Learn how to Internationally Forward Packages

When you get a US address for shipping to use for international forwarding, you are often given benefits that make sending and receiving international packages much easier and more cost effective.

Here are a few reasons international package forwarding is a leading reason many people get a US address for shipping:

First, you can ensure your packages are properly packed. This means more than just getting the right size box and the best shipping materials for the package contents. When you get a US address for shipping you can most likely depend on package consolidation. Package consolidation saves you money since you have to pay for fewer packages to be shipped.

Next, when you get a US address for shipping you are able to take advantage of discounted rates. Virtual mail box companies often offer their members discounted mailing rates. Therefore, rather than sending packages internationally with top shipping companies such as FedEx or DHL and paying full-priced rates, you can get a US address for shipping and receive discounted rates through the same companies.

The third reason is the ability to insure your packages. With insurance options available when you get a US address for shipping you can have peace of mind that your packages will be protected when forwarded internationally. Your purchases will be protected financially from any damage incurred during the shipping process.

When you get a US address for shipping you can also hold your international packages until you are ready to forward them on to another location. This option allows for convenience and security. You won't have to worry that your packages are waiting on a door step somewhere while you are not there. Instead, you can have them sent when you are ready rather than when the shipper is.

The fifth reason is being able to forward packages internationally to locations you couldn't before. When you get a US address for shipping you are able to forward packages to many locations around the globe. You can use your new mailing location to purchase items from your favorite retailers in the United States and easily forward your packages overseas.

International package forwarding doesn't have to be stressful. With a virtual mailing address you have access to many shipping benefits.

Start your doing your international package forwarding within your business and save money on it! get to know how to get a USA Shipping Address and save money when doing it! Please visit: http://myaddressus.com/

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How To Make Use Of Classic Wall Lights To Redesign The Look Of Your Home

There is one very big problem with redesigning the interior design of one's home. It is the hefty expenses that usually come with altering the look of the house. While this is mainly true, there are some cases when one can instantly introduce a new design to his home with minimal effort, time, and money.

 

The usual way for people to redesign their home is to purchase a new set of furniture to replace the old one which would give their home an instant makeover. This is quite an expensive way to redesign one's home.

 

Most people do not know that there are some minor changes that they can do to their home which would instantly turn their old interior design to something that is totally new and refreshing. For example, a house with a stairway would usually have a lone light from overhead installed on the ceiling. Of course, this serves its purpose of lighting the staircase. However, it might seem outdated in terms of interior design as this is the simplest and the most common way to have lighting for a stairway. Now, there is one way to remedy this. Installing classic wall lights along the stairway is a great way to introduce a new look to one's home.

 

Removing the overhead light to the stairway would instantly get rid of the common lighting set up in one's home. Replacing the overhead light with classic wall lights which one can install along the walls near the stairway introduces a refreshing look to the home. The wall lights can be installed with a separation distance of about 6 to 8 feet. This way, the classic wall lights provide illumination throughout the stairway while maintaining its elegant placement along the walls of the stairway. Wall lights that are too close to each other would seem to clutter each other while if they might not provide optimal illumination to the area if they are installed too far away from one another.

 

This instant makeover with the use of classic wall lights is not expensive. In addition to this, one can combine the installation of wall lights with repainting of the walls in order to provide a more updated look to one's home. After this, a rearrangement of the pieces of furniture near the stairway would be in order so that the interior of the house would have a totally new look.

 

Of course, there are still some other improvements which one can do to further alter the design of his home. The kitchen can have a more updated look with the installation of classic wall lights as oppose to the usual overhead lights. Installing about 4 big classic wall lights on the four corners of the kitchen will tremendously change the design of the kitchen without compromising optimal lighting for the kitchen. It will achieve a more welcoming ambience with its new lighting fixtures. 

 

Adding kitchen cabinet lights is also a great way to update the look of the kitchen. Kitchen cabinet lights are affordable and would compliment the new classic wall lights installed in the kitchen. Furthermore, adding some downlights in the dining room would complete the makeover of the kitchen and the dining room.

 

Each bedroom in the house can have downlights to provide it with a sleek design. As opposed to the usual overhead lights with the light bulbs totally exposed to view, downlights have a housing which keeps majority of the bulbs from view. Furthermore, it offers a cleaner design since it is totally at the same level with the ceiling, therefore eliminating any extended fixtures from the ceiling which is less appealing to the eyes. Installing a couple of classic wall lights on the corridor leading to each bedroom would improve the ambience of the home.

 

One can alter the design of his home to achieve an updated look of the house which offers a refreshing ambience without having to pay a very expensive price for it. One just needs to make use of affordably priced lighting fixtures such as classic wall lights, kitchen cabinet lights, and downlights to change the interior ambience of the home.

About the Author

Iain Jenkins writes articles for Luma Lighting, an online provider of a very wide range of lights and lighting accessories for homes in the UK. Some of the indoor lighting that they offer include classic wall lights in wooden or metallic finishes, perfect for contemporary homes. 

A Quick Guide to Security Lights for the Business

Making the place of work or shop safe should be of utmost importance to business owners. If the business is on a tight budget and cannot invest in high end security devices at the time being, there is an option for them to use security lights that can help to deter those thinking of committing criminal acts. The use of fluorescent tube lights is a very practical choice in order to lighten up a particular area, while saving a lot of energy and reducing electricity bills. Another option is to use metal halide lighting, which is also quite popular for its low price, brightness and energy efficiency. Here is a quick guide for businesses looking to install security lights.

Reasons for Using these Lighting Fixtures

Primarily, every business owner wants to protect his or her property, investments and even employees. Outdoor lights provide increased security for the shop or the offices, as the light they provide can ward off potential intruders or burglars. It also saves the business a lot of time and money since most security lights are equipped with motion sensors and only switch on when they detect some kind of movement. This way, the business does not have to waste electricity when they leave the lights on all night while the shop is closed. People lurking around the premise will think that someone is up and watching over the area, discouraging those with criminal intent from breaking in. It is also an affordable alternative to installing more sophisticated security measures. If surveillance equipment is already installed and existing, security lights can complement these devices by providing more illumination.

Different Types and Features of Security Lights

Traditionally, people use lights that are kept on all day and night, which are installed in and around the business premises. Having these is beneficial if the area where the business is located has corners or hallways where it is naturally dark or shadowy even during the daytime. However, these can potentially increase the electricity bills because the lights are switched on round the clock. Even if the lights are switched on only during the evening, they can still waste a lot of energy and money if they are left on all night.

Due to the advancements in technology we have at present, businesses can utilise security lights that are equipped with motion detectors, which will only switch the lights on once any movement around the vicinity is detected. This is energy efficient as there will be no need to leave the lights on all the time and yet it can catch the intruder off guard, while alerting other people in the area about the possible intrusion. It is a cost effective way to ensure the safety of the premises, the employees and the whole company in general.

If there is really a dire need to keep at least a little bit of light on in the vicinity, business owners can also go for hi lo lighting. This type of security light stays on and keeps an area dimly lit. However, once it detects movement, it turns on its full brightness. This is particularly useful for parts of a shop that still need a small amount of lighting but require significant illumination the moment a customer or a shoplifter approaches the area.

How It Works

The sensors that security lights are equipped with can usually detect movement and heat. That way, it can sense when a person, animal or car is approaching. It can either be infrared or microwave sensors, which work very similarly. Not only do these sensors trigger the switching on of the lights, but also automatically turn them off after a while. This technology provides a very convenient way to keep every location as safe as possible.

A lot of companies still opt for fluorescent tube lights in order to keep particular areas of their business well lit. However, security lights that are dedicated for the sole purpose of keeping the premises safe should also be an investment that every company should make. When selecting the right fixtures to use for the shop or office, metal halide lighting should also be looked into as it is popular for being decorative, affordable and long lasting. This guide should equip any business owner with enough information prior to installing security lighting. 

About the Author

Iain Jenkins writes articles for Litecraft Commercial, a professional light supplier of a number of bulbs and a variety of lights to suit the needs you require to bring out the best in your rooms.  Litecraft offer a wide range of lights such as security lights, track lights and emergency lighting.   

What comes after the South Texas Ranches For Sale opportunities?

What comes after the South Texas Ranches For Sale opportunities?

Retirement is the timeframe when one rests after running all his life. That is the perfect time to enjoy the peace and quiet and not be stressed by problems. The issue here is that not many people get to have this scenery as the craziness of the city doesn't let them. Those people and others that find themselves in similar situations should really take an interest in the South Texas Ranches For Sale offers and what they bring to the table.

There are so many different opportunities that are handed now, that it's really difficult not to make a smart decision. Such a great decision lies in investing in the real estate industry now and here. Many people are still afraid due to the media and what it tells about this market, but things are a lot different as highlighted by the press. The South Texas Ranches For Sale opportunities are accessible to the people due to the recession and the changes that it has made in the real estate field.

The value of the land has dropped considerably in the last couple of years. This is a piece of information that can easily be verified with a comparison with the prices and the values in the year of 2009 or 2008. This means that it is actually worth it to consider an investment now.

Why a ranch? There are many arguments that come with this type of investment. Some would add the fact that this is the perfect way to be in the middle of the nature and enjoy its blessings, others will highlight that this is an industry that will never die as people will always be eating. They encourage the idea of having a ranch that produces something that contributes to the development of the agriculture.

There are still other arguments in favor of taking advantage of the South Texas Ranches For Sale offers and what it brings to the investor. The http://www.texas-landman.com website is the one that is suited to describe best the situation and bring forth the various options and offers. Here one can actually make the change of his life in small steps. It is important to be in the right place at the right time.

 

About the Author

There are still other arguments in favor of taking advantage of the South Texas Ranches For Sale offers and what it brings to the investor. The http://www.texas-landman.com website is the one that is suited to describe best the situation and bring forth the various options and offers. Here one can actually make the change of his life in small steps. It is important to be in the right place at the right time.

Is It Possible To Create Liquid Body Armor Or Make Sculptures With A Magnet?

Ferrofluid is a liquid material made up of tiny pieces of magnetic particles. Very often these materials are things like iron, magnetite, and cobalt. These pieces of material are actually so small that for all intents and purposes they remain in a liquid state, as long as they are coated in another substance that keeps them from sticking to one another. One of the things that people find so fascinating about this substance is that in the presence of a magnetic field each one of the particles, that make up the liquid, become magnetized and the whole thing condenses into a solid.

A ferrofluid is actually a very easy and safe substance to make. Because of how simple it is to create, many individuals enjoy making it in order to see how it will react when it is in a magnetic field.  The ingredients an individual needs to make his or her own ferrofluid are readily available. Those ingredients are:

•    a shallow dish
•    vegetable oil
•    napkins
•    iron filings, which can be found at most local hardware stores
•    a magnet

The process to create one's own ferrofluid is very simple and includes the following steps:

•    Coat the bottom of the shallow dish with a thin layer of vegetable oil.
•    Pour the iron filings into the vegetable oil and mix the two ingredients until they become very thick.
•    Using a napkin, wick away any excess moisture (vegetable oil) in the ferrofluid.
•    Attach a magnet to the outside of the dish to place the ferrofluid into a magnetic field. This will cause it to solidify and take on the shape of the magnetic field. Simply removing the magnet will allow it to liquefy once again.
•    When it comes time to dispose of the liquid, do not pour it down any type of drain, because it will create a clog.

Ferrofluid was originally created by NASA scientists, in order to confine liquids in a zero gravity environment. The military uses this substance to coat several different types of aircraft, to make it possible for them to fly undetected into areas that are monitored by radars. In addition, ferrofluid has become a popular substance to use in the creation of certain types of sculptures.

Ferrofluid is already used in several practical ways, including in high-performance speakers and in low friction seals. Scientists are looking into ways to use this material to create liquid body armor, as well as how it can be used as a tracer material for certain types of medical tests. Because of its unique properties, science and industry can tailor make ferrofluids that will meet their specific needs. This means that there are possibly infinite amounts of ways that this unique liquid can be used.

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Understanding Equipment Leasing and Hire Purchase - which will work for you

For businesses looking for new assets to add to their operations, there are a few different financing options available. Investing in capital equipment can be quite costly so deciding on the best arrangement will require some careful consideration and research to understand the long term implications.

Hire Purchase vs. Equipment Leasing

Outside of obtaining a traditional bank loan or purchasing the equipment outright, two of the most popular methods of financing assets are hire purchase arrangements and leasing. Both arrangements have different implications to your business and will be accounted for differently in your balance sheets.

Hire Purchase – in a hire purchase agreement, the lender takes ownership of the equipment for the duration of the contract where the business makes regular payments for equipment hire. At the end of the agreed upon term, the ownership of the asset is turned over to the borrower – this can happen automatically or with the payment of a final option own fee.

Because the asset is finally owned by business, the interest component of the repayments and the depreciation on the equipment may be claimed as tax deductions. Hire purchase arrangements can be helpful for businesses looking to purchase assets in the long term.

Equipment operating leasing – in a commercial leasing arrangement, the lender owns the equipment and the business makes regular payments for its use. There is generally no option to own the equipment at the end of the lease term and any purchase would need to be separately arranged.

Because the asset is not owned by the business, the monthly lease payments may be tax deductible as a business operating expense. Commercial leasing arrangements are ideal for businesses that are looking to use the equipment through its useful life and where direct ownership of the asset is not a requirement. This can be especially useful for industries where technology is regularly updated as it can often be the case with laser hair removal machines. The business can return the asset to the lender without the complex considerations of storage or disposal.

These options will have different implications depending on the specific nature of your operations, such as whether you do your accounting on an accrual or cash basis. Meanwhile, you may also want to look into other types of financing available including a chattel mortgage or a finance lease.

About the Author

Find out more about your options with asset finance for your business. Visit www.flexicommercial.com.au for more information on equipment leasing.

Slow Down Your Strategic Planning So You Can Go Fast

Bias is defined as "prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another, usually in a way considered to be unfair." In the business world, this definition also applies to concepts and ideas.

As business leaders we like to think we're impartial, open-minded and objective in regards to new ideas, but the human brain doesn't work that way. Our brain has a strong bias for information that supports our existing view of the world. It actively seeks out data that supports our viewpoint, and often ignores evidence that contradicts it.

In addition, we're trained from a very early age to think in rigid ways and seek THE right answer. Remember in 5th grade how good it felt to raise your hand in class and get praised by the teacher for getting THE right answer? And remember how bad it felt if you got it wrong? Your ‘wrong' answer may have been very creative and right in a different way. But if it wasn't the answer the teacher wanted, you didn't receive the public pat on the back, and you were less likely to raise your hand the next time.

Unfortunately, this training does not serve us well as leaders.  In the business world almost all problems or challenges have multiple solutions. Some are better, easier, cheaper, more feasible, etc. than others. But very rarely do we encounter situations where one option is the only right one. And when we constantly seek THE right answer, it becomes much easier for our biases to get in the way.

Not surprisingly, bias is a leading contributor to poor business decisions, especially during the strategic planning process. Which is why I constantly urge business leaders to make it a habit to identify their assumptions, biases, and beliefs, and test them against current reality before making any major decisions. Now there's further evidence supporting the value of this approach.

A survey by McKinsey Consulting asked executives to rate the outcome of a recent strategic decision at their companies as either satisfactory or unsatisfactory, while focusing on the role that various biases may have played. The survey found that satisfactory outcomes are associated with less bias, thanks to "robust debate, an objective assessment of facts, and a realistic assessment of corporate capabilities."

According to the survey, companies that produced positive outcomes did a better job of forecasting consumer demand and assessing their own abilities to implement the decision. The best decisions included both strategic and financial targets, and ensured that individual incentives were aligned with the strategic objectives. In addition, possible competitor responses were analyzed and factored into the decision.

Companies that reported favorable outcomes were also more likely to engage in certain activities that minimize bad decision-making. These include:

• Actively seeking out contrary data to ensure that key decision makers had all the information they need to make the best decision
• Allowing people with conflicting points of view to openly express their opinions
• Thoroughly reviewing the business case for the decision, even when senior executives strongly supported the decision
• Establishing processes and lines of communication to ensure that truly innovative ideas reach the senior management level

These kinds of behaviors seem counterintuitive. Partly because they contradict the unspoken biases and assumptions that tell us we already know what we need to know. And partly because they lengthen the planning process.

It takes time to gather and analyze information, especially data that we don't want to see or hear. It takes time to listen to everyone's point of view, especially those that would seem to be nay-sayers. And when senior managers are chomping at the bit to make the decision and move on, it takes time (and courage) to stand up and say, "I think we need to look at this some more or in a new way."

The power of pause

In today's world, we're all running so fast that pausing to engage in these kinds of processes feels like we're falling behind. But if we don't take the time to evaluate how we gather information and how we reach conclusions based on that information, we end up making decisions that can have disastrous consequences. And this is the process I call "slowing down in order to go fast."

Slowing down to go fast starts with actively seeking out information from a variety of sources. Pay attention to trends and events outside your industry. Then look for ways to apply that information to improve internal systems and processes or to add value to customers in new and better ways.

In meetings, don't just tolerate opposing points of view, actively encourage them! Tell people, "This is the way I see it. Now I want to hear from those who see it differently." Make it safe for people to express their opinions, even when they contradict the prevailing point of view.

The stronger you feel about an issue, the more likely it is that unspoken assumptions are driving your position. Expose your thinking on the issue and have people push back.

How did you reach that conclusion? What about the data leads you to believe that? Have you looked at it from this angle? Even when everyone seems to be in agreement, pause and ask, "Are we missing something here? Is there another answer to this problem? Is there a better answer or set of answers we should consider?"

The next time you undertake the strategic planning process, slow down in order to go fast. And remember to check your biases at the door, or at least expose them to everyone!

 

 

About the Author

Holly G. Green is author of "More Than A Minute," and the CEO and Managing Director of The Human Factor, Inc. She has more than 20 years of executive level and operations experience in FORTUNE 100, entrepreneurial, and management consulting organizations. She was previously President of The Ken Blanchard Companies, a global consulting and training organization as well as LumMed, Inc. a biotech start up. For more information, visit her at http://www.thehumanfactor.biz and http://www.morethanaminute.com