Hosting a Summer Work Party in a Marquee

May 2, 2013 Lifestyle No comments

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the warmer air, longer daylight, and the beautiful abundance of nature. However, when working indoors, this can become quite a challenge for most people. Summer work parties helps to keep employee satisfaction and morale at an all-time high, increase the productivity of any business. Hosting a summer work party under a marquee, or large tent, is a creative idea to get your employees out of the office and engaging with one another during the most enjoyable times of the year. There are many benefits from hosting a work party outside, aside from being a fantastic way to decrease stress and increase quality of mood.

The Benefits to Hosting a Summer Part in a Marquee

Many work parties are hosted indoors, away from any form of nature and are often hosted in the lobby or other area of the place of business. Although this can be an easy way to host a party, it isn’t the most enjoyable or creative. Getting employees out in nature and under the sun may help improve a sense of freedom and relaxation, feelings that can’t be fully experienced in an office-type setting. Also, going outdoors may have a beneficial effect on concentration, helping to improve productivity in the work place.

Byrne marquees can be taken anywhere, meaning that a work party during the summer can be hosted in a variety of locations. From a park to a beach, there are no limits to where outdoor work parties can be held. Asking colleagues to help pitch in to the party by providing snacks, beverages, or even required hands to help set up the marquee, are all ways of getting employees excited and involved in a project. Also, this helps improve socialization skills among the employees in the company, an important aspect of any business.

It may be important to get a marquee that is weather proof, or one that has the options of closed curtains to keep out the elements. Just in case of unexpected rain, this protective measure will be helpful for keeping guests dry while keeping the party in full swing. With a marquee-style party, you also have the opportunity of creating a specific theme for the party. Since a marquee is usually plain and can be considered a blank canvass (compared to offices or buildings which already have a central theme – work), you can hang decorations, pictures, and other items to really focus the mood.

Why It Works

As mentioned before, an outside work party during the summer underneath a marquee allows employees to refresh their minds and relax their bodies. These key elements are crucial for a smooth running of any company, as the employees are important aspects of keeping a business working at all times. A marquee can also be moved from place to place, allowing ease in finding spots throughout the season. Rotating natural locations allows for a different party every year, rather than hosting a party in the same location year after year.

Also, a marquee environment helps employees socialist with other colleagues, increasing communication and positivity between departments. Although this can be accomplished at a party in any environment, an outside environment (especially during the most pleasant times of year) may be helpful in providing a more free-flowing energy between employees and business partners. Being outdoors may also mimic that of a picnic, if food and beverages are provided, promoting a feeling of family and comradely among everyone in the company. This popular and creative way to host a party may be the most beneficial thing anyone can do for a working team of any industry.

Author Bio

Sharon Creggan is a freelance blogger who writes on corporate entertainment

Types of Machine Milling: Understanding the Variations

April 16, 2013 Business No comments

Industrial apparatus keeps on improving in its quality and efficiency as time goes by. Most industrial machines tend to have a few things in common. For instance, they are usually all very heavy in their stature. They are difficult to maintain and need to be ‘well-oiled’ every now and then. They also tend to be expensive and their purchase must be well budgeted. Spare parts for the same are also not all that easy to get a hold of. Overall, they are far more different than the household utility machines that one purchase in terms of utility, storage, price as well as maintenance. When it comes to machine milling, the same rules tend to apply to the matters of maintenance and storage.  In terms of utility, milling machines are used to separate materials from a given matter by grinding. The thing about milling machines is that they are available in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on the requirement and the type of milling procedure one wants to indulge in. A boon for different industries, the machine variants are dependent mainly on the types of machine milling procedures that are being employed which again is dependent largely on the materials in question.

Before slipping into the procedural types, one must know the basic components of such a machine which include the base, the column, the knee, the saddle amongst others. The base supports the whole instrument and the entire burden in terms of weight falls upon the base. The column mounts upon the base. The knee is usually made of iron casting. It moves vertically along the face of the column. On the knee is placed the saddle. In the light of an understanding of these basic components, we go on to talk of some of the variants.

There are generally two basic variants, which milling machine makers indulge in creating. These two variants are roughly known as the bed type and the other one is called the column and knee type. While the bed type looks into the vertical adjustment of the spindle, the column and knee type milling machine has a vertical adjustment of its own. This brings us to the vertical mills where we have two variations within the structure. Vertical mills generally have a vertically oriented spindle axis. Two popular vertical mill variations are the Turret mill and the Bed mill. The horizontal variant of the mills have the same x-y axis oriented table with the obvious variation being that the cutters are mounted on an arbor that is essentially horizontal. These types of mills have a rotary table that is built inside of it such that it can facilitate milling at multiple angles which is why it is called the universal table.

The price factor comes into play depending upon the variety and types of machine milling apparatus is the price. Different manufacturers quote different prices depending on their own cost of operations, but essentially these machines don’t come cheap simply owing to their utility and importance thereof.

 

Guest Author Bio

Welcome to CNCMasters.com. We are a leading source of CNC mills, CNC lathes, and milling machines at competitive prices, designed to be user-friendly and can work in industries and prototype designs for wood and metal. For more information call us at (877) 262-8895.

Ways to Share Your iTunes Downloads with Friends

March 28, 2013 Lifestyle No comments

If you use iTunes, you know that you pay per track that you download. While you can download the same tunes to multiple devices, such as your computer, your iPod or mp3 player and your tablet PC, you may be wondering if it’s possible to share your downloads with your friends. Technically, each user should pay for his own tracks—but that doesn’t mean you can’t share your downloads with friends.

iTunes Home Sharing

With iTunes, it’s easy to share your library with every device that runs on your home network. Doing so makes it possible to listen to libraries created by other members of your household and even copy files to other devices. This is only available with iTunes 9 or later, and all the devices you’re connecting via Home Sharing must use the same iTunes account.

iTunes Sharing

ITunes sharing is a bit different from iTunes Home Sharing in that it allows you to listen to libraries from other computers, but not copy them. (Files can be copied using iTunes Home Sharing.) You must authorize each device to play certain files or libraries, and there’s a five-computer maximum. When you try to play a file from a device that it wasn’t purchased from, you’ll need to enter the username and password in order to authorize that device.

iTunes Social Integration Evolves

The latest iTunes release, iTunes 11, has eliminated Ping, which Apple had once introduced as a music-focused social network—although it didn’t really catch on with users. The problem with Ping was that it was tough to find other users to connect with, and it focused largely on commerce rather than the social interaction networkers crave.

In iTunes 11, Apple has capitalized on partnerships with Facebook and Twitter to cater towards social-craving users. Facebook likes are now integrated with every entry in the iTunes App Store, and users can share to Facebook and Twitter from directly within the App Store interface. Users can check out which of their friends have liked any app, book or music they’re considering purchasing—a smart move for Apple, as social recommendations boost credibility for downloads.

So while you can’t share actual tracks on Twitter or Facebook with iTunes 11, you can certainly let your friends know what you’re purchasing and find out which tracks are more popular based on how many and who among your friends have liked specific songs. Unlike music streaming apps such as Spotify and Grooveshark, however, you can’t tell your friends which songs you’re listening to currently.

ITunes has been a bit behind the curve when it comes to social integration, but it is taking steps to improve its social features. After its foray into social networking failed with Ping, iTunes seems to have accepted the need to integrate with existing popular social networks rather than create their own—and attempt to force users to adopt an entirely new network for the sole purpose of sharing music.

As users continue to embrace social music sharing, it’s pretty likely that iTunes will continue to improve its social integration in upcoming releases to avoid losing market share to services like Pandora Radio. In the meantime, iTunes makes it easy to tell your friends what tracks you’re purchasing and share your libraries with roommates and family members.

What would MTV be if it were created in the 1950s

March 20, 2013 Lifestyle No comments

Have you ever wondered what some of today’s modern technologies would have been like had they
been around decades ago? It’s pretty amazing to think back just a few years and realize how drastically
technology has evolved in what really is a short amount of time in the grand scheme.

1950s TV was still black and white

In the early 1950s, television was still black and white, and it was still struggling to find a place among
mass consumer media. The Republican and Democratic conventions were first broadcast live from
Philadelphia in 1952. Color television wasn’t introduced in the U.S. until 1953, and even then it took
until the mid-1960s for color televisions to start selling in mass numbers, primarily due to the fact that
color broadcasts were pretty limited.

So what would that have meant for MTV? It would have been possible to broadcast the same content
to the nation at large in the 50s, but the music videos you’re used to seeing today would have looked
dramatically different. There wouldn’t be any fancy graphics or other effects—it would likely be a
straight video of your favorite artists playing their music in front of a camera.

By the end of the 1950s, only about 88 percent of households had at least one television. There would
still be a large segment of the population who wasn’t able to view MTV at all, at least not until later in
the decade.

MTV may have hosted a game show

When MTV debuted, it was heavily focused on its core offering: music videos. But as the network
evolved, it became increasingly common to see other content on MTV, such as reality shows. In the
early 1950s, extra content outside of music probably would have consisted of game shows and possibly
some comedy.

But by the mid-1950s, reality shows were already starting to emerge. Shows like Candid Camera started
to break the traditional trend of scripted drama on television—and Candid Camera may just have been
an ideal match for a network like MTV.

Television becomes affordable entertainment

As television became a widespread form of affordable entertainment for the masses, MTV would have
appealed to an audience who relied heavily on the radio for entertainment purposes. Interestingly,
much of the initial programming on MTV would have been live—it wasn’t until the mid-1950s that
recorded programming became more prevalent.

Consumers would have readily adopted the ability to both see and hear artists performing their music
without traveling distances and spending money on tickets to live performances. And because much of
the initial programming would have been live, it would have been the next best thing to being there—
at the time. Of course, issues like poor picture quality would continue to plague the television industry

for many years. Today, manufacturers are still taking steps to improve the quality of your television
pictures. It wasn’t until recently that technology like high-definition programming and televisions were
available.

So what would MTV have been like in the 1950s? Similar in many ways to what it is today—yet different
in many ways as well. Certainly, the smooth, streamlined programming and high-definition broadcasting
you’re used to today wouldn’t have been possible. But at the time, MTV would have been just the thing
to push consumer adoption towards television as a primary source of home entertainment.

 

Ensure the Effectiveness of Your Business Security Systems

March 5, 2013 Business No comments

Working with business security systems will help you to keep your place of work safe, and it will ensure that no one can break into your office and steal your inventory or the valuables you have on the premises. However, even the best security system can be limited in its effectiveness, so it’s up to you to ensure that it’s as effective as possible. Here are a few simple things you can do:

Always Lock Up Tightly - Always make sure to lock up behind you when you leave the office. Don’t let an automatic security system replace the physical task of locking a deadbolt or door lock, but install both a manual and automatic lock. Rest assured that it will be more effective if there are two locking systems that have to be bypassed to gain entry to your office.

Provide Illumination -­-Keep the exterior of your offices well-lit at night. Burglars will usually avoid breaking into areas that are well-illuminated, as it increases their chances of being seen by passers-by or security guards. If you want to reduce your chances of a break-in, install a light right above your front door.

Avoid Hidden Areas — Using a security system will only be effective if the camera can see all around the office. When installing the cameras, make sure that the entire office is visible, and avoid any hidden areas.

Keep Merchandise Out of Sight – Don’t tempt thieves by leaving merchandise and valuables where they can be spotted. Store your stock in a back room, one that can only be accessed through your offices. Even though it will require more work to ship items, it will keep them safe.

Use a Safe – A security safe for your office will be a worthwhile investment as an addition to your business security systems. It will help to prevent burglars from getting at the valuables that you store in your office, but it will also ensure that no office workers can get at your company’s petty cash.

Install Security Shutters –Rather than just being content with a security system, install security shutters in the front of your offices. It may seem a bit excessive, but these security shutters will ensure that no one can get into your office — even if they can bypass the security system or pick the lock. The shutters will be a physical barrier that will be impassable, which will be enough of a deterrent.

Use an Access Control System – Want to ensure that only the authorized people can enter your offices or building? Use a biometric or card access control system to allow people to unlock the door to gain entry. Not only will it prevent the unauthorized from gaining access to your business, but you can use a time clock system to help you track the movements of your employees for productivity purposes.

Get Friendly with Local Law Enforcement -­- Making friends with nearby neighborhood watch groups, security guards that walk the building, or cops that drive by your office will give you extra eyes and ears around your business. It’s always good to have backup for your security system, so make friends with people that can help to keep an eye on what’s going on around your office.

Be Very Careful with Cash or Valuables -­- If you have to transport cash from your office to the bank, be very careful with it. Hire a security service to help you move the cash if there is a lot of it, and never follow the same route or schedule when making deposits. If you have to store valuables or cash on site, don’t let people know beforehand — and always keep it in the safe.

 

Helping a Loved One Get the Help They Need

March 1, 2013 Health No comments

When a loved one is in a situation where they really need to seek some sort of help, it is easy for it to become just as difficult and trying of a situation for you, the one that wants to see them overcome this adversity. It is important to realize that a family member or close friend dealing with addiction, mental illness, depression and anxiety, or a myriad of other reasons that they might need professional outside assistance is vulnerable. However, that does not mean that any one person, no matter how close to them they might be, can turn the tide. Ultimately, a person in need of help has to come to terms with it and develop the confidence within to seek that help, and seek it with a true wish to move forward and succeed.
For a person standing on the outside watching someone they care about go through something very difficult and potentially destructive, it is imperative to remember that a feeling of self-worth is the most important gift that can be given to the person to help build the confidence they need. They have to have a will not just to live, but also to want to be a better person. They have to see potential in themselves and want to work hard to overcome these temporary problems. Inspiring these feelings is not easy, but it is important to remember that the reaction this loved one receives from others is often mirrored back onto themselves. That might sound a little complicated, but basically, if a person in a state of depression or addiction constantly is put down by those around him or her, that social input will only be mirrored back. They will begin to believe that the judgment of others is true. While this may be a negative at first, it can be a positive for someone that cares and wants to make a difference in this person’s life. After all, this same mirroring effect that can cause so much damage in the afflicted person’s psyche can also be turned for good. Think about it. You can use your comments, and more importantly, your physical actions to help make this person believe that they have a worthwhile future to look to. This breeds a feeling of self-worth that leads to the confidence to have the courage to make a stand and do something to get themselves on the path they need to be on.
Every situation is different and has its own set of circumstances. Not every person needs an intervention or someone to make them wake up. A lot of people that are in this situation are well aware of where they are headed in life. They don’t need to be impeached; they just need to be given the positive reinforcement that inspires in them the ability to believe in themselves enough to want to do better. For all of the advice in the world that could be given, a simple, natural, sincere desire to change for the best is the most powerful force a person can experience. It doesn’t always come from within, at least no initially. As someone who wants to instill this in a loved one that has come on hard times, judge the situation and act accordingly.
You know the person. You care about them and even love them. So, with that relationship already set in place, you should be able to analyze the situation and know how to approach the person. Everyone is different. Everyone needs a little help sometimes, but not every strategy works for every person. Make sure that you are not making the situation worse with your approach. Not everyone needs to be jarred by a shocking intervention. Some people are better served by just finding out that there are those that care about them and believe in their ability to be wonderful, productive people. A little bit of positivity and some natural solutions can work wonders, and it may just be the little something that a loved one needs to go out and look for help to get on the road to success again.

Want More Jobs? Open More Doors to Immigration

December 28, 2012 Business, Lifestyle, Money and Finance No comments

If we make it difficult for talented immigrants to settle in the United States and start their own businesses, this means that there will be fewer jobs for the American people. Most may think that this sounds crazy; however, many highly skilled immigrants who have the potential to add to our economy are not able to because many of them are forced to leave upon finishing school. When these talented immigrants leave the country, they go to places, like China, India, Singapore, Germany and Canada because it is easier for highly skilled immigrants to settle in these countries and start their own businesses than it is for them to do that here.

A Story Like Many

Upon completing his degree in business at Stanford University in 2008, the Swedish born Poyan Rajamand was faced with a problem that is all too familiar to immigrants who come to this country to attend college. Rajamand had two choices. He would have to look for work somewhere in the United States or leave the country. He chose to move to Singapore because it is much easier for a highly skilled immigrant to get a visa and settle there. Upon settling in Singapore, this business major started his own business called Barghest Partners, a company that invests in startup companies. Wouldn’t it be better for a business like that to be investing in American startups and hiring American workers?

Just think of how much would have been lost if the immigrants who started AT&T, Honeywell, Kraft Foods, DuPont and US Steel were faced with the same problems that Rajamand and other immigrants face now. This country would have lost out on creating thousands or even millions of jobs, economic output and innovation. What’s more, if the immigrants who founded eBay, Google and Intel decided to set up their businesses overseas, entire industries would have been lost.

Immigration Policies Undermine Our Economy

If America is trying to recover from one of the worst recessions in history, then we need to change our policies as it concerns highly skilled immigrants settling into the country. Right now, our current policies undermine economic competitiveness.

To understand how important it is that these policies change, we need to analyze entrepreneurship trends over the past 30 years. During the 1980′s, new businesses created about 40 million new jobs, and these entrepreneurs accounted for all the net job growth in the United States during that time. Sure, the businesses and corporations on Main Street are critical to keeping our present labor levels; but recent startup companies, such as Twitter, Under Armour and Chobani are instrumental to creating thousands of new jobs around the country.

In recent years, things have not been looking good for entrepreneurs. Between 2005 and 2010, startup companies that employ more than one person are down by 25 percent, and the newer startups are not hiring as many people as they did before. In addition, many who have the potential to be entrepreneurs are burdened by student loans and must find some sort of job to get them paid off, and this can take years. Yet, our current immigration policies force 20,000 well-educated immigrants out of the country each year after they graduate.

Visa Programs May Attract Talent, Bring in Money and Create Jobs

At present, thousands of entrepreneurs are rallying to change the climate and make policies that are more in favor of helping new entrepreneurs start businesses. Organizations like EB5investors seek to educate immigrants considering taking advantage of visa programs that can stimulate the economy and create jobs while opening opportunities for entrepreneurs. An EB5 amendment to the Jobs Act is in the works that will allow highly skilled immigrants to settle in the United States more easily and add to the economy by starting new companies. These are positive steps because allowing highly skilled immigrants to stay here and set up their businesses will drastically improve America’s economy and bring this nation back to its roots.

5 Small Business Accounting Tips

December 15, 2012 Business, Money and Finance No comments

Having your own small business can afford you many benefits, but it also comes with a large share of responsibilities. One of the most important responsibilities of a small business owner is accounting. Efficient accounting can mean the difference between saving potentially thousands of dollars, or losing funds without really understanding why. Some business owners utilize the services of an external accountant to handle the business’ accounting needs, but if you choose to do it yourself, you might want to read these tips, designed to help you improve efficiency and save money.

1. Be Organized

In order to ensure efficient and proper accounting, you need to make sure you have everything properly organized, from receipts to expense reports to invoices to weekly payouts of salaries. Organize all items in a filing cabinet, using a thorough system that makes it easy to find exactly what you are looking for, when you need to find it. Don’t just simply stuff everything into one folder—keep receipts separate from utility bills, and so forth.

Advanced accounting software is extremely cost-effective. Provided you consistently enter information into the software in a timely fashion, you’ll be able to keep track of absolutely every penny and quickly find information with a few clicks of the mouse.

2. Use Cash

Cash is neater, both for you and for vendors or suppliers. There re specific benefits to cash accounting, such as being able to eliminate extra bills for interest or additional invoices, and making it much easier to quickly determine your profit margin. When using cash, you’ll typically only have to file receipts. Additionally, deposit cash into your account right away so that it can recorded and counted quickly.

3. Request Detailed Bank Account Statements

Getting a bank account statement once a month is a great way to double-check your own records. You’ll also know if you still have any checks that outstanding so that you can make a more accurate count of funds available in the following month. Checking your bank account statement on a monthly basis will also make you aware of any unauthorized or suspicious activity with your account.

4. Schedule Time for Accounting

Many business owners put off performing accounting tasks until the end of each month, or even longer, and then find themselves with a large amount of often confusing and tedious work to do. By scheduling time to record transactions, perform filing duties and enter accounting information into your accounting software at least once a week, you’ll stay more organized and efficient. You’ll also be able to keep better track of bills needing to be paid, or outstanding invoices that are due soon or already overdue.

5. Keep Backups

In addition to ensuring your computer software and accounting information is backed up each day, you’ll also want to keep all paperwork. This will help in case you need to double-check some figures at some point in the future, as well as enable you to check if everything has been entered correctly. Keeping all your paperwork and records organized is also useful for internal audits. Additionally, keeping invoices and checks in dated or numerical sequence also improves organization and efficiency.

The IRS also sometimes requires you to furnish records or receipts, and having everything already well organized will save you the hassle of tying to locate and organize a bunch of records in short notice.

About the Author:
Gwen Stewart is a business development professional and writer for Outbounding.com on behalf of ShareFile.com. Her line of work requires she have a reliable solution for file sharing as well as a solid strategy for meeting tight deadlines. Any spare time she can scrape together finds her hiking, reading and enjoying the company of great friends.

5 Ideas for Healthy Lunches to Bring to Work

December 15, 2012 Business, Health, Lifestyle No comments

Not going out to eat at lunchtime can do wonders not just for your pocketbook, but for your health. Workday lunches are often full of fat and have very little nutritive value — especially if you succumb to the fast food restaurant down the street. Luckily, with a little bit of foresight, packed lunches can be not only more satisfying, but way healthier, which will give you the energy and the focus you need to get through the second half of your workday without falling asleep at your desk. Read on for some great ideas on what to bring in your workday lunch.

1. Sandwiches or wraps.

Sandwiches are always an easy choice, and usually make a very satisfying lunch. Include some low-fat meat (if you’re not a vegetarian), and use whole-grain bread, especially bread that contains nuts or seeds, to keep you feeling full longer. Skip the mayo or use low-fat mayo, and instead moisten the bread with mustard, salad dressing, pesto, hummus or some other spread. Make sure to include lots of veggies on your sandwich, such as bell pepper, avocado, onion, grilled zucchini and eggplant, and/or shredded carrot. For an extra boost of vitamins, use spinach instead of lettuce. If you use tomatoes, you may choose to slice them in the morning and keep them in a separate baggie to put on your sandwich at the last minute. This will keep your bread from getting soggy. Or skip the bread altogether and roll your ingredients in a tortilla for a satisfying wrap with fewer carbs.

2. Quinoa salad.

Quinoa, a South American seed, is high in protein, calcium, phosphorus and iron. It’s very easy to prepare and is delicious cold, making it ideal for workweek lunches. Quinoa can be flavored with broth, onions, garlic and/or herbs and spices, and mixed with a variety of other ingredients for a healthy lunch. Quinoa salad can be full of fresh, raw produce such as avocado, tomato, bell pepper and carrot, or it can be prepared in a more savory dish using nuts or seeds, beans, corn and/or cheese. It’s also commonly served slightly sweetened thanks to the addition of dried cranberries or other dried fruit, dates and/or mandarin orange slices. The variety of ways quinoa can be prepared makes it a versatile food great for a healthy workday lunch.

3. Pasta or couscous salad.

Much like quinoa salad, there are endless variations for pasta and couscous salads. Garlic, olive oil, tomatoes, asparagus and cheese can make for a great pasta salad. Couscous might be prepared with olive oil, lemon juice, mint, basil, garbanzo beans and olives. Include some protein and some produce, and the possibilities for healthy lunch combinations are endless.

4. Fresh salad.

Start with spring mix or spinach rather than iceberg lettuce, and you’ve already upped the nutritional value of your salad. If you’re taking a salad as your main course for lunch, make sure to include ingredients that are going to keep you full. Hardboiled eggs, nuts, cheese, garbanzos or chicken are great for this, and are also healthy options. But don’t go overboard on those ingredients — be sure to include lots of fresh veggies as well. Get creative and try beets, asparagus, broccoli, olives or sundried tomatoes in your salad as well to add some nutrients and keep you from getting bored. Use the French Salade Niçoise as inspiration that a salad can be a filling but healthy meal; this salad includes tomatoes, green beans, chunks of tuna, a hardboiled egg and olives.

5. Include snacks.

Okay, so it’s not a lunch in itself, but don’t forget to bring snacks to munch on throughout the workday when you get hungry. Having healthy snacks on hand will help you avoid running to the vending machine when you feel yourself dozing mid-morning. Snacks that work well in work lunches include hummus and veggies (bell peppers, carrots, celery, etc.), whole-grain crackers and low-fat cheese, yogurt, trail mix and fruit. Do all the prep work in advance, such as slicing fruits and vegetables, to make it as easy as possible to eat these healthy snacks instead of less healthy ones that might be easily accessible to you.

About the Author:
Valerie Cecil writes about all things “career” for Outbounding.com. In her spare time, she works toward workplace safety certifications through Etraintoday.com.

10 Ways Your Desk Can Become Your Best Workout Partner

December 14, 2012 Health, Lifestyle No comments

Did you know that one in 10 deaths in the U.S. are caused by inactivity? A recent article published by CBS News cites a lack of physical activity as the cause of more than 5 million deaths throughout the world. The good news for 9-to-5ers is that there are several exercises you can do from the comfort of your own desk – without looking silly. Here are our favorite exercises that will make your desk the best workout partner you’ve ever had:

Create multiple workstations – If you have a large desk or cubicle, set up a couple different workstations to change your environment throughout the day. If you can, switch between a chair and a stool to change your posture.

Invest in an exercise ball – Trade your chair in for an exercise ball. Using it at your desk will help keep you balanced, improve your posture and core strength. While sitting at your desk, incorporate leg lifts to get a little extra stretch.

Focus on posture – One of the best ways you can strengthen your back and core is to first improve your posture. Next time you find yourself in a “lounge” position, scoot to the front of your seat and sit at the right position so your feet can rest comfortably on the ground.

Extend your legs – While sitting in a normal office chair, lift your right leg straight out until it’s level with your hip. Hold it for five seconds, rest, and repeat with your other leg. Alternate between legs as many times as you can until you get tired. Keep a count and try to surpass the count the next time you do it.

Chair lunges – Sit on the edge of your chair and put your hands on the armrest. Slowly lower your bottom toward the floor as far as you can, then push yourself back up to a seated position. Repeat four more times. Reader beware: If your chair has wheels, make sure to lock them before embarking on this exercise.

Chair squats – Instead of going below your chair, move above it. Rest your arms on the armrest and lift yourself (and your bottom) off the chair for a great upper-arm stretch. Hold for 10 seconds, rest, and repeat four times.

Abdominal stretches – Sit on the edge of your chair with your arms out in front of you. Keep your back straight, then contract your abs and hold for five seconds. Relax, then repeat four times.

Leg twists – Cross your right leg over your left and wrap your right foot behind your left calf. The top of your legs should remain parallel with your desk. Lift up your bottom half toward the desk and hold for 10 seconds to get a good stretch.

Drink plenty of water – Sure, you’re probably thinking, “What does that have to do with my desk?” Not only will you help yourself get the recommended 8 glasses of water per day, but you’ll also give your body a chance to take a break and walk to the water cooler. A brisk walk will wake you up and get your blood flowing.

Tone your back – Stand up and face your chair. Bend at your waist while grabbing the arms of the chair. While keeping your abs tight and your back flat, pick the chair up off the ground and hold for 5-10 seconds. When trying for the first time, aim for 5, then increase this number as you repeat the exercise each day.

Each of these exercises can go a long way in helping you get fit – and get you out of a sitting position all day long. Try implementing a few at first, then incorporating all of them into your daily routine.

About the Author:

Gwen Stewart is a marketing guru for clients of Outbounding.com. She works far too many hours, but has made a personal goal of eliminating Sunday from her work week. Her vision for the Fall includes one hour of yoga 4 times each week, homemade soup, saving for retirement, and time off work. She also believes that rhinoplasty can transform and empower a soul.

6 Ways to Prepare for Seasonal Sales

December 14, 2012 Business No comments

What’s your angle? Every marketing endeavor needs one. Taking advantage of the year’s cycles is an oft-leveraged angle. Black Friday was branded such because of the ability of brands to get out of the red and into the black regarding revenue for the quarter or year. It’s a time warranting sales focus! Better understand how to prepare by reading the insights below.

Season’s Best

Take a look at last year’s sales during the season in question. What products/services fared well? What products did not but were expected to? Aligning your season’s best with other, less-popular products can elevate the sales of the latter due to the immediate attention the best products afford. Alternatively, some retailers maintain or markup hot items while dramatically lowering prices on neighboring products to get more foot traffic in the area of the hot item.

Direct Mailers

Direct mail is falling out of fashion; however, a percentage of retailers maintain intimate relations with their best customers through direct mailers. It’s more personable than mass-offered coupons. Moreover, some consumers wait for special sales to make large purchases. (Have you ever come back from a sale to find you bought more than usual due to the savings attached to each individual item? It’s not uncommon.)

Dress Your Store

Consumers react to ambiance. Particular settings get them in the buying mood. Such is true about seasons. Visit a Christmas store; it is December 25 around the clock. Go to a Halloween shop; not only are costumes available, some owners hire monsters (dressed employees) to walk around and entertain shoppers. Dress your store in seasonal attire. It’s a celebration of the season as well as an invitation for more commerce.

Ramp-Up Staff

A store catering to seasonal needs may need to shift from normal operations. For instance, large department stores often hire additional help during the holiday season, using past records to project a rise in foot traffic and an elevated need for customer service. Ask current staff ahead of time about working overtime as an alternative to seeking seasonal staff, who are likely to need training and time to learn the ropes during this crucial sales time. Do you have the time and resources to devote to seasonal employees? If not, utilize your staff at hand.

Start an Online Trend

Alert online consumers of offline sales. It’s easier for retailers to lose business to e-tailers due to online conveniences. However, use the power of the Web to your devices, alerting consumers about your sale on several social media platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter. To take things a step further, offers special coupon deals to online consumers, creating an impetus to get offline and spend money in your store rather than with online competitors. Moreover, people enjoy sharing information related to sales and coupons online. Creating an online inlet to your store could create huge waves of offline traffic.

Start Now

Hopefully, a seasonal sale is not closing in as you read this. It’s best to start early. That way, clear and well-thought solutions are implemented. Take a look at seasonal sales from prior years. Did you have a sales goal? Did you reach it? Why or why not, what were some factors you could isolate, which helped or hindered your ability to reach the sales goal? Starting earlier gives you the advantage of time as well as creativity. What can you do better than last year? It’s better to ask that question one month rather than one day before the sale.

About the Author:
Valerie Cecil is a research coordinator, marketing specialist and writer for Outbounding.com. Her work allows her to investigate many topics, ranging from online consumer relations to effective communication in the workplace. Her hobbies include kayaking, watercolor, and doing marketing work for www.retailpackaging.com.

Tools for Women to Succeed in Business

December 13, 2012 Business, Money and Finance No comments

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has long played a role in the successful ventures of women business owners. The SBA provides a woman entrepreneur with the tools and resources she needs to start, grow, and succeed in business.

The SBA is widely known for its loan programs. The following provides an overview of the SBA’s most popular programs:

SBA 7(a) Loan Guarantee Program:A 7(a) loan guarantee is provided to lenders to make them more willing to lend money to small businesses with weaknesses in their loan applications such as a startup which would not have cash flow history to provide a lender with assurance of continued ability to pay back a loan. It acts as an increased guaranty against default.

  • Amount: Maximum of $2 million, with SBA loan guarantee of no more than $1.5 million (75 percent).
  • Terms: 25 years for real estate and equipment and 7 years for working capital
  • Interest rates: Based on the prime rate, the size of the loan, and the maturity of the loan.
  • Qualifications for Eligibility: Most types of smaller businesses are eligible, except for real estate and other speculative businesses, lending companies, pyramid sales companies, companies that engage in illegal activities, and non-profits.
  • Eligible Business Purposes: 7(a) loans may be used for such business purposes as purchasing land or buildings, equipment, machinery or supplies; for long-term or short-term working capital; for refinancing; or for purchase of an existing business.
  • If the borrower has funds available from other sources, an SBA loan may not be granted.

SBA 504 Loan Program: The purpose of 504 loans is to improve the economy of a locality or to assist businesses owned by women, minorities, veterans, rural businesses, and other designated types of businesses.

  • 504 loans are set up to work with Certified Development Companies (CDCs) – nonprofit corporations set up for community development.
  • Provides small companies in development areas with guarantees for loans for major fixed assets such as land and buildings for economic development.
  • Businesses which receive 504 loan funding must meet size limits for small businesses, as defined by the SBA.

SBA 8 (a) Business Development Program: The 8(a) Business Development Program is a business assistance program for small disadvantaged businesses. The 8(a) Program offers a broad scope of assistance to firms that are owned and controlled at least 51% by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Firms that participate in the 8(a) BD program benefit from the business development assistance provided by the district offices of SBA located around the country — accomplished by providing various forms of management, technical, financial and procurement assistance. The program participants are responsible for maintaining their eligibility and self-marketing their products and services to the federal government and the private sector.

  • Amount: Participants can receive sole-source contracts, up to a ceiling of $4 million for goods and services and $6.5 million for manufacturing.
  • Terms: The program is of a limited duration (nine year maximum) and has a one-time eligibility restriction.
  • Eligibility:The business must be small according to the size standards for small business concerns; must demonstrate a potential for success (generally by being in business for, at least, two years); must be unconditionally owned and controlled by one or more disadvantaged individuals who are US citizens and who are of good character.

Statistically, over a 100 million businesses in the US are majority owned by women with numbers growing every day — providing over 12 million jobs and generating more than a trillion dollars in sales. These significant numbers and accomplishments for women begin with a road map to success. You are far more likely to get a loan to start or grow your business if you have a business plan that makes sense to investors.

In 1988 the SBA established the Women’s Business Center Program to better help women overcome continuing barriers to success. The SBA website provides information and access to programs that provide business training and counseling, access to credit and capital, and marketing opportunities, including federal contracts. It’s a great resource for any would-be female entrepreneur to get started on fulfilling a dream of business ownership.

About the Author:
Patty Whelan is a seasoned copywriter with significant experience producing original content in all facets of online and offline marketing communications, with specialties in all aspects of Search Engine Optimization copy writing. Her work has covered a broad range of topics for varying industries and has been published in print and electronic media. The focus of her current work concentrates on the electronic payment processing industry, small businesses, and Transaction Express.

Santa’s Sippers: 4 Festive Christmas Drinks to Whip Up this Season

December 13, 2012 Uncategorized No comments

The Christmas season is full of flavors and textures, and they aren’t limited just to foods. Some drinks are warm and cheery for the cold weather, while others are rich and creamy to go with all those delicious foods you’re serving up at your party. And of course, there’s also bright red drinks to bring in the festive color of the season. This year, pick several Christmas drinks to add to your holiday repertoire. They’re all easy enough to serve at home on a quiet evening and fancy enough to be part of your cocktail party menu when you’re entertaining.


Rudolph’s Red-Nosed Punch

Bring out the bubbly with this festive recipe that’s super kid-friendly because it uses sparkling water for the bubbly. The bright red color and sweet punch flavor is perfect for toasting to the holidays. And if you want to make an adult batch, too, just use sparkling wine in place of the sparkling water!

What You Need

  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups reduced-calorie cranberry juice cocktail
  • 1 package raspberry flavor drink mix (enough to make 2 quarts of drink)
  • 2 cups cold sparkling water
  • 1/2 cup frozen raspberries

Make It

  • ADD water and juice cocktail to drink mix in large glass or plastic pitcher; stir until mix is dissolved.
  • REFRIGERATE until ready to serve. Stir in sparkling water.
  • POUR over berries in 6 tall glasses.


Berry Martini

This raspberry and cranberry martini is a must-have on your cocktail party menu. It’s also easy enough to make when it’s just you and a friend in for the evening, perhaps wrapping Christmas presents or watching a holiday movie. Although it’s easy to skip the frozen cranberry garnish, these really do make the drink that much more festive, and frozen cranberries are always useful to have on hand during the holidays.

What You Need

  • 1 package raspberry flavor drink mix (enough to make 2 quarts of drink)
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups cranberry juice cocktail
  • 1/2 cup vodka
  • 2 cups cold club soda
  • 6 frozen cranberries

Make It

  • EMPTY drink mix into 2-qt. glass or plastic pitcher. Add water, juice cocktail and vodka; stir until mix is dissolved.
  • REFRIGERATE 1 hour or until chilled.
  • STIR in club soda just before serving. Pour over cranberries in martini glasses.

Festive Eggnog

When most people think of Christmas drinks, eggnog is one of the first to come to mind. This recipe for homemade eggnog lets you use a few simple ingredients you may already have on hand to whip up a batch of the sweet and creamy holiday favorite. Sprinkle a little nutmeg on top if you want the added touch of flavor in your drink!

What You Need

  • 1 pkg. (1 oz.) vanilla instant pudding
  • 7 cups fat-free milk, divided
  • 1 cup low-fat evaporated milk
  • 2 tsp. rum extract

Make It

  • BEAT pudding mix and 2 cups milk in large bowl with whisk 2 min. Add remaining milk, evaporated milk and extract; mix well.
  • REFRIGERATE until ready to serve.

Cinnamon-Maple Coffee Supreme

Instead of buying flavored coffee to serve up this Christmas, make your own. This simple brewed coffee makes use of a bit of two extra ingredients that pack a lot of flavor. Everyone will feel like they’re sipping a cup of holiday cheer as they enjoy a cup of coffee at the end of the evening.

What You Need

  • 6 Tbsp. ground coffee
  • 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup maple-flavored or pancake syrup
  • 4-1/2 cups cold water
  • 6 Tbsp. thawed whipped topping

Make It

  • PLACE coffee in filter in brew basket of coffee maker; sprinkle with cinnamon.
  • POUR syrup into empty pot of coffee maker. Add water to coffee maker; brew. When brewing is complete, stir until coffee mixture is well blended.
  • TOP with whipped topping.

Deciding Which Type of Roof is Right for Your House

November 9, 2012 Real Estate No comments

When you are taking on a roofing project, choosing the right roofing materials for your home is one of the biggest decisions you will have to make. You never really realize just how many different types of roofing systems are available until you are forced to do the research and make a commitment. While looks are important, there are several different factors you need to consider when you are buying a roof. Durability, weight, and resistance to adverse weather are all important considerations you will need to make when you are choosing a specific material. If you are not sure where to start, compare the characteristics of each of the following materials to help you make an informed decision.

Wood Shakes

Wood offers a variety of different benefits that should be considered. Not only does wood make your home look more natural and unique, it also helps insulate your home so that you can cut down on heating bills. While there are a number of benefits, in humid climates, wood may not be the best choice. When the shakes become moist, they tent to warp, rot, and fall victim to mold. The cost to repair and maintain wood shake roofing systems is also high. If you are looking for a system that is not difficult or costly to maintain, wood shakes may not be the best option.

Clay Roofing Tile

Clay tiles are one of the most popular materials used in homes that have a southwestern or Italian design. While clay tiles can deliver a modern look, they can be very heavy and not all homes are able to support the weight. Clay tiles are known to be very durable and will last much longer than most roofing materials available on the market today. They will not burn, rot, warp, mold, or become a meal for any insects. Because of this, they are very easy to maintain. While there is very little maintenance cost associated with clay tile, installing this material can be costly because the tiles are fragile. You can expect to spend more for the materials and also for the labor.

Composition Shingles

If you want roof that is aesthetically pleasing and economical, composition shingles may be a great choice. These shingles are made of fiberglass or asphalt and can be considered the “green” option for homeowners who are looking for recycled materials. Shingles are relatively easy to install and they are extremely durable. They are light in weight and have received an excellent fire safety rating for homes that are in brush fire zones. While shingles are a great choice, they are not ideal for areas that are prone to high speed winds.

Slate

Slate, which is actually a rock, can be manufactured as a roofing material designed for luxury homes. The material will deliver a natural look that comes with a price. In addition to being appealing and unique, slate is good for fire protection and will last a very long time. Life clay tile, the material is very heavy and may require extra support throughout the home.

The ideal roof is inexpensive, requires little maintenance, durable, and adds curb appeal. While no material is “perfect”, one may be more suitable for you than another. You must consider the pros and cons of each roofing system before you make investment. From the cost of the materials to the cost of installation and maintenance, consider every aspect and make a wise investment.

Byline
This article was composed by Eric Stratton, Chairman of Rush Industries, for the team at anyhousewanted, an outfit which helped me sell my house quickly.

Is Now The Time To Refinance Into a Fixed Rate Mortgage?

November 2, 2012 Real Estate No comments

The Great Recession that has lasted for the last half decade—although it seems much longer than that—took a toll on many aspects of everyday life: national debt, housing prices, oil prices, the lowering of average wages, the rise of unemployment and many other aspects. But the good news is the economy seems to be recovering, albeit at a somewhat sluggish pace, depending on whom you ask.

One of the very few good things for consumers that came from the repression was a deflation in home mortgage interest rates. The deflation in home mortgage interest rates meant that the actual cost in dollar amounts for interest payments has declined every year since the recession began in 2008. This has lead to a boom in the affordability of home even though the recession also resulted in higher individual debt and lower wages for people. So the housing market did not experience boom—although, according to some experts, it may soon. Many potential homebuyers are still waiting in the wings, ready to hop on the home buying bandwagon once they feel that mortgage payments and interest rates are at the absolute lowest rates possible. Of course, once that happens, the interest rates and mortgage payments will rise again, but the people that hopped on will get a much better deal in the process.

Most experts today have said that it is right about time for potential homebuyers to finally hop on the home buying bandwagon. This is because all economic indicators point to a rise in mortgage rates and interest rates, and all the indicators point to it happening sooner than most think. Rates have been slowly moving up, and it seems as though rates will continue to rise for some time in order to make up for the deflation that happened during the recession of 2008. A record-low interest rate on home mortgages was reached in February of 2012, and rates have been slowly climbing since. Rates are still below what they have been during the recession, so it is high time to buy, as the rates will likely climb above previous rates throughout the rest of 2012 and well into 2013. Of course, this is only the case if another recession, a “double dip” recession as it is called, does not occur in the near future. This would lead to another likely drop in home mortgage and interest rates.

When considering whether to refinance a home mortgage, it is better to act now than gamble on the future. Right now, a refinance will get a homeowner a better than good deal on their mortgage rates, but if a person gambles and it does not pay off, the opportunity to refinance that was provided by the recession will have gone to waste. All of the major mortgage companies, which include Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Mortgage Bankers Association all project that mortgage rates will continue to rise, and in some circumstance may rise much quicker than expected by homeowners looking to refinance.

A refinance on home mortgage usually takes at least 60 days to finalize, which is important to keep in mind as mortgage rates can rise dramatically in only 60 days. Also, if every homeowner decides to refinance at the same time, processing times for refinance of home mortgage could take much longer. So it is important to get to refinancing before everyone else does. Do you want to be a trailblazer or a sheep?

About the Author

JR Olson writes for the team at Kanetix.ca, a Canadian based insurance firm; everyone should make a note to visit them to learn how to pay off your mortgage quicker.

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