.

When you’re ready to remodel

Not all aspects of the kitchen renovation need to be a splurge. If you are able to prioritize your needs before you start making design decisions, it’s often easier to decide where it’s best to save (and splurge). Also- taking high-quality yet more budget-friendly options into consideration will easily help keep your project costs manageable.

Where in the Lehigh Valley, PA, and surrounding areas can I book a reputable kitchen remodeler?

Kitchen Magic is a family-operated company, that provides Lehigh Valley homeowners and other Pennsylvania residents with a range of interior design services that meet their specific lifestyle needs. Our true success is based on a long list of successfully conducted kitchen remodeling projects. No matter if you’re looking for personalized kitchen cabinet doors or for the perfect color combination, we’re here to help.

Explore how you can change the way your kitchen looks and functions with a free design consultation. It’s fun, informative, and completely free! Just give us a call at 866-525-7999, or click here to schedule your free design consultation with us today!
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August 11, 2022