Archive for August, 2008
August 12, 2008 at 4:27 pm · Filed under Biz Ops
If you calculate the number of diaper changes you perform in a day, by the number of baby wipes you use at each change, the result is an estimated 4400 wipes per year. Not only can wipes be wasteful to the environment if they are not biodegradeable, but they can also contain such chemicals as fragrance, chlorine, synthetic preservatives, and dioxin.
Wipes are used, not only for diaper changing, but also to wipe hands and faces, to clean off pacifiers that have fallen onto the street, and to wipe down dirty shopping cart handles. They are terribly convenient, and are an essential in every well-packed diaper bag. The concern is not if you have packed enough for your outing, but what is lurking inside that solution that keeps them nice and moist.
That delicious, fresh baby smell, also known as fragrance or perfume, is found in some brands of baby wipes and can be a potential concern to some. Synthetic fragrances have shown such effects, on baby, as skin irritation, allergic reactions, and headaches. If baby is suffering from eczema, synthetic ingredients can also irritate the issue.
Dioxins, often found in meat and dairy products, are also the by-product of the chlorine bleaching process. The effects of dioxin have been proven to be carcinogenic.
To avoid having to flush or dispose of wipes, and to eliminate the use of chemicals on your baby’s precious skin, make your own washable wipes! They still fit perfectly into your mini wipes case in your diaper bag, and they can be soaked and washed after use, with your cotton diapers, in vinegar and water. Just as convenient as disposable wipes, but friendlier to the environment and baby’s skin!
Recipe for 100% natural baby wipes solution::
In a measuring cup, combine
C warm, purified water
C Aloe Vera Juice
1 teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar
1 teaspoon grated, unscented soap
Stir until dissolved. Add:
2 Tablespoons Carrier Oil (Calendula, Jojoba, Apricot Kernel)
Optional: Add up to 4 drops of either or both of Lavender Essential Oil, Tea Tree Essential oil.
Pour mixture over 15-20 baby facecloths, or 10″x10″ cotton flannel squares, in a square plastic baby wipes dispenser. Once container is empty, clean well and repeat!
Launder your used cloths with cotton diapers, or soak separately in a container of water, vinegar and baking soda mixture before washing.
Copyright 2006, Jennifer A. Casey
Author, ‘HOMEMADE BABY: The Guide To Making Your Own Baby Care Essentials. The Natural Way!’ http://www.jenniferacasey.ca/homemade.htm
Jennifer A. Casey has a passion for organic living. She is both the creator of her own line of natural baby care, called MUNCHSKINS Skin Care, as well as the author of her own recipe book for baby’s daily essentials, titled ‘HOMEMADE BABY: The Guide To Making Your Own Baby Care Essentials. The Natural Way!’. She resides in Vancouver Canada with her husband and two children. http://www.munchskins.com, http://www.munchskins.com/book.htm
August 11, 2008 at 2:23 pm · Filed under Biz Ops
The biggest mistake authors make when trying to get free publicity is pitching either themselves or their books.
Don’t pitch authors! Pitch issues. Don’t pitch books! Pitch entire shows.
Example: If you wrote a book about how children of divorced parents suffer long-term effects well into adulthood, don’t try to entice TV producers with the book. Entice them with an entire show around the topic of “Children of divorced parents: Do they ever recover?” Then suggest two or three other guests who tie into your topic and could be interviewed, preferably someone who is on the other side of the issue. If you can do that, you’ve just given producers an idea for an entire show, and they’re more likely to bite because you’ve done their work for them.
Here are 6 more book publicity tips:
–Be sure you have a good quality professional photo of yourself. I’m amazed at the number of authors I write stories about who don’t have photos I can use.
–Use a “tip sheet” in your media kit that ties into your topic. Example: You write a book about how to discipline children. Your tip sheet might be something like “9 Tips for Calming Your Child’s Temper Tantrum.” Each tip should be no longer than one or two short sentences. The media love these tips because they can reprint them as a sidebar to a longer story. See Special Report #16: How to Write Tip Sheets That Catch the Media’s Attention
–If you have a website, place the author’s photo and updated contact information at the site. Sometimes when trying to contact an author, I go to their website and then search in desperation for contact info.
–Don’t be afraid of controversy when it comes to book promotion. The more controversial you are willing to be, the greater your chances of coverage by the media, particularly broadcast. Radio shows in particular don’t want only light. They want heat.
–The author should write an opinion column taking a strong stand on one side of a controversial issue that ties into the topic of the book. Then target the column to the publication that is read by people who you want to buy your book.
–If you want to get into a particular publication, call the advertising department and ask for a copy of their free Editorial Calendar. This is a listing of all special sections and topics planned for the year. Review the calendar and find a specific issue where your topic would be a good fit. Then call the publication, ask for the name of the person who edits that section, and write or e-mail them with your story idea. Do this several months before the publication is printed.
Most importantly, unless you are contacting the book reviewer, most media people don’t care what’s inbetween the covers of your book. They DO care about what’s inside your head, your expertise, and how you can help them. Remember that, and you’re well on your way to lots of free publicity.
Joan Stewart publishes the free ezine “The Publicity Hound’s Tips of the Week,” packed with valuable tips on how to generate thousands of dollars in free publicity. Subscribe at http://www.PublicityHound.com and receive free the handy checklist “89 Reasons to Send a News Release.”
August 6, 2008 at 5:33 am · Filed under Biz Ops
A few years ago, one of my consulting clients, a large, independent appliance store gave me an education in the marketing of refrigerators.
Walking me past a lineup of mostly white machines, the president said, “Look at the pricing, and tell me the one that most customers will want.”
I can’t recall if I guessed right, but soon enough he gave me the answer.
“The middle one,” he said. “They don’t want the cheapest, and they don’t feel they can afford the most expensive, so they take the one that’s priced, in between.”
That makes sense, I thought. But the fun was just beginning.
“Now,” he continued, “Guess which machine is the most profitable to us; the one with the fattest margin.”
“The most expensive?” I guessed.
“Wrong; it’s the middle one!”
He went on to tell me that his margin was the thinnest on the “best” machine, and he really hoped buyers wouldn’t select it.
Interesting, isn’t it? The average grade is the winner.
He noted that the costliest is the best value, having a longer warranty, disproportionately more features, better energy efficiency, and so on. In fact, it is the cheapest to own, in the long run.
My boss in the leasing business shared this notion:
“Gary, do you know the only way to beat the car business? Buy the very best car you can get, and then keep it running, forever!”
But that’s not what we do, generally. We buy a middle grade vehicle, become dissatisfied quickly, trade it frequently, and our overall cost of driving might exceed that of someone who owns the Bentley or Rolls for a few decades.
The lesson, for all of us is pretty clear: whether you sell goods or services, offer a middle grade, then step back, and let people convince themselves that it is the reasonable choice for them!
Dr. Gary S. Goodman, President of Customersatisfaction.com, is a popular keynote speaker, management consultant, and seminar leader and the best-selling author of 12 books, including Reach Out & Sell Someone® and Monitoring, Measuring & Managing Customer Service. He is a frequent guest on radio and television, worldwide. A Ph.D. from USC’s Annenberg School, Gary offers programs through UCLA Extension and numerous universities, trade associations, and other organizations in the United States and abroad. He is headquartered in Glendale, California, and he can be reached at (818) 243-7338 or at: gary@customersatisfaction.com.
August 5, 2008 at 6:09 pm · Filed under Biz Ops
What can you do to “clear the air” indoors, at work and at home? You want to know you are breathing clean air in the places you spend the most time, promoting a clear head and a sense of well being. It’s no longer okay to allow clean air into your life just at the cabin or lake. If getting outside in the fresh air and sunshine is just a dream, you need to take steps now to clear the air. More people are becoming sick from their homes. We button them up so tight that they don’t breathe anymore.
All kinds of allergies are on the rise from being overexposed to chemicals, molds, and spores that are in our environment. It’s time to strike back and take control of what we breathe. Most of us take for granted that our workspace has clean air. Don’t tell that to the people that are exposed to formaldehyde, asbestos, Legionnaires disease, radon and more every day. HVAC systems have been changing greatly over the last few years because of the rise of complaints. Newer more powerful electrostatic air cleaners reduce over 90% of dust instead of the recent 40 - 50%. Activated oxygen systems are very new on the market. Ionized, ozonated oxygen is probably one of the most important aspects of fresh air. When we take advantage of the air given to us and work with the nitrogen and oxygen levels, our air is enlivened and we feel more energetic and alive. Air conditioning units have added to the problem by just cooling the air and increasing the levels of bacteria and mold in the ductwork. Chemicals are then used to treat it causing even more problems. Activated oxygen systems are a much healthier means of cleaning the air.
Homeowners are choosing “green” methods of construction because they are realizing the choice of building materials is crucial to their long term health. The choice of carpet is also important in that low pile is best to cut down on dust mites and should be vacuumed with a HEPA filter. Glues, synthetic fibers, irritating odors, they are all around us. Many allergic reactions to these contaminates can range from skin disease, sleep difficulties, infection and chronic fatigue are just a few. Natural fibers don’t attract much dust and their ability to breathe is much healthier for our skin. Speaking of skin, it is the largest organ on the body, so how much fresh air we give it is critical. Other issues that may present problems are electric allergies from being indoors so much. Computers, appliances, television and transformers all give off magnetic frequencies that can affect our systems and our mood. You might want to think about how close you sit to the computer, television or if you have an electric blanket or clock radio near your bed.
Every living thing has evolved under sunlight. Light deprivation is a relatively new problem that strikes many. It is only recently that we have moved ourselves indoors for our activities. We now have a higher degree of skin cancer than ever before with less and less exposure to the sun. The ozone shield is becoming a problem so what are we to do? Natural sunlight can be enhanced by light tubes. Cut a hole in the roof and sent the tub down through the ceiling. Full spectrum fluorescent light is also a possibility. It helps our moods and strongly resembles sunlight. The best thing to do is trying to get at least fifteen minutes of natural sunlight per day.
The decisions you make on an everyday basis determines how you feel for a lifetime. There are many places to receive information about products for a natural home and office. Check the library, bookstore or internet for more information.
Mae Marshall is a successful freelance writer offering guidance and suggestions for consumers buying ceiling fans, dehumidifiers, portable air conditioners, air filters and more. Her many articles can be found at http://www.portable-air-conditioner-4u.com/air_filters.htm . She gives information and tips at http://www.portable-air-conditioner-4u.com/index.htm to help you save money and make informed buying decisions.
August 2, 2008 at 4:49 pm · Filed under The Healthy Way
There are lots of issues that will probably make the styled hair follicles on your hairline fall out, the prime one is hereditary hairloss. Male pattern baldness will probably hit as many as four and a half in ten of men under the age of thirty five years old. The normal chap has more than eighty thousand hair stands on their scalp and will often quite easily drop 65 to 200 hair strands per day through combing, washing, and sport. This can feel like too many but in fact it is pretty normal.
The abnormal rate of losing your hair is when people are losing more hair strands than what is sprouting back. And people will soon feel and realise men and women have abnormal hair strand loss when you shockingly start to see your crown growing. It is always best practise to go check with a health professional to make sure guys and girls are not suffering from any hair disorders or under colossal stress.
The most common cause though is hereditary baldness. This happens when the genes in your hair force the hair strand follicles to shrink down. This shrinking effect makes the hair follicle unable to grow.
If people are unhappy you will often go and chat to a male pattern baldness specialist and learn what sort of hair loss you are seeing the side effects from and also discover what excellent hair follicle loss treatments are available to worried men. Explore the latest hair loss techniques from Advanced Hair Studio, home to hair restoration.
August 2, 2008 at 3:21 am · Filed under Biz Ops
In the Pavillion of Green Ripples in the Imperial Garden, Forbidden City, Beijing (formerly Peking), China, ShihTzu romped with each other, the enunchs, and the Empress and her attendants. Shih Tzu was a highly valued companion of the Palace.
The Summer Palace, Peking (now called Beijing), was where the Dowager Empress ruled her Empire during the summer months. Her Shih Tzu and favorite attendants resided in the Summer Palace throughout her annual stay.
An American was actually among the very first to receive a Shih Tzu as a gift from the Dowager Empress. Sarah Conger, wife of American Minister to China Edwin H. Conger, received the Shih Tzu from the Dowager Empress in 1903.
Centuries ago when East met West on the Ancient Silk Trade Route various Maltese type dogs were mated with Oriental type dogs. The white Shih Tzu is a “throwback” result from the genetic influence of infusion of Maltese bloodlines. I have one Shih Tzu who resembles a Maltese and is solid white. Her name is Blondie. Blondie’s pedigree states all Shih Tzu. I have had people to ask me if Blondie was Maltese.
There is only one known photo of the Dowager Empress with any of Shih Tzu. The photo was taken in a Courtyard scene in 1903 with her ladies in waiting. Various eunuchs are on either side of the Princess. Chief Eunuch Li Lein-Yang helped guide the Shih Tzu breeding program and is pictured with the Dowager Empress. At the Empress’ feet is Hai Ling (Sea Otter), a solid black Shih Tzu, the Empress favorite, who sired many Shih Tzu of various colors within the Palace. This black Shih Tzu reminds me very much of my own solid black Shih Tzu, Duke. Duke has also sired many of the Stain Glass Shih Tzu puppies and of various colors. I also have to admit my Duke is “one” of my favorites of all time.
There is strong indication that the ShihTzu developed in China from ancient lines of dogs of Tibet. One theory is that these ancestors of the modern Shih Tzu were presented by Tibetan Lamas to royal visitors from Chinese courts and taken by them back to Peking, where they were nurtured and cherished as prized possessions of the emperors, and members of the court. Another theory is that the Shih Tzu were exchanged by royal travelers and merchants who were of many cultures and societies traveling along that segment of the ancient “Silk Trade Route” that runs in a generally west to east route from Lhasa, Tibet, to Peking (now known as Beijing), China.
All Oriental dogs, which would include the Shih Tzu, had forms which were quite similar, and was a direct result of the influence of Buddhism. The Lion was said to have been Buddha’s constant companion and on several occasions saved him from death or capture by his enemies. Because the Chinese considered the lion symbolic of Buddha, they used “the King of the Beasts” as a model for breeding their dogs. Among the Oriental dogs produced are the Shih Tzu, the Pekingese, the Chow Chow, the Lhasa Apso, the Spitz, and the Pug.
The lion, as a model for our Shih Tzu, was not native to China, so early Chinese had little concept as to what the lion looked like. It is most likely early Chinese sculptors carved lions from descriptions received about the beasts, and that the Chinese dogs, including our Shih Tzu, were bred to look like the statues rather than like lions themselves.
Connie Limon is a Shih Tzu breeder. She publishes a FREE weekly newsletter. A professional newsletter with a focus upon health and wellness for you and your pets. Discounts are offered to subscribers. Sign up at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com
August 1, 2008 at 3:07 am · Filed under Biz Ops
Water Filters www.1a-water-filters.com Water is the basic necessity of human beings, as without it you can’t survive for a single day. Being the basic necessity today people have become more aware and alert regarding water, as they know that water is the prime source of many diseases. Due to growing awareness among people water filters too are gaining equal attention. By seeing this sudden awareness many water filters producing companies have joined the bandwagon in providing the best and safe water filters. They are said to be selling like hot cakes in the market as everyone wants to have long and healthy life. If we talk about water filters, they are the device primarily used for providing safe and pure drinking water. Scientifically talking it is the barrier or hurdle which obstructs impurities to mix in the drinking water. It not only cleans the water but also keeps the water nutrients intact. Water filters have become the real rage as now you will not only find water filters in houses but also in offices and even at public places.
Water filters are basically used to purify water that can be used for drinking, irrigations, water aquariums and also for swimming pools. These days’ water filters not only cleanse the water but also remove the smell and bad taste from it making it drinkable. They are generally equipped with special filters which never allow bacteria to pass through it irrespective of its size and type. With technology boom big water filters are significantly replaced by portable water filters. They are as handy as they can be simply attached with the running water tap which makes you get instant germ free water. Despite having various added features they are still easy to install and operate.
For operating water filters you don’t require any technical know how as they are fully automatic and can be easily operated. But always makes sure that the cartridge or filter paper is frequently replaced with the new one as it has got its own life. Being the backbone of water filter, cartridge should be properly handled and periodically changed. Currently counter water filters are becoming real trend as they cover less space after installation and also perform the complete transparent water filtering operation. But countertop water filters are too equally effective as they perform a more scientific modus operandi for water filtration. So if you want to live a healthy and germ free life then you must install best water filter in town as healthy and pure drinking is the doorway to happy living.
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