http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/parenting/baby-slings-why-you-need-one.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/parenting/baby-slings-why-you-need-one.html Tue, 17 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0500
A baby sling is a baby carrier made out of fabric that wraps around the wearer's body from his or her shoulder to the opposite hip and back up to the shoulder, creating a pocket for the baby to sit or lie down. Very common in many cultures around the world, the use of baby slings, or “baby wearing” as it is sometimes called, is gaining popularity in the United States as parents are realizing the many benefits associated with baby slings.

Benefits of Baby Slings

• Baby slings are "hands-free." They allow your baby to be with you at all times when you are running errands or tending to chores around the house.

• The baby finds comfort in the sling environment which simulates the pressure, motion and warmth sensations they experienced before birth in the womb.

• Slings are great bonding tools for fathers, grandparents and other caregivers.

• Slings may aid in reducing crying and colic, and lower the baby's stress hormones.

• Slings often make it easier to nurse in public.

• A baby sling can be used for newborns and babies up to 35 lbs.

One of the more popular types of baby slings is the pouch sling, also referred to as the tube or pocket sling, where the baby is carried in a semi-prone position. This type of sling often fits around one arm, with baby hanging at about stomach level. There are other types of slings which can be worn like a backpack, with the baby facing in or facing out.

Using a baby sling is often more convenient than trying to carry your baby around in his or her car seat, and much easier on the back. A baby sling also provides a great way to carry your baby around if you don’t want to pack a bulky stroller.

Padded or Unpadded?

Padded or unpadded, that is the question many parents must decide, and there are pros and cons to both. Many parents like padded slings because they give their baby's head some support, and feels more comfortable on the shoulders. Many parents dislike padded slings because they feel padding makes the sling too bulky, and keeps the sling from being adjusted very tightly because the padding won't move through the rings. They also like unpadded slings because they are more easily shared between two people of different sizes. One option would be to choose a lightly padded baby sling which gives support to the baby's head, yet lightly padded enough to slip through the rings.

Popular Brands of Baby Slings

Popular brands of baby slings include Maya Wrap, The Peanut Shell, Moby Wrap, and Hotslings, and will generally cost in the neighborhood of $35 to $70. For hot summer days you might want to check out slings made out of Solarveil™ , a breathable material with UV protection, blocking out 95% of the sun's harmful rays. You can also use the Solarveil ™ sling in the pool, shower or beach.

Baby Sling Tips

When using baby slings, it's important to keep the following in mind:

• A baby sling should not be used instead of a car seat or other infant protection device.

• Do wear your baby in a carrier while cooking at the stove or oven, as there is the risk of hot substances splashing on your baby.

• Always keep one hand on your baby when bending over, to prevent your baby from accidentally falling out.

• Remember that babies can be bumped by doorways or sharp corners, so be aware of those things while walking with your baby.



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Shari Hearn is a writer and creator of Expecting Baby website, where you can read about such things as 2007 MacLaren Stroller review.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-security/fire-protection-is-your-family-prepared.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-security/fire-protection-is-your-family-prepared.html Wed, 11 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0500
Fire Prevention:

What kinds of things can you and your family do to actually prevent a fire?

1. Identify potential fire sources in your home such as the stove and other cooking equipment, heaters, portable heaters, water heater, etc. Make sure nothing flammable is stored near these heat sources. That includes pot holders and towels near the stove, or flammable items stored above the stove. Don't tempt your children to reach above the stove for candy or cereal - store those types of items away from any heat source.

2. When cooking make sure you're not wearing loose, long sleeves which could catch fire.

3. Don't smoke in bed.

4. Don't locate heaters within three feet of your bedding or other flammable upholstery.

5. Keep matches and lighters away from children.

6. Help prevent electrical fires by making sure not to overload electrical circuits. When not using them make sure you unplug unnecessary appliances.

7. Use extra precautions when using candles, especially around children and pets. Don't allow candles to burn unattended.


Fire Warning and Safety:


What kinds of things can you and your family do to remain safe should a fire occur?

1. Make sure you use smoke detectors on every floor of your home and near the bedrooms to alert you in case a fire breaks out.

2. Make sure you test the detectors regularly, and make sure batteries are replaced annually.

3. Draw up an escape plan for your family and make sure you practice that escape plan periodically. Ideally you should also have an alternate escape route drawn up should the primary escape route become blocked.

4. If you have a second or third story, make sure the bedrooms have escape ladders which are located near the windows and easy to use. These should become part of your escape route practice.

5. Make sure you have fire extinguishers in your home which are easy to get to in case of a fire. Do research the different types of fire extinguishers so you know which one to buy. Some extinguishers are only effective on certain types of fires.

6. Consider purchasing a fire blanket which can be used to extinguish a fire, such as a fire on the stove. Keep the blanket handy in the kitchen.

7. If a fire occurs in your home make sure you get yourself and your family out as quickly as you can, but try not to panic. If you are in your room and don't know if it's safe to open the door, check the temperature of the door. If it's hot don't open it. One way to check for heat is to check the temperature of the doorknob by spitting on it. If it sizzles and evaporates you know there's probably fire on the other side of the door. If trapped inside be sure to cover smoke entry points with wet towels or blankets. And yell for help or call 911 immediately. If you are able to exit, be sure to Crawl low to the floor to avoid getting affected by the fumes or smoke, as smoke and heat rises.

With careful planning and attention to safety, you and your family can prevent and survive home fires. This is truly one instance where an ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure.


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Shari Hearn writes about safety issues. Go to her website to learn more about fire protection and prevention and fire extinguisher types


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/travel/7-top-camping-safety-tips.html http://www.articletrader.com/travel/7-top-camping-safety-tips.html Wed, 30 May 2007 00:00:00 -0500
1. Plan Ahead. Do your research. Make sure the campground you've chosen is a safe one. Make sure there are no current fire dangers. Check out the weather. Any health alerts in the area, such as dangerous bacteria count in the water, or outbreak of any rodent-carrying viruses?

2. Pack the Emergency Kit. Be prepared for cuts, bee stings and allergic reactions. Bring antihistamines, antiseptic, bug sprays and insect repellents, pain relievers, bandages, sunscreen and if possible, a snake-bite kit.

An emergency kit should also include the following items: Whistle, flashlight, compass, a small Swiss Army knife, razor blades, tweezers, magnifying glass, sterilized water packets for cleaning wounds, emergency blanket, thermometer, cold pack, and a mirror. A mirror can be helpful when signaling for help. Some people also use a CD. If you can afford them, a pair of night-vision goggles can also be a help in an emergency.

3. Arrive at the Campsite Early. Arriving early, with ample daylight, allows you to examine the entire campsite and set up while there's still light. Be on the lookout for sharp objects, broken glass, huge ant beds, branches, poison ivy, hazardous terrain and bees.

4. Build your Tent on a Safe Spot. Make sure your tent is flame-resistant and keep it at a safe distance from the campfire. Try to pitch your tent on elevated land so it doesn't flood in case of rain. In order to keep the bugs out, make sure you close your tent immediately upon entering and leaving.

5. Go Over Safety Issues with Family Members. Make sure family members are aware of poisonous plants in the area. Be sure the children understand that they should never drink from any stream or river, regardless of how clean it may look. Finally, issue each member of your family a whistle for emergency use only.

6. Be Fire Safe. Make sure there are no current fire restrictions before building any fire, and don't build a fire if there are strong winds. When you do build a fire, keep it in the fire ring, and make sure there are no flammable items near the fire. Do not use heating devices or candles inside the tent.

Never leave your campfire unattended, and keep the area clear of leaves and twigs. Before going to bed, make sure the campfire is property put out by drowning it with water.

7. Be Aware of Wild Animals. Be sure to familiarize yourself and your family with safety concerning wild animals. Wild animals have acute senses of smell. Make sure you keep your campsite clean and free of food or garbage which might attract them. It is best to store all food, garbage and strong-smelling items (such as soap or toothpaste) in bear-resistant containers or your vehicle. Keep your sleeping bag and tent completely free of food and food odors, and set up your cooking and eating area at least 100 yards from your tent. Do not go to sleep in the same clothing you cooked in, as even the cooking smells can attract bears and other wild animals.

While it may seem like attention to safety takes the fun out of camping, in reality it helps ensure that your camping vacation is a fun time for the whole family. And, isn't having fun the point of camping?


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Shari Hearn is a writer and creator of an RV camping website where you can learn about such things as beach camping parks and RV rental in Alaska.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/travel/vacations/top-water-vacations.html http://www.articletrader.com/travel/vacations/top-water-vacations.html Tue, 29 May 2007 00:00:00 -0500
Where might you want to spend your next "water vacation?"

On an Island

There are so many island destinations around the world with fantastic beaches upon which to relax, as well as great diving, snorkeling and swimming opportunities.

Most people instantly think of the Hawaiian Islands of Hawaii, Maui, Oahu and Kauai. But if you've been to Hawaii and want to try something new, how about St. John, the smallest of the U.S. Virgin Islands? St. John was voted one of the "Top 5 Islands in The Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas," by Travel + Leisure in 2006, voted one of the "Top 10 Caribbean/Atlantic Islands" by readers of Conde' Nast Traveler in 2006, and voted "All-Around Destination" by readers of Caribbean Travel & Life in 2005.

The climate on St. John is nothing short of fantastic, ranging from the low 80s during the winter to the low- to mid-nineties in the summer. Lodging options range from pricey resorts on the beach (Caneel Bay Resort) to quite reasonable modest inns with shuttles that take you to the beach. One such modestly-priced inn is The Inn at Tamarind Court. With 20 units, 14 with bathroom, The Inn at Tarmarind Court starts at $110 - $120 for a double room in the off-season, $148 in the winter. You can reach them at 800/221-1637.

Camping on a Beach

Want a great view but don't want to spend big bucks to get it? Consider camping on the beach, either with a tent or in your RV. As with islands, there are an abundance of great beach campgrounds from which to choose. Here are three you might like:

Henderson Beach State Park, Destin, Florida: Henderson Beach State Park was named one of the "Top 15 Scenic Views" by ReserveAmerica, and is located just east of Destin, Florida on U.S. 98. Tent and RV Campers here will enjoy more than 6,000 feet of natural scenic shoreline, with sugar-white sand beaches and emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Living Forest Oceanside RV & Campground - Vancouver Island, Canada: RV West Magazine readers have voted Living Forest Oceanside RV & Campground their favorite privately run RV park and campground. Located in Nanaimo, The Living Forest consists of 53 acres of pristine forested land on a peninsula where the Nanaimo River joins the Ocean. Campers here will enjoy water on three sides of this park, and have their choice of sunny sites, river sites, ocean sites or secluded forest sites.

New Brighton State Beach - Capitola, California: New Brighton State Beach is one of the most popular state beaches in California, and chosen as one of the "Most Beautiful Campgrounds" by Frommer's. Located in the town of Capitola, just south of Santa Cruz, this 93-acre park along the coast of Santa Cruz offers spectacular views of the Monterey Bay. New Brighton State Beach is also popular for its family-oriented campground which sits on the towering bluffs high above the Pacific Ocean.

River Rafting

Whether it's rafting lazily down a river or an exhilarating whitewater rafting trip, a rafting vacation can be anything you want it to be. If whitewater rafting's your passion, why not try the Youghiogheny River Gorge which passes through Ohiopyle State Park in Pennsylvania? Not only will you experience some intense whitewater rafting, but you'll also experience Ohiopyle State Park, which Woodall's Camping Life includes on their "Top 10 State Parks" list.

Whichever river you choose, do make sure your rafting experience matches the class of the river. If you've never engaged in whitewater rafting before, you may want to start out with a lower class, and go in a group with experienced guides.

Lakeside

The great thing about a lake is that there's usually one within a couple hours where you live, so a great weekend getaway isn't far away. But, if you're planning on a longer lakeside vacation with spectacular views why not consider Lake Michigan?

Lake Michigan is one of the five Great Lakes of North America, and has the distinction of being the only one of the group of Great Lakes to be located entirely in the United States. Lake Michigan is bounded by the U.S. states of Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan, but it is the beaches in Michigan where most consider the lake to be at its most beautiful. The off-white sand of its beaches are often referred to as "singing sands" because of the distinctive squeaking noise made when someone walks across it. That is due to the sand's high quartz content.

Whichever water vacation you choose, the point is to go relax and rejuvenate. That means leave your laptop at home and your cell phone off. The world can wait while you enjoy the water and the view.


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Shari Hearn is a writer and creator of a boating vacations website, where you can learn about such things as Alaska charter fishing and Lake Michigan vacation.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/7-top-wedding-themes.html http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/7-top-wedding-themes.html Fri, 27 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0500
A couple of things to keep in mind when considering a themed wedding: choose a theme which speaks to who you two are as a couple; make the theme easily accessible to others, don't choose something so obscure that others might have trouble dressing for the occasion.

What are 7 top themes you might consider for your wedding?

1) Hawaiian or Beach Theme.

The good thing about a Hawaiian or beach-theme wedding is the amount of decorations you can find. You can make your own paper leis or paper palm trees, or find Hawaiian-themed items anywhere. Be sure to check the local thrift stores for anything tropical – dishware, shirts, dresses, etc. Just make sure all the decorations, as well as the attire, scream "BEACH." And, you can cut down on the cost of champagne and serve Mai Tai's or other tropical drinks.

You might think a Hawaiian or beach-theme wedding is just perfect for a summer wedding. Well, you're right. But, a beach-theme wedding can also be fun during the wintertime as well, and give people a fun respite from cold, dreary weather. Just remember if you're having a beach-theme wedding during the winter to hold it indoors. Those slinky Hawaiian dresses and breezy Hawaiian shirts can get a little cold in the snow.

2) Country Western Wedding Theme

Plan a shotgun wedding with a country western wedding theme. Western outfits are fairly easy to create or assemble, and a western cookout will surely keep your wedding reception costs down. You can either hire a company to have a western-style barbecue, or just use your own grill.

Western decorations are very easy to make or buy. Again, thrift stores can be perfect places to find boot-shaped vases, cowboy hats and shirts, or other western items for decorations. For music you can play country-western CDs or hire a country trio or band.

3) Wine Wedding Theme

For those of you into wine, a wine-themed wedding can be a great idea. You can hire a sommelier to put together a flight of wine for a reception tasting, or choose wines that mean something to the both of you. Perhaps the first bottle you ordered at a restaurant. Or a champagne dated the year you met.

Decorations can include grapevines, wine bottles, or posters of wine regions. For wedding favors you can give your guests a bottle of wine with a personalized label of the bride and groom.

4) Butterfly Wedding Theme

Butterfly releases after the wedding ceremony are becoming quite popular with couples. If a butterfly release will be part of your wedding, you can make butterflies part of your theme with butterfly decorations.

5) Sports Wedding Theme

No matter what type of sports the bride and groom are into, you can turn it into a wedding theme. You could have a theme of a certain sport, such as golf or baseball, and decorate with items from those sports, with wedding favors reflecting the sport given to guests. Or, you could celebrate a certain team.

If you wanted to go totally casual the bride and groom can dress in attire from the sport, such as basketball jerseys, with all the guests dressing in costume as well. As for the bouquet that the bride throws? Maybe instead of a bouquet she'll throw a football or toss a baseball.

6) Las Vegas Wedding Theme

Hire a few poker, roulette and craps tables and a few Vegas-style dealers and you have yourself a Las Vegas-themed wedding. Throw in an Elvis impersonator and you have yourself a wild Vegas-themed wedding. In most large cities there are companies which rent out tables and dealers, as well as any number of Elvis impersonators to choose from.

For wedding favors consider a pack of cards with the bride and groom's picture.

7) Pirate Wedding Theme

Decorate your reception hall to look like an old saloon or the deck of a ship. Peg legs, hooks for hands and eye patches make nice touches to your pirate wedding costumes. You might consider using a treasure chest to store your wedding gifts.

As you can see, when it comes to wedding themes, the possibilities are only limited by your own imagination.


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Shari Hearn is a writer and website creator. Go to her websites and learn more about planning a wedding, destination weddings, and Celtic engagement rings.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/business/small-business/top-7-things-to-include-in-a-business-plan.html http://www.articletrader.com/business/small-business/top-7-things-to-include-in-a-business-plan.html Thu, 12 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0500
A business plan is also something which intimidates many new business owners who have no clue as to what to put in their business plan. Depending on the nature of your business, your business plan can be an elaborate write-up and analysis topping 100 pages, or it can be a narrative of 10 – 20 pages. What are 7 "must-haves" for your business plan?

1. Mission Statement

A mission statement is where you state your purpose for starting this business. Perhaps you're starting a dog-treat bakery to sell home-made dog treats because you feel there are too many harmful additives put in pet food. Or, perhaps you're starting a hypnotherapy practice because you strongly believe in the power of the mind to heal, change bad habits or increase motivation. Your mission statement doesn't have to be long, but it does have to reflect your reasons for starting your business. If all you can think of is "I need to make money somehow," then you might want to consider a different business.

2. Describe Your Business

This is where you describe in detail all the aspects of your business. Are you a service-oriented business (therapist, hair-stylist, consultant, etc.)? Do you sell products? Give a description of your products. Do you use a wholesaler or dropshipper? Do you manufacture the products yourself? What makes your business unique?

3. Short-term and Long-Term Goals

This is where you state your long- and short-term goals. For the short term you would list your goals for the next few months to a year. You might have as your goals finding a business name, applying for a business license, taking some SBA classes to learn more about running a business, securing office space, or whatever you might need to begin your business. You might also include the income you expect to earn in your first year of business. For your long-term goals you might want to pick a three-year to five-year goal. Your goals could include future product lines and any future marketing plans. It might include opening new stores, offices, or starting new websites.

4. Potential Customers

This is where you list who your customers will be. Who will buy your product? Who needs your services? What are they looking for? Why do they need your product? This helps you focus on the type of marketing you need for your customers.

5. Competition Analysis

This is where you analyze your competition. How can you know your chances for success if you don’t know what you’re facing in the way of competition? In the example of the hypnotherapy practice you would want to identify all the hypnotherapists in your area. You would also want to include psychotherapists or alternative-health professionals who may also appeal to your potential clients, as well as hypnosis CDs offered on the internet. This can help you spot the areas where the competition is less. For example, if you're a hypnotherapist and find the competition is stiff for weight-loss or smoking cessation programs, try to find a niche which is less competitive.

6. Financial Analysis

It's important you take a realistic look at your finances. You need to write down all the money you pay out each month for personal and expected business expenses, versus how much you realistically expect to bring in each month. Remember to list everything: ISP charges, computer upgrades, office rent, electricity, products to sell, housing, medical expenses, charge cards, etc. Make sure you will be able to afford the business and your current lifestyle. You may find that you will need a small business loan to cover your expenses until your business is able to pay all your expenses. Or, if your business is one you can start on a part-time basis, you may find it's smart to take on a part-time job while building up your business, with the hopes of making your business full time in the future.

7. Marketing

This is where you list all the places where you'll be able to advertise or market your new business. This could include a blog, website, articles in newspapers, articles in online article sites, press releases, appearance on cable-access television, offering free presentations at local groups and organizations. Don't overlook anything. You'd be amazed how much business you can get by giving a free presentation at a local homeowner's association meeting or local chamber of commerce. Take advantage of local Toastmaster's group for gaining experience in public speaking.

Be sure to refer to your business plan from time to time to make sure your business stays on track. It's okay to make changes along the way as you find what works and what doesn't work. If you are using your business plan for a business loan, you may want to hire a professional business plan writer who can review your plan before submitting to funding sources.


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Shari Hearn is a writer and creator of a career training website where you can learn about many different career options, including paralegal study.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/business/marketing/top-7-business-card-dos-and-donts.html http://www.articletrader.com/business/marketing/top-7-business-card-dos-and-donts.html Wed, 11 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0500
1. Don't Cheap Out

Yes, you can get business cards for free. VistaPrint.com will give you 250 business cards for free. But, you have the word "free" on the backside of the card which tells everyone you can't afford proper business cards. It doesn't cost much extra at VistaPrint to get the word "free" taken off the back of the card. Do it. And, if you're printing your own business cards make sure the card stock is heavyweight card stock. There's also nothing that says cheap like flimsy card stock.

2. Keep it Simple

Don't use too many different fonts or include too much information on the card. Be sure to include all the vital information on the card, such as name, phone number and address, and perhaps a main slogan for your business, but steer clear of listing everything under the sun your business can do. Make sure it's clear by quickly glancing at the card what your company's main focus is.

3. Use a Font Large Enough to Read

Use fonts that are large enough for people of all ages to read. If you're 28 and can read it just fine, let someone who's over 40 read it. If they have difficulty reading the type, make it larger. You don't want to lose any business due to a card that someone has to use reading glasses to read.

4. Use a Larger Font for the Most Important Information

If the desired action is for them to give you a call, highlight the phone number with a larger font. If it's the address, highlight the address. Don't make them have to hunt for the most important information on the card.

5. Include your Website Address and E-mail Address

If you don't have a website address, it's time to get one. People now are used to checking businesses out on the internet. A five-page website won't cost much, but can be the difference between gaining a new client or not.

6. Never Use Cards with Outdated Information

Have you ever received a business card with a phone number crossed out in black marker with another phone number written in ink next to it? All that says is "I'm too cheap to buy new cards." And that implies a business that isn't getting much business.

7. Write an Offer on the Back of the Card

When handing your business card to someone, make sure there's an offer on the back of the card, and hand the card to the person with the backside up so the person will see your offer. This can be 10% off your services, a free consultation, or whatever offer you think is appropriate. Give someone a reason to call you.

Business cards can be one of the most important marketing tools you have. Give it the attention it deserves and you may be richly rewarded.


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Shari Hearn is a writer and creator of a career training website where you can learn about many different career options, including how you can earn an online accounting degree.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/business/top-7-reasons-to-write-a-business-plan.html http://www.articletrader.com/business/top-7-reasons-to-write-a-business-plan.html Tue, 10 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0500
1. Helps You see if This is the Right Business for You

A business plan will help you to readily see if you really have the desire and interest to stick with your new business. If you can't maintain the interest and passion to sit down and write out 30 to 50 pages outlining all the aspects of your business, that may be a clue that you won't stick with your business long enough to enjoy success. You'll know when you're starting a business just for the money, or because you truly have a desire for that business.

2. Keeps You on Track with Goals

A business plan serves as a roadmap of your business, with short-term goals as well as long-term goals. You can take your business plan out from time to time to make sure you're not veering from your original goals. Of course, you can always amend your business plan should things change, but your changes will be more thought out, and not a case of getting off course.

3. Keeps You within a Realistic Budget

A business plan forces you to record all future expenses related to your business so you can budget for them. That way you can keep extraneous spending under control and plan ahead for any loans you may need.

4. Helps You Keep an Eye on Your Competition

A business plan is a place where you will identify all the competition you will face. This can be extremely helpful in helping you decide where to locate an office, whether to steer clear of particular products or services, or how to modify your marketing to make your product or service appear unique.

5. Helps You Develop New Products and Services

A business plan is a place to brainstorm how your business will expand in the future. This almost forces you to look for other products and services to add to your business.

6. Helps You Expand Your Marketing

Again, in your business plan you will brainstorm the many different places to advertise and promote your business, forcing you to think outside the box. You may find yourself coming up with ideas you never dreamed of, from giving free seminars to producing your own cable access show. No matter how far-fetched the marketing idea seems, it's always good to write it down as it may allow you to see something else that might not be so unrealistic.

7. Helps Secure a Small Business Loan

Finally, a business plan is vital in securing a small business loan, particularly one from the Small Business Administration. A business plan let's them know that you are serious about your business, and shows them how viable your business idea is. And, if a business plan is vital to future lenders, that's certainly an indication it should be vital to you.


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Shari Hearn is a writer and creator of a career training website where you can learn about many different career options, including dental assistant career.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/kids/used-baby-items--are-they-safe.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/kids/used-baby-items--are-they-safe.html Wed, 04 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0500
Safe Used Baby Items – Clothing

It’s no secret that babies grow out of clothing very rapidly. This is where buying used can be a big help. With the number of quality used baby clothing shops, thrift stores and used baby clothing sold on eBay, you can outfit your baby for a fraction what new clothing would cost. In fact, just recently four outfits for baby girls, size 3 months, were sold on eBay for $.15 (that’s fifteen cents!) with a shipping cost of $5. Four outfits for just $5.15! That’s quite a bargain. And, with proper laundering, quite safe.

Potentially Unsafe Items

But, what about used baby items that might not be safe to purchase? Which items for your baby should you scrutinize or avoid altogether?

Used Cribs

Be very careful when buying or accepting a used crib as you don't know the risks involved. If the crib is nearly new and properly assembled you should be ok. But, for older cribs you might want to take a pass. And, here’s why:

1. The crib may not meet current safety standards. For example, crib slats can be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart to prevent the baby's body from getting stuck. Also, the mattress must fit tightly so that the baby cannot get trapped between the mattress and the
side of the crib.

2. An older crib may have lead paint in the finish.

3. If you are missing parts or instructions, you could assemble the crib incorrectly, making it a dangerous place for your baby to sleep. Bottom line, this is your baby we're talking about. He deserves a crib that is safe.

Other Used Baby Furniture

You need to make sure that any used baby furniture contains lead-free paint.

Used Car Seat

Again, if the car seat is nearly new, you may be okay. However, if the instructions or the DOT safety label are missing, don’t buy or accept the car seat.

Used Baby Toys

If you’re tempted to give your baby your old toys, don’t. They may make great collectibles, but they may not be safe for your baby. Yes, yes, it’s true that you played with them and you made it through childhood, but there are new safety standards for baby toys now. Your old toys can be painted with lead-based paint or contain chips or cracks. Why risk the safety of your baby?

What about newer used baby toys? If you are considering used baby toys do inspect them carefully and choose those in excellent condition, rejecting those which have chipped paint, loose or missing parts, are cracked or chipped or have frayed threads. For those that pass inspection, make sure you clean and disinfect them thoroughly before allowing your baby to play with them.


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Shari Hearn is a writer and creator of Expecting Baby website, where you can learn about such things as stroller travel systems.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/society/dating/10-tips-for-online-dating-safety.html http://www.articletrader.com/society/dating/10-tips-for-online-dating-safety.html Mon, 02 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0500
1) Stick with reputable online dating services. Don’t go with a service you’ve never heard of just because it’s free or cheap. Check to see how well they screen their potential members. A dating service which screens their members is often safer than those which don’t.

2) Set up an email account that you use only for dating services or chatting online such as Hotmail, Yahoo, or Gmail. Never use your personal or work email for online dating.

3) Until you really get to know the person, never divulge personal information that will make it possible for someone to locate you.

4) You should immediately cease communication with people who seem obsessed with acquiring personal information about you.

5) Be aware when talking to any potential date of the following danger signs: getting angry for no apparent reason; possessiveness; elusiveness in answering direct questions; inconsistencies in information about themselves; disrespectful remarks; request for any financial information from you. These could all be potential red flags.

6) Take it slow before you agree to meet the other person. Have several conversations on the phone with the potential date so you can detect any of the above warning signs before you agree to meet face to face. If the other person tries to push you into a meeting too quickly, you might consider moving on.

7) Don't give your home phone number at first. When calling the person either call from a pay phone away from your neighborhood or block your number when calling.

8) When agreeing to meet for the first time, agree to meet in a public place with plenty of people around. Never invite a stranger into your home or to pick you up from your home. Always tell a friend or family member of your first meeting plans. You may also ask someone to call you while you’re on your first meeting/date to check up on you.

9) Limit the amount of alcohol you have on your first face-to-face meeting. Alcohol can lower your inhibitions and alter your judgment. In addition, no matter what you’re drinking, don’t ever leave your drink unattended during the date.

10) Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right about the person or situation, end the communication or date immediately. You owe no one an explanation when it concerns your safety.

You may think all the above precautions take all the fun out of online dating. However, there’s nothing fun about getting tangled up with a dangerous person. Following basic safety precautions just helps insure that the wonderful person you’re seeking is the wonderful person you end up with.


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Shari Hearn is a writer and creator of Safety Tips 411, where you'll learn about such things as hidden security camera products.

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