Quite possibly the best voice you will hear all day, that’s because when you hear Chris Malone weekdays from 3pm to 7pm, your workday should be about done. Chris keeps your favorite music going strong as you head down the home stretch. Keep 98.5 KTK with you in the car, as hitting the rush hour adds stress; Chris keeps it away with the Stress-Free Drive Home, starting weekday afternoons just before 5.
Disco queen Donna Summer has died, a family spokesperson told the Associated Press. She was 63.
Her family released a statement Thursday saying Summer had died and that they "are at peace celebrating her extraordinary life and her continued legacy."'
TMZ first reported the news, noting Summer had died in Florida on Thursday after a long battle with [lung] cancer. Insiders told TMZ she was recently working on music for a new album.
Known as the "Queen of Disco," Summer was born in Boston, Mass. in 1948, as one of seven children.
The five-time Grammy winner rose to fame in the 1970s, scoring hits with "Last Dance," "Hot Stuff" and "Bad Girls." She co-wrote the single "Love to Love You Baby" in 1975, and went on to co-write several other hits, including "She Works Hard For Her Money."
Summer appeared in the 1978 film, "Thank God It's Friday," which took home the best original song Oscar for "Last Dance."
Just in time for Father's Day (June 17), Yankee Candle Company introduces the first-ever Man Candles Collection in such he-man scents as Riding Mower and 2x4! A quartet of new “down-to-earth fragrances” are meant to suit basement, garage, car or truck, man cave, or an entire bachelor pad, the Massachusetts-based company says. Now on sale at retail shops and online: Man Town (the scent of spices, woods and musk) First Down (orange, patchouli, vetiver and leather) Riding Mower (freshly cut grass) 2x4 (freshly planed wood and sawdust)
In addition to these manly candles you can get these scents in hanging air fresher for your car too!
Finally today, you know what a photobomb is right? If not, a photobomb is someone or something that sneaks its way into a photo. Well this photo phenomenon was taken to the next level by the Fiat Company and quite possibly starting a prank war with it's rival Volkswagen.
It began with Google and their fleet of camera-topped cars and their Google Maps street view updates. Fiat was tipped that the Google cars were updating the town of Södertälje, Sweden, where Volkswagen's Swedish operations are headquartered. So Fiat took advantage of the opportunity and parked a Fiat 500 right in front of the HQ building just as Google snapped it's photo!SURPRISE! No comment from either company and no word if Google will photoshop this photobomb.
Yep, that red car is a Fiat 500, well played!
-Chris Malone
You see it in the news nearly everyday, someone apologizing for their actions. But is it really an apology? One of the great things about our language is that you can use words to say something without really meaning anything, just read the text of a political speech! While pondering this headline I read an article posted on Cracked.com that fully explains the types of apologies that really don't apologize. The points seem comical but they are spot on and in my opinion totally true:
"I Deeply Regret"
One of the popular go-to phrases is "I deeply regret ..." It's such a useful tool in the unapologetic person's arsenal because it doesn't require you to admit you did anything wrong. I don't know if it's technically correct, but it's common to send "regrets" to a friend whose loved one has just died, and nobody takes it as an admission that you were responsible for their uncle's death.
People who deeply regret things often are pretty hazy on the specifics of what they did. When the U.S. General Services Administration got called on the carpet for spending over $800,000 on a Vegas trip, agency head Martha Johnson personally apologized to "the American people" for "the entire situation," which could technically refer to anything from the recession to global warming.
"Mistakes Were Made"
For those who feel that "deeply regret" is admitting too much responsibility, they can upgrade to "mistakes were made," the highest level of non-apology, used at the highest levels of government. Politicians have used the phrase, which one-ups "deeply regret" by not only leaving it open whether they are actually the culprit but existentially questioning whether there even is one.
Apologizing for Someone Else
You can only apologize for yourself. Maybe there are some gray areas, like apologizing symbolically for a group you are part of, but you should not be apologizing for the person you are apologizing to. Sometimes people are a lot more deliberate about pointing the finger at other people, like the pastor who advised parents to punch their gay children. He later said, "I apologize to anyone I have unintentionally offended. I did not say anything to intentionally offend anyone in the LGBT community ... It is unfortunate I was not more careful and deliberate. I can understand how these words could be misunderstood without the context of years of ministering to the people of God at Berean Baptist Church. I have received nothing but notes of appreciation and support from the people within the church." He could have stopped at the first couple of sentences and it would have been an apology (though probably an unsatisfactory one to most people), but he really sticks his foot in his mouth by going on to say that the apology is only needed for people who don't really get what he is saying, and all the people who get it (the people in his church) are appreciative. So he really didn't say anything wrong, because the smart people get it. What he is sorry about is that you offended morons do not have the years of experience to understand it.
Ingrid Newkirk of PETA was even more blatant about it. After an ad campaign comparing animal cruelty today to the Holocaust, Newkirk wrote a statement of "apology" where there was about one paragraph of apology and the rest was basically, "I KNOW LOTS OF JEWS THAT WERE FINE WITH IT!" to the point where the main message wasn't anything like "We shouldn't have done this campaign," but actually "If you were offended, and none of these real Jews were, what does that say about you?" It was basically a passive-aggressive attempt to shame anyone offended by the campaign by accusing them of hyperbolic fake outrage about something "real Jews" don't even have a problem with.
"Sorry" Used as Punctuation
Public personalities are usually smart enough (or well-managed enough) not to carelessly throw "apology" words around as meaningless punctuation, but it's something you commonly see among regular folks, especially during a rant. "OK, I'm sorry, but your YouTube video was a piece of garbage." "I'm sorry if this offends anyone" has sort of turned into a slang phrase that really means, "All right, get ready for the edgy truth I'm about to lay down!" Unlike the politicians and weaselly types, they don't even intend to deceive you; this is just a new slang use of language, like when people decided to use "bad" to mean "good" or "sick" to mean "awesome." Unfortunately, not everyone has gotten the memo on the cool kids' slang these days, so quite often anyone using this kind of language just comes across as a very stupid person trying to trick you.
Apologizing for a Completely Different Thing
Another great tactic that works when people are tired of vague apologies is to apologize in detail and take full responsibility -- for something completely different. Look at Enron's Jeffrey Skilling, apologizing for some serious corporate malfeasance that destroyed thousands of people's retirements: "I am devastated by and apologetic about what Enron has come to represent." Not that Enron has done any bad deeds, but that people, for some inexplicable reason, now think of bad things when they happen to think of Enron, and of course Skilling goes on to say he never did anything wrong. I hope it makes you feel better to know that he was convicted of 19 counts of securities fraud and other charges.
A freshly-prepared meal is always loved and appreciated but after a long day at work who wants to cook? One simple word can help: shortcuts. Cooking shortcuts are little tricks that let you make good food without the full-on effort. Here are 5 timesavers that speed things up.
Cooking shortcut #1: Fast rice
Rice goes so well with so many main dishes from chicken and beef to veggie stir-fries. You can eat it plain or dress it up with add-ins such as veggies, cheese and seasonings. Making it from scratch, however, can take awhile, and instant rice isn't always that tasty. The solution? Skip the boxed instant and go premade. Many stores now sell frozen, pre-cooked rice. Or look for brown rice in your supermarket's freezer section for a fast, healthy, fiber-friendly side.
Cooking shortcut #2: Mince garlic faster
Fresh garlic adds wonderful taste to so many dishes, but sometimes you just don't have time to mince it up. Sure, you could add garlic powder, but it doesn't give quite the same flavor to a dish. Instead, try jarred (or frozen) garlic when the dish you are making will cook at length. "I always used jarred garlic in soups and casseroles. Garlic takes me forever to chop, and if it's not the key ingredient, you can't tell the difference," says food writer Maris Callahan, who blogs about her creations at In Good Taste. If garlic is front and center in a dish, however, do stick with fresh.
Cooking shortcut #3: Use chili sauce
Want a tangy flavor without the measuring and mixing? Try chili sauce. "I loathe ketchup, but chili sauce is great! It fleshes out BBQ sauces and adds a tangy flavor to a lot of dishes without a lot of effort on my part," says cookbook author Rachel Rappaport.
Cooking shortcut #4: A faster chop
Need to chop veggies for a soup or sauce? It can take awhile if you do it by hand -- but who says you have to? Instead, toss onions, carrots and whatever else you need into your food processor (or mini food prep) and pulse until you get your desired chop. If you need something sliced, a full-size food processor fitted with a slicing disk does it in seconds.
Cooking shortcut #5: measuring cups in canisters
How many times have you opened a canister, needing to measure its contents out fast, but had to take time to find the right measure? Save time by keeping a measuring cup handy all the time. "I keep a quarter-cup measuring cup in my flour, white sugar, brown sugar, etc. That way, I never have to go digging for one," says Cate O'Malley, who writes Sweetnicks.
It's been a whole year since I took some time off and boy do I need it! Yep, the vacation season is here and no matter where you go, it will cost more. Airline tickets and gas prices can take a chunk of cash out of your plans. So take the advice of travel experts on how to get the most out of your summer vacation.
TIMING IS EVERYTHING
The first trick to scoring deals is to stay flexible. Traveling at off-peak times can save you money on both airfare and room accommodations. Hotels and resorts are cheaper during the week than on the weekend with room rates being the cheapest Tuesday through Thursday.
CONSIDER ALTERNATE ACCOMMODATIONS
You should also be flexible about where you plan to stay. Vacation rentals, for instance, can be a great alternative to the traditional hotel room for large groups.Similarly, Bed and Breakfasts may prove to be a more affordable option to some consumers since these establishments typically include complimentary breakfast, snacks or cocktails hours at some point during a stay. If you do feel a hotel room is your best option, forego the room with a view and save a bundle.
FLIGHTS TO/FROM ALTERNATE CITIES
Don’t limit yourself to one point of departure or arrival. Instead, look for fares in and out of cities near both your hometown and your ultimate goal destination.
“A flight from Houston to Honolulu may cost $300, but a flight from Dallas to Honolulu may cost $900,” says George Hobica, an airline expert and founder of Airfarewatchdog.com. “You can do the math.”
FACTOR IN AMENITIES
Is it cheaper to book a hotel room that offer free amenities or services or book the lowest priced room?
Free Wi-Fi is a favorite hotel amenity and both business and leisure travelers (who may need to print tickets, research attractions or find directions to nearby restaurants) may want to opt for an establishment that won’t charge for Internet access, in lieu of one that will, despite its lower room rate.
Other hotels may offer free shuttle transports that can save you $40 on a taxi to and from the airport, which may, in turn, justify the extra $10 for the room.
LAST MINUTE DEALS
This can be a gable but as with all gambles the reward could be huge. Hotels usually offer exclusives that are available if you book the same day or 24-hours in advance. As such, it pays to mine travel search engines and hotel websites as your days off approach, then take off should you find a great deal. Travelzoo.com is one search engine that helps you find steals and deals last minute. Airlines also don’t want to lose money on empty seats, so prices similarly drop as the take-off time approaches.
Tuesdays have long been considered a great day for last minute airfare deals and Friday has been a good day to get in on the Fare Wars.
Yeah, I think of strange things all the time and one of them happens to be the sequence of those 16 numbers on credit and debit cards. I mean there has to be a reason, right? Of course there is! So bust out your credit/debit cards and lets put this mystery to rest:
The first digit is the Major Industry Identifier. It describes the category of the company which issues the card 1 & 2 are Airlines 3 is Travel & Entertainment 4 & 5 are Banking & Financial 6 is Merchandising and Banking 7 is Petroleum 8 is Telecommunications 9 is National Assignment
The next 9 numbers are the digits that identify your account. Some issuers use less than 9 and because there are literally a trillion number combinations there will not be a shortage of number anytime soon.
The last number is called the Checksum, which uses the Luhn algorithm to see if the whole credit/debit card number is valid. Here is how it works:
Step 1-Double the digit value of every other number, starting on the right side on your card.
Step 2-Add the undoubled numbers of your card to the sum of the doubled number you did in step 1.
Step 3-Add all of the numbers for a final sum. Doubled numbers with two digits are added as a sum of their digits (14 becomes 1+4)
Step 4-If the final sum is divisible by 10 then the credit card number is valid.
Sounds complicated right? I think it is meant to be, so here is an example using a made up credit card number of 4417-1234-5678-9113
4417 1234 5678 9113 (BOLD numbers are doubled in value) becomes 8427 2264 106148 18123 (remember the results of a two digit doubled number is a sum of it's digits).
8+4+2+7
2+2+6+4
1+0+6+1+4+8
1+8+1+2+3
TOTAL is 70
70 is divisible by 10, so the number sequence is valid.
So now you know more than you'd ever want to know about those little numbers brazened on that piece of plastic kept in your wallet! Thanks to Jess.net for providing the example.
-Chris Malone
Ever wonder why you're able to stay up until 2 am, while your best friend can't make it until 10pm? It has everything to do with your internal clock, said Dr. Tracey Marks, an Atlanta-based psychiatrist and author of Master Your Sleep: Proven Methods Simplified. "Most people's internal clock has 24 hrs, but if it's a little longer, then you will be pulled in the direction of not feeling tired until later and later each evening." Don't fret night owl -- it is possible to train yourself to be more alert in the mornings than in the evenings. Here's how.
Slash an Hour From Your Day
If you want to wake up earlier, trim down those evening obligations, said Marks. We know what you're thinking: How can I not overextend myself? "We typically overestimate how much available time we have and take on projects that we have no business committing to," said Marks. "For the sake of decompressing your day, assume you have one less hour in the evenings (to be set aside for a wind down period) and say no to things that infringe on that time."
Pile On the Protein
You know the saying: "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day." So if you're trying to make mornings more bearable, a cup of coffee and a stick of gum isn't going to cut it. "After sleeping all night, our metabolism and blood sugar are at their lowest; we need a healthy breakfast to re-energize us," said Rebecca Scritchfield, a Washington D.C. based nutrition and exercise expert specializing in weight management. Her breakfast of champions consists of a protein, a colorful fruit or veggie, and a whole grain (Think: Greek yogurt topped with fresh blueberries topped with granola and chia seeds). And if you're a walking zombie without your morning caffeine fix, Scritchfield suggested adding a spill of milk or fortified soymilk (i.e. lattes and cafe au laits), which spikes your beverage with calcium and protein.
Reward Yourself
Yes! You did it! You didn't hit the snooze button! "Once up, take advantage of the extra time you've given yourself to build in a few minutes of a 'reward'," said psychologist Patricia Adson, author of A Princess and Her Garden. Read a favorite newspaper or blog column, listen to a few minutes of the morning news, do an exercise routine, or meditate. Even having time for an extra cup of coffee or not having to race out the door can be a reward. Select something that means something to you, said Adson. "Later, notice how you feel about yourself when you have given yourself the time to get a good start on the day."
Give Yourself a Pep Talk
"Remember, you don't have to want to get up, you just have to do it," said Adson. As you get going, ask yourself what it is you get to do that day, rather than what you have to do (that will come soon enough).
Exercise When the Sun Comes Up
We're wired to have peak alertness around mid-morning. Early morning exercise can help boost the morning energy surge, as you will have elevated body temperature and elevated adrenalin levels for several hours after you exercise. Need an extra incentive? Research has shown that exercising before breakfast burns more fat calories and results in more weight loss than exercising after breakfast.
Turn Everything Off
Keep the radio and television volumes low in the evenings in order to create an atmosphere that lulls you into sleepy mode. This helps you associate the evening with slowing down so that you can mentally prepare your mind for sleep.
One of the biggest stress events of many families revolves around finances. So today is the first day of getting in them under control. Here are 5 financial mistakes many families make and their solutions. No matter if you are a new family or one that has withstood the test of time, we all could use a reminder.
FORGETTING ABOUT SAVINGS
Any good financial adviser will stress the importance of saving for the future -- for emergency purposes, retirement and, in some cases, future college tuition for the kids. Make sure your family budget accounts for this by setting aside a portion of your income each month to build up your savings account. Jennifer Openshaw of Family Financial Network says to "Pay yourself first... straight off the top... at least ten percent of your income." She recommends that people put that money straight into a savings account, then look at what is left over each month to create a budget.
UNDERESTIMATING EXPENSES
When it comes to creating a family budget, it's better to overestimate your expenses. A classic mistake families make when mapping out their finances is to let their optimism get in the way of creating a realistic budget. You aren't doing yourself any favors by setting a budget that just doesn't match up with your financial needs. For instance, your new car payment is $400 but keep in mind to estimate maintenance and insurance so budget for $800 instead. Of course, you should trim the extras where it makes sense; however, you need to be honest and create a budget that you can live with. Underestimating expenses will only lead to a sense of frustration and failure down the road.
OVERSPENDING
A budget will only work if it is followed. Don't get complacent and let your spending be influenced by the siren call of those fabulous daily deals beckoning you to "buy now!" or continuing bad habits of buying what you want, when you want it. Before making any purchase, whether it's a new outfit or a half-price restaurant gift card, first check your spreadsheet to make sure you can hand over the credit card without busting the budget.
NOT PLANNING FOR "EXTRAS"
Start your budget by listing the expenses you know you can count on every month. Mortgage payments, car payments and utility bills are all recurring expenses you can easily estimate. It's the "extras" that can trip you up if you fail to account for them. Ask yourself if you plan to take any family vacations, if you will be making any home improvements or if you want to designate a general "entertainment" fund to cover eating out, movies or tickets to museums or the zoo. Kids' extra-curricular activities like sports, dance and art classes are also expenses that can add up over time. Review recent credit card statements to get an idea of how much you need to set aside for the extras.
HAVING A NEGATIVE ATTITUDE
Approach your family budget with a positive attitude and be clear about the purpose of the budget. Are you looking to pay off your credit card bills, save money for travel or just to live within your means? Creating a budget is the first step in achieving the goals you are setting for your family -- and that's a good thing. As in life, success will come when you approach the project with enthusiasm. Remember that sticking to your budget now will mean the goals you set for the future will be met.
Thanks to SheKnows.com for info on this blog post!
Some may call it crazy but I think you and I can agree it's fun! I'm referring to the Gator Gauntlet coming up Saturday, May 26th in Gainesville. Fun mud runs like the Gator Gauntlet are the latest trend sweeping the country and many are themed for extra fun like this one with 20 medieval themed obstacles. This will be the 2nd mud run I've participated in with the first one being the Swamp Dash & Bash last month. In that mud run, my co-worker JC Kirwan and his wife Jessica and I planned for months on how we do, if we'd like it and if we'd finish. Needless to say all three of us finished it, loved it and are hooked! Now we tackle the next mud run with co-workers Joe Herchel and Carolyn Butler (TeamKTK) for the Gator Gauntlet, from which the posted photos suggest will be a welcomed challenge. For my friends that think I'm crazy their first question is, why? Well to be honest working out in the gym can get boring and something like this is perfect to put myself to the test. All the hours of working on building strength and endurance will be tested once again. Plus you end up hiking through some beautiful landscape and the peacefulness of nature is a welcome change from computer screens and ringing phones. A challenge like the Gator Gauntlet fulfills a primeval urge as an adult and get muddy without having gentlemen in white coats taking you away! But you don't have to be in tip top shape to enjoy. There is one competitive heat and 12 non-competitive; which means you can take up the Gator Gauntlet at your own speed, try obstacles and play in the mud!
So that is what I'm up to in the next couple of weeks. If you are excited as I am then register for one of the remaining heats by clicking here. I'll be sharing with you pictures and stories of the mud run. It promises to be a fun day of being a kid again!
I know that some people see a dog or a cat simply as a pet, but most feel our pet is a major part of the family. How could you imagine life without them? Those brown eyes and wagging tail just melt your heart. The warm purr is a such a comfort. But as every pet owner knows a trip to the vet can drain your bank account. Don't despair, there are common-sense ways to help defray the costs at the veterinarian.
PRACTICE PREVENTIVE ACRE
This may seem like a no-brainer, but feeding your pet well, making sure it gets plenty of exercise and doing simple things such as brushing and rubbing it to check for lumps or changes in its skin or coat could help you save money in the long run. Also, administering those necessary drugs to prevent heartworm, or putting spot-on treatments that prevent pests may seem like extra unnecessary expenses, but they’re much cheaper than treating the ailments that may result if you cut that from your budget.
FEED YOUR PET A HEALTHY DIET
Whether you decide to feed your pet commercially prepared food, a raw diet or a home-prepared diet, you should always be aware of what your pet needs to maintain a healthy weight and feel good.
Cathy Alinovi, a veterinarian in Pine Village, Ind., advocates for feeding a healthy prepared-at-home diet. “I show my owners how to feed pets food in a healthy, balanced way,” Alinovi says. “The savings is 50% less than regular grocery store pet food, so imagine the savings over prescription foods.”
STAY ON TOP OF VACCINES
Experts recommend administering vaccines once every three years, instead of annually, which is in line with the guidelines of some professional veterinary organizations.
There are good studies that show many vaccines, like the traditional distemper combo, provide protection for more than seven years.
Many city, county and state health departments still require a rabies vaccine every year, but you could save on the other vaccines. Learning to administer vaccines (with the exception of rabies, which has to be administered in the veterinarian’s office), is another way to save, but the experts advise you to check the origins of the vaccines to ensure their quality and effectiveness in protecting your pet.
ASK FOR PRICE MATCHING
Do you like your vet, but have found better prices elsewhere? Don’t hesitate to ask your vet to price match services or the medicinal products you find at discount sites on the Internet.
“If you and your pet are loyal clients, most veterinarians will match the price you find online if you bring a printout with you to the office,” says Amber Anderson, a veterinarian who writes for the industry. Another way to save is to ask your veterinarian for a multi-animal discount if you have more than two pets.
COMMUNICATION IS THE KEY
Amy Robinson, a dog trainer, advises pet owners to tell your vet why you’re there and specify what you want done.
“If your dog or cat is going in for an ear infection, for example, you can probably skip a bloodwork panel,” Robinson says. She also advises getting a written estimate for the procedure. “Once you have a written estimate, look at all of the components, and you may be able to negotiate with the vet on one or two,” she says.
DON'T DOUBLE PAY
Most veterinarians consider a follow-up visit a week after an initial consult or procedure as part of the initial cost, but some will charge you for the follow up. Robinson says to ask your vet at the initial visit if the follow up is part of the initial fee. If it is not, ask your vet not to pay for the follow-up visit.
DON'T DELAY CARE
Finally, if you see a change in your pet’s eating habits that lasts for more than a couple of days, or start hearing a cough or notice any changes to their coat, gums or find any lumps, act immediately. Don't wait, or the problem will likely become worse and increase the cost of care.
Sometimes you get a food craving that over powers everything in your life. What does it mean? Science answer this question. "Your body may be trying to tell you something about your diet", says Keri Glassman, R.D., a New York City nutritionist.
CRAVE SALTY OR GREASY FOOD
It could mean you're slightly dehydrated. "Salt holds water in," says Glassman. "Your body may be trying to hang onto the fluids it's got." Aim for eight glasses of water a day.
CRAVE CANDY OR CHOCOLATE
It could mean you need protein. Without its slow releasing energy, your body will try to get a quick fix to boost blood sugar. Try a cup of yogurt it has 24 percent of your daily protein total.
CRAVING BREAD OR PASTA
It could mean you don't eat enough. Starches are already partially broken down, so your body knows carbs will give it energy fast. Be sure to eat at least 1,200 calories a day.
For anyone who has ever been to California you can talk for hours and get into deep conversations of how your love runs deep for In-N-Out Burger. I too am a fan and always look forward to eating my first meal on a California vacation at the nearest In-N-Out Burger (too bad for me that with the time change I have to wait until nearly dinnertime to enjoy lunch). But as Californians champion their In-N-Out Burger, Texans take up the challenge in claiming Whataburger is the best! Needless to say both burger chains have worldwide fans and two Whataburger fans are Karl and Carol Hoepfner, a retired couple from Rockport, Texas, are on a mission to visit all 735 Whataburger restaurants across 10 states. The inspiration for this bucket list journey takes us back to April 2011 after Carol, 73, was diagnosed with eye cancer. While his wife was in treatment, Karl visited 23 of the Whataburger stores near the hospital and brought back lunch and dinner to his sweetie. Since then, Karl and his wife of 55 years have been traveling in their own van to Whataburger restaurants in Florida, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and Texas.By the way, the Hoepfners were crowned Whataburger's Biggest Fans in 2010. Their pilgrimage to visit all the Whataburger stores continues. You can read the entire story from the El Paso Times by clicking here. I'll admit, Whataburger makes a good burger and it's a shame the Whataburger stores in Gainesville, Ocala and Starke are closed!
Just a reminder that Mother's Day is Sunday. Of course searching for a way to honor dear ol' Mom can be frustrating and it usually leads to the standby gifts like flowers, dinner or a massage. So to your rescue, here are some unique gifts that Mom will love (or say experts) and that are very affordable:
BODY BUTTER
Your mom might be a softy, but nothing helps butter her up more than this body butter from the fair trade arm of Overstock.com. Your mom can feel good about herself slathering on this 100-percent natural unrefined shea butter, sweet almond oil, lavender and honeysuckle oils and feel better about the environment as this product ships carbon neutral. Price: $21.72.
REMIND MOM TO TAKE CARE FOR HERSELF
Whoever said there isn’t a book on parenting hasn’t met Author Debbie Koenig, author of “Parents Need to Eat Too,” a book helping new mothers navigate the kitchen while taking care of baby. There's a chapter based entirely on the pantry (who has time to shop?), another with recipes to do in stages while baby sleeps, a chapter stocked with streamlined slow cooker recipes, and one full of meals to eat with one hand (no more skipping meals just because baby's fussy). Price: $16.99.
TURN HER KIDS INTO FINE ART
Any photo image can be uploaded and published on unique materials such as: birch wood, acrylic, mirror, glass, aluminum, wall art. Gallery Direct implements the same state-of-the-art printing technology and high-end materials to user image uploads as they do to publish limited-edition prints of artwork from their 100s of signed artists. Cost to create art using the above materials is $49.
TURN HER FAMILY INTO A BOOK
If art isn’t Mom's thing, you might consider giving her a gift that can be passed from generation to generation: A photo book MyPublisher’s photo books feature high-end luxury details like heavy stock, professional quality binding and a variety of color, styles and materials such as picture windows, custom jackets or leather cover options. Prices start at $2.99 per page for a 20-page soft cover book.
PERSONALIZED GIFT CARDS
Ok, money isn’t necessarily a unique gift, but the way you give it can be. For $5.95 + whatever amount you would like to put on this Visa card from GiftCardLab.com, you can personalize the card with her favorite family photograph or a special love note from the kids. Every time she pulls this Visa card out wherever they are accepted, she will think of her family.
SUSTAINABLE PRESERVES
Mom loves Mother Earth, so a great gift that she will enjoy on her organic toast comes from food preserves produced sustainably. If your mom is a foodie and loves preserves, this 6-jar gift set from Rare Bird Preserves uses only fruit grown sustainably, local to the producer and in season. Price: $50.
WATER FEATURE
You don’t have to go digging the backyard up if your wife or mother would like to have a pond. These patio ponds can be set on your concrete patio or wooden deck and provides the same advantages with less space and maintenance. Made from weather resistant wicker will not fade or crack. Price: $299.
SHOE CHOCOLATES
What Mom doesn’t love shoes and what Mom doesn’t love chocolates? Mix the two together and you have a very unique Mother’s Day gift that pays homage to Mom’s favorite things. Simply Sweet Arrangements has a package of seven individually wrapped chocolate lollipops is $29.99 and comes in a gift box with a gift card provided.
I hope these though starters help you make this a Mother's Day the best ever!
-Chris Malone
Here are five facts to help you understand the importance of this often misunderstood holiday. What's the big deal about Cinco de Mayo -- literally translated as the fifth of May? Here's what you need to know to celebrate the day:
1. Cinco de Mayo IS NOT Mexico's Independence Day.
Most Americans confuse this holiday with Mexico's Independence Day, but that is incorrect. (Mexico's Independence Day is September 16.) Rather, Cinco de Mayo is the anniversary of a battle that took place between the Mexicans and the French in 1862.
2. Cinco de Mayo IS a celebration of the Battle of Puebla.
The holiday commemorates the Mexican Army's 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War (1861-1867).
3. Cinco de Mayo IS a celebrations of underdogs.
Why make such a big deal over one victory? The win at Puebla was a huge deal for Mexico because the Mexican Army went into the battle as underdogs. They had no training and no equipment and were vastly outnumbered against the well-armed, well-disciplined and well-funded French, who up until that point had defeated them at every turn. Yet, they prevailed.
4. Cinco de Mayo IS NOT really a big deal in Mexico.
With all of the fuss around May 5th here in the U.S., you would think it was the biggest holiday in Mexico -- but that's not the case. That honor goes to Mexican Independence Day. Still, Mexicans do celebrate the day with family get-togethers, fireworks, dancing and lots of yummy food.
5. Cinco de Mayo IS a holiday for everyone to celebrate.
Many towns around the U.S. have festivals, fiestas, dances, fireworks, food and music in honor of the holiday. It's a great time to teach your kids about the culture, people and history of Mexico -- or even learn a little yourself.
People who know me can agree on one thing, I do not like salad! It's not for the lack of trying it but something about the texture of lettuce that makes my taste buds revolt.
So when I saw this article from the UK's Daily Mail I had to share. If salads do not tickle your taste buds, then try eating the greenery while looking at a full color picture of a pizza, complete with meaty topping in gooey cheese. The picture will actually fool your brain into thinking the salad tastes good, say scientists at the Nestle Research Center in Lausanne, Switzerland. In fact, any picture of a decadently delicious high-carb dish can trick the brain into thinking that healthy fare is tasty even green beans or broccoli. The researchers reached these conclusions after showing people various images while scanning their brains and testing tastes on their tongues. "This study provides evidence that high calorie food cues enhance the pleasurable evaluation of tastes presented afterward," says study leader Dr. Johannes le Coutre. "This provides insight into how the brain processes taste and sight to produce food enjoyment."
I'm going to try this...once...to see if it actually works!
When it comes to valet parking I usually pass. Although it's convenient I always have thoughts of the attendant not taking care of my car and doing a scene from Ferris Bueller's Day off
Only adding to my argument Orlando TV news channel 9 (WFTV) was tipped off to a parking lot owner who liked to use customers' cars for his own use, and, within just hours of dropping off a GPS-equipped Chevy Corvette bait car, watched as the owner tore around town in the pricey convertible.
Can you beleive this guy?!?!?!
Are you wasting your money? We all try to watch our checkbook but there are some items we unknowingly overspend. Check out this list and learn have to save some green and if you can cut down some expenses! -Chris Malone
1. Investing in expensive mutual funds.
Unlike utility companies, mutual funds don't send you a monthly statement showing how much of your money they're taking. Even though the cost is hard to find, mutual funds that charge high fees are eating away at your returns. High fees, which can include trading costs and fund management fees, can go unnoticed because investors don't get a bill. Instead, the fees are simply deducted from your account, reducing the overall return on your investments. Instead of investing in expensive mutual funds, look for funds that charge less than 0.50% in fees annually. You can find index funds that charge less than 0.1%. And if you need some help with your investing, rather than paying 1% or more for someone to manage your investments, use a service like Betterment. This online service makes investing a snap, and it recently lowered its fees.
2. Ignoring your credit score.
Everyone knows just how important a good credit score is, but most people probably don't think of it in terms of wasting dollars. Your credit score affects everything from your interest rates to auto insurance premiums. It can even affect your chances of getting a job, as some employers use credit history as part of their hiring criteria. It's simple: The higher your credit score, the more money you are going to have in your pocket. For example, while you may be able to qualify for a mortgage with a credit score of 620, you won't get the best rates. To qualify for the top rates, you need a score of around 760 or higher. And the difference between a score of 620 and 760 can be more than a full percentage point in the interest rate. Over the life of a mortgage, the better score can save you tens of thousands of dollars in interest. Remember, you can entitled to one free credit report per year.
3. Failing to lower your rates.
The only good thing about high interest rates is that they can be lowered. You can lower you rate on just about anything, including credit cards, mortgages, car loans and student loans. There are several ways to get lower rates, but the easiest one is simply to ask. Particularly with credit cards, just requesting a lower rate has proven to be very effective. With mortgages, car loans and student loans, refinancing is also an option if rates are lower. And keep in mind that even if prevailing rates have not changed since you took out your loan, you still might be able to get a lower rate if your credit score has improved. With credit cards, consider taking advantage of 0% balance transfer options. There are plenty of opportunities to lower your rates, and not doing so is just throwing money away.
4. Overpaying for car insurance.
Auto insurance is one of those necessary evils in life. We all hate to pay for it, but we have to have it. Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce car insurance premiums with just a little effort. For example, you can raise your deductibles or even cancel certain types of coverage for older vehicles. Auto insurance companies offer numerous discounts, and comparing insurance online takes just minutes.
5. Buying brand-name products.
It's easy to get caught up in buying brand names. After all, these big companies force-feed us with their captivating slogans on a daily basis. Looking past the pretty labels and catchy commercials, however, will save you money. Many off brands are made by brand-name companies, so the product is basically the same, but with a better price. This is especially true for prescriptions and over-the-counter medications.
6. Buying too much life insurance.
Like car insurance, life insurance is a necessary expense if others are relying on your income. The key is to buy only the life insurance you need at the cheapest available price. For many, this means buying term life insurance, not a universal or whole life policy that combines life insurance with investment products. And as your life circumstances change, consider whether you can reduce the amount of insurance you need, or even eliminate it completely.
7. Failing to get the company 401k match.
Getting the most out of your 401k is essential to your retirement planning. Many companies will match a portion of an employee's contributions to a 401k. But to take full advantage of a company match, you must contribute a certain amount, which varies by plan. By not making the most of an employer's matching contributions, many employees lose what would otherwise be free money. So take advantage of your 401k by contributing at least the amount your employer will match.
The toughest job in the world has got to be the one of Mom. She's always on the clock and it why we honor her with Mother's Day. Did you know your smartphone can be very handy when it comes to Mother's Day? MainStreet put together the most helpful apps for Mother’s Day and I thought I'd share some of them with you! Best of all these apps are free!
ProFlowers
Flowers are a popular gift for mom on Mother’s Day. The National Retail Federations says just over 66% of consumers will buy flowers for their mother. The ProFlowers iPhone app allows users to order bouquets of flowers right on their smartphone and have them shipped directly to mom!
Tango Video Calls
Can’t see mom in person on Mother’s Day? Use the Tango Video Calls app on the iPhone and Android phones to send mom a free video message. You can even include fun animations to each message. Yet another cool app that is free.
Sincerely Ink Cards
ICreating Mother’s Day cards on your smartphone has never been easier thanks to the Sincerely Ink Cards iPhone app and Android app. Choose a template, add custom photos and include the recipient’s address and a card will be sent via mail. The app has partnered with the National Breast Cancer Foundation and 70% of the proceeds will be donated to the foundation!
Tango Card
If you plan to get mom a gift card for Mother’s Day, make sure she has the Tango Card app downloaded on her smartphone (available on the iPhone and Android phones). Instead of having to carry around all of your gift cards in your wallet or throwing them into a drawer and forgetting about them, the Tango Card app lets you organize your gift cards conveniently on your smartphone. Enter in the gift card number and you can track balances of each card. When you’re ready to use the card, the cashier will scan the bar code that appears on the screen of the phone to redeem the card’s value.
It's May Day! Tradition is to leave a gallon of gas at the door step of your favorite DJ! Hey, can fault me for trying, right? :)
Speaking of gas, the good news is that the price appears to be falling even as the Ms. Cleo-types warn of $5 gas my Memorial Day weekend. But just in case you may want to scrounge up some extra cash and that's where a yard sale comes in play. Not only can get get some extra coinage (meager attempt in using hip words) it clears out your home of stuff that just sits and uses space.
But holding a yard sale also requires the homeowner to become a salesperson for the day, and that's a role with which you might be unfamiliar. How do you set prices and negotiate? How should you advertise? How do you turn passers-by into paying customers? Here are a few ways to apply real-world business principles to turn your pile of junk into a well-run retail operation.
PRICE TO HAGGLE
When you go into a typical retail store, you expect to pay the price on the tag. But yard sales, much like car dealerships, operate a bit differently: customers go in expecting to be able to haggle down the price. As such, it's wise to price more expensive items a bit higher than you're actually willing to sell for. "Everybody knows there's give on all these prices," says negotiation expert Herb Cohen, author of You Can Negotiate Anything "Everyone knows you don't pay the sticker price." If you want $70 for an item, for instance, he suggests pricing it at $98. "Three figures seems outlandish to people, and $99 seems a little phony," he explains. "List it for $98, it seems more authentic."
If you're unsure how much you should be asking in the first place, garage sale directory site GarageSaleSource.com has a pricing guide. This is a really helpful pricing guide especially if you never held a yard sale or it's been a while since your last one.
DROP THE PRICE CAREFULLY
With the asking price established, you can be amenable to dropping the price for hagglers. Cohen explains that your price drops must be calculated so that you arrive at or near your target price. In the case of the hypothetical $98 items, he says your first price drop should be significant - say, an $18 price cut to $80. If the customer still wants to haggle, drop the price in lower increments.
"Make another drop to $75, and then, after telling him you really can't do this, you squirm, you perspire and take it down to $72," he explains. "The first drop was $18, the second was $5 and the last was $3. By your concession rate you're signaling the end."
When all is said and done, you've received a price close to what you were looking to sell for, and the customer feels a sense of accomplishment for talking you down on price.
APPEAL TO A HIGHER AUTHORITY
Oftentimes a negotiation will end with an employee going to his or boss to get "permission" to sell at a certain price point (remember when you bought your car?).
Doing so lends an air of authority to the store's final offer, leaving the customer with the impression that they've successfully snagged the best possible price by going to the top.
Use this strategy. Prepare a printed price list of all your items ostensibly prepared by your spouse; that way, when you insist that $70 is your final offer, you can pull out the price sheet that shows that you're forbidden from going lower than that. And if you're so inclined, you can also head into the house to ask for "permission" from your spouse, lending your final offer an imprimatur of authority and putting an end to the negotiation.
DON'T SPEND TOO MUCH TIME HAGGLING
A car salesman has all the time in the world to go back and forth on price if he or she knows that the end result is a $20,000 sale. But if you're spending 20 minutes fighting over the price of a $10 toaster, you could be neglecting other customers, says Mark Ryski of the HeadCount Corporation, which specializes in retail analytics and customer conversion.
"When a store gets too busy, people might not tolerate a long line," he says. "As much as you want to chat it up, you also want to try to get to as many people as you can and take their money quickly. Get through the negotiation quickly and get to the next person."
If you have the luxury of having friends or family helping you sell, you might be able to afford to make nice with the neighbors or negotiate extensively. Otherwise, you'll need to keep conversation to a minimum lest neglected shoppers get annoyed and wander off.
PUT OUT REFRESHMENTS
One of the common sales tricks is to offer free food and drink to would-be customers; the idea is to create a sense of obligation in the customer in the hopes that they'll reciprocate by making a purchase. While putting out a plate of cookies is obviously a negligible expense for a car dealer, even someone selling junk in their front yard can benefit from spending $10 or $15 on some lemonade and cookies.
Anything that gets people to stop and spend extra time is a good thing, and the cost of refreshments is nominal. You get a mild sort of obligation edge.
ADVERTISE HEAVILY
Once again some advise from Mark Rysk, "Getting the word out, whether for a yard sale or major chain, is an important thing," He recommends going above and beyond the traditional telephone pole signs by using word of mouth and social networks like Twitter, Facebook, Craigslist and Pinterest to spread news of your sale. You can also advertise for free on sites like YardSaleSearch.com.
OFFER PAYMENT OFFERS
Common sense dictates that you should have plenty of cash on hand so as to make change for customers - think small bills, as many people may need you to break twenties. But you can also expand your potential customer base by adding the ability to take non-cash payments. Believe it or not, "there's an app for that" and there are several software designers that have created person-to-person debit card and credit card payments programs that allow you to take payment from any card displaying the Visa, Master Card, Discover or American Express logo. The most popular is called Square. Sign up for an account and the company will send you a tiny device that turns your iPhone, iPad or Android into a credit card reader, complete with the ability to email receipts. The reader and app are free, though there is a 2.75% transaction fee on every swipe.
COORDINATE WITH YOUR NEIGHBORS
Ever notice how similar businesses tend to group together in the same geographic location? In New York, for instance, hundreds of jewelers have set up shop on 47th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, a block that's become known as the "Diamond District." Meanwhile, most areas will have some variation on the "auto mile" - a stretch of road with several auto dealerships. While that means more competition for each retailer, it also means that the area becomes known as a destination for shoppers seeking a particular kind of ware, and that's good for business.
The same holds true for yard sales - if you don't believe us, just look at the Highway 127 Corridor Sale, an annual four-day yard sale stretching nearly 700 miles. While yours probably won't be that long, consider banding together with some neighbors to throw your sales on the same day. If a solitary yard sale isn't enough to get the locals to make the trip, perhaps the promise of three or four sales on one block will be enough to get them to show up.
DON'T GET DESPERATE
The fact that most yard sales only last a day means that you'll likely find yourself lowering prices later in the day just so you can get rid of the junk - after all, it's not like you can keep it on the shelves until someone comes along willing to pay the asking price.
Some savvy hagglers may try to use this against you in a negotiation by threatening to walk away and come back later in the day, when they have more leverage. Keep in mind, though, that you still have power here.
And if they do come back at the end of the day? How much you're willing to deviate from your asking price is up to you, but you shouldn't let on that you're desperate: Make it clear that you're willing to put the item back in storage or sell it on Craigslist if you don't get the price you're seeking.
Good luck on your yard sale and many happy returns of cash in your pocket!
-Chris Malone
Quite possibly the best voice you will hear all day, that’s because when you hear Chris Malone weekdays from 3pm to 7pm, your workday should be about done. Chris keeps your favorite music going strong as you head down the home stretch. Keep 98.5 KTK with you in the car, as hitting the rush hour adds stress; Chris keeps it away with the Stress-Free Drive Home, starting weekday afternoons just before 5.
