http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/tale-of-the-rocking-horse-baby-gift.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/tale-of-the-rocking-horse-baby-gift.html Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500
In a land up high in the sky lives a special breed of winged rocking horses. They spend their days frolicking and playing in airy meadows. They lead a happy life up in the clouds, but each winged rocking horse dreams of the day they are called upon for a very special job—to safely fly a newborn baby to its loving family on Earth.

The winged rocking horse also carries treats and delivers a special message to welcome the new baby to the world. Once the baby and family are united, the winged rocking horse assumes a special place in the nursery to keep a watchful eye on the little one.

Sending one of these winged rocking horses to celebrate the birth of newborn baby has been a tradition since the 1980s. It has gone through several incarnations over the years, but the wooden horse has always been handpainted with care. Each winged rocking horse is personalized with the newborn's name, birthdate, and height/weight information on one side, and has a touching poem on the other side of the horse:

Babies are Angels that fly down to Earth,
Their wings disappear at the time of their birth.
One look into their eyes and we're never the same,
They're a part of us now and that part has a name.
That part of your heart and a bond that won’t sever,
Our babies are Angels, we love them forever.


--
Brought to you by Blooming Cookies, creators of the eco friendly baby rocking horse gift set. We specialize in cookie bouquet gifts for every occasion. Check out our new baby gifts!

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/pets/local-food-banks-for-pets.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/pets/local-food-banks-for-pets.html Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500
In Atlanta, as of mid-2008, there exists two suburban pet food banks. Such organizations and groups are beginning to form throughout metropolitan areas, stemmed from common love for our furry pet friends. When times are tough for a family, pets should be not be neglected and they should be helped out as well. It is the goal of these local pet food banks to assist pets when they are in need.

Local Atlanta community leader Ann King, owner of Blooming Cookies/PAWS Fifth Avenue, has partnered up with local PALS (Pets Are Loving Support) organization to be able to deliver much needed pet food supplies to families and pets. King’s goal is to unite organizations and groups with the common goal of helping families and their beloved pets.
King is meeting with company officials of pet stores and pet food manufacturers to see about getting large donations of pet food. They've also set up drop-off points at more than 20 locations so people can donate dog and cat food. Many donations can be directly given to a family.

Furthermore, such organizations provide great education and tips on proper pet care for all families. During the hot summer months, it is highly recommended to keep fresh food in the bowl. Also cleaning the bowl prior to placing food in it will allow the food to last longer.

Even with the expansion of these community programs, the need for pet food is on the rise. Donations are greatly needed and appreciated.


--
For more information on local pet food banks and how you can help save pets, visit www.bloomingcookies.com. Blooming Cookies is an innovative leader of unique pet gifts and creative cookie bouquet gifts.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/business/customer-service/voicemail-service-benefits.html http://www.articletrader.com/business/customer-service/voicemail-service-benefits.html Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500
With the rise in technology, the way we communicate has become more efficient and diverse. Traditional answering machines have been replaced by voicemail services. Complimented by a broad range of features, a voicemail system now can accommodate many different types of operations, allowing a business to run more efficiently while growing.

A voicemail service allows small businesses, in particular, to be able to conduct business throughout the day without having to be restricted to the physical confides of an office. The small business owner can now conduct meetings virtually anywhere with anyone while capturing the requests and inquiries of prospective and current clients through voicemail.

Some common features include a personalized local or nationwide toll free number, personalized recorded greeting, digital fax forwarding, and direct dial-out capabilities. These all amount to convenience and efficiency for the business on both ends of the communication. Another great feature many service providers offer, in some cases as standard, includes digital notification of voicemail receipt. So anytime a voicemail is sitting in your inbox, a digital copy is sent to your email as an attachment, or a notification is sent to your cell phone. The options and features are virtually endless.

Voicemail services are now offered by more companies than ever. No longer are the days of the huge bell companies and their limitations. The power of shopping and selecting the right voicemail system for your needs is in the hands of the consumer. By offering more personalized services, smaller vendors are able to customize voicemail plans with only the features that you, as a business, expect and need.

It is important to shop around and find the best service provider. You want to make sure that there are no hidden fees and agenda with the company you choose to do business with. Pay attention to their support, as reliability and customer service is key to the way that company delivers their products and services. Be sure to check out the company’s FAQ section to understand the way they address issues and inquiries. With just a little research, a lot of efficiency can be gained, ultimately resulting in a more successful business.


--
“voicemail service benefits” is brought to you by Voice Connect, Inc., leaders in telecommunication services including live phone answering service, local phone service, voice mail, and other data solutions. Voice Connect’s goal is total customer satisfaction. www.voiceconnectinc.com

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/shopping/how-to-buy-fabric-online-for-the-first-time.html http://www.articletrader.com/shopping/how-to-buy-fabric-online-for-the-first-time.html Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500
The first step is to simply look around. Do a search on google for “buy fabric online” or “online fabric store”. There will be pages of results filled with online stores. Go ahead and look around and see what kind of stores are out there. Some sites may be lacking in design, but may deliver in service. It may be wise to look into an established online store, as they should have a proven track record in customer satisfaction.

Once you have spotted a store or a few stores, it’s a good idea to look for reviews on them. The Internet is full of opinions and there is no shortage of complaints, if there are any, on nearly any online retailer. You can search for this by simply typing the url of the site at a fabric forum, yahoo answers, or even the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Be wary though as not all complaints are legitimate. Some people are never satisfied and competitors may post derogatory posts just to burden their competition. But with this in mind, it is a good idea to do a little background research. If a lot of people are complaining of the same issue, you should expect the possibility of it recurring again.

By now, you should have narrowed down your prospective store list. The next course of action prior to checking out with your fabric is to read over their policy and faq. Just scan through it and make sure they have a generous refund policy. They should also accept credit cards / paypal, and not just cash / checks. Your chosen online fabric store should also have easy contact information, including a phone number, address, and email information.

Fabric shopping online is based on trust and pictures of the fabric. The only way to actually feel and truly understand a fabric, is to have a sample swatch sent to you. This is a great idea especially if you plan on purchasing great amounts of that fabric.

Once you deal with a fabric store, and you are a satisfied customer, look out for specials and deals. Many of these online fabric stores constantly offer deals and special offerings to retain and gain customers. Once you are acclimated to online fabric shopping, you’ll be glad that the convenience of fabric shopping is only a computer away.


--
Brought to you by Designer Home Fabrics Outlet, your online fabric store, where you can buy fabric online. We specialize in designer fabrics with new arrivals shipped in and out daily. http://www.designerhomefabrics.com

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/shopping/buying-discount-fabrics-can-save-you-lots-of-money.html http://www.articletrader.com/shopping/buying-discount-fabrics-can-save-you-lots-of-money.html Mon, 07 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500
Discount fabric does not always imply cheap quality fabric. However, you should do your homework on the fabric in mind. Ordering a swatch sample is the best way to assure that you are getting the fabric best suited to your needs. You can never really tell the way fabric feels and behaves until you have it in your hands.

Especially for large projects, discount fabric will help save you tons. Many interior decorators are constantly on the lookout for the latest bargains and discounts on fabric and fabric products.

Redecorating a home is a great example to search for fabrics at discount prices. The key to obtaining quality fabric at such low prices is making the right choices. As anyone who has fabric shopped before knows and understands, it all boils down to selection.

Also, versatility of the fabric should be considered. Many types of discounted fabrics can be used for multiple purposes. Depending on the way it drapes and its weight, the fabric can be used for pillows, duvet covers, slip covers, curtains, or any other creative ways. Keeping your ideas open and selecting a versatile fabric may further add to your savings.

Discount fabric shopping can be fun and very rewarding. As long as you are aware of the site or e-tailer’s policy and reputation, it is a great way to save money for nearly any crafting project. Also, make sure they have an acceptable refund policy even on their discounted lines. You want to only order from online fabric stores with good customer service.


--
Brought to you by Payless Fabric, your online discount fabric store. We also specialize in wholesale fabric and clearance fabric. Don’t pay more for fabric, when you can pay less!

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/travel/atlanta-party-bus-guide.html http://www.articletrader.com/travel/atlanta-party-bus-guide.html Mon, 07 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500
The party never stops in a party bus. Limousines are expensive and can’t accommodate nearly as many energetic people. Plus, they aren’t outfitted like a party bus is. There are party buses with plasma tvs, special fiber optic lighting systems, full service bars, loud versatile sound systems, and the rental companies will usually accommodate any realistic request.

One of the biggest burdens of any large party is keeping the group together. I don’t know about the parties you go to, but do you notice the size of a large party shrinks rapidly as you go from place to place. I understand the night gets late, but a true party never dies down, or at least until the sun starts to come back up!

When searching for a party bus rental in Atlanta, there are some things to keep in mind. First of all, there aren’t many of them around. The demand is high, yet the supply is low. Many limousine and rental companies will claim they have them, but they only have access to them. Try to deal with a limo company that has them on-site and ready. It is highly recommended that you go visit the company and see how they treat you. They should be more than happy to show off their party bus to you.

Book early. Because of the limited quantities of party buses, this is a crucial thing to remember. Always book in at least 1-2 months in advance. Also at the time of booking, confirm that the bar is stocked or that your accommodations will be ready and met. It’s a good idea that you read over the fine print and make sure any misunderstandings are cleared up before the day of the party.

Whether it’s a bachelor’s party, prom, corporate party, or just friends getting wild for the night, the ultimate party calls for a party bus in the big A.

--
Brought to you by Topper Limousine, Inc., a top Atlanta limo services company specializing in Atlanta party bus service. We also provide the most luxurious SUV limos.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/business/career/sourcing-board-members-with-executive-recruiting.html http://www.articletrader.com/business/career/sourcing-board-members-with-executive-recruiting.html Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500
Rather than to depend on local or personal resources, an executive recruitment firm specializing in board member search may be the partner that you need. From non-profit board members to executive committee appointments, executive recruitment firms are poised to build your pool of qualified candidates.

Additionally, executive search companies that focus on board member recruitment have an abundance of resources to shape your board. Many executive recruitment firms have custom databases and related online technologies to advance the selection of board members.

As with any professional engagement, take time to set the expectations for the recruiting firm. The board member search firm becomes your partner in the quest for leadership. So, have your mission statement on-hand and prepare a simple outline by answering these questions.

• What is the basic board member criterion?
• Is the board member expected to solve one specific problem?
• Are we seeking specific leadership skills? What core competencies are you seeking?
• Must the board member participate in organizational giving campaigns?
• Will you offer the new board member training?
• These are just a few thought provoking ideas to get the outline started.

Here’s the bottom line, board member selection for permanent boards or ad-hoc executive committees will take a significant amount of energy and resources. Even though your company is well connected, having a pool of fresh candidates can allow you to create a more diverse group of members. The search for skilled talent, committed to organizational goals and objectives is crucial.

Whether the vacancy is a result of retirement, growth or other circumstances, an executive recruitment company can lend its resources to ease selection process. For a win-win situation interview several executive recruiting companies. As this article ends, think about the value of your mission statement and outline as it relates to the vacancy on your board. By effectively communicating your initial ideas, you can reduce the pressure of single-handedly recruiting the next top board member.


--
This article is brought to you by BlueBridge Group, an Atlanta based executive recruiting firm that provides boutique level executive search services nationwide. Visit us at http://www.bluebridgegroup.com for more information.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/business/career/executive-recruiters-can-jump-start-your-search.html http://www.articletrader.com/business/career/executive-recruiters-can-jump-start-your-search.html Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500
Since senior and executive level candidates generally do not post their resumes on popular job boards, sourcing candidates with specific industry skills and proven leadership talent may take more time than projected. Even with on-going departmental budget cuts, outsourcing executive search can be a wise decision.

Did you know that an executive recruiter works for the corporation not the job seeker? As a result a professional executive recruiting firm will align with your goals and objectives to fill senior leadership roles. The number one purpose for hiring an executive search firm is to have an experienced and professional resource to search, screen and interview highly qualified candidates for your organization.

Since the executive recruiting industry is fragmented, you may come across a number of small firms that offer the services you are seeking. While you may find a greater degree of comfort by working with a large company, hiring a small retained search firm can have its advantages. In fact, both large and small executive recruiting firms will assign a consultant to work with your account. Therefore, as long as the consultant has experience, you can safely choose a small and possibly even more personable executive search firm to manage your recruiting needs.

When evaluating an executive recruiting firm for your next high-level management opening, ask these questions.

• Have you ever worked with companies in our industry?
• Ask for references; were your previous clients satisfied?
• What are the industry standard rates?
• What is the average time to fulfill an assignment?
• Aside from the candidates’ credentials, will you learn what really drives a candidate?
• If we choose not to hire your candidate, what are the next steps?

In today’s economy, business decisions must be evaluated. While an unexpected expense can be difficult to justify, some unforeseen expenses can save time as well as frustration. If your recruiting efforts bring in unqualified candidates, then the cost to hire an experienced executive search firm will definitely outweigh its expense.

For critical or major positions why not evaluate retained executive recruiters in your area? Their services can be used to supplement in-house recruiting efforts and to attract the right candidates for your leading management positions.


--
This article is brought to you by BlueBridge Group, an Atlanta based executive recruiting firm that provides boutique level executive search services nationwide. Visit us at http://www.bluebridgegroup.com for more information.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/shopping/clearance-fabric-shopping-tips-online.html http://www.articletrader.com/shopping/clearance-fabric-shopping-tips-online.html Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500
I prefer to shop through an online store, as prices are cheaper. The only trick is locating that one reliable online fabric store that will deliver the goods to your standards. Below are three easy tips that everyone should know before buying clearance or discount fabric online:

1) You should only deal with fabric retailers that have a no questions asked return policy. If the retailer is reputable, they will honor a return for any reason (assuming you don’t torch it or let the baby… well you get the point). Make sure you check their return policy before shopping.

2) Make sure you fully understand the fabric you are purchasing. The way it drapes, feels, and looks should always be considered carefully along with the type of project you have in mind. If you are planning on buying a lot of the fabric, it is definitely a good idea to order multiple swatch samples before asking them to make a big cut from a roll.

3) The online store should be committed to customer service. If you have any questions, they should have a phone number and email address for you to contact them. If they don’t answer your questions with a good attitude and in a timely manner, you should consider another place. Successful fabric retailers understand this and will make sure you are satisfied as a customer.

Discount does not mean cheap quality. Usually clearance fabric is due to overstock, and not much else. You should expect the same quality and service as if it were any other type of fabric the online retailer carries. Stick to these three tips and you will be saving more while gaining a good relationship with a reliable online fabric source.


--
Brought to you by Payless Fabric, your online discount fabric store. We also specialize in wholesale fabric and clearance fabric. Don’t pay more for fabric, when you can pay less!

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/travel/suv-limos-the-bigger-the-better.html http://www.articletrader.com/travel/suv-limos-the-bigger-the-better.html Tue, 06 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500
Rising in popularity are the classy SUV limos. The demand for them is greater than ever. Many limo companies are booked up for months on their sport utility vehicle lines. Most SUV limos will comfortably sit 14 – 20, while the super large SUV limos will transport up to 35 and possibly more! Now that’s a party on the road!

So what’s all the hype about anyways? Besides the obvious roominess of a bigger ride, SUV limousines are known to be a lot more comfortable. Along with the superior comfort, SUV limos are often outfitted with far more amenities to fuel the party harder and longer.

SUV limos come in many different sizes and some are suited better for certain purposes than others. Typically ranging from 14 passengers to 18 passengers, these luxurious rides will allow your party to arrive and leave in absolute style. Some limousine companies will offer unique and exclusive SUV limos made just for their company, so be sure to inquire about those.

One common notable feature in SUV limos is the robust surround sound system. Music can eloquently create the background mood, or you can have it blasting to bring the club atmosphere to your limo wherever it roams. Complimenting the dynamic sound, is the visuals you will find in one of these.

The visual design is far more intriguing and customized in SUV limos as the extra room almost begs for it. Traditional stretch limos may have one television with a small bar. Think bigger and grander, and that’s what you will typically find in the SUVs. Most will boast 3 or more Plasma TVs and 2 or more full bars.

In addition to the “basic” amenities, you may find a fish tank, accented fiber optics lighting, mirrors (on the ceiling or anywhere!), karaoke machines, or even a jacuzzi. Think even bigger and if it’s imaginable and possible, it probably exists!

The cost of renting an SUV limo may be more expensive than the traditional limos, but with more heads in the ride and by splitting the bill, you may find that it is actually a better value for everyone. SUV limos are usually available in very limited numbers and the demand is rising, so make sure you inquire about them early! Have fun!


--
This article is brought to you by Topper Limousine, Inc., a top Atlanta limo services company bringing you the most luxurious suv limos. We also specialize in Atlanta party buses.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>