With the economy and rising prices, most
everyone is looking for a way to make some extra cash nowadays. Some people who
are frustrated with "lining other people's pockets" yearn to start
their own business. While others who have been "downsized" or laid
off are searching for a job period.
Of course, the most
successful businesses fill a niche. That is, they provide a particular product
or service that customers want or need. My friend Becky found a money-making
niche when she started her own sewing business. Becky
started out by sewing clothing for her daughters and herself. She also repaired their
clothes and fixed and patched her husband's attire. Her husband worked a
full-time job, but Becky found their finances strained, especially when he was
laid off.
So, she put the word
out to her family and friends that she was now doing sewing repairs and
alterations for hire. Did the work come? You bet it did! She was immediately
hired to replace broken zippers, hem up pants, skirts, and dresses, sew up
holes in pockets, reattach buttons and snaps, and more. Because Jean is a skeptic,
she wondered if her business would amount to much. To her amazement, she got
more and more work just by "word of mouth" advertising.
I wasn't surprised by
her success. In a world where both the husband and wife have to work full-time
jobs just to make ends meet, who has time to make needed repairs on the
family's clothing? And if one has the time, not all women have the ability to
sew.
As Jean's business took
off, I advised her, as a business owner myself, to give her company a name and
apply for a business license. She also needed to find out if her workplace had
to be zoned for business. As for the bookkeeping and tax ends of her business,
Jean took my advice. She opted to let an accountant handle all that for her.
I f you're handy when
it comes to sewing, and you're looking to earn some extra cash, you can start
your own business right out of your home as well. The start-up costs are
minimal, especially if you already own a sewing machine and some basic
supplies. Don't worry if you don't have a sewing machine. You can pick up a
good-used model for a couple hundred bucks. Check the classified section of
your local newspaper. Or, check out some of the online auctions to see what you can find there.
You'll have to set up a
price list and an hourly rate right from the start. You can charge a fixed
amount for zippers - X amount per inch is the usual cost- and other repairs.
But you'll need to establish an hourly rate for large jobs like sewing a
wedding dress, etcetera.
You may choose to take
on all types of sewing jobs like Jean did, or, you may decide to specialize in
one or two areas. For example, instead of doing repairs, you may choose to make
clothes for your customers. Maybe you'll decide to focus on sewing wedding dresses.
Or maybe you prefer to make kids' clothing. Since you're the boss of your own
business, the choice is yours!
Although sewing
clothing is where the big money is at, you may also choose to make curtains,
decorative pillows, cloth dolls, and other items using your sewing machine.
To help your fledgling
business gain customers, besides using the "word of mouth" method of
advertising, you can also use another type of free advertising. Start out by
composing an ad on your computer. Then, print several copies out. Tack these
ads up on bulletin boards at your post office, local grocery store, Laundromat,
fabric stores, at styling salons, and anywhere else you can find!
*Always
be prepared, get plenty of rest.... because you don't want to show the employer
a lack of interest while sitting there, you don't want to just seem perky, but
look energetic.
NOT ARRIVING AT A TIMELY MANNER
*Be
aware of what the employer would expect by showing up on time and arrive at
least (15) minutes prior your appointed interview, should you need to gasp a
breathe or give a greeting to the reception.
NOT BEING PREPARED FOR AN INTERVIEW
*Carry
on your best of gathered information about the place your seeking employment
and certainly your most updated resume. (a couple of copies of your resume'
printed out with a cover letter for show)
*Do
greet the employer with a hand shake and look focused.
*Pertain
to questions that give the employer and idea just who he/she is about to
hire.(by not leading that person to speak of all the criteria of the placement).
*Leave the
office with a smile say, "Thank-You"... for your time and I look
forward to meeting with you again".(this gives the employer something to
think about should you be a better candidate compared to your competition).
DON'T' FORGET TO FOLLOW-UP YOUR INTERVIEW
WITH A THANK-YOU RESPONSE (email
are postal send)
*
Looks are important as well as apparel, so wear that professional appeal
(business suit of a jacket, pants and a tie, also skirts/dresses for ladies and
not just as if you are going out to waste time and effort). Cyndys Cozy Corner
The little black dress
is hanging in nearly every woman's closet because it is so versatile; it can be
worn day or night, for casual or formal occasions, and in any season. The
problem with such a simple, versatile little black dress is how to make it look
different each time it's worn. Here are a few tips on how to make your little
black dress even more versatile.
How to Makeover Your Little Black
Dress: Accessorize
Not enough can be said
about accessorizing where the little black dress is concerned; an accessory can
entirely make the outfit and too many people think that the outfit stops with
the dress.
Try switching up
purses, adding a colorful belt, necklace or scarf to your little black dress to
spice it up, or perhaps a hat; wide brimmed sun hats are quite glamorous for
daytime wear with a little black dress.
Don't be afraid to
experiment here because fearless accessorizing can lead to the very best
ensembles. Try mixing styles to create an eclectic look; perhaps pair an 80's
cuff bracelet with your classic little black dress, or a boho chic handbag.
How to Makeover Your Little Black
Dress: Color
Color should be used
sparingly with the little black dress so as not to dilute it, but if done
right, a splash of color can entirely change the dress. Try adding a pair of
red pumps, a red boho chic bag or classic clutch, or a red ruby necklace, or go
eccentric and try a canary yellow silk scarf with your little black dress.
How to Makeover Your Little Black
Dress: Layer
Don't forget about the
option of layering; depending on the season and particular style of your dress,
you could layer a lace shawl, a plush pashmina, or a blazer over your little
black dress to create different looks.
How to Makeover Your Little Black
Dress: Shoes
Some people think of
shoes as accessories, but they really are kind of in a category of their own.
There is so much you can do with shoes to give variety to the little black
dress.
Depending on your other
accessories and colors, you could play up the shoes wearing an eye catching red
or play them down with a mute taupe or beige shade; you could go heel or flat.
If you typically where your little black dress with a beige princess heel, try
a peek-a-boo toe red heel. Try what you've never tried before.
How to Makeover Your Little Black
Dress: Conclusion
Just think outside the
box the next time you put on your little black dress; there's no need to run
out and buy a new little black dress for every occasion when you can just spice
up the one you already have with items in your closet.
Please also look for my
two coming articles on how to dress up your little black dress and how to dress
down your little black dress; each of these articles go into a little more
detail as to how to accomplish each look. Thank you, Alexandra Morgan!
If you are a parent and
you have given your child an iPhone, you've no doubt worried about their
safety. Whether you worry about who their talking with or what they have been
browsing on the Internet, there's plenty to be concerned about.
However, with the right
apps you can worry a whole lot less.
There are plenty of
apps available for the iPhone that can help you monitor your child's activity
and even limit them from using their iPhones during certain hours or to keep
them from viewing unwanted websites.
In this article, I will
list the four best parental control apps for iPhone.
Mobicip Safe Browser
If you want a safe web
browser for your child to use that will give you control over what they can and
cannot see on the Internet then Mobicip's Safe Browser is a great choice.
Mobicip Safe Browser
has a plethora of handy features you can take advantage of. You can filter
certain YouTube videos from showing, monitor your child's web
browsing history remotely, create your own Internet filter, and much more.
Best of all, Mobicip
Safe Browser is designed to behave as similar to Safari as possible, this way
your child still has access to a full-featured web browser instead of a watered
down one that so many other safe web browsers offer.
AVG Family Safety
You may have already
heard of AVG from some of their other products such as their anti-virus
software. AVG Family Safety is their foray into iPhone parental controls.
With AVG Family Safety
you can easily view your child's web browser history, block certain social
networking sites or block social networking altogether, create a custom list of
blocked websites, and even monitor the internet usage for multiple users on the
same iPhone.
Norton Family
Norton Family is a
companion app for parents that already have a Norton Family account, giving you
more control over your child's iPhone.
The Norton Family
companion app will allow you to block websites, view your child's browsing
history, view any information your child shares online, see what your child is
searching for online, and it will even send you alerts when your child does
something they're not supposed to.
AppCertain
While the previous apps
have focused on keeping your child safe from online threats and monitoring web
browser usage, AppCertain will give you more control of the apps your child
uses.
AppCertain will let you
see what apps your child installs by sending you a report of each app to your
email, and allows you to block access to certain ones. There is also a
"curfew mode" makes it so your child doesn't have access to any
non-essential iPhone apps, fundamentally blocking access to 3rd-party apps. Thanks
to Marie Williams for the ideeas!
Save Energy when Using Your Clothes Dryer Here are some easy to
use tips for reducing the energy used by a clothes dryer. Whether your dryer is
electric or gas, there are things that you can do to make certain that the
dryer is running as efficiently as possible.
Use Sensor Settings
To avoid running the
dryer unnecessarily, use your dryer on the moisture sensor setting which will
stop the dryer when the clothes are dry. Using a timed setting can result in
the dryer running after the clothes are dry which will result in a higher
energy bill due to the additional dryer running time.
Clean Lint Filter
The
simplest step to make certain that you dryer
is running efficiently is to clean the lint filter before each use. Failing to
clean the filter will restrict air movement through the dryer, causing the
dryer to take longer to dry the clothes and using more energy.If the lint
filter is damaged, replace the filter with an appropriate replacement. Failing
to replace a defective filter will result in a large amount of lint going into
the vent hose which can cause clogs. These clogs will not only cause the dryer
to work inefficiently and increase your energy bill, but the clogs can cause a
fire hazard.
Clean Lint Trap
At
least once a month, use a brush and / or a vacuum to remove excess line in the
lint trap. Use a soft brush to clean the lint filter at this time as well.
Small amounts of lint and dryer sheet residue will buildup on the filter over
time, restricting air flow and causing the filter to clog with lint more
quickly.
Check the Hose
The
dryer vents the air from the dryer to the outside of your home through a hose.
This hose can become clogged or crushed restricting air flow. To maximize the
energy efficiency of your dryer, make certain that the hose is in good
condition and periodically remove the hose and clean it free of lint. Check the
vent of the outside of your home to remove accumulated lint which can also
restrict air movement from the dryer.
Skip the Dryer
Whenever
practical, air drying clothes on a line is the best way to dry clothes from an
energy perspective. Clothes line is inexpensive and can be purchased at
hardware stores and other retailers. Lines can be placed inside or outside to
dry clothes. J. Motes
Match Your Wedding Colors with Various Shades of
Green
According to the Bridal Wishlist, green bridesmaid dresses
are at the top of the list for brides searching for just the right dresses for
their weddings. From sage to hunter to lime, shades of green are readily
available when ordering your bridesmaids' dresses online.
In an article "Top 7 Bridesmaid Tips" on theknot.com, it was reported that tea-length
styles are becoming the more popular choice for bridesmaids. Besides being fun,
feminine and flirty, this length allows the dresses to be worn again and again
for special occasions.
Alfred Sung has
designed a beautiful and affordable tea-length strapless tiered organdy dress
in moss or kiwi green in his Alfred Sung Bridesmaid Dress Style. The beauty of this dress lies in its
elegant simplicity. Optional spaghetti straps are included . Sizes available at
Beautifully Elegant are 0-16 for $97.35 and 18-28 for $122.35. Delivery from
Beautifully Elegant takes 8-12 weeks, but a rush cut is available for $50
extra.
Bari Jay Bridesmaid Style 751 is a sophisticated halter dress with
a self tie pick up skirt with matching shawl in Charmuese. The dress comes in
forest, emerald, sage, and hunter shades of green and sizes 2-16 are priced at
Beautifully Elegant at $127.50; Misses Sizes 18-20, add $20; Women's sizes 16W
- 28W, add $35. An additional five inches in length may be added to the dress
for $18. Beautifully Elegant reports that standard shipping on this dress is
10-14 weeks, but a rush shipping of either 4 or 6 weeks is available for
additional charges.
Beautifully Elegant also offers the After Six Bridesmaid Dresses Style which is a tea-length strapless Nu-Georgette empire waist
dress with shirred sash. The dress features vertical shirring at the bodice,
waist, in the front and back. At the back waist, there is bow detailing. You
can order this dress in sizes 0-16 for $107.80 and sizes 18-28 for an
additional $25. Green shades available include meadow, celadon, mint, kiwi,
moss, clover and hunter. This strapless dress comes with optional spaghetti
straps and will take 8-12 weeks for shipping.
Satin
Yoryu Strapless A-line Dress with Sash. is made of soft satin, creates a long, graceful silhouette, and
is a full-length gown. The strapless A-line boasts a flattering ruched bodice
with a tie-back sash at its empire waist. The dress is fully lined with a back
zipper. Dry clean only. Available in Clover in sizes 2-26 online only from
David's Bridal. Customers who ordered this dress all reported that the dress
was true to the size charts provided, shipped quickly and a true value for the
money. They reported feeling elegant, yet comfortable. This will be a dress
that can be worn for special occasions long after the wedding is over.
You can get a Strapless Shirred Taffeta Dressby
Mori Lee for $132.00 at edressme. The dress features a strapless square
neckline with an accent of a rhinestone pendant in the bodice. The cinched
shirred waist accents the waist and the knee length bubble skirt adds chic
glamor. The dress comes in sizes 2 through 18 and is special ordered. It will
take about 12 weeks for delivery.
If you are looking for
a lime green dress, check out CocoMyles Custom Formal Wear. Featuring
design-your-own custom couture, celebrity inspired dresses, or even maternity
wear, CocoMyles offers every dress in lime green and your choice of fabric from
satin, georgette, or charmeuse. Whether you want your dress to be sleeveless or
long sleeved; straight skirt, A-line, or a pick-up skirt, you can mix and match
to get the right combination for everyone. If you prefer to pick one of the
celebrity inspired dresses, there are many different styles to choose from.
I particularly like
the Golden
Felicity. It is a traditional shaped gown with an empire waist with
just the right amount of extra to make it unforgettable. This gown comes only
in georgette fabric in the lime green and can have either gold or silver
metallic straps. This dress, like most of the others on the website comes, in
size 0-24 and costs between $148 and $160. Please allow about 6 weeks for
delivery of your custom-made dress.
An article in the New
York Times, "Catching the Bouquet, in a Dress You Bought Online" by Elizabeth Olson, reports
that the growing trend is to shopping online for bridal gowns and bridesmaid
dresses. One of the advantages is the ease of communication that the internet
affords wedding parties that are separated by distance.
Through emails or Y/IM,
a decision can be made by the whole party quickly. Options by online e-tailers
for custom made dresses allow the bride to ensure that the wedding party's
dresses will all match by reserving the same lot of material. By paying careful
attention to the size charts provided, any alterations necessary may be made
easily by a local business.
The bride will always
take center stage at her wedding. But, today's choices of bridesmaid dresses
make sure that no one feels like they are getting stuck with a dress that they
hate. With so many options, there is a dress for every shape, size, and
preference. Carole
Larkin.
If clothes make the man
then the wedding dress makes the bride. Every woman should be looking like
royalty on her wedding day and with these summer wedding dresses under $500 it
can be accomplished. Although choosing the perfect summer wedding dress for next
year might be the most important decision, it doesn't have to be the most expensive
one.
The prettiest wedding dress is the Alfred Angelo bridal wedding gown #1153. This strapless wedding
dress is made from taffeta, net embroidered lace with metallic accents, beading
and sequins. This wedding gown has a semi-Cathedral train, a full skirt, and a
beautifully embroidered bust. The front of the skirt has a wide arcing layer
with embroidery details. This is the most delicious wedding dress and is sure
to make any woman happy. This wedding dress can be bought online at Wedding
Dress City and costs only $369. This dress is made to order to your body
measurements.
Interested in a simple
yet classic dress with a taste of color? Then be sure to check out the Alfred
Angelo wedding gown #1233. This floor length satin wedding dress is strapless
with a dipping back. The dress has a sash of color that runs the top of the
dress and around to where the sash hangs down the back like streamers. The sash
has crystal beads and sequins. This wedding gown is available at Wedding Dress
City and costs $289.
Gold is a great way to
shine on the special day. The Alfred Angelo bridal wedding gown #1608 is
perfect for those that want a touch of gold. This satin floor length billowy
wedding dress is strapless, has a sequin studded neckline, a semi-Cathedral
train, and a gold metallic sash tied in a bow around the waist. This wedding
gown is also available at Wedding Dress City and costs only $300. This dress is
made to fit your body so that you know you look the best that you can.
David's Bridal is
another wonderful place to find summer wedding dresses. David's Bridal wedding
dress style VW9478 is the best buy of the season since it is on sale from $499
to only $299.99. This taffeta halter A-line gown with a V-neck ruched bodice
and a halter neckline. The dropped waistline and the fit and flair skirt make
this an elegant yet simple gown for any woman on her special day. The dress is
polyester, zips up the back and is available in white only.
One more delightful
dress from David's Bridal is style MP9573. This chiffon sweetheart halter
A-line gown compliments your body with an empire waist and pleated bust. The
waist is decorated with beaded crocheted lace. The skirt is full and hangs
nicely to the floor. This dress is also a steal with the retail price being
$399 but on sale for $249.
So do yourself a favor
and check out these fantastic choices for your wedding dress. Rose Ruff
Tide
To Go is a great product for on-the-go stains in your daily life. Any busy mom
will love tucking the Tide To Go laundry pen in her purse. Not only will TideTo Go work on those spatters of ketchup from the fry your preschooler was
wielding like a magic wand, but it'll work on your own dribbles from salsa and
sodas.
How to use Tide To Go?
Follow
the instructions. Press the pen in to release some of the product onto the
stain. Rub Tide To Go into the stain to make it work. Depending on the stain,
the mark should lighten or completely disappear.
Where can I find Tide To Go?
You
can find the Tide To go laundry pen in the laundry detergent section of your
grocery store or discount chain store such as Target or Wal-Mart. You also may
be able to find it in quickie-marts at gas stations.
How much does Tide To Go Cost?
The
laundry pen costs a few dollars and is very affordable. Consider buying the
Tide To Go laundry pen for each purse, one for your car and one for your desk
at work.
What I like about Tide To Go:
Surprisingly,
it actually works on most stains, if you get to them quickly. Salsa, ketchup,
soda and creamy salad dressings disappear quickly.
Tide
To Go is about the size of a pen, so it fits easily into a purse, glove
compartment and desk drawer.
It's
safe to use on kid's clothes. However, it is an eye irritant and should be kept
out of the reach of children.
The
top fits snugly, so the product shouldn't leak all over your purse.
It
works almost every color-fast fabric, including dry cleanable fabrics.
What I don't like about Tide To Go:
It
leaves a big wet spot until it dries. And unlike the commercials, waving a
piece of paper at it will not cause it to dry; it takes about ten to fifteen
minutes to dry.
Tide
To Go doesn't work on everything, particularly grease stains. However, it does
lighten these stains, so you might be able to fake having stain-free clothes.
It
doesn't work as well on stains that are a couple of hours old. You have to get
to the stains fast for Tide To Go work.
Overall Recommendation of Tide To Go:
This is a great product
for quick, on the go stains. The size of the pen makes it great for carrying
every where you go. Credits for this recomendations go to Teri Halvorsen.
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