My favorite professional chef would have to be Alex Stratta. He is the executive chef at Alex, located in the Wynn Resort in Las Vegas. Alex has worked at many 4 star restaurants and after he went to Renoir at Mirage he was able to achieve the coveted Mobile 5 Star status after only 6 months. His restaurant Alex, is currently rated Mobil Five-star and AAA Five Diamond awards. It isn’t just the food he creates, which is phenomenal, but it is the whole experience of his restaurant. His staff is knowledgeable and friendly, they don’t mind if you linger over your dinner.
Alex’s signature dish, Braised Short Rib with Horseradish Potatoes, is the best meal I have ever eaten. My husband and I had gone to his restaurant for a nice dinner out and my husband was upset that they didn’t have steak (he is a steak and potatoes person) until he took my recommendation and tried the Braised Short Rib. The meat wasn’t tough at all, it fell off the bone and the flavor was rich and succulent. The Horseradish Potatoes were an excellent compliment to the meat.
Having worked with Alex for two years, I feel that he is a down to earth person. He enjoys spending time with his family and maintains a relaxed atmosphere not only in the office but also in the kitchen. You can walk into his kitchen and it is organized and neat, everyone knows what they are supposed to be doing and takes care of it. Alex doesn’t have to yell in his kitchen because his staff is some of the best in the industry. Alex is an overall great person and I have enjoyed meeting him and tasting his wonderful creations.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Toy reviews: American Girl dolls
American Girl dolls are the type of toy that can become an heirloom for a child that she can pass down to her daughter. You can either buy a doll with its history already created or you can create a doll that looks like the person you are buying it for. They are on the expensive side, costing almost $100 for the doll not counting the different outfits and accessories you can get her.
THE DOLLS:
ADDY. Addy is a little girl that is enslaved on a plantation in 1864. She and her mother work on escaping to Philadelphia but have to leave Addy’s baby sister behind because she could cause too much noise. Her father and brother have already been sold and it is hard for her to leave her sister behind. Her goal is to reunite her family.
FELICITY and ELIZABETH. Felicity and Elizabeth are best friends that live during the time of the American Revolution. It starts in 1774 and Felicity believes that the colonies should be free of English rule. Elizabeth and Felicity’s grandfather believe that the colonies should stay under the king’s rule. Each story builds on the friendship between these two girls.
JOSEFINA. Josefina lives in New Mexico in 1824 and has lost her mama. Her mama’s sister Tia Dolores moves in with them to help with Josefina. Tia Dolores wants to teach Josefina how to read and wants to start a business but Josefina worries that is will make her forget her mother.
KAYA. Kaya is a Nez Perce girl that grows up during 1764 and hates her nickname Magpie. She is trying to improve herself by working with Swan Circling, a bold warrior woman. She needs to prove she is trustworthy after her twin brothers wandered off while in her care.
KIRSTEN. Kirsten leaves everything she knows to come to the new world in 1854. They settle in the Minnesota frontier to live. The people are so different to her. They speak a different language, wear different clothes and don’t understand the traditions that mean so much to her.
KIT. Kit is growing up in 1934 during the Great Depression. Her father lost his business overnight and she is worried that the family will lose their home next. Kit’s favorite thing to do is write and she will sit in front of her typewriting and fight the Great Depression with words.
MOLLY and EMILY. Molly is growing up during World War II and she is tired of the war and just wants her dad home. She opens her home to a war-torn girl, Emily, to help her out. She learns to work on pulling together to survive the war.
SAMANTHA and NELLIE. Samantha is an orphan being raised by her wealthy grandmother in 1904. Samantha’s best friend in Nellie, a servant girl. While Samantha tries to become a proper lady, she sees that not everyone has it as easy as her and she is trying to figure out how everything works.
American Girl dolls are a way for young girls to connect with the history of our country and to learn more about the past in a fun way. They have a wide range of items to choose from and they even have clothes that match the dolls for the young girls who own them. Even though expensive it is a quality gift for any young girl.
THE DOLLS:
ADDY. Addy is a little girl that is enslaved on a plantation in 1864. She and her mother work on escaping to Philadelphia but have to leave Addy’s baby sister behind because she could cause too much noise. Her father and brother have already been sold and it is hard for her to leave her sister behind. Her goal is to reunite her family.
FELICITY and ELIZABETH. Felicity and Elizabeth are best friends that live during the time of the American Revolution. It starts in 1774 and Felicity believes that the colonies should be free of English rule. Elizabeth and Felicity’s grandfather believe that the colonies should stay under the king’s rule. Each story builds on the friendship between these two girls.
JOSEFINA. Josefina lives in New Mexico in 1824 and has lost her mama. Her mama’s sister Tia Dolores moves in with them to help with Josefina. Tia Dolores wants to teach Josefina how to read and wants to start a business but Josefina worries that is will make her forget her mother.
KAYA. Kaya is a Nez Perce girl that grows up during 1764 and hates her nickname Magpie. She is trying to improve herself by working with Swan Circling, a bold warrior woman. She needs to prove she is trustworthy after her twin brothers wandered off while in her care.
KIRSTEN. Kirsten leaves everything she knows to come to the new world in 1854. They settle in the Minnesota frontier to live. The people are so different to her. They speak a different language, wear different clothes and don’t understand the traditions that mean so much to her.
KIT. Kit is growing up in 1934 during the Great Depression. Her father lost his business overnight and she is worried that the family will lose their home next. Kit’s favorite thing to do is write and she will sit in front of her typewriting and fight the Great Depression with words.
MOLLY and EMILY. Molly is growing up during World War II and she is tired of the war and just wants her dad home. She opens her home to a war-torn girl, Emily, to help her out. She learns to work on pulling together to survive the war.
SAMANTHA and NELLIE. Samantha is an orphan being raised by her wealthy grandmother in 1904. Samantha’s best friend in Nellie, a servant girl. While Samantha tries to become a proper lady, she sees that not everyone has it as easy as her and she is trying to figure out how everything works.
American Girl dolls are a way for young girls to connect with the history of our country and to learn more about the past in a fun way. They have a wide range of items to choose from and they even have clothes that match the dolls for the young girls who own them. Even though expensive it is a quality gift for any young girl.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Best ways to do chores
Many households do chores differently and I don't think there is a correct way to do them. I have found some tips that have helped me over the years and I will relay them here for you.
It is helpful to start at the top of the house and work your way down. This is two-fold. The first being that if you are dusting and vacuuming upstairs then any dust will fall downstairs. The second part is if you have clothes or dishes upstairs and you take them down to your clean kitchen you are going to have to clean the kitchen again.
It will help to dust the house on a daily basis and polish once a week. This will keep down on the dust in the house and help to stop sneezing and allergies. A hint for this one, get one of those feather dusters and have your kids do it, small kids especially like to play with it.
The same applies to vacuuming and sweeping on a daily basis and mopping once a week. It will help cut down on the dust and if you have pets, the hair.
I clean my kitchen twice a day. First in the morning after everyone leaves and then again after dinner. This is helpful to keep down the effects of germs in the house. I have found those bleach wipes to be fantastic in the kitchen. After I wash my counters and appliances down, I then take these and wipe them down again.
I empty the trash in the bathrooms once a week and I wipe down the toilet with the bleach wipes once a week. I found that putting comet into the toilet cleans it better than any other product I have tried.
There are many different things you can do to keep yourself organized and on track with doing chores. If you don't have a lot of time during the day because you work outside the house, then do one chore a night. It will help cut down on the large cleaning to do on the weekends. If you have children, get them to help you. They helped make the mess, teach them how to clean it up. It will help them in the long run. Cleaning a house is about keeping it organized and if you set yourself up on a schedule then it won't be as hard. Make a large list of everything you have to do on a weekly basis to clean the house and then figure out what you can do each day. Don't overwhelm yourself because then you will be less likely to do it. After you do one deep cleaning then it will be easier to keep up with the rest of the chores on a daily basis.
It is helpful to start at the top of the house and work your way down. This is two-fold. The first being that if you are dusting and vacuuming upstairs then any dust will fall downstairs. The second part is if you have clothes or dishes upstairs and you take them down to your clean kitchen you are going to have to clean the kitchen again.
It will help to dust the house on a daily basis and polish once a week. This will keep down on the dust in the house and help to stop sneezing and allergies. A hint for this one, get one of those feather dusters and have your kids do it, small kids especially like to play with it.
The same applies to vacuuming and sweeping on a daily basis and mopping once a week. It will help cut down on the dust and if you have pets, the hair.
I clean my kitchen twice a day. First in the morning after everyone leaves and then again after dinner. This is helpful to keep down the effects of germs in the house. I have found those bleach wipes to be fantastic in the kitchen. After I wash my counters and appliances down, I then take these and wipe them down again.
I empty the trash in the bathrooms once a week and I wipe down the toilet with the bleach wipes once a week. I found that putting comet into the toilet cleans it better than any other product I have tried.
There are many different things you can do to keep yourself organized and on track with doing chores. If you don't have a lot of time during the day because you work outside the house, then do one chore a night. It will help cut down on the large cleaning to do on the weekends. If you have children, get them to help you. They helped make the mess, teach them how to clean it up. It will help them in the long run. Cleaning a house is about keeping it organized and if you set yourself up on a schedule then it won't be as hard. Make a large list of everything you have to do on a weekly basis to clean the house and then figure out what you can do each day. Don't overwhelm yourself because then you will be less likely to do it. After you do one deep cleaning then it will be easier to keep up with the rest of the chores on a daily basis.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Should you Follow your Boss to a New Job
Following your boss to a new job is not an easy decision. It should be something that you think long and hard about before you make your decision. There are a few questions you need to ask yourself before you decide you would like to follow him. Is he moving to another position within the same company? Is he doing well in his chosen career? Do you enjoy working for him?
Is he moving to another position within the same company? This is an important question because you need to determine if the benefits and vacation you have accumulated are worth giving up if he is leaving the company and will you be compensated for the loss of those benefits if you do leave with him. If he is moving within the same company, how will you job change? Are you qualified to handle the new work that you will be receiving? Will you receive a pay raise or is it a lateral move? These are all questions you need to ask yourself before you commit to a move.
Is he doing well in his chosen career? Is he moving because he was about to get fired? Does he want you to go with him because he can’t do his job well on his own and wants you there to help him with his job? Is he recognized for the work he does and is the recognition good report? If the company was getting ready to fire him, then it is probably not a good idea to follow him to a new job. If he wants you to follow him because he can’t do the job on his own then very likely he will have you do his job and he will get the credit. You need to consider all aspects of the job offer and try and figure out his motivation in wanting you to go with him to be able to make a good decision.
Do you enjoy working for him? This is the most important question of moving with him to a new job. If you don’t like working for him then switching jobs with him will not improve your work environment. If you do enjoy working for him, then that is a positive reason to move with him. But remember if you don’t like working for him, just because he has a new job doesn’t mean his personality will change or his work ethic.
Choosing to follow your boss when he is starting a new job is not an easy decision. It is something you need to think about and if you are married, you need to discuss the situation with your spouse or significant other. It is a decision that can change your life. If you make the wrong decision you could be looking for a new job in a short period of time. If you know the person who will be replacing him then you need to take into consideration if you would like working for that person also. If you do decide to follow your boss, remember that you will be going into a new position and even if it has the same title you will very likely have different responsibilities. Most of all relax and think it out. You will know if you have made the right decision.
Is he moving to another position within the same company? This is an important question because you need to determine if the benefits and vacation you have accumulated are worth giving up if he is leaving the company and will you be compensated for the loss of those benefits if you do leave with him. If he is moving within the same company, how will you job change? Are you qualified to handle the new work that you will be receiving? Will you receive a pay raise or is it a lateral move? These are all questions you need to ask yourself before you commit to a move.
Is he doing well in his chosen career? Is he moving because he was about to get fired? Does he want you to go with him because he can’t do his job well on his own and wants you there to help him with his job? Is he recognized for the work he does and is the recognition good report? If the company was getting ready to fire him, then it is probably not a good idea to follow him to a new job. If he wants you to follow him because he can’t do the job on his own then very likely he will have you do his job and he will get the credit. You need to consider all aspects of the job offer and try and figure out his motivation in wanting you to go with him to be able to make a good decision.
Do you enjoy working for him? This is the most important question of moving with him to a new job. If you don’t like working for him then switching jobs with him will not improve your work environment. If you do enjoy working for him, then that is a positive reason to move with him. But remember if you don’t like working for him, just because he has a new job doesn’t mean his personality will change or his work ethic.
Choosing to follow your boss when he is starting a new job is not an easy decision. It is something you need to think about and if you are married, you need to discuss the situation with your spouse or significant other. It is a decision that can change your life. If you make the wrong decision you could be looking for a new job in a short period of time. If you know the person who will be replacing him then you need to take into consideration if you would like working for that person also. If you do decide to follow your boss, remember that you will be going into a new position and even if it has the same title you will very likely have different responsibilities. Most of all relax and think it out. You will know if you have made the right decision.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Reflections: Remembering the 2006 World Series
We watched all season with anticipation. They had been the worst team a few years ago with the worst record of any team ever in the history of baseball, but now they were at the World Series. The television was on and we were watching it because we lived across the country but we still had high hopes that the Detroit Tigers were going to win the World Series. They had twelve straight losing seasons but finally some young talent was filling the Tigers with enthusiasm.
They lost the first game to the Yankees and came back to win the rest and moved onto Oakland and swept them away but now they were fighting against the St. Louis Cardinals. They made it into 5 games against the Cardinals but then they folded like a stack of cards. The St. Louis Cardinals won the World Series.
While we didn’t walk away from the television that day jumping up and down for joy and high-fiving our friends and neighbors we also didn’t walk away with our heads hung low or our lips pouting in sadness. The Detroit Tigers had made it to the World Series against all odds and we were proud of them. And as all baseball and all sport fans know, there is always next year. When the Tigers make the World Series in 2007, I will be sitting either in front of the television watching the game or just maybe at Comerica Park rooting in my Tigers.
They lost the first game to the Yankees and came back to win the rest and moved onto Oakland and swept them away but now they were fighting against the St. Louis Cardinals. They made it into 5 games against the Cardinals but then they folded like a stack of cards. The St. Louis Cardinals won the World Series.
While we didn’t walk away from the television that day jumping up and down for joy and high-fiving our friends and neighbors we also didn’t walk away with our heads hung low or our lips pouting in sadness. The Detroit Tigers had made it to the World Series against all odds and we were proud of them. And as all baseball and all sport fans know, there is always next year. When the Tigers make the World Series in 2007, I will be sitting either in front of the television watching the game or just maybe at Comerica Park rooting in my Tigers.
Tips for Unclogging a Sink
The first thing you need to decide when unclogging a sink is if you are going to use chemicals to handle it or try to handle it without the use of chemicals. If it is a normal clog, like hair , then a chemical will work to remove the clog, but if it is something else stuck down the drain then you will need use a different method to remove the clog.
If you are going to use a chemical and the sink is clogged then you can more the bottle into the sink and follow the directions on the bottle. If it is a slow drain then fill the sink up with water, do not close the drain and then pour in the chemical. Follow the direction on the bottle and wait to see if the clog is cleared. If it is, congratulations, if it is not then we will go to the next step.
If chemicals didn’t work to unclog your sink or you opted not to use them, then we are on the next step. Depending on what type of drain you have, underneath the sink the drain is hooked up to a latch to close the sink. You need to disconnect this latch and lift the drain plug out of the sink. This will allow you to get into the sink to clean it out. You will need to have a plastic bag handy to throw your mess away into. Look down the drain and see if there is anything you can pull out. Just a reminder you also might want to wear plastic gloves to clean out the drain. You can then take a snake (a tool you can buy at your local hardware store that goes down drains and pushes the debris out in front of it) and push it down the drain. Normally this will take care of your problem, but be careful that you don’t push too hard when you are using the snake as you could break a pipe. If you hit a spot where the snake doesn’t want to continue then you might have to take the pipe apart to clean out the debris.
When you have to take pipes apart, you will need an old bowl to catch any water drippage so that you don’t soak your floor. Place the bowl underneath the pipe you are going to take apart, then undo the piece holding the pipes together. Remember it is righty tighty and lefty loosy. Once you have loosened the pipe slowly take it out over the bowl and set it into the bowl. You will have water coming out. Look into the pipe and clean out any debris you find. If it is clear make sure you look in the other direction and make sure it is clear. Then put the pipe back together, tightening the connection. Once you have determined the pipe is back together securely then turn the water on to see if it flows freely.
If it works then congratulations on a job well done, but if it doesn’t I would recommend you call a plumber because the clog could be further along in the pipes under the house. Also don’t forget to reconnect the drain plug to the hook under the sink. Otherwise your drain will not work.
If you are going to use a chemical and the sink is clogged then you can more the bottle into the sink and follow the directions on the bottle. If it is a slow drain then fill the sink up with water, do not close the drain and then pour in the chemical. Follow the direction on the bottle and wait to see if the clog is cleared. If it is, congratulations, if it is not then we will go to the next step.
If chemicals didn’t work to unclog your sink or you opted not to use them, then we are on the next step. Depending on what type of drain you have, underneath the sink the drain is hooked up to a latch to close the sink. You need to disconnect this latch and lift the drain plug out of the sink. This will allow you to get into the sink to clean it out. You will need to have a plastic bag handy to throw your mess away into. Look down the drain and see if there is anything you can pull out. Just a reminder you also might want to wear plastic gloves to clean out the drain. You can then take a snake (a tool you can buy at your local hardware store that goes down drains and pushes the debris out in front of it) and push it down the drain. Normally this will take care of your problem, but be careful that you don’t push too hard when you are using the snake as you could break a pipe. If you hit a spot where the snake doesn’t want to continue then you might have to take the pipe apart to clean out the debris.
When you have to take pipes apart, you will need an old bowl to catch any water drippage so that you don’t soak your floor. Place the bowl underneath the pipe you are going to take apart, then undo the piece holding the pipes together. Remember it is righty tighty and lefty loosy. Once you have loosened the pipe slowly take it out over the bowl and set it into the bowl. You will have water coming out. Look into the pipe and clean out any debris you find. If it is clear make sure you look in the other direction and make sure it is clear. Then put the pipe back together, tightening the connection. Once you have determined the pipe is back together securely then turn the water on to see if it flows freely.
If it works then congratulations on a job well done, but if it doesn’t I would recommend you call a plumber because the clog could be further along in the pipes under the house. Also don’t forget to reconnect the drain plug to the hook under the sink. Otherwise your drain will not work.
How Good Leaders Listen
Good leaders are effective listeners and to be an effective listener you need to give your full attention to the person talking. This means that you need to shut your office door, if you have a secretary let him or her know that you aren’t available, send your phone to voice mail and most important shut off your computer monitor. By doing these things you are able to give the person you are listening to your full attention and won’t be distracted by outside interference. It will make the person feel like they matter and aren’t just someone collecting a paycheck but someone who is a vital part of a team.
By shutting your office door you are stopping people from dropping in on you for a moment. Many people do not understand that when someone is in your office it might not be the best time to find out if you are available for lunch or for a quick question. The person in your office deserves your attention and shouldn’t have your attention divided between them and the person who just stops in for a moment.
If you let you secretary know that you aren’t available, he or she will be able to stop anyone from interrupting you. A good secretary will intercept people who want to stop in for a second. They will be able to redirect people to someone else who may be able to help them.
When you forward your phone to voice mail, they won’t even ring in your office so you won’t have to wonder who is calling. If you have a secretary you can forward the phones to her so that she can interrupt you if it is an emergency.
The most important part of eliminating distractions is to shut off your monitor, that way you won’t be distracted by incoming messages. If you leave your monitor on it is very easy to take a quick peek to see if it is important and this is distracting to the person who is trying to talk to you. You are in a meeting with them not your computer and email.
When you do sit down and listen to the person you are having a meeting with then you also need to make sure you maintain eye contact, be an active participant in the conversation so that the person knows you are listening, take notes if you need to and most of all actually listen to the person. One of the most important aspects of being a good leader is the ability to listen. If you don’t listen then you aren’t able to find out what is going on with different projects or problems that have arisen which will make you an ineffective manager and won’t even be classified as a leader.
By shutting your office door you are stopping people from dropping in on you for a moment. Many people do not understand that when someone is in your office it might not be the best time to find out if you are available for lunch or for a quick question. The person in your office deserves your attention and shouldn’t have your attention divided between them and the person who just stops in for a moment.
If you let you secretary know that you aren’t available, he or she will be able to stop anyone from interrupting you. A good secretary will intercept people who want to stop in for a second. They will be able to redirect people to someone else who may be able to help them.
When you forward your phone to voice mail, they won’t even ring in your office so you won’t have to wonder who is calling. If you have a secretary you can forward the phones to her so that she can interrupt you if it is an emergency.
The most important part of eliminating distractions is to shut off your monitor, that way you won’t be distracted by incoming messages. If you leave your monitor on it is very easy to take a quick peek to see if it is important and this is distracting to the person who is trying to talk to you. You are in a meeting with them not your computer and email.
When you do sit down and listen to the person you are having a meeting with then you also need to make sure you maintain eye contact, be an active participant in the conversation so that the person knows you are listening, take notes if you need to and most of all actually listen to the person. One of the most important aspects of being a good leader is the ability to listen. If you don’t listen then you aren’t able to find out what is going on with different projects or problems that have arisen which will make you an ineffective manager and won’t even be classified as a leader.
Body Lotions that Soften the Skin without feeling Sticky or Greasy
Many people suffer from dried skin and they try different products that are available, but the problem with most products on the market is that they are petroleum based. The reason that these types of products don’t work well is because the molecules that make up petroleum are larger than the molecules of our bodies. So the lotion when applied stays on top of the skin instead of soaking into the skin to heal the dryness. This means that when you apply lotion to your hands, it is sitting on the surface of your skin, and when you wash your hands the lotion is removed.
There are products available that will help with softening your skin while not feeling sticky or greasy. One of these is called Melt. It is sugar based instead of petroleum based, which means the molecules of our skin and the lotion are similar and it can be absorbed into the skin instead of sitting on the surface. Once you apply the lotion, you don’t wash your hands for 15 minutes and then you don’t have to apply lotion for the rest of the day. It is important to note that you won’t need as much lotion with sugar based products as you do with petroleum based products.
There are lotions on the market that will help you to soften your skin, but it is up to you to find a product that will work well with your skin. Just because a product works well with your friend doesn’t mean it will work well with you. The best thing you can do is to try different products and find one that works well for you.
There are products available that will help with softening your skin while not feeling sticky or greasy. One of these is called Melt. It is sugar based instead of petroleum based, which means the molecules of our skin and the lotion are similar and it can be absorbed into the skin instead of sitting on the surface. Once you apply the lotion, you don’t wash your hands for 15 minutes and then you don’t have to apply lotion for the rest of the day. It is important to note that you won’t need as much lotion with sugar based products as you do with petroleum based products.
There are lotions on the market that will help you to soften your skin, but it is up to you to find a product that will work well with your skin. Just because a product works well with your friend doesn’t mean it will work well with you. The best thing you can do is to try different products and find one that works well for you.
Big Savings can start with Small Investments
You can’t imagine how setting aside five dollars a week will help you to prepare for retirement, but it does. You review your budget trying to find the 10% that the experts tell you that you are supposed to put aside for investments but you can’t find it. No matter how hard you look it is elusive. This is the time that you have to determine if you have the discipline and self-control to save money. You might think that it is impossible to take aside a couple of dollars a week or even a month but it is worth it for you to try.
Most of the self-help books will tell you that you need to put aside ten percent each pay day to your retirement account, but some people do not have the money to put aside one percent let alone ten percent. But you need to take what ever amount you can afford and set it aside, if you do this you will be able to retire in comfort. Once you make a habit of setting aside the money then it will become easier. Once it becomes easier then it will be a habit that you will have for life and the earlier you start this habit the better off you will be.
Even if you are only able to set aside five dollars a week, that still amounts to $260 a year, which when you add interest to it becomes a nice nest egg for you when you retire. You should look for an account that offers a nice percentage rate and look at the interest rate a bank offers before you choose to put your money into their account. Many banks now offer less than one percent interest on your money, but if you are diligent and research into the different options you have available you should be able to find a bank with a savings account that has an acceptable interest rate for your money.
If you are able to afford more than five dollars a week then you will be able to have a large nest age, but the important thing to remember is that you need to start saving. The later you start the harder it is and the money you have lost from not investing will be gone for good. So even if you can only afford five dollars a week, set it aside and put it to work for you, instead of you working for money.
Most of the self-help books will tell you that you need to put aside ten percent each pay day to your retirement account, but some people do not have the money to put aside one percent let alone ten percent. But you need to take what ever amount you can afford and set it aside, if you do this you will be able to retire in comfort. Once you make a habit of setting aside the money then it will become easier. Once it becomes easier then it will be a habit that you will have for life and the earlier you start this habit the better off you will be.
Even if you are only able to set aside five dollars a week, that still amounts to $260 a year, which when you add interest to it becomes a nice nest egg for you when you retire. You should look for an account that offers a nice percentage rate and look at the interest rate a bank offers before you choose to put your money into their account. Many banks now offer less than one percent interest on your money, but if you are diligent and research into the different options you have available you should be able to find a bank with a savings account that has an acceptable interest rate for your money.
If you are able to afford more than five dollars a week then you will be able to have a large nest age, but the important thing to remember is that you need to start saving. The later you start the harder it is and the money you have lost from not investing will be gone for good. So even if you can only afford five dollars a week, set it aside and put it to work for you, instead of you working for money.
Why Businesses seem to slow down in the Spring and Summer months
It’s a beautiful spring or summer day and the sun is shining and you just don’t want to stay inside. You want to be out in this beautiful weather and enjoy it as much as you can. You think about having to do your grocery shopping or having to go buy a new suit for work, but just can build up any enthusiasm to go to the store. You don’t want to be inside a stuffy building, without windows to the outside world. You want to be able to enjoy the warm spring day and let the sun heat your skin on a nice summer day.
This is one of the reasons that business slow down during the spring and summer months. People don’t want to be inside, they want to go for a hike or spend the day at the beach. They look at spring and summer and a brief reprieve from the cold of winter and don’t want to waste the time they have by shopping. Open air markets will do better than closed in stores because the person gets to stay outside and enjoy the warm air, but even then they would prefer to be out doing something versus being cooped up inside.
Another reason is that during the summer when it is at its warmest, many people do not like to venture out of their air conditioned home. They don’t like the feeling of sweating and decide that the shopping they need to do can wait until it cools off a little bit. They will rationalize why they don’t need to go out like it would take too much energy or they could get sick going from cold to hot and back to cold again. Even with all the excuses they can think up, the main reason is that they don’t want to go out into the heat to just go to a store. This is when more people will order items online so they don’t have to go to the store.
The businesses that cater to the outdoor enthusiast will not slow down as much as other stores because the people will be frequenting the stores that will help them to be able to stay outside longer. They will visit the nurseries, sporting good stores, and services that offer outdoor recreation like canoeing and hiking. Spring and summer are the times of warming up your soul. It will help you reenergize yourself to get through the next winter so that you can start again. Enjoy the spring and summer and don’t worry about shopping, it will be there when summer is over.
This is one of the reasons that business slow down during the spring and summer months. People don’t want to be inside, they want to go for a hike or spend the day at the beach. They look at spring and summer and a brief reprieve from the cold of winter and don’t want to waste the time they have by shopping. Open air markets will do better than closed in stores because the person gets to stay outside and enjoy the warm air, but even then they would prefer to be out doing something versus being cooped up inside.
Another reason is that during the summer when it is at its warmest, many people do not like to venture out of their air conditioned home. They don’t like the feeling of sweating and decide that the shopping they need to do can wait until it cools off a little bit. They will rationalize why they don’t need to go out like it would take too much energy or they could get sick going from cold to hot and back to cold again. Even with all the excuses they can think up, the main reason is that they don’t want to go out into the heat to just go to a store. This is when more people will order items online so they don’t have to go to the store.
The businesses that cater to the outdoor enthusiast will not slow down as much as other stores because the people will be frequenting the stores that will help them to be able to stay outside longer. They will visit the nurseries, sporting good stores, and services that offer outdoor recreation like canoeing and hiking. Spring and summer are the times of warming up your soul. It will help you reenergize yourself to get through the next winter so that you can start again. Enjoy the spring and summer and don’t worry about shopping, it will be there when summer is over.
Finding Happiness in a slow Career Path
When I first started out in the work force, I believed I needed to work hard to be able to succeed in anything I did. I thought that I had to push and push to get where I thought I needed to be. As I moved forward in my career I realized that this type of mentality wasn’t for me. There are people out in the work force that can do well in a nose to the grindstone type of career, always striving to do better than the next person, but I realized I wasn’t this type of person. I enjoy working and having a challenging job, but I am not the type to push other people out of my way just to get to the top.
For people who choose a slow career path, they have to have self-confidence and not feel intimidated by other people. They have to understand their place in the work force and know in their ability to do their job. Otherwise, they will start to feel dissatisfied and believe that they aren’t being noticed so they aren’t getting the promotion they think they deserve.
I worked as a secretary for many years and enjoyed working with my boss and received one promotion while I was working for the company. This doesn’t mean I wasn’t good at my job; I helped out the president of the company and the CFO. I had been offered other positions within the company, but I enjoyed the work I did and I did it very well and because of this I chose not to be promoted. I enjoyed my slow career path. I received my promotion and if I would have stayed in the town, I would have stayed with my boss. To be able to handle the lack of promotions I had to have confidence in my abilities to do not only the job, but others work as well.
This is something you have to think of if you are going to take the slow career path; you have to understand your place in the company and why you are on the path you are on. Is it because of your choice or the companies? Either one doesn’t matter, it just matters that you understand the dynamics of the company and how their promotion system works. If you can understand that and don’t want to be on the slow career path, then learn how it works so that you can apply it to your career. But if it is the path you want to be on, enjoy your job and do it to the best of your ability, because until you enjoy your job, you will not be happy in any job you have.
For people who choose a slow career path, they have to have self-confidence and not feel intimidated by other people. They have to understand their place in the work force and know in their ability to do their job. Otherwise, they will start to feel dissatisfied and believe that they aren’t being noticed so they aren’t getting the promotion they think they deserve.
I worked as a secretary for many years and enjoyed working with my boss and received one promotion while I was working for the company. This doesn’t mean I wasn’t good at my job; I helped out the president of the company and the CFO. I had been offered other positions within the company, but I enjoyed the work I did and I did it very well and because of this I chose not to be promoted. I enjoyed my slow career path. I received my promotion and if I would have stayed in the town, I would have stayed with my boss. To be able to handle the lack of promotions I had to have confidence in my abilities to do not only the job, but others work as well.
This is something you have to think of if you are going to take the slow career path; you have to understand your place in the company and why you are on the path you are on. Is it because of your choice or the companies? Either one doesn’t matter, it just matters that you understand the dynamics of the company and how their promotion system works. If you can understand that and don’t want to be on the slow career path, then learn how it works so that you can apply it to your career. But if it is the path you want to be on, enjoy your job and do it to the best of your ability, because until you enjoy your job, you will not be happy in any job you have.
Natural Remedies for Springtime Allergies
Spring is in the air, the birds are chirping and the winds of March blowing, which means the flowers are starting to bloom, the trees are budding and your allergies are playing havoc with your life. You want to be able to go work in your garden or even just sit on your deck and enjoy the day, but how can you do this with your allergies bothering you?
You can wear a mask when you go outside, but then how will you enjoy the smell that means it is spring. This method does work if you want to be outside and enjoy the warm breeze and watch the birds flying around and building their nests. Unfortunately, this takes away from the smell of fresh cut grass, the heady smell of roses blooming and the clean smell that arrives with spring.
Another thing you can do is stay inside during the worst of it and go outside for limited periods of time. This will help you to cut down on the symptoms you are having but you won’t be able to enjoy spring to its fullest.
One of the best remedies I have found for allergies that are caused by pollen in the air is to find a beekeeper in your area and buy some of the honey that is made from local bees. If you eat the honey that is produced in your local area, your body will develop a natural immunity to the pollens and irritants that cause your allergies. The first year you start eating the honey your allergies will lessen but not completely disappear, but the following years, as long as you continue to eat the honey, will almost completely be eliminated. This is because your body will develop a natural immunity which will help you to enjoy your nice spring day without sneezing.
Spring is a time of renewal and it is one of the most important seasons for people. It helps them to be revitalized, get the creative juices flowing and feel reborn. There is something about smelling the air on a warm spring morning that will wake you up faster than any caffeinated drink ever could. Enjoy spring, it only comes once a year and there is nothing like sitting on your deck while the birds are flying and chirping overhead and the wildflowers are gently swaying in the breeze.
You can wear a mask when you go outside, but then how will you enjoy the smell that means it is spring. This method does work if you want to be outside and enjoy the warm breeze and watch the birds flying around and building their nests. Unfortunately, this takes away from the smell of fresh cut grass, the heady smell of roses blooming and the clean smell that arrives with spring.
Another thing you can do is stay inside during the worst of it and go outside for limited periods of time. This will help you to cut down on the symptoms you are having but you won’t be able to enjoy spring to its fullest.
One of the best remedies I have found for allergies that are caused by pollen in the air is to find a beekeeper in your area and buy some of the honey that is made from local bees. If you eat the honey that is produced in your local area, your body will develop a natural immunity to the pollens and irritants that cause your allergies. The first year you start eating the honey your allergies will lessen but not completely disappear, but the following years, as long as you continue to eat the honey, will almost completely be eliminated. This is because your body will develop a natural immunity which will help you to enjoy your nice spring day without sneezing.
Spring is a time of renewal and it is one of the most important seasons for people. It helps them to be revitalized, get the creative juices flowing and feel reborn. There is something about smelling the air on a warm spring morning that will wake you up faster than any caffeinated drink ever could. Enjoy spring, it only comes once a year and there is nothing like sitting on your deck while the birds are flying and chirping overhead and the wildflowers are gently swaying in the breeze.
How to Caulk a Bathtub
There are a few different reasons why you would need to caulk a bathtub from installing a new unit to having to replace the old unit. There could be mildew and mold buildup that you can’t remove or it could be separating from the wall or becoming discolored. Whatever the reason there are times you will need to caulk a bathtub and as we all know the easiest way to do this is to hire someone else to handle the situation, but if that isn’t feasible here are a few steps to help you with your endeavor.
If you are installing a new unit, then caulking is easy. You will need to go to a hardware store and buy caulking and a caulk gun, but you need to ensure that you buy caulk that is specific for bathtubs because it needs to be waterproof. If you aren’t sure of the product you need then talk to one of the people at the hardware store and they will be able to assist you. The local hardware store might also offer classes in how to caulk and looking into this could make the job easier for you.
If you aren’t replacing the unit in your bathroom or installing a new unit then you will need to take care of the caulk currently there before replacing it. You will need to wear rubber gloves especially if you are removing moldy or mildewed caulk. If it is in this condition then you might also want to wear a mask so that you don’t inhale any of the mold or mildew. If the caulking has started to pull up you can start pulling it up, but if it hasn’t then you can use a razor blade to help you remove it from the bathtub. Once you have removed it and thrown it away, you might want to clean your bathtub before you caulk it to ensure that there isn’t any dust or grime where you are going to put the new caulk. This will help make the new caulking not become discolored.
You are now home with your caulk and caulking gun but don’t have any idea what to do next. You load the caulk into the caulking gun and you can follow the directions on the bottle of caulking. Once you have opened the caulk then with a steady hand place an even bead around the tub replacing where the old caulk was located. Make sure you have gotten a good layer around the tub to ensure it is waterproof so that you don’t have any leaking which could cause dry rot. Let the caulk dry per the directions on the container which is normally at least 24 hours. Then you may enjoy your tub to your heart’s content.
If you are installing a new unit, then caulking is easy. You will need to go to a hardware store and buy caulking and a caulk gun, but you need to ensure that you buy caulk that is specific for bathtubs because it needs to be waterproof. If you aren’t sure of the product you need then talk to one of the people at the hardware store and they will be able to assist you. The local hardware store might also offer classes in how to caulk and looking into this could make the job easier for you.
If you aren’t replacing the unit in your bathroom or installing a new unit then you will need to take care of the caulk currently there before replacing it. You will need to wear rubber gloves especially if you are removing moldy or mildewed caulk. If it is in this condition then you might also want to wear a mask so that you don’t inhale any of the mold or mildew. If the caulking has started to pull up you can start pulling it up, but if it hasn’t then you can use a razor blade to help you remove it from the bathtub. Once you have removed it and thrown it away, you might want to clean your bathtub before you caulk it to ensure that there isn’t any dust or grime where you are going to put the new caulk. This will help make the new caulking not become discolored.
You are now home with your caulk and caulking gun but don’t have any idea what to do next. You load the caulk into the caulking gun and you can follow the directions on the bottle of caulking. Once you have opened the caulk then with a steady hand place an even bead around the tub replacing where the old caulk was located. Make sure you have gotten a good layer around the tub to ensure it is waterproof so that you don’t have any leaking which could cause dry rot. Let the caulk dry per the directions on the container which is normally at least 24 hours. Then you may enjoy your tub to your heart’s content.
Essential Furniture for your Media Room
A media room is a place to go and enjoy media like movies, television, games and music. As such you need to decide in what aspect you are going to enjoy your media room. Is it going to be strictly for movies or are you going to allow television and games to be played also. Once you have determined what type of media you are going to allow in the room then you need to decide what type of room you are going to create. Are you going to create a dedicated room that is only for media or are you going to use your existing family room? Once you have decided on the space for the room then you can determine what you need to put in it which includes seating, video equipment, audio equipment, and accessories.
SEATING
The seating will depend on what type of room you decided on. If you are going to do a dedicated room then it would probably work best with theater chairs. These come in a wide range of styles from love seats to individual recliners. They can be the traditional upright chairs that are like the ones at a movie theater or they can be deluxe recliners that move with different aspects of the movie. If you are going with your existing family room then you will want seating that create a warmer environment like couches and love seats with a couple of chairs. This will help you have a room that can be used for more than just media; a place where you can entertain guests and family.
VIDEO EQUIPMENT
You have a couple of options for your video equipment. If you want to do a full fledged media room then you will need to buy a screen and a projector, but if you prefer you can buy a television and install it instead. Another product you can buy for your media room is a computer to hold all of your movies and music, that way you can select the movie or music by the touch of a button and don’t have to worry about the children losing or scratching the DVDs or CDs.
AUDIO EQUIPMENT
The audio equipment you are going to need will be speakers, a receiver, subwoofer and possibly an amplifier. For the speakers you will need to decide if you are going to go with surround sound or just front speakers. If you are going to go with surround sound then you need to determine how much surround sound you want from 5:1 to 7:2 and depending on which one you choose will help you determine which receiver you choose because it has to support your surround sound. You might also like to purchase a CD holder so you can put all of your CDs together and not have to worry about losing them.
ACCESSORIES
With the accessories you have quite a few options open from a touch screen to a popcorn machine. The accessories is where you will have to determine what type of lighting you would like, which could include simple table lamps or elaborate sconces for the walls. If you decide to go with a touch screen then you will need to research how elaborate of a touch screen you would like because it can control everything from your movie collection to the lights and security system. You will also need to decide if you are going to allow food into your media room and if you are then you can look at popcorn machines to give it a more authentic look. Another product you can buy for your room are movie posters to frame and light to accentuate your room.
Media rooms are a fun and fascinating room to design. It can be a simple and low budget project or an elaborate and expensive one; it is up to you to decide. The best part of them is to have fun, it will provide hours of entertainment for your family, friends and even your children’s friends. The best thing you can do is figure out your budget and design your room around the budget. Have Fun!
SEATING
The seating will depend on what type of room you decided on. If you are going to do a dedicated room then it would probably work best with theater chairs. These come in a wide range of styles from love seats to individual recliners. They can be the traditional upright chairs that are like the ones at a movie theater or they can be deluxe recliners that move with different aspects of the movie. If you are going with your existing family room then you will want seating that create a warmer environment like couches and love seats with a couple of chairs. This will help you have a room that can be used for more than just media; a place where you can entertain guests and family.
VIDEO EQUIPMENT
You have a couple of options for your video equipment. If you want to do a full fledged media room then you will need to buy a screen and a projector, but if you prefer you can buy a television and install it instead. Another product you can buy for your media room is a computer to hold all of your movies and music, that way you can select the movie or music by the touch of a button and don’t have to worry about the children losing or scratching the DVDs or CDs.
AUDIO EQUIPMENT
The audio equipment you are going to need will be speakers, a receiver, subwoofer and possibly an amplifier. For the speakers you will need to decide if you are going to go with surround sound or just front speakers. If you are going to go with surround sound then you need to determine how much surround sound you want from 5:1 to 7:2 and depending on which one you choose will help you determine which receiver you choose because it has to support your surround sound. You might also like to purchase a CD holder so you can put all of your CDs together and not have to worry about losing them.
ACCESSORIES
With the accessories you have quite a few options open from a touch screen to a popcorn machine. The accessories is where you will have to determine what type of lighting you would like, which could include simple table lamps or elaborate sconces for the walls. If you decide to go with a touch screen then you will need to research how elaborate of a touch screen you would like because it can control everything from your movie collection to the lights and security system. You will also need to decide if you are going to allow food into your media room and if you are then you can look at popcorn machines to give it a more authentic look. Another product you can buy for your room are movie posters to frame and light to accentuate your room.
Media rooms are a fun and fascinating room to design. It can be a simple and low budget project or an elaborate and expensive one; it is up to you to decide. The best part of them is to have fun, it will provide hours of entertainment for your family, friends and even your children’s friends. The best thing you can do is figure out your budget and design your room around the budget. Have Fun!
Buying a Birdbath
The first thing you want to do is run out and buy a beautiful elaborate birdbath, but the problem comes when you look at your yard. There are a few things to consider before buying a birdbath. It isn’t an accent for your yard that you need to concern yourself with, but the way it will look in your yard.
Climate. Does the climate that you live in support having a birdbath? If you live in a desert climate then it probably isn’t a good idea to have one. The water will evaporate quickly and you will have to refill it continually. IT will also get filled with dust from the air which will make it so you have to change the water out frequently.
Bugs. Ever region has different insects, but you need to find out how they react around a water source. One of the problems you could have would be mosquitoes and the West Nile virus that has become prevalent in the last few years. The water from birdbaths also attracts bees and depending on what area of the world you live in some of the bees can be extremely harmful.
Lot size. Some lots are not conducive to a birdbath. If you have a small lot then the birdbath could completely overwhelm your space and it would detract from the beauty of your yard. Also if you have a large yard and put in a small birdbath, it will make the birdbath look even smaller.
There are many things to consider before you rush out and by your birdbath. You need to measure you yard and determine what size if any would work best for you. Birdbaths can be a beautiful accent to your yard or it can be an ugly eyesore. It is up to you how you want your yard portrayed. Find a birdbath that will fit in with your lifestyle and yard and it will satisfy you for many years.
Climate. Does the climate that you live in support having a birdbath? If you live in a desert climate then it probably isn’t a good idea to have one. The water will evaporate quickly and you will have to refill it continually. IT will also get filled with dust from the air which will make it so you have to change the water out frequently.
Bugs. Ever region has different insects, but you need to find out how they react around a water source. One of the problems you could have would be mosquitoes and the West Nile virus that has become prevalent in the last few years. The water from birdbaths also attracts bees and depending on what area of the world you live in some of the bees can be extremely harmful.
Lot size. Some lots are not conducive to a birdbath. If you have a small lot then the birdbath could completely overwhelm your space and it would detract from the beauty of your yard. Also if you have a large yard and put in a small birdbath, it will make the birdbath look even smaller.
There are many things to consider before you rush out and by your birdbath. You need to measure you yard and determine what size if any would work best for you. Birdbaths can be a beautiful accent to your yard or it can be an ugly eyesore. It is up to you how you want your yard portrayed. Find a birdbath that will fit in with your lifestyle and yard and it will satisfy you for many years.
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