Wednesday, December 31, 2008

A Man's Guide to Buying Lingerie for his Lady


Most men know nothing about picking out lingerie, which is understandable
because it can be confusing. What type of lingerie to buy, what size, what color
- how is a man to know? Here is a little guide to help you when choosing
lingerie for that special someone.





There are a few things to consider before you go out. What does she like?
Remember that you will not be wearing this - she will and you should go out with
the intent on getting something she will like. If she is not into lacey, tiny,
see-through teddies, chances are if you buy that, she will not be in much of a
mood to wear it and you may never see it. So keep what she likes in mind.


If you do not know, check out her nightgown/lingerie drawer before you leave.
Check for material type (cotton, silk, etc.), colors, and most importantly,
size. She may be flattered if she wears a large and you get her a small, but if
she wears a small and you buy her a large, you may find yourself in trouble.
Avoid anything that says control on the label. Those items are used to firm
and flatten tummys and rears and she would probably not appreciate receiving
them as a gift.


Another thing to remember is if the store offers to wrap the lingerie let
them. Dainty lingerie will look better in their wrapping than if you wrap it in
the paper left over from your cousin's birthday. Presentation is part of the
package with lingerie. Also, if you are uncomfortable in the store, check out
online stores that sell lingerie. You can always start at Victoria's Secret, but
most major department stores like Macys and Nordstroms also sell lingerie. Final
note - remember to keep your receipt just in case it is the wrong style, size,
or color.


Now, what type of lingerie is available? Just about anything you can think
of! Ask yourself what the occasion is. Is this to let her know you love her? If
so, something crotchless or see-through probably will not send that message.
But, if it is for Valentine's Day or your anniversary, something a little more
risqu? might be appreciated. Bras alone have
many different styles including push up, plunge, gel filled, padded, under wire,
seamless, backless, strapless, open cup, and unpadded.


If you are purchasing a bra and panty set, always check out what she has in
her drawer beforehand and definitely make note of the size - of both the bra and
panties. Most places sell at least one pair of panties that match each bra, but
some will sell several so you can mix and match. It will help to know what type
of panties she likes to wear too - thongs, briefs, or high cut bikini.


When it comes to sleepwear, it can be just as confusing. One type of
sleepwear is babydoll pajamas. They usually have very thin straps, a plunging V
neckline, and are very short with matching panties. You will find most of these
made out of silk or satin, materials that always make a woman feel good about
herself. But, if she feels her breasts are too big or too small, or thinks her
stomach is too big, you might want to avoid babydoll pajamas.


There are slips and chemises. Similar to the babydoll pajamas, these are a
little longer and a little better at concealing problem areas such as breasts,
butt or stomach. They too are usually made of silk or satin.


Gowns are full-length versions of the babydoll. Many are see-through or lacey
and can help put your woman in the mood. Babydolls, slips, chemises, and gowns
may also come with a robe.


A pajama set might not sound too sexy, but if it is silky, and buttons up the
front, it can make your woman feel very sexy, especially if she is a plus size
(size 18 or larger). Boxer sets have become very popular lately. The tops are
tight, with thin straps and usually a V neckline, although there are boxer sets
with normal t-shirt tops.


If you are really looking for lingerie to spice up your love life, take a
look at Frederick's of Hollywood (available online). They have been selling sexy
lingerie for over 50 years. They have a wide variety of garter belts, bustiers,
corsets, teddies (similar to the babydoll, but one piece), crotchless panties,
and fishnet stockings - items that may not be available at many stores that sell
lingerie.


What type of lingerie you should get your love depends a lot on her
self-esteem. Many big woman love sexy little teddies, but some will shy away
from them, for fear of exposing too much of themselves. Most stores sell
lingerie in plus sizes, which are a little less revealing. If she is really
athletic, a boxer set might be something she would like. Thin women will look
good in anything, but especially teddies, corsets, and babydolls.


When shopping for lingerie, try to keep in mind what she likes. If you
purchase something similar to the lingerie she already has and in colors you
know she likes, it will probably make her happy. But, keep the receipt just in
case!
About the Author

Jessica Valentine is a successful writer and publisher interested in women's apparel providing valuable tips and advice on finding sexy lingerie, lingerie fit, and lingerie buying guides for men. http://www.sexy-lingerie-for-her.net

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

House Hunting Tips for Buyers

House hunting can actually be an enjoyable experience if you take your time and do your homework. Really! In my years as a Realtor, Investor and just a plain old looker before that I discovered the following ways to make house hunting less stressful and more effective.

Key to it all is first deciding where you'd like to live, then making it your business to learn as much about schools, hospitals, grocery stores, shopping, medical facilities, recreational amenities and so on.

Once you've done that you're ready to investigate about the crime rate. Is it a safe location, or do you need to be considering another location?

And as awkward as it may be to talk about, you want to assess the quality and character of the people who live in the area. Obviously, you can't interview them, but you can get a fairly good sense of their character by the condition of their homes and from the activities you might observe.

For example, if your prospective neighbor has discarded auto parts, household appliances and other stuff in their front yard you might want to reconsider your choice. A poor location when you buy will definitely be a negative factor if and when you decide to resell the home at a later date.

But once you've zeroed in on a good location, you're ready for the next step of finding your dream home. can start to think seriously about searching for your dream home. But instead of spinning your wheels by looking at houses randomly, you should determine what you really want in a house beforehand and be quided by those things in your search.

Make a list of things that are important to you. Do you want a single story house, or do you prefer two stories? Will 3 bedrooms and 2 baths do, or do you really need 4 bedrooms and 2 & 1/2 baths? Making a list will not only save you time, it will also be a big help to your Realtor in planning your viewings.

Next comes the biggie. Get pre-qualified for a mortgage loan before jumping in the car to tour houses. You need to know how much house can you afford, which most people don't know.

Affordability is based upon income, credit status, interest rates, down payment, closing costs and the type of loan selected. By getting pre-qualified by a lending institution you will know what you can afford to spend, which will save you time by establishing the price range you should be looking in before you begin your house hunting tours.

Once armed with information about how much house you can afford you're ready to begin looking at homes. Make notes after each viewing each property, because after 2 - 3 homes they'll start running together and you won't be able to remember the details of each one as you think you will.

Finally, you need your own Realtor; someone who is working for you and is looking out for your interests. When you call the Realtor on a house for sale sign you're speaking to the seller's agent, who represents the seller and will be looking after the seller's interests.

Like I started out saying, house hunting can be an enjoyable experience when you take your time and do your homework, but when done wrong it can be a terribly stressful situation. Fun and easy, or difficult and stressful. You decide!

Lanard Perry, author of a real estate marketing system that shows Realtors how to average 1 or more listings a week. Visit him at Real Estate Marketing Talk for more marketing ideas.

Monday, December 29, 2008

Laptop Computer Backpack >> Women's Notebook Bags

These days it's getting pretty easy to find a Laptop Computer Backpack and bags pretty much anywhere. At many companies there are as many people who use their laptop as a normal pc. But, try to think of the last time you saw a laptop computer backpack that wasn't designed specifically for men. Does it seem like someone is being left out. Well, you guessed it, many a woman has wondered ?I wonder if anyone makes women?s laptop bags?? The answer is a resounding yes.

When I was first introduced to women?s laptop bags I must admit that I was pretty surprised at how nice they were. I started to associate a laptop bag with those either designed for executives, or those that are a little more hip for, say, younger men. But many women?s laptop bags look a lot like fashionable purses or carry-alls. They look nice, but are able to house your laptop or notebook along with other accessories.

If you are in the market for a woman?s laptop bag there are a few things to consider. First of all, make sure that your bag is designed to carry a notebook (aka laptop computer), and one that is a similar size to yours. A good laptop backpack or bag will have padding and a strap to keep it secure. There are a lot of fashionable women?s bags out there that could ruin your laptop if you?re not careful. Second, consider what you?re using the bag for. If you are using it for business or outdoors there would obviously be different things to consider. And finally, but just as important, make sure that the women?s laptop bag that you buy is one that you love. Don?t just settle for one because of the price or just so you have one. If you have a bag that you don?t like chances are decent that you will never use it.

While laptop computer backpacks are great, there are many a woman out there who shouldn?t settle for a men?s laptop bag, but need to investigate women?s laptop bags.


About the Author:

Brady Quist's site Laptop Computer Backpack, sells Women's Laptop Bags, and other types of laptop computer backpacks.
http://www.laptopcomputerbackpacks.com




Sunday, December 28, 2008

Children's Chalkboards

No color, design or theme is considered too loud when products are manufactured specially for children. Chalkboards for children are often made in various animal shapes. The coloring adhered to is generally green or black to aid the functional aspect of the board and make the chalk show up. Green smiling crocodiles, or big green fishes with wide eyes make excellent and attractive chalkboards for children.

The incorporation of modern technology to the basic concept of chalkboards has led to the creation of several new kinds of children's chalkboards. There are some boards available that are chalkboards on one side and a marker board on the other. These come fitted with a magnetic book holder. Such a teaching aid can be used in several captivating ways in a playschool.

Another innovative concept is a multi task easel. These boards can be used for markers, chalk, flip charts, magnets and even flannel items. This multi-tasking feature makes such a board a highly functional and interesting feature of a classroom.

There are several children's chalkboards available for home use too. Simple chalkboards mounted on wood and in varying heights for children of different ages are an excellent choice. Taking the same idea further, similar boards with whiteboards on the flip side are available. These make for variety and prove interesting for children. Trays for chalks and other materials are generally part of the frame.

Chalkboards are ideal items for a child's playroom. These encourage creative activity and are easy to maintain. Chalk has several inherent advantages. It lasts for a long time and is quite inexpensive. If chalk gets on to clothes or skin it is easy to wash off. In fact now even dust - free chalk is available, and in various colors too. Chalkboards are easy to clean; all that is needed is a damp sponge.

Chalkboards provides detailed information on Chalkboards, Kitchen Chalkboards, Magnetic Chalkboards, Slate Chalkboards and more. Chalkboards is affiliated with School Backpacks.


Saturday, December 27, 2008

Plan Early for Retirement by Joining an Active Adult Retirement Community Now

Old age is like everything else. To make a success at it, you've got to start young.

.. Theodore Roosevelt.

Retirement communities are popping up all over the place like dandelions in spring. It's a trend in real estate. At 55 you can qualify for these communities referred to as active adult retirement communities and maybe you should look into it. These active adult communities offer a lot of good living. You've heard you should get started while you are young planning for your retirement and that's what Roosevelt said, too.

Retirement used to mean retiring from work -- but today more people are seeing retirement as an active time in their lives. People are living longer. When they reach 65 years, they can still look forward to at least 15 to 20 years of retirement and life expectancy is supposed to continue to grow. That is a long time so preparing early for that time of life makes sense.

Due to the things retirement communities offer you, they may even help to keep you healthier in retirement. You may be doing yourself a favor to start earlier on nutrition programs, fitness programs, cultural and social programs--all designed to help seniors stay healthier. So why wait!

There are some reasons for waiting and one of them might be if you still have younger children at home--maybe in college but still at home. However, most communities even make allowances for visiting children who are in college by allowing them to stay with their families for 3 months out of the year. Each community has different policies about this so check carefully.

By downsizing and selling your current home now, you can use your equity for your new home and other things. Also, some financial experts are saying it may be advisable to not buy your retirement home with all cash as used to be advised, due to a greater life expectancy, but to have a small mortgage. But, of course, we recommend you check this out thoroughly with a financial adviser.

If your children are grown, then buying into an active adult retirement community at an earlier age than you might originally have thought of, might afford you these outstanding benefits:

-Getting started early on a retirement plan.

-Getting started early on a Fitness program for retirement.

-Getting started early on nutritional fitness. Seniors do have special

nutritional requirements.

-You can continue to work and add to your savings.

-As your current neighborhood changes, and your old

neighborhood friends move, you will make new friends in a retirement community.

-Your easier life will free up your time for things you really want to do like travel.

-You will have less stress, more security, available clubs and activities.

Sometimes you aren't sure where you want to retire to. This shouldn't be such a problem since you can always move again. Warm weather, cold weather, being close to your kids or moving to that desirable southern town--hard decisions but life is always changing. As you change you may also change where you want to live. Statistics show that as people age they tend to move back to cities and closer to family after having lived many years somewhere else. That's okay. Check out what is right for you at that time. I hope you will look at these fabulous new active adult retirement communities popping up and probably some near you. To get started, visit my website as a way to find these properties at www.bestguide-retirementcommunities.com.

Carol Fena - After many years of real estate, Carol lives in an active adult retirement community and enjoys writing articles about them for her website http://www.bestguide-retirementcommunities.com

Friday, December 26, 2008

Sell Your Home For A High Price In Any Market

The normalization of the real estate market has brought with it the problems inherent within that market. The abnormal market that we have been experiencing over the last five years practically eliminated one of the most obvious ones, namely Foreclosures. As more and more attention is paid to the increasing number of foreclosures and the larger standing inventory of unsold homes, it becomes more difficult to sell a home for top dollar. The expertise of a professional Realtor becomes more valuable in today?s more ?normal? market. Where previously all it took (in the last few years) was a for sale sign on the yard and a few small ads, that no longer suffices. It is now increasingly important to tap into the knowledge of an experienced professional, and fortunately, there are a good number of them.

One of the most important things you can do as a home-seller seeking to get the highest or best price is to look for the best Realtor to assist you in the process. In today?s real estate industry, you will find many newly licensed agents who have not experienced the ?normal? market that we have entered. The marketing and analysis of home values are much more complex than just a sign in the yard and a property profile. Experience counts big!! One easy way to look at how much experience an agent has is to look on the Department of Real Estates website where you can see when an agent obtained their license, or to see if they are even licensed. That website is http://www.dre.ca.gov Click on the licensees link and then look up the agent?s by name.

http://www.nefcortez.com

Nef Cortez has been dealing in real estate and foreclosures for over 29 years. For free foreclosure lists please visit Chino Hills California Real Estate

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

How To Help Struggling Students Go From Sinking To Soaring!

Experts estimate that 6 to 10 percent of the school-aged population in the United States is learning disabled and approximately 3 to 10 percent of the population as a whole is diagnosed with ADD. This growing problem impacts many areas of society and there is a growing need for effective solutions.

Parenting or teaching a child with ADD or learning difficulties can, no doubt, be an enormous challenge. It requires patience of you that you may not have thought you had; persistence that you may frequently have to call upon; and consistency that you may be learning along the way. Here are some tips to assist you in providing the best possible environment for your child to experience success both at home and at school.

Young people with ADD (like all of us) are doing the best they know how to do with what they have to work with. When they have more options available to them, they will make better choices. You, as the adult, are the teacher, which means that your child will model you. If you are flexible and open to learning new ways of thinking and behaving, your child will be open as well.

There is positive intention behind every behavior, no matter how hurtful or how bizarre the behavior may seem. In other words, there is a need on some level that is being met by doing what they?re doing. If we can look for what the purpose is behind the behavior or what need is getting met, then we can find other more constructive solutions to meeting that need. Always look for the positive intention behind behavior.

Step into their model of the world. Imagine, for instance, what it would feel like to drive in the rain without windshield wipers and how challenging it would be to simply keep everyone in the car safe, let alone maintain any sort of emotional balance (this is what it feels like in the mind of a person with ADD). When you communicate with them, see the communication through their eyes and through their model of the world rather than through yours; they will be much more open to what you have to say if you do.

Understand that young people with ADD operate in a world of images, so verbal and auditory communication is often the least important mode of communication to them. Words are very slow and difficult to process. Whenever you give a young person with ADD instructions, have him overlap the words into pictures in his mind and have him feel his body following the instructions. For instance, if you want him to do the dishes and then pack his backpack for school, have him SEE and FEEL doing the dishes and then packing his backpack.

Visual learning is the best way to learn academic subjects. Make sure they learn visually by making pictures in their mind of doing academic tasks like spelling words, vocabulary words and math facts. When they are reading, make sure they overlap pictures with the words they are reading. Using a visual learning strategy is more interesting, more effective, takes much less time and it?s just more fun.

Celebrate and appreciate what makes them unique. One of the biggest hurdles that young people with ADD or learning challenges face is the belief that they are ?stupid?, ?weird? or just ?don?t fit in?. The truth is that they are often a step away from brilliance and have the ability to see the world in ways that most of us simply can?t (think Albert Einstein, J.F.K., Cher and Robin Williams who all had learning disabilities) . Consistently looking for and recognizing their uniqueness and value will go a long way in overcoming this belief and raising their self-confidence.


About the Author: DeAnne Joy is a speaker, trainer, coach and licensed therapist in Southern California. She is the founder of D. Joy Enterprises and is dedicated to teaching young people and adults world-class learning and success strategies. For more information on how to help a child struggling with ADD or other learning challenges, contact DeAnne Joy at 661.310.7981 or info@deannejoy.com, or visit http://www.deannejoy.com.


Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Home Selling Tips Part I

The following are some guidelines when deciding to sell your home in the current real estate climate.

1. Why are you selling your home? This is the single most important factor when deciding to sell your home. Do you need the proceeds for a specific purchase? Do you need a larger home due to changing family conditions? Or are you downsizing? All are important reasons to sell. But remember ?Why? you are selling affects your list price, time allotted to selling, selling effort and how much money you will be allocating towards the selling process.

2. Keep the reasons to yourself. Have you ever noticed that at an Open House the potential buyers and viewers ask: Why are you selling? Most are not just curious but rather looking for a needy seller or a negotiating position when making an offer. What I recommend is that you answer that with your housing needs have changed.

3. Do your research. With the advent of the various internet based sites this portion of the business has become more readily available then in years past. But you will want to:

a.) see what properties have sold in the last six (6) months that are a direct mirror of your home.
b.) Check out other open houses to see what your ?competition? is going to be like.
c.) get an independent appraisal so you have an idea of what the market value will be as well as letting any potential buyers know that your home can be financed.

4. Decide on a Realtor?.
Consider interviewing real estate agents while looking at several factors to base your decision. Some should include past sales, current listings, marketing plan, market knowledge and make sure that they are someone you can trust and feel confident that they will do a good job on your behalf.

5. Prepare your home.
Make sure your home presents itself in the best possible light. Fix everything. Make sure it is super clean. Eliminate the clutter from years of storage. Freshen the paint and make sure it is neutral in color. Make sure the entrance clean and unobstructed. Get rid of any odors like pet, food or smoke.

6. Remember to disclose everything.
Don?t get caught in the trap of not disclosing all known defects. By doing this you can prevent liabilities and avoid potential lawsuits. Some states like California have extensive documentation requirements so check with the governing body in your state.

Ken is a licensed real estate agent living and working in San Francisco, CA. For more information on Ken?s sales visit his website at: www.KenGlidewell.com

Monday, December 22, 2008

Real Estate Brokers Using PPC To Generate Online Real Estate Referrals

The housing market is hot and there is a lot of commission to be made for real estate brokers that sell homes. Competition for new business is fierce and the enterprising real estate broker uses all means possible to generate real estate referrals, including online generation of real estate referrals and sales leads.

One of the easiest ways for real estate brokers, especially new brokers, to generate real estate leads and referrals is through PPC advertising on internet search engines such as Google, Yahoo, and MSN. If you are not already doing so, know that competing real estate brokers are generating their fair share of real estate referrals on the internet. You should too.

Home buyers are, more and more, searching for home buying services on the internet. You need to have a presence to gain these people as prospects.

If you are just getting started with generating real estate referrals and leads via PPC, I've compiled a sample list of keywords that you can use to start to target home buyers that are doing online searches. The following is a short sample list. Of course the keywords that you choose should be directly targeted to the market that you target. In no particular order, here they are:

  • First time homebuyer in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • New York, NY apartments
  • Dallas real estate agent
  • Vacation properties in Hawaii
  • Mortgage rate calculator
  • Toronto Remax realtor
  • Phoenix, Arizona housing market trends
  • Buying a new home in Cleveland, Ohio
  • Miami Beach, Fl real estate
  • Wilmington, NC real estate broker
  • Real estate negotiation
  • American mortgage rates
  • Century 21 Realtor in Memphis, Tennessee
  • Chicago commercial real estate
  • Denver, Colorado condos for sales
  • Calgary, Alberta house values
  • San Diego, California investment properties
  • Ottawa, ON MLS listings
  • Portland, Oregon housing prices
  • Buying a home with bad credit

Of course, when developing your own keywords to generate real estate referrals, substitute any of the cities above with the city that you work in.

Tino Buntic invites you to visit http://www.trade-pals.com. Tradepals provides free sales leads and business referrals, including real estate referrals, to business professionals across The United States and Canada. Tino also recommends the Real Estate and How Blog as a real estate news source for real estate professionals.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Great Gifts for Young Grads From PreK to Middle School

So your son or daughter has finally graduated middle school and is about to take that huge, nerve-wracking, terrifying but exhilarating step into high school. You can remember that feeling with almost perfect clarity, right? The fear, the excitement, the nervousness of the unknown ? it was almost too much to bear!

What kind of gift do you give to commemorate such an event? Or a graduation from kindergarten to elementary school for that matter?

Buying gifts for younger grads can be a fun experience if you're willing to get creative. Whether you go with something educational, commemorative, or just something fun, there are plenty of great gifts out there that any kid would love to have.

If you want to go the educational route, then dictionaries are always a good choice (they do make dictionaries geared towards younger readers as well). You can also buy encyclopedia software for homework, a globe that will tell them all about the country they're pointing at with a special stylus, or any number of cool kits that will allow them to uncover fossils, peer under microscopes, or mine for jewels. Remember, to a kid the world is still a relatively new place, so anything that will allow to them to see or experience something new will be well-received.

You can also think about putting together a few different gifts. Perhaps a bunch of school supplies (but the really fun ones that you usually wouldn't spend extra on). Themed pens, pencils, notebooks, pencil cases, etc. could all be put into a brand new backpack or messenger bag. PDA's or planners would also be good for the older elementary or middle school graduate.

Think about getting your grad a new desk if he or she doesn't already have one. It might get them excited to start doing all the homework they're going to be getting!

If you'd rather go with something a bit more fun and whimsical, the world's your oyster. What you choose is obviously going to depend on the age of the graduate, but here are a few fun ideas.

Why not give the new graduate their own camcorder? Of course, this is only good for the older graduate (can you imagine how long a camcorder would last with a 6 year-old?), but it will allow them to start recording memories of their life and their friends. The videos will no doubt be treasured keepsakes after high school graduation.

If you'd like to take them on a special day trip, you could both go to the local aquarium or zoo, hit the special hands-on museum, and try lunch in a new restaurant you think your graduate would enjoy. It would be a whole day of fun for your child, and would make him or her feel like king or queen for a day.

If you're able to get away for a weekend and want to do something really special, why not take a train trip somewhere new? Sleeping overnight on a train would be very exciting to any child, and it would be a memory he would never forget! And don't forget to take those photos ? they're good for a lifetime.

By putting a little time and energy into a graduation gift for the younger child, you have the opportunity to give them something truly special.

Copyright (c) 2007 Pat Brill

Pat Brill is co-founder of http://www.SilkBow.com which supports Busy Moms with free gift ideas and helpful tips to meet the challenges of motherhood. She is also co-founder of http://www.WellnessArticles.net , a directory of articles covering many areas of wellness. You can reach Pat at pat@SilkBow.com.


Saturday, December 20, 2008

Tension Fabric Structures Offer Trade Show Drama



Swooping shapes, extreme flexibility, ease of assembly and an ability to reach up to 3-story high projections are just a few of the reasons why smart trade show exhibitors are using tension fabrics in their trade show displays' towers, hanging signs, backwalls, wings and conference areas.


Today's lightweight, aircraft grade tension fabrics offer dramatic shapes, colors, and add scope to the trade show booth. When Nintendo used tension fabric that soared to the sky with their 3- story high wall at the E3 conference, their large scale trade show exhibit was highly visible throughout the exhibit hall. Tension fabric can also create an element of surprise. Boeing inspired intrigue when they rolled out the introduction of their new $200 million airplane hidden behind a 50' tension fabric banner. Boeing was able to unveil in a suspenseful manner their massive plane by slowly stripping away the fabric piece by piece before a fascinated audience.


According to Todd Bell, President of Warp Corp -a tension fabric exhibit manufacturer and supplier headquartered in Seattle, Washington -fabric and aluminum tubing trade show exhibit structures have the advantage of being dramatic, lightweight, easy to pack, and travel smoothly.


The trade show exhibitor uses tension fabric structures with a variety of interesting shapes as an attention-getter to show strollers within view of their trade show booth. From curvy conference rooms to rocket- like towers, to hanging signs shaped as cones, disks, dishes, rounds, triangles, etc., to imaginatively shaped backwalls and wings at the trade show display, these tension fabrics are artfully designed and stretched over aluminum frames. The fabric can offer flexibility in size since it is cut, dyed, and sewn, and then stretched onto aluminum tubing that is welded and rolled to the required dimensions of the trade show exhibit designer.


The use of a dye-sublimation process, that transfers digital color images to fabric, enhances the design of the tension fabric. The process involves heat and pressure, creating a very vibrant and durable image, capable of withstanding abuse and exposure. The image embedded onto the fabric does not run, smear, or peel off the underlying fabric. Among the advantages of dye-sublimation are color saturation, durability, and choice of substrates to match most needs.


Depending on the look and use of the trade show display designer's graphics, there are an enormous variety of fabrics to choose from. Lycra and metallic fabrics are very popular. Some fabric is sheer while other material is heavy and opaque. The use of thin, gauzy fabric allows light diffusion which can become translucent and allow images to appear and disappear. Hanging banners from suspended truss work can also be used for blocking light. The trade show exhibitor can choose from a selection of aluminum frame tension fabric structures that can stand alone, suspend overhead, or complete a trade show exhibit booth or space.


Today's fabrics are not only dramatic, durable and cost efficient, and but also they are fire retardant for additional safety assurance at the trade show.


So wherever you exhibit--be it the McCormick Convention Center in Chicago, the Kaiser Convention Center in Oakland, the Moscone Center in San Francisco, the Santa Clara Convention Center or the San Jose McEnery Convention Center--using new tension fabrics will put your trade show display in the forefront of trade show booth design.

Remember, by choosing tension fabric structures for your trade show display, you can add
drama and scope to your trade show exhibit and have a more impactful trade show experience.

About the Author


Friday, December 19, 2008

Fitness for Fingers

One common reason children can come to avoid writing is that their fingers aren?t prepared for the workout that writing can be. After a while, fingers get sore and writing gets tough, so they give up. If your child complains of her fingers getting tired when printing, you may want to introduce some exercises to limber up the fingers before they start writing.

Warming up before writing can be especially beneficial to those children who are always on the move and tend to balk at sit-down style learning. It helps them to transition from physical activity much more smoothly than simply expecting them to sit down and write and it helps them to focus their energies into their fingers before they start.

The process can be as simple as wiggling and stretching out their fingers before writing, but an especially active child may need more of a transition. You will want to start with general arm stretches first and then work down to ones that concentrate on the fingers like the simple and fun exercise below:

Squash the Ball or Spider Push-Ups.
I?ve heard this activity called by both names, but the actions are the same. Have your child touch their fingertips together with the centre of the hands open, in the shape of a small ball, then have them smoosh their hands together as if to squash the ball. Now have them push their fingers apart (like finger push-ups) and start over. Repeat creating and squashing the ball several times.

Remember, it doesn?t have to be complicated. Even clapping is a form of finger exercise, so playing a few rounds of patty cake can take the sting out printing practice. Adding a few exercises like this to your pre-writing routine and you?ll soon notice that writing time goes a lot smoother.

Lisa Braverman is the owner of Educational Toy http://www.educationaltoyfactory.com Factory and is dedicated to creating educational http://www.educationaltoyfactory.com/parentchildactivities.htm activities for kids and parents that are fun, easy and enriching.


Thursday, December 18, 2008

Triple Net Lease: Own A Property? Get The Maximum Out Of It

A triple net lease designates the tenant or lessee as being solely responsible for bearing all the costs related to the asset being leased. The landlord and the tenant come to an agreement where the tenant agrees to pay all taxes, insurance and miscellaneous expenses on the property in addition to any normal fees that are expected under the agreement. The concept of Triple Net Lease has been very popular in commercial building leasing because it reduces the owner's need to worry about spending time and money for monitoring property conditions and providing maintenance.

The basic idea of a net-net-net lease is for the lessee to assume responsibility for all property's expenses, both fixed and operating. The concept is well accepted and employed in all traditional sale-leaseback transactions for long-term lease of larger properties. Both the owner and the lessee agree upon a lease document stipulating that the tenant bears the operating responsibility for the property. In recent years the triple net lease has become increasingly popular for leases of smaller properties. While there are many versions, triple net typically includes Taxes, Insurance, and Maintenance (TIM).

In a triple net lease, the rental component is separately identifiable in the lease, making the actual net investment return clear for property owners and investors. Unfortunately there are several pitfalls for the smaller property owner in regards to leaving the insurance of their building to the tenant. The tenant may willfully damage the property in order to claim insurance while experiencing financial troubles. In such a situation the owner will lose all claim to the insurance and has no fall back to claim losses against the tenant.

Most triple net leases require the lessee or tenant to cover costs to maintain the roofing, heating, etc.- practically anything related to the building that can wear out or be damaged during the lease period. If you are in a triple net lease agreement you will be excused of all property taxes and property insurance liabilities. You will be responsible for paying your utilities directly. You can budget your personnel expenses and costs for routine maintenance and secure a quote for a maintenance contract.

There are a number of important issues to be considered before entering into a triple net lease agreement, including cost of capital, future operating performance and relationship with the building. All parties in a triple net lease arrangement need protection against surprise expenses that can occur as the facility ages and components wear, requiring maintenance and eventual replacement. Some owners reduce their risk by establishing a reserve fund into which each tenant makes regular payments. The owner then covers property maintenance costs as needed from this fund. As tenants come and go, the maintenance fund is constantly replenished?with no surprise burdens for a single tenant or for the owner.

A triple-net lease via a 1031 exchange allows the investor to get even higher returns by deferring his/her taxes and thus increasing the overall internal rate of return. Various companies provide you with a quality selection of triple-net leased properties that are ideal for 1031 like-kind exchange investments. It is believed all interests are best served by regular inspections performed by independent professionals with extensive experience and expertise in evaluating and reporting on building conditions.

Christine is an expert Internet marketing professional with years of experience in various industries such as: Business, Finance, Real Estate, Web-Design and many more.
1031 exchange resources

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Lakme India Fashion Week A Review

Introduction

India is becoming the latest fashion hub for the fashionistas. Indian designers are no longer confined to the domestic fashion and apparel market, they are gaining recognition and fame from all over the world. The various government policies and a boom in fashion industry have made it possible. One of the major breakthrough provided to Indian designers to showcase their talents are through the medium of fashion shows. Lakme India Fashion Show is the most popular fashion show celebration of India where the talents of already established and upcoming designers are showcased.

This event is a fashion celebration laced with lots of glamour and national as well as international media coverage. This time lakme India fashion week was held at Mumbai from 31st Oct- 4th Nov. Many high profile designers as well as audience witnessed this fashion fiesta. Famous bollywood celebrities were part of it.

Eminent designers like Surily Goel, Narendra Kumar, Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Nalandda Bhandari, Nandita Mahtani, Anand Kabra, Abhishek Dutta , Wendrell Rodericks, Anupama Dayal, Vikram Phadnis, Chaitanya Rao, Sanchita, Savio Jon, Payal Singhal, Sanjay Malhotra, James Ferriera, Priyadarshini Rao, etc presented their spring/summer 2007 collection. Also South African designer duo Sun Goddess and Clive Rundle presented their collection.

Brief descriptions of some designer?s creative work are as follows :-

Nalandda Bhandari

Nalandda Bhandari designs simple yet attractive and wearable collection under the brand name ?Nasha?. She named her spring/summer 2007 collection ?Free Spirit?. She covered all patterns and styles of contemporary women clothing, dress patterns like- tunics, kaftans, tube dress, skirts, shirts and burnt gold evening gown dominated her show. She played with glamour clad fabrics like chiffon, silk, georgette, voile, cotton and crepe. Her collection was largely ruled by animal prints and embroideries like African embroidery, sequin embroidery, etc. She also presented her men collection. She included her logo of rose embroidery in almost every outfit.

Narendra Kumar

The very famous designer Narendra Kumar presented his spring/summer collection 2007 at Lakme Fashion Week. The collection was named as ?Love Touches You?. He presented a perfect blend of traditional and contemporary designing paired beautifully with each other. The women?s line of western collection had smocked & pleated skirts, balloon skirt with shirt dress, half collars, bloomers, chiffon with appliqu? sleeves, etc which were created with the designer?s unique touch and detailing. The preferred fabrics by the designer were cotton, georgette, net, silk, mull and linen. The collection was unique but wearable in terms of design and pattern.

The men collection was very stylish and appealing in nature. Men models walked the ramp with elaborate embroidered batik styled shirts paired with stylish trousers completed with patch pockets and shiny zippers. Fun element of, feminity to male garments was provided by showcasing sophisticated floral printed baggy tops paired with tight fitting pants and capris. The choice of colors was dull jade, beige, blue, brown, saffron and white. Complicated embroidery, smocking, appliqu? work and shadow work were part and parcel of his creative designing. The fun element was when the famous model turned actor John Abraham walked the ramp with white linen suit. Thus he complied every bit of creativity and entertainment aspects to his collection which gained him standing ovation by the audience and showering of red carnations.

Surily Goel

Surily Goel is young and talented designer who even designs for film personalities. Her latest creation on big screen was for actress Preity Zinta for the film ?Jaan-e-Mann?. Her collection presented the carefree and sensual side of women?s clothing. This year?s collection was marked by knee-length skirts of georgette, crochets, chiffon, light silks and organdy, highlighting pleats and waist gathering with satin belts. Also single piece bubble outfits created in wide range of colors and fabrics. In this time?s collection she used more of small colored stones.

The presence of film personalities like Dino Morea, Sonali Bendre, Neelam Kothari, Fardeen Khan, Sameera Reddy and Tara Sharma in the audience during her collection put the star element into the show.

Chaitanya Rao

Chaitanya Rao?s collection was like early morning breeze with booming petals of budding roses. The delicate fabrics like georgette and chiffon provided that sexy feminine look to her collection. As her signature, she included moth in the form of embroidery or appliqu? in all of her garments. The models took over the ramp with her mesmerizing feminine collection comprising of hem blouses with theme embroideries, pleated mini skirts with batik prints, moth appliqu? blouses, long frayed double hem dresses, pale grey chiffon tunic, cream color chiffon bubble dress, dolman sleeved hipster blouses, the list goes on. To accessorize her collection she used thin and broad belts.

Sanchita

Sanchita?s collection presented in Lakme Fashion Week was bold yet wearable. She divided her collection into three segments- Punk chic, Copacabana and Swinging deco. The stunning designer pieces of bikinis and pareos, Hawaiian inspired kaftans, small balloon skirts, floaty dresses and minis provided the feeling of the beaches of Copacabana, St. Tropez and Riviera to the audience. Her collection was quite glamorous consisting of outfit like grey T-shirts with silver leggings, lycra T-shirts having sleeve ornamentations, strapless dresses accompanied with necklaces, earrings and brooches.

The men collection was marked by casual wear T-shirts, poplin trousers with detailed embroideries and white tuxedo jackets.

The garments were decorated with semi precious stones or with attractive patch works. Her line of collection was dominated by colors like white, apatite, agate, jade, opal and black onyx. The garments were accessorized with intrinsically crafted jewelry and bags.

Savio Jon

This designer emphasized heavily on the comfort factor of the garments. Savio Jon is well known for his simple yet attractive clothing lines which are high on value and seductive quotient. Unlike other designers he preferred his garments to hang loose around the body instead of body hugging/tight fitting clothes. He used free flowing fabrics like fish net, mul, chiffon, georgette and crepe.

Pinafore silhouette, long lean maxis, oversized blouses, deep shoveled armholes, low back and front necklines, were some types of garments he presented. In evening wear he glamorized the tubular silhouettes with shimmers. The ranges of colors choosed by him for his collection were beige, grey, brown, black, pale yellow and white. Thus the colors were also sober and subtle.

Payal Singhal

Payal Singhal for the first time presented her collection in Lakme Fashion Week. Her designer collection for women were designed keeping in mind today?s working women?s needs and comfort level. Stylish yet affordable was the key element associated with her collection. She beautifully used cutwork, satin, georgette, jacquard, tulle, cotton, crepe, taffeta, brocade and seersucker in club and partywear for dresses and tunics. Her display of outfits on ramp descended gracefully from daywear to glamorous evening wear. She started her showcasing of designs in oyster white color then, tea rose, yellow, coffee, watermelon to grapefruit color. Display of tunics and blousons were coupled with melon, gold or silver tights. The signature outfit was the oyster white kaftan embellished with golden embroidery.

Sanjay Malhotra

Sanjay Malhotra named his spring/summer 2007 collection ??Dejavu?. The key phrase which inspired him for this collection was ?Life through my rose colored glasses. He instead of sticking only to free flowing usual feminine fabrics, even experimented with fabrics like fur, leather, voiles, denim, suede and laces which were highly appealing to today?s power packed independent women. The beautiful mix-n-match of these fabrics in sober as well as striking colors presented a collection that was bold enough yet stylish and wearable. Few of the many outfits displayed by him were- ivory colored mirror jacket with chiffon sleeves, colorful corset skirt accompanied with net petticoat, tunic with fur edge, etc. His collection was for the woman who likes to seek attention of the crowd and be different.

Clive Rundle and Sun Goddess

Clive Rundle and Sun Goddess were two international South African designers who presented their collection at Lakme Fashion Week. Fusion was the key style of their outfits. Extravagant layered dresses and skirts, jackets, evening wear, loosely fitted shirts and trousers, long coats and tops were part of their garment showcase. Their choices of colors were mainly creams, cherries, plums, peaches, sapphires, maroons and mauves. The free flowing pleated and layered outfits depicted the south African culture and fashion essence through them.

James Ferriera

James Ferriera made his debut at Lakme Fashion Week. He named his collection ?Bombay Tokyo?. His collections were inspired by Maharashtra?s rich textile heritage.

The collections were divided into seven segments which were even named. The sari, an ode to devnagari, the hardy traditional towel, black magic, the sholapur story, warli and diwali were the seven names given to the segments.

Traditional warli paintings and paithani motifs were done on the clothes. Very uniquely he transformed the traditional forms of maharashtrian clothing into contemporary designs, like nine yard saris were intelligently converted into tunics. Marigold and leaf motifs were used on black shirts with cowl necks.

To describe in a nutshell his collection used ethnic fabrics and designs on garments with style and attitude. The outfit presented during finale had black georgette garments with glittering Paithani embroidery designs on them.

Conclusion

This event is marked by presence of celebrities and traders all across the globe. Also it provides a platform for the budding designers to show their talent and establish themselves into the high profile fashion industry, for the already established designers to show their collection and maintain their popularity level. The above mentioned review is for few of the many prominent and talented designers. The nutshell description of the designers suggests that this celebration of fashion and style is a sure shot success for India?s designers and promote the export business too. The very presence of film stars on the ramp of their favorite designers and in the audience is the crowd puller factor of this celebration. Lakme Fashion week is extensively covered by media and promoted also.

Fibre2fashion.com- Leading B2B Portal of Fashion, Textile and Apparel Industry offers Free Fashion Articles, Free Fashion Trends Articles, Free Industry Reports, Free Articles, Free Fashion Designers Articles, Women?s Fashion Tips, Fashion Tips Free Fashion Case Studies and Fashion Market Country Reports ? submit your reprinted articles, featured articles free and get advantage of largest community of textile apparel, fashion and retail industries.

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Tuesday, December 16, 2008

The Benefits of Obtaining the Services of a Flat Fee Realtor

Each year, a large number of Los Angeles residents make the decision to sell their home. If you are interested in becoming one of those individuals, you have a number of selling options. Those options include privately selling your home or using the services of a professional realtor.

As with any service, there are advantages and disadvantages of seeking professional assistance to sell your home. Many homeowners mistakenly believe that the disadvantages outweigh the advantages, but in reality they often do not. The main disadvantage to using a professional to sell your home is amount of money they will charge. A large number of realtors charge a high fee for their services, but not all do.

If you are interested in finding a realtor that does not charge a high amount of money for their services, there are a number of ways that you can go about doing so. The first way involves familiarizing yourself with the most popular ways that real estate agents obtain their fees from their clients. The two most popular payment methods include a flat fee or a commission based fee.

One of the most preferred choices of payment by Los Angeles homeowners is a flat fee realtor listing. Los Angeles residents prefer this method for a number of different reasons. Perhaps, the greatest benefit of obtaining the services of a flat fee realtor is that their fee will be decided ahead of time. Individuals specializing in flat fee realtor listings often charge the same amount of money for their services, no matter what your home sells for.

If you have a home that is expect to sell for a large amount of money, you may want to consider using the services of an individual who has experience with a flat fee realtor listing. Los Angeles residents with expensive homes are often able to retain a profit from the sale of their home by using a flat fee realtor.

As the current owner of your home, you have the ability to choose which realtor you?d like to select. In addition to selecting a realtor based on their fees, you are encouraged to examine the services offered by each realtor. This should enable you to determine if the fees being charged are actually worth paying. There are many realtors who charge a high amount of fees, but offer a limited number of services. With these realtors you are not receiving a good value for you money.

By taking the time to contact a number of realtors, you could easily find an individual who is experienced with offering a flat fee realtor listing. Los Angeles residents typically want to see a profit from the sale of their home. With a low-cost flat fee realtor, you may be able to see a significant profit.

Brad Horn is a writer for 1 percent realtor where you can find a great resource for information regarding Los Angeles Flat Fee Realtor

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Metal Building Manufacturers

There are so many metal building manufacturers, and it can be time consuming settling on the company whose products and services best meet your needs. Metal buildings offer a wonderful alternative to the more traditional style of building and can also help you save money. Here is some advice on how to narrow down the list of metal building manufacturers to find the one that best meets your needs.

First, decide which type of metal building you need. Is it for residential or commercial use? Will you need storage? Does it need to be portable? Are you interested in using a kit? Make a list of questions and criteria that are important to you and then select a list of metal building manufacturers to contact.

Once you figure out which metal buildings are right for you, you will next need to consider your budget. Do you have enough money in your budget to fund your project? If not, contact your financial advisor to work through your options. Metal building manufacturers? prices vary, so you can save money by doing adequate research.

Next, you?ll need to decide who is going to perform the actual construction. If it is a smaller structure, such as a shed, and you have the skills, you may want to consider putting the structure together yourself. However, keep in mind that if something goes wrong, contacting the company to help resolve any problems that occurred because you lacked an essential skill can cost you more money. Hiring an expert is a great option if you lack the time and skills to complete the project. They can often finish the project in a much smaller time frame than if you did it yourself

After initial construction, check the structure for any problems and areas of damage. If you find anything questionable, contact the company immediately to increase your chances of getting a refund or to resolve the problem quickly. However, metal buildings are extremely sturdy so the likelihood of having major problems should be small.

Metal Buildings provides detailed information on Metal Buildings, Metal Storage Buildings, Metal Building Kits, Commercial Metal Buildings and more. Metal Buildings is affiliated with Pre-Fabricated Steel Buildings .

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Friday, December 12, 2008

To Grandmothers We Go

Shrink about This

Grandparents may have all the right intentions; however, the arrival of a toddler to their home can be overwhelming. Here are ten tips to help smooth the transition.

1. FORGET CLEAN Forego a straight or clean home. A toddler is not capable of adjusting to a new environment and transferring their skills as easily as an older child. He or she might be neat at home but find grandma's house confusing. Ignore the mess, otherwise you will scold and nag throughout the visit. That is not how you want to be remembered. Use a broom to push clutter out of the walk way to keep the house safe from falls. Clean up messy spills. If your toddler enjoys picking up you can sing together while you pick up the Lincoln Logs. Otherwise, let Mom and Dad teach their child to be neat, later. When the precious energy cyclone has gone back home, then you can clean in the silence to your hearts content.

2. DELEGATE SHIFTS Grandma, you are out of practice and you get tired more easily. Take turns with Grandpa and older children so that you can lie down in a quiet room and heal your nerve endings. Even thirty minutes will help you bounce back with a smile. If you wear yourself out you could resemble a Disney witch instead of a Norman Rockwell painting of a happy family.

3. MORNING CARTOONS PBS, Sprout and other stations provide a fun line-up of toddler shows like Curious George, Sesame Street and Blues Clues. Take advantage of the hypnotic state that the television creates in their impressionable minds to get yourself to the bathroom, take a shower and get dressed in shifts with your spouse. Beware of shouting, high conflict or violent shows on regular television that may trigger copy cat behavior.

4. DEVELOP A ROUTINE, ANY ROUTINE Duplicate the toddler's normal routine whenever possible. A clever little mind might try to manipulate their normal rules with new surroundings and the absence of Mom and Dad. Spanking or yelling at a toddler is useless and only confuses them more. They want to behave well, and will respond to rewards. Punishment can create a total meltdown as they do not understand cause and effect yet, only that you just hurt them. Use praise, treats and privileges to encourage good behavior. Riding in the car or at bedtime is a good time to recount all the things the child did right today, mentally reinforcing good behavior with lavish praise and appreciation. Grandma is so proud that you held her hand to cross the street and helped her by climbing in your car seat. What a good boy, you are. Thank you. Ignore the mistakes and most will just go away.

5. USE THE PARKS Get ye to the parks and playgrounds. Some cities have indoor museums in case of inclement weather. Keep your toddler in sight at all times, but do allow them to run, hop and spin. No one else can keep a toddler quiet or sitting still so why should you try to force behavior that is impossible at this age? Most people enjoy toddlers and are very tolerant of their exuberance. Helpful strangers are still strangers, so be cautious.

6. NAPS AND BEDTIMES Earplugs help to soften endless chatter, furious yells of I am not tired, and banging on your furniture. Some naps go really well and some are caretaker torture. Bedtime is very scary; do you remember being a child at grandmother's house with creeks and howling wind? I want my Mommy, comes to mind rather quickly. Do your best to make bedtime a happy ritual, never a punishment for misbehavior. Line the bed with stuffed animals, a sippy cup and a favorite blanket, and then hope for the best. You probably can plan on a late night the first few times you attempt to get them to sleep.

7. SAVED Check in the phone book for toddler indoor play areas. Most require you to remain with the child but amazingly you can get some work done amid the din and chaos. Sit at a back table and let your grandchild discover ways to play in a safe and highly stimulating environment. He or she will fall asleep as soon as you get back home and you will get a double break.

8. SUGAR Sugar lurks in fruit juice, bread and fast food as well as candy and cereals. If you want to make it a lot easier on yourself, skip the sugary treats and carry veggies, protein and whole grains with you. Organic fish and nut oils can really help enhance a healthy brain and body for you or your toddler.

9. TIME OUT The tantrums, yelling and stomping feet will happen from time to time, usually out of frustration. Help Grandpa to gain control of his temper and forgive him for losing his cool. Recognize when you or Grandpa need a time out to recover from the stress of a toddler who is trying to experience all facets of life in fifteen minutes. The crushing obligation and responsibility for the safety of your grandchild is weighty indeed. Your children trust you with their most precious gift, their child. If you need a break, take it before you lose your temper and do or say regrettable things. The toddler may not remember you are being a jerk, but your spouse will.

10. TODDLER TIME Downshift your hectic life to simplified tasks. Try to accomplish only the absolute minimum during babysitting occasions. Float into toddler time, be present with them. Do not think about the past or plan the future, just be right now. Have no expectations of getting anything done except keeping company with your wild and crazy charge. Return the undamaged toddler to his or her parents and let them worry about teaching manners or discipline. The kids will scream, Yes, the next time their parents ask, Do you want to go to stay with Grandma and Grandpa? Proudly you will smile at your spouse and whisper, Mission accomplished.

Dr. Molly Barrow holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and is the author of the new book, ?Matchlines: A Revolutionary New Way of Looking at Relationships and Making the Right Choices in Love,? ISBN 159507158X. She is an authority on relationship and psychological topics, a member of the American Psychological Association and a licensed mental health counselor. Dr. Molly has appeared as an expert in the film, My Suicide, documentaries Ready to Explode and KTLA Impact, NBC news, PBS In Focus, WBZT talk radio and in O Magazine, Psychology Today, Newsday, The Nest, MSN.com, Yahoo, Match.com, N Magazine, Women?s Health and Women?s World. Please visit:

http://www.askdrmolly.com
http://www.DrMollyBarrow.com/
To read articles by Dr. Molly please visit: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=MollyBarrow


Thursday, December 11, 2008

Backpacks and Bullies. Is Your Child Prepared?

Backpacks and Bullies. Is Your Child Prepared?

 by: Patricia Gatto

As the flurry of Back to School activities subside, parents are left to ponder more pressing issues than notebooks, backpacks, and sneakers.

Will my child succeed this year? Will his academic and social growth meet my hopes and expectations? Have I done everything I can to make this possible?

If you haven't prepared your child for the school bully, not only could your dreams and aspirations end in failure, but your child could fall victim to the violence, and suffer long-lasting repercussions.

Make no mistake; bullying is a form of violence. Experts estimate that almost 75% of today's youth will be involved in some aspect of bullying before they enter high school. And chances are, your child will be among the statistics.

Humiliation, fear, anxiety and depression are the constant companions of a child that is bullied. It can lead to harmful, shocking and unexpected behavior from an otherwise shy or timid child.

Victims feel ashamed and tend to view themselves as failures. They are more prone to stress related illnesses such as headaches and stomachaches. In extreme cases, the victim of a bully can experience sever depression and entertain thoughts of suicide.

Lack of safety is one of the top concerns of young people, and bullying is a real and constant threat. A child's emotional development is just as important, if not more so, than academic development. In fact, a safe, healthy emotional environment is essential to academic growth and success.

How do you prepare your child for the school bully?

Become involved and make certain your school has active anti-bullying policies in place. Disciplinary guidelines, procedures for investigating and reporting incidences of bullying, adequate supervision, and an immediate plan of action to address reports of bullying are key elements to a successful program.

Teach your child to walk tall and proud and to maintain eye contact. Portraying a positive, self-confident stature will help your child cope in many areas.

Be certain to compliment your child and gently encourage changes that will bolster self-esteem. Use positive words that validate his or her rights as a person.

Use role-playing techniques to illustrate proper responses to negative situations. This will build strength, courage and provide your child with valuable emotional resources to pull from in times of trouble.

Help your child to identify role models, from sports heroes to everyday man. Discuss the obstacles and accomplishments they endured, focusing on the resilient human spirit.

Read stories together that inspire. Discuss how strength of character and perseverance can achieve a positive outcome without resorting to violence or force.

Encourage your child to keep a diary or journal, write poetry or songs. Writing provides a safe outlet for your child and creativity and self-expression are helpful tools used to work through negative issues.

If your child has difficulties making or maintaining friends, intervene - friendships are a protection against bullying. Identify children that might have things in common with your child and arrange a visit.

Encourage your child to join activities both in and out of school that will result in friendships while building strength and confidence.

But most important, don't diminish your child's concern over a classmate's taunting and teasing, it could very well lead to damaging repercussions. Instead, prepare your child for the bully by empowering him with confidence and self-esteem through your words, actions and embrace.

About The Author

Patricia Gatto and John De Angelis are the authors of MILTON'S DILEMMA, the tale of a lonely boy's magical journey to friendship and self-acceptance. As advocates for literacy and children's rights, the authors speak at schools and community events to foster awareness and provide children with a safe and healthy learning environment. For more information, please visit Joyful Productions at http://www.joyfulproductions.com


pgatto@ptd.net


Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Illinois Foreclosure

There are two (2) types of foreclosures in Illinois: 1) Consent Foreclosure and Judicial Foreclosure.

Both are used in the state for specific purposes.

1) CONSENT FORECLOSURE

A consent foreclosure is when a bank either by filing a complaint or a motion agrees to:

1) Waive any and all rights to a personal judgment against all homeowner and guarantors.

2) The offer is made in the complaint or by motion with notice to all parties.

3) All lenders expressly consent by answer to the complaint.

4) No other party objects to the entry of judgment.

OBJECTION TO CONSENT JUDGMENT

Any party with an interest in the mortgaged real estate can object to the consent judgment. If an objection is lodged:

1) a hearing is ordered

2) The objecting party must show good cause why judgment should not be entered ( loss of lien)

3) Judge will then determine the required amount to redeem the property and keep it out of foreclosure.

4) Judge will give the objecting party 30 days to redeem and get title vested to it.

The order is for the objecting party with the least priority to pay up the line. Failure of the objecting party to pay allows the court to order objecting party to pay interest and costs including attorney fees for the 30 day delay.

2) JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE

The complaint is filed in the court and must contain the following information:

1) Name of the parties: Required parties are the lender and all homeowners, other parties are:

a) All parties with a possessory interest in the real estate.

b) Spouse of owner who has waived the homestead.

c) Guarantors of the note

d) State of Illinois

e) United States ( IRS liens etc)

f) Any assignee of the mortgage or the property

g) Any holder of a mechanics lien

If a party is not named in the foreclosure, they may intervene at any of the following times:

1) Any time prior to the entry of judgment.

2) 30 days after notice has been given.

3) By courts discretion prior to the sale date.

4) After sale but before order confirming sale: Here the lien holder only receives a claim on the proceeds of the sale not any interest in the real estate.

2A) WHAT IS CONTAINED IN THE FORECLOSURE COMPLAINT

In each foreclosure complaint the following information must be included in the complaint:

1) Name of the parties

2) Copy of the mortgage will be attached.

3) Copy of the promissory note will be attached.

4) Nature of the mortgage instrument.

5) Date that the mortgage was entered into.

6) Name of bond and homeowner

7) Date and location of the recording of the mortgage

8) Legal and common description.

9) Statement of the default

10) Name of the present owner

11) Name of all persons joined in the action to terminate their interests

12) Name of person?s bank is looking for a deficiency judgment against.

13) Facts supporting a shorter period of redemption from seven months from date of service of summons or publication or three months from the entry of judgment

Reasons for a shorter period of redemption

1) Nonresidential Real estate ( 5 family or more)

2) Abandonment

3) Value of the house is less than 90% of the amount owed.

REDEMPTION AND REINSTATEMENT PERIOD

REINSTATEMENT RIGHTS

The homeowner is allowed to reinstate the loan in default up to 90 days after service upon all parties by paying the outstanding bills.

If the court finds that the homeowner has reinstated then they are barred from reinstating again on the same mortgage for 5 years.

The homeowner can waive the right to reinstate only after the commencement of a foreclosure complaint. The waiver must be done in writing and the bank must waive the deficiency judgment.

REDEMPTION RIGHTS

The owner and a senior lien holder can redeem the property prior to the auction. The redemption period is the later of:

1) 7 months from the date of service of the complaint.

2) 3 months from the date of judgment.

There are two (2) exceptions to the periods listed above they are:

1) 60 days after judgment if the court finds the value of the real estate is 90% of the judgment amount. See consent foreclosure.

2) 30 days after the judgment if the property has been determined to be abandoned.

The redemption period can be extended by order of the court. It must be a specific order.

SPECIAL RIGHTS TO REDEEM WHEN BANK WINS THE BID

If the bank wins the bid, the previous owner shall have a special right to redeem the property for a period of thirty days after the confirmation of sale.

REQUIREMENTS TO REDEEM PROPERTY

The homeowner must pay the attorney for the bank the required amount within the period of redemption.

If the bank refuses to accept payment or if the owner objects to fees, then the owner shall pay the full amount into court along with a written statement specifying the objection.

The clerk will then forward to the bank all nonobjected to funds. The clerk will then give a receipt to the owner redeeming the foreclosure and file the receipt in the foreclosure record. The bank must then promptly furnish the owner with a release.

Objection Procedure

1) Clerk holds the amount objected to.

2) Hearing is scheduled

3) Court makes order determining what needs to be paid

Right to possession of the property

1) Prior to the entrance of the judgment and up to 30 days after the confirmation of the sale the property will be occupied by the homeowner.

2) After the appeal period 30 days after confirmation of sale property to the high bidder.

3) The court that confirmed the sale can hear and grant a supplemental petition for possession. ( kick out of prior tenant)

Conclusion:

Basically the foreclosure procedure takes about eight months from the filing of the complaint to the confirmation of the sale in this state. Certain advantages need to be taken into account. They are:

1) The auction is not the last say on the property. We can and should chase the homeowner up to the confirmation of sale.

2) In the event that the bank wins a bid we have 30 days from the confirmation of the sale to talk with the homeowner and make a deal.

3) Judicial foreclosure state we will need a lookup specialist in the court house.

frontgateconsulting.com

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Nearly Everyone Uses It and So What?

Occasionally a prospective client comes to me very gungho about getting publicity and declares that they envision coverage in every major newspaper in the country and on every network broadcast. After all, their logic runs, our product is something everyone uses -- we have close to 150 million customers a year in the U.S. alone.

Whoa! I reply. That's not enough of a reason for the media to do a story. Nearly everyone uses a toothbrush and a wallet of one sort or another, but how often do you see stories about either of those items in the papers or on the nightly news? Prevalent doesn't mean interesting or timely. So let's brainstorm about what would entice the media to consider something about your item newsworthy.

By putting a spin on something ordinary, or identifying some unusual aspect of something ordinary, you have a good chance of getting major media hits. For instance:

* Create a controversy. E.g., claim that 90% of Americans use each toothbrush far too long.

* Give an award. E.g., a prize for the world's rattiest wallet.

* Offer surprising facts about your product. E.g., how long ago people were using toothbrushes surprising similar to today's.

* Show an unexpected clientele using your product. E.g., wallets for toddlers or for nudists.

* Piggyback on the news. E.g., play up the connection if there's a toothbrush scene in a new feature film or a popular sit-com.

* Do a survey. E.g., what percentage of people never leave the house for any purpose without bringing their wallet.

* Compile a set of useful tips. E.g., ten ways you should never use a toothbrush.

* Donate your product or a gift certificate to a good cause. E.g., a new wallet for every high school graduate in your home town.

* Offer a freebie. E.g., a free call-in line for questions about dental hygiene.

* Invent a new use for your product. E.g., wallets designed for efficiency at security checkpoints.

* Tie your product to economic trends. E.g., what toothbrush sales reveal about recessions and economic booms.

* Do something anachronistic. E.g., create wallet carriers, which a butler can hold out for the man in the house when he comes home from work.

* Sponsor a charity event. E.g., the Toothbrush Ball.

* Do something about your environmental impact. E.g., recyclable wallets.

* Celebrate an anniversary. E.g., your 10 millionth toothbrush sold.

* Create regional variations. E.g., the Tall Texan wallet, the Seattle Surprise, the Plains Packer.

* Get offbeat endorsements. E.g., from a punk rocker, a bartender, a has-been politician for your toothbrushes.

* Feature employees with stories. E.g., an over-80 wallet designer, marketing vice-presidents who are twins.

* Run an event for kids. E.g., develop a show that travels to day-care centers on how to brush teeth.

Once you have a newsworthy angle, then the ambition to get your story into every household in the country makes more sense!

Marcia Yudkin is the author of the classic guide to comprehensive PR, 6 Steps to Free Publicity, now for sale in an updated edition at Amazon.com and in bookstores everywhere. She also spills the secrets on advanced tactics for today's publicity seekers in Powerful, Painless Online Publicity, available from www.yudkin.com/powerpr.htm .


Monday, December 8, 2008

The Playtex Bra A Classic

The Playtex bra line is a top of the line high quality brassieres offering exceptional
support and coverage to the modern woman at very reasonable prices. Playtex Bra is
sensitive to women needs so no matter the kind of protection you need, there is a
Playtex Bra just for you!

The Playtex bra is a line of undergarment from women all over the world. Bra is
classically defined as an undergarment for women manufactured to provide support
and coverage to the women breasts. A bra has two elastic straps places in the
shoulder, two full or half cups to hold the woman's breasts, and a band which is
placed underneath the breasts to hold the straps and the cups. They have clasps at
the back or in the front to close the bra. Playtex bra is made from various kinds of
materials such as spandex, cotton, and lace. Some Playtex bra also has wires
underneath the cups to give shape to the breasts.

The Playtex Bra line has different kinds of bra which offer different kinds of protection
depending on the woman's needs. Training bra are smaller than the regular size of
brassieres. It was invented during the 1950s and functions to give coverage and
support to adolescent and pre-adolescent girls who do not fit in the standard size
bras. The Playtex Bra line for young girls include nice, pretty training bra in fun
colors. It is the usually the bra that signals womanhood.

Another kind of bra is the maternity or nursing brassiere. It is a bra that is designed
for women to make breastfeeding easier. The design makes it easy for the mothers to
breastfeed their babies whenever they are hungry. Usually nursing bra are not wired.

The Playtex Bra line also include bra that are designed to offer complete support to
the women. They are equipped with wires underneath the cups with some padded
and some unpadded designs. Padded bras with wires give impeccable shape to the
women breast. The full support line will be perfect for women with bigger breasts.

Push up brassieres are also offered by the Playtex Bra line. The design is very popular
nowadays and give excellent lift and improve the shape of the breasts. Push up bra is
perfect for some particular dress styles. It enhances the cleavage and makes the
breasts look fuller. Another style of bra is called the shelf bra which is a specialized
bra inserted in swimsuits and tank tops to give excellent support during special
needs. Some are foamed shelf bra to give protection and enhance the breast.

The Playtex Bra line also has strapless brassieres designed to complement some
styles of clothes such as tube tops, off-shoulder, halterneck, and other clothes with
similar styles.

The Playtex Bra line also offers sports bra to support women during strenuous
exercises and during sports. The sports line of Playtex Bra are great when hiking,
running, jogging, working out, and other activities when that sensitive part of the
woman's body need maximum support.

No matter what style and type of bra that you choose, it is important that you get
the brassiere that gives maximum support while flattering your figure and avoiding
discomfort. Large breasted women are prone to back pain because of insufficient
support from ill-fitting brassieres. And Playtex Bra has a myriad of choices to make
sure that you will never have to wear ill fitting brassieres ever again.

Joyce Dietzel writes articles for your-bra-store.com a website dedicated to all the right bras for you.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=JoyceDietzel

By Joyce Dietzel

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Why a Baby Car Seat is the Most Essential Baby Product to Purchase For Your Child

My baby car seat is starting to look its age, as its done 3 kids so far. To get a seat for your baby that will last this long, the selection of the right type of baby car seat is absolutely vital. Which one is right for you then? In most cases the best baby car seat is the one that matches your baby's size and weight; exception is if your cars seats are shaped in a way that makes it impossible to install a specific baby seat you have your eye on.

A baby car seat is of course especially designed for babies. If your baby is an infant, then you should have a seat up to max. 20 lbs. A baby car seat is one of the best things you can buy for you new baby. A proper seat is essential for protecting your baby in the car.

The first thing to consider when buying a baby car seat is safety; without a quality seat you can?t be sure that your baby is protected from harm. A portable baby car seat is great to support your young baby properly when you are outside the car, and that makes it even clearer that, a baby car seat is one of the essential baby products to purchase for your child.

In most cars a baby car seat is easily installed and removed with all the attach points well placed for easy access. For people traveling on the road, for any length of journey ? it is a must to have your baby put in a safe seat. As mentioned before, go by your baby's weight for the most suitable size. It is important that the baby car seat is the right size! Don?t save money when it comes to safety!

A baby seat should have an extra padded insert that could also be used as head support when your baby is asleep. Using a baby car seat is one of the most important things to ensure your baby's protection. Buying a baby seat is perhaps the single most important decision parents make when it comes to ensuring their new baby's safety.

An investment in a high quality baby car seat is one of the best buys you can make when getting ready to bring home your baby from the hospital. A baby car seat is a must for all new families. A proper seat for you baby is not only recommended, it's actually very important.

Finn Jensen has a lot of experience in buying the right baby car seat ? he has kids himself. And as a help to others he has put up an automotive body parts service containing high-quality articles on related stuff to car owners. So go visit http://www.carparts-e.com/ now.


Saturday, December 6, 2008

Rhythms of the Night

The Night Shift Can Be The Door That Allows Great Creativity To Flow. But It's Not For Everyone.







Working the night shift, as I have, has been a wonderful exercise in letting go of Circadian Rhythms and creating my own rhythm. By changing my perspective in this way, the night has become my familiar, a kind of safe haven in the routine of life.

Night shift has the unusual capacity, as far as nursing goes, to create a camaraderie of helpers who pitch in and get the job done efficiently.

Nights in our Labor and Delivery unit is where the action is sans administration, or ancillary staff or even doctors who for the most part, try and get some sleep.

The nurses are the people who must pull it all together and so, we do.

We are not permitted to sleep and disciplinary action is taken if someone in authority, who as I said, is not generally anywhere to be found, finds one of us dosing.

I wrote another article about the one second power nap which is an art and a skill.

Generally, I place my left hand on my forehead and lean over my chart with pen poised as if ready to make a carefully thought out note. The sleep that takes place is deep and sometimes a vivid dream fleetingly coincides with reality.

Sometimes I speak silently to my dead father or mother who appear lucidly during this brief moment of rest.

It?s always surprising to see them and I welcome their ephemeral presence.

As the night gives way to the early morning hours, we all get a little silly. Someone breaks into a prolonged giggle and a contagion overtakes the rest of us.

Barriers break down. Vulnerabilities surface.

For instance, if a doctor is rude to one of us, I always find myself calling that person an ?idiot? when at any other time of day, I would show respectful constraint.

The moment that requires the most of any of us is the change of shift report.

Many times, the people coming on are not happy about something. Here the night shift/day shift dichotomy surfaces. Let?s face it, night shifters have more fun. We are gleeful, childlike and somewhat drunk from lack of sleep.

The day shifters are often glum and yes, resentful because we are leaving and they are not?

Because we are uncontrolled in our hilarity?

Because we get paid at least $1.50 more an hour?

Because we are about to experience the full cyclic beauty of the day at hand?

No matter why. Suffice to say, the vibrations at change of shift are a blip in an otherwise glorious night and day. If I don?t have to return to work, I sleep deeply a few hours and arise in a full throttle goofing off mood. I hang out with my two dogs.

I write to my Internet friends who are involved in Internet Marketing, as I am. Often we give one another advice as to how to proceed with our various projects.

I?ll do a little cleaning and a few loads of wash, or weeding or mowing or gardening.

Or I?ll work on the Single Payer Health care bill here in Pennsylvania.

The most important ingredient to all of this is pure and unadulterated fun: Fun in the full glory of the present moment. Fun in the practice of the various spiritual disciplines I know for daily ritual throughout day and night.

Meditation makes it possible to sleep less so I practice that twice a day.

Night shift has allowed me to take my Internet Business to the next level. I?ve enrolled in the John Reese home study course that teaches how to direct visitors to my sites.

Because I signed up for the course with Charly Leetham?s affiliate link to the course, she is making her membership site available for the first three months at no cost where I will learn how to set up a word press webpage and generate traffic between mini-sites, blogs and the main website.

I could not do this working a day shift nursing job because the ?time? simply isn?t available as it magically is now.

Night shift has opened my mind to new possibilities. I only began to start working this shift two years after I turned 50. For most of my life I kept in synche with most of the people of the world, all of us marching in step with one another and the so called Circadian Rhythm that science tells us we dare not impede.

Science also tells us that night shifters have twice the breast cancer rate as day shifters.

I say the opposite would be true for me.

I love working nights. I love the rhythm of the night when I work or have the night off.

I love my one second power naps! I love the moon in all of her phases, the crickets in late summer, the trees in all the seasonal stages.

When I lived a day shift kind of existence, my mind was closed to all the creative potential of my own mind.

Night shift opened the window of dormant capabilities and allowed the music of the soul to come alive.

So many suffer when confronted with the rigors of night shift?s truth on the body, mind and spirit.

But it truly has been a gift for me.

To all the other nurses who also love it: I salute you and have an eternal bond with all of you.

Blessings also to the day shift for keeping the wheels of commerce turning.




Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com




ABOUT THE AUTHOR


-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Kate Loving Shenk is a writer, healer, musician and the creator of the e-book called Transform Your Nursing Career and Discover Your Calling and Destiny. Click here to find out how to order the e-book:
http://www.nursingcareertransformation.com Check Out Kate's Blog:
http://www.nursehealers.typepad.com
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-


Thursday, December 4, 2008

How to Choose Sexy Lingerie for Christmas

Christmas is the season to rejoice and be joyful. Your man deserve an exceptional night of fun and intimacy. Re- ignite his passion and make it an unforgettable night. The secret is have confidence. You need preparation. Proper dieting and nutrition plus regular exercise is needed to firm up and tone up your body.

Consider investing in stripping class where you can learn to strut, dance and strip in style. Put him in the right mood by giving him a glass of wine. Dim the lights and turn on the soft romantic music. The sexy colors for lingerie is red and black. White, grey, purple, royal blue are also the festive season colors.There are different styles available this winter season including retro 60s look with spots and polka dots, oriental design with mandarin shapes and kimono prints and lastly, animal prints which feature animals like tiger , zebra or leopard.

You may want your man to get in on the act. Let him take charge and slowly remove the different pieces from the bra, panty to the stockings. Find out his secret fantasy and both of you can role play together.

You need the right costume to dazzle your man. There are plenty of costumes out there with different themes such as Santa's helper, French maid, Wonder Woman, Cow-girl, Devil and many others.In fact, you don't even need to take off the costume skirt when you are having sex.

Heighten his excitement and tension by having as many layers of clothing as possible. You can start off with a night robe. The next layer can be a chemise, camisole and bustier. Get a see-through chemise to bring up the temperature.

Finally, he will reach the final layer of undergarment. Wear a bra that fits you. Make sure that bra is not too big and hides your ample bosom. Push up bras do enhance the cleavage. Strapless bras turn me on too. Without doubt, lacy bras are the most ideal for a night of intimacy with your man. I also like bras with bows , ribbons and embroidery for an added touch of femminity.Silk, leather and satin are alternative lingerie material.

As I have mentioned earlier the more skin you show the better it. If you got a great body and you are not afraid to flaunt it, show off your body by wearing a thong. When passion are flaming hot and there is not a moment to spare you can leave it on during sex. To tease him further, you can wear a face mask too.

If you like skin tight lingerie to reveal your curves, you can choose from a variety of items such as a bodysuit, corset, body stocking or teddy. If you have comfort in mind, a loose fitting item such as a baby doll would be your ideal choice. I like see -through baby doll with slits in front to reveal more skin.

Check out http://www.buy-bras.net/branded-bras.htm for wide branded bras and lingerie online. You can get a sexy chemise at http://www.womanht.com/shopping/Chemise.htm


Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Discount Board Games

Anyone out to find a cheap form of entertainment can always count on discount board games to the do the trick. These board games are perfect for those people who are living on a budget and trying to save money. A good game board, especially if bought at a discount, will not only give out hours of enjoyment for the whole family, it will also be available at just a small cost compared to taking the children out for a movie or the arcade.

There are now thousands of toys from which children can gain enjoyment from, aside from computers and video games. However, the allure of playing a board game is still one that children can not pass up. It is also among the activities that parents should encourage in their kids' lives. These games have a great number of benefits for kids. These board games will not only aid children in developing their counting and reading skills, these will also teach them the important values of fair play and sportsmanship. Playing a board game is also a perfect opportunity for parents and children to have those precious bonding moments.

Board games are also great sources of entertainment for adults. Getting discount board games is not only a way to save on entertainment expenses but also a change of pace from the usual evening routine at home watching television. There are even studies that show that the regular playing of these board games, which stimulate brain activity, reduces the risks of acquiring Alzheimer's disease or dementia.

There are many great board games now available that cater to every taste and preference. There are trivia games like Trivial Pursuit and word games like Boggle and Scrabble. Dungeons & Dragons is also a popular role playing board game while there are also party board games like Cranium and children's games like Operation and Candyland. Strategy games like Herascape as well as Battleship and Monopoly, which are classic board games, are also available. The good thing about these popular games is that on sale as discount board games.

There are now a lot of venues where discount board games can be bought, including a number of them on the Internet. There are a lot of sites now selling cheap board games, especially if people will take the time to comparison shop or use money-saving coupons. There are even sites that offer promotions for free shipping. Brick and mortar discount stores or toy stores are also great places where you can find board games at lower prices. The best time to get a number of these board games is during the Christmas season when shopping for gifts is the norm and sales are common.

Candis Reade is an accomplished niche website developer and author.
To learn more about discount board games, please visit Fun Recreational Activities for current articles and discussions.

By Candis Reade

Monday, December 1, 2008

Home Sellers Now is the Time to Make a Change

The mechanics of selling a house is on the road to change. In Southern California, specifically the Inland Empire of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, where I have practiced for many years, Sellers are beginning to feel the change in buyers attitudes.

Buyers are now expecting to pay a little less for a home then they did about a year ago. Todays prospective buyer is spending a lot more time looking on the internet even before they contact a real estate agent to see what housing prices are like and what interest rates to buy those homes are doing.

I am a Real Estate Agent and a Loan Specialist, and have been watching the real estate market and the interest rates change for the past several months.

Today, for a Seller to sell their home in a timely manner, the price must now be within the actual market prices or below. The days of putting your house on the market and have it sell almost immediately are gone. There is a lot more to it now.

1. There are many listing agents making sure that the commission offered to a selling agent is either at the old normal rates or above, so that an agent who is looking for a property for a client will show and sell that particular home. I have seen several offering 3.5% and 4% to the selling agent with bonuses, plus sellers are willing to help with buyer closing costs.

2. The next obstacle to overcome is how the home shows to prospective buyers. You need to remember that now there are more homes on the market, giving buyers a lot more choices. You, the seller, want your home to show at its best.

3. This leads us to the ?Staging? of a home. Less is always better. If your home needs painting, paint it. If your carpets need to be cleaned, clean them. Set your dining room table with nice tablecloths and nice dinner ware. Take most everything on your kitchen counter tops off. If your living room or family room looks like there is too much furniture, make it disappear. Rent a storage space if necessary. Even closets and pantries need to be neat and tidy. Buyers tend to look everywhere. There are still many new homes being built, go and check them out. See how a professional stages a model home.

4. A First Impression is Everything. Your agent will normally take photos of your home and the one that goes on the Multiple Listing Service, Realtor.com, etc., is the front of your house. Water the lawn, clean up by the front door, put potted plants if you can, and make sure when your agent takes pictures that no cars are in the way. This first photo will also have a bearing on what the agent thinks. Will that agent even tell a prospective buyer that your house is for sale?

5. Landscaping I have seen some properties offered that because the seller has no landscaping in the back yard that the buyer will get an allowance at the close of escrow. If you can, and have the time, put down some fertilizer and grass seed and put in your own back yard. This can really make a difference. Always keep in the back of your mind, you?re the seller who wants their house sold. A Buyer has lots more choices today and would probably go on to the next house if they felt they had to put several thousand dollars into a back yard that they wouldn?t have to spend with another house.

First and foremost, buyers are just as conscious of money and how much they spend as you are on how much you can actually get for your house and move on to the next one.

My views and comments are based on my personal research and should not be consrued as anything else.

Patti Schopper

Contact Patti with any questions you may have regarding selling your property or purchasing a new property at: http://www.realestateandloans4you.com

Patti Schopper has been in the real estate industry over 36 years. Her goal has always been to put her clients first.