AP9 Articles

AP9 ShoppingEssentials Offers Tips for Healthy Fingernails

While it certainly isn’t among the most popular vanity concerns out there, having healthy fingernails is a vital part of looking good, reports AP9 ShoppingEssentials, a leading membership discount program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®. And more importantly, having unhealthy fingernails, which are often an eyesore to others, can have negative effects on important relationships.

It’s no secret that unappealing fingernails can be a huge turn-off to the opposite sex — especially in the “Shallow Hal” world that we live in these days. To most people, this is the biggest reason why having healthy, well-groomed fingernails is so crucial. And in some rare cases, poor fingernail quality can even be a sign of a serious health problem, suggests AP9 Shopping Essentials. Regardless of the reason behind it, every person should strive for healthy fingernails.

For many people, staying in good physical shape can prove to be a difficult challenge. Fortunately, though, maintaining healthy fingernails is within everyone’s reach. For an improved chance for a date with a crush, utilize the following suggestions, courtesy of AP9 ShoppingEssentials, to improve your fingernail health.

-- Drink water. Studies suggest that people with breaking, brittle, and cracked fingernails can often benefit from greater hydration. Drinking at least eight glasses of water each day is a one-way ticket to the land of strong fingernails.

-- File carefully. Make sure to file your nails in the right places. Filing the corners can weaken fingernails, causing them to break and crack. Filing is a great way to improve the overall look of fingernails, but only if it’s done with caution.

-- Groom frequently. Keep your cuticles well-manicured by rubbing moisturizer in the nails regularly. Also, make sure to always keep them trimmed short. The simple fact of the matter is that fingernails that aren’t well-groomed are already a turn-off.

-- Load up on calcium and Vitamin A. Poor fingernail health is oftentimes the sign of vitamin deficiency. In fact, one of the best ways to combat dry and brittle nails is to increase your daily intake of calcium and Vitamin A. Similar to drinking water, this is a great way to improve brittle nails.

It certainly isn’t the most exciting thing in the world, but taking the proper steps to have healthy fingernails is a must for everyone who is conscientious about their appearance. And doing so is easier than it seems, concludes AP9 ShoppingEssentials.

AP9 SimpleEscapes Offers Safety Tips to Consider Before Heading Out on a Camping Trip

Reconnecting with Mother Nature on her terms is always a worthwhile activity, reports AP9 SimpleEscapes, a premier travel and entertainment savings program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, but the laws of nature are often less forgiving than man-made laws, so it’s critical that campers equip themselves with the tools they’ll need for every contingency.

“Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you,” said Frank Lloyd Wright, the acclaimed architect who was known for designing houses that complemented their natural surroundings. Campers would do well to follow his lead, not necessarily in their choice of tents but in trying to fit into the local ecosystem rather than leaving a trail of wreckage in their wake. As the effects of climate change begin to bare their severe-weather teeth, it’s important to remember that even the subtlest change to an existing environment can have serious, long-lasting implications, notes AP9 Simple Escapes.

Of course, for most campers, long-lasting concerns pale in comparison to today’s concerns. Following the camping mantra -- “Hope for the best, be prepared for the worst” -- AP9 SimpleEscapes offers a few suggestions for making your next camping trip a safe, enjoyable outing for the whole family:

-- “First” aid is essential aid. If you’re camping deep in the woods (rather than in a commercial campground near civilization), the health of everyone in your group depends upon a fully stocked first-aid kit. Along with the usual basics -- antiseptics, Band-Aids, bandages, ice packs, hydrocortisone cream, insect repellent and snakebite kits, splints, a working flashlight and more -- be sure to pack extra doses of prescription medicines, just in case you’re stranded for a while. These days, a GPS tracker and a fully charged cellphone should also be considered mandatory equipment. Along those lines ….

-- Let someone know where you are. GPS trackers can help rescue teams find missing campers, but trackers can break or get left behind. That’s why it’s important to leave word about your itinerary -- and stick to it. Forest rangers and other search teams stand a much better chance of finding you if they know where to look.

-- Tend the fire. Severe drought conditions in various U.S. locations have increased the risk of raging forest fires recently, which means that campfires may be illegal in certain areas. Even if they’re allowed, you need to keep a close eye on any campfire you build. Be sure to have an extra supply of water to douse any embers that may pop out of the fire, and take the time to ensure that the fire is fully extinguished before calling it a night.

-- Don’t cater to local wildlife. Animals are our friends, but they’re not always friendly. If you’re standing between a bear and her cubs, for instance, you’re in the wrong place. Research the local area, follow all of the suggested precautions, and pack your food in airtight containers that reduce or, ideally, eliminate aromas that might entice local critters to stop by for a snack. Before turning in for the night, find a high branch away from the campsite where you can hang your food supplies out of reach of the tallest animals in the area.

-- Pack for weather changes. Unless you’re camping in, say, Death Valley, you should be ready for uncomfortable temperature swings. Particularly in mountainous regions, daytime and nighttime temperatures can vary by several dozen degrees, and a cold and/or rainy night can turn a fun family outing into a miserable experience if you’re unprepared for it. In addition to warm clothes, be sure your sleeping bags can handle chilly climes and your tent is protected from the rain and water build-up on the ground.

Getting back to nature is a perfect way to gain perspective in this fast-paced world, and taking a prepared approach can help ensure that you benefit from that perspective by helping you to return to civilization safely, notes AP9 Simple Escapes.

AP9 Passport to Fun Offers the Latest Word on Upcoming CD Releases

Even though the summer is already starting to wind down, the fun is only just beginning for music lovers. According to AP9 Passport to Fun, a premier entertainment savings program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, there will be plenty of hip, new CD releases to choose from in the coming months.

Since there are several highly-anticipated albums that are expected to be released at the end of the summer, the transition into the fall season will be easier than usual this year -- for casual and die-hard music fans alike. Regardless of the genre, from alternative to rap, country to hard rock, there’s a new CD release for everybody. In fact, some of today’s most popular artists, from every corner of the music industry, are scheduled to release their latest albums in August and September, reports AP9 PassportToFun.

And with the help of AP9 Passport to Fun, members can add the hottest new albums to their CD collections -- for less! As the hits keep coming, there’s only one thing left to worry about -- finding enough room on your iPod. Here are some of the dates for the hottest new album releases (please note that release dates are subject to change without notice):

-- August 28: Ben Harper and Kanye West. Tuesday, August 28, is a big day in the world of music. Ben Harper, one of the most respected folk guitarists in the world, is scheduled to release his 11th album, “Lifelines.” Harper, who just finished his worldwide tour with Damian Marley, debuted at #7 on the Billboard charts in 2006 with his last album, “Both Sides of the Gun.” Meanwhile, hip-hop superstar Kanye West is also slated to drop his latest album that day. West, who emerged as one of the most popular artists in the world with his 2004 album, “The College Dropout,” is sticking with the college theme on his latest CD, “Graduation.”

-- September 4: 50 Cent. 50 Cent, arguably the most famous rapper on the planet today, will release his much-anticipated third studio album, “Curtis,” on Tuesday, September 4. According to 50 Cent himself, as well as several sources in the hip-hop industry, “Curtis” will be just as aggressive as his previous albums, “Get Rich or Die Tryin’” and “The Massacre.” The first single from the album, “Straight to the Ban,” was released in April of this year. Based on 50 Cent’s track record, expect the album to be a hit.

-- September 11: Ani DiFranco. Veteran guitarist, singer and songwriter Ani DiFranco is ready to release her much-anticipated 2007 album, “Canon.” DiFranco, who has released one album ever year since 1990, won Best Recording Package at the Grammy Awards in 2004 for her album “Evolve.” Thanks to her signature staccato style and tracks with strong political overtones featured on “Canon,” the sometimes-controversial DiFranco could make another run at music’s most prestigious prize.

-- September 18: James Blunt. Grammy-nominated singer James Blunt is scheduled to release his second studio album on Tuesday, September 18. The first single from the CD, titled “1973,” will be released in July. Blunt, who became the first British artist to top to the American singles chart in nearly ten years with his song “You’re Beautiful” in 2006, will stick to his trademark style -- a mix of acoustic guitar and pop -- on his newest album, “All the Lost Souls.”

With several excellent artists ready to release brand-new albums just around the corner, it’s a great time to be a music fan, concludes AP9 PassportToFun.

AP9 HomeWorks Plus Says, “A Healthy Plant Is a Happy One”

AP9 HomeWorks Plus, a leading membership discount program from Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, gives its members tricks and tips on how to keep houseplants healthy and happy. It doesn’t take a green thumb to keep plants flourishing, but it does take patience and common sense.

AP9 HomeWorksPlus reminds members that although every plant is slightly different, following some general rules of thumb — not necessarily green ones — can lead to great-looking plants. AP9 HomeWorks Plus suggests the following tips for keeping indoor plants strong, healthy and thriving:

-- Reverse the rot. Most plants need a lot of moisture, so it’s a good idea to set the plant in a dish of water periodically. This way, it can take water up through the soil and roots. This is most important to prevent rotting in the leaves and stems.

-- Less is more. Don’t over-water. Most plants need time to dry out between waterings. Just think of it as moderation for a plant.

-- There’s no place like home. When possible, create an environment for a plant that most closely mirrors its conditions in the wild. And when it comes to simulating that environment, be sure to ask a florist or horticulture specialist for specific plant care needs. Almost every plant is different, and simple trial-and-error may lead to frustration. In short, ask the pros. They know.

-- Feed ’em and reap. Make sure to give plants the correct plant food. For many plants, watering is just not enough. They need the right combination of both. Just like people, the best-looking and healthiest plants usually have the best-balanced diets.

-- Super-size it. Keeping certain plants more potbound (actually a little too big for their pots) might actually make for better flowering. Additionally, pinching the tips of the plant can foster more growth, making them grow bushier and fuller.

AP9 HomeWorksPlus offers these tips so that indoor plants might brighten up a dreary winter day, accentuate the perfect spring morning, provide some hope for a dried-out summer lawn — even complement a predominantly rust-colored fall landscape with a splash of brighter colors. Celebrating all the seasons with flowering houseplants is easy — with a little help from AP9 HomeWorks Plus.

AP9 Your Savings Club Takes a Look at End-of-Summer Movie Releases

The end of summer doesn’t mean movie theatres are taking a few months off before holiday releases arrive, reports AP9 Your Savings Club, a leading membership discount shopping program from Adaptive Marketing LLC^®. In fact, there are a variety of late-summer films that should please fans of every genre.

While the wave of summer blockbusters may have crested, late-summer releases mark the beginning of Oscar® season, the time of year when the movie studios roll out their best bids for Academy Award® consideration. By waiting until the second half of the year, the studios hope to keep these films in the forefront of voters’ minds as the nomination process approaches, notes AP9 YourSavingsClub.

While AP9 Your Savings Club has no horse in any race, it can offer a look at some of the movies to keep an eye out for as summer wanes:

-- August 24: “Dedication” is a light-hearted romantic drama about a children’s book author who has to team up with a beautiful illustrator after his best friend and creative partner passes away. Starring Mandy Moore and Billy Crudup, “Dedication” marks the directorial debut of Justin Theroux. Also opening is “Mr. Bean’s Holiday,” Rowan Atkinson’s return to the big screen in the comedic role that made him famous.

-- August 31: Exactly two months ahead of time, acclaimed director Rob Zombie launches “Halloween,” the latest in the terrifying franchise. In this chapter, Zombie takes the audience back in time to find out where Michael Myers came from — and why he turned out that way.

-- September 7: The screen version of the bestseller “The Nanny Diaries” hits theatres on this date, starring Scarlett Johansson as Annie Braddock, a working-class lass who takes a job as a mother’s helper for an upper-crust family on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney play Mr. and Mrs. X, Ms. Braddock’s picky employers. Also debuting in a limited release is “In the Shadow of the Moon,” a documentary about the Apollo missions from 1968 to 1972 that flew men to the moon and back, featuring previously unseen footage and interviews with the surviving members of these flights. David Sington’s film received the World Cinema Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year.

-- September 14: “Moondance Alexander,” starring Kay Panabaker, Lori Loughlin, Sasha Cohen and Don Johnson, is a family film inspired by a true story about a young teen who forms a meaningful bond with a possible champion jumping horse. The film was recognized for Outstanding Achievement in Filmmaking — Family Film by the 2007 Newport Beach Film Festival. Also arriving in theatres is “Mr. Woodcock,” a comedy about a man who returns to his hometown to find out that his mother has fallen for the high school gym teacher he despised in his youth. Billy Bob Thornton, Seann William Scott and Susan Sarandon headline a strong cast.

-- September 21: Among the films debuting on this date are “In the Valley of Elah,” which stars Tommy Lee Jones, Charlize Theron and Susan Sarandon and tells the tale of a U.S. soldier who goes missing after returning from Iraq; and “Shine a Light,” a documentary about the Rolling Stones’ last two concert tours, directed by Martin Scorsese.

Movie lovers of every stripe will find something appealing in theatres as fall approaches — and they’re sure to find attractive savings on movie tickets, among other great entertainment values, available through AP9 YourSavingsClub.

AP9 24ProtectPlus Advises, “Watch it in the Water!”

AP9 24ProtectPlus, a premier security program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, knows that the summer months are all about outdoor fun. And whether poolside, at the beach, on a lake, river or other tributary, people just love to spend the summer months in and around water. But the fact remains that nearly 3,000 people die every year in drowning accidents. While those sobering numbers include people of all ages, children four years of age and younger have the highest death rate due to drowning. Summer should be about fun, yes, but AP9 24 Protect Plus warns that it must be about safety, too.

Hanging out by the water on a hot day certainly says “summer,” but AP9 24 Protect Plus knows that waterside fun calls for rules — or at least tips to make sure that things stay fun and safe, especially when kids are involved. Here are a few tips to keep the good times rolling — regardless of where water-related activities take you this summer:

-- Don’t even think about it! No one doubts that life’s pace can be exhausting, but that doesn’t mean common sense should just drift out to sea. So let’s make it easy … never leave a child alone near water, on the pool, at the beach — even in the bathtub. The most hectic schedule in the world needs to have time built in for safety.

-- Practice makes perfect. Man might have been born to walk, but not to swim. Remember that when around water, suggests AP9 24ProtectPlus. Enroll kids ages three and over in swimming lessons. Just keep in mind that swimming lessons don’t mean kids can’t drown. Be smart.

-- Don’t assume anything. The nation’s many water parks are definitely among top summertime family destinations; they are also among the most dangerous. AP9 24ProtectPlus wants fun at a water park to stay fun. So don’t assume that reading posted safety tips is a waste of time. It’s not. Both children and adults can get hurt if they don’t pay attention at an amusement park. Read the posted rules and regulations on water rides first … then start having fun.

-- Don’t drink and drive. The roadways aren’t the only place that alcohol can get a driver in trouble. Never drink alcohol when driving a boat. It’s that whole “common sense” thing again, but take that to heart. If people think D.U.I. laws are strict out on the roadways, rules drawn up by the U.S. Coast Guard can be a whole lot tougher.

In addition to offering these helpful water-safety tips, AP9 24Protect Plus can help with home improvement projects; financial advice; medical records storage; and other key safeguards. So have a great time this summer. Just take heed of these safety-minded messages from AP9 24 Protect Plus.

AP9 Todays Escapes Presents Summer Hiking Getaways

With warmer weather settling in and the children out of school, finding activities that the entire family would enjoy can be a real burden on parents. The summer months are the perfect time to plan and take a family vacation — creating precious, life-long memories along the way. Taking a trip to the beach house, spending a few days at a popular theme park, or visiting an out-of-town relative are all popular choices for the annual family getaway. AP9 Todays Escapes, a premier travel and entertainment savings program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, offers up another choice — hiking.

With the proper planning and preparation, hiking can be fun, enjoyable and healthy. Families can even make hiking a weekend escape by bringing their camping gear and inviting some friends. The cool thing about hiking is that it can be done at practically any park, but AP9 TodaysEscapes recommends the following premier hiking destinations across the U.S — places that take hiking to the next level.

-- #1 Breakneck Ridge Trail, Beacon, NY (9.6 miles). The state of New York is of course known for its big-city life, but few know about its outdoor attributes — attributes Mother Nature can be proud of. Hudson Highlands State Park’s hiking trail makes a steady climb from river-level to a roll along a knobby ridge and panoramic views until it reaches a lookout. Some of the special attractions include: the Hudson River; views of the Shawangunk and Catskill Mountains; an old fire lookout tower; and mixed forests with spring and summer wildflowers. Wear boots that protect ankles, suggests AP9 Todays Escapes, since high winds and rain can cause dangerous situations during the rocky climb.

-- #2 Appalachian Trail: The Pinnacle, Hamburg, PA (8.7 miles). The Appalachian Trail lands the number-two position on this list because of the spectacular views of Hawk Mountain, the Lehigh Valley and Blue Rocks. Many hikers of the Appalachian Trail claim the views at the summit are some of the best views on the Pennsylvania side of the Appalachian Trail. Hiking boots are recommended for this hike because of the rocky path to the top.

-- #3 Glacier Gorge, Estes Park, CO (9.6 miles). Known as the most beautiful spot in Rocky Mountain National Park, Glacier Gorge has spectacular scenery, beautiful wildflowers, cascading waterfalls and beautiful alpine lakes. AP9 TodaysEscapes recommends bringing along a fishing rod and a camera!

-- #4 Canyon of the Eagles, Burnet, TX (14 miles). Fourteen miles of trails wind through this 940-acre park and nature preserve at Lake Buchanan. The mixed landscaping made available at Canyon of the Eagles goes from lakeside lowlands to wooded ridges 300 feet high. Some of the major attractions at Canyon of the Eagles are the wild animals. The grounds have lodging, camp and RV sites, a restaurant, a natural science center, fishing piers, a swimming area, rental boats and the Vanishing Texas River Cruise.

-- #5 Mount Whitney, Lone Pine, CA (22 miles). Last but not least is Mount Whitney in Lone Pine. This expedition takes hikers to the top of the highest peak in the contiguous United States, offering breathtaking views.

This article was brought to you by AP9 Todays Escapes.