How not to find a job

Job searching can be tough enough all by itself. There is no need to make it even harder by doing or saying the wrong thing when job searching or interviewing. Here's a list of what you shouldn't do. These tips might sound simple, but, you might be surprised at how many people make a mistake without thinking much about it. Then they wonder why they didn't get a call or didn't get the job.

Make a Mistake. Should a typo in your resume or cover letter drop you out of contention? It shouldn't, but, it might. Employers typically get hundreds of resumes for each position they list. Perfection counts.

Limit Your Job Search. Don't limit your search by only applying to positions that meet your exact criteria. Instead, having an open mind (remember, you won't know exactly what the job entails until you interview) when reviewing the job ads will increase your applications and increase your chances for getting an interview.

Expand Your Job Search. Sounds contradictory, doesn't it? You shouldn't limit your job search, but, there is no point wasting your time or anyone elses applying for jobs you aren't qualified for. The gentleman working as a child care provider didn't, and won't, get called for an interview as a C++ programmer.

Job Search Only Online. Don't post your resume on Monster and HotJobs and hope that your email In Box will start to fill up or your phone will start ringing off the hook. It won't happen. You need to be proactive when job searching and use all available job search resources - online and offline.

Contradict Yourself. If you are interviewing with several people make sure you keep your story straight. Telling one interviewer one thing and another something else is a good way not to get the job.

Insult your Former Employer. Even if your last job was horrible and your boss was an idiot, don't mention it. Speaking poorly about former employers is never wise. How does your future employer know that you won't talk about him that way, next time around?

Underdo It. Don't be a slob. Candidates who are unkempt, disheveled and poorly dressed won't get the job.

Over Do It. I once worked for someone who wouldn't hire anyone he could smell before they walked into his office. He might have been overdoing it a little, but, the candidates would have done better if they had minimized the perfume or the after shave.

Show Your Desperation. Are you almost out of unemployment? Don't know where you next meal is coming from? Do you absolutely have to have this job? Don't give an inkling of any of that away. You want employers to believe that you want this job because it's a good opportunity and you can be an asset to the company, not because you need to buy groceries or make your car payment.

Show Your Tattoos. If you are applying for a position in the corporate world, and other worlds too, you might want to cover up your tattoos and remove some of your rings if you're pierced in lots of places. They probably won't impress most employers.

Give Up. Regardless of how good the job market is, job searching isn't simple, and it's not always easy to stay positive and focused. When you've sent hundreds of resumes without much of a response it can be difficult to keep going. It's important though to keep plugging away, to use all the job search tools available, and to keep a positive outlook.

What are grace periods

When you begin looking for the credit card that will fit you needs there are several things that you will want to look into. Included in this list are issues such as the annual percentage rate (APR), cash advance rates and fees, annual fees for using the card, and the grace period that the company offers its customers. Understanding the grace period of your card is important because it can save you a lot of money over the long run.

In simple terms, the grace period that you are allowed is the number of days you have in order to pay your bill in full without incurring a finance charge. An example of this might be if the card company states you have 25 days from the statement date to pay your previous balance in full by the due date.

The statement date will always be given on the bill, and that is the date that you need to use when calculating the grace period.

What this means is that if you pay your balance by this date you will not have to pay additional finance charges. It is, simply, the cut off date or the deadline, if you wish, for paying the balance without incurring any additional finance charges.

You should understand that the number of days that a company allows as its grace period can vary from one company to another. For this reason, you should check all solicitations for the correct number of days.

It is also important to understand that in many cases there is no grace period for cash advances or for balance transfers. When this is the case, the interest charges begin immediately and you will have to pay those charges regardless of how fast you pay off the balance of the cash advance. For the most part, grace periods only apply to new purchases that you make with the card, so be careful about cash advances and know beforehand what the charge will be should you use that benefit.

Another issue that you should be aware of is when you carry over any part of your balance from the previous month. In some cases, and this varies from company to company, you may not have a grace period for those new purchases that you make. What this means is that you may be charged interest when you make a new purchase and this may be in addition to the interest that is being charged to the balance that was not paid off.

In order to learn how your credit card company treats grace periods, you should read their policy which will be on your bill. It is usually located in an area that is called "method of computing balance of purchases". Some of the terminology that is used in these sections can be somewhat confusing to many people. If you have any questions about how the charges are calculated or how the grace period works you can call and ask for guidance. It is much better to know than to not know. This way you can use the grace period to your advantage.

What to do when you re bored stiff part 1

Our lives are so hectic now days that it can be hard to think of times that we may be bored and have nothing to do. However, if you are off work, or school, and find yourself stuck indoors because it is pouring down outside then the chances are that you are looking for something that can keep you occupied. So, what can you do? Well, one option is to play online games. There are literally hundreds of sites that you can play a wide variety of games, and many are free.

The choice of games that you can play for free online is huge. There are a number of websites that offer a variety of different types for you to choose from. You might fancy trying your hand at something simple, to begin with, in which case you can find slot-style machines. If you are a fan of casino-style games there are also many other types for you to choose from including blackjack and poker.

Other free online games are classed as puzzles ands involve some skill. These include modern versions of Tetris style games or the ever-popular Sudoku number puzzle. There are always new games to discover that involve different levels revolving around a quest for hidden treasure or other mystery. These can be really addictive! Many classic card and board games are now available to play as free online versions too. These range from a solo game of solitaire to a game of Scrabble against other opponents.

Many of the websites also organise tournaments where you can play a variety of games to win prizes. Some of the most popular involve word games or role-playing shoot-‘em-up style ones. These are similar to those designed for games consoles and can have extremely realistic graphics. The only problem that you may have with some of these is that the quality of the game depends heavily on your Internet connection speed.

How to effectively brand your small business

Branding a small business is a must if you want to succeed in a competitive world. The importance of branding a business disregarding its size is based on not only real benefits, products and services that your business possesses, but also an image concept that all businesses should keep in mind.

From color business cards to global business identity, depending on how effectively you brand your business, the more or the less opportunities of success will knock at your door. The reason why large companies brand their businesses is because they know this is the best way to differentiate their products and services from their competitors while creating a corporate image.

Many small business owners believe it is not necessary to development a corporate image, particularly those whose business integrate just a few individuals as staff, or even when they own a one-man business, using the internet for selling or promoting their professional services. However, even a small business should utilize the same principles as the large enterprises to brand their business.

Furthermore, if your business has business cards, stationary and other branded elements along with a matching website, you will not only create a corporate image, but also loyal relationships with your customers and prospective customers, who will find more reliability with a small business with these characteristics, than others without a professional look and feel.

Because you only have the opportunity to impress new customers once, you should make sure that this impression is a positive and lasting introduction and handshake, only possible if you brand your business conveniently and professionally. There is no need to spend thousand of dollar to achieve it, but do not go to the other extreme using uneven elements.

Small businesses should be aware of the elements that will make their brand unique and recognizable, including consistency between online and printed elements, such as your logo, signage, business cards and even a slogan that helps people understand at a glance your business's mission statement.

Effective branding must achieve these goals; be consistent and never differing, carrying the same logo, colors, slogans and statements through to every element of your business, all of them always visible and unique, hence the need to avoid elements that anyone can find anywhere such as free or cheap clipart.

Creating your brand, whatever your budget requires a business plan to have a solid appreciation on whom your customers will be and what can you do to serve them. This is not only a matter of elegant stationary or catchy business cards; it is the most important deployment of a small business for an eventual growth in future terms.

Start a work at home jewelry business

Jewelry making is an ideal way to start earning a little extra money from home. You don’t need to spend a lot to get going. Initially your circle of friends will be your customers. Your friends will tell their friends, who will tell their friends, and so on and so on.

Though you may start with a kit or two for the learning experience, you can’t rely on kits if you want to make money selling your work. People will pay more for one-of-a-kind pieces. Plus, the mark-up on kits is quite high because another artist has done the design work for you. In other words, you can both charge more and keep your costs lower if you design your work yourself. This is how to maximize your profit.

A good place to start is by flipping through magazines and catalogues. Clip jewelry photos that appeal to you, along with price information if available. Get a notebook and fill it with the pictures.

You’re not going to copy them. This is just to give you ideas and get your creative juices flowing. The pictures will also come in handy when you can’t quite figure out how to do something you have in mind – kind of like your own illustrated how-to book.

There are two easy to learn jewelry making methods to consider: beading and wire sculpting, also know as wire wrapping.

Beading requires little skill other than a good sense of design and the materials are

inexpensive.

Wire sculpting or wire wrapping is not that much harder to learn, but since you are dealing with gold, silver and genuine gemstones, the materials cost a bit more. But the markup is much higher.

Tools and Materials

Here’s a list of tools you will need to start:

1. Jewelers’ wire cutters - If you can only afford one pair, get memory wire shears. These are designed to make clean cuts on tough memory wire, so can also be used for softer wires.

2. Chain-nose pliers (sometimes called needle-nose pliers) – Very versatile for picking up and grasping small items, bending eye pins, closing jumps rings, even closing crimp beads.

3. Round-nose pliers – Used for creating loops on beaded head and eye pins. Can also be used for winding your own jump rings and as the second pliers you’ll need for closing jump rings.

4. Optional pliers – Wire-looping pliers which have several graduated circumferences to allow you to form perfectly uniform jump rings and loops (in place of the round-nose pliers mentioned above). Crimping pliers which have little notches to allow you to both flatten a crimp bead and then bend it to form a rounded finished look (instead of the flat crimp you get using the chain-nose pliers).

As for materials, I recommend some assortment packs of beads in coordinating colors, some decorative metal spacers, seed beads in both silver and gold (These can serve as spacers and beautifully set off your other beads.), tube-shaped crimp beads (Buy the best you can find – these are what hold it all together!), head and eye pins.

Other than that, let your choice of project be your guide. You might want some silver or pewter charms. For earrings, you would need ear posts or wires or clip-on bases. For bracelets, you need memory wire or stretchy cord or beading wire and clasps. For necklaces, memory wire or beading wire, clasps and perhaps pendants.

A bead board is a good idea too. Its ruled tracks help you measure and lay out designs for bracelets and necklaces; as well as to corral the beads you are working with at a given time.

Ramp it up

Today’s lifestyle is highly competitive and difficult especially for disabled persons. Nevertheless, disabled individuals should enjoy the same quality of life that able-bodied individuals experience. Public and private places should be built with ramps and structures that make them accessible even to disabled persons. If your workplace does not have ramps or facilities for disabled individuals, you can talk with your employer to make some adjustments.

Ramps differ in places and come in many designs but all of them have the same purpose – to make an entry accessible to people in wheelchairs, scooters, walkers or anyone else who cannot use the stairs. Building a ramp is not as easy as putting a flat piece of wood in place where the wheelchair can pass through. In building a ramp certain factors need to be considered. Who will use the ramp? How much room do you have? Will the ramp be permanent or temporary? How much weight are you expecting it will have to support? How much will it cost?

For permanent ramps, build metal or concrete ramp. Wood ramps can be pleasing but they are not very durable and can easily crack. Although metal ramps are strong, its surface can get severely hot in the summer. Concrete ramps are durable and ideal in many conditions but they are very difficult to remove. Thus, you need to carefully consider how the ramps will be used before building it to avoid any problem and costly mistake.

Any person with basic carpentry skill can build a ramp. However, it takes more than that to build a good ramp. It may be a good option to let the one who will use it design the ramp if the person who will design it does not have enough experience with ramps and knowledge of the design guidelines. Fortunately today, cluelessness in ramp creation is declining. The accessibility regulations that were drawn after the passage of the American Disabilities Act have given architects guideline to work with. Keep in mind that ramp construction is not rocket science, thus, the guidelines of the ADA act gave a clear understanding of the procedure and considerations for good ramp building that even someone with no understanding of gravity can build and design a good ramp.

But remember, from time to time wooden ramps may need paint jobs and the no-skid rolled roofing surface needs to be occasionally replaced. Likewise, metal ramps may need certain joints to be re-welded and rust removed. Thus, whichever type of ramp you build the key to keeping them safe is by complying with the American Disabilities Act codes and maintaining the ramps regularly.

The four seasons and your koi pond. wps

The Four Seasons and Your Koi Pond

Spring

Your Koi pond will literally come to life at the first of springtime. The life in your pond have spent the previous Winter in a proverbial hibernation, and is ready to come to life at the first signs of warm weather. This is the perfect time to begin maintenance on your pond before the fish, plants, and other pond life come back to live from their winter slumber. As the days begin to get warmer, your pond will start drastically changing. If you are not careful, you may miss this much needed opportunity to perform maintenance. Generally, watch for temperatures around 50 degrees, as this is the perfect time.

Spring time is a very weak time for your fish, because they have not eaten for months, and have may be living on a low level of energy. This cause your Koi to be more susceptible to attacks from organisms such as bacteria, parasites, viruses and fungi. This makes Spring the opportune time to take all preventative measures possible. Adding a large spectrum of treatment solutions will greatly reduce the amount of disease causing pests and material. Once the temperature warms up, another dose of this treatment will ensure that your Koi will be well protected while they redevelop their immune systems. Once temperatures warm up, your Koi immune systems will be effective enough to protect themselves from disease.

Fall

Fall brings a change to your pond, as the majority of plant life begin to change. Fall is a time you move all plants that cannot withstand lower temperatures indoors, or in a green house.

Another issue during fall is leaves. Falling debris will have to be cleared more then any other time during the year. Skimming the pond daily will help maintain a healthy, clear pond. Alternatively, you may want to invest in a pond cover.

Winter

Winter is coming, and this will be the first Winter that you go through with your Koi pond. Think of Winter as a down period for your pond, as less events happen during Winter then any other time. However, there are special precautions that you need to take before Winter arrives, to ensure that your pond and fish survive.

You will need to feed your fish far less during the winter months. Talk with your local pet store to determine how often you should feed your Koi.

Prepare for cold weather by investing in the items you will need during the summer. Koi have been known to withstand constant temperatures as low 39 degrees, and temperatures slightly lower then 39 degrees, for short periods of time. When buying a heater, remember to research what size you will need to adequately heat your pond during the winter, otherwise ice will still form, causing potentially dangerous amounts of gas in the water, due to it being trapped under the ice. In extreme events, it may be a good idea to have an emergency tank inside available.

Summer

Summer is considered one of the best and more vibrant times for your Koi pond. Temperatures are beautiful, and you are more able to enjoy your pond then during the cold winter months. However, by no means, should your maintenance drop during the summer months. Remembering a few things during the summer months will ensure that your pond stays beautiful and lively.

During the summer months, the oxygen level in your pond actually decreases. Proper precautions should be taken, especially if you live in an area where temperatures stay high for the majority of the year. If you witness your Koi hanging out towards the top of the water, and they seem to be gasping for air, this may be a good indication that your pond does not have a high enough concentration of Oxygen.

Not unlike other situations in life, heat brings on potential parasite and illness. The majority of parasites are not seeable by the naked eye, so instead, you must watch your Koi for signs of illness.

You may notice strange behaviors in your fish such as rubbing against objects, scratching, shaking, or shivering. Each symptom could indicate a different type of illness, so it is important to watch closely.

If any type of change is noticed, contact your local vet, pet store, or Koi dealer as soon as possible. While some parasites will cause little damage, some illness such as KHV or Koi Herpes Virus have a high mortality rate, and should be treated as soon as possible.

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Bankruptcy alternatives

Bankruptcy is an option an individual in dire financial difficulty would be forced to take. This is considered as the last debt management tool or resort a debtor could ever take because of the stigma that comes with its implementation. Being published in the London Gazette, made available on line and registered, bankruptcy orders have a far reaching effect. Everybody would be aware of your misfortunes. Bankruptcy will stay in your credit record for a period of 10 years. Its lasting effect could be detrimental to future employment and future financial dealings.

Bankruptcy, however, do have some alternatives. A debtor who is aware of his incapacity to pay debts as they become due should consider entering into a compromise with the creditor and have an informal arrangement to schedule payments. But as it is informal and not legally binding, the creditor on a whim, could renege on the arrangement and demand the full payment of the debt.

Another alternative is the administration order. Instead of paying directly to the creditors, this court-based procedure would require the debtor to make regular payment to the court. However, this is only applicable to debts not more than Ј5,000 and a regular income is necessary to make the monthly repayments. Irregular payments would result to the cancellation of the court order. In such case, the debtor will be subjected to the restrictions imposed on a bankrupt individual.

IVA is another bankruptcy alternative. In an individual voluntary arrangement, the debtor, with the help of an insolvency practitioner will apply to the court and make a proposal to the creditors to pay all or part of the debt.

What are the workings of an IVA and how is it done? First off is to enlist the help of an authorized insolvency practitioner. The court and the local Receiver’s Office can provide you with a list of names of said practitioners. The court, upon your application will issue an ‘interim order”. This order will prevent creditors from proceeding with any bankruptcy petitions against the debtor.

The insolvency practitioner, acting in your behalf will present to the court the debtor’s proposal. The insolvency practitioner may deem it necessary for the debtor and the creditors to have a meeting to discuss the proposal. The creditors will then vote on the acceptance of the proposal. It is important therefore that all creditors be informed because the arrangement will not be binding to the creditors who were not able to vote.

An IVA gives a debtor the chance to decide on what to do with his assets and on how to pay the creditors. He may even persuade the creditors to let him retain assets such as the house or the car. This is not so in a bankruptcy order. Unlike in bankruptcy, the debtor will not be asked to pay certain fees so that the overall cost of an IVA is lesser.

An individual voluntary arrangement is an opportunity for the debtor to avoid bankruptcy. But if the IVA is disapproved and rejected by the creditors, the debtor will still be faced with bankruptcy. It is therefore necessary to know if the creditors are likely to approve the proposal.

Diminish the fear of credit card fraud

There is so much credit flying about these days, that keeping tabs on the credit you have and the credit you have had in the past, would be a full time job. That’s if you decided to apply your time to it. Not only that the threat of fraud being committed in your name is becoming a bigger and bigger problem, by the minute and could lead to many problems that could see you refused any credit in the future.

There is though a knight in shining armour riding to our rescue. It is in the form of the new CreditExpert Monitoring Service, which is a subscriber service and is being made available to us, by the UK’s biggest credit reference agency Experian. It is aimed to cut out any problems that could befall our finances.

It works by letting you know when any changes are made to your personal credit information that they hold on you. It also allows you to keep track of your own financial information at any time that you wish to do so. This means that you can have any details you need at the drop of a hat.

But the biggest and most valuable thing that it does for you in my opinion is the protection that offers you, in the fight against Identity Fraud. A major worry for all of us and it should be. By being able to go online, we can keep a close eye out for any discrepancies, which may take place on our credit report. Though to give you added security, the new service will alert you if anything changes on your report.

The only service of it’s kind in the UK. The CreditExpert Monitoring service will send you weekly alerts via, your E-mail address or by a SMS text to your mobile phone. Once you have received your alert, al you then have to do is get online and check your credit report for any changes that have come about. If any of the changes that you have been contacted about are of your knowledge, then you will be satisfied that your personal details are in good hands.

Though on the flip side of the coin, you find that the changes, such as a loan or credit card have been applied for in your name and it is not of your doing, then the online site will have all of the resources in which you can use to inform them that there may be fraudulent use of your name being committed. It will also be useful to check that the company you have applied for credit from has placed all of your personal information correctly, if not then you can use the service to inform the credit agency of any mistakes.

Do you use your body as a garbage can

Do you clean off your plate even when you are already full? Do you finish the dinner scraps just because you can't stand the thought of throwing out the food? Do you eat that last spoonful of chili in the pot just because nobody in your family wanted to finish it? To get rid of this extra food, do you choose to throw it right in your mouth?

If that sounds like you, you are not alone. This behavior is very common. Most of us have been taught not to be wasteful. When we were little, we were told to clean off our plates, so it is deeply ingrained in our minds. We feel guilty about throwing out good food, especially since we know that there are so many starving people in this world.

In addition, since we paid money for the food, we perceive leaving food on our plate as wasting money. It is especially true in restaurants - if there is not enough leftovers to take home, most of us will clean off our plate because we feel we have to get our money's worth.

Obviously, those last pieces of food that we eat just so we don't have to throw them out go right to our waist and hips. Day after day, it really adds up. All this food that we eat after we are already full turns into tens of pounds of body fat. You avoid wasting the food, but instead you waste your health, your goals and your weight loss efforts.

Next time you are about to eat because you feel guilty for the wasted food, tell yourself:

- You Are Not A Garbage Can!

Instead of throwing the unwanted food in a trash, you are throwing it into your stomach. By doing that, you are treating your body as a garbage can. You are not the medium to gather stuff that nobody wanted to eat!

To get over the guilt associated with wasted food, think of it from the perspective that this excess food is actually serving a better purpose when it's thrown out than it would have if you'd eaten it. If you'd eaten this excess food, this food would do harm (make you gain weight). If that food is thrown out, it has no benefit, but it does not do any harm either. No use versus harm - throwing the food out is the lesser of the two evils.

When you do clean off your plate, it definitely does not help any of those starving people that you feel so guilty about. Also, don't think that you are wasting your money if you don't finish all the food you paid for. The money is already spent - you are not going to gain more money by eating more!

If you break the habit of cleaning off your plate when you are not hungry, you will automatically start losing weight. Treat your body well. Don't use it in the same way you'd use a garbage can.

Secured loans a cost effective option to meet your needs

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Secured loans come as an economical option to many people in UK to meet their financial requirements. A secured loan, as the name signifies, is availed against pledging collateral to the lender. As a borrower pledges collateral against it, these loans come with many benefits like low interest rate, high loan amount, extended repayment period etc. So, if you own a house and are in need of money then you can certainly avail secured loans and meet your financial obligations.

People in UK can avail secured loans to meet many of their needs like for home improvements, to purchase a car, to buy real estate, to fund their children’s education or to simply vacation around the globe. The above uses and its advantages have made secured loans as one of the most preferred option across the world.

The financial market in UK is buzzing with lenders offering secured loans. Secured loans are available in the market in various forms like personal secured loans, secured car loans, secured debt consolidation loans etc., whatever be its name, the basic nature of the product remains same.

People who are in search of secured loans need to shop around in the financial market to get a low cost deal. Researching via Internet comes as a good option mainly when you are running against time. Borrowers can easily log on to the websites of the lenders and request for loan quotes. Once you have chosen a plan, you can also apply online to speed up your loan approval process.

Tips for throwing a great dinner party

If you are planning a dinner party, you may be wondering exactly how to go about it. You may be stuck deciding on a theme, where to hold the party or maybe even what to serve at the party? If so, you are certainly not alone. But with a little research, you can easily learn how to throw the best dinner party ever and here you will find just a few ideas to help you along the way.

Tips for Throwing the Perfect Dinner Party

When it comes to throwing a dinner party, the first thing that you want to do is to think of why you are throwing the party. Who is it for? What month are you throwing it in? The people who are attending the party will be the main people you base the party around. You need to think of what food they like, what type of people they are and whether the dinner party is for a special occasion.

If you are struggling for a theme, it can often be a good idea to throw a cultural party. Obviously this is better if anybody involved in the dinner party is from a certain culture, but even if they aren't, it can often be a unique theme to use. You could go for a Moroccan theme, a Mexican theme or an Asian theme. Whatever theme you do choose, you will have to make sure that the food, the setting and the decorations all match that particular theme. So, if you are planning a Mexican theme, you will need to serve Mexican food such as Nachos.

When planning on where to actually hold the dinner party, usually most people choose to have it at their own home. That way it is easier, cheaper and you can control everything. However, you could also choose to have one at a restaurant or you could hire out a hall and do buffet style catering. Again, it depends entirely on the month of the year you are having the dinner party and what the dinner party is for. If it is for a special occasion then you may prefer a more formal style, or perhaps a buffet would be the best option, especially in summer.

Also, just because it is a dinner party, it does not mean that you have to have full dinner. You could just serve coffee and dessert. This is a perfect informal idea if you want a light, informal socializing dinner party.

There is a lot of planning that goes into a dinner party and there are many different ideas you can try. It helps to know your guests and use a unique theme wherever possible.

Make money fast become a magician in sales

There are ancient teachings for increasing wealth that few people will ever know. If you are aware of the secret you may have tried several of the steps. Perhaps you spent time visualizing what you want, repeating money affirmations. However what you truly wish for is to make money fast and the results are slow and fruitless.

Perhaps you feel like giving up your quest to make large sums of money and live the life you want. Do you know something? It does not matter if you are sell a packet of gum to an island of chimpanzees or if you are selling a product for $997 you can become rich and attract money faster to you by doing things in a certain way.

One of the greatest secrets to attracting money fast is to place a large amount of power behind the intention. Few people know how to do that and even fewer will use it even if they were told. You see it’s quite easy, magical and powerful and most people like complicated and confusing.

If affirmations and visualization is not backed by a super natural power it is a hit or miss. You can yield some of that power by starting to free up your time.

The more work that you take on the more frustrated you get and the more blocked your own energy field will be.

Your intentions need to move through a body that is light, calm and focused. Energy flows quickly and easily where there is little obstruction.

Can you now see the intense power you can yield by just doing this basic thing? Yes the more you free up yourself the easier it is to attract money fast.

You can make money move a lot faster towards you if you will move out of the way and if you learn to increase your energy to outrageous levels.

Everything starts at a subatomic level. Your desire to increase your sales and attract money faster can only be done at a subatomic level. That is the tiniest level of energy.

Once you have access to the energy of a thing you can manipulate it to move in the way you like.

Learning transcendental meditation

It is not difficult to learn transcendental meditation. If you are looking to escape from the whirlwind of ringing cell phones, traffic snarls and screaming kids, transcendental meditation can provide a peaceful getaway from the craziness of everyday life.

In 1958, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi formally introduced his transcendental meditation technique. Since then, he has written several books, lectured and toured extensively all over the world and trained over 40,000 teachers. Transcendental meditation is now practiced in the workplace, at home and in medical settings. In addition, doctors and health professionals are increasingly prescribing transcendental meditation as means of combating anxiety disorders and stress.

You may be wondering what is transcendental meditation and what makes it different from other forms of meditation? One of the most exciting elements of the transcendental meditation technique is that it so simple and easy to practice. With the right focus and dedication, you can learn transcendental meditation in a matter of moments.

Basically, during the meditation session, your body enters a deep and peaceful state of relaxation, while maintaining alertness and clarity. First, the person chooses a word or image to focus on, perhaps a religious or cultural symbol that has special meaning. As the person replays this word or image over and over, the body descends into a deeper and deeper state of restfulness. The session can last anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour and should take place in a calm and relaxed setting, with minimal noise and distractions.

No other meditation technique has been so extensively studied and researched. During transcendental meditation, the brain falls into a theta brain wave pattern (akin to sleep and deep relaxation), which then carries over to the state of wakefulness. Physical benefits include increased mental comprehension, focus, retention and creativity. Another interesting benefit is the actual reversal of the aging process. In a study conducted by the International Journal of Neuroscience, the biological age of practitioners of transcendental meditation was, on average, twelve years younger than their chronological age. Transcendental meditation also has positive effects on age and stress related conditions such as insomnia, high blood pressure, decreased visual acuity, hearing loss and depressed cerebral blood flow.

It is interesting to note that adherents from all religions choose to learn transcendental meditation. Although it has roots in Hinduism, the transcendental meditation technique can be applied to any cultural context. In fact, those who learn transcendental meditation are encouraged to adapt symbols that have meaning and depth for the individual. For example, a rabbi may choose to focus on a symbol or image rooted in Judaism to enhance the effectiveness of the session. In contrast, an agnostic may choose an image from nature such as a beautiful meadow or sunset to achieve relaxation. The beauty of transcendental meditation is its flexibility.

http://www. meditationandmore. com

Postcards picture perfect promotion

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There is a simple but almost mystical law which governs promotion and marketing and their relationship to the amount of business generated: business will come in to the degree that you get your message out, promote, let people know you are there, advertise, write to people, call people, e-mail people and generally communicate to existing or potential clients.
It isn’t a fact that registers easily and it almost takes faith to follow this dictum until you have seen it work over and over in all sorts of different businesses and organizations (as I have).

This law transcends market conditions, the activities of your competition, acts of terrorism, time of year, the alignment of Mars with Jupiter and all the million and one explanations we frequently fall back on when business is slow. All these conditions may be present but there is still a way to rise above them: just promote more heavily and frequently and business will start to pick up again. It never fails.

It’s almost a natural instinct when times get a little tight or business is slow to cut down on expenditure. You hear people talking about tightening their belts. Too often the first expenditure companies seek to cut is their marketing and advertising dollar, and that is a serious error, a guarantee of contraction. You have to step up the promotion, not cut back. The trick is to find ways to get the maximum results with the minimum expenditure, but never to cut back and promote less. That’s suicide. Here’s one way to increase promotion while keeping costs down.

You don’t have to open a postcard!

We have found more and more brokers are turning to high quality, four-color postcards as the best form of direct mail. It’s time to pass on the information for those who haven’t yet discovered this cost-effective way of getting the word out and the business in.

This is especially timely advice as the national anthrax scare – whether you give credence to it or not – has resulted in a certain caution when it comes to opening envelopes from unknown sources. One great advantage of the postcard is that it doesn’t have to be opened – there is nothing hidden about it and nothing to be scared of.

Quite aside from the anthrax angle, the fact that a postcard doesn’t need to be opened has another advantage: it has a chance to get its message across before it is dropped into the garbage can as “junk mail.” An envelope can be tossed in the trash without even being opened, allowing the hard-hitting promotional material inside no chance at all to get its message across.

The chances are fairly high that if you have a brightly colored image on the front of your postcard it will attract enough attention to get an initial glance. If your headline is a good one and invites further interest, then your postcard will be read and you will have succeeded in delivering your message. If the reader is even vaguely interested in what you are trying to sell, you may well get a visit or a call.

Cost-effective!

Even though it is imperative to promote more than ever when the economy is sticky or business is slow, that doesn’t mean you can’t cut costs in the process.

Many brokers are convinced that a full-color postcard with the right message on it, mailed out to previous clients (for re-financing for example) or to prospective borrowers gets the most bang for the advertising buck of any form of promotion, even when they also advertise in print, on the radio and TV, sky-writing, you name it.

You can mail out a postcard up to 4 1/4 inches by 6 inches for between 17.5ў and 19.5ў first class pre-sorted. This is cheaper than the lowest letter rate which is 19ў - 24ў and that’s for standard, bulk rate, not first class. If you find the right company you can get 5,000 high quality, full-color, laminated postcards printed for under $400.

Warren Financial Corporation of Dunedin, Florida, is an example of a company who rely entirely on postcards (and referrals) for new business. “The strange thing about postcards is that I’ll have people who will call me 6 or 8 months after I mailed them out and say, ‘I got one of your postcards and kept it.’,” says Jim Warren, the company’s owner. He buys 6,000 postcards at a time and sends out 400 every month to highly targeted mailing lists. He leaves the back of the cards blank so that he can get a different message printed on them when he’s ready to send them. This allows for rate changes and other time-sensitive messages to be printed on at the time the postcards are going to be mailed.

He used to use very basic, black and white postcards run off by his local printer but has now gone to full-color, 4 1/4” x 6” cards (the largest size you can send at the lowest mail rate) which has improved his response rate. “I have a rifle rather than a shotgun approach to marketing,” he says. “For what I do the four-color postcards are perfect.”

A case in point…

Sun Pacific Mortgage of Santa Rosa, California have been in business for 14 years, specializing in giving loans to people who have been turned down elsewhere. Owner Forest Tardibuono came across some management technology in 1997 and since then their income has increased by 900% and is still on the rise. One of the principles that Forest learned and really put into practice was the fact that if you want more business or new business, you have to promote. “We’re one big marketing machine,” he says. “We promote heavily and it’s then an easy job for the loan reps to pick up the loans. The sale is easy.” The company spends 14% of its gross on promotion. With an annual income of close to $2 million, that’s a sizable budget for promotion. But it is also a major factor in their continued growth.

Sun Pacific order 50-60,000 postcards at a time with a selection of several different images on the cards. They have an arrangement with local title companies whereby these provide Sun Pacific with mailing lists already printed in mailing label form at no cost as an incentive for the mortgage company to use them for title work. They provide these labels as often as needed and targeted as narrowly and specifically as required. For example, Forest will ask for homeowners of a specific zip code (one that has proven profitable in the past) and will limit the search to specific categories to make sure that the mailing hits home. Getting the mailing labels free of a charge represents a considerable saving.

Then Sun Pacific will send out mailings of a couple of thousand postcards once or twice a month to current or past clients, and another 3-4,000 to prospective borrowers every week, handling all the mailing in house. They use large (4 1/4” by 6”) full-color, laminated postcards which look very attractive.

“We went to postcards a few years ago because I got sick of doing the bulk mailings using envelopes,” Forest admits. Folding letters and sealing envelopes is pretty labor intensive. Postcards cost less and the mail costs are lower.

Forest attributes a full 20% of his business to the postcard mailings which account for the majority of their spending on print advertising/promotion for the year. “Because of the magic formula that business comes in in proportion to the postcards and other forms of promotion that go out, we get results from all quarters,” he says.

Outsourcing:

The above example includes networking with title companies and handling large mailings in house but this is something to work up to if you want to go that route. Few mortgage brokers have an in-house marketing department and it can be time-consuming and overwhelming to take on all of these aspects of getting postcards mailed out using existing personnel who are already busy dealing with loans and paperwork.

A good postcard company can handle the entire mailing and save you money in the process. They make their money from printing postcards, not from consulting, selling mailing lists, mailing and so on. So they can give you better deals on these other services where needed.

Having the postcard company do the mailing from you has an additional benefit of saving on shipping. Printed matter is quite heavy and shipping 10,000 postcards across country is not that cheap. If it is mailed from the postcard company direct these shipping charges are avoided.

Sharp Mortgages Inc. of Jacksonville started using postcards in 2001, having used every other form of advertising and promotion. They sent out two initial mailings of 10,000 postcards each and have ordered another 50,000 so it must be working. “We let the postcard company handle the mailing,” says Bill Sharp Snr. who handles their advertising. “With all the other things we have to do, we find that it’s easier to let them handle the mailing than to tie up our time in here.”

Don’t be put off by the thought of all the extra work involved for your already too busy personnel. In the long run it might save you a lot of money to pay a little extra for the postcard company to take the entire process off your hands from design and print through to mailing.

How to get going with postcards.

So, assuming postcards are the way to go, where do you start?

A. Find a postcard company to help you.

This company must:

1. SPECIALIZE IN POSTCARDS, not just do postcards among other printing jobs. You will get better service and a better product. It will cost much less because they are printing your postcard along with many other customers’ postcards and can “gang print” them which means they print many different postcards on one large sheet of card and it’s only one press run.

2. Have some MARKETING KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE. They should be able to advise you on mailing lists, design, quantities and so on. The better ones offer a full range of services from advice through design, assistance with photography, printing and mailing.

3. Postcards they produce should be UV COATED (laminated), FULL COLOR, 4 1/4” x 6” so you get the biggest size card you can for the lowest mail rate and they really look good. The UV coating is essential for a very high gloss finish that really makes the postcard stand out and attract attention.

4. Above all you need to know that you are going to get RESULTS. Percentage of response is not the real measure of success as this varies from industry to industry and area to area. What you want to determine is return on investment. If you spend $2,500 all inclusive to send out a 10,000 postcard mailing and get 200 calls as a result, and convert even 10 of those into mortgage purchases, then the mailing was a terrific investment. So you need to look at the big picture and check for results in terms of return on investment.

When choosing a postcard company to handle your mailing, it’s a good idea to get some names and phone numbers of their customers and call them up to get some first hand information on how good the company is: do they deliver good service and value for money?

Once you have found the right provider (it doesn’t have to be local – the better ones work on a national basis and do business with companies all over the USA) get their advice on producing the postcard. They will help you with all the steps.

B. Decide whether you want them to handle the mailing for you (see section above on outsourcing).

C. Decide whether you are going to mail to your existing customers or to mailing lists of potential customers or both.

Procurement of mailing lists an important point. Sending out postcards to 10,000 random homeowners by zip code is not going to get the same response as sending 10,000 postcards to qualified homeowners of the type that you specialize in (conventional, subprime, refinances, etc.). You can buy mailing lists that are quite specific. Your biggest expense is going to be postage. It’s worth spending a little extra money to make sure your message gets to qualified potential mortgage purchasers in the category that you want to deal with.

The postcard company should be able to help you with the choice and purchase of mailing lists.

D. Decide on the content of the card. Again, a good postcard company will have experience with this and can offer valuable advice. They’ve probably worked with other mortgage brokers and know what works and what doesn’t.

E. Get the card produced. They will send you proofs. Get any needed corrections made so that you are happy with them.

F. Get them mailed out.

G. Sit back and make the most of the response.

H. Plan your next mailing and repeat the steps.

After you’ve done a few mailings you will get a better idea of what works and you can refine your campaign.

This is a proven, tried and tested, workable approach to increasing sales through direct mail using color postcards.

Should i plan for debt

Without trying to sound cynical or sarcastic there are two ways to approach debt. One way is through careful planning and monitoring, and the other way is through careless actions and taking on more debt than your income can handle. With so much at stake, the idea of planning for debt becomes paramount.

It would be difficult, if not impossible, to make it through life in this age without going into debt at some time or another. Debt, in and of itself, is not an evil, but rather a means of allowing people to enjoy a better standard of living without having to pay for that standard up front. The problem occurs when consumers do not control their level of debt or do not take into account the many possible events that can happen to them that can affect their ability to bring in an income. If it is a given that most people will need to use credit and debt in order to survive in a particular economy, then careful planning on how to use that credit and debt becomes important.

If you are new credit, or just starting out, be aware that you will, over the years, receive hundreds, if not thousands, of applications for credit from various companies. Much of this will arrive in the mail. It is important to refrain from applying for all that credit. This is one of the major ways that people find themselves in financial trouble. One credit card becomes two, two become four, and before you know it, you have a wallet full of them. The temptation to use them will be high, and if you do use them, you can expect a bill every month from those that have outstanding balances. It can, and does, become a mountain of debt before long.

When you are just starting out, plan to have no more than two credit cards, and use those cards sparingly. Do not be tempted to buy something just because you can. Purchase only what you have to purchase and keep your balance due on the card as low as possible. Whenever possible, plan to pay off the entire balance rather than the minimum payment.

Other debt items that you should plan for are high ticket items such as automobiles and homes. Many consumers are tempted by "no money down" offers from car dealers and some home sellers. Before you fall for that, sit down and think carefully. While it might seem nice to bypass the down payment, doing so will extend the loan period which means you will pay more in the long run. In some cases, you may end up paying a lot more.

Often you will find that no down payment offers are coupled with higher interest rates. These higher rates can add substantially to the overall cost of the item. So while you may think that you are keeping your cash, in reality, the lender will get it later on through higher rates and longer terms.

The better way to handle high ticket items is to begin saving for the down payment well in advance of needing it. This is especially helpful and valuable when purchasing a home. The more money that can be put down on a home loan is money well spent and well invested. Plan for your debt and be prepared for it and you will find that living with credit does not have to be stressful.

Instant decision business loans with no credit check

If getting over the credit problems has been your prime concern, then stop worrying right away. Yes, an instant decision business loan with no credit check may be the right type of loan for all your problems. These loans offer instant respite to all your debt problems. Consulting a financial expert can help you get an expert opinion for all your credit problems. They are well are skilled enough to handle such problems.

These loans enable you to get the loan fast. If you are suffering from a poor credit history, you can avoid going in for a credit check. Thereby, you are saved of all the unwanted burden of going in for a detailed credit check.

A guaranteed bad credit business loan too can help you get a loan at lower rate of interest. To be eligible for these loans, you need to pledge some valuable asset as collateral. This will help you get a loan amount of your choice. In case of non payment of the loan, the lender can always make a claim of the property pledged. You need not go in for a credit check with these loans too.

Have you been planning to start a business of your own? You need to have sufficient funds to run it successfully. There are various expenses that you may have to meet during day to day dealings. If you don’t have sufficient funds, you need not worry at all! With the help of these loans, you can easily meet all your business needs. Go ahead and make the right moves with the aid of these loans.

A poor credit score can affect your chances of getting a loan. However, today there are various loan options in the loan market which offer you an array of choice. No credit check small business loans too offer similar benefits.

Instant Decision on Business Loans – A Quick Fix to All Your Problems!

No matter how well prepared you are to meet your business needs; you may find yourself in need of money for some emergency requirement. No matter what your requirements are, you are rest assured of meeting them all through instant decision business loan. Get started now!

These loans offer you the excellent opportunity to avail a loan at a lower rate of interest. You can even payback the loan in easy monthly installments at easy terms and conditions. As compared to other lenders, these loans are available at incredibly lower rate of interest which adds up to a TRULY LOW COST instant business loan. What’s more? You can also get expert advice from the specialist advisors.

Unfortunately, many borrowers fail to make use of the opportunity as they are unaware of the options available with them. These loans can e used by all kinds of borrowers. They can be used for any purpose – either to star off a new business or improvise on the existing one.

Yu become eligible for the following benefits once you opt for these loans:

• Choose from a wide range of loan deals and services

• Loans at a comparatively lower rate of interest

• Flexible repayment option

• Faster approval of loans

Fiber optic pool lights no heat and less trouble

When the concept of a “pool” was invented the inventors and the users of the pool quickly saw that if would be much more pleasant and look better if the water in the pool was lit up.

Now this was a challenging task because, as we all know, electricity and water is a bad combination and so it fire and water also for that instance.

To start with the usage of fire was out of the questions and as the fiber optic pool lighting wasn’t thought of yet, the solution would have to be made up of normal light bulbs. To avoid having the pool users grilled due to the mix of electricity and water the watertight lights were invented. Not only were the bulky in size but they were also difficult to replace when a bulb had burned out. That is why you might still see pools with defect light bulbs.

On the other hand fiber optics made it possible to change the bulb in an easier way because the source of the light was now removed from the water and that also removed the dangerous part of having the electricity near the water.

Future Pools Have Fiber Optic Pool Lights

The owner of the pool or the spa was not the only one having difficulties before the fiber optic pool lights. The spa and pool designers also had their share because normal light bulb light produces a lot of heat and the brighter the bulb the greater the heat.

Because of electricity every bulky bulb would have to be fixed to its own separate light source and sealed tightly so that there could never be made any contact between electricity and the water. This was normally done by a major glass lens (smaller for spas) that was held on to the pool by a metal frame. To have the light shine through the water the designer had to high wattage bulbs which in returned produced more heat.

So with bright high wattage bulbs sealed behind a glass lens and a metal frame the cocktail for possible human burn accidents were there. Many people did experience to touch the glass or feel the unpleasant feeling of a very high lamp. This is not something that is recommended to others.

Because the frames had to seal the lens and the bulb from the water the designers had their amount of difficulties. When it came to easily change the light bulbs as they burned out or in that case that you wanted to change the color of the lighting, the designers did very little progress in providing efficient systems.

The fiber optic pool lights solved all of these problems efficiently and easily. Because fiber optic cables are only transmitting the light, the source of the light can be kept far away from the water and the pool. Fiber optic pool lights can operate by using just one light and besides keeping electricity at a respectable distance the usage of electricity is also greatly reduced. Keeping the actual source of the light far away from the pool the problem of the heat developed was gone and you could now touch the light without being burned (not the source but the once in the pool).

Finally the designers could now, with the use of filters in different colors, easily change the color of the light and even make it rotate to show all the colors of the rainbow. By integrating fiber optic pool lights the ease for designers are apparent and the user experience has been greatly increased and that is due to the fiber optic technology.

Crochet as a home based business

Crochet as a Home-Based Business

Similarly to knitting, crochet has been seeing a nice resurgence in popularity in the recent years. Crochet is generally thought of as being quicker and easier than knitting. While the two are similar they require entirely different skills to master. But, the good news is that both are fairly easy to do once you learn the basics.

Items made from knitting and crochet are all the rage today. And, for those who do not have the skills or time to create them themselves, they are willing to pay you to make handcrafted items for them!

There are three ways you can make a business out of your crochet work. The first is to make items to sell, the second is to teach others to crochet, and the third is to sell crocheting items online for other crafters to use.

You can easily sell your crochet items at local craft fairs or online. And, the best thing is that all you need to get started is a ball of yarn and a crochet hook!

Whether you choose to sell your items, teach, or sell retail, there are a few basic business guidelines that you will need to follow to be successful. Some of them are:

The Business Plan

No matter what business you decide to start, you 100% have to have a solid business plan. There is no way possible to have a successful business venture without one. The best way to develop your business plan is to think about all of the variables which go into your unique business, and what your ultimate short-term and long-term goals are for the business. With all of this information, you can sit down and formulate a business plan without it taking you a lot of valuable time. You can easily make a business plan with a pencil and a piece of paper.

Financial Records

The best thing you can do for yourself is to keep good business records from day one of your business. Start with the fees to get a business license, and start recording every single business expense that you have. By doing this as you go you will save both yourself and your tax preparer a ton of headaches come tax time.

Setting Your Prices

The number one mistake many home-based crochet businesses make is to charge too little for their services. You need to make a living, and you need to be pricing your items and services accordingly. Whatever you do, do not sell yourself short! Ask a going rate for your items and services and expect that people will pay you what your time and product is worth. This allows you to work smarter and not harder! And, it allows you to stay in business because you are seeing some profits from your time investment.

Marketing

Marketing is simply getting the word out and letting others know your business exists. You can market online, through a press release sent to your local newspaper, flyers, brochures, craft fair booths, etc… Anywhere you come into contact with potential customers you can market your items and services. You can even do simple things like always carry business cards, available these days very inexpensively online, and hand them out to everyone you meet as you go through your days.

The absolute best way to market your business is through word-of-mouth. Once your business gets going, if you treat your customers well, then they will tell their friends and family about you; this will bring you more customers without having to pay a dime to advertise.

As you can see there are a lot of things for you to consider when you are thinking about starting a home-based crochet business. However, your business can be very successful and profitable if you take the time to make it so. Your options are only limited by your imagination and the time you invest in your business venture.

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Rise and dine with mexican avocado combos

Breakfast made with vibrant flavors of Mexico is a lively way to start any day. Sautйed onion and bell pepper, Jack cheese, cilantro and a hint of hot pepper sauce transform eggs into a feast, while avocado cubes supply the crowning touch.

Alternatively, substitute fresh or frozen corn kernels for the bell pepper, and fold diced avocado into scrambled eggs just before serving. Another great breakfast or brunch idea: Mix chopped avocado into your favorite salsa, and serve over a cheese omelet.

Hass avocados from Mexico, in plentiful supply all year long, are ideal for these morning specialties. Mash a ripe avocado with chopped onion, lemon juice, salt and pepper, spread over toasted bagels and, if you like, top with smoked salmon. This spread is not only tastier and more colorful than cream cheese, but more healthful-because two-thirds of the fat in Hass avocados consists of monounsaturated fat, the same cholesterol-lowering "good fat" as olive oil.

Mexican Avocado

And Egg Scramble

1 fully ripened Mexican Hass avocado

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1/2 cup chopped onion

1 cup diced red pepper

6 eggs

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

3/4 teaspoon hot red pepper sauce

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup broken tortilla chips

1/2 cup shredded Jack cheese

Cut avocado lengthwise around the middle; twist to separate halves and scoop out flesh. Dice avocado and set aside. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and bell pepper; cook and stir until onion begins to brown, about 4 minutes. Whisk together eggs, cilantro, hot sauce and salt. Add to skillet along with tortilla chip pieces. Cook and stir gently until eggs are set but still soft. Sprinkle cheese on top. Cover; remove from heat; let stand until cheese melts, 1 minute. Divide mixture among four plates; top with reserved avocado.

YIELD: 4 servings

Rich and creamy avocado over eggs is a tasty way to jump-start the day.

Refinance mortgage lenders should you use an online lender

Choosing the right refi lender is crucial when refinancing your mortgage. Some homebuyers make a hasty decision and accept the first offered received. Furthermore, some choose to refinance with their current lender without exploring other options. Being a savvy shopper can save your thousands on a mortgage loan. Moreover, shopping for a lender online is easy and will present several refi options.

Convenience of Online Shopping

Many consumers have taken advantage of online shopping. Included among the list of top online products are mortgage and refinance loans. Shopping for a refi lender online is convenient. Without the internet, those in the market for a refi lender would have to contact local lenders individually to complete a loan application.

However, the internet gives you the opportunity to explore different refi loan companies outside your local area. Mortgage and refi lenders across the country advertise their services online and include applications on their website. Hence, you can shop for a mortgage loan using your home computer. Online refi lenders offer instant approvals. Once you accept their offer, the loan company will send a signing agent to your home to finalize the loan.

Getting Multiple Offers from Various Lenders

Additionally, applying for a refi loan online lets you obtain multiple offers within seconds. When applying for any sort of loan, it is important to compare and contrast different offers. The majority of loan experts recommend obtaining quotes from at least four different lenders. Contacting individual lenders for quotes is time consuming. Instead, apply for a loan through an online mortgage broker.

Online mortgage brokers make applying for a refi loan online worthwhile. Brokers offer a unique service that is practical and timely. To begin, you submit a quote request through the broker site. Applicants must include accurate information pertaining to their income, employment history, loan amount, and credit status.

Credit reports are not reviewed when requesting quotes. Thus, it is vital for applicants to check their free credit report before submitting information, and supply an accurate credit rating. Once the broker receives stated information, they will match applicants with suitable loans.

Regardless of credit, mortgage brokers have the ability to locate loans for all people.

The root and sacral chakras

The Root and Sacral Chakras

The Root chakra correlates to our survival, security, and trust. This deals with issues of finance, shelter, and job. The person is secure and grounded in the here and now if the chakra is open. Insecurity and fear means the chakra is blocked. The parts controlled by this chakra include the legs, the skeletal system, and elimination system. The color for this chakra is red.

We also need to find out what the symptoms are and when they started as this will take us back to the original problem. This chakra is also the one that keeps us grounded to Mother Earth. It also represents the relationship between us and our own mother. If you were raised by a loving mother, you should have a clear and open chakra. But if you were abused or neglected, this chakra will be blocked. Thus your relationship becomes a model for security and home.

The Sacral chakra correlates to the parts of our minds that deal with food and sex. It is about what the body wants or needs, and what the body finds pleasurable. Parts controlled by this chakra include the reproductive system, the abdomen, stomach, spleen, skin, muscular system, the face muscles and the lumbar region in the back. The color for this chakra is orange.

Taste and the element of water are associated with this chakra as well. If someone does not have a clear chakra, they may be afraid to go out in a boat or go swimming. They may also have no appetite or enjoyment of food as their taste will be bland. This goes back to what this chakra controls in the body. It also is key as to whether the person is willing to feel their emotions or let them stay hidden inside. Then the digestive system will go awry. Everything has a consequence once our chakras become unaligned.

Paying your loan back early

Paying your loan back early is one of the best ways to save yourself money, but there can be hidden charges as well. If you are taking out a loan and think that you might want to pay it back early, then there are certain things you should take into consideration before signing up. Here is some advice to help you to get the most out of paying back your loan early.

Why pay back early?

Paying back your loan early might seem like an impossible target at the moment, but if you have a long-term long then it is possible you will be in a position to pay the loan back earlier than the agreed term. Paying back your loan earlier will obviously benefit you because it will reduce the amount of interest that you are paying. If you can possibly afford to pay back your loan early then you should try to do so, providing that the penalties are not too high.

Different names, same penalty

Although paying back your loan before the end of its term can be a great idea, there is a chance you will have to pay a fee in order to do so. These fees can vary in price, and also in what they are called. The same early payment fee can be called an early repayment penalty, an early redemption fee, a redemption charge or even a financial penalty. It is important to check your loan policy to see if there is a charge for paying early. If you are not sure, then contact your lender for help.

How much will it cost?

Paying back early does not carry a set penalty fee, but in general the amount is around one or two month’s interest. This means you need to work out when the best time to pay back the loan is. Usually, it is easier to pay back the loan early when you can afford to pay back the entire amount outstanding. However, you should avoid this if you are near the end of the loan term, because the charges may be as much as you save. However, some loans will allow you to pay back a certain amount early before you have to incur a charge. If you can afford to then pay back these amounts, as you will not get charged.

Flexible loans

If you really think you will want to pay back your loan early, then you might want to think about getting a flexible loan. These loans have higher interest rates, but they allow you overpay. This means you can pay back your loan much more quickly when you can afford it without having to incur any penalty charges. However, you should only consider one of these loans if you are really serious about paying the loan back early due to the higher interest rates.

No penalty fees

Another alternative is to find a fixed rate loan that has no penalty charge for early repayment. Although many people think only more expensive loans have this benefit, these days some of the cheapest loans have no charge for early repayment. If you want to pay your loan back early, then make sure you get one with no penalty charge.

How to get the best rates on car insurance in florida

Getting the best rates on car insurance in Florida isn't difficult, it's simply a matter of being aware of all the things you can do and the steps you can take to create a car insurance policy that's specifically designed to save money – and then, once you have your low-priced policy in hand, going online and comparing prices in order to get your car insurance at the guaranteed rock-bottom price.

The whole process starts with two important considerations: what kind of vehicle you are driving and the type of driving that you're going to be doing.

Not all cars are created equal when it comes to how much you'll pay to insure them. Some cars, because of how expensive they are to work on, or perhaps because of how frequently they are stolen, or perhaps because of their replacement cost, simply cost a lot more to insure than other models. Talk to your agent about finding a car that's inexpensive to insure.

The second factor is, basically, you. Do you drive safely and legally at all times? If you're going to be getting speeding tickets and other moving violations then you will not be in a position to claim the best rates on car insurance here in Florida.

If you are convicted of a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or a DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) you can count on your car insurance rates going way up and staying there for up to 3 years. If you are convicted of either offense a second time you will be scraping the bottom of the high-risk barrel looking for car insurance at whatever rate you can find it.

Are you a driver 25 years old or younger? If so then you're undoubtedly aware that you have automatically been placed in a high-risk insurance category and your rates are relatively high. You can lower them by about 5% if you stay in school and are able to maintain at least a "B" grade average, earning you a Good Student Discount.

If you park your car in a garage at night, rather than on the street then you are eligible for another discount on your monthly premium.

Do you drive fewer than 500 miles in an average month? If you do then you should claim a Low-Mileage Discount.

If you drive an older car, one that no longer has any value according to the Kelly Blue Book, then you're just wasting your money if you're paying for comprehensive or collision coverage on your car.

Drivers who are 55 or older may have noticed their rates creeping up. Fortunately there may be something you can do about it. Ask your agent if you can take a special driver's refresher course. If your company offers such a course and you pass it, your monthly car insurance premiums will be slashed by about 10%.

Do you have other insurance policies with the same insurance company? Perhaps a homeowner's policy or a health policy? If so you should claim a Multi-Policy premium reduction on your car insurance.

Have you been with the same insurance company for at least 5 years? You should be entitled to a Long-Term-Policy discount on your car insurance.

Have you given any thought to your deductible recently? The higher your deductible the lower your monthly car insurance premium payment will be. But consider carefully just how much you can afford to pay out of your own pocket if you should have a claim before increasing your deductible too much.

You now have enough information to build a car insurance policy that will save you as much as possible in premiums each month – so now there's just one thing left to do. Go online and compare the cost of your super-policy among as many different insurance companies as possible.

Since no one website compares every car insurance company in Florida it will be necessary for you to take the extra time and make your head-to-head comparisons on at least 3 different websites. Once you've done that you can grab the best price and sleep easy at night knowing that you were able to get the best rates on car insurance in Florida and that you'll be saving money month after month, year after year.

5 important things to remember to get the best mortgage

The market of new houses is now experiencing a great increase in sales and profit. Old houses are now being traded for newer ones. A great way to finance your new home purchase is to mortgage.

If there are instances that you are not eligible because of some credit concerns, you should not worry. You can still plan for it in the future. It is probable that in just a few months, you can buy a home if you consider the following tips:

1. Do not make too much purchases for the next couple of months. Instead, prepare money for your down payment. The reason for this is that even a debt of only 15,000 dollars will still appear unpleasant to the mortgage lenders credit score system.

2. Do not choose a very costly home especially if it is just going to jack up your expenses. You have to ensure that you are able to pay for your debt load consistently, so before choosing the type of house you want, consider your income first.

3. Do not get disqualified for a mortgage. Make sure that you will get approved. In order to qualify, you are required to submit your credit information to a mortgage lender. And you must allow your lender to get your credit report and debt/income data.

4. Do not forget the form of money personality you have before taking a mortgage.

5. Keep in mind that home possession may provide many problems. The charge of non-payment on a loan is a lot larger than the fine of missing a rent fee.

Therefore, if you are planning to apply for a mortgage, be sure to remember these five important things in order to end up successfully with the best mortgage there is.

Cubic zirconia rings

Cubic Zirconia Rings

Rings have been worn for centuries before the creation of the cubic zirconia. It is said, rings were popular during medieval times. During that time people of all classes wore rings whether they were rich or poor. Usually rings were made from metals, such as copper, iron, gold and silver. The metal signified the class of the person wearing it. Then in the 14th century, rings were introduced with faceted gems in them.

Some rings are attached to certain cultures, such as silver and turquoise bring to mind the Native American. Starting with the early Christians and up to current times, the Greek symbol called the Icthus, which is in the shape of a fish. Then there is the Irish Claddagh, which is preceded by the story of a young couple soon to be married. The groom-to-be was captured and forced into slavery as a goldsmith. During his time of captivity he started creating a ring for his love. The ring consisted of a heart to signify love, a crown to signify loyalty, and two hands.

The young man after years of being in slavery, escaped his captors and return to his home village of Claddagh, Ireland. He found his true love. Since neither of them had every married, he gave her the ring he created during his time in captivity.

To this day rings are made from all different types of materials, such as silver, gold, copper, plastic and even wood. The newest metal to be used in the making of rings and other pieces of jewelry is titanium and tungsten.

Cubic zirconia is typically only used in the precious metal settings, including the titanium. Cubic zirconia is never used in costume jewelry because it is considered to be the best diamond replacement on the market.

Rings have become an intricate part of our lives today. Just for example, there are class rings that range from high school, college and even the military. One of the most coveted rings in the world of football is the Super Bowl ring. Rings are worn to signify commitment whether it is a wife to her husband, or a nun to God. Rings have become a very important part of our life.

The more popular the cubic zirconia becomes the more roles it will play in our life. Can you imagine a Super Bowl Ring with a cubic zirconia in place of a diamond? You never know it could happen. The more and more the diamond reputation is tainted with the thought of child forced into labor to mine them, more and more people will start to rebel against the atrocities and choose not to wear diamonds any longer. The price of the diamond could be another major factor to decrease the demand on diamonds. People may decide it is not worth the price when the cubic zirconia is more plentiful and lower in cost, and the quality cubic zirconia can rival a diamond in brilliance and look.

As they continue to improve on the technology used to create the cubic zirconia everyday, we can expect greater looking cubic zirconias in the future for our rings.

Holidays with children

Holidays with children can often by difficult to plan. You want to find that perfect vacation location for your kids that is kid friendly and fun for the entire family. When trying to find this perfect location for your holidays with children, then you need to keep several things in mind.

1. Kids would list the most wanted vacation location as Walt Disney World. This resort has something for everyone, no matter what age. Your children can enjoy the many kid friendly activities, restaurants, and experiences ad they spend time with Mickey Mouse, the Princesses, and other characters. There are four different theme parks that your family can choose from and two water parks, so that you can find the right activities for your family. You will be amazed at how much there is to do at this resort. The only problem will be fitting everything in!

2. If your holidays with children are much more fun when relaxing on the beach, then you will want to consider the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas. This beautiful resort has many different activities for every age of child. It is the ultimate in kid friendly with the many different pools, snorkeling, golfing, and other activities. They even have a camp for children that are younger than 12 years old that can allow them to learn more about sea life through activities and visits to the aquarium on site. For you parents, there are many activities as well, including a comedy club, dance clubs and shopping. No matter what age your family is, there are sure to be activities that everyone will enjoy.

3. If snow is more your family’s desired vacation spot, then you will want to think about a vacation to Snowbird Resort in Utah. As far as your kids, they can ski free at the resort, but there are other activities that you can do, too. Families can take part in activities like luging, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice skating, snowboarding, and more. You will never run out of snow-oriented activities. Kid friendly ski camps and schools are available for your kids and there is childcare if you want to slip off to the spa or fitness club.

4. If you and your family enjoy adventure, then you will want to think about visiting the Treesort that is located in Takilma, Oregon. This is a wonderful trip for those Swiss Family Robinson lovers, because it features 18 different tree houses for you and your family to spend the night in. There are also platforms, forts, wooden swings, and swinging bridges for your family’s fun and enjoyment. There is also a 160-foot zip line, a fresh water swimming pool, and lots of scenery to enjoy.

5. If you prefer to take your kids on a trip where they can learn as well, then you will want to try out Williamsburg, Virginia. Kingsmill Resort has many kid friendly activities that you can enjoy, from golf and tennis to a marine and more. There is even a Kids Camp that will allow your children to swim in a kid friendly environment and they can spend time in the game room. Busch Gardens is not very far away and you can visit Williamsburg, too. For the perfect mix of knowledge and fun, Williamsburg has it all.

Debt stress the really bad side

In all the information and discussion about credit card debt there is one thing that gets largely ignored. Stress. Credit card debt is extremely stressful and can have a very negative effect on your life if you let it.

It’s very difficult to not feel its effect but you can learn to deal with it more effectively. Stress is as bad as an addiction, always hanging around, bringing you down, making it hard to live your life the way you want to. If you can recognize it you can deal with it.

The Symptoms of Stress.

There are an awful lot of symptoms that can be caused by stress. Some of the most common ones are: headaches, not being able to sleep, feeling depressed and irritable, and being forgetful and unable to concentrate on what you’re doing. If you’re not sure whether your symptoms are related to stress or something else go and see a doctor.

Who Gets It?

Almost everyone who has debts is stressed about them. Debt is blamed for millions of days off work every year and is one of the leading causes of suicide. Students and graduates are especially vulnerable as debt is growing amongst them faster than in any other group.

The average adult owes many thousands in debt. Since that’s the “average” it means that many people must owe much more. Never forget that you’re not alone and there’s always someone worse off than you.

How to Deal With It.

Stress caused by debts is often considered to be embarrassing or shameful. People with lots of debts don’t want to talk about it, even with their family for fear of upsetting people or looking like a failure. It is very important, though, that you do talk about your problems. Keeping it all inside yourself will make you much more stressed. It is especially important that you talk to your partner. They are the number one person who can support you.

The best thing to do is to find two people: one who can advise you and one who can be a personal counselor. That means a professional who knows what they’re doing in financial matters, as well as a psychologist or psychiatrist. Don’t let the stigma put you off, this is about your health.

Get on a solid plan to get out of debt and manage your finances. Figure out how you got that debt to begin with. Understand the problem and work out a budget. Cut unnecessary expenses and try to free up as much money as you can to pay back debts.

How to choose a 2007 prom dress

You are so excited. You thought this big event would never get here. Here it is only months away and now you have to choose the one prom dress that will make you look beautiful and feel confident. There are so many different styles and colors available in prom dresses. This is the reason you need to start shopping months before the big event.

Take the time to find out what style best suits you and your body shape. Find out what is popular this year. Trends change drastically every year and you want to be the new girl.

Before Shopping for 2007 Prom Dresses

It is always a good idea to look through up-to-date magazines such as Seventeen, Prom Magazine, and even bridal magazines. You would be surprised at the different fashions you will see and the great ideas from the models in these magazines. If a dress really catches your eye, tear out the page and take it with you when you go shopping for your gown.

Another timesaving step is to take your measurements before you go shopping. Jot down your height and weight. This will give you more time to look. This information will come in handy when you decide to go online and shop.

Knowing how much you have in your budget and which price range best suits you will also save you time.

Shopping for Your Gown

Once you have jotted down your measurements and have set your budget, it's time for the fun part. SHOPPING!!!! Go to every dress shop that you can find in your area or you may have to shop out of town. Visiting different shops will give you an idea of what styles are available this year.

Try on several different dresses at each shop to help you determine what style and color suits you. If your budget is low, check out the outlet stores and thrift shops in your area. You may be surprised at the dresses carried by these shops. Bridal shops are also a great place to shop for your prom dress.

When choosing your prom dress, you want the dress that best suits your figure. Always buy a dress that fits you now. Do not buy a size smaller and hope that on prom night you can fit into the dress. When shopping for your prom dress, it is best to shop at stores where the employees can help you and give you advice if needed.

Bright, bold colors seem to be the trend at this time. These colors tend to be eye-catching and bring color to your face. Beads and jewels draw attention by catching the light on your gown.

Keep in mind your undergarments that you will need to purchase such as a strapless bra or corset. You may want to purchase these items before you shop for your dress so you will have them available when you try on gowns.

Remember, keep your options open. If you have shopped 'til you dropped and still have not found that dream dress for your 2007 prom, you can go to a tailor shop and have them design a dress just for you or surf online at your own convenience.

The swimming pool

The Swimming Pool

In the tropical areas of the world, there are several breathtaking areas that you could swim in, from lakes to amazing coastal beaches. Areas such as Hawaii, the Bahamas, California, and Puerto Rico have several beaches for you to enjoy. For those of us living in the middle of the United States, take a swim and enjoying the water can be a bit more challenging.

While you can choose to go to a local swimming pool, the summer months can often leave the local pool crowded. Crowded pools can be very frustrating indeed, especially if you are looking to swim laps. If it’s a really hot summer day, the pool can be so crowded that it can be extremely hard to enjoy a nice dip in the water.

To enjoy the water, you can always invest in a swimming pool for your home. Swimming pools can add value to your home, and give you the comfort of enjoying the water anytime you take a notion. If you are craving that exotic feel, you can always add plenty of accessories to your pool, such as shade trees, lemonade, and toys. There are hundreds of accessories and furniture out there, many of which can add virtually any look you desire to your swimming pool.

During the hottest days of summer, nothing makes you relax more than a pool. During the afternoon or evening, swimming can help to make it a little cooler. By owning a swimming pool, you can go swimming anytime you please. You can even take a swim at night as well, providing you have adequate lighting outside near your swimming pool.

If you are a professional swimmer however, a swimming pool on your property just might not be enough. Sport swimming has a lot of strict requirements, including lap swimming. A traditional swimming pool in your backyard may not be the best way to swim laps. You can always get a lap pool or swim spa, although they cost a lot more money than most people are willing to invest.

When you look for your swimming pool, you’ll have to decide between an in ground pool or an above ground pool. There are several choices available to you, although most will depend greatly on your budget. If you have the money to spare, you should go with an in ground pool. These swimming pools provide the most space, and give you plenty of options to enjoy swimming.

You can also look into a fiberglass swimming pool as well. Swimming pools that are made from fiberglass are very durable, and offer you a pleasant solution to hot days. These pools are very flexible, as they can easily be lowered into a hole already in the ground. There is little to no construction involved, as most fiberglass pools are already constructed. They are also the cheapest solution to in ground pools as well. Fiberglass pools also eliminate the need for acid washing and liner replacements, as they don’t require any type of treatments.

With several options available to you, it’s easier than ever these days to have your very own swimming pool. If you are interested in a swimming pool you can look for the best prices online, or contact your local swimming pool dealer. Most pools are very affordable, and you can get some great deals if you buy at the right time. You’ll make a lot of friends with your new swimming pool - especially on hot days when the local pool is crowded.

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The art of wine tasting

The production of wine in France is tightly controlled by two organisations. The Instituit National des Appellations d'Origine (INAO). This body succeeded the Comite' National des Appellations d'Origine after World War II and controls the hierachy of French quality wines. The other is the Service de Repression des Fraudes, which is responsible for seeing that the very complicated laws on wine production are carried out. On the French domestic market, every bottle carries a capsule conge', or capsule with the government seal on it showing that the relevant tax has been paid. It also shows the wine's quality status.

You can easily detect a genuine wine expert by the way he handles the wine in terms of smelling and tasting it and not merely just drinking the wine. Anybody can drink wine but it takes a lot of experience to taste wine. Art of Wine Tasting.

Wines have become a staple feature of every household during meal times, particularly when they are eating red meat. Red meats like pork or beef roasts are best with red wines. On the other hand, white meats like fish and chicken are better with white whine.

There are a thousand and one varieties, or type of wines depending on the vineyard where they were grown as well as the type of grapes they are made of. It takes experience and a real romance with wine to be able to distinguish its characteristics just by smelling and tasting.

Basically, wines that have been stored properly should taste smooth. Wines that taste off or stale are either not of good quality or they were stored improperly and their corks tainted.

So how should you taste wine? Wines should be tasted by swishing the wine in your mouth, allowing your taste buds to perceive the flavor and taste of the wine. While the act of tasting makes uses of your tongue, a person’s sense of smell actually does most of the detection. Both a person’s sense of taste and sense of smell should be used when tasting wines.

The laws cover the same ground as for AC wines but are often less stringent on yields and grape varieties. In on aspect, however, the VDQS laws were initially stricter. The right to the VDQS label was only granted after an official tasting. Now this requirement has been extended to AC wines as well.

While the two senses are indeed very important tools in determining a wine’s quality, the physical appearance of the wine is equally important. You can get a better look at a wine’s appearance and color by pouring them in a clear glass and look through it using a white table cloth or other white background.

If wines are generally red or white, then why do we have to study their colors? White wines are actually not perfectly white because their color ranges from yellow to brown and green. White wines with darker colors have more flavor and are older. While aging improves the flavor of red wines, this doesn't hold true for white wines which may go bad with time. Red wines that are lighter in color are older. You will be able to examine a red wine’s age by tilting a glass with red wine, allowing some to settle on the glass rim, and examining its color. When the color of the wine that settles on the glass rim is brownish, then it has been aged.

Wine experts also swirl the wine to observe how it moves in the glass. A wine that swirls nicely wine may mean it has a higher sweetness and alcohol content.

While the taste of wine is generally subjective as it depends on a persons taste and preferences, wine connoisseurs follow specific guidelines in wine tasting. Being able to taste and smell wine the right way can certainly to the pleasure of drinking them.

Take Notes especially if you are gone all day. Most wineries offer a list that will assist you on keeping track. When you get home to your local wine shop, you will appreciate having a cheat sheet.