PR FRIENDLY BLOG

IF YOU WANT ME TO REVIEW YOUR PRODUCTS & BOOKS, AND/OR IF YOU WANT TO SPONSOR A WORLDWIDE GIVEAWAY ON MY BLOG, PLEASE CONTACT ME VIA E-MAIL
Showing posts with label articles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label articles. Show all posts

May 15, 2014

How to Prevent Vision Loss from Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that is one of the largest causes of blindness in the world. The cause is still unknown, and there is no way of restoring vision that has been lost. However, regular eye care in Virginia Beachcan help you preserve your remaining vision, even if you are already affected by the disease.


Diagnosing Glaucoma
Glaucoma develops so gradually that most people do not realize they are affected for quite some time. It usually begins by limiting your peripheral vision, but your eyes can compensate for your vision loss and it will probably take some time before you realize that anything is wrong. Regular eye exams at a Virginia Beach eye care clinic can help to diagnose glaucoma while it is still relatively mild.

Risk Factors
Although the cause of glaucoma is not known, there are several risk factors connected with the disease. If you are at a higher risk of glaucoma, see an eye doctor for an easy test to make sure your eyes are healthy. Anyone over 40 or those who have a family history of glaucoma are at an elevated risk of developing the disease. Glaucoma is also often related to eye pressure, so you should be examined regularly if you have diabetes or other conditions that raise the pressure in your eyes. If you already have glaucoma in one eye, you are at high risk of developing it in your other eye, as well.

Glaucoma Treatment
Although vision loss caused by glaucoma is not currently reversible, many people can continue to live normal lives even with glaucoma. This is because your body does a good job at compensating for mild vision loss, so you may not even be able to tell the difference. The important thing is that you keep up with your regular eye care in Virginia Beach. In some cases, your eye doctor may recommend surgery to prevent any further vision loss. However, most people can stop the progress of their glaucoma with daily medications. It's very important that you take these medications regularly, or your glaucoma may begin to get worse again. You should also schedule regular appointments with your eye doctor to make sure your eye pressure is normal and look for any other issues that might affect your vision.

April 9, 2014

Having Fun and Keeping Safe Is Possible

You have always had a dream to open up a nightclub. You understand that it is not every person's dream to have a business such as this, but it has been your dream since you were 11 years old. You have satisfied the demands of your parents by attending college and getting your degree in business (you love your mother and didn't want to see her cry). You are now beginning the process of designing, building, and promoting your new business. While the nightclub scene has a 'wild and crazy' reputation, you are not going to forget the important safety measures while getting hyped up in the foam spray, levels and boxes to dance on, and the perfectly stocked bar. In fact, you just finished mapping out your safety exits, secured proper ventilation, and are working to give your stairs an anti-slip guard such as Amstep (because, hey, that foam gets pretty slippery, right?).


Fire Marshal
You are working with your local fire marshal to ensure that you have the proper sprinklers in case of fire, as well as smoke detectors and carbon-monoxide detectors. You also have the needed fire safety exits in the event of an emergency. Your local marshal is known for being hard on businesses like yours, and for good reason, this type of entertainment comes with inherent risks. He was pleasantly surprised with your setup and gave you top marks for safety. Your mother would be proud.

Ventilation
One of the major safety measures you have in place is proper ventilation. You did satisfy the industry standard for ventilation, as well as the standards set about by your city, but you also went above and beyond. You want to ensure with all of the chemicals that are involved in a night club environment as well as the inevitable fumes from smoke that go along with a party-type venue, that you have the best in ventilation.

Anti-Slip Stairs
Not only have you made your mother happy and the fire marshal happy but you will make your grandmother happy when you install the product that will satisfy the stairs' anti-slip requirement in your safety plan. It can get messy with spilled drinks, gobs of glitter, and spray foam, so you want to be sure that your customers are safe as they traverse the stairs around the club.

March 20, 2014

The Beauty of Martial Arts

If you or your children are looking for something fun and exciting to do each week for exercise and for a good time, martial arts in Wakefield can provide you with what you desire, while shedding calories and learning about the importance of self-defense.

Picture of Fuji Sports Double Weave Judo Uniform WHITE

Martial arts come in many forms and can be used for various reasons. It can be used for exercise, for protection, and to strengthen your mind and soul. It is available to many ages and is welcoming to those that have a love for sports, exercise, and knowledge. Seek out a center and ask to take a free class to determine if this is something that you want to pursue. Allow your child to take a class as well and then decide if this something that has sparked their interest. Your child can learn a lot from martial arts and it can be a life learning process that advances for many years.

Classes can be reasonably priced, depending on how many you enroll in. You will have to purchase your clothing to wear during class and practices. This can be pricey, but worth it if you decide to take several classes and have a future with martial arts. You will learn so many things that you have never even thought possible. Besides a physical game, a lot of this art surrounds your mind and has a large mental area. This can help you in your life if you are feeling stressed, tired, and burned out. This can also give your child a place to come to so that they can burn their energy and release any aggressions or emotions that they are battling. This is a positive way for your entire family to get moving and to learn something important in the process of it all. Your children will want to run around and punch instead of sitting in front of the television being bored.

If you want to choose a new hobby and try something out that is good for your mind, body, and soul, martial arts in Wakefield can be just what you are looking for.

March 12, 2014

Searching for the Perfect Formal Wear

No matter what the event or occasion is, it is critical that you look your best and feel beautiful. High-end attire companies like Elizabeth Johns can provide you with an array of high-quality dresses and gowns for your upcoming event.


Belle of the Ball
Looking fabulous is extremely important for any occasion that requires you to dress up and look fancy. If you don’t have much formal wear in your closet and need to find a dress quickly, search online at various sites that carry several styles of dresses. Shopping at various stores may also be helpful, so that you can try on the dress and see what you look like in a full-length mirror. Something may be very eye-catching to you, but when you try it on, it looks nothing like you thought. Before your shopping adventure begins, determine the style or color of dress you are interested in. This can help you to weed out ones that look pretty, but are simply not for you. If you are on a budget, this can also be very helpful during your dress-hunting experience. There is no need to try on a gown that is priced at way more than you can afford. Stick to what you know is in your range and it will make choosing a dress much easier.

A Shopping Buddy
Choose a friend or relative to be a part of your dress journey. This is a way to get an honest opinion in how you look and if the dress is really right for you. You can also ask the sales staff members for their opinions and advice. They are trained and work in this industry, so listening to what they have to say can be very valuable and important. Once you choose a dress, find the items that you need to accessorize and tie your whole look together. This can include shoes, jewelry, and a purse. If this is your one and only night to shine, you will want to splurge and do the whole thing right. If looking your best is important, everyone will soon notice.

A New Dress
Companies like Elizabeth Johns will ensure that you find the most perfect dress and accessories for your big event. You will feel like a princess and, more importantly, look like one.

February 26, 2014

How to Find a Good Salon and Spa

Are you looking for a spa to relax and enjoy your time? Visiting a G20 salon in Boston is a great place to relax and unwind from a stressful day. Finding a quality spa is an important thing as you want to make sure you have the right massage therapist to soothe your muscles. While it is easy to do a search for a spa in Boston, it is important to know you are visiting the right one to help you get the best treatment possible. Here are some tips to follow that will help you find a great salon and spa.


Ask for Recommendations
To find a great spa, ask around for recommendations. Talk to your friends to find out what spa they went to, and how they felt about their treatments. Ask them which therapist they liked, so you can call and book an appointment with them.

Services
Find out which services are provided by the salon and spa. The right services will give you the correct benefits you would like to receive if you are dealing with painful muscles and other concerns. Some spas will have some high quality treatments including hot tub relaxation along with lavish body wraps. Other spas will have basic massages and other treatments that can work for most people, but others prefer luxury selections.

Loyalty
One of the things to look for as you seek a good spa is to find one that provides you with loyalty. Loyalty options can include monthly massages, and other spa services to help your skin look radiant, and keep your muscles and body feeling better.

Staff
One of the best things you will find as you look at the spa is the quality of the staff. You need to find people that you can trust with your massage and overall health. Exotic treatments will require additional training, it is important to make sure the individuals have the right training to provide the services. Hiring a G20 salon in Boston is the best option if you want to receive the right treatment to improve your overall health and well-being.

February 12, 2014

Scheduling Limousine Service for Your Special Event

If you’ve ever had to spend time traveling around an unfamiliar city, you know how valuable a reliable limousine service can be. Or you may just have a special event planned, and don’t want to worry about the driving. Hiring a limousine for the occasion lets you relax and party with everyone else, and hands the responsibility over to someone else. Websites like www.premierlimoinc.com can help you find a limousine service in your area and can answer any questions you have about finding the right car and driver. No matter what the occasion, a limousine can help make it a special time for everyone involved.


Plan Your Event
Many people think of hiring a limousine for special occasions like prom, graduation, or a wedding. However, you aren’t just limited to these once-in-a-lifetime situations. You can use a limousine any time you need a ride to a business meeting, or if you want to take a client out to lunch. They’re also useful to get you and your group to and from airports or other local attractions. They aren’t just for celebrities! The best part is, your limousine driver is extremely familiar with your location and can even recommend places for you to visit, including restaurants, museums, and other things to see. Some limousine services even offer specialized tours of the area so you can enjoy your sightseeing without the hassle of driving yourself from place to place.

Choose Your Vehicle
At websites like www.premierlimoinc.com, you can also choose the exact type of vehicle you’ll need for your event. While many people choose the traditional limousine because of its elegance and style, there are many other choices available. Some people just need a simple sedan, especially for short trips around the city. For large groups, you can also find stretch vans and buses. These are perfect for longer outings with a club or church group. No matter what style of vehicle you choose, they will be stylish, clean, and comfortable. Many offer complimentary drinks, snacks, or other items such as magazines and newspapers. If you have any questions about what’s included in your service, just ask your driver. It’s his job to make sure you’re well taken care of!

February 5, 2014

How Addiction Affects the Family

Addiction can lead to a number of health problems, both immediate and long term, for the user, whether it is drug or alcohol abuse. The popular justification that addiction can only hurt the addict, however, is almost never accurate. For many, the addiction becomes a problem for the addict and their family and friends. For this reason, it is highly recommended that the family of the addict receives treatment and support along with the addict, such as from a facility like The Palm Beach Institute.

adolescent addiction treatment

Family Relationships
Whether you are a spouse, child, sibling, parent, or any other person that is close to the addict, your life will be affected. Many family members find themselves covering up for the addict, denying that there is a problem and doing their best to cope with the situation. Unfortunately, many of these behaviors only contribute to the problem. Family members will often find themselves feeling anger, shame, guilt, resentment, worry, and even fear, as the actions of the addict become more unpredictable. Meanwhile, trust begins to break down, as lies are told about the use of the substance, the degree of the addiction, the addicts whereabouts, and spending habits. They may even steal from family members in order to support their habits. Family members may also begin to feel like they come second to the addiction. In many cases, this can be the truth, although the addict may not be meaning to do so. Oftentimes, the addiction becomes first before everything, including their own health, career, and relationships. As their career falls apart and the addiction becomes harder to support, a family may be placed under financial strains, which can add to the current strain on relationships.

Children and Addiction
While addiction can place strain on any member of the family, children tend to experience a whole different set of side effects. Children who live in a home with an addict are more likely to experience physical and mental illness, learning difficulties, abuse, and neglect. They often develop anxiety disorders, depression, low self-esteem, and defiance issues. They have also been found to be more likely to attempt suicide during their lifetime. Addiction also tends to run within families, and children living with an addict are more likely to abuse substances themselves or marry an addict. Children living in the home of an addict are also more likely to be removed from the home. To help a child understand and cope with emotions and situations that generally occur with addiction, it is important to find them support along with the treatment for the individual suffering from addiction. Many centers, such as The Palm Beach Institute, may provide family programs.

The Benefits of Airbrush Makeup

Airbrush for makeup is a way of applying makeup that provides a flawless, professional finish. It's especially beneficial for photographic work, due to the precision of digit photography and the precision of airbrush makeup application. Airbrush techniques provide full, sheer coverage and can be used in refined patterns. It also makes application faster, and the finished look is more durable and longer lasting. It's also waterproof and smudge proof, which makes it very versatile.

Flawless Complexion Kit

The reason it's better for photography and video production is that it's applied in a dot pattern, similar to the way digital photography and high definition video capture and reproduce images. This is not only a benefit to makeup artists, photographers, models and actors. There are many times when non-professionals need high quality makeup and photography, such as for business, wedding photographs and prom.

If you're a non-professional, you can find airbrush makeup kits in a variety of high end beauty supply stores and online. Applying the makeup is easy, with a little practice. The most common use of airbrush makeup is foundation and blush, though it's used for eyeshadow, lips and eyebrows. Foundation should first be tested on a blank sheet of white paper to check the coverage and control of the spray. Shake the foundation bottle before filling the applicator to remove any air bubbles that will disrupt the flow. Apply the makeup in a circular motion, beginning at the forehead, and overlap each layer slightly. Continue application until you have the level of coverage you desire.

Colleges and Departments a Great University Can Offer

Utah State University is located in the Cache Valley of Northern Utah. Not only do they provide a university education, there are also 10 ski resorts that are two hours or less from the school. This means winters are cold and there are frequent snow showers. Temperatures in the summer top out at 85 degrees. Hiking, fishing, and camping in the Wasatch Mountains is minutes away. The University opened its doors in 1888. Enrollment is at almost 28,000 students, which includes the main campus students, distance education students, and students from the Eastern campuses. For more information on what a universities like USU can offer, read on.


Colleges and Departments
If you are considering a university but don’t know what field of study you want to go into, choose one that has a variety of colleges and departments in their academic program. Some of the departments you’ll find at a university like USU may include a College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, College of Engineering, College of Science, and College of Humanities and Social Sciences. A College of Arts department may offer programs that include art and design, music, theater, production services, and a museum. A College of Education and Human Services usually has quite a few different departments to choose from. There may be a psychology department, a special education and rehabilitation department, a teacher education and leadership department, a family, consumer, and human development department, a communicative disorders department, a deaf education department, an instructional technology department, or a learning sciences department.

Business and Natural Resource Colleges
If you are interested in business, universities like USU have a School of Business with an economics and finance department, a school of accountancy, a management department, and a management information systems department. You may also find departments in watershed sciences, wildland resources and environment, and society. When choosing a school, it’s wise to go to a program that is nationally ranked, has renowned faculty, good alumni, and a beautiful location, along with fabulous students. A university like this can offer unique, diversified, and incredibly enriching degrees to anyone who wants a great education.

January 22, 2014

How Was Your Skateboard Made?

Although the idea of skateboards has been around since about the 1930s, skateboards as you see them today did not appear until the 1950s. In the 1960s, the boards would become popular in California as a way to surf on sidewalks. The skateboard consists of three main components: the deck you stand on, the metal truck that holds the wheels, and the wheels themselves. These parts can vary in the material they are composed of, but many skateboarders have their preferences. Skateboards can also either be bought as a whole, or the parts can be purchased separately. But how are the skateboards you can buy from your skate shops in Atlanta made?


Wheels and Trucks
Since 1973, most skateboard wheels have been composed of polyurethane. This material tends to provide better control for the ability to do stunts than previously used materials. As was mentioned before, the wheels are connected to the skateboard with a truck. To connect the wheels to the truck, you must use ball bearings. The truck itself can be composed of a variety of metals and even from nylon in some cases, but is usually made of an aluminum alloy. Aluminum is preferred for its greater flexibility and natural corrosion resistance. An aluminum alloy will have additional metals to create desired characteristics, such as increased durability. A skateboard will usually require two trucks to accommodate four wheels.

Skateboard Decks
While the wheels and trucks are definitely an important part of the board, the deck is usually the most exciting part of the skateboard purchase. Although the wheels can often be colored and may feature a small design, the deck is where artistic expression and personality can show, with the bottom of the deck usually displaying either a machine-created or hand-painted image. But before the image can be applied, the deck has to be created.

Decks can be made of a variety of materials, such as aluminum, nylon, plexiglass, foam, and composites. Most of the skateboards you find in your skate shops in Atlanta, however, will be composed of wood. Wood allows the board to have more flexibility, giving the rider more control. Usually, the wood chosen is maple. The maple will first be cut into thin pieces of wood called veneers. The veneers are then coated in adhesive, and put in stacks of four to seven pieces of veneer. The stack is then compressed in a hydraulic press that contains molds to create the concave shape in the tail and nose of the board. After being pressed, the board is drilled in eight places where the trucks will be mounted. The board can then be shaped, sanded, decorated, and then coated with paint or sealant.

January 8, 2014

Taking on Work-Related Stress Effectively

A successful business runs a lot like a healthy body. Everything is working together to produce synchronicity down to the smallest part. It takes work to have a healthy body. The same is required for a successful business. One person is in charge of what goes into their body and what they do for exercise and stress relief. Groups of cells make up the body and they respond to every action taken by the person in which they reside. A business is similar in that the smaller groups of people make up the whole. The healthier and happier the people are who make up the small groups, the better the business will be able to perform. This is why it is important for business owners to promote a healthy lifestyle to employees. Employees can become out of shape and depressed quickly because their work requires them to experience long periods of inactivity. When cells aren’t working properly, a body will soon falter and succumb to disease. The same is true for a business. Healthy workers make for a bountiful business just like healthy cells make up a strong body. Check out www.heartmath.com for more information if you’re looking for ideas on how to increase corporate-wide wellness.


Employees Are the Lifeblood of Any Business
Work-related stress is responsible for much disease and disorder among employees worldwide. Smart business owners everywhere realize that employees are the lifeblood of their business. Just like cells in a human body, a business wouldn’t last long without healthy employees. Work is stressful by nature. However, there are strategies that anyone can learn that will help them deal with stress in a healthy manner. Sadly, many people lack the awareness to even know when they are stressed. Education about living a healthy lifestyle and practicing stress management is important for the employees of any successful business. Reducing unnecessary work-related stress can be as simple as a change of mindset. Sadly, many people are stuck in a harmful mindset where they do not believe it possible to escape from feelings of stress and negativity. Hopefully more people will check out www.heartmath.com and utilize the same research and tools with which successful businesses everywhere have already seen growth and success.

December 30, 2013

A Salon Gift Card: The Perfect Gift

It can be hard to pick out the right gift for someone. Often a gift card can be a great solution, especially a salon gift card. Salons and spas are perfect places for relaxation and peace, making a trip to the salon a great gift idea. When you get someone a gift card to a salon, they have the option to use that gift card on a wide variety of different salon services. Here are some of the different kinds of treatments and products that salons and spas have to offer your loved one.

Beauty Treatments
First, there are a lot of different beauty treatments that you can experience at a salon. Salon professionals offer expert services in hair cutting, coloring, styling, waxing, massages, etc. These many different services are designed to help you relax and gain confidence in your appearance. When you give a loved one a gift card for a place where they can get these kinds of treatments, you are helping them increase their self-confidence, satisfaction with their appearance, and comfort.

Beauty Products
In addition to beauty treatments, spas also offer high-quality beauty products for you to purchase. It can be extremely difficult to find good quality hair products from any old store. Using salon brand products on your hair can do wonders for the health of your hair as well as the appearance and styling of your hair. Whether you have straight or curly hair, there are many different kinds of products that can make a great difference in your everyday hair styling. Picking out the right products for someone else can be difficult, though, because people usually find specific kinds of styling tools and products that they like the most for their hair. Instead of trying to pick out products for your loved one and risking their dissatisfaction, you can get them a salon gift card instead so that they can pick out exactly what they want and need. Giving gift cards to salons is a great option for getting your loved one exactly what they want, making them happy and making you a successful gift giver.

December 18, 2013

Live Music Brings Fans and Performers Together

When the hottest musicians come to Canada, you want to be there on the front row singing along and enjoying the atmosphere. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to get concert tickets in Calgary. You need to plan ahead and make sure that you get the time off from work if appropriate.


The Power of Music
One of the reasons that movies are so successful is that they know how to use musical cues to help create the emotional atmosphere that the movie is going for. There is nothing scarier than the Jaws theme. There is nothing statelier that evokes the idea of power as The Empire Strikes Back’s Imperial March. In Close Encounters of the Third Kind, aliens use music to communicate.

Live Performance
For the best musicians, a live performance gives their fans a chance to get a little closer than a CD or song download does. Even in large venues, that shared experience brings people closer together. It gives them something to talk about with each other and is a good bonding experience for those that can agree on a group.

Backstage Passes
If you can get backstage passes to meet your favorite group, it is an experience that most people will only have once, and it is an experience that is well worth it. Meeting someone that has touched your life through his or her genius is always an amazing experience. For children, it will be something that they talk about for a lifetime, especially if it is something that they experienced with a parent.

Online
It used to be that you had to camp out at the ticket office days before a popular group would come to town. Some people will still do that, but for concert tickets in Calgary, you can just as easily go online when the tickets are released to get some for you. Then you will need to prepare for a glorious night of music, emotion, and a bonding experience that will bring your relationships to a new level. Whether it is the Avant-garde sounds of Lady Gaga or the soothing tones of Michael Buble, there is a concert that that you don’t want to miss.

December 13, 2013

Getting Inspiration From Other Weight Watchers

It can be very difficult staying on track with Weight Watchers or any other weight loss program. This is why so many are encouraged to get together regularly with others who are also engaged in the battle of the bulge. This action generally offers the inspiration required by everyone to stay the course until the final goal is reached. In person meetings are great, but with the wide variety of bloggers these days telling their own personal stories online, that inspiration can be had every day of the week online. Here are some great blogs you may want to add to your favorites list.

Fit Bee—Colleen
At http://thefitbee.com/about-me/ you will find the story of a determined woman who reached her goal weight while struggling with autoimmune diseases that include Rheumatoid arthritis. Even though these may have caused her to struggle, she did not quit, and lost 120. This site is filled with inspiration for anyone who needs a bit more motivation to embark upon or just complete their own journey to becoming fit and healthy.

13.1 Miles To Disney—Jodi
Jodi’s story is not unlike others who have fought the battle of the bulge and lost. However, with the right goals in mind and something specific to keep her on track, she finally did it. She has now become a Half Marathoner and is ready to go on to join others in the 2014 Disney Princess Half Marathon. Jodi is doing all of this with the help of Weight Watchers and an exercise program that have both changed her lifestyle for the better. You can read more about her story here.

A Journey To Thin—Alissa
Alissa began her journey to weight loss with the goal that she would lose half her body weight by following the online program offered by Weight Watchers. Along with being able to watch the pounds fall off, she loves the fact that she will be learning how to be patient with herself and how to change her eating habits to those that will help keep the weight off for a lifetime. Read about her story, and don’t forget to check out some Points Plus Recipes while you are in her site.

Weight Watchers Worked for Me – Jackie
Jackie tried many different diets and failed at least 50 times. She signed up for Weight Watchers Online and she lost 67 lbs. One thing she likes is that she is allowed to eat the foods she enjoys. Today, making healthy food decisions is easy, she explains. You can read Jackie’s story at WeightLossTriumph. While there, have a look at the promotional codes for Weight Watchers that she gives.

Curvy Fit Girl—Kelly
Kelly lives on Long Island, New York and enrolled in Weight Watchers after battling with her weight for years. She finally decided to tackle her weight 5 pounds at a time and set realistic goals for herself. It is her desire that others gain insight and inspiration from the posts on her blog. As you join her on her journey through weight loss and maintenance, you may find some new recipes and cooking techniques as well as a few laughs to help you along the way as well.

Inspiration often comes from the most unexpected places, but these women have been there and done that. For that reason, it should not be difficult to see that they do have some good advice for anyone struggling to change a lifetime of habits so that they and you can get fit and stay healthy.

December 12, 2013

Why Software Startups Are So Appealing

Imagine if you could take a sheet of paper, write a series of zeroes and ones on it, and then sell that sheet of paper to millions of people across the world. You wouldn’t even have to make copies, because what you’re selling is the intellectual property that is the specific combination of zeroes and ones. Sounds unreasonable, right? Well, it may be a bit oversimplified, but that is basically what companies do when they sell software. It isn’t easy creating a software development company, or a piece of software, but there are a number of reasons why software startups are so appealing to investors.


Office Space
Software startups require very little office space. Depending on how complicated you want a piece of software to be, you may have only half a dozen or so developers. You may even start out with only one or two! With so few employees, you won’t be paying too much for office space. In some cases employees may be able to work at home, which completely eliminates the cost of renting office space.

Marketing
Another appealing thing about creating software is that there are many ways to affordably market software. The world of marketing with billboards, television, and radio isn’t quite fair; the advertisement space goes to the highest bidder. Thanks to search engines and social media sites, marketing online is a little easier. For a fraction of what it would cost for a radio ad, you can reach many more customers by utilizing social media sites and optimizing your website so it shows up in relevant search engine searches.

Potential Profits
Thanks to the low initial and operational costs, the potential for profit is huge. There are many examples fresh in the public’s minds of companies like Google, Facebook, and many others who went from a humble startup to companies worth billions of dollars. Not every software development company is going to turn out like that, but they are good examples of what is possible. In summary, the general reason software startups are so appealing is that they provide the possibility of huge rewards while minimizing risks.

December 11, 2013

The Importance of Flame- and Fire-Resistant Clothing

When you think of something being able to resist fire, clothing is probably not the first item that comes to mind. But for certain industries and professions, this is a must for clothing. Fire-resistant clothing can often be a matter of survival in situations that may involve fire, explosion, flash fires, or arc flashes. Certain types may even be additionally protective against other chemicals or from static charge. You can visit a site such as www.tecgenselect.com to learn more about flame-resistant clothing.


Flame and Fire Resistant
Fire-resistant clothing is clothing items that have been treated with fire retardants—chemicals that prevent the clothing from burning in a fire. Certain fabrics, however, may be somewhat naturally fire resistant on their own. Some companies use flame-resistant, fire-resistant, and flame-retardant interchangeably. Others may differentiate between the terms by whether the clothing keeps the flame from spreading, resists the fire and stops its spread, and not continuing to burn once the source of fire has been removed. For the most part, however, a fire or flame retardant generally refers to the chemical substance used to create fire resistance. These chemicals may include such elements as chlorine, borax, boric acid, or more. The fire retardants generally work to remove or prevent the required conditions for fire to occur, such as by removing oxygen to smother the flame.

Importance of the Clothing
Certain professions have a greater risk of being exposed to flame than others. These can include military, emergency, or electrical personnel, or even racecar drivers. The clothing works to delay the flames from actually reaching the clothing or skin beneath the fire-resistant clothing. This can give the wearer more time to reach safety without sustaining serious burns or injuries. In the past, this type of clothing was often heavy and non-breathable.

Today, however, technology has allowed manufacturers to create lighter materials that allow the clothing more flexibility and the ability to breathe. In fact, fire-resistant clothing is even available as sleepwear for children and infants. Draperies, furniture, and bedding can also be treated with the fire retardants to help prevent the spread of fire. You can visit a site such as www.tecgenselect.com to learn more about the changes made to improve fire-resistant clothing for professionals.

December 10, 2013

Build Your Own Ring!

You don't have to be a wealthy socialite or a celebrity to have a custom-designed wedding or engagement ring. There are several online jewelers who offer everyday people like you the opportunity to build your own ring from a huge selection of designs and materials.


The options for ring design are many, and because the settings are already made, you don't have to have any special skills to design your own ring. All you need is an image in your mind of the ring that expresses your emotions, taste and personality. The selection process for one online jeweler is very simple. On a menu to the left there's a list of gemstones, more than one thousand of them, in a range of cuts from trendy to traditional. Just pick your gem of choice from among diamonds, sapphires, rubies or plain gems, then choose your size and cut. The next step is to choose the metal for your setting from among yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, platinum, tricolor or two-toned, and then pick the design. There are also single or stacked wedding and engagement rings sets. All of the gems are certified and cut by experienced jewelers.

A wedding and engagement ring is a very personal thing for each bride-to-be, and the ability to choose and design the ring that will be worn as a symbol of your love and commitment should reflect who you truly are. Now technology allows you that ability from the convenience of your home.

December 9, 2013

Nutrisystem Dieting and Life Hacks for the Working Mother

Dieting can be a hassle for anyone. Watching your calories, avoiding all the foods you love and exercising regimentally can take a toll on anyone. However, at the end of the day, it would help if you could make yourself a hot meal that is both calorie-conscious and savory to eat. Here is a list of a few blogs, where people share their success stories and their recipes to help inspire others to follow the same path:

Guide for Moms


This is a very helpful blog for working women who are trying to lose weight while tending to their families. Usually, it’s hard to diet when you have to cook delicious meals for your family that you will not get to taste. This blog helps to eliminate that problem by providing recipes that you can cook for the whole family to enjoy.
Mandy managed to lose 170 pounds while raising two kids and working. Her website not only includes fun recipes, but is also a survival guide for women in similar situations. She gives helpful tips on how to manage your time, get everything done and not lose your mind in the process.
In her blog, you can follow her 27-week Nutrisystem journey and read the tips and lessons she shares along the way.

WeightLossTriumph
A number of moms have published their experiences with Nutrisystem. Susan lost almost 100lbs, Charlene improved her health and enjoys playing outdoors with her 6 children, and Lisa went from obese to being part of a fashion show. In addition to information about how the program works, Weight Loss Triumph has discount coupons for Nutrisystem.

Jenns Blah Blah Blog
The name itself makes you feel like you are about to start off on a fun ride. Jenn is a mother, a wife and a stay-at-home working mom. Her blog is a mixed jumble of things, including tips, travel ideas, recipes, marriage advice, and advice on children and of course her NutriSystem journey.
Jenn has recently started following her diet, so, for other newbies in similar situations, her daily struggle should prove to be an interesting read. She also posts loads of recipes that she cooks for herself and her family including desserts and special treats for her kids.

Cake Recipes
For most people, the most difficult struggle that they face is learning to curb their sweet tooth. No matter how strong you think you are, there will come a day when your favorite dessert will be lying in front of you and you will give-in to temptation and grab a chunk. This website is an alternative to that scenario.
These are specialized recipes for cakes that are baked keeping the NutriSystem diet in mind. With detailed instructions and simple-to-find ingredients, these recipes are tailor-made for all the health conscious people out there.

Everything Mommyhood
Stay-at-home mother to two beautiful girls, Darci has documented her Nutrisystem weight loss journey. This blog is about women who are trying to lose their post-baby weight. This site has nutritious foods for women that are trying to lose those extra pounds they packed on during pregnancy, while maintaining their chemical balance. What sets this blog apart are two things.
Firstly, there are quite a few vegetarian recipes on this page that give you a yummy alternative to throwing all those vegetables into the same salad day in and day out. Secondly, there are many competitions and give-aways on a weekly basis along with great tips on how to minimize your cost through coupons.

December 4, 2013

Make a Website Tailored to Individuals

You might like coffee, and you might like tea. You might like Java for web development for your company. However, the real questions are, “Is it what your customers like?” and “Is it the right thing for your business?” Unless you are Walt Disney at the height of his movie creating powers, what you like doesn’t really matter. Your customers should be your number one priority. You should be producing the things that they want if you want to make sure that profits do not drop.


Customer Service
It is easy to talk about customer service when you are talking about face-to-face interactions. It is more difficult to talk about customer service when it comes to automated interactions. The best customer service is that which is adapted to each customer. The Disney Parks have it right when they deliver mass market entertainment and experiences tailored to each individual. It is hard to do, but if you get it right, you will win over more people than you drive away.

Automation
Companies move to automated answering services to save money, but the services seldom get it right. Voice activated services do not understand what is being asked, and “choose a number” services do not have the category that fits the customer’s need. The problem is within the limitation of automation and telephones.

Computer Automation
While companies switch to automated answering services for the phone, they use the Internet because their customers demand it. However, it takes a savvy company to be able to get people to continue to come back to the website time and again. The website could use Java or any number of programming platforms. However, to be successful, it needs to be clean, easy to navigate, and intuitive. Nobody wants to waste time trying to find something on a website. That is why it is important for every company to use a programming platform that makes it easy to find the information that the individual needs. The more that the experience can be tailored to individual users, the more success the company will experience. Making the customer number one should be the top priority of any company.

November 27, 2013

Four Tips to Improve Business Travel

From remembering to schedule a pickup time with a limo in Chicago to finding a hotel, business travel is full of small chores that need to be done. For the person who travels frequently, some of these things become routine. At the same time, there are many little things that you can do to make routine travel more pleasant. Following are four tips to improve your business travel:

· Take less technology.
· Use extra bags when packing.
· Call people by their names.
· Ask for an upgrade.


Take Less Technology
We live in a world full of technology. While these things are useful, they can also be cumbersome as they add weight to your carryon bags. Before you travel, evaluate whether or not you really need the laptop, tablet, e-reader, and music player as well as your smart phone. Eliminate the redundant items to make it easier to pack and travel.

Use Extra Bags When Packing
Packing and having access to your belongings is easier if you use extra bags such as Ziploc baggies. Then as you look for your belongings, you don’t have to shuffle through everything to find what you want. Ziploc baggies are good for your carry-on, too. Put an empty one in the side pocket of your carry-on. When you approach security clearance, put your pens, watch, coins, phone, etc. into the empty bag. Then you can simply drop the Ziploc into the side pocket of your carry-on rather than emptying the contents of your pockets into a tray to pass through security.

Call People by Name
It is so easy for people to feel like objects in a travel machine, especially employees who are checking you in and out of somewhere. Most employees wear a name tag. Use their names when talking to them. By so doing, you will get more attention and help than if you don’t use their name.

Ask for an Upgrade
The Canadian hockey player, Wayne Gretsky, is famous for his saying, “You miss 100% of the shots you never take.” This is true with upgrades. If you want a cheap upgrade for a hotel room or a limo in Chicago, ask if there is one available. If you are told no, then you are not any worse off than before you asked. But, if you are told yes, you might be in for an enjoyable upgrade.