Running a business doesn't require a tax expertise. But small business owners do need some basics to meet their tax obligations, take advantage of tax benefits and get their businesses to thrive. Phyllis Grimes, IRS Director of Communications for the Small Business and Self-Employed Division, offers some advice and tips.
IRS Highlights Tax Benefits And Resources
Running a business doesn't require a tax expertise. But small business owners do need some basics to meet their tax obligations, take advantage of tax benefits and get their businesses to thrive. Phyllis Grimes, IRS Director of Communications for the Small Business and Self-Employed Division, offers some advice and tips.
Pretty Little Liars: To Share Secrets or Not To
Are friends supposed to keep secrets from each other? Some may think it is ok, while others may think it is not. I say it depends on your friends, the circumstances, what the secret is about and who will it impact if it is confided to someone else. By human nature, you are not going to trust someone entirely without getting to know him or her. Often times, you can tell a lot about a person's character by their behavior and also interactions with you and others. This is why reputation is often important to make sure it is strong. Reputation helps bring credibility to the person.However, in "Pretty Little Liars" friends share secrets, but then drama takes place around those secrets. What would have happened if none of the friends had shared their secrets? Could it be that those dramatic events would have been ok? A person must truly know someone before he or she is able to confide in them.
Pre-order your copy of the Pretty Little Liars Season One on DVD here today: http://bit.ly/lRSTgB!
FTC: “I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote Pretty Little Liars: The Complete First Season on DVD."
133 Military & Armed Forces Discounts for Memorial Day
In grateful thanks for those who've served our country, Gift Card Granny offers a Memorial Day listing of 125+ military discounts for merchandise and services. Here are our top ten.
1. Papa Murphy's - Save 50% on one pizza with your Military ID.
2. Red Robin - Save 25% to 50% on your meal purchase with a valid Military ID.
3. Johnny Rockets - Save 50% when you wear your uniform.
4. Timberland Outlets - Get a 20% discount with an active duty Military ID.
5. Sears Portrait Studio - Save 20% if you show your Military ID at checkout.
6. Southwest Airlines - Receive one-way tickets as low as $51 for military personnel and their family members. You must call Southwest Airline's customer service hotline to receive the discount.
7. Clarion Hotel Universal - Military discounts are available for $59 or $69 per night with a free breakfast buffet. This offer is subject to availability.
8. Dollywood Theme Park - Receive a 30% discount during times of war for all active, disabled, retired, or reserve military personnel. The discount applies to all immediate family members.
9. Hidden Valley Ski Area - Enjoy a $5 lift ticket and $5 rental with a valid Military ID. Your dependants also can receive up to 50% off on their visit.
10. FTD - Save up to 20% on your flower purchase.
View the full list of military discounts.
1. Papa Murphy's - Save 50% on one pizza with your Military ID.
2. Red Robin - Save 25% to 50% on your meal purchase with a valid Military ID.
3. Johnny Rockets - Save 50% when you wear your uniform.
4. Timberland Outlets - Get a 20% discount with an active duty Military ID.
5. Sears Portrait Studio - Save 20% if you show your Military ID at checkout.
6. Southwest Airlines - Receive one-way tickets as low as $51 for military personnel and their family members. You must call Southwest Airline's customer service hotline to receive the discount.
7. Clarion Hotel Universal - Military discounts are available for $59 or $69 per night with a free breakfast buffet. This offer is subject to availability.
8. Dollywood Theme Park - Receive a 30% discount during times of war for all active, disabled, retired, or reserve military personnel. The discount applies to all immediate family members.
9. Hidden Valley Ski Area - Enjoy a $5 lift ticket and $5 rental with a valid Military ID. Your dependants also can receive up to 50% off on their visit.
10. FTD - Save up to 20% on your flower purchase.
View the full list of military discounts.
2011 Best Companies for Multicultural Women
Representing more than 2.6 million employees in nine industries at over 44,000 worksites nationwide, Working Mother Media’s 2011 Best Companies for Multicultural Women are leading by example—from the corner office to the cubicle. With initiatives like managerial performance reviews and manager compensation tied to multicultural women’s advancement, these companies hold managers accountable for recruiting, retaining and promoting multicultural women.
Ninety-one percent of this year’s honorees appraise manager performance based on diversity issues, and 40 percent of companies attach multicultural women’s advancement to managerial compensation. While white men in executive level positions still outnumber minority women 16 to 1, the Best Companies for Multicultural Women are creating change that starts from the top.
“With the hiring of multicultural women outpacing losses for the fourth year in a row, the Best Companies for Multicultural Women are proactively cultivating a workforce that takes advantage of our country’s diverse cultural make-up,” said Carol Evans, President, Working Mother Media. “By implementing strategic programs and practices to support talented multicultural women on their path to success, this year’s Best Companies for Multicultural Women are employing a full-court press to ensure the success of their businesses.”
In addition to manager accountability, 87 percent of the Best Companies for Multicultural Women offer programs to help multicultural women chart a course of action within the company culture. First-time winner Macy’s helps multicultural women climb the corporate ladder by offering training, mentoring and career counseling. Even the CEO, Terry Lundgren, and his eleven direct reports are rated on diversity in their annual review.
What’s more, 61 percent of the winning companies offer career counseling specifically for women of color. PepsiCo, a five-time honoree, bridges the gap between mentor and mentee with a program called PowerPairs, which matches women of color with managers, typically white males, so that they can openly discuss goals, expectations and thinking styles.
The top five Working Mother 2011 Best Companies for Multicultural Women—Cisco, Deloitte, General Mills, IBM and Procter & Gamble—employ hallmark policies to ensure multicultural women’s advancement, including:
- Mentoring programs that include job shadowing opportunities for cross-functional exposure targeted to multicultural women employees
- Career counseling and guidance from senior leaders to female multicultural employees to help orchestrate career plans, gain access to key assignments and enhance their knowledge of what it takes to advance
- Executive diversity groups to grow knowledge of inclusion practices
- Regional conferences to actively seek out female professionals and underrepresented minorities
- Diversity and inclusion goals built into managers’ performance objectives
“The Best Companies for Multicultural Women are encouraging cultural inclusiveness outside of the nine- to-five spectrum as well, donating a total of $538 million to organizations that promote diversity,” said Jennifer Owens, Director, Working Mother Research Institute. “Efforts like these set the standard for a better work environment and a stronger bottom line.”
The 2011 Best Companies for Multicultural Women (in alphabetical order):
- Allstate Insurance, Northbrook, IL
- American Express, New York, NY
- CA Technologies, Islandia, NY
- Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, Warren, NJ
- *Cisco, San Jose, CA
- Citi, New York, NY
- Colgate-Palmolive, New York, NY
- *Deloitte, New York, NY
- *General Mills, Minneapolis, MN
- Goldman Sachs, New York, NY
- *IBM, Armonk, NY
- JPMorgan Chase, New York, NY
- KPMG, New York, NY
- Macy’s Inc., Cincinnati, OH
- McDonald’s USA, Oak Brook, IL
- New York Life Insurance, New York, NY
- PepsiCo, Purchase, NY
- PricewaterhouseCoopers, New York, NY
- *Procter & Gamble, Cincinnati, OH
- Sodexo, Gaithersburg, MD
- State Farm Insurance, Bloomington, IN
- Verizon Communications, New York, NY
- Walmart, Bentonville, AR
*Denotes Top 5 Best Companies for Multicultural Women
First-time honorees include CA Technologies, Macy’s and New York Life Insurance. Veteran honorees include American Express and IBM (nine years); Allstate Insurance and General Mills (eight years); JPMorgan Chase and PricewaterhouseCoopers (seven years); Deloitte, Procter & Gamble and Verizon Communications (six years); and PepsiCo, Citi and Walmart (five years).
Working Mother will honor each of the Best Companies for Multicultural Women at the ninth annual Multicultural Women’s National Conference in New York City on July 19-20. This two day national conference, titled “Engage. Influence. Lead.” will build on Working Mother Media’s history of hosting and facilitating a national conversation about where race and gender meet in the workplace.
The 2011 Best Companies for Multicultural Women is chronicled in the June/July 2011 issue of Working Mother magazine. Extended coverage can be found at workingmother.com. Working Mother Media is a division of global media company Bonnier Corporation.
Best Companies for Multicultural Women Methodology: To be considered for Best Companies for Multicultural Women, each company applied and supplied Working Mother with 2010 data about the hiring, pay and promotion of multicultural employees. The application focused on representation of multicultural women; recruitment; retention and advancement programs; and company culture. An independent survey research firm tabulated the scores.
About Working Mother Media
Working Mother magazine reaches 2.2 million readers and is the only national magazine for career-committed mothers; WorkingMother.com (www.workingmother.com) gives working mothers @home and @work advice, solutions, and ideas. This year marks the 26th anniversary of Working Mother’s signature research initiative, Working Mother 100 Best Companies, and the ninth year of the Best Companies for Multicultural Women. Working Mother Media, a division of Bonnier Corporation (www.bonnier.com), includes the National Association for Female Executives (NAFE, www.nafe.com), Diversity Best Practices (www.diversitybestpractices.
Working Mother magazine reaches 2.2 million readers and is the only national magazine for career-committed mothers; WorkingMother.com (www.workingmother.com) gives working mothers @home and @work advice, solutions, and ideas. This year marks the 26th anniversary of Working Mother’s signature research initiative, Working Mother 100 Best Companies, and the ninth year of the Best Companies for Multicultural Women. Working Mother Media, a division of Bonnier Corporation (www.bonnier.com), includes the National Association for Female Executives (NAFE, www.nafe.com), Diversity Best Practices (www.diversitybestpractices.
Guest Post: 5 Memorial Day Promo Codes Offer Savings For A New Season
by Andrea Woroch
Summer doesn't start until June 21, but many view Memorial Day as the unofficial beginning to warmer weather and summer vacations. As a result, Memorial Day also marks the date when consumers begin shopping for seasonal clothing and supplies. Bathing suits, sports gear and ways to record summer memories are all highly desirable, but you also might find prices at a new-season premium. To ensure your summer begins with a frugal flair, here are five promo codes from PromoCodes.us to help save when you reach a merchant's online checkout.
1. Kohl's
Known as something of a savings Mecca for everything from clothing to picnic supplies, Kohl's regularly offers promo codes. Take 10% off your order with code NEW4217. Find another promo code for free shipping to double your savings potential.
2. JCPenney
Find nearly everything you need for summer and receive free shipping on all orders of $69 and over by using promo code SHIP69.
3. New York & Company
Buy trendy, comfortable and affordable clothing online at New York & Company and take $40 off orders of $100 and up with promo code 4330.
4. Snapfish
Preserve your memories by creating personalized photo books and cards from Snapfish. You'll receive 50% off everything with promo code 50ALLCART.
5. NewEgg
Need a new camera to record summer fun? Ready to upgrade your laptop? Long for the latest in gaming supplies? Then come on over to Newegg.com, where new customers receive $10 off $50 orders with promo code NEWCUSTOMER10.
Consumer savings expert, Andrea Woroch has been featured on NBC's Today Show, FOX & Friends, MSNBC, ABC News NOW and many more. Follow @AndreaWoroch on Twitter to receive daily savings tips
6 Free Gifts for Every Dad
Father’s Day is right around the corner and that means it’s time to honor dear old dad. What better way to celebrate than with 6 FREE products from Vistaprint? You can start with 250 FREE Business Cards. Choose from 45 stylish designs and receive in as few as three days. Made from 100% cotton, Vistaprint T-shirts are comfortable and perfect for adding fun, personal messages and photos. Serve dad some fun with one of our 11 oz. ceramic mugs! Feature family photos and personal messages that are sure to make him smile with every sip. Mouse pads are just the place for displaying that personal touch to a dad’s office. Choose from hundreds of designs and add your own photo, logo or message. A flipbook captures memories like nothing else. Showcase family vacations and other special occasions to share with family and friends. Make your dad’s next desk calendar do more than just remind him of daily tasks to complete. Make him smile with a collage of personal photos.Shipping Costs:
Flipbook - $6.16
T-shirt - $4.41
Mug - $5.67
Business Cards - $5.67
Mouse Pad - $4.41
Desk Calendar - $5.79
Resources: 5 Ways to Shop Online Without Spending a Dime
· Swagbucks (www.swagbucks.com) – Swagbucks is a site that enables users to earn virtual currency and real life rewards for performing the everyday actions they already take online. Search the web on Swagbucks, play games, watch videos, fill out surveys, and “cha-ching,” users earn branded virtual currency — Swag Bucks — that translates into real-world rewards and prizes.
· CheckPoints (www.checkpoints.com) – Get rewards for something you do anyway: shopping. CheckPoints is a mobile app that instantly rewards shoppers for checking in and checking out products at any store they are sold. Just check-in, scan barcodes, and earn prizes, including handbags and airline miles (and not to mention iPads and other gadgets).
· FreeRice (www.freerice.com) – Okay, this isn’t exactly shopping for you. But we wanted to include this one on there – you can earn grains of rice for the World Food Programme by answering trivia questions - a great way to shop online to end world hunger (without spending a dime).
· Freecycle (www.freecycle.org) – Sign up for free and find a group in your area, then browse and see what kind of free stuff you can get. Everything from guitars, clothes, bikes, etc., are on there, free for the taking. Of course, don’t forget to donate some of your unused stuff!
· SwapStyle (www.swapstyle.com) - An interactive fashion website where members can swap, rather than buy, unlimited designer clothes with each other, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for free!
Resources: 5 Ways to Shop Online Without Spending a Dime
· Swagbucks (www.swagbucks.com) – Swagbucks is a site that enables users to earn virtual currency and real life rewards for performing the everyday actions they already take online. Search the web on Swagbucks, play games, watch videos, fill out surveys, and “cha-ching,” users earn branded virtual currency — Swag Bucks — that translates into real-world rewards and prizes.
· CheckPoints (www.checkpoints.com) – Get rewards for something you do anyway: shopping. CheckPoints is a mobile app that instantly rewards shoppers for checking in and checking out products at any store they are sold. Just check-in, scan barcodes, and earn prizes, including handbags and airline miles (and not to mention iPads and other gadgets).
· FreeRice (www.freerice.com) – Okay, this isn’t exactly shopping for you. But we wanted to include this one on there – you can earn grains of rice for the World Food Programme by answering trivia questions - a great way to shop online to end world hunger (without spending a dime).
· Freecycle (www.freecycle.org) – Sign up for free and find a group in your area, then browse and see what kind of free stuff you can get. Everything from guitars, clothes, bikes, etc., are on there, free for the taking. Of course, don’t forget to donate some of your unused stuff!
· SwapStyle (www.swapstyle.com) - An interactive fashion website where members can swap, rather than buy, unlimited designer clothes with each other, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for free!
Guest Post: How To Avoid Going Goofy At Disneyland
by Maisie Knowles
I just returned from a spontaneous weekend trip to Disneyland with my husband and two daughters, ages 11 months and 3 1/2 years. Most of my friends thought we were crazy and, in hindsight, we may have been!
My oldest daughter had a great time touring Disneyland and she'll always remember meeting Mickey and Minnie Mouse. However, I learned a lot from this trip and the next time we make a visit to the "happiest place on earth," I'll spend more time planning. So to help other mothers plan a more perfect Disneyland getaway, I put together several tips based on the lessons I learned during this experience.
1. Character Dining
Make the most of your time at the park and skip the "Meet and Greet" lines for Disney characters. Waiting in the "Meet and Greet" lines doesn't always guarantee you'll meet your character of choice. Opt instead for Character Dining, where your child is guaranteed to get an up-close encounter with their favorite Character. You'll find these opportunities at:
Crowds are overwhelming during school holidays and three-day weekends. The summer months are extremely busy as well, but the park is open longer and most of the rides and attractions are operating. Try Sundays, when the park is usually less busy.
January and February weekdays are the least busy times, but the park is open fewer hours.
3. Fast Pass and Rider Swap Tips
Every Disneyland ticket comes with the opportunity to receive Fast Passes for specified rides. A Fast Pass will give you a return-time window so you can skip the standby line and head to the front. If used correctly, Fast Passes allow you to maximize your time at the park. Usage is complex, however, so make sure you know all the rules before buying a pass.
4. Cheap Tickets
Discounts on Disneyland tickets are hard to find. If you purchase your tickets online in advance, you can save a couple dollars through travel sites like Priceline, Expedia, Orbitz and Disneyland.com.
5. Discount Disney Gift Cards
Before your trip to Disneyland, buy discount Disney gift cards on GiftCardGranny.com and save up to 10 percent at Disneyland's ticket counters, stores, restaurants and food stands.
If you're willing to take a risk, however, you might try buying tickets on eBay. Alternately, you can try hitting up a cast member for the complimentary passes they receive (make sure you tip) or ask patrons leaving the park if you can have their tickets. Look for the most expensive tickets that haven't been signed.
6. Time to Ride
People tend to head to the right side first when entering the park, so go to the left side of the park in the morning. The rides with height restrictions had smaller lines first thing in the morning during our visit. Another good time to ride is during parades and firework shows, but be aware that some will close. You also might check with your hotel to see if they offer extended Disney hours.
7. Strollers
Tie a brightly colored ribbon to the stroller so you can locate it more easily. You'll also want to write your name on a piece of tape and hide somewhere on the stroller for identification in case of theft.
Dont lock strollers to anything or leave them in one spot for an extended period, as cast members will remove them.
8. Baby Care Centers
The Baby Care Centers at Disneyland are located at the end of Main Street. At Disney California Adventure, you'll find it next to the Mission Tortilla Factory in the Pacific Wharf. The centers include rocking chairs, nursing rooms, filtered water for formula, changing tables, etc. There's also a kiosk that sells diaper-changing kits and such basic baby-care items as food and formula.
9. Save on Food
Even though there are plenty of food kiosks at Disney, you'll find most food is overpriced. Instead, pack food in a cooler and store it in a locker. If you're traveling from out of town, there's a Target less than a mile away from Disneyland where you can stock up on supplies. Be sure your hotel has a mini fridge, if you plan on storing cold food items during your stay.
If you're traveling with older children, buy a discounted gift card for them to use in place of cash when they're touring the park on their own.
10. Save on Pictures
Park photographers will give you a Photo Pass so you can view your pictures online and pay between $10 and $30 for prints. Instead, use the Photo Pass to view your photos, then download a screenshot.
To read the full story "How To Avoid Going Goofy At Disneyland" please visit http://www.freeshipping.org/
Maisie Knowles is the founder of BestBabyStuff.com, a website reviewing only the best baby products, and co-founder of FreeShipping.org. She earned a B.A. in Communications from the University of Colorado in 2003 and currently spends most of her time at home with her two young girls while continuing to be involved in business operations for Kinoli Inc. in Fort Collins, Colorado.
I just returned from a spontaneous weekend trip to Disneyland with my husband and two daughters, ages 11 months and 3 1/2 years. Most of my friends thought we were crazy and, in hindsight, we may have been!
My oldest daughter had a great time touring Disneyland and she'll always remember meeting Mickey and Minnie Mouse. However, I learned a lot from this trip and the next time we make a visit to the "happiest place on earth," I'll spend more time planning. So to help other mothers plan a more perfect Disneyland getaway, I put together several tips based on the lessons I learned during this experience.
1. Character Dining
Make the most of your time at the park and skip the "Meet and Greet" lines for Disney characters. Waiting in the "Meet and Greet" lines doesn't always guarantee you'll meet your character of choice. Opt instead for Character Dining, where your child is guaranteed to get an up-close encounter with their favorite Character. You'll find these opportunities at:
- Disneyland Park - Plaza Inn Disney California Adventure - Ariel's Disney Princess Celebration
- Disneyland Hotel - Goofy's Kitchen
- Grand Californian - Storytellers Breakfast
- Paradise Pier Hotel - PCH Grill Breakfast
Crowds are overwhelming during school holidays and three-day weekends. The summer months are extremely busy as well, but the park is open longer and most of the rides and attractions are operating. Try Sundays, when the park is usually less busy.
January and February weekdays are the least busy times, but the park is open fewer hours.
3. Fast Pass and Rider Swap Tips
Every Disneyland ticket comes with the opportunity to receive Fast Passes for specified rides. A Fast Pass will give you a return-time window so you can skip the standby line and head to the front. If used correctly, Fast Passes allow you to maximize your time at the park. Usage is complex, however, so make sure you know all the rules before buying a pass.
4. Cheap Tickets
Discounts on Disneyland tickets are hard to find. If you purchase your tickets online in advance, you can save a couple dollars through travel sites like Priceline, Expedia, Orbitz and Disneyland.com.
5. Discount Disney Gift Cards
Before your trip to Disneyland, buy discount Disney gift cards on GiftCardGranny.com and save up to 10 percent at Disneyland's ticket counters, stores, restaurants and food stands.
If you're willing to take a risk, however, you might try buying tickets on eBay. Alternately, you can try hitting up a cast member for the complimentary passes they receive (make sure you tip) or ask patrons leaving the park if you can have their tickets. Look for the most expensive tickets that haven't been signed.
6. Time to Ride
People tend to head to the right side first when entering the park, so go to the left side of the park in the morning. The rides with height restrictions had smaller lines first thing in the morning during our visit. Another good time to ride is during parades and firework shows, but be aware that some will close. You also might check with your hotel to see if they offer extended Disney hours.
7. Strollers
Tie a brightly colored ribbon to the stroller so you can locate it more easily. You'll also want to write your name on a piece of tape and hide somewhere on the stroller for identification in case of theft.
Dont lock strollers to anything or leave them in one spot for an extended period, as cast members will remove them.
8. Baby Care Centers
The Baby Care Centers at Disneyland are located at the end of Main Street. At Disney California Adventure, you'll find it next to the Mission Tortilla Factory in the Pacific Wharf. The centers include rocking chairs, nursing rooms, filtered water for formula, changing tables, etc. There's also a kiosk that sells diaper-changing kits and such basic baby-care items as food and formula.
9. Save on Food
Even though there are plenty of food kiosks at Disney, you'll find most food is overpriced. Instead, pack food in a cooler and store it in a locker. If you're traveling from out of town, there's a Target less than a mile away from Disneyland where you can stock up on supplies. Be sure your hotel has a mini fridge, if you plan on storing cold food items during your stay.
If you're traveling with older children, buy a discounted gift card for them to use in place of cash when they're touring the park on their own.
10. Save on Pictures
Park photographers will give you a Photo Pass so you can view your pictures online and pay between $10 and $30 for prints. Instead, use the Photo Pass to view your photos, then download a screenshot.
To read the full story "How To Avoid Going Goofy At Disneyland" please visit http://www.freeshipping.org/
Maisie Knowles is the founder of BestBabyStuff.com, a website reviewing only the best baby products, and co-founder of FreeShipping.org. She earned a B.A. in Communications from the University of Colorado in 2003 and currently spends most of her time at home with her two young girls while continuing to be involved in business operations for Kinoli Inc. in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Public Service Announcement: Red Light Safety Awareness
Keeping our families safe on the road is a very important task that we undertake as parents. We drive carefully, keep our cars in tip-top shape, and make sure everyone is buckled in safely on each and every trip. Unfortunately, we can’t control what other drivers on the road are doing. We must rely on the police and essential safety equipment, such as red light safety cameras, to help keep us safe.
A recent study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that 113,000 people were injured and 676 were killed in crashes that involved red-light running in 2009 – two-thirds of the victims were pedestrians, bicyclists and occupants of vehicles hit by the red-light runners.
The study also showed that red-light safety cameras helped save more than 150 lives in 14 of the biggest U.S. cities from 2004 to 2008. Had the cameras been operating in all 99 U.S. cities with populations more than 200,000, more than 800 lives could have been saved.
Each time we enter an intersection, our families are at risk of becoming the victim of an accident – whether on foot or in a vehicle. Red light safety cameras help to change driver behavior and reduce the risk to our loved ones, however many people are unaware just how valuable these cameras are to those on the road.
The National Coalition for Safer Roads has created a powerful video, showing just how tragic the consequences of running a red light can be.
You can find the National Coalition for Safer Roads on their website, Twitter and Fac
Join the Coalition in spreading this important message. You may save the life of a loved one or spare a family the heartbreak of losing a life to a tragic intersection accident.
Important Information on Sunshine Kids SuperLatch Safety
Over the last month there has been concern that the Sunshine Kids SuperLATCH anchor strap has not worked properly with the Radian Car Seat.
Sunshine Kids does not takes this lightly and would like to promote the proper use of the Radian Car Seat and SuperLATCH.
Below are some links you may find useful.
Jump Into Summer with Free Memory Lane Weekend
Need some inspiration to get in the mood for fun in the sun? Take a step back in time with Memory Lane and see how summer activities have been showcased throughout the years.
This weekend is the best time to check out www.MemoryLane.com because on May 20, 21 & 22 it’s FREE to view ALL 100 million pieces of content on the site. That includes watching all the your favorite 80s music videos, browsing through issues of LIFE magazine, Ladies Home Journal from the 40s and searching for your old High School buddies in the largest collection of American HS yearbooks on the Internet.
This weekend is open to unlimited FREE viewing of this premium content. Spanning 60 years from 1940 to 1999, the website features vintage collections of magazines, newsreels, classic sports and entertainment videos, music, movie trailers, and historic images.
Looking for the perfect bathing suit? See what style icon, Elizabeth Taylor wore in 1950:
What color is your surfboard? See what beach goers used in 1964:
Guest Post: 7 Practical Gifts for College Grads
Sure, an all-expense-paid trip to Europe seems like the ultimate graduation gift. However, college students who face thousands of dollars in academic debt may need to jump on the job hunt sooner than expected. With new financial responsibilities looming, recent grads will appreciate whatever help they can get.
To help soften the real world blow, here are seven practical gifts job-seeking college graduates will appreciate.
Resume Service
The first thing employers see is an applicant's resume and cover letter. Unfortunately, the style of these documents has become more complex in recent years. Graduates won't get noticed using the old method of simply listing experience by date. Cover letters are now approaching works of art, mentioning much more than that applicant is interested in the job and is a good team player, trustworthy and a hard worker.
A resume service will create updated documents so subsequent resumes and cover letters live up to modern standards. Costs run roughly $100 to $200, depending on the services you desire. It's worth paying extra to have an expert explain the latest tricks and how graduates can alter these documents for each job. Sites like ResumeMyCareer can help you compile a professional and competitive resume at an affordable cost.
Home Furnishings
After living with cinder-block bookshelves and saggy mattresses for four years or, worse yet, being surrounded by their childhood furniture while living at home, graduates might appreciate an upgrade on everything from a couch to kitchen implements especially those moving into a new apartment to be closer to their new 9 to 5 job. You might also put together a basket of upscale bed and bath products so the grad can finally dump their dollar-store shampoo and soap.
Gift Cards
The 2011 crop of college graduates faces more debt than any other generation, so money is always a welcome gift especially to help them get through that first, unstable post-school year. Grads not comfortable with the idea of asking directly for money can create a gift card registry at CardAvenue.com to receive gift cards from hundreds of merchants in a variety of categories from apparel to food, gas and much more.
Job Interview Clothing
Suits can be overkill in some places, unless the graduate lives in a big city or is looking for a management position. Most employers will expect something a bit more casual these days. Men should have a dress shirt, pants and shoes with a matching tie and, perhaps, a sports coat. Women will need a demure outfit of skirt and blouse or dress with basic pumps. A coordinated jacket would nicely complete the outfit.
Foreign Language Lessons
College graduates face a tough job market and with high unemployment rates, that means more experienced competition. Given any opportunity to improve his or her skill set, grads can make themselves more marketable to potential employers depending on the position. Consider gifting Spanish lessons (Rosetta Stone is an effective and affordable option) or perhaps a GMAT review course for help towards MBA school admissions.
Briefcase
Backpacks and messenger bags are great for toting books and water bottles, but grads will have a better chance of securing a job when they show up looking sophisticated. A soft-sided briefcase with room for a laptop, resume binder and lunch will give any job seeker a more professional appearance.
Smartphone
With instant email access & GPS navigation, a smartphone will keep recent grads connected with potential employers & recruiters so they never miss an interview opportunity or an offer. Not to mention, the various apps that offer banking on-the-go, cheap dinner recipes and location-based drink specials to help make their lives a little easier.
Consumer Savings Expert, Andrea Woroch, has been featured as a media expert source on NBC's Today Show, FOX & Friends, MSNBC, ABC News NOW, and including Connecting Women Radio and many more.
Guest Post: 15 Tips to Make Your Trip to the Pump Less Painful
by Chris Faulkner
1. Fill up your tank on Wednesday or Thursday before 10 am. Gas prices rise on Thursdays in anticipation of weekend travel. 10 am is when most station owners make their price change for the day. Unless it is an emergency, do not buy gas Friday, Saturday or Sunday.
2. Don't let your car idle, either when you warm it up or when you are at a standstill. If you're going to be standing for more than a minute, running your engine wastes more gas than restarting the engine.
3. Buy gas when it's cooler during the day (like the early morning or at night) to reduce gas evaporation.
4. Remove unnecessary items in your car. Every 250 extra pounds eats up an extra mile per gallon of gas.
5. Avoid the convenient gas station on the side of the highway as you drive home from work which can be up to $.15 more per gallon.
6. Save money with self-service and look for gas stations where paying cash costs the same as using a credit or debit card.
7. Double check the attendant and ensure, if you are paying by cash, that “cash” is noted on the pump. You could lose $.05 a gallon if he mistakenly presses “credit.”
8. Drive less - combine errands, carpool, and plot out the shortest route with a driving website beforehand. It may sound obvious but it is often overlooked.
9. Check for traffic and detours online or on the radio prior to beginning your drive to avoid wasteful backtracking and idling.
10. Keep your windows closed when driving on the highway. Open windows can reduce your gas mileage by as much as 10%. In stop-and-go traffic, open the windows and turn off the air conditioning to save more money.
11. Rent fuel-efficient cars when you travel and research reasonably priced places to buy gas before you leave.
12. Confirm with your mechanic what octane gasoline your car’s engine really needs. Most car engines do not require high octane though the manual will say its "recommended."
13. Download a Gas App for your phone. If you have a Smartphone, there are plenty of free apps that help you find the cheapest gas near your destination. GasBuddy makes it easy with its free app, and Mapquest has an online finder for gas prices.
14. Buy Discount Gas Gift Cards - Did you know you don't have to pay full price for a gift card? Sites like GiftCardGranny.com offer a diverse selection of discount gas gift cards from various card vendors.
15. Be loyal to one gas company and get rewarded with its cash-back credit card reward program.
Business Resource: Wicked Start
Ask any female entrepreneur about the inception of her business, and she’s likely to tell you that the initial excitement was often tempered by uncertainty and concerns, about anything from balancing work and family to knowing the right steps to take to build a business plan. No more…as of today, there is now a one-stop resource to help new and aspiring female entrepreneurs navigate the unfamiliar waters of starting a business.
Wicked Start is a new business application designed to provide step-by-step guidance and support to aspiring entrepreneurs or anyone who is thinking about starting a business. Founded by Bryan Janeczko, whose last venture, Nu-Kitchen, sold to Nutrisystem in a multimillion-dollar deal, Wicked Start offers a personalized suite of tools and a robust community designed to support entrepreneurs in every step of their business journey. For the first time, women starting businesses have full access to roadmaps, resources, success stories and support – all in one place online.
For more information, click here.
Expert Tips for Managing Migraines
A recent Harris Interactive national survey suggests many of them often overlook or misinterpreting key pieces of information during conversations with their doctor.
Dr. Merle Diamond, a neurologist and migraine headache expert, gave tips to help you with severe headaches or migraines.
Based on this study, Dr. Diamond, along with Judy Brown, migraine sufferer and patient advocate, share what information patients often miss telling their doctor and suggest helpful resources, like a migraine diary or a symptom tracker, which may help you make the most of their time during medical visits by facilitating more meaningful conversations.
Dr. Merle Diamond, a neurologist and migraine headache expert, gave tips to help you with severe headaches or migraines.
Based on this study, Dr. Diamond, along with Judy Brown, migraine sufferer and patient advocate, share what information patients often miss telling their doctor and suggest helpful resources, like a migraine diary or a symptom tracker, which may help you make the most of their time during medical visits by facilitating more meaningful conversations.
Smallville: Superhuman Powers
Imagine being a superhuman. Wow. All the things you can do with those powers. Throughout the Smallville series, we see Clark Kent figure out and further develop his superpowers each season. Clark's famous powers include heat vision and super speed.
I find Clark's super speed fascinating. Super Speed - ("Pilot" Season 1, Ep. 1): The earliest manifested Kryptonian power which allows Clark to move at speeds faster than the speed of light. In Season 1 "Pilot," Clark misses his bus but reveals his super speed when he outruns it through a cornfield.
The power I would love to have is super speed because I would love to save time if I am running behind or some unplanned activity popped up like those emergencies. I would be able to attend events and obligations without feeling guilty that I had to miss them or not fulfill. I would feel more accomplished.
The 'Smallville: The Complete Series' DVD lets you experience the exciting journey Clark Kent embarks upon to realize his destiny! With over 24 hours of special features and 2 hours of never before seen footage, the complete series on DVD is the ultimate resource for the Smallville fan! Click here: *http://amzn.to/f1X0e4*
FTC: "I have been hired by Warner Bros WBWord division to raise awareness for 'Smallville.'"
I find Clark's super speed fascinating. Super Speed - ("Pilot" Season 1, Ep. 1): The earliest manifested Kryptonian power which allows Clark to move at speeds faster than the speed of light. In Season 1 "Pilot," Clark misses his bus but reveals his super speed when he outruns it through a cornfield.
The power I would love to have is super speed because I would love to save time if I am running behind or some unplanned activity popped up like those emergencies. I would be able to attend events and obligations without feeling guilty that I had to miss them or not fulfill. I would feel more accomplished.
The 'Smallville: The Complete Series' DVD lets you experience the exciting journey Clark Kent embarks upon to realize his destiny! With over 24 hours of special features and 2 hours of never before seen footage, the complete series on DVD is the ultimate resource for the Smallville fan! Click here: *http://amzn.to/f1X0e4*FTC: "I have been hired by Warner Bros WBWord division to raise awareness for 'Smallville.'"
Resource: Enloop and Business Plans
This week is small business week and as many women around the country are starting to go into business for themselves we thought you would be interested in a few tips about going out on your own:
1) Start with a business plan. How can you predict if your business will be profitable or not unless you run the numbers?
2) Get a score for your business based on industry data. Say you are opening up a coffee shop, with Enloop.com you can see how other coffee shops perform compared to your business forecasts. This helps you see if your business is a viable idea, before you break into your savings, 401k or your kids college fund.
You can do all of this for FREE with Enloop.com -- which was launched last week!
1) Start with a business plan. How can you predict if your business will be profitable or not unless you run the numbers?
2) Get a score for your business based on industry data. Say you are opening up a coffee shop, with Enloop.com you can see how other coffee shops perform compared to your business forecasts. This helps you see if your business is a viable idea, before you break into your savings, 401k or your kids college fund.
You can do all of this for FREE with Enloop.com -- which was launched last week!
Schwarzenegger & DSK: When Powerful Men Cross Lines
Eight years ago former Los Angeles Times reporter Tracy Weber was "dragged scowling and complaining into an investigation of allegations that Arnold Schwarzenegger....had sexually harassed and molested women who worked on his movies." Weber, now a senior reporter for ProPublica, shares her thoughts on the "queasy feeling of deja-vu" that have emerged in the wake of Dominique Strauss-Kahn's sexually aggressive behavior.
"Several (women) reluctantly began to describe behavior that appeared to cross every imaginable line," writes Weber. "As I interviewed these women, I came to believe in the importance of the story. They were strong, professional, independent people, women like myself: competent and assertive. Their experiences with Schwarzenegger were double humiliations...Election Day arrived and Schwarzenegger was elected by a wide margin. The Los Angeles Times was castigated for smearing Schwarzenegger close to the election. Ten thousand readers cancelled their subscriptions.I received a string of vicious calls and emails. The women were branded as liars desperate for a share of fame. One of the women called me in tears. I'd cajoled her into revealing her humiliations - and here was yet another. The voters, like Hollywood, ignored the star's troubling behavior. I was devastated and angry too--and guilty for wasting their courage."
Code for Grad and Dad Gift
Sprayground is offering you 20% anything on Sprayground.net with code JUNE until June 15 on gifts for grads and dads.
In Zone Brands(tm) Announces "Be a BellyWashers(r) Hero" Photo Contest
In Zone Brands,™ makers of BellyWashers®, TummyTickler®, and TummyTickler® Tots Healthy and Fun children’s beverages, has announced a fun and family-friendly online photo contest. The contest, will take place throughout the month of May, on the BellyWashers website.
The new contest invites all kids and parents (aspiring Superheroes and photographers) to express themselves in showing their love for Superheroes and BellyWashers. Entering is easy; simply take a picture of yourself or your child with their great-tasting BellyWashers beverage and favorite Superhero BellyWashers topper, and submit it on the “For Moms” page of the BellyWashers website.
The contest period begins May 1, 2011 at 12:00 a.m. Eastern Time ("ET") and ends May 31, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Entries are limited to one per person per during the contest period. The contest is open to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States (including the District of Columbia) who are at least eighteen (18) years old at the time of entry. For full contest details, visit www.bellywashers.com.
One grand prize winner will be chosen based on style and originality displayed in the photo submitted, so entrants are encouraged to be super creative with their photos. The winner will receive Fandango Bucks in the amount of $60.00, good for admission for up to six (6) individuals at a participating theater, a fifty dollar ($50) gift card for purchase of snacks and drinks at the theater, and one (1) case of assorted BellyWashers® beverages. The winner will be notified via e-mail and the prize will be shipped to the winner following winner selection and notification, which will occur in mid-June. In addition, all entrants’ approved images will be posted in the BellyWashers Photo Gallery, on the BellyWashers website, as well as BellyWashers’ Facebook page.
The new contest invites all kids and parents (aspiring Superheroes and photographers) to express themselves in showing their love for Superheroes and BellyWashers. Entering is easy; simply take a picture of yourself or your child with their great-tasting BellyWashers beverage and favorite Superhero BellyWashers topper, and submit it on the “For Moms” page of the BellyWashers website.
The contest period begins May 1, 2011 at 12:00 a.m. Eastern Time ("ET") and ends May 31, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Entries are limited to one per person per during the contest period. The contest is open to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States (including the District of Columbia) who are at least eighteen (18) years old at the time of entry. For full contest details, visit www.bellywashers.com.
One grand prize winner will be chosen based on style and originality displayed in the photo submitted, so entrants are encouraged to be super creative with their photos. The winner will receive Fandango Bucks in the amount of $60.00, good for admission for up to six (6) individuals at a participating theater, a fifty dollar ($50) gift card for purchase of snacks and drinks at the theater, and one (1) case of assorted BellyWashers® beverages. The winner will be notified via e-mail and the prize will be shipped to the winner following winner selection and notification, which will occur in mid-June. In addition, all entrants’ approved images will be posted in the BellyWashers Photo Gallery, on the BellyWashers website, as well as BellyWashers’ Facebook page.
Smallville: Romance
My favorite one is Lois because it seems like they match the best. Lois and Clark are complete strangers, and from what I think took the time to get to know each other.
Lois Lane - ("Crusade" Season 4, Ep. 1): A slowly developed relationship over the years; from complete strangers to romantic lovers, Lois Lane is a journalist for the Daily Planet. After five years of friendship with Clark, they fall in love and she becomes Clark Kent's fiancee. She first appears in Season 4 "Crusade," when she arrives in Smallville to investigate the death of her cousin Chloe. She meets Clark for the first time when he falls from the sky and is found naked in a corn field. She wraps a red blanket around him (iconic for his future cape) and begins their relationship.
With the 'Smallville: The Complete Series' DVD, fans will be able to relive all of Clark Kent's romantic encounters, from start to finish! With an Exclusive Daily Planet newspaper written by DC Comics that highlights the important storylines developed during the 10-year run of the show, the Smallville Complete Series is a must-have for all Smallville fans! Visit: http://amzn.to/f1X0e4
FTC: "I have been hired by Warner Bros WBWord division to raise awareness for 'Smallville.'"
Save 52% Off of Melissa and Doug, Eco-Friendy, Lego and More Educational Toys from ToysCamp.com!
Check out this great deal on these toys! These are sure to be a hit with your kids. My son definitely loves Melissa and Doug, Leap Frog and Lego.
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