Ask These 5 Questions When Seeking a New Hair Salon Stylist

In most cases, the work of a reputable hair salon stylist is likely to make hair beautiful and stylish, which in-turn can boost one’s self-esteem and confidence. However, finding the perfect hair salon stylist is not always an easy process given the vast number of hair specialists out there.

In short, a bad experience can leave your frustrated (and not looking your best.) Consider asking the following questions when trying to find the perfect hair salon stylist.

1. What Hairstyles Do You Specailize In?

Hair salon stylists usually offer a variety of hairstyles or have a specific focus in men, women, curly or straigh hair. In addition, some hair salons may not be offering the exact kind of style you’re looking for. Be sure to define the core competencies that reflect your needs. This will also require you to have a precise understanding the hair style you're after.

Look for things like hair magazines or check out online for different hairstyles and decide on what seems suited for your needs and budget. If possible, carry a picture of that hairstyle to the potential hair stylist. This will help you get the style you want and, most importantly, help the hair stylist understand what you want.

2. How Long Have You Been in Business?

When it comes to selecting a hair salon or a specific stylist, experience is an important factor but this will heavily depends on what you’re looking for. Someone who’s fresh in the field may have very little practice but he or she can be eager to please and might be more familiar or in tune with the latest trends.

On the other hand, hair stylists who’ve been around for some time may have a slightly better handle on managing complicated highlights, perms, color and hair extensions or dealing with difficult hair. Knowing what you want is therefore key to picking the right hair stylist.

3. What are Your Prices?

Price is essentially the main factor to consider when choosing a hair salon stylist. Sometimes the fees charged by salons may differ from one to the next even for the same hairstyle. So be sure to ask to be provided with an estimate of all the costs for the service(s) rendered to you so that you can make a comparison and decide on what you can comfortably afford. You need to keep in mind, however, that high prices do not necessarily mean quality service and that, in most cases, you get what you pay for.

4. Do You Have Any References or Testimonials?

Before selecting hair salon or stylist, it’s good to request to be provided with some references (mainly of past clients) who you can contact. If possible, give a few of them a quick call to find out what their experience was with the hair salon stylist. Cross out the name of a specialist whose services many people seem unhappy with.

Some hair salons, such as Five Senses Spa and Hair Salon, are willing to share reviews and testimonials of past clients. This only help establish a solid grounds for which you can gauge the experience and expertise of the stylist.

5. Can I Vist Your Hair Salon's Location First?

You should also ask if it’s possible to visit the stylist in person before you make an appointment. Why? It is your best opportunity to check out the facility to be sure it is clean and client friendly. Additionally, you can see how busy it is, who the clients are, how the staff handles clients and so on.

The Best Forms of Natural Wooden Toys for Kids' Learning & Development

Often overlooked for their simplicity and perceived "boring" nature, wooden toys for kids come in many mind-expanding forms that are ideal for kids' learning and development. These natural wooden toys are equally as affordable as (if not cheaper) than mainstream plastic toys. They also provide a wealth of benefits.

Natural wooden toys help stimulate kids' creativity, memory, imagination, and overall cognitive development. In this article, we're going to dive into many different forms of natural wooden toys for kids, as well as sources to find these natural toys online.

Wooden Puzzles

One of the best types of natural wooden toys that help kids develop mental capacity and sharpness are wooden puzzles. Puzzles are a wonderful kids learning tool that come in many forms. They can also suit many age groups, ranging from month-old babies to growing kids.

Wooden puzzles are natural toys that are often more simple yet rooted in nature. The simplicity of these wooden toys inspires more imaginative and creative play, and as a result, kids often tap into deeper levels of engagement, memory, and learning.

Wooden Dollhouses

Also designed to inspire high level of creativity and imagination, wooden dollhouses are a great natural toy for girls. Wooden dollhouses come in many styles, sizes, and themes, offering a diverse selection for different interests and age ranges.

Among the most awesome and interactive dollhouse in the wooden toys category is the Plan Toys Wooden Green Dollhouse (with Furniture - DS). Designed for children over 3 years of age, this fully-furnished, wooden (doll)house is something both boys and girls can enjoy.

Although you can find this wooden dollhouse and other natural wooden toys at places like Amazon, you can give show incredible support for small and local growing businesses in organic, natural, and wooden toys for kids (and pay the same prices.) A trusted online supplier of natural wooden toys for kids is Hazelnut Kids. Hazelnut Kids has an abundance of natural toys for babies and kids of all ages, including the Plan Toys Wooden Green Dollhouse.

Wooden Blocks & Building Toys

Not just for boys, wooden blocks are kids toys that also suit many age groups. Unlike plastic and cardboard toy blocks, wooden blocks provide a more natural feel. There are also countless options for kids wooden toy blocks.

Some of the most popular forms are wooden blocks are building and construction-oriented toys. These can range from wooden block sets of cities and buildings to simple Jinga-like blocks that give kids optimal creative control. There are countless options for wooden blocks, so check out various products and discover the benefits of these wooden toys for kids.

Wooden Toys & Figures

There are various other natural wooden toys for kids of all ages. Another form of wooden toy the helps encourage creative development in kids are figures. For example, wooden castle sets enable kids to build and play with their creations.

For instance, Hazelnut Kids offers four different wooden castle sets and an abundance of figures, including dragons, horseback knights, and members of the royalty. Also great choices in the Hazelnut Kids line-up of wooden toys for kids.

Head over to their website and begin exploring the varieties of organic natural toys at Hazelnut Kids. You'll be sure to find something that suits your children's age and interests.

Best Retirement Communities in the Peoria and Central Illinois Area

Christened as the Heart of Illinois, the central IL region it is typified by small towns and midsized cities. The major cities include Peoria, Decatur, Quincy, Danville, and Springfield, among other cities. Central Illinois boasts a number of retirement communities offering various services to senior citizen.

Here is a comprehensive look at the best retirement communities in Central Illinois and what to expect.

1. Snyder Village

Located in Metamora, Illinois, Snyder Village nursing home was accorded a rating of 4 out of 5 by the CMS in the Department of Health and Human Services in March last year which basically means that the Snyder Village is above average as far as health inspections, home staffing and quality measures are concerned easily making it one of the best retirement communities in Illinois.

The occupancy rate stands at 91% with 96 residents using the facility’s 105 beds. Snyder Village is a non profit organization and is entitled to take part in Medicare and/or Medicaid. Some of the services provided at Snyder Village include:

• Clinical lab services
• House keeping
• Nursing
• Mental health services
• Physical and occupational therapy
• Dental and dietary services
• Therapeutic recreation and x-ray services

If you’re looking for retirement communities around Peoria, IL consider checking out the Snyder Village (just a short drive from Peoria) and you’ll enjoy your sunset years in peace.

2. The Ballard Nursing Center

Also rated 4 out of 5, this nursing home located in Des Plaines is up there with the best retirement communities in Central Illinois. Currently, the Ballard Nursing Center has a 47% rate of occupancy with 109 residents using the facility’s 231 beds.

This nursing center has an above average registered nurse per resident per day of 109 minutes. This is nowhere in comparison with the average of 54 minutes per resident per day across the State of Illinois. Some of the services offered here include nursing, mental, housekeeping, clinic lab, dental and dietary services. Vocational and X-ray services are also provided.

3. Curtis Creek

This is a holiday retirement community nested in Quincy city. It provides seniors with independent living services which include daily meals prepared by seasoned chefs, round the clock transport, house keeping services and a lot of socialization. The presence of live-in managers ensures added security as well. However it is imperative to mention that nearly all amenities, services and utilities are offered in one convenient and payments are made from one month to the other with limited upfront fees required.

Activities that seniors can engage in at Curtis Creek include gardening, lectures and discussions, spiritual activities in addition to planned social and physical activities among many other activities. Amenities include a fitness center, patio, lounge, internet access and wall to wall carpeting.

Finding a place to retire peacefully after many years of active working life is necessary. A quality and peaceful retirement community can provide a ready answer for senior citizens who are on the quest to relax their minds while getting personal attention from highly trained nurses and other staff members. If you’re seeking for retirement communities in Central Illinois, any of these would make a great choice.

Be Sustainable with Eco Lunch Gear's Reusable Sandwich Wrap

The reusable sandwich wrap from Eco Lunch Gear is one of the best eco-friendly and sustainable options to choose for lunch packing. Why?

First of all, the material from which Eco Lunch Gear's reusable sandwich wraps are made from are 100% organic cotton. This not only makes these eco-friendly wraps soft and delecate, but also strong and durable.

The wraps can be crafted in many types of prints that are creative, fun and exciting. This makes them perfect for children who want to enjoy their sandwiches at school. Because it is named “reusable”, such a product can be used for many years, being perfectly cleanable or washable.

A Eco-friendly Solution to Disposable Sandwich Bags

Such eco-friendly solutions can be an awesome alternative to using disposable plastic sandwich bags. Even though plastic bags may seem easy to use and cheap, on long term they can be costly and there are many health issues related to the use of plastic materials for food packing.

In other words, if you choose a reusable sandwich wrap from Eco Lunch Gear, you can save money and also help the environment at the same time. Some plastic bags contain toxic substances such as BPA’s, phthalates, or lead, which can also be a health concern.

Reusable Sandwich Wraps Keep Food Fresh

Worried about quality and freshness of your food? No worries.

Just read the reviews about the reusable sandwich wrap. Not only do they keep food fresh, but there are no corners or seams and the wrap opens completely, allowing you to easily clean it for using it next time. Additionally, reusable sandwich wraps can last years when properly cared for.

More Than Eco-friendly. These Sandwich Wraps Are Stylish

Want a cool design for your reusable sandwich wrap? There's a huge variety of patterns, sizes and colors to choose. The prints can be simple floral, animal, geometric shapes and many others. Even the coloring agents that are used in the manufacturing process are harmless and non-toxic. Kids can enjoy adding some color and excitement to their school lunch with the reusable sandwich wrap.

There are large labels for personalizing your sandwich wrap with your name any the text you want. The work involved in using and manipulating reusable sandwich wraps is minimal. All you have to do is wash them in cold water and iron them for being able to use them again. Some types can have velcro attachments and some can even have handles for improved portability. In this way, you can take your package to school, office, picnic, trips, etc. There is no need for caring heavy steal boxes, or plastic boxes that many people still use today.

No matter what is the purpose of choosing a reusable sandwich wrap (at work, at school for your kid, etc.) an eco-friendly product is always the best choice and it is becoming a trend setter. You will save money and the environment around you while ripping all the other benefits of having a sandwich packed in harmless materials full of color and personality. You can use such products for all your family and improve your family lifestyle, transforming lunch into something magnificent.

Organic Baby Toys: Developing Smarter And Healthier Kids

Natural organic baby toys have become increasingly popular in the recent years, primarily because of the news about the health hazards and risks associated with unnatural toys made with plastic and lead-infused. Smart parents who are concerned about the health of their growing children opt for organic baby toys.

Interested in learning more? Below we offer information and resources about why choosing organic baby toys is a righteous decision.

What Are Organic Baby Toys and How Are They Made?

Organic baby toys are made from materials that do not incorporate the use of any chemicals or toxic materials or substances. These natural toys are made from materials that are specially grown using sustainable resources. They are made from materials like natural untreated and unbleached cotton that is free from pesticides, natural wool, and wood that is grown organically and does not contain any harmful chemicals.


Organic baby toys are also made of natural fabrics with natural corn or cotton filling. Some are even brightly colored with natural dyes to appeal the child. They are totally free from any toxic substances and hazardous chemicals like lead, cadmium, BPA and phthalates. Hence you need not worry about your child ingesting harmful materials when playing with the organic toys.

How Do Organic Baby Toys Minimize Health Hazards?

As organic baby toys are a natural choice for eco-friendly and health-minded families, it is very important to note that it minimizes any risk of chemical exposure for the kids. Generally babies, in their first year have a tendency to put everything in their mouth and are hence susceptible to the dangerous chemicals that are used in the production of the traditional toys.

Although some plastic toys are labelled as non-toxic, they can emit substances called dioxins that are highly poisonous in nature. Moreover plastic toys are softened during the manufacturing process using phthalates. This can interfere with the hormonal function and impede the growth and development in the child.

Yes, non-organic toys are made from materials that pose serious health issues to growing children. Hence ensuring the health and well-being of your baby it is best to go for the organic toys that are non-allergic and eco-friendly in nature. Baby’s skin is very sensitive and cannot tolerate environmental allergens. Toys that use organic materials are gentle and safe on the baby’s tender and delicate skin.

5 Benefits of Organic Baby Toys for Child Development

1. Because natural and organic toys for babies are more simple in nature, they boost babys' ingenuity and craftsmanship to engage in creative and imaginative play. In essence, they trigger the child’s imaginative skills and foster creativity.

2. Various studies have shown that naturally-induced levels of creativity drastically affect mental health for the better. Natural wooden toys for kids engage children in a unique experience that has a positive psychological effect which can ultimately boosts mental health.

3. Scientific research studies have clearly evidenced that plastic, unnatural toys can contribute to adverse health conditions. The phthalates used in PVC to make it soft and flexible is associated with a variety of medical conditions. Inhalation of these toxic substances can also cause asthma in kids. As kids normally cuddle or mouth these toys they are prone to serious health threats. Organic toys are totally safe as they use only natural materials.

4. Organic toys are eco-friendly in nature and do not contribute to the environmental degradation and pollution. In this way, your family will be contributing to a safer and better environment for tomorrow.

5. From wooden rattles to organic teethers, with wooden natural toys, babies can teeth and play safely while developing hand-eye coordination. In short organic toys enhance and stimulate your child’s overall development while allowing them to have the fun in the process.

Organic baby toys are the perfect choice for parents who are much concerned about the overall health and development of their baby. The market is flooded with beautiful and innovative natural toys. Buy them for your baby and make your baby’s world happy, healthy and safe.

Make sure that your child’s playtime is safe by investing in natural and organic toys. Every mother desires to give the best for her child. Yes, if you are a conscientious mother (or father) choose natural and organic baby toys to assure a safe playing environment for your loved ones. It's time you safeguard your kids from the potentially toxic materials of non natural toys.