Friday, December 19, 2008

Helpful Hints For Your Crafting Hobby

By Alix Montoya

Ever get tired of the small troubles you keep having in your hobby? Try these useful tips and work away for happier days:

Keep your brushes soft and feeling new by washing them after every use. Just put them under warm running water and soap away with your hands. Make sure you take out everything on the bristles that would make them crusty and hard. If you have stiff brushes, you can try to putting them in a cup of fabric softener for a few hours and they'll be back to their soft selves.

If your projects involve a lot of painting, then try to cover your working area with newspaper to keep the paint from getting where it's not supposed to go. If you're working with glue or thick paints, you might want to double or even triple the newspaper layers to make sure that they don't bleed through to your surface.

You can take away glue stains from cloth, or from any other surface with just a bit of rubbing alcohol. The alcohol is a really good solvent for glue and easily removes it. If the glue hardened, rubbing alcohol can still remove it. So keep a bottle handy, just in case.

Are you tired of the paint turning to crust on your paint bottle lids? The hardened paint makes it harder for you to open the lid. A good way to prevent this from happening is to put a little piece of plastic wrap and cover your bottle before screwing the lid in. The paint won't crust and your materials would be a bit fresher.

If you're painting really small objects, try making a masking tape loop and putting it on the small eraser on a pencil. You can use the sticky tape to hold on to the small object you're painting on and then you can use the pencil as a handle for it. If you want to dry it, just put the pencil in a pencil holder or a cup. - 15790

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Can A Car Be Secure?

By Susan Tanner

With the economy in its current weak state, security becomes a concern for many Americans. For example, job security reigns as one of the top concerns in a day such as this. But many overlook the importance of car insurance: what everyone needs to ensure secure transportation.

With a plethora of auto insurance companies all offering competitive rates, you may ask which one best suits your needs and your budget? Getting quotes from several different companies is a smart start. Then you can compare the rates and decide on the ideal plan for your vehicle.

Do not be easily moved to purchase insurance by signing with the company that has the lowest premium. You must consider a few other factors before making your decision. Think about how many drivers are going to be legally driving your car and their ages. Does the car have any safety features that will discount the premium? Will the insurance cover the cost of the loan for the car if it is totaled? Do you want full coverage or only partial liabilities? You also need to know the your specific stateas insurance regulations concerning automobile insurance.

Your standard rate may vary from the different insurance companies if you are the sole driver of your vehicle. However, if you add another driver, especially if he/she is underage, you will see that the premiums will vary sometimes largely from company to company. The more quotes the better though, as it is important that all drivers are insured.

Vehicles with multiple air bags, anti-theft devices, and electronic stability systems are usually able to be insured at a discounted rate. The cars of today are made standard with seat belts. Nevertheless, check with your insurance company to see if they will offer a discount because your car is equipped with them. Insurance companies usually offer a discount with the standard and optional features of a modern car although it varies.

If the car is one that is being bought by a loan, rather than a car that is leased, special attention needs to be focused on the area of accidents. In the event of the car being totalled in an accident, the insurance company needs to cover the remaining amount of the loan. Not all companies will do this, so multiple quote are imperative.

As a possible customer, compare the various coverages available to you by the insurance carrier along with the limits of liability. You want to be sure that the cost of the coverage is one fits your budget. As mentioned, your state may have specific minimum requirements for insuring a vehicle; so donat overlook this either.

In short, do your homework. Multiple car insurance quotes will help you get the insurance you need at a price you can afford. Check each company's quote carefully. Compare each quote line item by line item. If it is Allstate that has the best coverage and price, go for it. But until you compare, don't go anywhere. Uninsured is a poor choice when there are so many companies to choose from. Insurance equals automotive security during a time of economic insecurity. - 15790

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Asscher Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

By Alice Sy

How do people choose their engagement ring? In choosing an engagement ring, most partners choose something which is unique and fits the personality of the partner. Thats why many choose diamond rings because they are all unique in their own ways and characteristics.

How does an Asscher diamond engagement ring look like? How is it different from the other diamond rings?

The Asscher stone has a very distinct shape; it is a square with deeply-trimmed corners that is similar to an octagon. Sometimes others refer to it as the square emerald cut. Because of its unique cut and elegance, an asscher diamond can be purchased as it is, without any other additional accessories.

However, it still depends on the buyer whether or not they want to add specifications. This type does not have any standard thats why each piece is one-of-a-kind.

And what adds more attraction to an asscher diamond engagement ring is the presence of these parallel lines which makes it more distinct. It is like creating an image of many mirrors which are reflecting different angles.

Asscher diamonds are also rare and very exclusive just like the other styles of diamond rings. This type is chosen by couples because it adds and gives a more personal touch and represents individuality and elegance. It is another fancy type of diamond which is starting to gain popularity to public. Normally, this type has a cut deeper than the other types. They also are smaller than the others.

But the size doesnt really change the value of this type, again, because of its uniqueness. But unlike other types, this is not always available to some jewelers. It would be better to inquire the availability from high-quality jewelers. And remember to always be careful in choosing and identifying genuine gems.

A perfect choice for a personalized engagement ring is this asscher diamond engagement ring which is truly sophisticated and shows individuality. You will never regret buying any type of engagement ring you want as long as you took very special consideration on the details. - 15790

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Make Money on The Internet - Home Business Guide

By Thomas Griffin

Because tens of thousands of people all across America want to know how they can work at home and earn enough money to run a household, there is a special need for this report. Today the need for women to work out of the home is stronger than ever. According to recent surveys, almost 70% are married and contribute up to 50% and more to the family income. Because family responsibilities play such an important part in the lives of men and women, millions of individuals and couples are seeking ways to make money at home.

In the past decade money-making, home-based opportunities that match a person's skills, interests, abilities, and ingenuity have become almost limitless. The purpose of this report is to show you that it's simple and easy to join the ranks of success-minded people by choosing a work-at-home program that suits your interests and needs. Business histories have shown over and over again that the rewards and advantages of working at home can go far beyond a person's wildest dreams! In fact, it's perfectly possible to launch a small business in your garage, backyard, basement, or a room in your home, and become a giant corporation.

Your first step will be to study the company listings in this report, and then contact those that interest you. It's possible that you may not be interested in many of those listed in this brief report. But others may serve as that great motivator that makes you look further with a renewed determination. Once you develop that mind-set, persistence will follow and the nothing will stop you from achieving your goals.

When you write to any of the companies listed in this report, you should include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. That will give the impression you are serious and insure that you receive a speedy reply.

BECOME A GOAL SETTER!

If you expect any level of success you must set goals. If you expect to be successful, you must determine what that means to you and the best way to achieve it. There are two basic steps you can take to convert goals into achievements: 1) You can decide on a specific dollar amount; and 2) You can set a time frame for obtaining the dollar amount you want. Your goal should be specific and indicate What, When, and Where. After making a list of every possible way you might accomplish a goal, select the method that best suits your situation.

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS YOU MUST ASK YOURSELF

1) 'How can I support my family while I build up by business?' This question must be worked out according to each individual' circumstances. Many people start out on a part-time basis after their regular jobs to see how much they can handle. Then when their incomes reach a certain level they will switch over and go full time.

2) 'What are my abilities?' To determine your abilities you will have to take an inventory of yourself. Decide what you enjoy doing the most and what you 'feel' you would be good at. Examine every possibility and include every skill you have no matter how slight.

3) 'Is there a market for the produce of service I have chosen?' Be cautious before you invest any money! Check it out by making inquiries directly to the company, competitors, or firms who are marketing a product similar to the one you are interested in. Test it on a small scale. Check it out thoroughly.

4) 'How long will it take this business to reach the financial goal I must have?' It's really a question of knowing how much time you can dedicate to your business, and what your profits are for that time. From there, a little simple addition will tell you how long it might take to reach a particular financial goal.

SUCCESS IS HAVING THE COURAGE TO BEGIN!

Starting a business at home is a economical way to start a small business that can easily grow into a larger one. Many entrepreneurs have proven that you don't need a huge manufacturing plant to develop a successful business. Some of the most successful businesses in existence today started in a spare room or garage. It isn't how you start out that is important. What really matters is, do you have the courage to begin.

SELECTING THE RIGHT PRODUCT OR SERVICE

Take a close look at your interests and abilities, and then decide what type of marketing you want to do. For example, do you want to assemble items and sell them back to the manufacturer; do you want to sell directly to people; or would you prefer selling wholesale to retail outlets? If you prefer doing piecework or assembling items for manufacturers, make certain it's something you enjoy working with. If you enjoy one-on-one-sales, then test the product out on your friends, relatives and neighbors. The object is to find out what has the most appeal.

DEVELOP A GOOD MARKETING TECHNIQUE

A good marketing technique is one part of a business plan that is absolutely essential to its success. In fact, the ability to properly market a product or service is actually more important than the product itself. Even an inferior product can be a financial success if marketed properly. Seek out the advice of everyone in your field. Explain your needs and ask them questions. Experience is the best teacher. With good advice and a salable product, you should be able to develop a winning marketing plan.

FINANCING YOUR HOME-BUSINESS VENTURE

The first place to look for financing is right at home. Take an inventory of items you don't need and have a garage sale. Most people are pleasantly surprised a how much cash they can raise in a single weekend. Next, turn to members of your family or close friends who have faith in you and want to see you succeed. Offer to repay them through profit-sharing. Go to individuals in your community who believe in your personal worth. If you have a good credit history, your banker should consider you a good financial risk. Two other excellent sources would be your local Small Business Administration (SBA) and Chamber of Commerce.. SBA has low-interest loans available for qualified applicants and your Chamber of Commerce can assist you with referrals and other helpful information.

WORK-AT-HOME OPPORTUNITIES ARE EVERYWHERE!

Anyone who is serious about work-at-home opportunities need only look around them. There are thousands of options everywhere! There are employment opportunities that involve becoming an independent contractor; working on a commission basis; working for a salary; freelancing for pay; getting paid by the hour, receiving pay for each piece assembled; getting paid by the project, or a combination of any of the above. No doubt, what you finally decide on will depend on your particular needs and interests. - 15790

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Phone words: What are they?

By Buck Thompson

A telephone number that spells a word is called a phone word. Each telephone key is linked to a group of letters, which are written under the numbers on the keypad. You can use these effectively to catch the attention of both current and potential customers. Many marketers use this method to spell their brand name.

Though this strategy is quite niche in Australia, its full potential is yet to be uncovered. When used, results have been easily observable through a boost in profits. The right number positions itself in the minds of the customer, creating a long term impact. For example 1300 SPARK can be dialed if you are in a need for an electrician. The numbers associating the brand name are easy to remember. It also has the added benefit of imprinting the brand in the customers mind.

Phone words have created a revolution in cutting out competition. Someone who is able to remember a phone number and knows where to dial will be less likely to begin flipping through the yellow pages or classifieds where they may instead find a competitor's number. A company can gain the right edge by being exclusive with their number.

The clear advantage of Phone words is that you don't need to spend a fortune creating a new client base. You actually generate quality leads and yield better results. There is another benefit: if one customer recommends a company to another stating the phone word, it is ensured that the correct company name will be conveyed.

Phone words can also be used to boost the effectiveness of advertisements. When the marketing strategy involves the use of an interesting phone word customers are better able to recall the phone number when they need it.

This strategy is commonly used by big brands in Australia, with companies such as AAMI, Telstra, Subway and many others already reaping the benefits of Phone words. In short Phone words are cheap and effective. The simplest way to get on the Phone words wagon is to contact a suitable service provider (1300 Easy Dial is a good one). They provide a variety of phone number options including 1300 and 1800 numbers. 1300 numbers share the cost of the call between the customer and the business whilst 1800 numbers place the entire cost on the business. They also provide tools to help you choose a professional and effective phone word.

Getting a phone word is easier than cutting your birthday cake. To obtain a word, one simply needs to be granted exclusive rights for a particular area. To do this the word needs to be registered with a phone word service provider. Once you have contacted the service providers you are able to lease the number and for an initial investment you get the maximum revenue from minimum efforts. Phone words also provide a feature, wherein businesses are able to keep their existing service provided and number along with the new phone word number.

The results of Phone words speak for themselves. They are considered a breakthrough in marketing due to their simplicity, cost and effectiveness. It is definitely worth investigating what a good phone word can do to boost the profits of your business. - 15790

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