 NewsUSA) – Transporting large, valuable items often creates anxiety. Will you open the box only to find an antique vase in shards? Will the package even reach its destination?
To ensure that items arrive safely, you have to pack them correctly. Make sure that you have a variety of packing materials on hand, including boxes, bubble wrap, loose fill and packing tape. Bulky or irregularly shaped items, like furniture, exercise equipment, paintings and sculptures, require special consideration. The experts at Pak Mail, a shipping company with 500 plus stores in the U.S., Mexico, Canada, Venezuela, Panama and Japan, offer the following tips: - Wrap it. Before packing an item, you’ll need to protect it from scratching or breaking. Wrap items in bubble wrap, tissue or plastic. If shipping several items in the same box, wrap each item individually. Use non-acidic paper to protect artwork. - Pack it. Use foam or rubber as a second layer of packaging -; this will help absorb shock and vibration during shipping. Make sure that items are packed securely in their boxes. Most damage occurs when items have room to move or shake. - Make it secure. Choose a hard, puncture-resistant surface, like plywood, for the outer layer of your package. - Hire a professional. For items that prove especially cumbersome, consider hiring a shipping company that specializes in custom packaging and large items. For example, Pak Mail builds custom crates for unusually awkward or large items. You don’t even need to bring the items to a Pak Mail location -; the company will pick up your item, pack it safely and then ship it. There are no size, weight or piece limits. The company has successfully shipped everything from precious art works to dinosaur fossils. - Get a guarantee. Declare and cover the value of your items. Make sure that you have each item’s tracking numbers so you can watch their progress. For more information or to find Pak Mail locations, call (800) 778-6665 or visit www.pakmail.com. |
Tips to Safely Ship Large Items
Do You Know Your Family History? Discover it Using These Tips
 NewsUSA) – Have you ever wondered about your heritage or ancestry? If so, you’re not alone. Research shows that 78 percent of Americans are interested in discovering their family history.
If you’re ready to uncover the hidden treasures of your family tree, there’s no time like the present to unearth the past. Ancestry.com, a Web site that specializes in aggregating historical records, offers these tips: - Start with what you know. The best place to start your family history journey is with information you already have. Write down what you know about your ancestors, and talk to family members. - Organize your family tree. Organizing your family tree can seem daunting, but software or the Internet can streamline the process. Programs such as Family Tree Maker make it easy to organize and update your family history. - Decide which ancestor or branch of your tree you want to research. Once you have organized your family tree, decide what direction you would like to take your research. Which ancestor have you always wanted to know more about? Which branch of your family tree has gaps in it? Are there any family mysteries you would like to solve? - Search family history records. Researching your family history has never been easier. With sites like Ancestry.com, which houses 8 billion historical records online, a simple online search can help you find family members in historical censuses, military and immigration records and old newspaper articles. Use these records to trace your family history. - Connect with others researching their family history. Family history is a growing hobby, and several Web sites offer message boards where users post questions and offer advice. Lots of people with experience in family history are happy to offer free advice and help, and who knows, you might even connect with a distant cousin. For more information to help you begin your family history, visit www.Ancestry.com. |
How to Choose the Perfect Fragrance
 NewsUSA) – From finding a scent, choosing between a perfume or an eau de toillete, to learning whether you should layer, there are many choices to consider when shopping for a fragrance.
But choosing a signature scent doesn’t have to be difficult. Jan Moran, the creator of the Sephora Fragrance Finder by Scentsa, a touch-screen technology that helps shoppers find and learn about perfume, offers the following tips: - Know your scents. Scents are typically grouped into five categories — floral, fresh, spicy and warm, woody and earthy, and brisk aromatics. Different scent groups appeal to different personalities. For example, fresh scents, which include citrus, aquatic and fruit aromas, speak to a sunny personality, while woody and earthy fragrances can seem soothing and calm. Sephora’s Scentsa offers a “Discover Your Signature Scent Style Quiz,” which can help you determine what scents will best appeal to you. “With more than 500 new fragrances launched each year, you really have to be educated to find a scent that works for you,” says Moran. “Scentsa’s touch-screen application features current information on more than 6,000 fragrances, so it helps customers find confidence when shopping.” - Try fragrance wardrobing. Once you know what scents you like, change your perfume for different occasions, moods and climates. Choose rich scents during the winter and lighter fragrances for summer. Relax with vanilla and lavender, energize with rose and tuberose. - Choose a fragrance strength. Perfume is the most intense form of fragrance, followed by eau de parfum, eau de toilette and eau de cologne. Intensity, however, does not mean that the scent will be bold and strong, only that it will last longer on your skin. - Apply fragrance at your pulse points. Your pulse points are behind your ears, at your throat and the nape of the neck, in the decolletage (collar), on your wrists, in the crook of your elbow, behind your knees and on your ankles. Spray fragrance for a more even application. - Store your fragrance correctly. For maximum shelf life, store fragrances in a cool, dry place with the cap tightly secured. Keep fragrances away from direct sunlight. Find out more about the Sephora Fragrance Finder by Scentsa by visiting your local Sephora store. |
Make Your Next Million-Dollar Idea a Reality
 NewsUSA) – How often do you have a great idea, only to leave it sitting on the back burner? Worse, how often do you see someone take an idea similar to yours, start a business and create their fortune? Well, the time has come for you to stop kicking yourself and to turn that million-dollar idea into a reality.
Most entrepreneurs follow similar paths to success. Sara Blakely, entrepreneur and founder of the multi-million dollar company Spanx, shared her keys to success in an interview with SUCCESS, a top magazine for budding entrepreneurs and established professionals. How can you turn your next idea into a million-dollar business? Follow Blakely’s advice: Differentiate yourself from the crowd. “Whether it’s in the marketplace or in those first few seconds you meet somebody — whatever it is — if you don’t know how it has been done before, you’re almost guaranteed to do it differently,” says Blakely. First impressions mean everything. “If you make someone laugh or smile in the first five to 10 seconds, you might get another 10 seconds,” she says. Be persistent. Work hard to win over manufacturers and prospective buyers who may be unsure about your idea or product. If you display enthusiasm and desire for your idea, they will begin to believe, too. Visualize your goals. “Take a mental snapshot of what success looks like for you,” she says. Keeping that vision of success in mind will help you through the tough times. Pay attention to opportunities. “There are a million ways to improve everything around us,” says Blakely. Making just one improvement could result in your million-dollar idea. Hire your weakness. Focus on your strengths, and hire well-qualified people to handle the rest. For more on Blakely’s interview with SUCCESS magazine, pick up a copy at newsstands, or subscribe by visiting their Web site at www.SUCCESS.com. |
Common Mistakes to Avoid On Your 2008 Tax Return
 NewsUSA) – Whether you use software, complete them yourself, or go to a professional, avoid these common mistakes on your 2008 tax return.
Recovery Rebate Credit The IRS reports that nearly 15 percent of returns include errors in reporting 2008 federal stimulus payments. Errors result in higher taxes or a smaller refund, rejection of return or delayed refund. Only about 3 percent of taxpayers will receive the Recovery Rebate Credit. They either did not receive a check or their family situation changed. Credits are to the refund amount or amount owed. All taxpayers need to know their stimulus payment amount. Check your Notice 1378 or visit the Recovery Rebate Credit Information Center at www.IRS.gov. Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) A quarter of those who qualify don’t claim the EITC, meaning they could miss up to $4,824. To qualify, you must have: - A filing status of single, married filing jointly, head of household or qualifying widow. - A Social Security Number (so must your spouse and qualifying children). - Investment income of $2,950 or less. - Earned income and adjusted gross income less than: 1) $38,646 ($41,646 married filing jointly) with two or more qualifying children; 2) $33,995 ($36,995 married filing jointly) with one qualifying child; 3) $12,800 ($15,880 married filing jointly) with no qualifying children. Not E-filing E-filing software checks for math errors and missing information, so the e-file error rate is about 1 percent versus 20 percent for paper returns. E-filing with direct deposit can also mean a refund in as few as eight days. To e-file, you need either your 2007 adjusted gross income or 2007 self select PIN. If you can’t locate either, call the IRS at 800-829-1040. Claiming Nontaxable Income In addition to the economic stimulus payment, the following is nontaxable income: - 401(k) contributions - Pre-tax health insurance - Pre-tax child care - Welfare benefits - Child support payments - Gifts, bequests and inheritances - Workers’ compensation benefits More information about the aforementioned topics can be found at www.IRS.gov, and using TaxACT helps avoid all of these errors. Visit www.TaxACT.com for details. |
Sell Yourself to Success In Career and Life
 NewsUSA) – No matter your occupation, you’re going to find yourself making sales. At home, you sell healthy meals to your kids. When you participate in conference calls or talk to clients, you sell strategies and services. In fact, every time you give your opinion, you attempt to sell an idea.
In short, every conversation is a sales pitch — you want to sell yourself as a confident person. The hope is that people will place their faith in your opinions and ideas, but this can result in added pressure and stress. SUCCESS Magazine, a publication that gives it readers the information they need to achieve success in all areas of their lives, including the personal and the professional, offers these tips to Americans hoping to improve their sales pitch: - Sell yourself first. If you have an idea, defend it to yourself before bringing it up before your intended audience. If you have no faith in your ideas, you cannot hope to inspire faith in others. - Challenge yourself. If you’re making a proposal, you might be suggesting a tactic, developing a product or performing a task in which you have no experience. Yes, you should look before you leap, but if you never make the jump, you’ll never progress. Promise that you can do things before you know that you can, then strive to meet the challenges you set for yourself. - Stop making excuses. Yes, the economy is poor at the moment, but that doesn’t mean that all business transactions have ground to a halt. People still need to buy goods and services, and that means that you can still sell them. Indulging in anxiety over the economy, the state of your business or your job position will only interfere with your ability to sell. “In this economy, what people want most from you is confidence,” says CNBC contributer and radio host Mel Robbins. “So ditch the economy as your excuse. And pick up the phone. You may feel awkward at first, but trust me. The person on the other end of the line wants exactly what you’ve got: a huge jolt of confidence.” For more tips and successful ideas, subscribe to SUCCESS Magaizine by visiting www.SUCCESS.com. |
Fire Up the Grill With Great Burgers
 NewsUSA) – Nothing signifies the start of grilling season like a big, juicy burger hot off the fire. America’s love affair with the great taste of hamburgers has been going strong for more than 100 years.
While some “burger purists” would argue that the only condiments a burger requires are ketchup, mustard and a few pickles, other more adventurous “burger aficionados” enjoy spicing things up. Omaha Steaks Executive Chef Karl Marsh offers this recipe for his “Shanghai Burger,” which takes the burger to the next level: Shanghai Burger 1 5-ounce Omaha Steaks Burger 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce 1 leaf iceberg lettuce or one burger bun 2 shiitake mushrooms, grilled 1 pineapple slice 1 tablespoon Curry Mayonnaise (recipe follows) 1 teaspoon sesame seeds 1 tablespoon chopped roasted red peppers 1 tablespoon chopped green onions 1 tablespoon chopped peanuts Preheat grill. Grill burger until juices run clear; do not overcook. Grill mushrooms and pineapple slice. Remove burger, mushroom and pineapple from grill; brush all generously with teriyaki sauce and glaze. Place lettuce leaf on plate, and spread with Curry Mayonnaise. Top with burger, garnish with mushrooms and pineapple slice. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, red peppers, green onions and chopped nuts. If using burger bun, toast on grill and spread Curry Mayonnaise on one side and teriyaki sauce and glaze on other. Curry Mayonnaise 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1 teaspoon curry powder 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon sugar Combine all ingredients and mix well. Refrigerate until ready to use. Whatever type of burger you choose, keep these tips in mind: - Cook burgers to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit — the center may still be slightly pink, but the juices will run clear. - Avoid patting down burgers with a spatula because this will push out the juices and cause flame-ups. - If serving with cheese, melt on burgers for 1 to 2 minutes before removing from the grill. - To toast hamburger buns, either place face-down on the grill or face up in the broiler or toaster oven for approximately one minute. - Try other hamburger “bun” options including lettuce leaves, sliced French bread, tortillas or pita bread. |
Allergies: A Look at Preventing, Living With Eye Problems
 NewsUSA) – Approximately fifty million Americans suffer allergy symptoms like runny or itchy noses, sneezing, coughing and sinus infection. But an unlucky 4 percent of allergy sufferers experience most of their symptoms in their eyes.
In eye allergies, also called “allergic conjunctivitis,” exposure to allergens like dust mites, pet dander, pollen and mold inflame the tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid. Symptoms include burning, itchiness, tearing, swelling and a gritty sensation. Some patients report blurred vision and fatigue. Eyes can become so painful and irritated that they disrupt everyday life. What’s the best way to avoid eye allergies? Avoid eye allergens. Of course, it’s impossible to completely avoid allergens like dust. For this reason, most people turn to over-the-counter or prescription medications. Eye allergies can be especially challenging for Americans who wear contact lenses. Some people will simply avoid wearing contacts during allergy season. Others opt for allergy-friendly lenses, like daily disposables. In particular, one-day contact lenses avoid build-up and eliminate exposure to irritating cleaning and disinfecting solutions. The American Optometric Association offers the following tips for Americans living with eye allergies: - Don’t touch or rub your eyes. Rubbing your eyes can damage tissue. Also, if you have anything on your hands, you risk getting it in your eyes. - Wash your hands often with soap and water. If you do happen to touch your eyes with your hands, it is safer if your hands are clean. - Wash your bed linens and pillowcases often. At least once a week, wash your sheets and pillowcases in hot water and detergent. The hot water will help remove airborne allergens that have fallen on you sheets and will kill dust mites. - Avoid wearing eye makeup. Cosmetics can cause eye allergy symptoms or further irritate eyes that are already experiencing an allergic reaction. - Don’t share eye makeup. You can easily transfer infectious bacteria through shared makeup tools. You do not have to tolerate itchy, watery eyes. If you suffer from eye allergies, see your optometrist about possible treatment options. Please visit www.aoa.org to find an optometrist in your area. |
Are You a Workaholic?
 NewsUSA) – Workaholism has become a social norm. Many people proudly call themselves workaholics, but true workaholism – an uncontrollable compulsion to work – can destroy personal relationships and lead to a lower quality of life.
How do you know if you’re a workaholic? Workaholics routinely work more than 40 hours a week and take their work to dinner, homes and bed. They neglect personal responsibilities and relationships and can feel anxious when not working. “My drug is the juice from constant movement, constant communication and continual achievement – the long list of to-dos and completed tasks at the end of the day,” says Darren Hardy, publisher and editorial director of SUCCESS Magazine and admitted workaholic. “It’s a wonderful high.” Despite the thrills, there are many damaging affects. “Addiction starts to take over your power, drive your behavior and create a compulsion for continual use,” says Hardy. “This behavior can take you off course from your major goals; tax your physical, psychological and emotional system; and even damage or destroy relationships.” Anyone displaying the characteristics of a workaholic should consider taking steps to overcome this potentially harmful addiction. On his blog, Hardy has created “Workaholics Anonymous – A 12-Step Program of Recovery and Personal Transformation” for recovering workaholics who are looking to transform their lives. His first recommended step is to make a “Stop doing” list. Instead of writing a “To do” list, Hardy suggests jotting down a list of 10 activities that routinely eat up your time. Quitting things like checking your Blackberry during dinner or reading your e-mail all day can lead to a wealth of added time. You will be able to find the 11 remaining steps to successful recovery of workaholism by visiting Hardy’s blog at http://darrenhardy.success.com. SUCCESS Magazine is a publication that helps readers successfully balance work with their personal lives. For more information and tips, visit www.successmagazine.com. |
