What if you are in a big city where shops abound and you can’t keep tabs on all those sale days that you’re dying to take advantage of? How do you make sure that you don’t get left unnotified?
Here are some ways that can help you stay informed whenever your favorite stores announce sale or discount days:
Email Alerts
Stores are now learning to market their goods and services via email. You can opt for sale day alerts through typing in your e-mail to their sites’ email alert page.
SMS Alerts
A wide variety of shops are now getting more and more comfortable with the use of technology, specifically with the mobile technology on making their business grow. As a marketing tool, cellular phones are now used to alert customers of any announcements these technology savvy shops have to communicate. Usually, customers or clients are given certain keywords and numbers to get registered or to subscribe to any alerts.
RSS Feeds
Customers that are familiar with the Internet technology can also be notified of any rummage sales, garage sales or discount days using this web tool – RSS. RSS stands for really simple syndication. It is the use of RSS readers or news aggregators to help people compile the list of websites they like to keep updated with.
How do you use RSS feeds to get sale alerts? Here are the steps to learn how to use the RSS technology.
1. Sign up for an RSS reader. RSS readers or news aggregators are like machines that will be your repository of the news feeds or alerting devices of all the websites you want to keep on reading without visiting those sites every so often. The most popular RSS readers are Bloglines and Google Reader.
2. Start collecting RSS feeds. There are a couple of ways to gather RSS feeds. Go to a website, specifically, your favorite shop’s website. Then, look for an orange block with white arcs inside, which is the universal symbol for RSS feeds. Click that graphic and you will be lead to a page to help you subscribe. Choose the reader which you use and that site’s feed will get added to your list of sites that you subscribe to on your RSS reader. Just repeat that procedure when you discover the other web sites that you want to be informed about whenever they get updated.
3. Read the feeds whenever updates are posted on your reader. That way you will only go to the site if there’s something new or if there’s a sale day that’s announced. Less hassle.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Check Out Our Newsletter
Just thought we would let you know that our latest issue of our newsletter is on line. Just for kicks, you should take a look. You might find it interesting and perhaps helpful. We know that some people are finding it to their liking and have expressed how helpful it has been to them.
Click here for the newsletter
Hope you enjoy it.
Click here for the newsletter
Hope you enjoy it.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Happy New Year
The parties are over. The fireworks are quiet. The sun is shining. A new day has arrived and with it the New Year. Give thanks that you have started a new year.
We wish all of you a happy New Year and that this will be the begining of an awesome time in your life. You should start your resolutions now if you have decided to have a resolution or two. It's not to late to set a resolution and to begin.
If you are still having some residual affects from holiday stress, check our posts on stress. We should note that we left out a very important consideration to overcoming stress. That is the value of prayer. It is not just for the zealots, but what you should consider on a daily basis. Another consideration is to use your church and your minister to overcome stress. You would be surprised how uplifting and beneficial that this will be to your life.
Also, remember that your health is extremely important to you in begining this new year. This includes your physical, mental, and your environmental wellbeing. Take a few moments to do an inventory of your life, yourself, and your "world" to see how you can improve.
Remember: LIVE WELL, LAUGH OFTEN, LOVE MUCH
We wish all of you a happy New Year and that this will be the begining of an awesome time in your life. You should start your resolutions now if you have decided to have a resolution or two. It's not to late to set a resolution and to begin.
If you are still having some residual affects from holiday stress, check our posts on stress. We should note that we left out a very important consideration to overcoming stress. That is the value of prayer. It is not just for the zealots, but what you should consider on a daily basis. Another consideration is to use your church and your minister to overcome stress. You would be surprised how uplifting and beneficial that this will be to your life.
Also, remember that your health is extremely important to you in begining this new year. This includes your physical, mental, and your environmental wellbeing. Take a few moments to do an inventory of your life, yourself, and your "world" to see how you can improve.
Remember: LIVE WELL, LAUGH OFTEN, LOVE MUCH
Friday, December 28, 2007
Life After Christmas
We don't know how your Christmas went, but ours was unbelievable. It started on the 23rd and ran for 3 days ending, finally, at 10 PM, the 25th. A whirlwind of parties at various relatives' homes all over southeast Texas. And now, supposedly, the "let down". Whoa, not necessarily.
The New Year arrives in a few days and that could be, for some of you, another round of parties. If it is, and you haven't set up your party plans, you could have some problems unless you are attending someone else's party. That is not the case for us.
We will be having a party put on by 2 of our teenage grandchildren for a group of their friends. But, true to normal teenagers, they have set up no plans other than invite a dozen plus of their friends. NOW WHAT?
During our annual after Christmas buying spree on the 26th, we quizzed the kids, got their input, then layed out the rules and plans for the party and bought what was necessary for the party. All done in about 2 hours. How? Organization.
Living at the beach has required that we have plans set up for just about any type of party with limited notification in advance. Yes, we do keep plans and lists of party requirements for just about any type of party. These are simple outlines with with a general check list to keep us on track. Is it hard to do this? NO!
Simple organization is all it takes. Sit down with a pad of paper and start writing your ideas down. Review what you wrote, add or subtract ideas, prioritise the items, and save for your future (put your list somewhere you can easily find it like on your refrigerator).That is all that is needed to begin your organization.
And why are we doing this and suggesting you do it too? To enjoy life, CUT DOWN ON STRESS, and have fun. Remember, stress can and will mess up the holidays IF YOU LET IT. Don't be a victim of stress. Organize, prepare, enjoy!
The New Year arrives in a few days and that could be, for some of you, another round of parties. If it is, and you haven't set up your party plans, you could have some problems unless you are attending someone else's party. That is not the case for us.
We will be having a party put on by 2 of our teenage grandchildren for a group of their friends. But, true to normal teenagers, they have set up no plans other than invite a dozen plus of their friends. NOW WHAT?
During our annual after Christmas buying spree on the 26th, we quizzed the kids, got their input, then layed out the rules and plans for the party and bought what was necessary for the party. All done in about 2 hours. How? Organization.
Living at the beach has required that we have plans set up for just about any type of party with limited notification in advance. Yes, we do keep plans and lists of party requirements for just about any type of party. These are simple outlines with with a general check list to keep us on track. Is it hard to do this? NO!
Simple organization is all it takes. Sit down with a pad of paper and start writing your ideas down. Review what you wrote, add or subtract ideas, prioritise the items, and save for your future (put your list somewhere you can easily find it like on your refrigerator).That is all that is needed to begin your organization.
And why are we doing this and suggesting you do it too? To enjoy life, CUT DOWN ON STRESS, and have fun. Remember, stress can and will mess up the holidays IF YOU LET IT. Don't be a victim of stress. Organize, prepare, enjoy!
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Tips For Resolution Success
One of the main topics at New Years parties is: "What resolutions have you made for this year?" Of course, you will also hear: "I probably won't keep it. I'm just not successful with resolutions." Why is that? Maybe a few tips for success will help.
1. Don't make it if you plan to break it.
2. You must be committed and sincere.
3. The resolution must be something you really feel is in need of change.
4. Don't choose a complicated resolution. Break it down into easy steps. Be organized.
5. Educate yourself in how others have achieved success for a similar resolution.
6. Plan your "attack" and work your plan.
7. Try to add fun ways to be successful.
8. Put your ultimate goal in writing. Motivate yourself by writing down how you will be when you have accomplished your resolution. Then, read it out loud to yourself each day.
9. If you need help or encouragement, GET IT!
10. Don't procrastinate!
These tips have helped us achieve our resolutions as well as any goals we want to accomplish. We hope thes will help you be a success this year with your resolution(s).
1. Don't make it if you plan to break it.
2. You must be committed and sincere.
3. The resolution must be something you really feel is in need of change.
4. Don't choose a complicated resolution. Break it down into easy steps. Be organized.
5. Educate yourself in how others have achieved success for a similar resolution.
6. Plan your "attack" and work your plan.
7. Try to add fun ways to be successful.
8. Put your ultimate goal in writing. Motivate yourself by writing down how you will be when you have accomplished your resolution. Then, read it out loud to yourself each day.
9. If you need help or encouragement, GET IT!
10. Don't procrastinate!
These tips have helped us achieve our resolutions as well as any goals we want to accomplish. We hope thes will help you be a success this year with your resolution(s).
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Staying Healthy During Holidays And Beyond
Strange, but we seem to think more about staying healthy during the holidays more than other times. OK, that's fine but this brief listing will not only work during the holidays, but should be used all tear long.
1. Eliminate and/or control stress. Check our posts on stress and modify the holiday items to everyday life to maintain your control over stress.
2. Wash your hands frequently and definately before leaving the rest room and before meals. Insuring that your hands are clean reduces the germs you may carry (believe it or not; germs are on you all the time) and the risks involved.
3. Avoid people who are ill. Yes, you can be in the same room. But, you don't need to be too cozy with them by hugging, or kissing, etc. If you shake hands, keep your hands away from your face and wash your hands as soon as you can.
4.Eat well. No, don't over do it. What we mean is to eat a balanced meal. Lots of fruits and veggies. Don't forget to eat the recommended amount of protein also. You can get proteins from soy, grains, nuts, and lean meats.
5. Get plenty of sleep. Regulate your schedule to insure that you stay rested. If you need to, take a nap.
6. Get your vitamins. Try cooking with olive oil and eat fish a couple of times a week. Also, you may need vitamin supplements. Be sure you consider vitamin B, C, and E.
OK, that's it. Short, brief, and to the point. These few tips used daily will give you a great head start to staying healthy during the holidays and all year long.
1. Eliminate and/or control stress. Check our posts on stress and modify the holiday items to everyday life to maintain your control over stress.
2. Wash your hands frequently and definately before leaving the rest room and before meals. Insuring that your hands are clean reduces the germs you may carry (believe it or not; germs are on you all the time) and the risks involved.
3. Avoid people who are ill. Yes, you can be in the same room. But, you don't need to be too cozy with them by hugging, or kissing, etc. If you shake hands, keep your hands away from your face and wash your hands as soon as you can.
4.Eat well. No, don't over do it. What we mean is to eat a balanced meal. Lots of fruits and veggies. Don't forget to eat the recommended amount of protein also. You can get proteins from soy, grains, nuts, and lean meats.
5. Get plenty of sleep. Regulate your schedule to insure that you stay rested. If you need to, take a nap.
6. Get your vitamins. Try cooking with olive oil and eat fish a couple of times a week. Also, you may need vitamin supplements. Be sure you consider vitamin B, C, and E.
OK, that's it. Short, brief, and to the point. These few tips used daily will give you a great head start to staying healthy during the holidays and all year long.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Why Are Holidays So Stressful? - Part 2
Considering that stress is widely associated with holidays, what can be done to eliminate or reduce it? There are several things you can do, but first, accept that much of the stress is self induced. We do it to ourselves. Now let's look at ways to control it.
First, get organized. Sit down before the holiday and decide what you want to accomplish during this holiday. (Do this at least 4 to 6 weeks before the event.) If you are going to prepare a meal, what will you prepare and what do you need to do it? Write it down. If you need presents, for whom, what, and how much to spend? Write it down. Take the time to think of everything you want to do during the holiday and WRITE IT DOWN!
Once you have the list, review it with your spouse (or partner or your best friend). Decide who will do what, when, and your budget. Put on your list the time to accomplish each step and make sure you are generous with deadlines so you have time to overcome shortcomings. Get your partner, spouse, or friend to committ to the plan. If you are doing it all yourself, make sure you have adequate time allowed for each step.
Now is the time to invite your guests and get their commitments so you know exactly how many to expect. Go back to your plan and adjust for the number people who will attend your party. Work into your plan some considerations for some last minute cancellations and the possibility of some last minute additional guests.
To avoid the crowds, do your shopping on line. You can go online and check out Target, Walmart, KMart, and others, see what they have, the price, AND whether it is available in your local store. You can order it (if available locally), pay for it, and then go to the store and pick it up (if its large, they will even load it for you). Many local grocery stores will offer a complete package of holiday meals you can order, pick up, and then you can do some personal additions in your kitchen.
For decorations, you should consider the simple and tasteful to avoid too much effort which could limit time for other aspects of your plan. Of course, there are some of us who go "bananas" with Christmas decorations or, for us gulf coast residents, Mardi Gras is really big.
Lastly, don't be afraid to ask your guests to contribute to your party. This could be in the form of bringing a dessert, or condiments, or some side dish. OR, you could ask for help in clean up and dish washing. If you have overnight guests, ask them to strip the beds before they leave. Some guests may even pitch in to put clean sheets on the beds for you.
Planning is the key to eliminate stress. Don't be hard on yourself. Take set backs in stride. Things happen and adequate time in preparation will overcome most everything. And remember, you must enjoy yourself too, so make everything involved easy on yourself, and don't bite off more than you can chew. Now, enjoy.
First, get organized. Sit down before the holiday and decide what you want to accomplish during this holiday. (Do this at least 4 to 6 weeks before the event.) If you are going to prepare a meal, what will you prepare and what do you need to do it? Write it down. If you need presents, for whom, what, and how much to spend? Write it down. Take the time to think of everything you want to do during the holiday and WRITE IT DOWN!
Once you have the list, review it with your spouse (or partner or your best friend). Decide who will do what, when, and your budget. Put on your list the time to accomplish each step and make sure you are generous with deadlines so you have time to overcome shortcomings. Get your partner, spouse, or friend to committ to the plan. If you are doing it all yourself, make sure you have adequate time allowed for each step.
Now is the time to invite your guests and get their commitments so you know exactly how many to expect. Go back to your plan and adjust for the number people who will attend your party. Work into your plan some considerations for some last minute cancellations and the possibility of some last minute additional guests.
To avoid the crowds, do your shopping on line. You can go online and check out Target, Walmart, KMart, and others, see what they have, the price, AND whether it is available in your local store. You can order it (if available locally), pay for it, and then go to the store and pick it up (if its large, they will even load it for you). Many local grocery stores will offer a complete package of holiday meals you can order, pick up, and then you can do some personal additions in your kitchen.
For decorations, you should consider the simple and tasteful to avoid too much effort which could limit time for other aspects of your plan. Of course, there are some of us who go "bananas" with Christmas decorations or, for us gulf coast residents, Mardi Gras is really big.
Lastly, don't be afraid to ask your guests to contribute to your party. This could be in the form of bringing a dessert, or condiments, or some side dish. OR, you could ask for help in clean up and dish washing. If you have overnight guests, ask them to strip the beds before they leave. Some guests may even pitch in to put clean sheets on the beds for you.
Planning is the key to eliminate stress. Don't be hard on yourself. Take set backs in stride. Things happen and adequate time in preparation will overcome most everything. And remember, you must enjoy yourself too, so make everything involved easy on yourself, and don't bite off more than you can chew. Now, enjoy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
