caveat emptor: wash clothes before you wear them!

Posted by on April 4, 2012 No comment

I’ve got very lengthy post on my main blog talking about a pair of disgusting Old Navy pants I purchased recently. I hope it will serve as a warning to all of you – wash your “new” clothes before you wear them & inspect clothing carefully in the store! Hopefully my cautionary tale will prevent one of you finding a snail trail, or some other bodily fluid left in your new clothes by another shopper.

For those of you who are looking for the snail trail pants auction – it was yanked by eBay. While Old Navy let me purchase items with dried bodily fluid inside, eBay prohibits me from selling those items.

My husband not only got me several shirts from The Limited and Express for Christmas, but he also got me a pair of Editor pants in black. They’re everything a pair of black work pants should be – comfortable, form fitting in all of the right places (but not too tight!) and above all, professional looking without being dowdy or matronly.

When I return to work after vacation, I’m going to be on well dressed woman!

old navy jeans half off – saturday only

Old Navy has jeans for half off today, both online and off! You can snag adult jeans for $12 and kids jeans for $7. A few caveats:

You’re limited to 3 pairs of jeans per customer
Old Navy doesn’t carry all sizes in the stores, so you may need to shop online like I did
Always wash your Old Navy clothes before you wear them

more editor pants

:::squeal:::

My husband not only got me several shirts from The Limited and Express for Christmas, but he also got me a pair of Editor pants in black. They’re everything a pair of black work pants should be – comfortable, form fitting in all of the right places (but not too tight!) and above all, professional looking without being dowdy or matronly.

When I return to work after vacation, I’m going to be on well dressed woman!

Soon you S.O.B.’s…soon.

Posted by on December 16, 2011 No comment

Use Corporate Renting to Help Find Work

Posted by on December 6, 2011 No comment

You don’t need us to tell you how hard it is to find a job right now. Vacancies are few and far between and those that appear have hundreds, if not, thousands of applications. If where you live is hampering your efforts, why not move and rent your house out to be used as a corporate housing?

While a little extreme, if you’re not so tied to your home town, the idea of moving across the country to find a job isn’t such a leap. According to a paper from Freddie Mac, owning an underwater property, that is, owing more on a mortgage than the home is worth, is not keeping job seekers from relocating.

A survey of relocations and out-of-state moves conducted over the past three years shows the number of relocations due to work has not declined at all since 2007. That trend is set to be continued through 2012. It means somehow, employees are finding ways to offload their homes and move to their new job.

Recruiters themselves say that it’s hard to find the right person for the role sometimes, as many are tied to properties they can’t sell, or that are worth less than the mortgage. This presents problems on both sides of the fence which corporate rentals may be able to answer.

For those looking for work and who have a property they can’t sell, renting to a corporation is a definite option. As long as the property is a nice one, in a decent location and near to places of work, it may be perfectly suitable as a corporate apartment or rental.

Furnished apartments in downtown areas, or small family homes near technology parks are just some of the preferred options for corporate lets. Corporate apartments come in all shapes and sizes, and as long as they are of a good standard with an acceptable amount of living space, they are often snapped up very quickly.

The challenge of finding talented staff for industries that are geographically concentrated is unrelenting. For example, finding good people in and around Silicon Valley is a continuing challenge. There may be a lot of people out of work, but relatively few of them have the niche skills some of these employers desperately need.

That’s when they have to cast their net a little wider and look at regional and national markets. That inevitably comes with administrative challenges, but corporate rentals may be an answer. Not only would a furnished apartment provide a starter base for the new employee, it’s also a way for that employee to offload their own property relatively quickly.

There isn’t often an option that is truly a win-win. Corporate rentals are one of them. The only restriction is that the employee has to have a suitable property in which to rent out. If that requirement is met, there really is nothing stopping you moving to enjoy a new life in a new city, and letting your old home out to someone in the same position.

The Convenience of Solar Generators

Posted by on November 15, 2011 No comment

Post By: FTI Dirkastan

When you need your solar power portable use one the solar generators. These can go anywhere you travel. They can be used for business or pleasure. The generators can come complete in a self contained box in various sizes. Just figure what size you need for the job that they will be used for.

What Sizes are Available?

There are a variety of sizes that you can find in solar generators as mentioned above. Read below to find out the specs on three of them.

The first size is a 28W one. The battery comes in two sections and one is 12V and the other is 29AH. The solar panel is 28W, the load power is 120W, the charge controller is 12V 5A. The overall size is 50cm by 32cm by 24cm and it all comes in a metal box. It has both AC and DC output. This one is $800.00.

The second size is 50W. This has a 50W solar panel, a charge controller that is 12V 20A and a charging time of 8 hours. The size of this model is 28.3 inches by 14.6 inches by 13.4 inches. It comes with a battery that is 12V, 40AH lead-acid. It has both AC and DC output. It is all packaged in a metal box too. This model goes for $1,000.00.

The last model of the solar generators we would like to tell you about is the 100W version. It contains a 100W solar panel with a battery that is 12V, 100AH lead-acid. The charge controller is 12V 20A. This model has an overall size of 28.5 inches by 15.4 inches by 20.2 inches by 20.2 inches. This of course is encased in a metal box.

Portability

The portability of these generators is so convenient. When you have finished using them in one spot just pack them up and take them to the next place of use.

Uses

These generators can be used in many situations. Take on camping trips for your power needs. Run small household appliances with them if your power goes out or just to take the load off your electric bill. Power your radio from one with ease. If you work out in the field you always have a power source with you. Have a cabin way out in the woods? These are perfect for powering various items in it.

Why Turn to Solar Power

Solar power is free to use once you set up the equipment. This is a big huge advantage of this type of power. The other good point about it is that it is clean to use unlike the fossil fuels for the traditional electricity. There is such a need for renewable energy today that all of us need to look into using solar energy.

Now if you need a portable source of energy then look to the solar generators. These are so convenient to pack up and tote around, that you will be taking them everywhere you go. So which size fits your needs?

Random Chat Service

Posted by on October 21, 2011 No comment


While there are plenty of browser based random chat services to consider, one should certainly think about using a browser based video chat application. This might seem a bit different from the way that video chat usually takes place, and to some extent, it is. The main difference that there will be nothing to download, with regards to software. Here is a look at the advantages of online browser video chat applications.

  1. This can be used anywhere the user wants to have a video chat session. When the user selects a video software package to use, they usually have to download a software file to their hard drive. This means that when they use their computer, they can gain access to the video chat application. However, what happens if they aren’t using their computer? They won’t be able to use their software. However, if they use a browser based application, then they can gain access to their friends and family members anywhere there is internet access. This opens up so many contact options for the video user who is on the road, such as a video chat user who travels on business.
  2. Speaking of downloading software, how does the user know for sure that the random video chat application that they are downloading is safe? They don’t know! It would be an ugly discovery for them to find out that the video chat application that they’ve downloaded is full of viruses!
  3. Anytime a video chat user downloads software, they’ll have to update the software constantly. When they use an online browser based system, they will have none of these issues. The video chat application will be ready for them to use anywhere, at any time of day or night.

Price And Time Factors of Buying Furnished Real Estate

Posted by on September 26, 2011 No comment

Price And Time Factors of Buying Furnished Real Estate

If you view a piece of housing or real estate as an individual property, you can see why it can be so difficult to come up with flat pricing. How a piece of property is priced depends on so much. The value of it isn’t necessarily the price, though value will add something. Each building, each home is a unique and separate entity. Each one has its own character and flare. And much of its worth depends on where it’s located, what it has to offer, how easy can it be changed and of course the value of the properties surrounding it. To a person wanting to buy it to live in, they look for what it can give them that moment. To a renovator, investor and developer, they will look at the potential of how it can possibly changed.

Furnished apartments are probably the most costly investment most people will make. When you buy real estate you’re not just paying for the physical property, you are paying for a whole other slew of things that goes along with such deals. You have title searches, legal fees, land transfer fees, real estate fees, deed registration fee and moving costs to fact into it. You can safely add up to six percent to the purchase price to come up with the real cost. Much of the extra fees depends on whether or not this is being paid for with cash or a loan.

Time is a factor too when investing in real estate. There is no such thing as walk into a realtor’s office, plop down the cash and walk out with the deed on the same day. All the fees from above takes time to process. If you are building new, then time it takes to actually possess the property is even longer.

Business Banking

Posted by on August 29, 2011 No comment

Small Business Checking

  • $100 Minimum to Open
  • $10 per month service charge, limited to 150 transactions ($.50, per transaction after first 150)
  • Check images returned in statement

Commercial Checking Account

  • $100 Minimum to Open
  • Service charges are determined by account analysis
  • Earnings credit based on average monthly collected balance
  • Check images returned in statement

Interest Checking Account**

  • For sole proprietors, certain escrow funds, trust and fiduciary accounts, public funds, non-profit organizations operating for religious, charitable, educational or similar purposes.
  • $100 Minimum to Open
  • Service Charges are determined by account analysis
  • Business accounts are not subject to earnings credit
  • Check images returned in statement

Money Market Account**

  • $1000 Minimum to Open, $1,000 Minimum Daily Balance to Avoid Service Charge
    ($15 per month service charge if balance falls below $1,000 during cycle period)
  • Limited to 6 withdrawals per month (only 3 of which may be to third parties, including ATM and drafts – $10 per item after 3)
  • Check images returned in statement

Savings Account***

  • $100 Minimum to Open, $300 Minimum Daily Balance to Avoid Service Charge
    ($9 Quarterly Service Charge if minimum daily balance falls below $300 during the quarter)
  • Six withdrawals per quarter at no charge, $5 per additional withdrawals

*When you use an ATM not owned by Franklin Bank we will charge you a $1.00 fee, and you may also be charged a fee by the ATM operator or any network used to complete the transaction.

**Interest is paid monthly based on the daily collected balance.

***Interest is paid quarterly based on the daily collected balance.

What’s in a Lanyard Kit?

Posted by on August 17, 2011 No comment

Even though there are plenty of different lanyard choices, a lot of people don’t really know what are in the starter kits. Since there are four main types of lanyards (cord, flat, beaded, tubular), you have to purchase one that will suit your own personal needs. Plus, the reason you’re making it is going to come into play as well.Today we want to focus on everything involved with a starter kit. Sure you could go look through them all yourself, but we wanted to spare you the time. It could also be a huge help for anyone who wants to start making lanyards themselves, but doesn’t really want to spend the money on a starter kit. If this is the case we do have to tell you that in most cases; it’s less expensive to purchase a starter kit. You have all the essentials handy, and you don’t have to travel to the closest hobby and crafts store to get everything. So here is what you will find:

* Plastic Cording- These are essential pieces to making your lanyard. Granted, it’s not always cording that is used. You could end up with other materials like nylon, polyester, or even cotton strands. No matter what you receive, these are used to make the lanyards.

* Measuring Wheel- In order to end up with a complete lanyard you will have to do a lot of measuring with the strands. A wheel is given to you in a starter kit to make it a bit easier. Don’t worry, these are usually made of foam. The best part about it is the amount of time you save making the lanyard.

* Keyrings- Since a lot of people make lanyards to hold their keys, several starter kits will automatically come with keyrings. The actual amount depends on the product, but you can see anywhere from 1 to 15. If you’re a beginning lanyard maker then we recommend utilizing the keyring before jumping into other options. It’s by far the easiest approach.

* Clasps- There are several variations when it comes to clasps. You can go with plastic ones, metal ones, or even magnetic ones depending on your need. Most starter kits will offer a plastic or metal one, because they’re the most common. These are used to keep the lanyard around your neck or wrist.

These four pieces can usually be found in almost every lanyard starter kit. When purchasing a starter kit you should consider the color, design, and approach you want to take. There are several different customizable features associated with lanyards. You can definitely create a unique approach if you have all the supplies in front of you.

So will you go with a starter kit or purchase everything yourself? If you decide to do a beaded lanyard then we highly recommend a starter kit. The beads alone could be quite expensive when purchased individually at a local craft store. Whatever the case may be, you just need to figure out what you want to make.

If you have no idea then try an inexpensive choice first and see if you like it. Chances are you’re going to love it, because lanyard making can become quite addictive!

The Benefits Of Having Solar Backups For Your Household Needs

Posted by on July 18, 2011 No comment

What are solar back ups? These are solar powered generators that are used for emergency power when you have an electrical outage. They can be connected to your main power grid, and come on automatically when power lines are down, especially in the Winter. Here are a few of the benefits and advantages of using these systems.

One is that solar backups don’t use gas, so there is no need to go out in the cold to fill up a gas tank. When it is cold outside, the last thing you need is to have to go outside and fill up your generator. Another benefit is that these power systems are completely clean energy. Energy is absorbed from the sun, even on cloudy days to a certain extent. Solar power is completely free, and one of the biggest forms of renewable energy on the planet.

Because these solar backups don’t use and motorized parts, there is very little maintenance necessary in order to run them. You don’t have to worry about internal combustion engines, checking oil levels, or making sure all the parts are in good working order. This doesn’t mean that they are maintenance free, you still have to check the solar panels for cracks and damage once in awhile, but over all they are far easier than regular gas generators.

Because these solar backups don’t rely on fuel to run, the dont’ emit any toxic gases into our environment, and you don’t need to worry about ventilation. You can have your solar panels outside, and the generator inside. There is no harm to your family, your pets, they are completely safe as long as you follow the instructions. These solar generators can also be used in RV’s, and for camping.

While these solar backups haven’t been around as long as some other solar power power applications, but the need and demand for cleaner, alternative back up power has made them extremely popular. Many people are starting to be more concerned over the environment, and having solar powered generators as an emergency power backup, or even for their motor-homes and travel trailers are an excellent way to do their part.

Now that you have read about just some of the benefits that solar backups can provide, the next step is finding them. In many cases you can’t just run out to your local home improvement outlet and buy one. You really need to go online, for the best selection, as well as price. Now the one disadvantage is that these solar generators are a little more expensive than a gas generator, but they can pay for themselves in a relatively short amount of time.

One of these solar backups is the Solar Power System Box. This box contains all you need to get started all in a convenient carry case. It includes folding solar panels with one hundred watts of power. It also includes all the other components built in, charger for batteries, inverter, charge controller, and these are displayed in a large and easy to understand manner. It can be fully charge in 9 hours of sunlight. At just 28.5″x20″X15.4,” you can bring it along with you wherever you go. You get all of this for just $1,400.