Interior Design For Non-Designers

By Claudio Carbeni

Do you love wild and crazy wall colors while your spouse is more of a neutral and beige kind of person? Have you been butting heads about re-decorating and you just can't seem to come to an agreement about what you want to do in your house? With do-it-yourself decorating and design you get the satisfaction of doing it yourself. Perhaps interior design school is just what the doctor ordered for you.

Risk Free Paint

You can check out local stores, houses, or restaurants for real-life ideas to do your best interior design. With a computer program you can upload a picture of the room you want to work on and test out different paint colors and moldings as well as oriental design methods. Your living room can go from beige to chartreuse to puce to yellow in a matter of minutes without dragging out the painter's tape, brushes, drop cloths, and waiting in line at the paint counter for them to mix the wrong color paint

Moldings Without Endings

Putting crown molding up is a project that most homeowners feel pretty confident about in the planning stages but when it comes down to it there is a very complex formula for measuring the angle where the corners meet and it's likely that unless you're a professional or have someone to help you who has done lots of crown molding cutting that you will have spent a lot of time, effort, and money on a bunch of scrap wood by the time you're done. Not to mention the fact that you might get the molding up and hate it.

Remodeling

Being a veteran of the remodeling highs and lows is not a prerequisite for actually jumping in and giving do-it-yourself projects a try! Pick up that hammer and if you miss the nail and break the window then you know to be a little more careful the next time around. Try something new - you might be surprised to find that grouting tile is the most fun you have ever had in your life. Perhaps you will have found yourself a new career choice?

Using a 3-d model to picture the ways that your home "could" look can be really useful. If you see a picture in a magazine of a room that you like take that idea and interpret it your own way by using the colors that are shown in the magazine photo in the room with your accessories such as curtains. Try some throw pillows, they are very inexpensive and can work wonders in changing the look of any room. Except the bathroom. Most people don't have throw pillows in their bathrooms. But then again you might be able to start a fashion trend. I have seen a toilet with a phone attached to the wall next to it at someone's house

Move your furniture around. Get everything away from the wall and try a new arrangement. Listen when someone suggests putting the armchair where you would think it looks hideous. Usually this ends up being the placement you love!

There are so many different ways to remodel your home - from doing it virtually online first to actually going to the store to purchase the materials to getting elbow deep in drywall dust and joint compound, home remodeling can be quite a lot of fun!

About the Author:

Claudio Carbeni continually produces publications on information related to priscilla window curtains. You might see his publications on priscilla curtains and priscilla window curtains on his site.

The Generation Game: Do Age Groups Have Different Personalities

By Andrew Baud

Do different age groups have different personality types? A new study asks the question, and offers some surprising answers, as Talent Q founder Roger Holdsworth explains.

Age-related stereotypes abound in our society. From the portrait of selfish, feckless youth in TV shows like Skins through to the grumpy, conservative vision of old age provided by Victor Meldrew in One Foot in the Grave.

But do these crude caricatures hold up to serious scrutiny? Or - to put it another way - do different generations have specific characteristics that we should be aware of as HR professionals?

At Talent Q, we compared nearly 4,000 people across three generations - Generation Y (with an average age of 22), Generation X (average of 35) and the Baby Boomers (average of 55) to see if there were any clear trends.

The results challenged stereotypes, but also posed some interesting questions for the future.

First, we found that those in their early 20s had higher ethical standards, showed greater attention to detail and were more socially adept than older generations. All of which goes against popular perceptions of modern youth.

But surprising, the younger generation also proved to be less adaptable to variety and change, less likely to be good decision-makers, and less able to cope with a fast pace of work. Generation Ys were also generally less organised, less keen on planning their workload and less efficient than other generations.

Should we be worried by this? Well yes, possibly.

A shifting economy means adaptability, efficiency and dynamism are key traits for a modern workforce. One study suggests that Generation Y is likely to have an average of 14 different jobs by the time they turn 35, so it is a little concerning - not to mention perverse - that the younger generations seem less well disposed to change than their elders.

The 20-somethings we studied also tended to be less resilient, less confident at negotiation and decision-making, less influential in a leadership capacity and less able or willing to follow the rules - all of which tallies with bosses' complaints in annual CBI surveys.

But there were positives to draw upon too. Our research explodes the myth that younger people tend to be surlier and more selfish than previous generations. In fact, the Generation Ys were found to be more socially aware and more in tune with other's behaviour than their elders.

They also generally showed a stronger ethical code, which bodes well as business flexes to meet important challenges like climate change and corporate social responsibility: these agendas, it would seem, are in safe hands for the future.

So what then of the 'Baby Boomers'? Can we put some of their caricatures to the sword too?

Well certainly, the idea that older generations are conservative and 'set in their ways' can be challenged quite strongly.

The 50 and 60-somethings we surveyed were more likely to adopt new techniques and more likely to favour radical ideas than the younger generations - proof that "you can teach an old dog new tricks."

But interestingly, the same generation were also found to be less ambitious, less competitive and less likely to fit in with different types of people.

The difference in ambition and competitiveness may be explained by the ageing process - with older people easing down as they approach retirement.

But the social dimension suggests one abiding stereotype may have a grain of truth to it. Our findings do appear to bear out the 'grumpy old man' tag. Statistically at least, older generations are less socially adept than younger people - so Victor Meldrew, it would seem, continues to flourish in our society!

Of course, these conclusions are interesting, sometimes quite amusing. But they come with a big health warning - and that is that they remain massive generalisations. The differences we did record - while statistically significant - remained small, suggesting that there is actually more similarity between generations than many pundits might have you believe.

So the bottom line is simple, if a bit dull: there simply are no short-cuts. All stereotypes are inevitably flawed. They exist, as someone wisely wrote, "to save a biased person the trouble of learning."

That's a lesson we should all remember before we make a snap judgement based on person's age. More often than not, you will be wrong.

About the Author:

Talent Q enables employers to recruit and manage talent through sophisticated assessment of the personality and intelligence of its people. Visit us for more information on psychometrics testing and assesment for recruitment.

How To Beat The Top 5 Car Dealer Scams

By Ada Denis

When you're going in for your next car purchase keep your eyes peeled for the following scams.

1. The VIN# window etching scam

Some dealers will charge you $300-$900 for window VIN# etching and tell you that you have to pay the money to get the loan because the bank insists on it. Don't go for it.

Some dealers might tell you that the etching is free but will add on the etch money to your monthly payments to make up for it. Anytime a dealer says something is free, get it in writing and check your monthly fee. The best way to avoid this scam is to force the dealer to put it in writing if they say that the etching is free or simply etch the car yourself.

You can get an etch-it-yourself kit from CarEtch.com for $30 or just don't buy the car. Remember a lender doesn't require that you purchase any extras on a car. All the lender cares about is that you can make your regular payments on time.

2. The Financing Scam

You trade in your old car in and the finance manager signs you up at the agreed interest rate and gives you the car. After a week or two passes and he/she calls saying that you didn't qualify for the interest rates that they gave you when the deal was made.

Every new purchase has a clause in the contract that usually states that the deal is "subject to loan approval." This gives the finance manager an opening to get more money out of you. All that this clause means in the contract is that the deal is not finished yet even if you already have possession of the car and have signed the contract. The dealer can then charge you $1000 more in finance fees and up your monthly payments by $50. This scam is generally pulled on people with bad credit because it is more believable.

You can avoid this scam by not financing the car with the dealer if you know that you have bad credit. You are better off going to a credit union and financing the car yourself. When you buy a new car the deal should be made on the price of the car, not on the monthly payments.

3. The Credit Score Scam

This is desperation in action. This is when the finance manager tells you that your credit score is lower than it really is so that they can get you for higher interest rates. This scam is pulled on everyone; good or bad credit. This scam is easy to avoid. Just get your own copy of your credit report from Equifax.com, and bring it with you.

It's pretty hard to lie to you about your credit score if you have your own copy of it. If your paper and theirs doesn't say the same thing, you might want to shop elsewhere because that dealership is sleazy. Don't hesitate to let them know it too because it'll be nice to watch them try to back out of that one.

4. The Forced Warranty Scam

This is when the finance manager tells you that you are not eligible for the loan by the bank unless you pay an extra $2000 for a 2-3 year extended warranty. It's hard to believe they even try this. Why would the bank trust you to pay a $22,000 loan for the car, but they will not trust you to pay for a $20,000 loan?? That's just insane.

You can avoid this scam by forcing them to put it in writing that you "have" to pay the extended warranty in order to get the loan. Just let them know you'd like to check with the contract your local State's Attorney's office for validity and they'll drop the extended warranty in a heartbeat.

5. The Dealer Preparation Scam

Unfortunately, this is legal and very much common practice. I still refer to it as a scam because it is just another way to get more money from you for nothing. The dealer will tell you that you have to pay an extra $500 to cover the labor costs of the dealership's 5-point inspection.

This alleged check up that you are paying so much money for, is for the dealership to remove plastic from the seats, vacuum the car, maybe, and make sure all of the fuses and fluids are ready to go. When factories deliver the new cars to the dealerships the cost of delivery and preparation is already covered, so basically you are paying the dealership for work that they haven't really done.

You can avoid this scam by simply asking the dealership to add an extra $500 credit to the deal to make sure you do not have to pay the money. If they refuse, the choice is yours. If you think its fine buy the car, if not; try another dealer that will remove the dealer preparation costs.

About the Author:

Student Loan Information What Is Identity Theft

Rule #1: Invest in Yourself

By Ian Pelham

By far the most important rule in Internet Marketing, and one that you MUST remember, is that you should always "Invest in Yourself!"

The chances are very good that you will have heard this saying repeated over and over again and yet you probably still don't have the first clue what this means. Let me explain.

An internet business doesn't exist in a world of bricks and mortar, only in the virtual world of the internet, and in the heart and mind of its owner.

Essentially, your internet business consists of just one major component. YOU. You are your internet business.

If you had a real world business you could make improvements to the building or to the landscaping and people would see that improvements had been made and be drawn in to see what kind of improvements had been made in the merchandise that was being offered.

With an online business you can change the look of your website but to make any real impact on your internet business you need to make improvements to yourself. You need to invest in yourself. It's not easy but you can't improve your internet business unless you improve yourself first.

How do you invest in yourself? It's simple. You educate yourself about new marketing methods, new technologies that could benefit your business, etc. In short, you need more knowledge. The more knowledge you gain, the more your business will grow in response.

If you devote only one single hour a day to reading newsletters or articles that pertain to your business, it will add up to a lot of hours every month and you will be investing in yourself.

Enrol in a couple of courses, listen to teleseminars and webinars. These are the kinds of things that allow you to invest in yourself most effectively. This is the most important thing in online marketing.

The next natural step is the principle of 'Abundance Thinking'.

Abundance Thinking? What the heck is that? This refers to one of two possible modes of thought. In order to clarify this I will explain the second mode first. 'Limited Supply' thinking is where you believe there is a finite amount of business out there. This is a bad model because it induces panic and the mindset that motivates you to grab what you can at the expense of others.

Limited Supply thinking may earn you a living, perhaps even a decent one, but it won't allow you to make the most money you possibly can. It's the complete opposite of Abundance Thinking.

Abundance thinking is the belief that there is enough business to go around and that we can all make a good living by giving away referrals, ideas and assistance to help others...including to our competitors.

Abundance thinking is the belief that we are all stronger together than we are separately and that by helping one another we each become stronger individually. This principle when applied to internet marketing is usually the more productive of the two schools of thought.

Limited-supply thinking means that you hold on as tightly as you can to what you have. You do not share anything with anybody. What is yours is yours. Often time decisions are made by people who apply limited-supply thinking based upon what the competition is doing. Limited-supply thinking is basically a defensive position.

Abundance thinking is a proactive, offensive method. It concentrates on building good relationships with customers, suppliers, even competitors. It is the mark of a well adjusted, mature, competent and successful person.

Abundance Thinking allows you to share effectively with others whilst enabling you to make the most of the opportunities you have.

Interestingly, when people see this principle working successfully, they are inclined to try it themselves, and are also more inclined to do business with you since they consider you more trustworthy.

Joint ventures will develop more readily once you adopt an Abundance mentality, and you will see for yourself that there is more success in Abundance Thinking than in Limited Supply thinking.

About the Author:

Ian Pelham is a marketer who has come through a very difficult time financially. He used debt consolidation loans to restructure his finances. Using a debt consolidation loan was one of the best things he did to rid himself of his bad debt.

Exercises Build Muscle, Even in Pools

By Caleb Lee

There is a way to get out of the gym on those hot summer days to help build muscle in your pool, but how do pool exercises build muscle?

Well, truth is, you won't build much muscle fast, however, you will improve your ability to build muscle by strengthening your joints, a slight body workout, and also great flexibility.

Your joints are crucial for lifting weights, cardio, or any kind of exercise. Swimming will be beneficial in providing your body the chance to build its joint strength for once, instead of only your muscles. This will in turn provide more strength, room for muscle building improvements, and less room for injuries.

Although this should not be your main workout, swimming will give you a full body workout without giving you stress on your body. If you use this as your only workout, the cool water will make your fat distribute differently, sending more fat to your skin, losing your muscle tone. Adding this to your regular workout schedule, about once a week, and you'll feel the results without hurting your tone.

Flexibility is also worked on in pools. You may get some flexibility training from stretching or working out, however, you will benefit more from swimming. Having good flexibility will help you in lifting weights and exercising.

Finally, your inner self will improve. Your lungs and heart will be put to the test under calm, low stress conditions. Holding your breath and swimming helps expand your lungs and pump the heart, giving you a boost in health. It would be normal to get out of the pool breathing easier and feeling better because of this.

Now you know pool exercises build muscle while also giving you better flexibility and joint strength, so incorporate this into your weekly workout and see the results for yourself.

About the Author:

Get more info on nutrition kre alkalyn and other important things you should know about nutrition kre alkalyn at the author's website.

Six Natural Home Remedies for Diabetes

By Terry Stanfield

Diabetes mellitus is a very complicated disease that has an affect on many different parts of your body. When we think of diabetes management we wouldn't normally think of using things from right out of your own kitchen. When combating diabetes you probably are willing to look just about anywhere to get a little relief from it. Never forget that some of the best aids can be found in the most simplest of places which are usually right under your nose.

Diabetes management is a huge step in your daily regimen when it comes to combating diabetes which is a troublesome and sometimes deadly disease. Never forget there is no cure for diabetes mellitus but there are ways to take control of it and make it seem as though it is non-existent in your life. So what are you waiting for let's jump right in and take a look at some natural home remedies used to control diabetes.

Peanut butter is a great follow up to a correction of low blood sugar. Using natural peanut butter provides needed protein as well as carbohydrates that are lost when you combat a bout of low blood sugar.

If you suffer from Type 1 Diabetes and are taking insulin a plastic container can be your best friend. You can place your extra vials of insulin in the container which will keep them safe and all in one spot.

Salt can be a great aid for a diabetic if they have a bout of dry and itchy skin. All you need to do is take 1 cup of regular old table salt or sea salt and add to your bathwater.

Now for one that just might surprise you, sugar. Even diabetics will have the need to use sugar every now and then. When your blood sugar gets too low just grab a spoon of straight sugar or a cube of it and a piece of hard candy will also work.

Vinegar is a great help when it comes to getting rid of muscle cramps. All you do here is add 8 ounces of vinegar, the apple cider type, to your warm bath and soak in it for at least fifteen minutes to gain some relief.

One last thing you can use to aid in your control of diabetes is a fork. Yes it may sound strange but use a fork instead of a spoon or the container to add salad dressing or any other type of sauce over your food.

These are just a few of the natural home remedies that are out there to help you control diabetes mellitus. Just give them a try and if they don't seem to work for you move on to another one of the many remedies. You will eventually find at least one or two that will work for you.

About the Author:

Visit Geromatrix's site for information on nutraceutical solutions and Healthy Blood Sugar Supplements.

Salary Negotiation

By Trevor Davide Grant

A colleague of mine was asking me about how to approach a potential new employer about their salary expectations, and the timing of the conversation. They were worried it might set the wrong impression or give the employer a negotiating edge if they discussed the salary too soon. My rule of thumb is to never lie to any employer about your salary history or salary expectations, but to avoid the discussion until you have nearly gotten the job.

In the past, I have been in the same situation, and have been pressured for a response to the tough questions on salary. My approach has been as follows.

1) My first response would be to try to defer the topic until later. Because we haven't really gotten through the responsibilities of the job, nor the contributions I can make in the new position. The new job is somewhat different from the past job because the company's market, product or industry are somewhat different than the past companies. Therefore the past salary history is not all that applicable. I would prefer to be paid in accordance with the market and the company's hiring practices.

2) If I am pressured for an answer in an interview where the request is to provide my previous salary, I set out the total value of what I expect the compensation package will hopefully include. That is cash value for the time and effort (salary), list the benefits in as much detail as I can, how much holiday, and other working conditions such as flex time, or time off in place of worked overtime. I also prefer to reiterate that the job I am looking towards is not with the same company and thus my previous earnings not very relevant. In reality, there are so many things to consider, such as home life balance, health benefits, vacations, overtime, etc,etc, that factor in. What is most important to me is that my salary will be aligned within a margin of my past job, and does the package I am offered match what is reasonable for the current job market which can be totally different.

3) While you may feel you are a high performer, you also may be somewhere above average but not commanding the highest pay. Know the salary range for the job you are applying to, but be realistic when setting your percentile level for your salary expectation. The majority of people are between the 25% and 75% level. Remember that the employer will confirm your performance level with your past employers at reference checking time.

4) No matter what you made at your previous jobs, your expectation should be set at the fair market value for the job in your region. You may have earned less money in the past than the current expectations, possibly even a lot less. The reasons are not relevant to the new job, and therefore you would prefer to be within the companies fair range. Aim to make it clear to the new employer that you want salary negotiations to be fair, regardless of your past salary history.

5) If you do give in and tell them your past salary, make sure you clearly express that you expect to be paid respectably, and you just don't want to be taken advantage of. Explain what you do know about the job market at that time. Most employers will respect you for expressing your expectation for your reasonable salary. Just remember salary negotiation is not supposed to be an offensive situation where you are demanding. Remember to be clear in your negotiations but respectful in your dealings with the recruiting manager.

Whatever you to, be completely truthful during interviews. The employer has many ways of getting information and they will find out your true salary history if they are so determined. They will also learn about your past performance, and they may even ask you to produce a pay stub to prove your past salary. Remember you're a highly skilled worker, and you bring a lot of value to the position. You just need the skills to communicate that value clearly and effectively to the new employer.

About the Author:

Trevor Davide Grant is a project manager in the software development industry and has considerable experience in salary negotiation. Trevor has worked for global telecom, electric utilities, software project consulting, and a prominent web 2.0 website. He has learned how to negotiate a salary in the most effective way. Learn great tips on the topic of salary negotiation at www.HowToNegotiateASalary.com.