Five modern bathroom design ideas

Would you say your overall design style is sleek and chic? Do you enjoy the true architecture of a space with its linear simplicity rather than an overly adorned and accessorized space? If you'd like to translate your modern vision into your Master Bath here are a few design ideas to help get you started.

1. Cabinetry - When it comes time to selecting the design of your cabinetry lean toward clean, crisp and streamlined furniture. To create a lighter and sleek bathroom environment consider cantilevered cabinetry secured to the wall creating a minimal look to the vanity piece.Create some drama with strip lighting added to the bottom side of the cabinet which will cast a warm glow to the floor below. Provide additional built in wall-to-wall storage elsewhere in the bathroom to compensate for the reduced storage in the vanity area. Deep dark rich woods evoke a sense of warmth to the clean lines of contemporary design.

2. Fixtures - Crisp clean and sleek white fixtures speak to the contemporary/modern design. If space allows introduce one of the hottest trends - a free-standing bathtub. They are available in all shapes and sizes, and nothing creates a more dramatic focal point in the bathroom than an exquisite free-standing tub. Simply position it in front of a spectacular picture window with a breathtaking view as the backdrop.

3. Surfaces and Materials - Utilize solid surfaces for countertops, whether quartz, limestone, granite, concrete or glass to give it a clean contemporary look. Keep the edges simple and square for easy maintenance and sophisticated style. Always introduce an interesting backsplash material in contrast to the counter top color and material. Whatever the surface I like to apply it on all walls from floor to ceiling. It creates instant architecture and adds great detail and drama to the space. Glass tile, mosaic, stone or ceramic details are just a few of the highly decorative backsplash products out on the market today that create a sense of modern style. Keep geometry in mind when selecting the material for your contemporary backsplash. Consider tile shapes that are rectangular, oversized, or small mosaics to create detail in the pattern of the application. If the tile is oversized and rectilinear install it in a brick pattern. If it's shape is longer and thinner then stacking the tile creates a very interesting modern vibe. Stay away from the common square tile in any size.

4. Luxurious Shower - Create a steam shower with multiple rain heads, and body sprays. If your budget allows, add chromatherapy and aromatherapy to your master bath wish list as well. These fittings represent the epitome of modern luxury design. Don't forget a built in bench and access panel to hide the steam system. Design a full seamless glass enclosure from floor to ceiling and finish the interior with complimentary mosaics or stone tile to set it apart from the rest of the space. This glass enclosure creates a more visually open space within the overall space.

5. Accessories - Remember to keep clutter and display to a minimum. - Accessorize with towels in a bright color for punch or stainless steel and woods. Keep everything to a minimum and clutter free. Select chrome, nickel or silver toned drawer/door pulls, towel bars, towel hooks and paper holders for sparkle. Frame vanity mirrors in woods or silver tones in similar finishes to the other accessories adorning your modern bath.

Draw the bath and enjoy the modern luxuries of your new space.

by: Lori Gilder

http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_6145.shtml

http://www.premiercentraltexashomes.com

Final Walk-Through: What to Expect at your Final Walk-Through before Closing

It's smart to perform a final walk-through before closing. It's your last chance to make sure the home you're about to buy is in the condition you're expecting. Here's some great tips that you may not have thought of in preparing for your final walk-through.

Staging your Home: Advice for Sellers

Ten inexpensive real estate staging tips to help create a 'mood' or 'emotion' to entice and connect with potential home buyers. http://www.premiercentraltexashomes.com

Financing: Advice for Homebuyers

This YouTube channel, provided courtesy of Chase, offers the ins and outs of mortgages, how the loan process works and how to select a lender. Worthy of viewing regardless of whom you select as your lender.

http://www.premiercentraltexashomes.com

First-Time Homebuyer Tips: Things to Know when Buying your First Home

First-time homebuyers need to keep their ownership goals in mind and make sure to not rush into decisions or feel pressured. This video offers some great lessons from real first-time home owners.

http://www.premiercentraltexashomes.com

How to change company culture with rewards

Q: What should you highlight with your staff tributes, awards and commendations?

A: What gets rewarded gets done, so recognize and reward a lot! This is especially so if you want to learn how to change company culture.

First, reward all the traditional categories: sales achieved, goals accomplished, customer compliments received. Then add some spice to really promote efforts on how to change company culture!

Celebrate new accounts, repeat orders, projects completed under budget, money-saving ideas, increased efficiency and, of course, improvements in customer service. To learn how to change company culture, you need to reward the actions you want to become ingrained.

Acknowledge achievements of individuals: most productive person, most consistent performance, most outrageous extra effort! This can also help in efforts to learn how to change company culture.

Applaud improvements made by groups and teams: shortest response time, fastest cycle-time, best collaboration.

Keep your staff motivated with unusual campaigns that arouse interest and lead to productive action. This can help you learn how to change company culture effectively.

Highlight the most unusual service recovery or most unique approach to a common problem. Give a "Most Unexpected Situation" award each month, and put special attention on the learning that followed.

The end of the month is a natural time to give rewards for targets and goals achieved. The end of the quarter aligns with financial accomplishments. The end of the year is an expected time for bonuses, increments and promotions.

But the beginning of each week can also be a good time to set recognition campaigns in motion. And nothing beats the day before the weekend for spontaneous cash awards and off-the-wall commendations. These actions will help you learn how to change company culture by rewarding the characteristics that matter to you.

In The One Minute Manager, Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson encourage readers to "catch your people doing something right." That means recognizing good actions whenever and wherever you see them. This is especially important if you are learning how to change company culture. Give merit to your deserving "Employee of the Moment" - why wait for the end of the month or year? Instant recognition can help you in efforts to learn how to change company culture.

Make your recognition widely known. Give praise in public at staff meetings, management sessions and executive forums. Award prizes at the company picnic or family day. Bestow special honors at the annual kick-off or the end-of-year dinner and dance. Use every opportunity to commend strong performance and recognize spectacular efforts, especially if you are trying to learn how to change company culture.

Promote awards in the company newsletter. Post them on your website. Notify the local newspaper. Call the radio station for an interview with the winners. Send a photo and caption to your industry publication.

Create a "Wall of Fame" in your plant, office or building. Take down some of the impersonal decorations and put up visual reminders of your most successful projects and praise-deserving teams.

Make your awards meaningful by giving something the winners will appreciate and remember. If your recipient is outgoing, throw a party, make a fuss, go for all the publicity you can muster. If the winner is shy, provide your praise in a personal way: a special meeting, a thoughtful letter, a handwritten note on their desk.

When awarding a prize, make the honor reminiscent of the achievement. For the fastest production team, give running shoes. For the engineer who invents a better way, bronze an adjustable wrench and mount it on a plaque. For sales teams that surpass the target, host a darts tournament - bullseye!

Tools and education are practical awards. An extra conference or training session can motivate the technically minded professional. An expensive briefcase can be the symbol of success for a new salesperson just starting out.

People have many choices of where to work and how hard to work. An encouraging culture motivates your people to give their best. A sterile or discouraging culture diminishes their enthusiasm daily. Where would you rather focus your efforts? Learn how to change company culture to get the best from your people.

One company says, "If you do a good job, that is your job. Don't expect much recognition." (That's a culture needing some change!)

Another company says, "If you do a good job, you will be rewarded, appreciated and praised. Get going!" (Now that's a great place to work.)

Key Learning Point To Help You Learn How To Change Company Culture

There are many ways to recognize and reward your staff for achieving high targets of performance. The more praise you give, the more effort and results you will receive. You can learn how to change company culture by rewarding the actions you want to see more of.

Action Steps To Help You Learn How To Change Company Culture

Work with your team to make a list of all your current targets, goals and objectives. Make the list long with internal and external results desired. Use this list to define how to change company culture.

Then ask for a list of all the ways your team would enjoy being appreciated, rewarded and admired. Make the list long with obvious ideas and some outside-the-box suggestions.

Now match the lists in ways that inspire and stimulate everyone's interest. Choose a place to start with a goal to achieve and an interesting reward at the finish. Give it a try. Then try another. And another. You can learn how to change company culture for the better.

www.exitrealtycareer.com

Wall-mounted sliding door 'reflects' a genius design solution

The couple turned to Board by Board, an Arizona kitchen and bath design company, to give their bathroom more space and an updated, clean design. Board by Board created a design that would incorporate a sleek, contemporary double mirrored sliding door with Wall Mount Hardware.

"The interior wall next to the swinging door had a built-in vacuum system that prevented us from using a traditional pocket door," says Christie Board, kitchen and bath designer. "I had seen wall-mounted doors in magazines and have always loved the idea of incorporating this design into a remodel project."

One of the challenges of using wall mounted doors was finding the "right" door. Since this was a master bathroom, the door needed to fit the clean decor of the bathroom and the master bedroom.

After much searching, Board found a one panel door and took the door to a glass company to have the door fitted with double-sided, full-length mirrors. Finding the right door was like finding a puzzle and putting the right pieces together, says Board. And the result was a simple design solution that looked ideal in both the bathroom and bedroom.

Board chose to use a valance for the door tracks on the wall mount hardware because she believed that the cleaner look would fit nicely with the master bedroom.

To handle the double sided mirrored sliding door, Board used 2610F series Wall Mount Sliding Door Hardware. The mirrored door brings a "cool" looking design element to each room. The Arizona couple is thrilled that the bathroom door conflict is solved with such a beautiful design.

The 2610F wall mount hardware features a heavy walled-aluminum door track that is precision extruded for smooth operation and can hold up to 200 pounds of door weight. The convex rail design provides single-point hanger wheel contact for low "feather touch" roll resistance. And designers and do-it-yourselfers love the box track design which prevents rollers from jumping the track.

Board has used the Wall Mount Hardware a few times since this bathroom design and mentioned that she is getting ready to do this in her own home. However, Board is going to go with the exposed wall mount, rather than the valance because she wants a more contemporary look.

"I have used Johnson Hardware products in home remodeling projects and have always had fantastic results," says Board. "This was a cost-effective, space-saving, simple solution and I will continue to use this brand in the future."

http://www.premiercentraltexashomes.com

Upcycling: Breathe new life into decor with a dash of DIY inspiration

Not only are you doing something good for the environment - and likely your pocketbook - by restoring something, you're embracing your inner creativity. You can make a truly one-of-a-kind decor piece, tailored to your personality and style.

This notion of restoring and reusing items that would otherwise be cast aside to the junkyard or thrift store is called "upcycling," and it's a trend that has caught on quickly, especially in home design. With a little inspiration, creativity and the right tools, you can tackle countless decorating projects with things you already have around your home. And the best part? Upcycled pieces make for great conversation starters, often tell a good story and can even be sold for a much higher price than you put into them.

So where do you start? Here are some helpful tips for tackling your own upcycling projects.

Start with a little inspiration

Take a look through magazines, home design blogs and websites to gather inspiration. Look for pieces that catch your eye and have the same structure and "bones" as the items in your home that you'd like to restore.

For example, DremelWeekends.com is filled with inspiring and low-cost do-it-yourself projects, tool recommendations and step-by-step instructions to help you transform just about anything while bringing a new perspective to home renovation and decoration. You can even sign up to receive weekly project inspiration right to your email inbox.

Shop around without breaking the bank

Decorating your home doesn't have to cost a fortune. Look around your basement, attic, or at yard sales and consignment shops for free or inexpensive items that you might be able to breathe new life into. The old adage "never judge a book by its cover" would apply here. Do your best to look beyond an item's current condition and let the inspiration you've gleaned take over as you see its full potential in a different light. If the piece has some defects, don't immediately overlook it. Sometimes perfection and personality can be found in the imperfection.

Secrets of upcycling success

The secret to any do-it-yourself project is to plan ahead. Beyond finding the inspiration for a project, gather the supplies and tools you'll need, read up on step-by-step instructions, dedicate a roomy workspace where everything is at your fingertips, and be sure to carve out time to focus on the project.

But the No. 1 secret of upcycling success is to be patient and not get discouraged. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. It's OK to make mistakes because sometimes you'll uncover hidden beauty during the process. The important part is that you find the whole experience of restoring and reusing rewarding.

Millennials take new approach to work-life balance

(BPT) - More and more, Millennials are on the road for work. In an average month, one in four business-traveling Millennials travel overnight for work at least once per week.



As the line between "personal" and "business" grows thinner and thinner for this generation, Millennials are increasingly finding adventure through business. More than any other group, Millennial business travelers are more likely to add on extra days to their business trip for leisure travel (84 percent) according to the Hilton Garden Inn Discovery and Connection Survey. Millennials are funding these adventures through their business trips, too. The vast majority of this group (85 percent) is more likely to use reward points from their business travel to book a vacation, compared to a year ago.



Business travel across the nation is on the rise. According to the Global Business Travel Association, U.S. business travel is expected to grow 5.1 percent. As more Millennials hit the road for work, they are keeping top of mind a few, simple business travel perks to fulfill their appetite for personal adventure and discovery:



* Fly for free - Those flying for business can earn airline miles in their name. These business miles quickly add up, allowing travelers to upgrade seats or add another destination without accruing additional cost. Business travelers can then use these miles to bring a friend or loved one on the trip with them - quickly transitioning from business to family vacation or romantic getaway once the weekend hits.



* Earn hotel perks - Frequent stays in hotels offering rewards programs can grant business travelers benefits like free overnight stays, late checkout, and complimentary breakfast. These extras turn a business trip into much more, especially when additional nights are used to extend a business trip into a vacation.



Some hotels have seasonal programs, such as Hilton Garden Inn and Hilton HHonors Triple Your Trip promotion, which offers guests around the world the opportunity to earn double or triple HHonors' points while enjoying the signature Hilton Garden Inn Bed n' Breakfast deal that includes breakfast for each adult staying in the same room, and free meals for kids 12 and under.



* Discover local hidden gems - Cities often encourage business travelers to experience the local culture while in town and provide package deals with discounts to restaurants, tickets to local shows or events, helpful tips to find transportation in the city and even sightseeing opportunities to explore during free time. This becomes even more common when a city is hosting a large business gathering, such as an industry convention.



Millennials continue to be at the forefront of achieving work-life balance - utilizing business travel to discover new cities, explore local cultures, taste authentic cuisines and connect with new people across the country and around the globe.

How to turn must-do home improvements into things of beauty

When "want to" and "have to" meet, they create the opportunity to make a smart buying decision - and choose an upgrade that will look good and improve the livability of your home. The key to making smart home improvement decisions is to recognize these opportunities and take full advantage of them.



Here are a few "have to" improvements that have the potential to turn into a good-looking, energy-efficient, enjoyment-enhancing "want to."



Replacing the hot water heater.



You probably don't care what a new hot water heater looks like sitting in your garage or basement - or wherever it resides in your home. But the right replacement water heater can help your house achieve a lovely shade of green. High energy-efficiency water heaters can help reduce energy usage, thereby trimming your energy bills and your home's environmental impact. Solar water heating systems take the beauty a step further by using the power of the sun, collected through low-profile solar panels on the roof, to heat water - at a monthly savings that's about 80 percent less than the cost of traditional heaters.



Getting some light in here.



Do you really need a bunch of scientific studies to tell you that a home filled with natural light just feels better? Probably not. Illuminating your home with natural light is a smart buying decision on multiple levels. First, you don't pay to power the sun. Second, natural light delivers a host of mood-enhancing benefits. If you have the wall space, by all means add some windows.



But for rooms where a window is impossible (like a powder room) or where you don't want to sacrifice privacy (like a master bathroom) a tubular skylight is a good alternative. Some are easy enough to install that a seasoned do-it-yourselfer could accomplish the task. They cost less than traditional skylights and bring natural light to hard-to-light areas like closets, hallways and other small spaces.



Getting some air in here.



Just as natural sun is good for your mood, ventilation can be good for your health. An Energy Star qualified venting skylight is a great way to passively vent stale, moist air from inside your home, especially from baths and kitchens. While some skylights are "fixed," those that do open can be controlled by a remote to open when you want fresh air and close when you want to retain warmth. They can also close automatically in case of rain. In addition, they introduce free light into your home. Adding blinds - also remote-controlled - can help you better control the amount of sun a skylight admits into your home. And blinds are not just functional - you can get them in colors and patterns to complement your decor while increasing energy efficiency. Compared to other venting solutions, a skylight is a relatively low-cost, great-looking way to address ventilation issues while adding drama to a space. Log on to www.veluxusa.com to learn more about skylights.



When one door opens ...



Beat up, weathered garage and front doors not only look bad, they can be a source of air leaks that make your heating, ventilation and cooling system work harder. Exterior doors aren't something you buy every day, but they can have a big impact on how your home looks and on its energy efficiency. They can definitely be a smart buying decision if you opt for doors that not only look good, but are also highly rated for energy efficiency. If you're not sure how to choose, look online, where you'll find guides for buying garage doors and front doors.

How to choose a chainsaw

Millions of chainsaws are sold every year and - although not every purchase is punctuated with a Tim "The Tool Man" Taylor grunt - it is clear Canadian men (and some women) still love their chainsaws.



So is Tim right? Is it always just about "more power"?

Not according to Edward Andria from Husqvarna, a company that is reported to be the world's largest producer of outdoor power products: "There are many factors to consider when buying a chainsaw, but the first question you should ask is: What kind of work do I need the saw for? Models range from full-time professional saws to leisure or hobby saws and you want to make sure you get the right one."

Here are few more tips to help you choose the right saw:

• Unless you are very experienced with a chainsaw, go for a lighter saw which will be much easier to handle.

• Ergonomic engineering and design, such as low vibration levels in the handles and a slim and well-balanced saw body, are welcome features, even if you only use the saw part-time. Good ergonomics can be just as important as low weight.

• Efficient kickback protection is a requirement in most countries. Also pay attention to small details. For example, how easy it is to replace a simple part like a chain catcher stud? Do you have easy access to controls?

• Is the saw easy to maintain and service? Good access to the air filter and spark plug, and easy chain tensioning save time and effort.

• Look for approved protective equipment like safety trousers, safety boots, helmets with visors, hearing protection, and gloves.

• And don't forget, your saw will appreciate regular service by a qualified professional, so look to purchase one from a dealer that can service it.

More information is available online at Husqvarna.ca.

Courtesy of Newscanada

Reinvent yourself: How to start your own (creative) business

(BPT) - Many graduates in creative fields like graphic design, interior design or Web design are opting to start their own businesses. This is because recent figures show only a slight reduction in the unemployment rate, and job growth is at its lowest in six months. So, how can you make your business a success?



Bruce McCain, director of career services for The Art Institute of Tampa, a branch of Miami International University of Art & Design, and Kathleen Holland, director of career services for The Art Institute of Charleston, a branch of The Art Institute of Atlanta, share five essentials they identified as success factors in starting a business.



1. Self-assess and research. It is imperative that you are honest with yourself and truly understand what you are good at and what you enjoy doing. Doing a SWOT analysis (a way to analyze Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) is a great way of assessing that.



2. Know your niche. A business plan is highly recommended to help identify both those industries with a need for your services and your competition. This exercise will also help identify whether there might be a smaller and important niche market where your business can focus and be profitable.



"If you're a graphic designer, will you be a generalist, offering services to all types of industries, or do you have specialized experience handling retailers that you can build on?" asks McCain.



Knowing your niche will enable you to develop a consistent brand identity in every aspect of your business. The business plan also sets the goals and objectives that will guide many of your decisions.



3. To incorporate or not to incorporate. Many students in creative fields are familiar with taking on freelance work while still in school. But after graduation, it is important to formalize the business. It's a good idea to invest in some legal and accounting advice to help you make the best decision about incorporation. There are significant advantages and disadvantages to each type of business structure.



4. Develop a stream of business. New business owners often envision being successful within a short period of time. Developing and building a business from the ground up takes time, energy and hard work, but it can be very rewarding. The industry research you did for your business plan will come in handy in determining what a realistic rate of growth means for your industry and area.



5. Network, network, network.



"I can't stress enough the importance of networking," says Holland.



Networking may be your only means of marketing for quite some time - it is important to get in front of as many people as possible and give them your "elevator pitch" (a quick story about your business that you can say in 90 seconds or less). When meeting each person, make sure you take his or her business card; this comes in handy when writing a "nice to meet you" note the next day.



"Yes, you should write a quick note to each person you meet. In this note, you should mention where you met them, refer to your conversation, and remind them what your business does and how it can be helpful to them," Holland says.



It takes a lot of hard work to be a creative business owner and there are no shortcuts to success. So put in the time to reap the rewards.

Is kitchen remodeling cost-effective?

So, you have made the decision to remodel your home. Kitchen remodeling is one of the first rooms that homeowners explore with regard to renovations. The kitchen is the main gathering place in the home for families and friends. It is the area where socialization happens frequently, so it makes perfect sense to choose to remodel this room in your home first. The project can be extremely fun and should be looked upon as such. There are so many small changes that can be made to completely transform this room that it is mind boggling. Let us talk a bit about whether this remodeling project is a sound financial decision.

First, you should look at the long-term picture. Are you remodeling the kitchen for your own preferences, or will you be selling the home at any point in the future? In either case, renovations to the kitchen can help save money in the future, however, if you are planning to stay in the home, your choices can help save on your monthly utility bills. You can opt for new energy efficient windows that can save you on your monthly electric payments. You can also install low flow faucets to save on water consumption. Buying appliances that are more energy efficient is a great investment and you will also experience personal satisfaction that your new kitchen is more operational and updated.

If you are planning on selling your home in the future, you can expect a very significant return on your investment. If you ask any realtor, they will tell you that one of the first things a potential buyer is interested in is the kitchen. If your kitchen is fresh and updated with contemporary finishes (counters, cabinets, flooring) it will make your home stand out against homes that have a more dated kitchen. You can expect to get a return of at least 40% of your remodeling investment when you go to list your home.

A home kitchen makeover is a very prudent choice, especially if you can only remodel one room. The kitchen is central to the home and you spend a lot of time there cooking, eating and socializing. The benefits of new and updated appliances, and other elements far outweigh the costs you may incur. You will be surprised at how far you can get on your proposed budget, and you'll be left with the feeling that it was money well spent.

by: Leonard Simmons
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_7310.shtml

http://www.premiercentraltexashomes.com/featured/

Outdoor kitchen ideas

Outdoor kitchens are meant to be fun. After all, you are outdoors enjoying the great weather and some great food too. However, in order for your outdoor kitchen to be successful you need to be smart about the plans that you make while designing it. With this being said, here are some things that you should keep in mind.

Strategic Placement

Your outdoor kitchen should be strategically placed in relation to the other elements that you already have in your backyard. This is important because you will want to have a natural traffic flow.

Easy Access

Another word about strategic placement... Make sure that you have easy access between both the indoor and the outdoor kitchen. Of course, you also don't want to place the cook in an isolated area. If you are worried about smoke, look into a grill that has an exhaust fan on it. This will allow you to have lots of grill-side seating.

Incorporating A Refrigerator

The trend has been to recreate the feel of a traditional indoor kitchen outdoors. If this is your intention, then you will want to make sure that you have an outdoor fridge. You will also want to make sure that you have one if you plan on having a mini bar. It is a good idea to have your sink and food prep area between your fridge and grill.

Incorporating A Bar

If you are going to have an outdoor bar, you should give it a touch of authenticity by incorporating beer dispensers, wine chillers, martini bars and an icemaker. You will also want to build an island for your guests to sit at and don't forget the little added touches like a bottle opener or a towel holder.

Your Grill

Almost every outdoor kitchen includes a grill. There are the traditional charcoal and gas grills available but there are also hybrid grills as well. While they are more expensive, they are more versatile too. Electric grills are also available for your consideration. You may balk at this idea until you consider just how many more things this will allow you to be able to cook outdoors.

The Price Tag

Nothing in life is free and this is also true for your outdoor kitchen. There are some budget friendly options available such as portable refrigerators, pre-fabricated kitchen islands and using concrete or brick instead of stainless steel or tile. You will need to take some time to do some research online. Once you do, you will be able to see that you can actually design an outdoor kitchen that will fit any budget.

A Final Word On Designing An Outdoor Kitchen

People want versatility so that they can cook everything from American to Indian and even Asian cuisine. This is easy to do today since both gas and electric grills mimic indoor cooking so that you are no longer "stuck" just cooking steaks. Now you can have an outdoor lobster bake or you could even install a wood oven to make pizza in.

by: Joe Cline
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_6573.shtml

http://www.premiercentraltexashomes.com

Four easy technology tips small-business owners can start using today

Small-business owners say that managing their business creates twice as much stress as maintaining a healthy relationship with a spouse or partner, according to a recent Bank of America Small Business Owner Report. And it is nearly three times more stressful than raising children, small-business owners report.



While technology can enhance productivity and sales, provide access to wider audiences, and, ultimately, increase profits, it also can be a major source of stress for the small-business owner. There is so much change out there, small-business owners often experience fear and frustration as they try to keep up.



When it comes to implementing new technology, the two main challenges for anyone operating a small business are: money and time. However, it's impossible to be a competitive business owner without taking advantage of today's technology. The trick is investing in technology that will make your life easier not harder. While there may be a learning curve, there are a variety of ways to afford the technology you need as well as the technical support to help you learn how to use it.



Here are four turnkey technology strategies that just about any small-business owner can start using today.



1. Re-think your cash register - Until recently, millions of small businesses have long been at a technology disadvantage. By using antiquated, time-consuming methods of taking payments, they have missed out on the ability to capture useful sales data for inventory and sales tracking. Today, more affordable cloud-based point-of-sale software such as NCR Silver is made specifically for small businesses. More than a simple credit card swipe system, NCR Silver provides inventory support, profitability analytics, accounting integration, and live customer service and support to help the technology-shy small-business owner. Plus, with tablet capabilities, even mobile businesses can enjoy technologies that were previously only available to their larger competitors.



2. Amp up and automate your marketing efforts - Sending meaningful and relevant communications has never been easier for small-business owners who utilize smart technologies. Social media is here to stay - so it's a wise business move to start a Facebook or Twitter account to interact with core audiences. Plus, it's free. Email marketing also makes connecting with customers quick and easy. Seek out systems that allow you to set up automatic email marketing campaigns as an easy way to save time and stress. But remember, no one likes spam. Be sure to communicate with your customers in ways they actually want to be reached, otherwise they'll opt out and move on.



3. Make sure your website is up to speed - Customer impatience is at an all-time high. Customers won't wait around if your site is slow to load or if transactions are too time-consuming. Make sure your site can handle the traffic peaks 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Google Analytics is free and offers a simple snapshot of your customers' experiences and how fast your pages load. Also, make sure that visitors can see and navigate your site no matter what device they're using to view it. Test your user experience on smartphones, tablets and various email services.



4. Protect your computer system - Every day, viruses infect approximately 1 million computers around the world. Viruses can travel in anything from a USB flash drive to an email message, and can completely halt the productivity of a small business. To minimize your company's exposure to viruses, worms and hackers, be sure you use the latest patches, system updates and firewalls for your software and computer systems. You can usually find patches and program updates on the software manufacturers' websites. If you choose a cloud-based sales system, make sure your information as well as that of your customers, is safe by adopting an encryption strategy, such as NCR Silver's encrypted card security feature.



To thrive in a competitive marketplace, small-business owners need to utilize technology like NCR Silver, social media and free online tools like Google Analytics. These modern tools will help grow a business, save you valuable time and perhaps make your day-to-day activities fun once again.

Cost of home fire sprinklers at all-time lows; benefits still high

A new study reveals that the price of residential fire sprinkler systems has dropped significantly, creating an opportunity for safety-minded homeowners to tap the many benefits of sprinklers.



The average per-foot cost of a residential fire sprinkler system was $1.61; the average per-foot cost has plunged to $1.35, according to a report by the Fire Protection Research Foundation. Multipurpose systems that use a home's cold-water supply, rather than a separate piping system, are even more affordable - just $1.23 per square foot, the report found.



And costs are likely to drop even lower, one expert says.



"More communities are considering, or have already implemented, fire sprinkler requirements for new, single-family homes," says Eric Skare, a volunteer firefighter and fire safety systems product manager for Uponor North America (www.uponor-usa.com), an Apple Valley, Minn.-based sprinkler system manufacturer. "Growing demand has resulted in increased competition and lower installed costs for these systems. Manufacturers competing for market share continue to develop lower-cost products to ensure the cost-effectiveness of residential fire sprinkler systems."



The lower cost is good news for anyone interested in protecting their home with a fire sprinkler system, Skare says. The benefits of such systems are many:



* Eighty percent of all fire deaths occur in residential fires. While functioning smoke alarms reduce the risk of home fire fatalities by 50 percent, sprinklers slash the risks by 80 percent, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).



* Multipurpose systems - like those provided by Uponor - reduce the amount of piping needed to supply sprinkler systems because they tie into a home's existing cold-water plumbing system. Instead of two piping systems - plumbing and fire-sprinkler - the builder need install only one, reducing material, labor costs and jobsite-scheduling hassles, saving 35 percent to 65 percent in installation time over standalone, rigid CPVC systems. That, in turn, should result in a lower cost to the home buyer.



* Homeowners insurance companies provide an average premium discount of 7 percent to homes with fire sprinkler systems, according to the Fire Protection Research Foundation.



* Home fire sprinkler systems act quickly to reduce heat, flames and smoke from fire, giving families valuable time to safely get out of a burning home. "Sprinklers extinguish most home fires in seconds, before the fire department arrives and before major damage can occur," Skare notes. In fact, sprinklers are far less damaging than fire hoses used by firefighting teams. One study in Scottsdale, Ariz., found the average fire damage loss for a home without sprinklers was more than $45,000; with sprinklers, losses shrink to slightly more than $2,100.



* Sprinklers enhance home value. Forty-five percent of homeowners prefer a home with fire sprinklers and nearly 75 percent say the presence of sprinklers increases a home's value, the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition reports.



Perhaps the most compelling argument in favor of sprinklers is the cost-to-value ratio. The average total cost for installing a multipurpose fire sprinkler system is around $6,000, according to the Fire Protection Research Foundation report.



"That investment could buy your family the extra time they need to escape a home fire," Skare says.

Aging-in-place upgrades that look great and make sense

(BPT) - Do the words "aging in place" and "home improvement" conjure images of institutional-looking grab bars in bathrooms and overhead kitchen lights that could illuminate an airport runway? Many people eschew certain types of home improvements for the same reason others refuse to wear hearing aids - the negative connotations of age.



Changes in mobility, vision, hearing and stability are a reality of growing older for many Americans. Certain types of home improvements can make your home safer and more comfortable as you age, allowing you to live there longer. From lovely skylights that fill rooms with vision-friendly natural light and fresh air to slip-resistant flooring in designer colors, those "aging in place" home improvements can be beautiful as well as functional.



Here are a handful of aging-in-place upgrades that shout "fabulous" instead of "fogey":



In the kitchen



We all spend a great deal of time in the kitchen, and it's the room where we also do the most work. Upgrades that improve your ability to reach important appliances, enhance vision and boost safety will help you use your kitchen more efficiently for as long as possible.



Age-related vision changes can necessitate increasing the amount of light in your kitchen. Task lights and under-cabinet lighting can focus illumination where you need it most, and hide discretely out of sight without disrupting the clean lines and unmarked beauty of kitchen cabinets.



Overhead lighting is also important, but rather than opting for industrial-type lights that may cause harsh glare, consider introducing natural light. Research published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology suggests that natural light may be better for aging eyes than artificial light. A skylight is an upscale, beautiful home improvement that can benefit boomers with natural light.



Skylights can also help improve indoor air quality. Most exposure to environmental pollution occurs by breathing indoor air, according to research by the Greenguard Environmental Institute. No leak solar powered fresh air skylights, like those made by Velux America, not only provide healthful natural light, they also provide passive ventilation to reduce fumes, humidity and stale air - improving overall indoor air quality.



You can increase a skylight's energy efficiency with solar powered blinds. The complete daylighting system, plus installation, is eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit. To learn more about these Energy Star-qualified skylights, visit www.veluxusa.com. The website offers a skylight planner app to show you exactly how skylights and blinds will look in your home, as well as a tax credit calculator to figure your savings.



In the bath



Falls are a leading cause of injuries that result in hospitalization of older people. Most falls in the home occur in the bathroom, so taking precautions in this much-used room makes sense. Like them or not, grab bars improve safety in the bathroom. Fortunately, bathroom fixture manufacturers seem to understand the need for products that blend safety and beauty. It's now easy to find grab bars in a variety of attractive finishes and designs that complement your interior decor.



Lighting is also important in the bath, and a fresh air skylight can be beneficial in this room. Skylights provide natural light and passive ventilation while ensuring privacy in the bath. If your bathroom is on the ground floor, without direct roof access, you can still enjoy natural light by installing a Sun Tunnel tubular skylight.



Flooring is another opportunity to blend beauty and practicality in the bathroom. Replacing slick, traditional ceramic tiles with slip-resistant flooring such as stone, vinyl or textured ceramic tile, can be visually pleasing and safety-enhancing at the same time.



Outside the house



Navigating from the car to the front door can be fraught with peril for older folks, yet many people dislike the way certain assistive devices, like ramps, look in front of their home. If you're not ready to add a ramp, a decorative railing for outdoor stairs is a great alternative. It's easy to find good-looking options and virtually any home contractor can help you create a railing that meets your safety needs and meshes well with your home's exterior design.



Outdoor lighting is also important for safety. Make sure walkways are well lit with low lamps that put illumination directly at your feet. New high-output solar lights are a great way to effectively light a path while minimizing energy costs. Finally, keep concrete sidewalks and brick pavements in good repair. Take care of uneven spots or loose pavers right away, to reduce the risk of falling outside.



Courtesy of BPT

Eight home-based business ideas for men

It is not just Moms who are looking for ways to earn from home but many men want to work at home too. The reasons they are looking for home based business ideas for men are varied. This could be because they have either been retrenched, want to replace their jobs with a home business or would like to supplement their income.



In this article we take a look at 8 home based business ideas for men.



1. Get involved in affiliate marketing and make use of the Internet to sell other people's products.



With affiliate marketing you can get paid for getting leads as well as get paid by the click. Another way to make money is by recruiting affiliates in two-tier affiliate programs where you will get paid a commission on the products your recruits sell.



2. Have you thought of consulting? Using your expertise you can teach other people who will pay you for consulting if it helps them accomplish things they need done.



3. Start repairing cars at home. You can build a competitive business working out of your own garage and this can be personally enjoyable as well as very profitable.



4. Get involved in direct sales. It is not only women who get involved with direct sales companies. Men are also selling Amway, Tupperware, Avon, Herbalife and other direct sales products.



5. Start a day care center for children. A day care business is not just for women. Many stay at home Dads these days are taking care of other people's children.



6. Start an online network marketing business. There are many to choose from and the Internet makes it much easier to build a business from home. It is not uncommon for men to work with their wives and build their business as a team which is also a good way to do it.



7. Get involved in Joint Ventures. If you are working online look for other Internet marketers and do a joint venture together. You may be able to combine your particular skill or interest with that of another person to build a successful online business.



8. Make money freelance writing on the Internet. Writing ebooks and selling them on ClickBank or Amazon is very popular right now. Writing for other Internet marketers as an article writer or a blog writer can be extremely lucrative.



If you have a flair for writing the big money is in copywriting and you will find courses online to help you with this.



The above are 8 home based business ideas for men. Thanks to the Internet both men and women can now get involved in the same businesses, so some of the above will overlap.



Courtesy of BPT

Money advice for expectant and new parents

Have you ever heard the saying that "babies don't come with owner's manuals"? It's true that no matter how many books you read, classes you take, or experienced parents you talk to, you can never be completely prepared for the challenges and joys of parenthood. You can, however, prepare yourself for the costs of a new baby by looking after your finances before your bundle arrives.



New parents don't always prepare for the expenses associated with having a baby. One survey by Redbook Magazine and VISA found that less than 50 percent of expectant parents create a new budget that includes baby expenses. And while 76 percent of parents-to-be felt financially prepared for a baby, after the tyke arrived, 41 percent of new parents said they weren't as prepared as they had thought.



Taking steps like clipping coupons and buying secondhand clothes can help new parents save cash, but other important financial considerations - such as protecting their credit scores - require advanced planning. Here are some tips to help expectant and new parents to look after their finances:



Before the baby arrives



* Review your health insurance and what it covers. The full costs of pre-natal care, maternal care and delivery are not always covered by all insurance plans. As soon as you know you are pregnant - or when you make the decision to conceive - contact your insurer and ask for a detailed explanation of benefits. The Redbook survey found that unexpected hospital costs - things that couples thought their insurance would cover - cost one in four new parents more than $2,000 from their own pockets. Knowing what's covered, and what's not, can help you determine how much cash to set aside for hospital expenses.



* Review your credit. One way or another, you will be spending money - a lot of it - when the new baby arrives. Whether you need to tap credit to buy nursery furniture or need a good credit score so you can get a better auto policy that costs less, it's important to understand this aspect of your financial well-being. Enrolling in a product such as freecreditscore.com can help you understand your credit score and status, which can help you make informed decisions about how you will use credit during this potentially financially challenging time.



* Create a spending plan. Your overall spending plan should not only include a budget for day-to-day costs like diapers, but a long-term plan for larger expenses such as nursery furniture, day care, and college savings. It's important to estimate not only how much you'll spend but when you'll spend it, too. For example, your short-term budget may include the cost of a crib - an item you will need immediately - but you may be able to postpone other furniture purchases like a dresser or changing table.



When you're new parents



* Buy wisely and frugally. From clipping coupons to buying off-brand names or purchasing from second-hand stores, it's possible to equip your baby with everything he or she needs at a fraction of the cost of buying brand new, brand-name retail products. It's normal to feel pressured to buy new, top-of-the-line luxury items for your baby, but used items and off-brand products can be just as good. Check out online ratings for a used item's durability before you buy it, and see what other consumers have to say about cheaper brands of diapers, baby wipes and clothing.



* Continue to keep an eye on your credit; it's a key element of your financial health. Good credit directly affects your ability to buy that bigger house you need as Junior starts to grow, get an auto loan for a minivan, or secure a new job in some cases. The Internet can help. For example, freecreditscore.com offers a Score Planner that lets members and nonmembers see for free how their financial behaviors can affect their credit scores.



While nothing can really prepare you for the agony of sleepless nights with a newborn or the joys of seeing your baby take his or her first steps, it is possible to prepare for the financial responsibilities associated with becoming a parent.



Courtesy of BPT

Smart home improvements for growing multi-generational households

(BPT) - The American family continues to evolve, with multiple generations living under the same roof in more households than any time since the Great Depression. Of America's 76 million households, 5.6 percent (4.3 million) were multi-generational, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Homeowners are finding it's more important than ever to ensure every home improvement project delivers benefits for every member of the family - children, parents and grandparents.

Whether your family grows with the birth of a child or because a grandparent has moved in with you, here are some home improvement projects that are multi-generational family-friendly:

Adding/updating a bathroom

Few household situations are as stressful as too many people sharing just one or two bathrooms. If your home population is growing, but you're still making do with too few bathrooms, adding a bath or upgrading an existing one can make life more pleasant for everyone. What's more, it's a smart investment of your renovation dollars. If you decide to sell your home down the road, you can expect to recoup about 53 percent of the construction cost for a modest bathroom addition, according to Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value report. And a modest bathroom remodel recoups about 64 percent of your investment.

Finishing a basement or an attic bonus room

If you're looking for more usable living space, finishing a basement or attic bonus room is almost always easier than adding square footage to your home. A finished existing area can be a versatile investment, affording you the space to add a bedroom, bathroom, recreational room, home office or even a second kitchen a la in-law suite style. Upstairs, finishing an attic bonus room can provide a well-lit and airy retreat with the inclusion of fresh air skylights. Downstairs, advances in basement finishing technology have compressed the time-frame of this once pricey and drawn-out home improvement. Remodeling Magazine says a basement renovation pays back more than 70 percent of its cost at the time of resale.

Healthful upgrades

The quality of light and ventilation in our home speaks directly to the safety and health of its occupants. Aging eyesight often needs better lighting, and poor indoor air quality can affect everyone's health, but especially that of young children with respiratory ailments such as asthma. One improvement that addresses both concerns, is a skylight. When opened, an Energy Star-qualified fresh-air skylight can help exhaust stale unhealthy indoor air and bring fresh air into your home. Skylights especially make sense if you'll be creating more inexpensive living space by finishing an attic.

Add remote controlled solar powered blinds to solar powered fresh air skylights in your home and the products, as well as installation costs, are eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit. To learn more about no leak skylights that close automatically in case of rain and how they can help improve indoor air quality, search online.

Upgrading key appliances

Whether the hot water heater shudders when your teenager takes a shower or the furnace just can't work hard enough to keep Grandma's bones warm in winter, upgrading key appliances in your home can significantly improve the comfort of its occupants. What's more, replacing older appliances with new ones can help you save money on your utility bills over the life of the product. Replacing an old water heater, furnace or air conditioner with an Energy Star-certified product can trim utility bills significantly.

For example, according to EnergyStar.gov, replacing a central air conditioning unit that is 12 years old (or older) with an Energy Star-qualified one could reduce cooling costs by 30 percent, and switching to a solar water heater could cut your water heating bill in half. What's more certain energy-efficient home improvements may qualify you for a federal tax credit. If you install a residential solar water heating system, you could qualify for federal as well as state tax credits and other incentives. You can find a calculator to help tally the potential payback on a solar water heating system and a federal tax credit estimator to calculate your savings on new or replacement solar powered skylights online.

Courtesy of BPT

Search homes in the Central Texas Area

How to mentally prepare for a crisis in the workplace

(BPT) - Recent events in the news have reminded us that unexpected, dangerous and stressful situations can happen anywhere: on the street corner, at the grocery store, and in the workplace. While these situations are often chaotic, there are steps you can take to mentally prepare yourself to handle them better, whether you are an employee, a business owner or manager, or a bystander.



David Levine, senior vice president of Optum's Employee Assistance Program and an expert in workplace crisis response, says that anyone can take steps ahead of time to prepare themselves and their workplace to better handle a tragic or emotionally disturbing event. He offers a few suggestions anyone can try, starting today:



* Evaluate your purpose - Those who feel they are a part of something bigger than themselves tend to exhibit higher levels of resiliency after a tragedy. Workplaces that encourage volunteerism and community involvement, promote work-life balance and encourage an individual's sense of family are positioned to nurture resiliency.



* Find ways to manage your stress - Stress can contribute to a host of health issues and can impact the way your brain works. During extreme situations, your brain moves away from abstract thinking, making even simple tasks - eating, sleeping, and solving basic math problems - difficult. If you're already in the habit of doing things to help you cope with everyday stress, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, or a hobby, that will put you at an advantage for dealing with a sudden crisis. It's also important that you don't turn to unhealthy habits as a way to cope, such as the use of nicotine, alcohol or drugs.



* Examine your relationships - Close relationships with family and friends can be invaluable at times of distress. Those with strong support networks tend to manage these challenges better and recover more quickly. By working to strengthen these relationships now, you'll have a strong support system in place to lean on in times of crisis.



For a business owner or manager, Levine says it's important to develop a crisis response plan and make sure you are familiar with its details so that in times of need, you can respond quickly and calmly.



"When developing your response plan, consult with crisis experts or your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider to help design a plan that fits your workplace, including a strategy for providing counseling services to employees after a crisis in order to reduce the long-term effects of mental or emotional trauma," he says. "When tragedy strikes in the workplace, the response of leadership is critical to ensuring that employees remain healthy and productive."



Levine says leaders should focus on remembering the "ACT" crisis communication process: "Acknowledge, Communicate and Transition." He says this process has been found to be helpful for individuals and organizations as they recover from a stressful situation.



* Acknowledge and name the incident - Be visible and available, and use real language that specifically describes what occurred. Acknowledge that the incident has impacted the team and you. This action can align leaders with their employees and reduce the likelihood of creating an atmosphere of blame and stagnation.



* Communicate with compassion and competence - Employees want to know that leadership cares about their safety and well-being, and is capable of leading effectively in the wake of a crisis. During these difficult times, employers and managers must "know their stuff" when it comes to the logistics of responding to a crisis, but also be able to communicate in a compassionate way. Other colleagues or a crisis expert could be helpful in providing guidance as leaders prepare to talk to their staff about what happened.



* Begin to transition - Convey an expectation of recovery to help those who are impacted make the transition to viewing themselves as a "survivor" rather than a "victim." Communicate flexible and reasonable accommodations as people progress back to "normal" life at work. Some employees will be able to immediately function at full productivity; for those who take longer to get back to normal, you can help hasten their recovery by assigning tasks that are familiar and short-term.



In business, the power of planning is a well-documented key to success - and Levine says it's no different when it comes to responding to a workplace crisis.



"While operating through a crisis will never be an easy task, taking these steps now will help make the situation - should it arise - more manageable in the future." He adds, "Whether you're an employee, manager, or bystander to a crisis, following these steps, along with knowing about your employer's critical incident policies, EAP and other support resources, will help you manage the unexpected."



For information on emotional health and dealing with crisis, visit www.liveandworkwell.com.



Courtesy of BPT

'Summer-ize' your home to look and smell wonderful in warmer weather

(BPT) - The three R's aren't just reading, 'riting and 'rithmatic. In the summer, they refer to "reorganizing," "restyling" and "reviving" your home. It's the perfect time to bring a summery, comfortable feeling to your home's interior. Luckily, you don't need to redo every room or throw out all your furniture to get a wonderful seasonal change. Spend a weekend giving your living spaces a lighter, fresher feel. At the end, you might even think you're on a summer vacation.



Home and lifestyle expert Evette Rios has some simple suggestions that can make powerful impressions throughout your house.



Reorganize



Boost the excitement and va-va-voom in your rooms by moving just a few things around. You'll be amazed at the new looks you can create. Something as simple as changing the angle of your couch and voila - new room! Try this scuff-proof method for moving heavy pieces: Fold two clean towels (dirty ones can scratch floors), place one under each end of the furniture piece, and then slide it across the floor. This might also be the time to incorporate a few white wicker pieces, which will add a summery touch.



Take some time to sort through your linen closet and remove unwanted items. Put old or unused linens into a "giveaway" bag. Store bed linen sets inside one of the pillowcases, and you'll never have to hunt through piles looking for a match. All you'll have to do is grab and go. Want a closet full of freshness? Place a few Gain dryer sheets in with your folded sheets to keep them smelling great.



Restyle



Fresh new accessories can help to brighten up each room in your home. Turn plain lampshades into fabulous ones by adding bright or printed linings that come to life when you flip the switch. You might even want to swap out the art on your walls, adding more colorful pieces that are floral or botanical. If you're feeling really ambitious, consider painting a few walls to add a clean, fresh look to your rooms. Try bold colors you've never had before to really change up the look.



Want to get the kids involved? Turn some drab kitchen aprons into fun "cleaning armor." Give each child his or her own apron to decorate with markers or stickers to wear, and send the kids on their mission to dust, clean windows, organize, etc. They'll love wearing something they decorated themselves. Don't forget to ask their opinions on the changes you're making - you might be surprised at their great suggestions.



Revive



If you're packing away heavy clothes or quilts for the season, ensure they maintain a fresh scent by using new Gain Original Fireworks In-Wash Scent Booster in the wash before you store them. It's safe for use on all colors and fabrics and the freshness lasts up to 12 weeks in storage (just in time to take them out for the fall).



Make your laundry room a place you're not afraid to enter. De-clutter the room by installing a tension rod to hang spray bottles, cleaning supplies and more. You can also decorate the room with your kids' artwork to make it a fun space.



Your summer home makeover doesn't need to be expensive or time-consuming. Ambitious projects might take a little longer, but you'll be pleased at how simple it is to transform some of your rooms from drab to wonderfully fresh. Just don't wait too long - summer doesn't last forever! For more inspiration, visit ILoveGain.com or facebook.com/gain.



Courtesy of BPT

Celebrity chef Seamus Mullen encourages rheumatoid arthritis sufferers to rethink their approach to managing the disease

(BPT) - Seamus Mullen, cookbook author and owner of Tertulia restaurant in New York City, woke up with debilitating pain and couldn't move. He tried to stand and collapsed. Unable to reach his phone, he stayed on the floor for hours until a neighbor heard him call for help. After several days in the hospital, doctors determined that Mullen had rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disease that causes chronic pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of physical function. He had become one of the 1.6 million Americans living with RA.



The pain from RA can impact people's ability to do even the simplest of daily tasks like opening a jar or brushing their teeth. Mullen tried to cope with the disease, but his joint pain became so severe that it started affecting his career as a chef. After a couple of years of living with pain on a regular basis, Mullen knew he had to rethink his approach to managing his RA.



"When I was diagnosed with RA, I felt as if the rug had been pulled out from under me," says Mullen. "The RA pain was constantly in the background as I was working in my restaurant and I realized I had lowered my expectations for what it meant to feel OK. One day I realized it didn't have to be this way and I recommitted myself to better managing my disease."



For Mullen, that meant learning as much about RA as he could, including the clinical tests and measures his doctor used to evaluate his RA. He also started to closely monitor his symptoms and how RA was impacting his daily life - and he shared this information with his doctor.



"I've found it critical to have a very open, direct relationship with my doctor," says Mullen. "I've also found it important to share my goals with him to make sure we're on the same page with my RA management plan. I set short-term goals, which are great because they can be more quickly achieved and make me feel like I'm making progress - these include things like taking a yoga class twice a week. I also set long-term goals to keep me on track for the bigger things I want to accomplish, like growing my business, starting a family, being physically active and taking an even more active role in managing my RA."



Today, Mullen is reaching out to help other people suffering from RA pain in his role as spokesperson for Rethink RA, a campaign designed to help people with rheumatoid arthritis enhance their understanding of the disease and prepare them to have more meaningful conversations about RA symptom management with their doctor. The campaign offers information and tools in a free RethinKit available at www.RethinkRA.com/cooking. The website also offers Mullen's top 10 tips for simplifying cooking preparation and recipes that can be prepared in 10 steps or less to make cooking easier for people with RA.



"As a busy chef, I know it can be tough to live with a chronic disease like RA. That's why I encourage people with RA to check out the website and order the RethinKit - it provides some quick-start resources to help people gain more control over managing their RA," says Mullen.



While Mullen has achieved many of his professional goals, he knows the work isn't over. Living with a chronic disease means working hard at managing his RA on a daily basis. His hope for other people living with RA pain is that they, like him, rethink their approach to managing RA and recommit themselves to working with their doctor to better manage their disease.



For more information and to order a free RethinKit, please visit www.RethinkRA.com/cooking. This campaign is sponsored by Pfizer. Inc.



Courtesy of BPT

Weathering the storm: disaster preparedness tips for small business owners

(BPT) - As a nation, we learned several hard lessons following the recent natural disasters in Oklahoma and along the Hurricane Sandy-ravaged East Coast. While we often think of the devastation inflicted upon individual community members, we can't overlook the effects that natural disasters have on the backbones of our local economies: small businesses.



If a small business can't resume operations within 10 days following a natural disaster, the chances are it won't survive, according to Bolt Insurance Agency. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) estimates 40 percent of businesses do not reopen after a disaster, and of those that do reopen, 25 percent fail within one year. What's more, many small businesses do not have disaster preparedness plans in place, according to FEMA.



After a category five tornado hit Oklahoma in May, thousands of small businesses in the area struggled to recover. More than 6,000 companies in Moore, Okla. - a region heavily populated with small businesses - were affected, compromising sales of more than $1.4 billion according to a report by Dun & Bradstreet. Eight months after Hurricane Sandy hit, businesses in New Jersey and New York are still trying to get back on their feet. In New Jersey, nearly 19,000 businesses sustained damage of $250,000 or more, and total business losses neared $8.3 billion, according to findings from the National Hurricane Center report.



"Natural disasters pose serious threats to small businesses' sustainability and survival," says Tony Pica, senior vice president and Mid-Atlantic Business Banking Group executive market president, Northern Virginia at Capital One Bank. "We know that a single storm can produce billions of dollars in damage, which hurts local economies and causes too many small businesses to fail. Our recent-Small Business Barometer-survey shows that small businesses are feeling optimistic about their financial futures, which is great news. However, we don't want these businesses to undermine their chances for long-term success and growth by being unprepared. It is essential for local businesses to be ready when disaster strikes - whether it's a fire, hurricane or tornado."



Capital One offers these tips and guidelines designed to help small businesses prepare for and mitigate damage caused by natural disasters or other unexpected emergencies:



1. Identify an alternate location: For many business owners-the recovery process after a natural-disaster-can be lengthy. Consider moving employees to an alternate work site, such as a satellite office or hotel ballroom. Whatever location you have available, make sure to equip it with critical equipment, data files and supplies.



2. Customer preparation: Make sure your customers know what to expect from your company in the event of a prolonged-disaster-displacement. Publish backup business or store locations on your website, and make sure your customers know your company's emergency contact information for sales and service support, and alternative methods for placing orders and payments.



3. Document your property: Take pictures of your property before a-disaster-strikes. This can help insurance companies assess the damage from the storm, and ensure you get the help you need.



4. Be prepared to meet emergency cash-flow needs: Make sure your bank accounts include emergency funds, and keep enough cash on hand to handle immediate needs. Issue commercial credit cards to essential personnel to cover emergency business expenses. Use online banking services to monitor account activity; manage cash flow; initiate wires and pay bills; reduce dependency on paper checks and the postal service to send and receive payments; and make night depository drops as early as possible if a threat is imminent.



5. Identify tools needed for business to continue: Prioritize critical business functions and how quickly these must be recovered.



6. Employee preparation and communication:-Make sure that you not only have reliable methods of communicating with employees during a disaster, but that your employees are informed and knowledgeable about the company's emergency plan. Make sure that contact information for employees, key customers, important vendors and suppliers, and insurance companies are not just backed-up but accessible electronically for employees.



7. Recovery: Once your business is running again, compare what happened against your company's-disaster-preparedness-plan. Capital One offers a-Disaster Planning Checklist-to help small business owners assess their own plan, and minimize the impact of a-disaster-should one happen again.



For more helpful information on managing a small business, visit www.capitalonesmallbusiness.com.



Courtesy of BPT