Tuesday, December 20, 2011

3 Fall and Halloween Themed Crafts for Elementary School Kids

!: 3 Fall and Halloween Themed Crafts for Elementary School Kids

Fall is the perfect time for kids to do crafts. Halloween is an especially crafty time. Most kids enjoy carving out their own pumpkin, but there are lots of other crafts they can make to have during this season.

Jack O'Lantern Terra Cotta Planter

For this craft you will need:

1. A terra cotta pot and dish

2. Orange, green and black craft paint

3. Paintbrushes, small, medium and large sizes

4. A plant of your choice to put in the pot

Begin this craft by spreading out newspaper to protect the surface you are working on. It is probably best to "double up" the newspaper and put down two layers of newspaper.

This craft is for a Jack O'Lantern face on a terra cotta pot. Paint the pot entirely orange; do not paint the rim of the pot. Use one or two coats, make sure the pot is nice deep orange color. Allow this to dry completely before going on to the next step.

Now you are ready to add the Jack O'Lantern's face. A little tip in doing this: you will find this a bit easier if you sketch out the face you like on a piece of paper, and then lightly sketch it onto the planter so your child can paint into the lined area. Paint the features black. Give this one or two coats, again making sure the paint is thick.

Add a green line around the rim of the pot. Paint all around the rim of the pot using your green paint. Allow this to dry.

Once your pot is dry, you are ready to re-pot the plant into the planter.

Fall Leaves Barrette

This craft is great for girls and will go nicely with a Fall outfit.

For this craft you will need:

1. Silk leaves of traditional Fall leaves, golden, orange and red

2. A low-temp glue gun

3. Large barrettes (can be found at your craft store)

Plug the glue gun in and wait until it is hot. Add a glue stick to the glue gun. You will know when the glue gun is hot typically because the glue at the tip will be ready to melt (squeeze the trigger to test this). Follow your glue gun's directions. Most children will need supervision using a glue gun.

Take the barrette and place a several small dots of glue on the barrette across the entire barrette. Remember that this glue cools quickly so you need to work fast.

Place the silk fall leaves along the barrette. You may want to place them diagonally, or use only two or one leaves depending on the size and shape of the barrette. Use your best judgment as to how many leaves to select.

Allow the glue to set, this usually takes thirty minutes. Once this has done you can use the barrette and enjoy.

Black Cat Halloween Card

This is a great craft that will give your child a Halloween card to send to their grandparents or family or friends to celebrate the holiday.

For this craft you will need:

1. Blank cards and envelopes

2. Black card stock

3. Yellow card stock

4. A gold metallic paint pen

5. Scissors

6. Non-toxic glue

Begin this craft by cutting the shape of a cat out of the black paper. Tip: if you have trouble cutting out a cat, look for a cat in your clip art program and use this shape to guide you.

Then cut a large full moon out of the yellow paper. Once you have both of these cut out, glue the full moon to the paper first. Then glue the black cat to the paper, with the black cat halfway on the full moon.

Write about a quarter of the way down on the full moon "Happy Halloween" using the gold metallic paint pen. Allow the paint and the glue to dry. Once this is dry, your card is ready for you to send.

If you would like to make this project a little differently, make bats instead of cats.


3 Fall and Halloween Themed Crafts for Elementary School Kids

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Thursday, December 1, 2011

Get This Quickie Guide to Finding the Right Envelope - Even If You Don't Have a Clue

!: Get This Quickie Guide to Finding the Right Envelope - Even If You Don't Have a Clue

Envelopes come in many different sizes. But you knew that, didn't you? But what you may not know is that paper qualities vary too. It may not be readily obvious and maybe you can't tell the difference. So, why pay more than you have to for the envelope you need?

If you have a small project and need less than a box of envelopes, your best bet is to go to your local print ship and ask them if they have some leftovers sitting in the stock room that you could buy.

Or, you can go to any office supply store and find small packages of 250 or less. Chances are that for the convenience of having a small package of envelopes will cost you more than if you picked up some extras at the print shop. So, there's your micro tip for the day.

Consumer Nugget #1

Most print professionals don't market/advertise sales of blank envelope stock. That is because they are in the business of printing. As such, printers buy many different kinds, sizes and quality envelopes. Believe me when I say every printer has some shelf stock that may never be used again. If you aren't too picky, you may get lucky.

Printing presses are not perfect and loss during production is planned so printers almost always buy more envelopes than the client has ordered. Hence, unused extras may be sitting on the shelf in exactly the right quantity you need for your personal project.

Consumer Nugget #2

There are a couple of miscellaneous things you ought to know. For example, if you are looking for a 6"x9" or larger envelope you can buy catalog or booklet envelopes. Generally the only difference is that a catalog envelope opens on the end and a booklet envelope opens on the side. So when you are shopping, make sure you observe how the envelope opens.

Consumer Nugget #3

Next, let's say that you want to buy an envelope that matches your stationery but you don't know what color or texture will match it. Buying stuff online could give you a surprise if you know exactly who manufactured the paper stock. Colors of paper stock certainly vary by manufacturer, even if they call it the same name, e.g. natural white . My advice if you find yourself in that situation is to contact you local printer.

Why, well they have thousands and I do mean thousands of paper swatches available from hundreds of paper styles for you to view. You'll likely find exactly what you are looking for.


Get This Quickie Guide to Finding the Right Envelope - Even If You Don't Have a Clue

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Tuesday, November 29, 2011

How to Get Your Letters Opened

!: How to Get Your Letters Opened

Think about last time you received a stack of letters. Which ones did you open first?

Was it the letters you knew were bills? Was it the letters which had advertising 'guff' plastered around the outside. Or was it the letters which looked like they were from a friend or colleague?

In this busy world, your letters are generally opened over a wastepaper basket.

So half the challenge is in getting the damn thing opened.

Yet what do many people send out? Mail which has their company name and address plastered all over it. Or worse still, mail with sticky labels on it. This sort of stuff usually spells "I am trying to sell you something."

And it tends to lower the percentage of people who actually open up your envelopes... and read them.

Consider the alternative.

A handwritten envelope arrives at your doorstep with nothing but the name and address of the sender.

You think: "I wonder who is writing to me?" and you rip into it.

On the top of a letter, there is a yellow post it note which says: "FIRSTNAME Friend, Read this. It's great"

When you peel off the post it note, there's a headline at the top which appeals directly to your needs.

Let's imagine your first child has just been born only a couple of weeks ago, and the headline says...

"Which of these mistakes are you making when feeding your baby?"...

You'd be hooked, right? You'd want to know more.

You see, you can have the best copy in the world. But if your envelope doesn't get opened... and peak the client's interest...then it doesn't matter.

So next time you send out a stack of letters, consider hiring someone to hand write the envelopes. Test it out and see how it works for you.

####

You will notice many experienced direct marketing firms actually use a lot of 'teaser copy' on the outside of the letter to hook people's interest.

My thoughts on this are the more promotional your envelope, the less chance it will actually get delivered. Especially in business to business. Think about it. It needs to get past the mailroom, the secretary, and whatever else filters the incoming mail.

Another thing to remember here is these large direct marketing companies have the luxury of using a number of creative people... and sending out a myriad of tests.

If you test 45 different types of teaser copy, there's a good chance at least one will pull in a better response. However, my guess is the average business is not in that position. So the chances are a boring old hand written envelope will work better in 95% of cases.

What sort of difference could this little tip make to your next direct mail campaign? Truthfully, it could put thousands of dollars in your pocket.


How to Get Your Letters Opened

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Saturday, November 19, 2011

Another Tip For Success in Your Business

!: Another Tip For Success in Your Business

Some say that the secret to success is being in the right place at the right time. Some say that success comes to those who work smart. You can say that success comes with having drive or passion for a certain field. All of this is true, but I also believe that another way to be successful in the real estate business is to have the right mentor, the right business coach, knowledge, and action.

Some of the world's most successful business men and women all were, and still are being mentored by someone else. Their business coaches helped them strategically bring their business to the next level. Without the support of these mentors and coaches where would their business be today? Who knows?

I believe that one way to increase your income is to hire someone else to coach you on a particular subject. Of course, you're going to work hard and work smart along with the knowledge you gain, but at the end of the day you need that extra information and you can get it from someone else.

I am in the house flipping business. If I wanted to find more leads so that I can make more deals, I could hire someone to help me in the process. Sometimes other people know more than you do. Therefore it would be wise to be open minded to other people's ideas. A mentor and a business coach can give you the knowledge that you are lacking to buy more properties and step your business game up.

No one can become successful on their own. You will need a support team. There isn't one millionaire or billionaire for that matter that has ever gained their position single handedly. The support from their mentors, business coaches and staff has given them the success that many desire.

The moral of the story is if you want to take your business to new heights you can spend the time and money on education. Find someone to help you if you have reached a plateau. Go out there and get a business coach. Pick someone who has been successful in your business and milk them for their information. It will be well worth the investment. Work hard and work smart as well and your business will grow substantially.


Another Tip For Success in Your Business

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Thursday, November 10, 2011

10 Tips to Hire a Professional Calligrapher

!: 10 Tips to Hire a Professional Calligrapher

Weddings and calligraphy are an eternal match. Calligraphy is the key to leaving an impression of elegance for your most intimate celebration. Hiring a Professional Calligrapher is an important part of the planning for your perfect day.

Tip #1 - Decide if you want "nice" handwriting or a Professional Calligrapher.

An untrained person with "nice" handwriting may be able to write addresses, but a Professional Calligrapher has organizational skills that will make the process less stressful. If you're in a crucial budget crunch one way to save money is to use "nice" handwriting for your save-the-dates. You can sometimes negotiate with a Professional Calligrapher to do "handwriting" for the save-the-dates for a reduced rate.

Tip #2 - Determine if the Calligrapher you are considering is a trained calligrapher or do you just have "nice handwriting?"

There are persons who market themselves as a Calligrapher, but they are not trained or capable of writing in various styles. Sometimes you want just want "nice handwriting" -- but you need to know the difference from the beginning. Nice handwriting is not calligraphy! A trained calligrapher is an individual who has been trained in the "art" of calligraphy and has studied various styles. They are often able to adapt a calligraphy style to match your printed invitation. Printers often mix and match lettering styles. A Professional Calligrapher can usually create a style harmonious with your printed invitations.

Tip #3 - Research the style of Calligraphy you like.

One of most popular styles for weddings is Italic. The style is sleek with clean, clear slanted line. It is not as time intensive as other styles and therefore is not as expensive as styles, like Edwardian, which require dipping pens in bottles of ink. You can search the internet ideas. But a good Professional Calligrapher will have a site where you can see samples.

Tip #4 - Consider if you'd like to use colored ink on your invitations.

A Professional Calligrapher is comfortable working with different colored ink, as well as metallic gold and silver ink and/or markers. Depending on the quality of your invitation paper, a Professional Calligrapher will be able to do a test on the paper and can tell you if it is possible to do it.

Tip #5 - Consider the personality of your Professional Calligrapher.

The type of attitude a calligrapher has is a good clue or how they will work with you. If you get a cheerful "hello" you're off to a good start. Determine if the calligrapher is helpful or haughty? Some calligraphers are snobby. If you haven't worked with a calligrapher before they may be impatient. If a Professional Calligrapher sounds stressed out or are impatient that's a red flag! You've got enough stress already, so you need someone that's calm, cool, collected and, well, just plain nice!

Tip #6 - Weigh the rates of the several Professional Calligrapher for your project before making a decision.

Several factors should be taken into consideration besides the finance. Sometimes a cheap price is a red flag for inexperience or limited abilities. It is better to pay more money for a Professional Calligrapher that organized, easy-going and considerate than to hire someone, who may be cheaper but a stress-carrier.

Tip #7 - Hire a Professional Calligrapher who lives locally.

Hiring a Professional Calligrapher, who is convenient to your job or home, will keep you from getting caught in traffic and wasting time with shipping. A Professional Calligrapher, who lives nearby can meet with you for a consultation and any last minute changes or questions.

Tip #8 - Find out an estimated time needed to finish your project?

Calligraphers call this a "turn around time. The calligrapher should be able to give you an estimate or be willing to work with you if you're in a rush. Most calligraphers require a 3-4 week turn-around time because they're already working on projects. If you're in a rush, don't be surprised if they won't work with you.
A Professional Calligrapher who cares will work with you to figure out a way to work within your time frame. You should not have to pay for extra stress! Hire someone who cares about your project and about you as a human being!

Tip #9 - Begin your search for a Professional Calligrapher at least 3 months before your wedding date.

If you have less than three months, then you definitely want to hire an experienced Professional Calligrapher. Juggling a deadline and organizing the project can be accomplished with a Professional Calligrapher. A small project of 50 invitations or less have a "24 hour turnaround time" - but expect to pay a rush fee.

Tip #10 - Have a talking script ready when you speak to the calligrapher.

Here's an example:

Hello.
I'm Francesca.
My wedding is December 31st
I have 350 inner and outer envelopes to be addressed.
I need them completed by November 1st.
The envelopes are white.
I'd like the writing in brown ink.
I'd like the Italic style.
Where are you located?
What are your rates for this project?
Is there a different price for the inner envelopes?
Do you charge a rush fee?


10 Tips to Hire a Professional Calligrapher

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Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Envelope Budgeting - A Great Way to Get Out of Debt

!: Envelope Budgeting - A Great Way to Get Out of Debt

The fastest way to get debt free fast is to start an envelope budget. Also known as a money jar budget, this can change the way you deal with your finances.

The biggest problem with those who don't budget is overspending. Overspending happens in your variable part of your budget where you have all the breathing room. While you might not be able to do anything about loan payments, mortgage payments and other fixed expenses like your utility bills, you can control your spending.

A money jar budget can help you learn to spend with cash instead of living on credit and can help you get rid of debt as well. Not only does it teach you to live within your means but it can help you pay down your debt quickly.

You can use envelopes or jars for your budget and you need to stick to it. Consider grocery shopping once a week only and only visiting the bank machine once a week to use your ATM card just to take out the cash you need for the week.

Fill your envelopes or jars with your cash based on the variable budget you set for yourself and with the rest of your pay, split it between your fixed bills, paying down debt and your savings account. A great way to save is to allocate a percentage of your budget and have your bank directly transfer that amount on each payday to your savings account.

Another tip is to make your funds less available. Consider lowering your daily withdrawal rates or not using a debit card so that you will be living on cash and not spending so much. Get rid of your higher interest debts and if you choose to consolidate, be sure you don't run the old debts up again.

Budgeting will make a huge difference in your ability to save and have financial freedom. While it may today seem like it will be restricting to start living within a budget, there is long term gain that actually equals financial freedom.


Envelope Budgeting - A Great Way to Get Out of Debt

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Sunday, October 30, 2011

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Friday, October 28, 2011

10 Tips To Collecting Free Golf Autographs By Mail

!: 10 Tips To Collecting Free Golf Autographs By Mail

Collecting autographs is fun, rewarding and can even be free if you know the right technique. Every day, people are going to their mailbox and pulling out autographs from their favorite athletes, movie stars and other notables. If you are a golf fan and/or a collector of autographs, then you are in luck. This article will provide you with 10 important tips to making your autograph hunt a successful one.

Tip # 1 of 10

When requesting golf autographs through the mail, the first and most important thing to have is an accurate mailing address. You can reach male golfers in care of the PGA Tour and women golfers in care of the LPGA. Both addresses are listed below:

PGA TOUR

112 PGA TOUR Blvd.

Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082

LPGA

100 International Golf Dr.

Daytona Beach, FL 32124

Tip # 2 of 10

When preparing your letter of request, always be polite and complimentary. It's best to keep your letter short as most golf professionals are very busy and may be more likely to read your request if it's brief.

Tip # 3 of 10

Always handwrite your letter and avoid typing it unless your handwriting is unreadable. The reason is because a typed letter may seem form-like and impersonal, which may lessen your chances of receiving a free golf autograph.

Tip # 4 of 10

Always include a SASE (Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope) with your request. More often than not, no SASE equals no response.

Tip # 5 of 10

When preparing your SASE, make sure that you include ample postage for the item to be returned to you. In most cases, if you are requesting a signed photo, two First Class U.S. postage stamps will be sufficient.

Tip # 6 of 10

Write the following caption in the bottom left hand corner of your SASE: "Photo Enclosed - Please Do Not Bend." If possible, use a permanent marker and choose black or blue ink so that the writing is bold and will not be overlooked.

Tip # 7 of 10

As you address your envelopes, including your SASE, pay close attention to handwriting. Print legibly so that your items will be delivered properly and without delay.

Tip # 8 of 10

If possible, mention some aspect of golf or highlight of the golfer's career in your fan letter. This will let him/her know that you are a genuine fan who would truly enjoy an autograph.

Tip # 9 of 10

Have patience. Depending on the time of year that you write, the golf schedule and/or a golfer's popularity, a response may take awhile. If you do not receive a reply within six months, try sending your request again. In some cases, it may be simply impossible to receive a free autograph from certain notables. However, many are willing signers and are happy to accommodate the requests of their fans.

Tip # 10 of 10

Limit your request to two items if you are sending your own golf collectibles (i.e., trading cards, index cards, photos, etc.) and one item if you are requesting that the golfer send you their own photo. If your request exceeds either of these two scenarios, it may be construed as greedy and this will not increase your chances of success.


10 Tips To Collecting Free Golf Autographs By Mail

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Thursday, October 20, 2011

Gratuity for Wedding Officiants - What to Tip at a Wedding and How to Tip Your Wedding Minister

!: Gratuity for Wedding Officiants - What to Tip at a Wedding and How to Tip Your Wedding Minister

Many brides and grooms, or their parents, are very shy when it comes to making payments to a wedding professional in person, but they are generally more embarrassed when dealing with their wedding clergy in regards to payment, and especially a giving a gratuity. I have been on both ends of the wedding altar and I can tell you that it's much easier to deal with than you think and there is a smart way.

Everyone is a bit unsure of what is proper mostly because wedding ministers as a whole have historically dealt with rituals and properness in situations and most folks do not want to cross the line. But remember that wedding professionals deal with this issue on a daily basis and so they understand your uncomfortableness and they have seen it quite a bit. To them, it is part of the work day.

Do I tip? Definitely, yes. How much? It depends, but it is not unusual to double a fee. How? There is a good time to pay the gratuity when you pay the balance of your officiant fee. Why? Because t.i.p. stands for to insure proper service. Your marriage officiant is still holding your marriage license when you part ways (they are required usually to file it themselves). Where? At the signing.

How do you pay and tip with class? It is not so difficult after all. Tipping anyone should be done with joy and gratitude. Consider the following wedding information.

Most officiants charge from 5 to 0 for a wedding ceremony. It all depends on your wedding ceremony location, what things you feel you need from your wedding minister and how busy they are. The busier the wedding minister, the more expensive they will generally be.

Most wedding vendors will ask for a deposit in advance and the remainder to be paid on the day of the wedding. Do remember to make a prompt deposit as wedding professionals do get calls and emails constantly. A typical wedding professional gets anywhere from 10 to 100 requests a day. That is a lot time requests to be juggling. Frankly, the first person to commit by putting down a deposit is the one who wins that time slot.

We recommend that you send the officiant you have chosen the deposit by check or by credit card immediately so that you do have a hold on their time and also so that there is a paper trail. However, in my experience, the balance should be paid by cash.

When you pay the balance it is usually more embarrassing for people since it is in person and there is no "right moment". But there is.

The best thing to do is to bring an envelope with each wedding vendor name on it and put the remainder in cash in the envelope. If you are in a large wedding, hand these to your best man or the father of the bride (which makes him feel more important) and tell them to distribute the money for you.

Do make sure to pay by the balance you owe your wedding minister in cash or your license may not be filed in time for the check to clear. Even worse, if you are traveling after your wedding and your check bounces, you may find that you are not married by the time you return from your honeymoon. A wedding officiant is required to file your marriage license within a certain amount of time with the county, usually 10 days. If they are paid by check and it bounces while you are in Tahiti then you may have a bit of a problem as that wedding clergy does not know if you will be paying on your bad check.

The best time to pay is at the signing of the marriage license. There is always a shuffling of papers from each person and when the wedding officiant signs it you can easily hand the envelope over with a "Thank you!"

And do not forget the minister gratuity. You can include that in the envelope as well. What is the proper tip for an officiant? - 0 is the proper officiant gratuity and if that seems to be too much to you, consider this: your wedding officiant is probably the least paid of most of the wedding professionals present at your wedding and yet you need that one person at your wedding ceremony more than anyone else there, or else. . . you would not be married. Yes, you do not need to tip a wedding official but think of it this way: it's good karma and a good way to start your marriage with a positive vibe from the one person who joined you as husband and wife.


Gratuity for Wedding Officiants - What to Tip at a Wedding and How to Tip Your Wedding Minister

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