Kategorie: English

Happiness is a feeling of pleasure or contentment, but it often seems as though the stress of everyday life has a way of taking over. If you want to put the tension behind you, you will be glad to know that you can improve your mood in minutes. Below are five tips to instant happiness that will, no doubt, have you smiling:

Give in to your sweet tooth. Studies have shown that chocolate is linked to both happiness and stress reduction. When enjoyed in moderation, this sweet treat may be something to smile about. Afterall, having a bite of the food that you crave is instant happiness in it’s own right.

Get moving. Experts have long believed that there is a direct link to exercise and stress reduction. A simple 30-minute walk may help you to relax and, not to mention, feel great about yourself and the goal of better health.

Be good to yourself. It’s always a good time to treat yourself to something special, but it’s even more important to do so if you are feeling blue. This doesn’t mean that you need to go on a lavish vacation or purchase a new sports car, but perhaps a relaxing evening at home or a night out with some friends is just what the doctor ordered. If you feel like shopping, limit your budget to $50.00 and buy something that makes you feel happy. Keep in mind that impulse shopping to ease emotional pain is not a good idea, but treating yourself to an occasional pick-me-up is an entirely different story.

Go with the flow. It’s a well-known fact that water is calming, which is why many people choose to have water features in their home. Whether it’s a tabletop fountain or a more dramatic feature, the relaxing nature of flowing water is widely promoted. Instant relaxation, in itself, is a form of happiness.

Use your good scents. Specifically, a scented candle may help to improve your mood. This is especially true if you are using a scent that’s known to be relaxing, such as lavender or vanilla.

The information contained in this article is designed to be used for reference purposes only. It should not be used as, in place of or in conjunction with professional advice relating to the treatment of stress or depression. For additional information, consult a physician in your area.

Did you know that there are proven methods to help you stop snoring immediately? No more restless nights. No more arguments with your spouse or sleeping in separate rooms. Individuals who snore are all too familiar with these scenarios, but it doesn’t have to continue.

Tip 1
Eliminate the presence of dust, pet hair and cigarette smoke from your home. These types of allergens make it difficult to breathe and especially bothersome for individuals who have been diagnosed with allergies. When breathing becomes difficult, air passages are restricted and this leads to snoring. Lying down at night can make these problems worse, so it’s best to rid your home of allergens and always use air filtration units in every room of the home, especially in the bedroom.

Tip 2
Use an anti-snoring device, such as the Sleep Genie from Odyssey Direct Solutions, Inc. This product is doctor tested and approved. It is made of a nylon lycra blend so that it fits comfortable on the head and below the jaw. Comfortably supporting the jaw while keeping the mouth closed during sleep is it’s primary goal. Individuals who sleep with their mouth closed do not have the ability to snore, which is why the Sleep Genie is a product that has former-snoring sufferers snoozing without a peep.

Tip 3
Sleep on your side instead of your back. Studies show that people who sleep on their back tend to be more likely to snore than those who are side or stomach sleepers.

Tip 4
If you suffer from allergies, sinus infections or have been diagnosed with a cold or the flu, try inhaling steam from hot running water before bedtime. This will help to open up the air passages naturally and allow you to breathe easier, which may reduce snoring

Tip 5
Try using two standard pillows instead of one. With your head elevated slightly, your air passages may not become as restricted. Often, passages become blocked when fatty tissue in the throat relaxes and makes it difficult to breath. Snoring is often the result, but having an extra pillow may help to curb the problem.

This article is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be used as, or in place of, professional medical advice. Before beginning any treatment for snoring, please consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and remedy.

Have you already mastered the art of taking photos without ‘red-eye’ syndrome? Are there some pictures that you know you should have turned out a lot better than they did? It happens to all of us – even the expert photographers.

Here are five tips to help you move from beginner to master of digital photography, whether you’re using your cell phone or a point-and-shoot camera to snap shots.

Compose Carefully

One of the most basic digital photography tips is to pay attention to what’s in the frame of the viewfinder. Fill the frame. Nothing but blue sky, for instance, behind a single subject throws off the proportions of the photo and decreases interest. You can also turn the camera sideways to see if a vertical photo might have more impact than a horizontal shot of the same subject.

You can also try positioning your subject off to the side, rather than in the center of the photograph.

Take Great Close up Photos

Your digital camera has a “macro mode” – think of it as a super magnifying glass. An extreme close up of something like flower petals can bring out textures that you never knew existed, and will add excitement to your photos. Play with this feature, you will find dozens of ways to use it to enhance your pictures.

Buy a Tripod

Digital cameras are prone to blurry photographs if your hands shake even a little bit. Several companies manufacture light, portable, inexpensive versions. Digital photography tips like this can save you hours of frustration and preserve otherwise perfect shots.

Get Active

Take your shot from the top of a teeter-totter, off the side of the boat, or standing on your head. Thinking outside the box can really pay off in unexpected ways. You will truly get once in a lifetime shots by adding a bit of creativity to your thinking.

Take a Class

Are you still hungry for digital photography tips? There’s nothing like practice to improve your photography – except practice plus experience gained by learning from a pro. You can find photography classes online, at your local recreation centers, and community colleges.

Becoming an expert at digital photography takes time; you won’t become a professional photographer in your first week. Just keep trying new methods each time you use your camera, and before long, your friends and family will be admiring your newfound skills.

What if you’ve taken the time to create a marketing plan but now you’re so busy servicing your current clients that you’re having a hard time keeping on track with your plan?

Is it okay to set the plan aside for awhile? After all you’ve got enough business to keep you busy. And, you’re not sure you could handle additional clients right now anyway.

While marketing may not seem like a necessary activity when your business is going gang-busters, it’s only a matter of time before your lack of marketing starts to impact your business.

Staying on top of your marketing plan, even when you’re busy, ensures you always have a pipeline full of prospects and clients into your business.

While you may be busy right now, if you stop marketing for the next three months, you may find yourself high and dry when it comes to clients, because you’ve stopped the flow.

As an independent professional myself, I can totally relate to being too busy to market. It seems the days are never long enough to get everything on my to-do list done. But as a marketing professional I know I can’t afford to NOT get my marketing done.

So what’s a busy gal (or guy) to do?!?

Here are 5 suggestions … these are things I do and recommend to all my clients in my 10stepmarketing System.

(1) If you haven’t already, create a marketing calendar. Schedule all of your marketing activities in the calendar according to how frequently you planned to do them in your marketing plan.

If you planned to do something monthly, enter it on the calendar once each month. Weekly? Enter it four times per month. Do this for every planned activity.

(2) Hang your marketing calendar over your desk on a bulletin board or on the wall. Make a habit of looking at it every morning. This way you won’t have the problem of „out of site out of mind.“

I can’t tell you how many clients I’ve had whose marketing plans have ended up in a file folder in a drawer. You’re certainly NOT going to grow your business that way!

(3) Try incorporating your marketing activities into your weekly and daily to-do list. Enter the activities as to-do tasks in your calendar or PDA just like all your appointments and other business activities.

I do this with all my marketing activities. I use Microsoft Outlook and a Pocket PC and it’s the only way I know I’ll keep myself on track. If something is on my calendar, I treat it like any other meeting or appointment and I do it.

For example, every Wednesday, a little notice pops up to remind me to write my weekly ezine. If that didn’t happen I’d either be writing it on Monday’s at midnight, or it wouldn’t get done.

(4) Pick one day per month to review your marketing calendar in detail and to look three months ahead. What is coming up that you need to prepare for now? What do you need to transfer into your to-do list or PDA to make sure you don’t forget to do it?

I usually do this at the end of the month when I’m doing all my month-end work … things like running sales reports, doing billing, and updating my marketing tracking reports.

Make it a habit to review your marketing at the same time you do these tasks. After a few months you won’t even have to think about it anymore, it’ll become a habit.

(5) Consider hiring an assistant or support person to help. If they can take some of the tasks off your plate that really don’t require your expertise, it will free you up to focus on what I call „revenue producing activities.“

These are things like working with clients, creating products and services and marketing. I couldn’t believe the difference it made when I hired some help.

I didn’t think I could afford it, but now I don’t see how I lasted so long without help!

When you find a way to get back on track with your marketing and you do it on regular basis, it really does become a part of the way you do business.

Suddenly it doesn’t seem like marketing anymore. It’s just what you do to run your business. That’s when it becomes effortless.

And, that’s when you know your business will be continue to be busy and profitable for the long-haul.

If you have your own small business, it’s important to decide exactly who you will be marketing your products or services to. After all, you probably don’t have the time or the money to market to everyone. And even if you did, it is not recommended.

You’ll want to select what is called a „target audience.“ This is an identifiable group of people you believe will be the best prospects for your business.

But for many small business owners, narrowing their focus to one primary group of people can be a challenging task. They want to help everyone — and very often their product or service CAN help a variety of people.

It also goes against human nature to narrow your focus in order to grow a business. Common sense seems to tell us if we want to grow our business big, we need to appeal to more people.

In reality the opposite is true. When we narrow our focus to a particular group of people we become an expert in solving their particular problems. We get to know them very well and we can develop additional products and services to fill their needs.

So how do you decide who to market to?

Following are 5 tips:

1) Think about the type of people who can MOST benefit from what you have to offer.

2) Think about who you would most enjoy helping, or working with.

3. Think about the type of people who will be easiest to reach, AND who will be most receptive to what you are selling. These will be people who KNOW they have THE problem you can solve and are LOOKING for a solution.

4) Know that just because you select a particular group of people to focus your marketing on, does NOT mean you can’t help others who may come to you. It only means you’re going to focus your proactive marketing efforts on the target group you select.

5) Lastly, don’t over-think it. Listen to your gut, pick a group you feel you can really help and proceed with the development of your marketing plan. Marketing is a fluid process. The important thing is to start. You can always refine your audience and your plan later as you learn more.

Are you in the process of planning a trip to Hawaii? If you are, you may be interested in booking a stay at a Hawaii vacation rental. While you will find some variances, Hawaiian vacation rentals are known for their beauty and their privacy, especially when compared to traditional hotels and vacation resorts. Those are just a few of the many reasons why vacation rentals in Hawaii are increasing in popularity.

As you likely already know, you will have a number of different options when it comes to making reservations for a vacation rental in Hawaii. The phrase “vacation rentals,” is often used to describe a number of establishments, including vacation homes, vacation apartment rentals, vacation villas, vacation cottages, as well as vacation condos. As nice as it is to have a number of different options, in terms of booking a stay at a Hawaii vacation rental, your options may seem overwhelming. To assist you, five tips that can help you, easily find, the vacation rental of your dreams for your next Hawaii trip are outlined below.

1 – Know What You Want

Knowing what you want is one of the best ways to find the perfect vacation rental in Hawaii. In fact, knowing what you want is the best way to have a great vacation in general.

When examining your vacation wants, it is important to examine the purpose of your vacation. For example, if you are taking a Hawaii trip with your family, you may want affordability and convenience. On the other hand, if your Hawaii trip has romantic purposes, you may be looking more for beauty, elegance, and privacy.

2 – Research All of Your Vacation Rental Options

As previously stated, the phrase “vacation rentals,” describes a number of different establishments. In Hawaii, you will find vacation homes, condos, villas, cottages, and apartment rentals available for the taking. It may be a good idea to examine all of your options.

What is nice about researching and examining all of your options is that it is easy to do with the internet. A number of online travel websites, especially those that deal specifically with Hawaii trips, allow you to quickly find a large number of vacation rentals. You can examine pictures and other information to see if you should stay at a Hawaii vacation home, Hawaii vacation condo, villas, cottage, or apartment rental.

3 – Research Some More

In addition to researching each type of Hawaii vacation rental you come across, like vacation homes and vacation villas, it is extremely important that you thoroughly research and examine your final choices. For example, although many vacation home rentals are similar in nature, they are different in a number of ways. That is why it is important that you examine all Hawaii vacation rental listings to see if the rental in question is the perfect match for you. Pay close attention to size, rental costs, additional fees, features and amenities, and any rules or restrictions that may be imposed.

4 – Examine Nearby Activities

Unfortunately, many individuals believe that the most important part of choosing a Hawaii vacation rental is choosing the rental that is the perfect size or price for them. While these are all important factors that should be taken into consideration, you will also want to examine nearby Hawaii attractions and activities. For example, if you are interested in spending your Hawaii trip surfing, boating, or swimming, a beachfront or beach view rental may be your best option and so forth.

5 – Make Your Reservations Early

As soon as you find a Hawaii vacation rental that you would like to book a reservation for, it is important that you do so right away. As previously stated, Hawaii vacation rentals are a popular choice among tourists. If you do not act fast, you may later find that your first choice Hawaii vacation rental is already booked for your intended travel dates.

The above mentioned tips are just a few of the many that can help you find, choose, and book the Hawaii vacation rental of your dreams. While you may not necessarily think about it at the time, your overnight accommodations can have a significant impact on the success of your next Hawaii trip.

Have you recently decided that you would like to take a trip to Kauai? If you have, you can rest assure knowing that you will have a great vacation. Kauai is a Hawaiian Island that is not only known for its beauty and its great vacation activities, but Kauai is also known for its beautiful vacation rentals.

If you are interested in booking a stay at a Kauai vacation rental, but if you are also concerned with price, you may take comfort in knowing that many Kauai vacation rentals are affordable. Yes, you will likely find a number of vacation rentals that are out of your price range, but the good news is that it is relatively easy to go about finding and booking a stay at an affordable vacation rental. To help you do so, five helpful tips are outlined below.

1 – Know What You Can Afford

Knowing what you can afford is a great way to find an affordable Kauai vacation rental. What you can afford or what you would like to spend on a vacation rental is important. This is because not everyone has the same views concerning affordability. What you may consider to be an affordable Kauai vacation home may be too expensive for other vacationers. That is why your first step should involve creating a budget for yourself.

When creating a budget for your next Kauai vacation, it is important to examine your other travel arrangements, including your airline reservations and car rental reservations. How much you would like to spend on entertainment should also be a factor, as it will have an impact on the overall cost of your next trip to Kauai.

2 – Use the Internet to Research Kauai Vacation Rentals

When it comes to making your Kauai travel arrangements, you have a number of different options. Many vacationers use the assistance of travel agents, others book their vacation rentals directly through the property owners, and others use the assistance of online travel websites. If you are looking for a quality, yet affordable Kauai vacation rental, you will want to examine online travel websites, namely those that deal specifically with Hawaii vacations and Hawaii vacation rentals.

3 – When Using Online Travel Websites, Search By Price

As previously stated, you can benefit from examining and booking Kauai vacation rentals through online travel websites. Not only are most easy to use, but they are convenient and time saving. When using an online travel website, you should be able to perform a vacation rental search based on a number of factors. Two factors that you will want to focus on include location, which would be Kauai, and your price range, which was touched on above.

When performing a customized search on an online travel website, your Kauai vacation rental results should only include rentals that are located on the great island of Kauai, as well as those that are within your budget. This approach can save you time, as you are able to automatically eliminate vacation rentals that you are unable to afford.

4 – Take All Extra Fees into Consideration

When examining Kauai vacation rentals online, you will find a wealth of information. Most reputable online travel websites will provide you with location, rental fees, features, and much more, including any additional fees. These additional fees are important, as they will have an impact on the overall cost of your Kauai vacation rental and its affordability. Most commonly, you will find a cleaning fee. This fee will likely vary depending on the size of the vacation rental in question.

In addition to additional fees, it is also important to examine security deposits. Most vacation rental property owners do charge security deposits. Although your security deposit will likely be returned to you in full, you should still include this security deposit in with the overall cost of your Kauai vacation.

5 – Be Sure to Examine All of Your Options

Examining all of your options, in terms of Kauai vacation rental types, is another great way to go about finding an affordable Kauai vacation rental for your next trip. What you need to remember is that vacation rentals come in a number of different formats, including Kauai vacation homes, vacation condos, vacation cottages, vacation apartment rentals, and vacation villas. Some of these rental properties are more expensive than others.

Do you tend to be late in paying your credit card bills? Is your pile of notices from creditors getting higher and higher? Do you fear you might lose your properties because you can’t pay off your credit card debts?

Being in deep credit card debt is not a thing that can be easily brushed off or treated lightly. Anyone who’s been in this situation knows how terrible it feels. However, if you ever find yourself in deep credit card debt, there are things you can do to make your financial situation not worse that it already is.

Tip #1: Budget right away.

Don’t wait until you lose your house. As soon as you find yourself in a bad financial situation, make a budget right away. How much is your income? Does it cover your expenditures? Assess your situation and know which expenditures are vital and which are not. Do you really need to eat out three times a week? Do you truly need to have all the bells and whistles that come with your cellphone plan? Must you shop for clothes every week? Your budget needs to cover all your basic necessities: food, housing, clothes, basic utilities and health-related costs.

Tip #2: Face your creditors.

Many deal with their creditors by avoiding them or running away from them. Dealing with creditors this way only leads to bigger and more serious problems. If you find yourself having a hard time paying off your debts on time, the best way to deal with it is to contact your creditors right away. Disclose to them your reasons for not being able to pay your debts and ask if they can come up with a revised payment arrangement. It’s important that you let your creditors know that, while you are in debt, you are very willing to pay it off. Face your creditors. Don’t let them reach a point where they pass your situation to a debt collection agency.

Tip #3: Deal with debt collectors.

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act is a federal law clearly stating that debt collectors cannot bug you, give false assertions or do anything that is not fair when they are trying to collect money from you. Read and understand this federal know so you can properly address debt collectors.

Tip #4: Consider credit counseling.

There are groups and institutions that offer credit counseling for those who need help with their financial problems. A good credit counseling organization can help you come up with an improved payment arrangement of your credit card debts. You can present this plan to your creditors for their approval.

Tip #5: File for bankruptcy.

Filing for personal bankruptcy is a last resort to fixing — and the legal way of addressing — your credit card debt. However, keep in mind that if you file for bankruptcy, it will remain in your financial information report for years. Thus, you may find it difficult to get additional credit, buy a house or even get a job with a bankruptcy on your financial information report.

Recent studies have shown the average American is about $10,000 in debt. Because of this, many people are looking for ways to consolidate their debts. It is not always an easy task to find ways to get your debt consolidated, but it is possible. Often, it can be important to consolidate debts because doing so can help your financial future become a bit brighter. It also helps you in short-term financial ways as well. The following are a few tips that can help you consolidate your debts to help improve your financial picture.

Tip#1 Seek Lower Interest Credit Cards

If you have debt that is on high interest credit cards, you may want to consider consolidating those debts onto low interest credit cards. There are various credit cards where you can transfer the high interest balance to one card. These cards offer low interest rates and some that even offer zero percent interest for a selected portion of time. Why keep paying those higher interest rates. You can get a lower interest credit card and save yourself much money each year.

Tip#2 Use the Equity in Your Home

One avenue for consolidating debts that many people forget is using the equity that they have in their home. If you own your own home, you may be eligible to get a home equity loan. In addition, you can apply for a line of credit to help you consolidate those high interest debts that you may have. It is important that you always keep current on your monthly payments to avoid losing your home.

Tip#3 Debt Consolidation Loans

Another way that you can consolidate debts is by taking out a debt consolidation loan. You would find these loans suitable if you have too much debt, and you find it tough meeting the monthly payments. Also, if you shop around you should get a break on the interest rate. That alone could reduce your monthly payments. Once you reduce your payments, you get out of debt much quicker than you could by paying off individual debts each month.

Tip#4 Try to Settle Your Debts

If you are desperate for a solution, try calling your creditors. Some creditors would be glad to help you continue paying, even a small amount. But don’t be fooled. It is in their best interest to motivate you to keep paying. So if you have the will to clear all your debts, you can most likely settle with your creditors. Remember you will need to contact all your creditors for this to work. Having one or two on board and not the other four can derail your plans with the first two creditors. Of course, there are other ways you can do this. Just use your imagination.

Tip#5 Refinance Your Home

You can also consolidate your debts by refinancing your home. By refinancing your home at a lower interest you can free up some cash. You can use the extra money to pay off some of your high interest debts.

These are just a few tips that can help you to consolidate your debts. Remember to weigh your choices carefully. Choose the one that gives you extra cash and some breathing room, in that order.

Have you recently decided that you would like to take a trip to Hawaii? If so, have you already decided on a destination? What is nice about Hawaii is that you have so many great vacation destinations to choose from. For starters, you can choose from the Hawaiian Islands of Big Island, Maui, Lanai, Molokai Oahu, and Kauai.

When it comes to choosing a Hawaiian vacation destination, there are a number of factors that you should take into consideration. Five of these important factors are outlined below for your convenience.

1 – Overnight Accommodation Options

When vacationing on one of the many popular Hawaiian Islands, you will find that you have a number of different overnight accommodation options. For instance, popular choices among tourists include booking a stay at a hotel, vacation resort, vacation home, vacation condo, or vacation villa. Although many Hawaiian destinations have each of these overnight accommodations available, not all do. For that reason, if you have your heart set on staying at a Hawaii villa, you will first want to examine Hawaii villa rentals and their locations.

2 – Your Vacation Wants and Needs

Speaking of having your heart set on something, it is advised that you take a step back and think about what you want your vacation to be. What do you expect to get out of your next Hawaiian vacation? For instance, would you like to spend your vacation along the beach or farther inland examining all that Hawaii has to offer? Taking your vacation wants and needs into consideration is one of the best ways to find and choose the Hawaiian vacation destination that is best for you, the rest of your traveling party, and your needs.

3 – Nearby Activities and Attractions

An important component of having the perfect vacation involves having constant fun. Boredom is one of the quickest ways to ruin an otherwise fun vacation. For that reason, you will want to take the time to examine Hawaii vacation destinations and nearby Hawaii activities and attractions. Doing so will enable you to find the Hawaiian vacation destination of your dreams, as you shouldn’t experience a moment of boredom.

When examining Hawaiian vacation destinations, namely the Hawaiian Islands, and their activities, you will want use the internet to your advantage or you can request free vacation guides. When doing so, you will see that you have a number of different options. For example, when vacationing on Molokai, you can go out and examine the tallest sea cliffs in the world or you can visit the Kalaupapa National Historical Park on a mule’s back.

4 – Available Vacation Rentals

As previously stated, it is important to make sure that your intended Hawaii vacation destination has a number of vacation rentals to choose from. In addition to having a wide range of options, it is also important to make sure that the rentals are available for your tended dates of travel. If you do find an available Hawaii vacation rental that peaks your interest, you may want to consider making your reservations as soon as possible.

As important as availability is, there are additional factors that should also be taken into consideration, when looking to find a Hawaii vacation rental. These factors should include size, onsite features and amenities, rules and restrictions, and cost.

5 – Cost of Travel

Speaking of costs, cost should also play an important role in choosing your Hawaii vacation destination. For example, if you were to choose to visit Molokai, you may need to make multiple travel arrangements. Not all of the Hawaiian Islands take flights directly from the United States and other countries. These additional travel arrangements may play an important part in your Hawaii vacation costs.

The above mentioned points are just a few of the many that you will want to take into consideration, when looking to choose your next Hawaiian vacation destination. Although you will likely be pleased with your trip, no matter which Hawaii destination you choose, you should still take the time to examine all of your options.

The joy of a new baby is certainly special and something that all new parents experience. However, a lack of sleep is also part of having a new baby and new parents notoriously get very little sleep, if any at all. Fortunately, there are some strategies and tips to help new parents get some sleep when the new baby comes. Of course, with a baby you will never get an over abundance of sleep, but these tips will help you at least get enough sleep to keep your sanity.

Tip #1 Take Turns
When the baby starts crying both parents generally wake up, even if only one attends to the baby. However, in the first couple of months both parents might get up each time the baby cries. This will lead to a lack of sleep for both parents. The best plan is for mom and dad to make a plan of who will get up when to comfort the crying baby. Generally, taking turns is really the best option and will help everyone get just a little more sleep.

Tip #2 Nap With Baby
If you are caring for the baby and are tired and the baby goes to sleep then you should take a nap as well. This will allow you to get some much needed sleep. So, whether the baby naps in the morning, afternoon, or early evening you should also get a little rest because you never know when the baby might wake up.

Tip #3 Accept Help
Frequently when you have a new baby there are plenty of people willing to help from parents, siblings, friends, and other family members. So, when you really need to get some sleep just accept some of the help that is being offered. Having your mom care for the baby just a couple of hours will allow you to get some much needed sleep.

Tip #4 Keep Baby in Nursery
The baby should sleep in the nursery and not with the parents. Many times it is tempting to allow the baby to sleep with the parents, but this is not healthy for the child or the parents. So, put the baby to sleep in his crib in the nursery. Then, when the baby cries one parent can easily go attend to the baby without disturbing the other parent. This allows a little more sleep for new parents.

Tip #5 Feed Baby Before You Sleep
If your baby has been asleep for several hours and it is around 11 pm and you are getting ready for bed simply wake baby for a feeding. Most babies wake during the night because they are hungry, so if you feed baby late before you go to bed it is likely they will sleep until early morning or 6-7 hours. This will allow you to get some continuous sleep, even if it is not as much as you want.

One of the biggest reasons for parent dissatisfaction is lack of communication. It’s extremely important in any small business and especially in family daycare. Remember daycare centers are taking care of a persons must valuable asset, their child. So it only goes to show that a parent is concerned about the level and commitment of care that they are receiving from a daycare provider. Communication is of such importance, not only does it show that you care about your clients, but also that you are a professional in the daycare industry.

1. When a parent comes at the end of the day to pick up their child, always start out a conversation with positive information. If there is anything negative to say about a child place that information in the middle of a conversation. So in other words, start with positive comments, than negative, and always end in positive.

2. When interviewing parents for enrollment to your daycare, always ask many questions regarding a families habits and patterns. What do they enjoy doing on weekend, what are their concerns regarding childcare, what are they looking for? Really try to find out what kind of family your customer is and what their needs are. Chances are you will be better off filling their needs if you know who they are from the very beginning.

3. Establish your rules and guidelines from the beginning. Having a contract stating your rules and regulations establishes a boundary in your business. So many times I hear from other daycare owners that parents do not respect their wishes. From the start you need to set the rules and boundaries, if you don’t parents may take advantage of you.

4. Always give parents enough time and warning. If you plan on closing your daycare, raising your prices, or making any type of change give your parents enough time. Many people do not do well with change so it’s always important to give them more than enough time to make the appropriate changes.

5. Once a year do a survey in your daycare. Find out if your parents are happy and what kind of improvements they are looking for. The more information you find out about your parents and what they want the better off you will be. Make sure that the survey is anonymous so that parents are not afraid to tell you their thoughts and opinions.

The moment I decided to specialize as a direct response copywriter (which means you get a response directly from the marketing materials, there’s no middle person involved, like a sales rep) I knew there would be one thing that would determine if I would be eating steak or eating mac and cheese.

And what’s the one thing? The results I got for my clients.

Therefore, improving results became a pretty big focus of mine. You might even call it a passion. (Some people who aren’t nearly as nice have called it in an obsession.)

Regardless, here are 5 tips that can help you improve the conversions of your marketing materials.

1. Know who you’re talking to. If I hear anyone say „women are my potential customers“ or „anyone with skin is my target market“ (yes, that really was a direct quote from someone who sold Mary Kay or Arbonne or something like that) I will send my border collies (all 3 of them) to your house and force you to play fetch with them until your arm falls off. Seriously, the quickest way you can end up with the most dismal results imaginable is to try and talk to everyone. Come up with a specific customer — the more specific the better — and make sure your marketing materials speak directly to that customer.

2. Make sure you write benefits, not features. This one is probably the hardest one to „get“ but also one of the most critical. People buy benefits, not features, so if you only talk about features you’re just asking for people not to buy what you’re selling.

So what is the difference between features and benefits? Features are a description of a product — for instance, if we’re talking about a diet pill, a feature would that the product is a pill. A benefit would be the solution the product provides — in this case, losing weight.

As much as you possibly can, write about why someone should buy your product. No one buys diet pills because they like taking pills, they buy them to lose weight. Think of the solution your product or service provides and write about that.

3. Work on that headline. David Ogilvy, famous ad man and author of Confessions of an Advertising Man, has said that people make the decision to read your marketing materials based your headline.

Your headline should: a. speak to your potential customers, b. contain a benefit, c. be so compelling your target market is compelled to read further. That’s a lot to ask for from basically a handful of words. So don’t rush the process — take as much time as you need to create the very best headline for your particular piece.

4. Don’t forget the call to action. You’ve got to tell people what to do next. If you don’t tell them what you want them to do, chances are they won’t do anything.

Don’t assume your potential customers know what you want them to do. They don’t. They can’t read your mind. Nor do they want to. They’re busy people. They don’t have the time or the energy to figure things out. Tell them what to do next, or don’t be surprised when they don’t do anything.

5. Use P.S.’s or captions. Postscripts (P.S.) are the second most read item in a sales piece. What’s the third? Captions. (The copy under photos, diagrams or other illustrations.) Now that you know that, think of the ways you can use either or both of those items in your pieces. Maybe you put a special offer in there or you highlight a particularly compelling benefit. Or you tell them again what you want their next step to be. Whatever you do, don’t waste that space.

If you even do just one of these tips, you should start seeing better results. Work on all five and you might be amazed at how much your results improve.

If you have tried everything, but still seem to suffer from snoring, don’t give up. Before turning to surgery, consider shopping for anti-snore devices. These products do not typically require a prescription, are economically priced and may just be the answer that you are looking for. However, as is the case when shopping for anything, there are a lot of anti-snore devices out there and knowing what to look for will make your selection process a lot easier.

Tip 1
Read the packaging, or information, carefully. Is the product doctor recommended or approved? If you see that the product is, in fact, doctor recommended, then you know that it is one of the quality anti-snore devices. For example, the Sleep Genie made by Odyssey Direct Solutions is a product that is doctor recommended. It has been proven to be effective, so you know you are getting value for your dollar.

Tip 2
Is the product safe? If the label doesn’t feature any product warnings, then look at the features and ask yourself if you think it looks safe for you. There is simply no reason to consider a product with safety warnings. While you are asleep, how much attention can you be paying to the safety of anti-snore devices? A good anti-snore device will protect you while you sleep and not cause additional need for concern.

Tip 3
Take a moment to consider if this is one of the anti-snore devices that appears comfortable. Among the things to consider are it’s design and materials. For instance, the Sleep Genie is very sleek in it’s design and is made from a comfortable nylon lycra blend. With this product, the snoring sufferer won’t have to worry about tossing and turning in discomfort. Comfort is key and is a must-have to avoid further sleep deprivation.

Tip 4
Affordability is a factor. Take some time to think about the cost of the item and it’s qualities. The majority of anti-snore devices are affordable, but others can be very costly. Before spending big bucks on anything, ask yourself if a more affordable product can produce the same results.

Tip 5
Does the product offer a guarantee or warranty? This is a sure sign that the product is backed by the company who makes it, which says a lot about their belief that the anti-snore device will work for you. Odyssey Direct Solutions, for instance, offers a 90-day money back guarantee on the Sleep Genie. By selecting a product that is backed by a company guarantee, you can feel good in knowing that you are getting value for your dollar.

This article is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be used as, or in place of, professional medical advice. Before beginning any treatment for snoring, please consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and remedy.

Getting a university education online has become a very practical reality for people who cannot spare the time and commitment to enroll in a regular university on a campus. Today there are countless options for getting yourself an online education, depending on your specific needs and goals. Therefore making the right choice that will be most suited to your schedule and learning style as well as the course itself is of prime importance.

1. Be clear about your needs

Different people have different needs for getting an online education. Before you begin considering your options, do some introspection to determine what kind of education you seek, how you can schedule your online education to fit into your routine, how much time and effort you are prepared to spare and whether it is personal fulfillment or career advancement that you aim to achieve through the course.

2. Investigate your options

The Internet is teeming with offers of online education for every conceivable purpose. So take the time to gather information about the options that suit you. Most schools provide free information kit on their education programs that can help you get a better idea of what’s in store if you choose to enroll with any of them. You have the option of conducting searches according to the type of courses you are interested in and colleges based on locations. Make sure you have a clear idea of the program being offered before you invest your hard earned money and time into any one of them.

3. Be wary of scams

As with all offers on the Internet, there is no dearth of scams that you need to be wary of when doing your searches for the right course. If you’ve heard about a course through a spam e-mail, steer clear of it. Fake degrees and credentials are plentiful and you’ll only be wasting your time, effort and money if you go with one of them.

4. Look for accreditation

Accreditation of the school or institute that you enroll in, is of vital importance. After all if the reason you are pursuing further education is to advance your career, the degree you will be earning needs to be recognized by your employers or prospective employers.

5. What are the facilities being offered

Different online courses have different facilities to offer their students. Many offer services like tutoring, reference links, library access, technical assistance, discussion threads, interaction with fellow students and a variety of other features. Depending on the kind of study aids that are likely to benefit you, make your choice based on the kind of facilities you can avail once you enroll for a course.

If you’re looking for cheap step ladders you have two choices. You can consider all the ladders that are cheap simply because they offer fewer features than others or have lower quality materials, or you can choose step ladders that are higher quality but come at a cheaper price because you’ve ordered them online from a wholesale or discount dealer. Keep in mind, however, that if you go the latter ladder route, you’ll want to choose a site that offers free shipping. Otherwise, getting that heavy but cheap step ladder to you may eat up your savings.

You might also find it very helpful to search for cheap step ladders on some of the top search engine shopping portals, where you can view the list of cheap step ladders by scrolling, or request a side by side comparison of those that interest you most.

For example, we went to the shopping portal of one of the largest search engines and asked for a look at step ladders. The choices were in the hundreds. We asked to sort by price. Keep in mind that on a high volume, high trafficked Web search engine site you can get some pretty silly results. We found oil paintings of step ladders and little ladders for parakeet cages. So, it took a little scrolling to get started – still easier than traveling around town and making notes about who offers what for how much and then traveling back to the location of our first choice.

But we soon chose three cheap step ladders we liked, and realized that for the additional $5 off the highest priced step ladder we had one that folded away easily in our tiny apartment. Maybe not the cheapest but still one of the cheap step ladders.

Doesn’t it seem as though summer is coming a bit quicker this year? Each day brings us one step closer to busting out the bathing suits and baring our bodies. This is the time of year when many people, women in particular, start scrutinizing their body closer than ever. My inbox is proof of this. I have decided to write an article about the number one question of last week- how to banish cellulite.

I was a bit surprised at the many misconceptions surrounding cellulite. A lot of women asked if such-and-such cream would work, if they should stop eating cottage cheese or if surgery was their only option.

What exactly is cellulite and what is the best way to get rid of it?

Cellulite is nothing more than additional fat cells stored in your body. We all have connective tissue that separates fat cells into little compartments. Women have honey-combed shaped compartments and men have a crisscross pattern. The honey-combed shape compartments are the reason some women have dimply thighs, or cottage cheese looking arms.

Getting rid of cellulite is simple, but not necessarily easy. The only way cellulite can be reduced is to reduce overall body fat. You cannot spot reduce or rub a cream on it. You cannot starve yourself either. The only way to rid yourself of cellulite is to follow these 5 highly effective, simple, and to-the-point tips.

1) Eat 5-6 small meals throughout the day. Each meal should be 2-3 hours apart. Each meal should contain one protein and one carb. The first meal should be eaten within an hour after waking.

2) Drink a cup of water at each meal.

3) Rest properly. This means taking at least 48 hours between strength training the same muscles, and it also means getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Lastly, it means taking 1-2 days off from exercising per week.

4) Cardio should be done at different intensity levels and different session lengths. Consider doing a low intensity/long session, a high intensity/short session and a few medium intensity/medium length sessions per week.

5) Strength train each muscle 1-3 times per week. You should lift a proper weight and perform the proper amount of sets/reps for your strength training method. If you need more guidance or exercise ideas you can head over http://www.strength-training-woman.com

All of the above things combined will result in cellulite reduction. There are no miracle creams or secrets. It’s all about good old fashioned working out. Having said that, workout smarter and not harder! Get on a great program that is tailored to your body and your goals. Everyone is different, but following these 5 tips practically guarantees your cellulite will vanish.

Being the most popular alcoholic beverage in existence, beer is everywhere. In certain situations, it is readily available and may present a problem for anyone who is not familiar with its side effects or being responsible in this situation.

TDrink minimal quantities. If you find yourself drinking more than would be used in a social situation, alcoholism may be a lurking illness. The best way to avoid addiction is to drink minimal quantities and know when to stop.

TDrink beer at home. The best way to drink beer responsibly is to simply drink it at home. This will eliminate the danger associated with driving or getting into a confrontation with others.

TDo not drive. If you have consumed beer, it is best not to drive. Not only may it be illegal, but also dangerous. If you need to go somewhere, walk or have someone to take you.

TIf you are away from home and have been drinking, give your keys to a friend, designated driver or call someone to pick you up. If you need a ride home, you can call a friend, family member of even a taxi. Anytime that you are under the influence of alcohol, it is pertinent that you not attempt to operate an automobile. This could not only endanger your life, but those of others as well.

TNever leave your drink unattended in a public place. This is especially true of restaurants, bars and/or anywhere that alcohol is served. Leaving your drink unattended may leave you susceptible to someone placing a substance in your drink. If you get up to dance or go to the restroom, order a new glass of beer when you return. If you are just mingling, take your drink with you.

In the United States, an individual must be 21 years of age to purchase and/or legally consume beer. When purchasing alcohol, photo identification is required. This can be in the form of a driver’s license or other similar form of identification, which features a photo and birth date of the customer. A number of retail grocers, in the United States, prohibit the sale of beer before 12 p.m. in the afternoon.

If you, or someone that you know, is believed to have a drinking problem, consult a local treatment center for diagnosis and therapy to help overcome the illness. Alcoholism is a disease that often requires professional medical care, which is why proper treatment is critical to its cure.

Do you feel that you’re wasting valuable marketing efforts on tire-kickers: a large and growing market segment? They subscribe to all your free offers — but leave their credit cards behind.

Early in my business life, I talked to anyone and everyone, enthusiastically. I gave away classes, e-books, articles and more.

But soon I was forced to confront the reality of opportunity cost. While I was chatting happily with the freebie-seekers, I lost the opportunity to update my websites, create new products and write more articles. — activities that would most likely bring „real“ paying clients.

1. Communicate “professional” and “commercial” on every page of your website.

Like many professionals-turned-marketers, I was nervous about sounding too sales-y. But when I began learning more about copywriting, especially copy for the web, my style became more direct. As soon as you arrived on my website, you knew: Sales were happening here.

What I learned: Serious buyers rarely got turned off. They want to be sold. Freebie-seekers and tire-kickers got the message quickly: You have to pay to play.

2. Create low-cost or no-cost products that deliver bite-sized portions of your expertise.

Serious buyers want to assess your style and expertise before buying. They may want to develop a relationship before handing over their credit cards.

So you need the basics: website content, ebooks, ezines and audio. You may even offer one-time consulting sessions so prospective clients can get a sense of your style.

3. Donate services for everyone’s benefit – not to help a single needy visitor.

Back in the early days, I felt sorry for everyone who called. But soon I discovered a hard truth. These “needy” folks were paying large sums to more experienced consultants who knew how to say „No!“

If you genuinely want to help others, donate your services through nonprofit and charitable organizations where you will get recognition, testimonials and possibly future referrals.

Sounds self-serving?

When I volunteered with a pet adoption center, many years ago, the coordinator warned, „Those who volunteer for selfish reasons will do better in the long run than those who bring dreams of saving the world.“ She was right.

Clients will get better service from a non-profit agency dedicated to filling their needs than from a reluctant but sympathetic consultant.

4. Clarify your business status as soon as anyone calls.

Some folks will call before they visit your website. Maybe they’ve seen an article or heard you speak – and they’re psyched. But often they’re confused about what you offer.

Typically, your caller begins with, „I need help! Can you advise me about my career change?“

If you’re a career consultant, your best answer will be, „Probably yes. Please visit my website and review my schedule of programs and fees.“

Serious buyers will appreciate this message. „How much does it cost“ is a signal of intention to buy.

5. Turn discount services into promotion tools.

Every so often clients present unique, interesting problems. They can’t pay — but you’d enjoy the challenge of finding solutions.

You may be tempted to offer scounted service in return for a testimonial or referral. These clients rarely value what you offer, so they deliver lukewarm testimonials.

Instead, get permission to record a call, which you can use as a demo on your website. Or ask to write up their stories as a case study, which can be sold as a Special Report.

Finally, pay attention to the way you choose your own services. Most of us unconsciously send messages that attract people with similar attitudes.

Recently “Ernestine” asked me how to network with coaches she admired. “I’ve seen their websites,” she said, “and I’d love to chat with them as colleagues.”

I advised Ernestine to subscribe to their ezines instead. “Then maybe buy an ebook or two,” I suggested, “and perhaps take a class. But the days of free mentorship are long gone.”

One of Ernestine’s role models sent a warm thank-you following an ebook purchase. Ernestine responded and they had a brief email exchange. Another coach encouraged participation in a Q&A class.

Most of all, Ernestine’s ebook purchases helped her decide how to choose her paid mentor. She didn’t waste her time – and theirs – and she presented herself as a professional, not a needy person.

Dry skin is a problem that not only occurs during the cold winter months, but also during summer as well. The increased humidity indoors in the winter and outdoors in the summer add to the problem that affects many sufferers around the world.

Symptoms of dry skin include redness and a tight feeling when you attempt to bend your fingers or even in the slightest movement of your hand. In the case of extreme dry skin, cracking and bleeding may occur. This is the most unpleasant part of dry skin as it can be very embarrassing and, as expected, very painful. While it often seems that there is no way to end this discomfort, there are several tips to help individuals who suffer from dry skin.

Dry Skin Tip # 1
Use a soap that has moisturizing lotion. This will be gentler on your skin and will add moisture back where it has been otherwise removed. If possible, avoid harsh soaps that dry out the skin or strip it of it’s natural moisture.

Dry Skin Tip # 2
While it is important to maintain proper hygiene, overly washing your hands or showering multiple times each day may promote dry skin. After washing, it is equally important to dry your skin thoroughly to prevent it from chapping.

Dry Skin Tip # 3
One of the most effective dry skin treatment products is Pacquin Plus Dry Skin Cream, which is sold in 8oz. bottles. This thick white lotion provides instant relief for dry skin and can be applied to not only the hands, but the entire body as well.

Dry Skin Tip # 4
Use a quality exfoliation product to remove dry and/or dead skin cells. By removing the old cells, you will expose the healthy cells and may be better able to fight against nature’s harmful effects.

Dry Skin Tip # 5
If problem worsens or persists, consult a dermatologist. In some instances, over-the-counter products may not be able to treat severe cases of dry skin. A dermatologist has the ability to recommend stronger treatment products, which may be needed in some instances.

This article is to be used for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used as professional medical advice. The information contained herein should not be used in place of, or in conjunction with, a doctor’s recommendation . Any individual who develops severe dry skin or that which does not respond to over-the-counter treatment, should consult a licensed dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Here are 5 tips to help with acne prevention and treatment and skin maintenance. They are listed in no particular order of importance.

1. Get plenty of fresh air and sunshine for vitamin D, ingredients for healthy skin. Not only will your skin appreciate the vitamin D, your body and mind will enjoy the oxygen and stress reducer of a daily jaunt outdoors. But don’t overdo it and get a sunburn! Remember to use sun protection / tanning lotions if you’ll be out long. You don’t want to get caught up in that cycle of burned, dead skin cells blocking pores, resulting in acne scenario.

2. Remember, even „good“ stress can trigger internal chemical responses that result in acne, too. So plan ahead to deal with extra stress when planning a wedding, graduation, a move, a new job, a job transfer, a new baby, etc. Journal a little extra, focusing on the upcoming issue or issues and plan in some extra rest (use relaxation or meditation tools – cassettes, workshops, etc.) Get help around the house, take time off, exercise (yoga and T’ai Chi are highly recommended), have fun or whatever you need to do.

3. Drink an adequate amount of water daily. Many recommend three to four tall glasses and mineral or filtered water. Too little water can lead to dehydration, which can lead to dead skin cells not naturally falling off or sloughing properly; the end result can be blocked pores, acne.

4. Acne has nothing to do with dirt. Period. So don’t over-wash or over-scrub your face or the rest of your body. Keep in mind that too much can result in dry skin. And dry skin means your body will jump in and create more oil. Then what? Extra oil + extra dead skin cells = blocked pores, triggering acne flare-ups. Same old story.

5. – Add more fruits, veggies, seeds and nuts to your regular diet. (Note that deficiencies if selenium and zinc, found in Brazil nuts and pumpkin seeds, have been associated with acne.) So add salads, dried fruit and nut snacks, juices and other healthy treats to your daily planning.

This report includes information based upon research about acne. It strives to help clear up myths from facts and present an overview of the issues surrounding acne along with possible solutions available to help with the prevention and treatment of acne, all based upon the most recent studies, reports, articles and findings available, so that you can learn more acne health care.

Creating the perfect home requires a lot of time and energy. There are so many things you need to take into account, especially if you are new at it. There are some very basic things to get you started.

1) The first thing to look at is the personalities that are in the house. If you are single then you only need to look at your own personality. For couples, the personalities are very often opposites. One may be outgoing and the other conservative. Be prepared to compromise when making decisions on design and color.

2) Browse through magazines and design books to get an idea of what you really like and what makes you comfortable. This really gives you the visual you need to think with when it will come to designing your own rooms. If you’ve never designed a room before, it can be intimidating staring at those blank white walls trying to figure out what you are going to do in there. Magazines can really help a great deal there by helping you choose an inspiration room as a guide.

3) The color of the walls will set the tone for the room so really take your time on that one. First start with the colors you like. If you already have furniture or have some in mind, look carefully at the colors in them. You can draw upon some of the colors in fabrics you will use in the room. If you are having trouble deciding, then go back to the magazines or books and see how the walls are painted and look for the color accents in the furniture and how they all relate. If you are using a picture of a room as your inspiration then it can be a lot easier to get the color right.

4) When you put your furniture pieces in the room, keep in mind the flow of the space you are in. You don’t want to make a room too small or choppy looking. Usually you know if it is not quite right. Rearrange until it is right.

5) Accent pieces go a long way in finishing up the look of a room. Plants and fresh cut flowers are great to put into any room. They have life in them that gives a comfortable feeling to any space. A crystal vase or candles can also soften a room. Framed posters or print and paintings on the walls are an age old custom of design. It is a staple that will never go out of style.

Design doesn’t have to be hard. You just have to find out what your style is and what makes you want to be there and then have fun putting it all together.

No one can tell you which online nursing school is right for you. As a rule, you must be the one who chooses which path to take and how you want to get there. The differences between the online nursing schools are varied and one needs to be aware that they all have their pros and cons. However, if you make a wise and informed choice then you are half way to your goal. If a nursing school fits with your schedule, needs and personality than there is nothing stopping you from succeeding.

Bear in mind that no matter which online school you choose you will still need to take part in clinicals which require ‘in person’ teaching to complete your degree. So before you have earned the degree you will need to transfer to a land campus school.

1. First and foremost check out the fees that the online nursing charges for their courses. This is probably the most important part of choosing an online nursing school. It is the common practice of all reputable online nursing schools to be up-front with their fees. They realize it is important to new students to know how much they will be paying for the course. This will help to build trust in the school as they put fourth the effort to respect their students by offering their fees in an honest manner.

2. You will need to check out the course requirements before signing up for anything. Each school has different requirements that must be met before entering their program. These may include a high school diploma, previous nursing courses, or specific course studies from other schools. All of these requirements are easily located in the prerequisite area of the course description.

3. Time available is very important when choosing an online nursing program. You will need to check and make sure that you have the minimum amount of time that is required by the school to dedicate to class and course type studies. Most of the schools that offer online programs operate on the same premise of standard schools and require that students complete a minimum number of hours in class room study to be eligible to graduate. All of the time that is required will be listed in the course description during the review process.

4. Degrees offered is another area where one should put fourth some effort in research. If the online program does not offer the degree that you need to get the job you want then it is useless to you as a school. Through most of the online nursing schools you can choose the type of degree that you wish to obtain and enter the course of study as set down by those guidelines.

5. Finally you should determine if the school you are looking at fits the individual needs that you have. If a school does not fit the most basic needs than it will not be of much worth to you as a student. If you have special needs or require an aggressive course study you should check with the online schools advisor to ensure that they can accommodate such a need or desire.

With the rise of the Internet, there’s never been a better time to launch a home business. Millions of people are choosing to work from home and make money on line, using only their computer and mouse. Millions more are involved in more traditional network marketing, scheduling parties and selling products to their friends, neighbors, and family. If you want to make money on line, how do you know what the best home business opportunity is for you? Read on for five tips to help you choose.

1. Know your options. There are tens of thousands of Internet-based home businesses, if not more. They range from multi level marketing opportunities to ecommerce to intellectual property sales. Your first step should be to find a website that has an overview of the best home business opportunities. This will save you countless hours scouring the Internet in order to find all of the choices available.

2. Know your strengths. Perhaps you’re a great writer, and would enjoy – and profit – from taking public domain books and articles and crafting them into books and articles that you could sell on the Internet. Perhaps you’re an experience network marketer and would do well selling products or online opportunities to others who want to break into the field of network marketing. When reviewing home business opportunities, narrow your field to those that play to your strengths.

3. Know your weaknesses. If you don’t know the first thing about building websites, it doesn’t make sense to choose a home business where you’ll have to build a bunch of websites. Likewise, if you couldn’t sell water to someone in the desert, don’t go into direct sales. Even though you might find an incredible home business opportunity, if it doesn’t dovetail with your talents, it’s not for you. It’s like any other job: there are jobs you’re automatically qualified for, those that you can learn as you go, and others that are beyond your reach. Again, success lies in playing to your strengths.

4. Diversify your revenue streams. Despite what many opportunities claim, your best chances for success come when you bring in revenue from several sources. You may begin with one home business, but over the course of a few months, you should add several others. By doing this, if one revenue stream goes south in any given month, you’ll always have backup sources of revenue.

5. Set goals and meet them. In order to be successful, you need to set goals. The goals you set should include revenue goals, marketing goals, and goals specific to the home businesses you’re engaged in. Once you’ve set your goals, you need to make a plan to reach them. Then, you need to commit to doing whatever it takes to follow your plan.

Having a home business is incredibly rewarding. If you’re a parent, you’ll have more time to spend with your children. If you’re retired, you’ll have additional income. If you’re a student, you can pay for your education. If you simply like the idea of giving up the hassles of a nine-to-five job, a home business will give you the freedom you desire. Just do your research, play to your strengths, diversify your revenue streams, and set and meet your goals, and you’ll experience the satisfaction that being a successful home business owner can bring.

The trading card industry is one of the most popular in all of collectibles. With everything ranging from race used sheet metal to game-used bats and rookie cards of tomorrow’s hottest stars, the manufacturers of trading cards have changed the way people collect. Some time ago, the greatest insert in a wax pack was a stick of bubble gum, but today it’s so much more.

With such popularity comes great wealth, for both manufacturers and collectors, and a few tips to consider when dealing with trading cards will make the hobby not only one of profit, but also of fun.

Condition. When shopping for trading cards, pay close attention to the condition. A mint card is one that is just like new, with sharp corners, no markings or creases. Some companies actually grade trading cards, while others simply let the shopper decide. Trading cards that are in poor condition are noticeable immediately, but ‘good’ and ‘fair’ ratings are open to interpretation.

Authenticity. If you are in the market for trading cards, take special care to learn as much about the hobby as possible. If you are going to spend big bucks on a single card, make sure that you are getting the real deal. A good example is the Michael Jordan rookie card, which was reprinted years ago. It looks so much like the original that even experts have a difficult time distinguishing the original from the reprint. If you are looking for an expensive card, make sure that it is graded by a reputable company and it never hurts to have it checked again after purchase.

Investment. If you are an investor, trading cards may be the hobby for you. It is inexpensive to get started collecting and the future profits can be high. Investors should consider purchasing rookie cards, which will be the first trading card that a rookie player appears on. If the star rises in fame, so will your investment. Additionally, mint condition cards appreciate the most in value.

Reputation & Research. If shopping for trading cards online, especially, find a company that has been in business for awhile. Look for information relating to their return policy, just incase the card isn’t exactly as described. Always be sure to do your research when purchasing trading cards and check the price guides to make sure you are getting a fair deal.

Have fun Most importantly, have fun when shopping for trading cards. While it is a profitable business venture for some, most importantly it is a hobby and should be enjoyed by all who partake.

As a general rule, black ink cartridges are more affordable than color toner. When considering which to purchase, take a moment to think about how you will be using your printer. Will your printouts require color or will they work just as well in black & white? If the answer is ‘yes,’ you will save a considerable amount of money in purchasing the black ink cartridges.

$If you are cost conscious and also have a great concern for the environment, purchasing recycled ink cartridges may be your best bet. Not only are these more affordable, but they are also better for the environment as are other recycled products. One of the best places for purchasing quality recycled ink cartridges is Viking Office Products and Staples.

$When you purchase any type of ink cartridge, make sure that it is compatible with your printer. Many people are surprised to learn that ink cartridges are designed to be used with a specific model and manufacturer of printers, which should be clearly explained on the outside packaging. If you have trouble remembering the model number on your printer, simply write it down on a piece of paper and take it to the store with you. This will be the single most important information to have on hand when selecting ink cartridges for printers because without the right printer model number, you are not likely to get the right product.

$Because ink cartridges are sometimes very expensive, it is often possible to find a real bargain on a printer/ink cartridge combo. A recent visit to a local retail store revealed a single ink cartridge for $29.97. Just beside the ink cartridge selection were several boxed printers. Among them, a new printer and color ink cartridge combo, which was priced at just $34.95. When you consider the difference of only $5.00 and the fact that you could purchase a brand new printer and ink for almost the same price as a single ink cartridge, the better deal was obvious. In this scenario, you could simply resale your former printer on eBay and replace it with the new printer. This just goes to show that a little smart shopping can go a long way in terms of getting the best value for your dollar.

$The majority of ink cartridges for printers carry a manufacturer’s warranty guaranteeing your satisfaction. The only way to receive coverage as promised is to retain the original purchase receipt, ink cartridge packaging and warranty information. If your new ink cartridge should fail to work as promised, most manufacturer’s will either replace the cartridge at no cost to you or refund the original purchase price in it’s entirety.

There are many terrific benefits to buying cars on eBay Motors, including a price that the you get to determine, lower insurance and the absence of a car payment every month if you pay in full. If you plan on buying used cars on eBay Motors in the near future, here are several tips to make sure that the road to your new ride is a smooth one.

Buying Cars On eBay Motors Tip # 1
Check with your local automobile insurance agent before deciding on a specific used car. If the cost of auto insurance is an important deciding factor, you should be aware that SUVs will be more expensive than a car. Regardless, however, a used car will carry more affordable insurance than a new one of the same model and make.

Buying Cars On eBay Motors Tip # 2
Request a CarFax report. This information is available for a reasonable fee and includes information regarding the car’s history, including whether or not it has been flooded or if it has ever been involved in any type of accident. In addition, the number of previous owners and whether or not the title is clear should also be included in a CarFax report.

Buying Cars On eBay Motors Tip # 3
Check out the car’s value with Kelly Blue Book. This source is one of the most trusted when it comes to providing new or used car values. By entering certain information into the website, car shoppers can learn what that particular automobile should be sold for. This can help potential buyers realize whether or not they are getting a good deal.

Buying Cars On eBay Motors Tip # 4
Consider gas mileage. An SUV will typically use more gasoline than a compact car, which is important if the cost of fuel is a major deciding factor in your purchase.

Buying Cars On eBay Motors Tip # 5
Select a used car with as little mileage as possible. This should mean that the car has a longer life and hasn’t been used excessively.

And finally, when buying cars on eBay Motors, make sure that the automobile you choose is one that fits your lifestyle. For example, a family would likely be more comfortable in a van or SUV, while a single person or a married couple may be perfectly happy with a compact car. The design of an automobile that you may consider buying on eBay Motors will ultimately depend on your intended use and how many are in your family that will be riding along at the same time.

As costs of PPC campaigns are increasing, internet marketers are more than even under the pressure to deliver positive results. The performance of PPC campaigns is dependent on following factors:

– The impression rate
– Your ad position
– Click thru rate (CTR)
– Conversion rate

Finding the right balance between impression rate, ad position and clicks is the starting point to successful PPC advertising. Before exploring tips to help your campaign perform better, let’s quickly sum-up the concept how Google displays your ads in its sponsored results:

* Daily budget controls frequency of your ad display

The frequency is expressed by number of impressions. If your daily budget is not high enough, your ad may not show all the time (meaning you don’t have enough impressions per day).

* Ad position depends on the Rank Number

The higher the rank number, the higher is your ad’s position on the page. The rank number is calculated based on the following formula:

Rank Number = CPC (Cost Per click) x CTR (click through rate) x (Ad quality)

Now we’re ready to explore what practices are more likely to help us improve PPC campaigns performance:

1/ Improve Ad Delivery

If your ad does not show up every time when searches are performed under your keyword, it may be a sign that your daily budget is not high enough. As you now know, how frequent of your ad display is controled by the daily budget. If you would like your ad to be shown more frequently, please consider to increase your daily budget in order to receive a maximum exposure for your ad.

Normally, you have 50% margin for your daily budget. For example, if your desired daily budget is $10.00 per day, you can set your actual daily budget on Google to $15.00 per day, because your actual spending is based on your click thru rate, by setting the daily budget higher will allow your ad to get more exposure, but your actual spending may still be in your desired daily budget range.

However, be sure to monitor your daily advertising costs and if they are rising too high, decrease the budget on the safe level.

2/ Improve Ad Delivery per Keyword

Each campaign can have one or more adroups. An AdGroup is a group of keywords and ads that will display when those keywords are searched for on Google. You may have experienced a situation when only few keywords out of the whole AdGroup trigger your ad. The explanation lies again behind the daily budget that controls a number of impressions for your campaign. These impressions are distributed between individual AdGroups and further between individual keywords. So it may happen that some keywords in a particular Adgroup have more impressions than the others, meaning some keywords trigger your ad more frequently than others.

If you want to improve the ad delivery for your targeted keywords, you can consider splitting your keywords and creating a new campaign for keywords with low impressions. This should improve the frequency with which they will trigger your ad.

3/ Optimize your Adgroups

As mentioned above, each campaign has one or more adroups that all share campaign’s impressions. Often, the impressions are not divided evenly between adgroups. So it may happen that some adgroups have more impressions and show their ad(s) more frequently than others. It is a very similar scenario as with keywords we just described above.

To improve results of your low-performing adgroups, you can consider to create a new campaign for them in order to increase the frequency with witch they show your ad on Google.

4/ Analyse your Clicks

Make sure the clicks are made for specific, targeted keywords. If you’re getting lots of clicks on non-targeted keywords, consider reducing Max CPC and/or your ad position in order to improve your ROI. Similarly, you can raise bids for targeted keywords that are performing well.

5/ Optimize your Ads

Make sure you bid on targeted keywords, create compelling ads and link them to relevant content on your website. The keywords you chose will segment the market and target your desired audience. If you won’t chose wisely, you’ll finish targeting the wrong market and wasting your advertising budget. The ad you create needs to attract attention of your prospects. It needs to communicate your unique selling feature – in other words, what makes your product/service different from others and why a visitor should visit your website. Be specific about your offer and include call to action. Lastly, guide visitors to the content on your website where they can access more information about the offer advertised. The landing page should also clearly state what is the next natural step to make – buy your product, download the white paper, sign up for a free trial, etc.

PPC management requires lots of work and testing but if you stick to the basics you can make money instead of losing them. Remember, the only measure that matters on the Internet is the profit you make.

Why do some people seem to succeed in all they do, but others flounder along at the rear? Mostly it’s because the successful people have set goals and take steps to successfully achieve them. So how do they always seem to achieve their goals?

Here are five strategies they use:

1. Start with a long-term goal, write it down, taking into account when you are goin to achieve the goal and why it’s important. Try and be as visual as possible, explaining how the achievement of this goal will change your life for the better. Once this long-term goal has been documented, break the goal into tangible steps that need to be taken to achieve the goal.

2. Make certain that you really want the goal. Ask yourself, „Do I really want this goal? Will this goal give me a better life?“ Answering these questions will give you more drive to achieve your goal.

3. Speak up. You should not keep your goals to yourself. Sharing your goals can help you get the support you may need from others. Some people are concerned with telling others about their goals because they are worried they will fail. However, telling others means that you are more likely to achieve your goals either with their support or in-spite of them.

4. Write down your goals. This strategy is advisable for those who have a long list of goals. After writing them down, review them regularly. You may also want to keep them handy to keep you motivated.

You have to discipline yourself to stick to what you have written. Do not just write them and tuck them away somewhere ‘safe’. Its better to keep them where you will see them, try sticking them to the refrigerator.

5. Stay on track and do not give up. Reviewing your goals will help open your mind to see if you are on the right track. While on track, you may have to face challenges that might change the way you see yourself.

Never be discouraged. Encountering obstacles is just a test for how dedicated one is to achieve the goals you’ve set. It will all boil down to you preparing yourself to face anything and doing everything to get to the goal that you have set for yourself. Only you can make it happen. Nothing can stop you if you have set your mind to it and commit to taking action.

Motivation is the driving force behind life-enhancing change. It comes from knowing exactly what you want to do and having an insatiable, burning desire to do what’s necessary to get it. It keeps your dream on track as it is the power of motivation that keeps you going when the going gets tough.

Here’s 5 top tips to help you supercharge your motivation:

1. Create a picture board and fill it with images of your desired goals. The car you want to own, the house you want to live in, the area where you want to live yes, they’re the obvious ones. Others could be pictures of holiday destinations, trophies, first-class travel tickets, clothes you want to buy, fine restaurants you want to frequent – whatever you can think of that gets your pulse racing.

2. GET ANGRY. If you want to change your life for the better then get angry about where you’re at now. Having a blasé attitude towards change isn’t what’s needed and it won’t create a strong desire within you. So ask: “Why do I want to change?” Is it because you’re FED UP with debts? Does your job DRIVE YOU CRAZY? Is your life DULL AND PRECITABLE? Are you SICK AND TIRED of doing the same thing week in week out? Are you BORED BEYOND BELIEF by the dull, uninspiring, unhappy people you associate with? THEN GET ANGRY ABOUT IT. And I mean REAL ANGRY. Write it all down, all of the frustrating, unrewarding, miserable lot of it that makes every day a dull slog until your final days. IS THAT WHAT YOU WANT?

3. Speaking of your final days, start to appreciate the value of time. Time is one of the most precious resources you have and it is also a NON RENEWABLE resource. You can either use it fully or squander it. If you want to create change you’re going to have to invest a lot of time to make it happen. Start to reduce the time you waste on irrelevancies: Television, newspapers, lie-ins, weekends spent shopping, partying, dining out, visiting an endless line of relatives and friends – these won’t help you get what you want and all of them will rob time from you. Valuable time that you can use much more effectively by investing it in YOU. Remember this: You have a finite amount of time here on Earth. You don’t know how much time you have – no one does. But it’s how you use the time you have that counts. So make your time count and that means starting from right NOW.

4. Conformity. Are you a mindless little sheep who’s way too timid to pursue your own way? Do you have to follow where everyone else goes, doing exactly what everyone else does and therefore, who gets the same levels of happiness as all the other little sheep? Seriously, does this describe YOU? Are you too frightened to be different than all of the other sheep because they wouldn’t like it if you decided to follow a different path? So you dutifully trot along following all the other sheep because if they’re doing it then that’s how it is right? But if you do what everyone else does you’ll just get what everyone else gets. Do you want to be a mindless, timid little sheep who blindly follows all the other sheep? Or do you want to be a leader, a warrior who possesses the courage to be uniquely you and to do what you want to do and make your dreams happen? If so then this means you have to be more like a tiger than a sheep. Do you really want to be a sheep? I mean, haven’t we got enough sheep already?

5. Fear your fear. Fear is the force that is determined to stop you in your tracks and rob your dreams from you. But it can only do this if you let it. Are you going to let this cruel destructive charlatan trample on your dreams, steal your happiness and crush your spirit? Imagine this thought haunting your final days: “I didn’t do the things I wanted because I was too frightened to live”. And by then, it’ll be far too late to conquer fear. Refuse to let fear spoil your life and start taking action – now!

The world is waiting for your unique gifts. Why keep it waiting any longer?

If you love Latin rhythms and want to lose weight keep reading. No longer do you have to spend your money going to the gym. By following my simple weight losing tips while listening to Merengue Latin grooves, you’ll be able to shed pounds effortlessly. Many people like to listen to music when they work out but a small percentage of people around the world know about my little Latin-dance work out strategy.

You can dance at your own pace because it doesn’t matter if you are an expert or a professional salsa dancer, you just need to follow the rhythms, listen the drums, and listen to amazing Latin beats.

Tip number #1: Make a commitment to pop in a Merengue or Salsa CD or download some Merengue or Salsa music online that will make you start dancing while breaking a sweat.

Tip number #2: Take 2-3 Merengue or Salsa dancing classes. You cav take a basic Latin dance class or intermediate to advance level class based on your experience.

This will eventually improve your Latin dancing skills and dedication and will make you look like a professional. These moves also help strengthen your abdominal muscles which can help keep fat flab off your tummy.

Tip number #3: Make a commitment to dance at least 60 minutes a day before work, after work or on your lunch break. Don’t forget; if you are a female, shake your hips. If you are a male; shake your chest. The first 30 minutes should not be interrupted, stay active and in constant motion for the full 30 minutes because this is when you start burning fat and calories.

Tip number #4: If you don’t want to take the time and money for classes, begin with the simple 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 steps starting with a right step in front and left step back and fourth while counting 1,2,3,4,5,6,7. This will help you dance the weight away.

Tip number #5: Keep your stomach and back straight for better stability, as it is very important to maintain your center of gravity when changing direction. Good balance will allow you to be in the correct position to hit the next dance step.

Dancing to Latin tropical rhythms like Salsa and Meringue this summer will get you in shape in no time. By increasing your power with the following Latin grooves exercise, you can improve your overall fitness goals in less than a month.

Picking yourself up out of debt can be difficult and tiring. This process requires hard work and focus, as you must learn to change your spending habits. It can be difficult for anyone to follow these changes and become debt free. If you want to be debt free, you need to follow a set plan. These 5 tips will help you to create, and stick to, that plan.

Assess your Debt

The first thing that you need to do is to assess your current debt situation. You need to understand how much debt you have. You need to understand how much interest that debt is incurring. These numbers will help you to set your goals. If you want to be free of all debt, you need to fully understand that debt.

Make More than the Monthly Payment

Many attempt to be freed from their debt by paying the minimum monthly payment on their credit cards. This method will not remove debt from your life. In some cases, the debt can still rise. You need to make an extra effort to pay more than the minimum amount each month. The more you can afford to pay a month, the better off your finances will be.

Budget Your Paycheck

If you want to be free of debt, you need to budget out your paycheck. You need to budget for payments such as rent payments, car payments, and insurance payments. You should also budget out a specific amount for gas and groceries. After you have budgeted these needs, you can budget in the amount of money that you want to pay on your debt. This will help to keep your current finances secure.

Start Saving

If you are looking to be free of debt, you need to start saving money. A solid savings account can help prevent you from going into unmanageable debt in the first place. While you may not be able to contribute a lot to your savings per paycheck, the account will eventually grow into a stable and reliable account.

Take Something Out of your Routine

Most people have a habitual spending habit that will drain them of a decent amount of money per month. Think about a specific spending habit that you have. Some people go out to fast food on specific days. Others need their cup of coffee from their favorite coffee house every day before work. Taking these extra expenses out will help you to reallocate that money to a savings account or debt payment.

It is important for you to assess your debt before you create your plan. This will allow you to understand your situation fully. When you understand the situation, you can plan for monthly payments. This plan will also help you budget for your life, and budget for a savings account. These components all add up, helping you to be debt free as quickly as possible.

If it’s your first time to apply for a credit card, be careful with accepting any unsolicited offer that comes your way. If you don’t take care, you just might find yourself a victim of credit card fraud.

5 Tips on Wising Up to Fraudulent Credit Card Offers

Tip #1 Apply Directly to the Credit Card Issuer.
You might find yourself encountering an offer that says you’ll have an easier time applying and getting approved for a credit card through their help. Unless they work directly for the credit card issuer, no middleman representative or company can change your credit card application’s fate if it’s truly not meant to pass. The only thing that can improve your chances of getting approved is by improving your credit score and nothing else!

Tip #2 Bad Credit Matters…Negatively.
If someone tells you that he can get you a credit card that’s not only unsecured but with low interest rates as well, you’re getting your leg pulled by a con artist. Bad credit always matters, and they matter negatively. Credit card issuers never ignore the fact that you have bad credit no matter who you are. If you have bad credit but you want to have a credit card, your best bet is getting a secured one or one that’s specifically designed for people with bad credit.

Tip #3 There is No Up Front Fee to Pay.
And if there is, it should be minimal because there’s really nothing you should pay for. Up front fees are rarely required by any major credit card issuer so being asked to do so in the first place should make warning bells ring in your head. Secondly, if they refer to the up front fee as your “annual fee”, it should appear on your first credit card statement and paid together with your initial credit card charge.

Tip #4 Know What their Gold, Platinum, and Silver Status Really Means.
Other people will try to deceive you with tempting gold, platinum, and silver credit card offers. But before you take the bait – take the time to ask what exactly those offers entail. In most cases, a gold credit card means having an elite status because you’ve got an incredible credit card limit, competitive interest rates, and amazing rewards to look forward to. Is that the kind of gold credit card they’re talking about? Or could it be just a gold colored card with the usual privileges? Or worse, could it only be used to purchase items from their very own product catalogue?

If you really want a gold, platinum, or silver credit card – ask yourself if you can truly afford it first.

Tip #5 If You Want to Have Credit Card Protection You Can Do the Protecting Yourself.
A different but related credit card offer that you could also encounter is one providing you with credit card protection and insurance. The person making the offer might also weave terrifying tales of what could happen to you if you don’t get your credit card insured. But the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) cautions consumers from availing of this offer because it usually proves useless in the end. If you want to protect yourself from credit card troubles, you can do so by using your card responsibly and wisely.

There are sure to be other types of fraudulent credit card offers you could encounter, but just remember the golden rule for credit cards: if an offer seems too good to be true, it usually is!

Many folks dream of having their own online home business, working the hours that are convenient to them, answering to no one and having all the free time they want in order to spend all that money they are going to earn. Starting a home online business can wind up being rewarding, but not as easy as many people may believe and there are five things you will need to consider before making the plunge.

Tip #1. You will have to establish a work time schedule. The myth of working whatever hours you choose is one of the biggest attractions to starting an online home business, but not scheduling a set number of hours in which to do the work is an invitation to fail. The time you schedule does not have to be the same as traditional business hours since your online business is open all day, every day. They can be any hours you choose, but there needs to be a set number of hours dedicated to the business every day.

The thought of working in your pajamas is another selling point to many home businesses, especially those based on the internet, but realistically offering a professional service requires a professional attitude and, realistically, how professional can you be in your pajamas. Maybe you can trade in the suit and tie for t-shirt and jeans, but being ready for an online home business should not be any different than getting ready for a traditional job.

Tip #2. Establish an area in the home in which you will work. Whether it is a spare bedroom transformed into an office or a section of the kitchen carved into a home office is irrelevant. What matters is that you, as well as the rest of the family understand that this is your place of employment. Interruptions and conflicts are not appreciated nor will they be tolerated.

Tip #3. Establish an online presence for your business. Many who work an online home business do not see the need for having their own website, especially if the business provides one for free. Understand that with marketing, having your own online presence can direct traffic directly to you and not one of possibly thousands of other websites offering the same type of service or product as you offer.

Tip #4. You will need to let others know about the services you offer and the easiest and possibly most cost-effective way to do this is through networking. When many working an online home business hear the term networking, a shiver goes up their spine. Forget for a moment about online network marketing and think about all the networking you are already involved with. If you belong to a social or professional organization, you are networking.

Tip #5. You are the best selling item in your inventory. Whether selling a service or a product the first things potential customers will see is you. Being able to sell yourself to others is a huge step in building a successful online home business.

It was Michael Tyson’s second day at our Kung-Fu school and I took a hard look at him. He was built like King Kong, was as hairy as King Kong, sported Mr. T’s hairstyle, but he had Oprah Winfrey’s puckered lips and Michael Jackson’s kohl-lined eyes. This made me a wee bit suspicious of his intentions, but I was in full concentration mode as I began teaching him some basic Shaolin Kung Fu tips.

„Tyson, in Shaolin Kung Fu, the Chi (breath) must unite with the Li (force). Do not lose focus, because the brain must coordinate with the heart, the heart must coordinate with the mind and the mind must dictate the way you breathe. Persevere and you will be rewarded.“ I began educating Tyson.

„Man, you just sound like my Grandma when she’s chanting hymns at the church! Ha, ha!“ Tyson guffawed, his lips vibrating, his eyes filled with merriment. Hmm, Tyson was a casual customer.

I smiled back, „Thanks for that, Tyson. In Shaolin Kung Fu, it is necessary for the body to be agile, swift and packed with energy. The movement of all parts of the body must be coordinated and you must focus on your body movements. If you move forward one step, your hand should move, too, in rhythm. Even when you strike, do not focus on your fist or the force you put behind it – just concentrate on your body rhythm. Understood?“

„Dude, is this a ballet school or what? Ha, ha!“ Tyson laughed, his lips puckering even more. A little bird flew inside my brain and told me Tyson was an irreverent type.

„Thanks again, Tyson. Now, pay attention: In Shaolin King Fu, the five elements of nature – wood, fire, earth, metal and water form a unique fusion during a fight. You must observe them and the arrangement of the universe around us. When you practice Shaolin Kung Fu, you will one day understand that your Chi (breath) can influence these five elements. When you reach that level of realization, you will be able to move very heavy objects with one movement of your hand or foot. Shaolin Kung Fu is that powerful, Tyson.

„Hey, buddy, I came here to be a fighter – I don’t wanna be no weight-lugging porter, my friend!“ Tyson continued his rocking and rolling.

Well, it was my Shaolin Kung Fu training that helped me maintain my cool. Otherwise, Michael Tyson would have been toast by now with a lot of jam on him, „Tyson, please pay attention – So far, you have learned that in Shaolin Kung Fu, you have to focus on your breath and your body movements while observing and connecting with the five elements of nature. Now here’s the fourth tip: Shaolin Kung Fu requires you to be an expert in fist work. You must move your arms in such a way that the enemy cannot get sight of your fist. Your arms and fists must move at the speed of light and for that to happen, you will have to train your sinews in such a way that when you punch, your arm must glide like a bird landing on a lake.“

„Sure, leg movements are important too: In fact, there are seven kinds of leg movements in Shaolin Kung Fu, but we’ll come to them later on.“ I continued.

„Got any cool underarm movements, eh, Balboa boy?“ Tyson sniggered, looking at me with come-hither eyes. I wished he’d get pregnant and go away.

„Okay, Tyson, this is your last tip for the day: In Shaolin Kung Fu, your eyes, ears and heart must be in perfect rhythm. Your eyes must follow the enemy’s movements and your ears should be sharp enough to detect the slightest of sounds – this, while your heart is steady, cool and calm. If you are able to achieve this state, you will not make mistakes. That’s enough for today Tyson, class over. Now join me for a round of Shaolin Kung Fu sparring.“

„Hey Balboa, whatever you say! Hee, hee“ Tyson said grinning ear to ear, not knowing what was coming at him.

That was the last time Tyson ever fooled around in Kung Fu class. And in case you are wondering, no, I didn’t kill him – but that’s another story.

Having a baby is one of the most beautiful things that could happen in a parent’s life. Yet, it is also challenging. Raising your newborn child is not easy. It takes a lot of effort and patience to nurture your child until he or she reaches the stage of complete development. Though some of the time this task is can be quite challenging, the joys certainly outweigh any negatives. Here are some suggestions for successful baby nurturing:

1. Feeding

Breast milk is recommended for the first year of a newborn’s life. This is to give the baby the optimum sustenance to grow and progress. Generally speaking, the newborn child should be breastfed about 8 to 10 times a day during the baby’s first few weeks. As a parent, it is necessary that you know when your baby is getting the proper nourishment needed. Some indications that your baby is feeding well is when he or she is having four or more wet diapers a day or having a bowel movements 3 times or more a day.

2. Sleep

Don’t be surprised if your newborn child spends the majority of their time sleeping. It is common for infants to sleep most of the time, around 12 to 20 hours a day. When putting your baby to rest, it is advised by most doctors that you put your baby on his/her back, on a firm mattress. During cold weather, it is best that you dress your baby with warm pajamas to keep him warm rather than using a bedspread.

3. Bowel movements

Determining if your newborn child is having a bowel movement is easy. It is usually apparent when he starts to become quite hard to please, his face turns red, and he starts to cry and tends to move his legs. It is natural for newborn babies to pass a lot of gas so don’t be surprised if this happens often. If your baby is breastfeeding, it is quite normal that he will pass stools a couple of times a day. On the other hand, babies that are formula fed do not pass stools quite as frequently. Should you ever see any signs of blood in the stool of your baby, immediately give your baby’s physician a call.

4. Dressing your newborn

Providing your baby with the proper clothing is very important. Keep in mind that you should use clothing that is comfortable and appropriate. During cold season, you should clothe your baby with knit caps and booties. Though parents often want their baby to look fashionable, it is better not to overdress your newborn. Babies struggle to regulate their body temperature and therefore rely on layers of clothing to stay the right temperature.

5. Baby’s day out

Taking your newborn child can be fun. However, you need to consider when and where you can take your baby. Limit outings to nice days. It is important to keep your baby away from people with colds or any other form of illness. Also, avoid direct sunlight for this may harm your baby’s skin. In addition, avoid taking your baby to crowded places while your baby is only a couple of months old.

To sum it up, proper nurturing of your newborn child is a rewarding experience. You’re not only able to personally attend to your child’s needs, but you also get to enjoy quality time where you and your baby can bond together.

In order to treat or completely eliminate fibromyalgia, many doctors advocate adjusting your diet for levels of energy and immune system enhancement. Though you likely suffer from a number of fibromyalgia symptoms, if proper diet eliminates or eases even one o f those symptoms then isn’t it worth your time to give it a try? To help you adjust your diet and feel better, here are 5 tips on proper fibromyalgia diets.

The first of the 5 tips on proper fibromyalgia diets is to increase the variety of foods you eat and vary the amounts and combinations. What this does is help your body to get a wider range of the vitamins and minerals you need along with fatty acids that will improve overall health. To that end, you should also try to incorporate more organic foods into your diet. The chemicals used in other vegetables can reduce their nutritional value and thus cause you to lose the vitamins and minerals that are so important to your fibromyalgia diet.

Second of the 5 tips on proper fibromyalgia diets is to change your eating patterns. Instead of eating the standard three meals a day, consider eating less more often. Try to eat a small meal as often as every three hours. This keeps your metabolism high and your energy levels with it, and you will feel more energy.

Third in the 5 tips on proper fibromyalgia diets is to be aware of what you should avoid. Stay away from fast food and junk food. In addition to that, keep caffeine, sugar, and any unnecessary drugs (like alcohol) out of your system. Many of these foods and additives will cause you to have sharp rises and falls in energy and metabolic levels. What you want when you have fibromyalgia, or even just for overall health, is to have a constant feeling of well being that comes from balanced diet.

Keep your diet balanced. Of the top 5 tips on proper fibromyalgia diets, keeping your diet balanced is probably the most important. If you try to control the balance of complex carbohydrates, essential fatty acids, lean animal protein, vegetable protein, and healthy plant fats, then you will feel better and your body will get stronger. Additionally, by doing that you are simply making the other tips easier to follow.

Finally, you want to make sure you are paying attention to food intolerances and allergic reactions. Remember that if your diet is making you feel worse, it is only going to make the fibromyalgia worse right along with it. The idea of the diet is to feel better overall, so it is important to make sure you know how certain foods make your body react.

These 5 tips on proper fibromyalgia diets will hopefully help you to deal with your condition. By understanding each of these tips, you can go a long way in feeling better just through what you eat. So sit down and come up with your fibromyalgia diet so that you can feel better and live a more normal life.

There are few people who wouldn’t welcome the opportunity to earn extra money. After all, the sluggishness of the economy means that our money just doesn’t go as far as it used to. When you add in the mortgage crisis and job outsourcing, it only makes sense to find ways to make money at home. In times like these, extra cash can help make ends meet or pad your bank account a bit just in case the unthinkable happens.

Unfortunately, many people who want to work from home don’t take the steps necessary to find the right opportunities and ensure their success. Here are five tips to get started and stay on the right track.

1. Write down your motivations. To find the right opportunity, it helps to get clear on why you want to earn money from home. Do you want to supplement your income, to have part-time work while the kids are in school, or do you want to save for a vacation? Whether you are looking for some extra spending money or you need the money for necessities, putting pen to paper and outlining why you want to earn money will help you focus and stay motivated.

2. Make money online. If you have a high-speed Internet connection (as most people do), it literally pays to look for ways to make money online. After all, you already have a computer, so why not work at home and make your own hours? Hundreds of thousands (if not millions) of people are already making part- or full-time incomes online. Shouldn’t you be one of them?

3. Find the right opportunities. It’s sometimes difficult to figure out which work at home opportunities are legitimate and which will work well with your skills and interest. The best place to start looking is a website that provides visitors with a comprehensive listing of the top-rated opportunities to earn money from home. That way, you can be assured that the opportunities have been researched and investigated, and that the company or companies you choose to work with pay on time, give excellent support, and will help you earn from home.

4. Do the math. Once you’ve written down your motivations and have reviewed opportunities to work at home and make money online, you need to determine your financial needs. When you know how much you want to make, you can do the math and figure out the amount of time you’ll need to commit to reach your goals.

5. Treat it like a job. While it’s true that working from home means that you can set your own hours and work as little or as much as you’d like, the only way you’ll truly succeed and earn money at home is if you treat it like a job. That means setting regular „office hours“ where you’re free from distractions and can concentrate on your efforts to make money online. Perhaps you want to work while the kids are in school, or maybe you’re a night owl and want to work from midnight until three in the morning. To increase your likelihood of success, though, set a regular schedule and stick with it.

With gas prices sky high most individuals who drive are interested in ways they can make their car more fuel efficient and save as much money as possible. While there are no fuel saving tips that will keep your car full of gas without filling up, there are some tips that really can help you save money on fuel over the long run. All of these tips focus on making your car more fuel efficient.

Fuel Efficiency Tip #1 Drive When You Crank Up
This might seem obvious, but as soon as you crank up your car you should drive off. However, many people crank up and leave the car idling for a while. Instead of this, when you crank up drive off and only keep your car running when it is absolutely necessary.

Fuel Efficiency Tip #2 Don’t Ride the Break
Many drivers hit the break more often than is necessary. Additionally there are quite a few drivers that slow down for a braking car when they could easily switch lanes. Not riding the break can increase your fuel efficiency by up to 30%, so this is a great tip you should follow.

Fuel Efficiency Tip #3 Turn Off Your Car
If you are going to be stopping for more than 10 minutes you should switch off your car to keep fuel efficiency at its peak and not burn more gas than is necessary.

Fuel Efficiency Tip #4 Don’t Turn Off Your Car
If you are only stopping for a brief moment or less than 5 minutes then don’t turn off your car because the amount of gas used to crank up is more than you would burn in that short period of time.

Fuel Efficiency Tip #5 Inflate Tires Properly
Too many drivers never think of their tires, unless one goes flat. However, having tires that are properly inflated can save fuel and make your car more fuel efficient, saving you money. Because of this, you should check your tire pressure on a regular basis.

While gas prices don’t seem like they will be dipping considerably in the next few months every tip to help you make your car more fuel efficient is helpful. So, follow the above fuel tips and you will see that over time your car really is more fuel efficient.

When used effectively business cards can be a great marketing tool. In this article we will discuss 5 of the most effective ways that you can use your business cards everyday.

1. Be Creative.

Be creative in the design of your business cards. Business cards do not just need to be bits of paper with your contact details on them. Be creative and give your business cards a use and purpose. Make them a powerful marketing tool in the promotion of your business.

Your aim is to make your business card something that the receiver will want to keep and make use of. This is the difference between a well thought out and designed business card and a piece of paper with your contact details on it that will probably be thrown into the trash.

Give the recipient of your business cards a special offer. For example if you are a school/training centre you may offer ‚first lesson for free with this card‘ or if you run a shop maybe you will offer ‚10% of any purchase over $50‘.

Whatever your business, there is a creative way to give your business card real value to the receiver. If you can think and implement these new creative ways before your business does, you will have an instant advantage in that area of business, and should definitely see a rise in business if you have promoted you cards correctly.

2. The 1 minute rule

The 1 minute rule basically says, if you talk to a person for longer than 1 minute they should already have one of your business cards in their hand.

This means in conversations you need to find a way to talk about what you do, and be in the position to be able to offer one of your business cards to the person you are talking to in the first minute of conversation. This can be likened to a conversation you may have with someone at the bus stop or on the elevator. The conversation will end in a very short time and you only have a very short time to get your message across, or in this case get your business card to the recipient.

The 1 minute rule is basically just practice to get your business card out there as much as you can. Many people go through all the trouble of ordering business cards just to let them sit in a corner of their office. To use business cards effectively you must be giving them out at every opportunity that you have.

3. Make them keepers

Once you have given your business card to someone what is going to keep it from being thrown in the trash or forgotten about. Unless you are selling necessities it is probably fair to say that most likely they do not need the product/services you are offering at the present moment. Hopefully though in the future will come a time when they are looking for that product/service and that is when your business card still needs to be in the hands of the person.

Why does someone want your business card? If you cannot answer that easily, maybe it is time to think about a new business card design.

Does your business card have valuable information on it? By valuable I mean a map, discount, calendar, measurements, charts or anything relevant to your industry? If it doesn’t, you may want to think about adding a value feature to your business card.

4. Leave them everywhere you go

During a number of trips around a number of businesses in my local area I have noticed piles of business cards on the counters of various businesses. For example a recent trip to my accountant I noticed they had a few piles of business cards on the counter for mortgage lenders, home loans, etc.
This can be likened very much to link swapping that goes on with webmasters looking for business referrals from similar businesses.

Every place that you frequent, you should ask if they mind you leaving a stack of you business card there for their customers. You could try this at your doctors office, your dentist, accountant, lawyer, beauty saloon or hairdresser.

For similar businesses (e.g. accountant > lawyer or money lender) maybe you can arrange to have a stack of their business cards displayed at your business when they offer your business cards at theirs. This can be a very effective way to use you business cards and can have great returns.

5. Ask for an opinion

‚Do you mind if I ask you a quick question? I’m looking for opinions on my new business card‘. After asking the question and bringing the topic up hand them a business card. Make sure that they keep it, even if they try to hand it back to you tell them that you have thousands printed already.

Thank the person for their time, and if they ever need the product or service that you are offer that your contact information is on the business card. Even if that person may not directly contact your business, there is always a chance that they may pass your card or business name onto another party.

Even in the worse case they may go home and tell their friend how a nut just came and talked at the bus stop and handed them a business card for his lawn mowing service. That friend may say, ‚I’ve been looking for a good lawn mower‘. ‚Here’s the business card I got‘. And there is a situation where you may still even get business out of handing your business card to a stranger and even a disinterested stranger.

By following just one of the above five ideas each day, you can turn your business card into a great marketing tool, and see an almost instant increases in business.