Breville Juicer Reviews - Which Model is Best For You?

Looking at individual Breville juicer reviews will give you a lot of information about each individual juicer that they manufacture. But what if you don't know which one is best for you? After all, the prices range from $99 to $499. There's obviously a difference between them! That's where a comparison review steps in. In this article we'll cover all seven of the Breville juicers and talk about what features they have in common and where they differ.

The Seven Breville Juicer Models are:

Juice Fountain Compact BJE200XL at an msrp of $99.00
Juice Fountain Plus JE98XL at an msrp of $149.00
Ikon Multi-speed Juice Fountain BJE510XL at an msrp of $199.00
Die-cast Juice Fountain Elite 800JEXL at an msrp of $299.00
Dual Disc Juice Processor BJE820XL at an msrp of $399.00
The Juice and Blend BJB840XL at an msrp of $499.00
Die Cast Citrus Press 800CPXL at an msrp of $189.00

All of these seven models are manufactured by the same company, Breville, an Australian manufacturer that has been in business since 1932. They are all quite similar except for the last one in the list, the die cast citrus press. We'll cover that one real quick, since it is so different than the others.

The citrus press juicer is a hand powered press style juicer that juices only citrus; grapefruits, oranges, lemons, etc. It is made of die cast metal to hold up against the acidity of many citrus fruits. It also features a power assisted press, which makes it easier to extract the citrus juice, less muscle needed! The big detraction on numerous consumer juicer reviews is that there is a plastic part under the press that wears out under heavy use.

All right, now let's cover the other six juicer reviews in this line. The first four in the list, the compact, the plus, the ikon and the elite are all home grade juicers. They are the models that most people will choose to purchase for home juicing.

They are all centrifugal style juicers (vs. masticating, twin gear, single gear, and auger styles). What this means in plain english is that they will juice fast (much faster than the other styles of juicers) but will also heat the juice more than those other types typically do. This is a concern only if you are very particular about your juice heat and enzyme retention. The more fresh juice is heated, the more it loses valuable health promoting enzymes. If this is a concern for you, consider another style of juicer from another manufacturer altogether.

The compact has a 750 watt motor, the plus an 850 watt motor, the ikon a 900 watt motor and the elite has a 1,000 watt motor. For industry standards with centrifugal style juicers, these are good. With centrifugal types, the higher the motor wattage the better.

The first two in the line, the compact and the plus, have a plastic housing in a silver satin finish that mimics stainless steel. The ikon makes the upgrade to stainless steel and the elite to die cast metal. All of the Breville juicers reviewed have a very attractive appearance, however that silver finish on the bottom two models will wear with age.

Other differences are the speed controls. The compact is a one speed juicer. The plus steps it up to 2 speeds, the ikon has a whopping 5 speeds, the elite has 2 speeds.

So between these four, which is the best juicer reviewed? The compact is a great buy for the casual juicer at a low $99. The plus at $149 is a pass due to consumer reports of motor burn-outs. The upgrade to the $199 ikon makes more sense. The elite at $299 and titanium cutting blades is heading into heavy duty juicer territory. It is for users who plan on doing extensive juicing. For most families the compact or the ikon will be perfect.

Now what about those other two juicers? The dual disc juice processor and the juice & blend are both juicer/blender combos. At $399 the dual disc features a durable die cast body, a 1200 watt motor, 5 speed juicing and titanium cutting discs. Just unveiled August 2010 is the $499 juice & blend. It differs from the dual disc in that there are two separate top mounts that can be attached to the motor base. One is a juicer and one is a blender. They are basically two separate machines that share a motor base. The juice and blend also features 5 speed settings and titanium cutting discs. These two are for serious juicing and smoothie making fans, or cooks who want the creme de la creme of appliances in their kitchen!

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How Do I Thank the Godparents?

Traditionally after sponsoring a godchild's christening or baptism, the godparents received a small thank you note from the parent's of the godchild. Nowadays, parents are giving the godparents a little more. Often it is a more personal gift that shows the godparents how much they are appreciated for the role they will play in the godchild's life.

Godparents are an important part of a child's Christian upbringing and therefore, much thought goes into the decision of who the Godparents will be. Questions such as, what is the faith background of the prospective godparents, and will the prospective godparents be around throughout the child's life, play a large role in the decision making process. Often the child's parents will pick, or may be required to pick, godparents of the same religion, depending on personal preference or on the rules of the church where the child will be baptized.

Godparents are expected to be a part of the child's religious upbringing throughout the child's lifetime. Often you will see godparents as sponsors for the child's First Communion or Confirmation. But most importantly, godparents are expected to ensure the child continues that religious upbringing if the parents should pass away. Obviously there is much responsibility on the part of the godparent and the child's parents may feel the need show their appreciation by bestowing a special gift.

One of my favorite godparent gifts is the Engraved Godparent Wood Picture Frame which holds a 10" x 8" photo and can be engraved with the names of the child and the Godparent(s). Another great idea is a Godparent Cross, and if all else fails, you may want to select a cross that goes with the decor of the godparents' home. Whatever the gift, always remember to include a personal thank you note with it.

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Singer Curvy 8770 Sewing Machine Review

The stylish design of the Singer Curvy 8770 sewing machine isn't the only plus for this machine. The incredible volume of decorative stitches and functionality offer an attractive set of options for beginners and experienced seamstresses alike.

If you already sew a great deal and are looking for a replacement sewing machine or just getting started but know that you want a machine that will carry you through multiple types of sewing, it's worth taking a look at this one. It will handle garment construction, craft sewing, quilting, light embroidery and free-motion embroidery

Singer Curvy 8770 Stitch Patterns
A set of 225 built-in stitches are divided into two categories. The first set is comprised of 55 utility stitches that cover straight, zigzag, stretch stitches, and overcasting and 10 1-step buttonhole styles. The second set is made up of 20 decorative and satin stitches, 28 mirror stitch patterns, and 112 letters, characters and numbers in a box-style font.

Stitch width is adjustable to 7mm and stitch length is adjustable to 4mm. Width and length options are stitch-dependent, meaning that not all stitches can be adjusted up to 7mm and 4mm. A very clear outline of the minimum and maximum settings available for each stitch is presented in the instruction guide that comes with the sewing machine.

The Zigzag stitch tapers to the center no matter when you end your run of stitches so that you always have a nice, clean finish.

Singer Curvy 8770 Presser Feet
There are a total of five, snap-on presser feet included with this sewing machine: General Purpose, Zipper foot, Satin Stitch foot, Blind Stitch, and the Buttonhole foot. Presser feet are low-shank design and the machine can accommodate a number of other presser feet that you can purchase separately.

The presser foot lever has three height settings: down, up and extra-high up so you can slip thicker projects and fabrics under the presser foot.

Singer Curvy 8770 Features
Everything you'd want in a sewing machine to make set up as quick and simple as possible has been included: automatic needle threader, SwiftSmart threading system, top drop-in bobbin with jam proof design, and an automatic bobbin winder.

Routine sewing machine tasks have been automated with push button controls like the six buttons that access the most utility stitches, automatic stitch tie off, reverse button, programmable needle up/down control, and an electronic twin needle control button.

Several technology improvements also offer effortless fabric and stitch control such as the use of a horizontal thread delivery system, optimum power control that reallocates power to the needle arm when working through a thick seam, and a direct drive system which provides more direct power to the needle arm. The Singer exclusive Buttonhole Underplate applies additional pressure to layers of fabrics for even, consistent buttonholes.

More advanced sewers will appreciate the available 13 needle positions, adjustable top thread tension controls, and the drop feed dog lever.

Both free-arm sewing and twin needle sewing are possible on the Curvy 8770. The bobbin cover is see-through so you know when you're running out of thread. There is a built-in carry handle at the top of the machine, 3 built in LED work lights, and a built-in manual thread cutter. The instruction guide is incredibly thorough.

Singer Curvy 8770 Accessories
Included sewing accessories can be stored inside the extension arm cubby and the sewing machine comes with a dust cover as well as extra needles, extra bobbins, an auxiliary spool pin, felt discs, spool caps and a combination buttonhole opener and seam ripper.

The Singer Curvy 8770 sewing machine operates quietly and efficiently. The six point feed dog system uses the box rotation method for reliable fabric control. The control panel, although computerized, is extremely user friendly and very easy to learn.

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Newborn Baby Care - How to Take Care of Newborn Baby

Giving birth to a child is sometimes really amazing and it is safe when the baby is in its mother's womb. From the instant the baby emerges from the cocoon, you need to pay special attention and there is plenty of it in newborn baby care about "how to take care of newborn baby". Know well what will be the newborn baby needs, except for the love that you offer. You need a good knowledge in taking care of the baby connected with food, sleep and skin. It's sometimes excruciating that you can't handle it to your wishes since the skin, eyes, bottom and other features are so delicate. There are some common problems with skin conditions like baby gerbils, baby acne, cradle caps and heat rash with sunburn common with newborns of any country.

Baby skin care: Skin care is the foremost factor in spite of its adaptability to the new environment. Skin is so red that it offers irritation and infection to every touch. So, it's best to wash cloths with special detergents. Baby skin loses moisture quickly and it needs time to absorb and retain moisture to its need. So, keeping your child with cold or warm perfume baths daily is not suggestive but may be on alternative days suiting other conditions. New born baby care is so gentle that it needs special treatment. It's best for protecting the baby from bacterial infection by using homemade baby wipes and diaper to cleaning your little ones.

Umbilical cord: Until and after the falling down, the area around the umbilical cord should be kept clean with hygienic soft cotton with alcohol application.

Head care: Head is so delicate with soft hair. To keep clean use only baby skin care natural shampoo perhaps the same product. The pulpy scalp is a protected area against rough handling when padding anything around it.

Heat rash and sunburn: Skin learns to accommodate with new surrounding and so nothing is there to worry. Whatsoever, keeping off the baby from direct sunlight for a long time should be avoided as a measure of infant care against heat effects. Protecting the baby appropriately perhaps with cheap baby clothing suiting to the weather is wise of the mother.

Baby acne and cradle caps: Baby acne may have its effect for the first two or three months but no need to treat unless infected. It is protected with homely and regular baby baths with natural care therapy. Cradle caps should be handled with soft brush to clean using some herbal moisturizer. It's best to use natural baby products avoiding synthetic products like talcum powder complimented by organic skin care treatments to avoid dry skin.

Newborn baby care is not so easy to all. It is a skill with the parents especially the mother to know how to take care of newborn baby.

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Baby Crying in Sleep? The Reasons Why Your Baby is Crying in Their Sleep

Are you up all night long because you have a baby crying in sleep? Does it scare you when you hear your baby in the middle of the night crying, and when you go to check on them, you find out that they are actually still sleeping? Are you completely confused at why this is happening? This article well reveal some of the various reasons why you have a baby crying in sleep so that both you and your baby can rest easy at night.

So why would a baby cry in their sleep anyway?

It is actually quite common for a baby to laugh, cry, giggle, talk, babble, mumble, scream, etc. in their sleep. There are a variety of reasons why you have a baby crying in sleep. To understand the reasons, it is important to know a bit about the way a baby functions at a physiological level. Since birth, a baby is in a constant state of growth. Also, it is a fact that the younger a child is, the faster the rate is at which they grow. With all of the various changes and growing occurring in a baby's body, it is completely normal to have a baby that is crying in sleep.

When you have a baby crying in sleep night after night, it is most likely because of the reasons of growth as stated above. For example, it is especially common that a baby cry while asleep during the teething stages. This can be a painful developmental process for your child, and since a majority of growth occurs during periods of rest, it is understandable why your baby would be crying while sleeping.

Another simple reason for a baby that is crying in sleep is that the baby is having a nightmare. It is believed that baby may be dreaming that their mother has gone away or is not near to them.

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Soy Milk May Be Tied To Infant Deaths

Although the autopsy is inconclusive and tests on the food are not yet complete, a porridge made of EdenSoy Extra soy milk and cornmeal may be responsible for the deaths of two infant brothers living in Brooklyn.

When their mother attempted to wake them, shortly after noon, she found they were unconscious and took them to the hospital. Both were pronounced dead on arrival.

Initial thoughts were that the twins had been overcome by a gas leak, but tests showed no leak.

Because medical examiners also found no evidence of choking as a result of consuming the food, or any signs of foul play, the police instead began focusing on what the infants had eaten. The police cleaned out two nearby supermarkets of EdenSoy milk and cornmeal for testing.

New York Times October 21, 2005 Registration RequiredNYNewsDay.com October 22, 2005

Dr. Mercola's Comment: If you ever wondered why I'm so concerned about the health dangers tied to the rampant use of soy products -- especially in processed foods -- this kind of incident is exactly the reason. In my view there just simply isn't any justification to ever use soy formula or worse, soy milk, in infants.

This isn't the first time soy milk has been investigated for its toxic side effects. Separate incidents in California and Arkansas prompted the FDA to issue a 1990 warning against using soy milk as a formula substitute. Most brands have followed the tougher FDA labeling guidelines, except EdenSoy, says Dr. Kaayla T. Daniel, author of The Whole Soy Story: The Dark Side of America's Favorite Health Food.

In fact, the deaths of three infants prompted the Israeli Health Ministry to issue a health advisory earlier this year, recommending babies not be fed soy formula -- except as a last resort -- and severely limiting a child's intake of soy products.

Without question the best food you can give your infant is breast milk and this should be your primary choice if at all possible, as it is the healthiest source of milk you can give to your infant. I believe very strongly all soy formula should be avoided andis not fit for human consumption.

If breastfeeding is not an option,the best article I ever read on the topicis one published in a recent edition of the Weston Price ogranization. I am on their board and was able to obtain reprint rightsfor their article onhealthy alternatives to breast milk and commercial formula from Sally Fallon to run it in our newsletter. I would strongly encourage you to review thismulti-part series in this issueif you are unable to breastfeed.

When making the alterntaive to breast milk described in the article, ideally, it would be best to use raw milk as the base (other ingredients to add are described in the article). The best way toget it is tofind a local dairy farmer in your areathrough your local health food store orthe Real Milk Web site. Raw milk is a safer and farhealthier alternative to pasteurized milk.

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Homemade Baby Slings - How to Make Your Own Baby Sling!

As many hip parents know, baby slings have become an increasingly popular mode of transporting your infant or toddler around - from A-list celebrities spotted wearing a designer Baby Bjorn with baby in tow, to everyday moms and dads on the go who choose to use a variety of baby slings and carriers, the baby carrier is the way to carry your little one in style!

Saving Green...

With today's ever-tightening economy, some parents are choosing to get crafty - and get sewing! While there are many gifted homemakers who enjoy making their own baby clothes, others are merely looking to save a penny or two and design their own easy-to-sew or no-sew baby wrap.

Going Green...

There are also environmentally-conscious parents who would prefer to start their child's life on a green note - and organic baby slings are easily made, using natural fibers and textiles (such as hemp and unbleached cotton) as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic materials used in traditional baby carriers.

Making a Scene!

Still others choose to express their creative side - crocheting, knitting and hand-stitching hip baby slings to suit their own personal style, crafty folks everywhere can consult a multitude of craft magazines and websites for how-to's and blogs when creating their own original baby sling designs.

Ready, Set...Sew!

So, whether you're on a budget, looking to express your artistic or creative side, or simply trying to live a greener lifestyle, it's easy to make your own cheap baby slings - below, DIY instructions to sew your own baby wrap!

HOW TO MAKE BABY SLINGS:

For anyone who has basic sewing skills, this is a fairly simple project:

1. First, choose your fabric at a local fabric store - since you will be sewing (or serging) the edges, you may choose woven cloth that is unfinished, as well as fleeces and cotton knits, as long as they don't curl up when cut.

2. Next, cut your cloth to the proper dimension - if you're purchasing your fabric in person, the salesperson can cut the cloth to your specifications; we recommend 20 to 35" wide and at least 5 yards (15 feet) long.

3. Finally, you will finish the edges by serging all four sides of the material.

If you do not have your own serger, we recommend hemming all the way around the four sides of the baby wrap. You may also choose to visit your local sewing machine store, which might let you borrow their serger for free or for a small fee; visiting a tailor or dry cleaners is another affordable option for finishing your baby wrap.

IMPORTANT TIP: DO NOT buy 2.5 yards of 2 different materials & sew them together to create 5 yards - this will result in a WEIGHT-BEARING seam, weakening your baby wrap & making it less safe!

Although this is a moderately easy sling project for some, sewing isn't quite an option for everyone, especially when you consider what you're transporting! For the rest of us less-than-crafty folks who want to carry their precious cargo stylishly (and safely!), it's not difficult to find inexpensive and cheap baby slings. There are many online sources, including Babysling.com, where you can find a great assortment of affordable baby slings & infant slings, including the ERGO baby carrier, Hotslings brand, Moby Wrap, Maya, Ellaroo, Baby K'Tan baby carrier and more! Whether you're looking for a baby backpack, a linen baby sling, a Velcro sling, organic slings or any other type of kid sling, you're sure to find a wonderful selection of moderately-priced, eco-friendly and stylish options at Babysling.com!

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The Pros and Cons of In-Vitro Fertilization

What is In-Vitro Fertilization?

In-vitro fertilization is a procedure that allows couples who cannot conceive normally to have a child. The woman's egg and man's sperm are taken out of the body and fertilized in a laboratory, then put back into a woman who can carry the pregnancy to term.

Many moral and ethical concerns have been raised because of in-vitro fertilization. Those against the procedure say it is too much like playing God. Many women, however, have successfully delivered healthy babies as a result of in-vitro fertilization. Only you can decide if this procedure is the right one for you.

What are the Chances of Success with In-Vitro Fertilization?

"The chance of successful pregnancy with in vitro fertilization is directly related to the age of the woman who provides the egg. Most in vitro fertilization programs divide up their success rates according to age. For example, clinics will report pregnancy rates for women under and over the age of 35 years. There is certainly deterioration in the quality of eggs from the mid-thirties onwards. Some clinics divide up success rates further, and specifically report pregnancy rates for women between the ages of 35 and 37, 38 and 39, 39 to 42, and then over the age of 42.:
- Victoriafertility web site, August 2006

In-vitro has enjoyed a good success rate. Some in-vitro procedures have been too effective, with women giving birth to twins, triplets, or even more babies at once. It's a good idea to try the process with three or fewer eggs, on the chance that all the eggs will become successfully fertilized and produce children. In-vitro is a viable option for women who cannot naturally conceive.

What are the Dangers of In-Vitro Fertilization?

"One of the commonest serious side effects from using fertility drugs is a condition known as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome becomes a risk in women who develop more than 20 follicles in response to the fertility drugs. In these circumstances the blood estrogen levels are often very high, and this combination causes OHSS."
- Victoriafertility web site, August 2006

The most common danger of in-vitro is that it will not work. It is very disappointing and depressing for a couple who has tried many methods, only to fail again at in-vitro. There is nothing to suggest that in-vitro fertilization will make natural conception easier or harder for the woman in the future. Medically, the procedure is fairly safe. There is some pain associated with the process of removing the woman's eggs, however, and there is a surgical procedure involved.

If you are considering in-vitro fertilization, it's best to discuss your options with your doctor. In-vitro can be a rather invasive procedure. You'll want to know what your chances are of having a successful pregnancy using this method before you decide to go ahead with in-vitro.

The Pros and Cons of In-Vitro Fertilization

Each woman has to make the decision regarding in-vitro for herself, with the support of her spouse. Many couples face reproductive challenges, and it's a very common problem that is nothing to be ashamed of. Learn all about your own chances of success with in-vitro before you decide to go through with the procedure, which can be very costly and very invasive to a woman's body. How much you want to conceive will determine whether or not in-vitro fertilization is right for you.

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Baby Poems For Saying What's on Your Heart

Baby poems and baby shower poems can express any sentiment. Whether sweet, funny, or loving, poems are an ideal way to say what's on your heart. And if you need some help with what to say, online you can find everything you're looking for having to do with poems and baby shower poems.

Anyone can write a baby poem, and everyone enjoys reading them, young and old. Poems are wonderful to include on baby shower invitations or birth announcements. Baby shower poems can have rhythm and rhyme, but they certainly don't have to.

Poems can be either long or short, but short is probably best for your typical baby shower needs. Poems can be sentimental, sappy or sweet. Poems can be original and creative or standard and more traditional. Don't hesitate to add a little humor as well!

Either way, all baby shower poems are appropriate for welcoming the newborn and honoring the birth mother or mother to be.

The people who are most often touched by poems are those who have had children themselves. Sweet poems can remind them of the time when their little ones were still young.

No one will appreciate them more than the family members themselves. If you are a creative writer or have a special talent for putting words together in a special way, then you should try writing your own baby shower poems. This would make a great gift idea as well.

If you really like the poem you've written, it can be framed and displayed as a wonderful memento or keepsake. Years later when the baby has grown, think of how special they will feel knowing the words that were written were just for them.

Sample Poems

Baby Shower:

Special people all around
Love and happiness abound
Babies, presents, cake, flower
Thank you for the baby shower

Thanks for all the work you've done
To welcome our new precious son

Baby Poem:
Teeny, tiny little toes
Small and round little nose
A precious gift from heaven above
My sweet baby that I love

We've longed to see you face to face
And we've prepared a special place
Just for you, our baby

If you are not the creative type - don't worry! There are lots of places that you can look online for poems to say just the thing you want to say.

Poems have been written on all subjects throughout the ages, and baby poems and baby shower poems are no exception. A quick search online doesn't have to take any time at all.

But if you decide to write your own baby poems, even common things can inspire you. Inspiration can be found anywhere. Look to your own memories from the past. What was special about your childhood?

What special object have you treasured over the years? What words of wisdom or advice could you pass on to the next generation? Look around the house and imagine a baby being there. What do you see, hear, or feel?

Let those thoughts be the source of your best baby poems. You do not have to write like Shakespeare, you just have to be sincere.

There are also poems for saying thank you to the guests for coming to the shower, and thanking them for the gifts they may have given.

Common baby poem themes are often safety, peace, love and happiness. When a baby is born, it is a time to reflect on the meaning of life and what is really important in life. Whether you are religious or not, baby poems can be written as simple prayers or encouragement.

Who hasn't heard the famous lines - "Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep"? Baby poems have been the source of many needlepoint crafts and have been given as cherished baby gifts and will continue to be for years to come. Why not add baby shower poems or baby poems to your next newborn celebration?

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