Thanksgiving is vastly approaching and so is the coming together of family. Oh the fun, laughs, food, and headaches. If your family is like mine, we all have different opinions of how Thanksgiving should be shared. In the end we always wind up together.
So what is the best way to spend Thanksgiving? There really is no right or wrong way. For some, volunteering to help feed the less fortunate is the way to go while others jet set across the world to spend this special day in a special place. For most of us it is either a toss up between staying home watching a football game and enjoying a home cooked meal or there are those who opt for going out to dinner. All of these hold special meaning and not because of the food, but because of the company.
This quote says it best " You have succeeded in life when all you really want is only what you really need" by Vernon Howard. Thanksgiving is all about being together, where you spend it together is not as important.
For more inspirational thoughts visit http://www.motivational-well-being.com/ .
Sincerely,
The Editor
Friday, November 20, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Cutting Back Saves
Fact, American Airlines saved $40,000 in 1987 by eliminating 1 olive from each salad served in first-class. Have you ever thought what you could save by cutting one smal thing our of your life? As Americans we tend to over indulge whether it is food, clothing, automobiles, you name it.
A classic example of over indulgence are the portions of food we receive when we go out to dinner. Resturants load our plates filled with food and we eat until we are stuffed. They give us options of small, medium, or large, not to mentiontall, grande, or venti size coffees. Using myself as an example, I tend to cook for a family of 10 when there are only 2.5 of us and as a result we eat leftovers for several days before I freeze the last of it.
Ever heard of a clothes horse? You know the person who has no more room in the closet and is over flowing into other rooms with shoes, clothing, accessories....they have more then enough outfits yet you will find these people at the mall. In some cases, over indulgence turns to hoarding. Hoarding can be unhealthy in many ways.
A friend of mine who is a professional organizer worked for a client who held onto everything of her children. Every piece of paper, award, art piece, etc. This person had 18 boxes of stuff for each year of the child's life. Now it is nice to hold onto things, but there is a point where too much is obsesive.
My question to you, what is it you could cut back on to save your household money and how much would you really be saving? For me, my daily trip to Mickey D's for coffee ($1.49 x 360 days = $536.40 saving per year)
We would love to hear your ideas so send us an email.
Sincerely,
The Editor
A classic example of over indulgence are the portions of food we receive when we go out to dinner. Resturants load our plates filled with food and we eat until we are stuffed. They give us options of small, medium, or large, not to mentiontall, grande, or venti size coffees. Using myself as an example, I tend to cook for a family of 10 when there are only 2.5 of us and as a result we eat leftovers for several days before I freeze the last of it.
Ever heard of a clothes horse? You know the person who has no more room in the closet and is over flowing into other rooms with shoes, clothing, accessories....they have more then enough outfits yet you will find these people at the mall. In some cases, over indulgence turns to hoarding. Hoarding can be unhealthy in many ways.
A friend of mine who is a professional organizer worked for a client who held onto everything of her children. Every piece of paper, award, art piece, etc. This person had 18 boxes of stuff for each year of the child's life. Now it is nice to hold onto things, but there is a point where too much is obsesive.
My question to you, what is it you could cut back on to save your household money and how much would you really be saving? For me, my daily trip to Mickey D's for coffee ($1.49 x 360 days = $536.40 saving per year)
We would love to hear your ideas so send us an email.
Sincerely,
The Editor
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
What Are Blogs, Blogging, Bloggers
The latest craze is blogging, yet for some blogging is still a mystery. The question is what is the purpose of a blog and what defines a blogger. Here are the answers found on Google.
Blog (a contraction of the term weblog) is a type of website, usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Entries are commonly displayed in reverse-chronological order. ... en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blogging
Blog - read, write, or edit a shared on-line journal
Blog - web log: a shared on-line journal where people can post diary entries about their personal experiences and hobbies; "postings on a blog are ...wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn
Blogger - a person who keeps and updates a blog....wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn
Blogging - is the act of writing in one's blog. To blog something is to write about something in one's blog. ...codex.wordpress.org/Glossary
Blog (a contraction of the term weblog) is a type of website, usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Entries are commonly displayed in reverse-chronological order. ... en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blogging
Blog - read, write, or edit a shared on-line journal
Blog - web log: a shared on-line journal where people can post diary entries about their personal experiences and hobbies; "postings on a blog are ...wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn
Blogger - a person who keeps and updates a blog....wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn
Blogging - is the act of writing in one's blog. To blog something is to write about something in one's blog. ...codex.wordpress.org/Glossary
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Down Time Education
With a shortage of teachers, teacher aides, and funds operating a classroom can be challenging. Have you ever wondered how great teachers manage their students and become role models for their children? Barb DiMarco, founder of Downtime Educational Services has created a tool to help teachers connect better with their students by keeping them more engaged during down times. She helps teachers develope a student's wonder and sense of responsibility through building their 21st century thinking skills.
DOWN TIME High School is a high school activity book offering exercises that will transform your classroom into a meaningful workshop on the spot! There are thirty 20-40 minute intriguing exercises developed by Barb DiMarco, a secondary school counselor who worked with at risk youth for 14 years. The exercises are designed to make students reflect and discuss topics such as:
• How to make good decisions
• How to communicate more effectively
• What risks are good risks?
• How do I set realistic goals?
• Leadership skills
• Teamwork
• Cultural differences
• Planning events
No preparation is needed and materials are listed at the start of each exercise.
Let your classroom become collaborative and meaningful when you have some “down time” –whether just off the computer, or before the busses come.. Make your class fun for you and for your students!
You can read about and/or order DOWN TIME High School on Amazon.com for 29.95 or if you would like to SAVE MONEY and buy in quantities of five or more, just send a check directly to the author for teacher work books at only $20.00 each; do not add tax. We will pay shipping and handling. Mail your check and your shipping address to:
Barb DiMarco
Downtime Eductional Services
2102 W. Knox Rd
Chandler, Az 85224
* All requests are shipped within two weeks.
For more information on how Down Time High School can help you, Write:
barbmazz@comcast.net
Sincerely,
The Editor
DOWN TIME High School is a high school activity book offering exercises that will transform your classroom into a meaningful workshop on the spot! There are thirty 20-40 minute intriguing exercises developed by Barb DiMarco, a secondary school counselor who worked with at risk youth for 14 years. The exercises are designed to make students reflect and discuss topics such as:
• How to make good decisions
• How to communicate more effectively
• What risks are good risks?
• How do I set realistic goals?
• Leadership skills
• Teamwork
• Cultural differences
• Planning events
No preparation is needed and materials are listed at the start of each exercise.
Let your classroom become collaborative and meaningful when you have some “down time” –whether just off the computer, or before the busses come.. Make your class fun for you and for your students!
You can read about and/or order DOWN TIME High School on Amazon.com for 29.95 or if you would like to SAVE MONEY and buy in quantities of five or more, just send a check directly to the author for teacher work books at only $20.00 each; do not add tax. We will pay shipping and handling. Mail your check and your shipping address to:
Barb DiMarco
Downtime Eductional Services
2102 W. Knox Rd
Chandler, Az 85224
* All requests are shipped within two weeks.
For more information on how Down Time High School can help you, Write:
barbmazz@comcast.net
Sincerely,
The Editor
Monday, November 9, 2009
Laminate Wood Flooring
The following was written by a dear friend of mine, Sharon Stover with Carpet Direct:
Today's laminate so closely resembles hardwood, you'll have trouble spotting the difference.
A tribute to modern manufacturing, laminate flooring continues to make innovative breakthroughs. It now conveys the authentic look of wood or ceramic tile. A variety of shades and finishes allows you to choose the wood look down to the species and now, laminates are mimicking hardwood even more.
Shaw's Touchable Texture laminates offer beveled, distressed, and highly textured options to give your laminate floor the look and feel of true hardwood, wood grain and all. Use texture to add a distinguishing touch to your home or choose a distressed look to provide affordable beauty.
Laminate is durable, affordable, and easy to maintain.
Laminate is constructed in layers to create lasting, affordable, beautiful floors.
Four layers of material, each with its own purpose, are fused together to create laminate flooring that is durable and will last for years to come.
Layer 1: A melamine backing layer provides a moisture barrier and structural integrity.
Layer 2: EnviroCore™ - Shaw's environmentally friendly coreboard - is the dense inner layer made of recycled wood fiber meaning fewer trees used with less waste.
Layer 3: Beneath the top layer is the decor layer featuring natural hardwood designs.
Layer 4: A melamine wear top layer offers a tough, beautiful finish.
Be sure that you choose an aluminum oxide finish since this lasts nearly 7 times longer than other finishes.
Follow routine maintenance guidelines to clean your laminate flooring
Use a damp cloth to blot up spills as soon as they happen. Never allow liquids to stand on your floor.
For tough spots, such as oil, paint, markers, lipstick, ink, or tar, use acetone/nail polish remover on a clean white cloth, then wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove any remaining residue.
Sweep, dust, or vacuum the floor regularly with the hard floor attachment (not the beater bar) to prevent accumulation of dirt and grit that can scratch or dull the floor finish.
Periodically clean the floor with cleaning products made specifically for laminate floor care. For optimum results, we recommend Shaw's R2X Hard Surfaces Flooring Cleaner.
Do not wash or wet mop the floor with soap, water, oil-soap detergent, or any other liquid cleaning material. This could cause swelling, warping, delamination, and joint-line separation, and void the warranty.
Do not use steel wool, abrasive cleaners, or strong ammoniated or chlorinated type cleaners.
Do not use any type of buffing or polishing machine.
For spots such as candle wax or chewing gum, harden the spot with ice and then gently scrape with a plastic scraper, such as a credit card. Be careful not to scratch the flooring surface. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
A more frequent dust-mopping or vacuuming schedule may be required in very sandy areas such as a beach home.
Entry mats will help collect the dirt, sand, grit, and other substances such as oil, asphalt, or driveway sealer that might otherwise be tracked onto your floor
Use floor protectors and wide-load bearing leg bases/rollers to minimize the chance of indentations and scratches from heavy objects. As a rule, the heavier the object, the wider the floor protector.
Maintain a normal indoor relative humidity level between 35% and 65% throughout the year to minimize the natural expansion and contraction of the wood.
For more information, contact SharonStover with Carpet Direct at (480) 982-2457.
Sincerely,
The Editor
Today's laminate so closely resembles hardwood, you'll have trouble spotting the difference.
A tribute to modern manufacturing, laminate flooring continues to make innovative breakthroughs. It now conveys the authentic look of wood or ceramic tile. A variety of shades and finishes allows you to choose the wood look down to the species and now, laminates are mimicking hardwood even more.
Shaw's Touchable Texture laminates offer beveled, distressed, and highly textured options to give your laminate floor the look and feel of true hardwood, wood grain and all. Use texture to add a distinguishing touch to your home or choose a distressed look to provide affordable beauty.
Laminate is durable, affordable, and easy to maintain.
Laminate is constructed in layers to create lasting, affordable, beautiful floors.
Four layers of material, each with its own purpose, are fused together to create laminate flooring that is durable and will last for years to come.
Layer 1: A melamine backing layer provides a moisture barrier and structural integrity.
Layer 2: EnviroCore™ - Shaw's environmentally friendly coreboard - is the dense inner layer made of recycled wood fiber meaning fewer trees used with less waste.
Layer 3: Beneath the top layer is the decor layer featuring natural hardwood designs.
Layer 4: A melamine wear top layer offers a tough, beautiful finish.
Be sure that you choose an aluminum oxide finish since this lasts nearly 7 times longer than other finishes.
Follow routine maintenance guidelines to clean your laminate flooring
Use a damp cloth to blot up spills as soon as they happen. Never allow liquids to stand on your floor.
For tough spots, such as oil, paint, markers, lipstick, ink, or tar, use acetone/nail polish remover on a clean white cloth, then wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove any remaining residue.
Sweep, dust, or vacuum the floor regularly with the hard floor attachment (not the beater bar) to prevent accumulation of dirt and grit that can scratch or dull the floor finish.
Periodically clean the floor with cleaning products made specifically for laminate floor care. For optimum results, we recommend Shaw's R2X Hard Surfaces Flooring Cleaner.
Do not wash or wet mop the floor with soap, water, oil-soap detergent, or any other liquid cleaning material. This could cause swelling, warping, delamination, and joint-line separation, and void the warranty.
Do not use steel wool, abrasive cleaners, or strong ammoniated or chlorinated type cleaners.
Do not use any type of buffing or polishing machine.
For spots such as candle wax or chewing gum, harden the spot with ice and then gently scrape with a plastic scraper, such as a credit card. Be careful not to scratch the flooring surface. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
A more frequent dust-mopping or vacuuming schedule may be required in very sandy areas such as a beach home.
Entry mats will help collect the dirt, sand, grit, and other substances such as oil, asphalt, or driveway sealer that might otherwise be tracked onto your floor
Use floor protectors and wide-load bearing leg bases/rollers to minimize the chance of indentations and scratches from heavy objects. As a rule, the heavier the object, the wider the floor protector.
Maintain a normal indoor relative humidity level between 35% and 65% throughout the year to minimize the natural expansion and contraction of the wood.
For more information, contact SharonStover with Carpet Direct at (480) 982-2457.
Sincerely,
The Editor
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Holiday Eats
Every year I try to plan a balanced meal, but somehow I always wind up adding dishes that are saturated in fat, high in calories, and are stocked full of sugars. This year I decided to break the routine and I found an interesting article at http://www.livestrong.com/article/27532-top-holiday-foods/ and thought I would share it with my readers.
Turkey
Turkey is the meat of choice for almost all Thanksgiving and many Christmas dinners. It is rich in lean protein but offers less than half of the saturated fat of beef. Turkey is an excellent source of the trace mineral selenium. Selenium works as an antioxidant, helping to strengthen the immune system and may help prevent prostate cancer according to the National Cancer Institute's Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT) as well as numerous research studies published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Turkey is an excellent source of niacin and vitamin B6, both essential vitamins for energy metabolism. Vitamin B6 is necessary for the synthesis of important brain chemicals, or neurotransmitters, which regulate mood and behaviors.
Cranberries
Whole cranberries are extremely nutritious. There is strong scientific evidence suggesting that cranberries and cranberry juice helps to prevent and tract urinary tract infections according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Cranberries are rich in a phytochemical (disease-fighting chemical found in plants responsible for the colorful hue of fruits and vegetables) group called anthocyanins. Anthocyanins promote healthy circulation, nerve function, and offer protection against the development of cancer. In addition, cranberries may lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and raise HDL (good) cholesterol.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a nutritious root vegetable qualified as an excellent source of vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene), a very good source of vitamin C and manganese, and a good source of dietary fiber, copper, potassium, vitamin B6, and iron. Vitamins A and C act as antioxidants, preventing free radicals (charged oxygen particles) from damaging healthy cells which is associated with the development of heart disease and cancer. These nutrients may offer anti-inflammatory benefits, which is beneficial for conditions such as asthma according to dozens of clinical studies, including one authored by AR Ness et al., and published in 1996 in the European "Journal of Clinical Nutrition" entitled "Vitamin C status and respiratory function" as well as a research study authored by I Neuman, et al., and published in 1999 by the "Annals of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology" entitled "Prevention of exercise-induced asthma by a natural isomer mixture of beta-carotene."
Yams
Yams are another nutritious root vegetable popular on holiday dinner tables. They are an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, manganese, and dietary fiber, and a very good food source of vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 is necessary to break down a toxic substance in the body known as homocysteine. According to the American Heart Association, as well as other authorities, when levels of homocysteine in the bloodstream are too high, direct damage to blood vessel walls may occur, resulting in stroke or heart attack. Yams are also potassium-rich. Potassium plays an important role in decreasing blood pressure (along with calcium and magnesium).
Green Beans
Green beans, or string beans, are loaded with nutrients but very low in calories, which makes them an excellent choice for weight control. They are considered an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K (important for bone health and proper blood clotting) and manganese. They are a good source of vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene), dietary fiber, potassium, and folate. Like sweet potatoes, green beans are rich in the antioxidant vitamins A and C, which may protect against the development of cancer, heart disease, as well as helps to boost the immune system according to the National Cancer Institute.
Enjoy!
The Editor
Turkey
Turkey is the meat of choice for almost all Thanksgiving and many Christmas dinners. It is rich in lean protein but offers less than half of the saturated fat of beef. Turkey is an excellent source of the trace mineral selenium. Selenium works as an antioxidant, helping to strengthen the immune system and may help prevent prostate cancer according to the National Cancer Institute's Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT) as well as numerous research studies published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Turkey is an excellent source of niacin and vitamin B6, both essential vitamins for energy metabolism. Vitamin B6 is necessary for the synthesis of important brain chemicals, or neurotransmitters, which regulate mood and behaviors.
Cranberries
Whole cranberries are extremely nutritious. There is strong scientific evidence suggesting that cranberries and cranberry juice helps to prevent and tract urinary tract infections according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Cranberries are rich in a phytochemical (disease-fighting chemical found in plants responsible for the colorful hue of fruits and vegetables) group called anthocyanins. Anthocyanins promote healthy circulation, nerve function, and offer protection against the development of cancer. In addition, cranberries may lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and raise HDL (good) cholesterol.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a nutritious root vegetable qualified as an excellent source of vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene), a very good source of vitamin C and manganese, and a good source of dietary fiber, copper, potassium, vitamin B6, and iron. Vitamins A and C act as antioxidants, preventing free radicals (charged oxygen particles) from damaging healthy cells which is associated with the development of heart disease and cancer. These nutrients may offer anti-inflammatory benefits, which is beneficial for conditions such as asthma according to dozens of clinical studies, including one authored by AR Ness et al., and published in 1996 in the European "Journal of Clinical Nutrition" entitled "Vitamin C status and respiratory function" as well as a research study authored by I Neuman, et al., and published in 1999 by the "Annals of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology" entitled "Prevention of exercise-induced asthma by a natural isomer mixture of beta-carotene."
Yams
Yams are another nutritious root vegetable popular on holiday dinner tables. They are an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, manganese, and dietary fiber, and a very good food source of vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 is necessary to break down a toxic substance in the body known as homocysteine. According to the American Heart Association, as well as other authorities, when levels of homocysteine in the bloodstream are too high, direct damage to blood vessel walls may occur, resulting in stroke or heart attack. Yams are also potassium-rich. Potassium plays an important role in decreasing blood pressure (along with calcium and magnesium).
Green Beans
Green beans, or string beans, are loaded with nutrients but very low in calories, which makes them an excellent choice for weight control. They are considered an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K (important for bone health and proper blood clotting) and manganese. They are a good source of vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene), dietary fiber, potassium, and folate. Like sweet potatoes, green beans are rich in the antioxidant vitamins A and C, which may protect against the development of cancer, heart disease, as well as helps to boost the immune system according to the National Cancer Institute.
Enjoy!
The Editor
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Save Money and Reduce Stress on Black Friday
This year has been stressful enough without the added stress and out lay of money on Black Friday. Consider alternative solutions to beating the shortage of money and avoiding stress by turning to the internet for all of your holiday bargains and shopping. The internet is proving to be the way of researching and finding the answers to the questions you have, so why not turn to the computer to help save yourself.
Retailers often times post instant coupons on their websites. Others tend to offer online sales ads for you to look at without killing another tree. While many retailers have gotten smart and ask for subscribers so they send them up to minute notification on sales and discounts. Although seeing 10% off or items below $10 looks or sounds great, always do your research to see if it is really a great deal. Obviously any discount will save you money, the question is how big of a savings is it for you?
Shopping from your computer helps to reduce the stress of standing in long lines, fighting over parking spaces, even running through the aisles bumping the person next to you. Online shopping gives you the flexibility to shop at times that are convenient for you. You can see items and product specs up close, you simply point, click, type in your payment information, and push send. Items are shipped direct to your location. Many retailers even offer specialty wrapping for a nominal fee again saving the stress of you wrapping your presents.
So ask yourself why is it you want to battle Black Friday again?
Retailers often times post instant coupons on their websites. Others tend to offer online sales ads for you to look at without killing another tree. While many retailers have gotten smart and ask for subscribers so they send them up to minute notification on sales and discounts. Although seeing 10% off or items below $10 looks or sounds great, always do your research to see if it is really a great deal. Obviously any discount will save you money, the question is how big of a savings is it for you?
Shopping from your computer helps to reduce the stress of standing in long lines, fighting over parking spaces, even running through the aisles bumping the person next to you. Online shopping gives you the flexibility to shop at times that are convenient for you. You can see items and product specs up close, you simply point, click, type in your payment information, and push send. Items are shipped direct to your location. Many retailers even offer specialty wrapping for a nominal fee again saving the stress of you wrapping your presents.
So ask yourself why is it you want to battle Black Friday again?
Monday, November 2, 2009
Black Friday Deals
Here are some sites to help you with Black Friday shoping deals.
Looking for gadgets, checkout:
http://www.crunchgear.com/2009/10/28/sears-black-friday-ad/
Enter VIP Contest for Black Friday:
http://www.blackfriday.fm/news/96/Best-Buy-Black-Friday-VIP-Contest-Be-a-Black-Friday-VIP
Black Friday Deals:
http://blackfriday.gottadeal.com/
Black Friday Shopping:
http://www.blackfriday.info/
Looking for gadgets, checkout:
http://www.crunchgear.com/2009/10/28/sears-black-friday-ad/
Enter VIP Contest for Black Friday:
http://www.blackfriday.fm/news/96/Best-Buy-Black-Friday-VIP-Contest-Be-a-Black-Friday-VIP
Black Friday Deals:
http://blackfriday.gottadeal.com/
Black Friday Shopping:
http://www.blackfriday.info/
Holiday: Black Friday
The holidays are vastly approaching and so does the countdown to Black Friday. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Black Friday this is the biggest shopping day of the entire year. What makes this day; the sales, the traffic, the people, and oh all the gift purchases which are made on this one day. Black Friday is a holiday in itself.
Wikianswers.com states Black Friday dates back to September 24, 1869 marking the unofficial beginning of the Christmas holiday season at least since the start of the modern Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1924, however, the term "Black Friday" has been traced back only to the 1970s. Black Friday was originally named because of the heavy traffic on this day, although most contemporary uses of the term refer instead to it as the beginning of the period in which retailers are in the black (i.e., turning a profit). So it begins the Sunday before November 27th, ads are stock piled in the Sunday paper and mail boxes become flooded with discounts. Retailers begin posting notice of the early bird store hours on this momentous holiday.
This year however might prove to be a bit different than most year states George Rosenbaum, chairman of the retail consulting firm Leo J. Shapiro and Associates, said he expects other merchants to change their traditional Black Friday strategies, too, either by offering deeper-than-usual discounts or expanding the amount of time they're available to shoppers. Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/02/black-friday-deals-2009-c_n_342377.html
While retailers are concerned sales will be down, there are those who will be out in full force on Black Friday shopping for the deals. Take advantage of the discounts, enjoy the beginning of the holiday season, and as I always say, “shop to you drop”.
For more information on Black Friday visit http://www.bfads.com/ the official Black Friday 2009 website.
Sincerely,
The Editor
Wikianswers.com states Black Friday dates back to September 24, 1869 marking the unofficial beginning of the Christmas holiday season at least since the start of the modern Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1924, however, the term "Black Friday" has been traced back only to the 1970s. Black Friday was originally named because of the heavy traffic on this day, although most contemporary uses of the term refer instead to it as the beginning of the period in which retailers are in the black (i.e., turning a profit). So it begins the Sunday before November 27th, ads are stock piled in the Sunday paper and mail boxes become flooded with discounts. Retailers begin posting notice of the early bird store hours on this momentous holiday.
This year however might prove to be a bit different than most year states George Rosenbaum, chairman of the retail consulting firm Leo J. Shapiro and Associates, said he expects other merchants to change their traditional Black Friday strategies, too, either by offering deeper-than-usual discounts or expanding the amount of time they're available to shoppers. Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/02/black-friday-deals-2009-c_n_342377.html
While retailers are concerned sales will be down, there are those who will be out in full force on Black Friday shopping for the deals. Take advantage of the discounts, enjoy the beginning of the holiday season, and as I always say, “shop to you drop”.
For more information on Black Friday visit http://www.bfads.com/ the official Black Friday 2009 website.
Sincerely,
The Editor
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Health Conscious
As with every morning I share a bowl of oatmeal with my son sometimes adding blueberries, bananas, or even a bit of flaxseed. Today while I was eating I began wondering if eating oatmeal is a good for you as everyone says so I found an interesting blog and thought I would share it with youn along with the link to the article: http://fun2sshcocc.blogspot.com/2009/10/quaker-oat-check-your-health-and-get.html
Quaker Oat : Check your Health and get a free sample!
Posted In: Free , Free sample , Give away , Health , must try . By Abhishek
Quaker Oats, A Pepsi Holding Company has started a Online Campaign long back to check your health and it is going on really good. Most of you might have tried it but for those who did not know about this and have not yet tried it. Here is the info… 
GoodMorningHeart in association with Apollo Hospitals is on A Mission to Get India Healthy. And this website does just that.You give in your details on your Health mainly Heart in form of a small survey and then you get results on your health results and tips to overcome any problems..What’s more : Manish Maini mailed me and Venkata Karthik commented here on blog that they have got a free sample of Quaker Oats after completing the survey successfully. Go ahead guys and you may get a your Health report and a free sample too. [I am not sure of it though, but these guys say they have got it. So there is no harm in trying!]
So, what are you waiting for. If not free sample you will get a Heart Report for sure. Just give them the best possible and RIGHT answers and complete survey
Trick or Treat
Ahhhh, Halloween is just around the corner and all the little dressed up tykes, the delicious candy, and unique carved pumpkins will be here in a few days. The weather is changing, the leaves are falling, and in some parts snow is in the air. I can not speak for everyone, but for me I am as excited as a kid in a candy store.
Halloween has always been fun, but now having a son Halloween is even more fun, but from a different viewpoint. The other night I sat sewing together my child's first costume. While I have never been the homemaker type I have been giddy all year for this special event. From buying the parts for the costume to the assembly process to watching him try it on and welcoming all the costumes imperfections, I can not wait.
To give an added smile in your day think about your first costume, the first time you sunk your teeth into the candy you collected from this special night, or the first Halloween party you ever attended?
Hope this brightened your day.
Sincerely,
The Editor
Halloween has always been fun, but now having a son Halloween is even more fun, but from a different viewpoint. The other night I sat sewing together my child's first costume. While I have never been the homemaker type I have been giddy all year for this special event. From buying the parts for the costume to the assembly process to watching him try it on and welcoming all the costumes imperfections, I can not wait.
To give an added smile in your day think about your first costume, the first time you sunk your teeth into the candy you collected from this special night, or the first Halloween party you ever attended?
Hope this brightened your day.
Sincerely,
The Editor
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Do You Know Who Is Cleaning Your Home
Cleaning your home can be a real kill joy. Few people actually enjoy cleaning their own homes and even less people fully have the time needed to spend cleaning properly. Properly meaning cleaning the bathrooms, dusting the furniture and knicknacks, sweeping and mopping floors, cleaning the kitchen appliances and surface areas, and vacumming all carpeted areas and floor rugs. As a result of longer work weeks, dual working households, children, and extracaricular activities many have turned to hiring a house cleaner.
We see advertisements for housecleaning through all kinds of media sources like direct mail, door hangers, flyers on vehicles, even internet postings. Everyone seems to know someone who claims to be a professional home cleaner, but what defines a professional? Is a professional someone who advertises being licensed, bonded, and insured, or is it someone who has been cleaning for 10 years plus? The answer, someone is who meets all the city and state licensing requirements, is bonded, fully insured, and has solid cleaning experience.
Hiring a person who meet these requirements sounds complete, but have you thought about the importance of having these certifications in place? Being licensed shows commitment, bonding is for theft and in order to have a bond specific guidelines have to met, and insurance is a peace of mind.
By hiring non credential cleaners often means paying a lessor cleaning bill, but what happens when something is broken or missing in your home? Who is responsible....you the homeowner. Person falls and gets injured in your home the person injured can sue you directly.
Quality of cleaning is just as important as the credentials. I have heard that only women know how to clean, or specific nationalities clean better, or never hire a young person. Unfortunatley none of these statments are accurate. Each person cleans differently, but you can ask a potential key questions to help screen the good from the bad. Ask them about their cleaning system, ask how they would dilute a partucular product, and the number one way to identify a professional cleaner, ask them to tell you how they would clean a wood floor from start to finish.
As the old motto goes "pay now or pay later". Before hiring a cleaner ask for all credentials, ask for no less than 5 references, and interview the person first.
I hope you found this article insightful.
Sincerely,
The Editor
We see advertisements for housecleaning through all kinds of media sources like direct mail, door hangers, flyers on vehicles, even internet postings. Everyone seems to know someone who claims to be a professional home cleaner, but what defines a professional? Is a professional someone who advertises being licensed, bonded, and insured, or is it someone who has been cleaning for 10 years plus? The answer, someone is who meets all the city and state licensing requirements, is bonded, fully insured, and has solid cleaning experience.
Hiring a person who meet these requirements sounds complete, but have you thought about the importance of having these certifications in place? Being licensed shows commitment, bonding is for theft and in order to have a bond specific guidelines have to met, and insurance is a peace of mind.
By hiring non credential cleaners often means paying a lessor cleaning bill, but what happens when something is broken or missing in your home? Who is responsible....you the homeowner. Person falls and gets injured in your home the person injured can sue you directly.
Quality of cleaning is just as important as the credentials. I have heard that only women know how to clean, or specific nationalities clean better, or never hire a young person. Unfortunatley none of these statments are accurate. Each person cleans differently, but you can ask a potential key questions to help screen the good from the bad. Ask them about their cleaning system, ask how they would dilute a partucular product, and the number one way to identify a professional cleaner, ask them to tell you how they would clean a wood floor from start to finish.
As the old motto goes "pay now or pay later". Before hiring a cleaner ask for all credentials, ask for no less than 5 references, and interview the person first.
I hope you found this article insightful.
Sincerely,
The Editor
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
How To Find Work
Being unemployed is difficult enough but not knowing where to look for a new job is even more challenging. Up until last year anyone looking for employment turned to the internet. Sites such as Careerbuilder, Jobing, Craigslist, and Monster were the place to post resumes to get noticed or to view companies advertising for open positions. These sites provided a passive approach to finding new employment, but what do you do in an economy that is scaling back?
Times like these require hitting the basics. Still post your resume on all the employment sites available, but expand your efforts. Start by setting yourself apart from everyone else by having a polished well designed resume. There are professional resume writers, books, and free resume builder sites to help. It is always best to have at least (3) variations of a resume. Variations are used to help career transitions from one field to another, they can be used to help summarize job duties giving the hiring manager a better idea of the scope of your jobs, and they can be designed to give minimal job duty descriptions for those looking to take a step back in their career and not be deemed "over qualified". Resumes strictly help the job seeker sell themselves on paper.
Next, make a list of companies you are interested in working for and contact them directly. Ask who handles the hiring for their company and introduce yourself to this person. Briefly explain you are interested in working with their company and inquire how to submit your resume. It is always best to ask for the email address of the person you are speaking with and follow-up with a "thank you for your time" email.
If you are unsure as to the companies you want to work for then target a specific industry by sourcing through the yellow pages or internet business directories. Contact all the companies you find and submit your resume. For those who have the flexibility of relocation source companies outside your area.
Depending on the nature of the position, businesses will post help wanted signs in or around their place of business. Signs are a welcome for anyone to come in and apply. All too often the downfall of an applicant is their appearance meaning they treat the walk in application process as casual losing emphasis on standing out amongst other applicants. It is best to carry clean copies of your resume, carry a couple of ink pens, dress in an appropriate manner making sure clothes are nicely pressed and paying close attention to personal hygiene.
Another great way to help promote yourself to employers is ask your friends and family to help. Give them copies of your resume, ask them to contact everyone they know whether the company is hiring or not and have them give you a referral. One of the best ways to get recognized is when the hiring manager hears about how great you are and your skill-set from someone other than you directly.
Finally, contact multiple recruiters and never settle with just one. Being a former recruiter myself I witnessed many recruiters who only collected resumes building a pipeline until a job order would come available matching these candidate skill sets. Recruiters are great connections though because many companies have turned to outsourcing their recruitment team to an outside party. Outside recruiters are generally 100% commissioned base making their drive to place candidates greater than in-house recruiters who get paid whether a position is filled or not.
If you or anyone you know is needing a professional resume built, please email us at fasttrackinsider@yahoo.com and we can create professional resumes without cover letters for $25.00 or $50.00 with cover letters.
Sincerely,
The Editor
Times like these require hitting the basics. Still post your resume on all the employment sites available, but expand your efforts. Start by setting yourself apart from everyone else by having a polished well designed resume. There are professional resume writers, books, and free resume builder sites to help. It is always best to have at least (3) variations of a resume. Variations are used to help career transitions from one field to another, they can be used to help summarize job duties giving the hiring manager a better idea of the scope of your jobs, and they can be designed to give minimal job duty descriptions for those looking to take a step back in their career and not be deemed "over qualified". Resumes strictly help the job seeker sell themselves on paper.
Next, make a list of companies you are interested in working for and contact them directly. Ask who handles the hiring for their company and introduce yourself to this person. Briefly explain you are interested in working with their company and inquire how to submit your resume. It is always best to ask for the email address of the person you are speaking with and follow-up with a "thank you for your time" email.
If you are unsure as to the companies you want to work for then target a specific industry by sourcing through the yellow pages or internet business directories. Contact all the companies you find and submit your resume. For those who have the flexibility of relocation source companies outside your area.
Depending on the nature of the position, businesses will post help wanted signs in or around their place of business. Signs are a welcome for anyone to come in and apply. All too often the downfall of an applicant is their appearance meaning they treat the walk in application process as casual losing emphasis on standing out amongst other applicants. It is best to carry clean copies of your resume, carry a couple of ink pens, dress in an appropriate manner making sure clothes are nicely pressed and paying close attention to personal hygiene.
Another great way to help promote yourself to employers is ask your friends and family to help. Give them copies of your resume, ask them to contact everyone they know whether the company is hiring or not and have them give you a referral. One of the best ways to get recognized is when the hiring manager hears about how great you are and your skill-set from someone other than you directly.
Finally, contact multiple recruiters and never settle with just one. Being a former recruiter myself I witnessed many recruiters who only collected resumes building a pipeline until a job order would come available matching these candidate skill sets. Recruiters are great connections though because many companies have turned to outsourcing their recruitment team to an outside party. Outside recruiters are generally 100% commissioned base making their drive to place candidates greater than in-house recruiters who get paid whether a position is filled or not.
If you or anyone you know is needing a professional resume built, please email us at fasttrackinsider@yahoo.com and we can create professional resumes without cover letters for $25.00 or $50.00 with cover letters.
Sincerely,
The Editor
Monday, October 26, 2009
Newly Formed
Thank you for visiting Fast Track Insider. Newly formed, yet highly informative Fast Track Insider will be launching in full force over the next week evolving into one of the top sites for up to date information. Once completed, this site will provide news on a global level, feature great travel locations, highlight cities across the world, display featured articles from businesses of all industries, and provide excellent ideas from gardening to remodeling.
As our audience we welcome your feedback and encourage you to tell us what you would like to read about.
Follow us at:
http://twitter.com/FT_Insider
Sincerely,
The Editor
As our audience we welcome your feedback and encourage you to tell us what you would like to read about.
Follow us at:
http://twitter.com/FT_Insider
Sincerely,
The Editor
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