If you applied your visa from Belgium for various countries you can click on the below link to check the visa Status.
1) Applied for India Visa
Please visit us at
Website: www.btwvisas.com | www.btwvisaservices.com
Friday, May 31, 2013
How to Save Money Buying a Space Heater
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Fresh, cool air is drifting through the color of the autumn trees and some of us are turning the thermostat to "Heat." Smaller homes and vacation cabins often do not have a furnace, so we rely on the fireplace, a wood stove, or electric heat baseboards to keep the house livable in the winter time. Even in homes with central heating, a small "space heater" can be a handy addition when we only need heat in one chilly area.
Space heaters are handy and convenient, but don't count on one to heat your home exclusively, or to save much on your heating bill. Electric heaters, even those claiming "infrared technology" are expensive to operate compared to central heat systems such as heat pumps and propane furnaces. You may see mail or television ads for "discounted" space heaters that claim to save you money on your electric bill. Don't fall for these claims. Most of these ads feature items that are overpriced and then discounted. Similar performance can be found for much lower prices in models available over the internet or in local stores.
Hit the internet yourself (or ask a teenager to help you if this is not your favorite thing) and learn everything you can. Reading the reviews on Amazon.com can tell you a lot. My favorite is Consumer Reports magazine. Consumer Reports Union is a non-profit organization and they do not accept advertising in their magazine. As a result, they are professional and unbiased in their testing and ratings of products.Use the following tips to choose the right space heater for your home.
What size should you get? The amount of heat generated is rated in "watts" which is a way to determine how much electricity the heater is using. It's easy to figure out how many watts you need:estimate 10 watts per square foot and multiply the square footage of the room by 10. For example, a room with 144 square feet will require 1,440 watts. When we say square feet, we are just saying measure your room with a tape measure - length and width - and multiply the 2 numbers.
Once you know how many watts you need, you can calculate what it will cost over a year by multiplying the watts times how many hours you have it on times the rate per kilowatt-hour that the electric company charges. Here's an example. If you have a 1,500-watt heater and you leave it on 24 hours a day at a rate of 9 cents a kilowatt-hour, the cost would be $3.24 a day(1,500 x 24 ÷ 1,000 x $0.09). Over a month that would amount to $97.20; a year it would be $1,166.40.
How can a space heater help save on energy costs? While the costs in the last paragraph are indeed high, you can still use a space heater and save a little money every month by doing the following.
· Only run the heater when you are in the room.
· Buy an appliance timer to use with your heater if you think you'll forget to turn it off.
· Lower the thermostat in the rest of the house. Obviously if there are a lot of people in the house, or you're going from room to room, this strategy will not be comfortable.
Although you will hear words like radiant, oil filled, infrared, ceramic, quartz halogen, and convection in heater descriptions, there are really only 2 types of heaters: radiant and convection, plus combinations of these two. Radiant simply means a strong heating element, like a halogen bulb, that radiates heat. These heaters work well for spot heating. Convection heaters use wire or ribbon elements and a powerful fan to move the heat through the room. They are better for heating large areas. A combination unit, such as a radiator type, uses water or oil circulating in metal fins to produce heat. They don't get as hot and give off a constant, steady heat.
Any of these heater types are available for less than $200 unless they have fancy accessories like remote controls. Do your homework, and you'll save money and stay warm too.
Lisa is an aerospace engineer and building contractor residing in Hayesville, North Carolina. Prior to her engineering position, Lisa inspected homes for home buyers, sellers, owners, and mortgage companies. Prior to that, Lisa was a small business coach with Turner Business Services, and she is the former Chief Training Officer for Tyco International in Boca Raton, Florida.
Lisa loves to write, and is a columnist for the local newspaper. She also loves flying and building aircraft. Lisa is the first woman to build and fly a Pulsar XP 2-person experimental aircraft. She built 2 aircraft and a helicopter between 1995 and 2008.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_P._Turner
Hello, hello! It's been a week since I gave birth. I wanted to share in my blog how happy and how difficult it was to give birth... the second time around! :)
I gave birth last May 22 at 11:21 AM via NSD (normal spontaneous delivery). Everything happened just like 3 years ago (2010) when I gave birth to our firstborn Jethro. It was the same Wednesday night, and water leaked around the same time -- 1 AM. But this time, I was able to be calm and cool about it. I even put on my lipstick and some mascara :)) The same thing happened, we arrived at The Medical City 10 minutes after (there is no heavy traffic in Ortigas Ave. at midnight, luckily it happened around the same time like before). Before that, my mom and hubby were even able to order some food at Jollibee Drive Thru. So upon arriving at the hospital, I was able to still walk to the prelabor room as my only concern was amniotic fluid (AF) leak. Anyways, as soon as I got there, I was able to FB post to my mommy GT friends what's happening to me at that moment. The litmus test was done to check if it was indeed my AF, and it was. My contractions were irregular so they opted to do an "augmentation" (or induction of labor) so that my labor would progress further. And after a few minutes, I was wheeled to the labor room.
The labor room doc did not proceed in giving me the oxytocin (hormone) in my IV yet as they noticed I was starting to have regular moderate contractions. I remained like that for about 6 hours, they kept on monitoring my cervix in terms of the measurement in centimeters by doing the internal examination (IE). Initially when I got to the prelabor room, I'm still 2cm and 60% effaced, after a few hours I got to 3cm and 70% effaced, forward to 7AM, I'm around 4cm and 80% effaced. They called my anesthesiologist as I was really feeling the labor pains. My epidural was put on around 8:30AM, and we have to wait until 10AM that my OB came, had my next IE and shocking as it was, it progressed to 8cm and 90% effaced. Baby was almost there! My pains are worsening even though they added more anesthesia because of the baby's head almost popping out of me. A few minutes later, my OB pronounced that I'm ready to give birth. 10cm, fully dilated cervix. I was wheeled to the delivery room ASAP.
My delivery room experience wasn't as fun as my last time, I was in so much pain and then suddenly the anesthesia worked little by little. I can't feel a thing anymore, though there's little contraction pain that I feel. Whenever it happens, my doctors would tell me to "push", coaching me every 10-second count. 4 other contractions came and I pushed while my anesthesiologist finally helped me in pushing my baby... and at 11:21 AM, Robert came to this world at 6 pounds 7 ounces, measuring 49 centimeters. We did the "Unang Yakap" and latching so we could breastfeed as early as a few hours after labor. After that, they attached the Hugs and Kisses thing that would alarm every time my baby is near me or away from me. It's something new from The Medical City, to enable the mom and baby bonding and also to prevent baby thefts.
The next stop was the recovery room. I was the only one there as the two other women in the labor room with me still haven't progressed with their labor. Afterwards, my baby came in, they had to keep us latching together as it is beneficial for breastfeeding, again. Then they moved me to another recovery room as we booked the superior room for our stay. My husband was allowed to come in, wearing a scrub suit and hairnet so as to keep sterility. He stayed with me and our baby for about an hour until we are both ready to go to our room. My son Jethro and my mom were both anxiously waiting for Robert's arrival. It was such a happy day for all of us. :)
After staying in the hospital for 2 and a half days, we were finally discharged. I was really feeling better on day 3. And yes, up to now I'm still exclusively breastfeeding my 9-day old son :D
I gave birth last May 22 at 11:21 AM via NSD (normal spontaneous delivery). Everything happened just like 3 years ago (2010) when I gave birth to our firstborn Jethro. It was the same Wednesday night, and water leaked around the same time -- 1 AM. But this time, I was able to be calm and cool about it. I even put on my lipstick and some mascara :)) The same thing happened, we arrived at The Medical City 10 minutes after (there is no heavy traffic in Ortigas Ave. at midnight, luckily it happened around the same time like before). Before that, my mom and hubby were even able to order some food at Jollibee Drive Thru. So upon arriving at the hospital, I was able to still walk to the prelabor room as my only concern was amniotic fluid (AF) leak. Anyways, as soon as I got there, I was able to FB post to my mommy GT friends what's happening to me at that moment. The litmus test was done to check if it was indeed my AF, and it was. My contractions were irregular so they opted to do an "augmentation" (or induction of labor) so that my labor would progress further. And after a few minutes, I was wheeled to the labor room.
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| This is the fetal monitor. It measures baby's hearbeat, my contractions, along with baby's movements |
The labor room doc did not proceed in giving me the oxytocin (hormone) in my IV yet as they noticed I was starting to have regular moderate contractions. I remained like that for about 6 hours, they kept on monitoring my cervix in terms of the measurement in centimeters by doing the internal examination (IE). Initially when I got to the prelabor room, I'm still 2cm and 60% effaced, after a few hours I got to 3cm and 70% effaced, forward to 7AM, I'm around 4cm and 80% effaced. They called my anesthesiologist as I was really feeling the labor pains. My epidural was put on around 8:30AM, and we have to wait until 10AM that my OB came, had my next IE and shocking as it was, it progressed to 8cm and 90% effaced. Baby was almost there! My pains are worsening even though they added more anesthesia because of the baby's head almost popping out of me. A few minutes later, my OB pronounced that I'm ready to give birth. 10cm, fully dilated cervix. I was wheeled to the delivery room ASAP.
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| Daddy took this shot in our room as soon as we're in |
My delivery room experience wasn't as fun as my last time, I was in so much pain and then suddenly the anesthesia worked little by little. I can't feel a thing anymore, though there's little contraction pain that I feel. Whenever it happens, my doctors would tell me to "push", coaching me every 10-second count. 4 other contractions came and I pushed while my anesthesiologist finally helped me in pushing my baby... and at 11:21 AM, Robert came to this world at 6 pounds 7 ounces, measuring 49 centimeters. We did the "Unang Yakap" and latching so we could breastfeed as early as a few hours after labor. After that, they attached the Hugs and Kisses thing that would alarm every time my baby is near me or away from me. It's something new from The Medical City, to enable the mom and baby bonding and also to prevent baby thefts.
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| Welcome to the family, Robert! |
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| Proud breastfeeding mommy! I'm wearing a Belly Maternity top and a nursing bra from Tupperware brands. |
After staying in the hospital for 2 and a half days, we were finally discharged. I was really feeling better on day 3. And yes, up to now I'm still exclusively breastfeeding my 9-day old son :D
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
When consumers buy gift cards, it is often for convenience. Regardless of the occasion, purchasing cards simplifies the entire shopping process for the person buying the present while also allowing the receiver to acquire something they really want. It saves the recipient from having to return an item, a process that is time consuming and even embarrassing if the gift giver happens to ask about the item they gave.
While convenience cannot be overlooked, there are several aspects of this particular present that should be reviewed prior to purchasing.
Of key importance is any expiration date that the card might have. The best gift cards have no expiration date at all, but there are many that do. The result of an expired card is usually the recipient paying a fee to reactivate it, if they do not just throw it away, believing it is useless because the expiration date has passed. The good news is that expiration dates are now legally required to be printed on the back of all gift certificates, so at least everyone is aware of them.
Another important aspect of gifting someone with a gift voucher is ensuring that they will be able to use it. For example, the buyer might be on the west coast and mistakenly believe that a store is nationwide. When they send the gift card to a friend or family member on the east coast, the surprise may not be in the card itself, but in the fact that the store is not located in that state or may be too far away to warrant a trip to shop there, especially if the amount of the card is not that big.
Related somewhat to the above is understanding where and how the cards can be used. Today a growing number of shoppers prefer shopping online. They may detest the fights for parking spaces and long lines inside the stores. When people buy gift cards, they should verify the card's purchasing reach. Is it good in all stores of the retailers, including outlets, or only in the full stores? Is it able to be used on the internet? Does it work for catalog purchases? All of these questions need to be answered before the purchase is done in order to understand the card's limitations.
Also, examine the fine print to determine if the card charges fees. Fees could kick in at most any point. Some charge a monthly fee in the form of a percentage, while others take out a flat dollar amount. Others charge inactivity fees if a card has not been used after a certain period of time such as one year.
A helpful point for anyone who considers giving these gifts on a regular basis is to know the laws of the state where the card is utilized. For the most part, gift cards are not redeemable for cash. However, in some states there are laws allowing cards to be redeemed for cash if the value remaining is less than $10.
Convenience is a wonderful thing, but at the same time, it is equally important to seek out the technical elements of a gift card, just as it would be prudent to examine a tangible gift of clothing or electronics. It is simply the smart way to shop.
Buy gift cards and restaurant gift certificates at Gift Cards Etc. and learn which ones are right for you. Go here to buy Restaurant Gift Cards and also get information related to prepaid visa cards and other types of gift certificates.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=B_Hopkins
Monday, May 27, 2013
Careful budgeting and cutting expenses can help you reduce credit debt. You should develop a solid strategy for eliminating your debt and stick to the plan, even if it means personal sacrifices such as fewer vacations, less shopping and dropping expensive hobbies.
Minimum Payments
Make more than the minimum payment. Low monthly payments can be attractive, but they also allow finance charges to mount. Paying as much as you can each month will lead to a faster elimination of your debt.
More Income
Find a second job. Use the extra income exclusively for paying off debt. Also use other windfalls, however small, to pay additional money to creditors. Use your winnings from the golf course or a scratch-off lottery ticket to pay down debt.
Fewer Expenses
Slash expenses in every way possible. Sell the newer car you're making payments on and pick up an older model for cash. Use the money you were spending on car payments to pay off other debts. Use the same strategy wherever possible. For example, switch to a cheaper cable television package or drop cable entirely. Or drop club memberships or find a less expensive Internet service provider.
Counseling
Make an appointment with a Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) agency for more help identifying expenses you can cut. CCCS is a nonprofit agency offering many free services, including household budget consultation. Find an agency near you by looking in the telephone directory.
Better Terms
Renegotiate loan terms. Call your bank or credit card company and ask for lower interest rates. That will result in smaller finance charges and allow more of your monthly payments to be applied to the principal. If possible, use zero-percent credit card bank transfers to pay off high-interest debt. You'll still owe the debt but you'll pay no interest through a promotional period that could last up to a year. Use that time to pay down as much of the principal as possible.
Bankruptcy and Settlements
File for personal bankruptcy or enter debt settlement. These are obviously last-resort options and will seriously injure your credit scores. However, all or some of your credit debt could be eliminated in just a few months through a bankruptcy filing. See a bankruptcy attorney if you feel that's a viable option for you. You can also settle your unsecured debt by reaching an agreement to pay your creditors less than the full amount owed. Generally, settlement agreements are possible only when your account has fallen four to six months behind. Contact your creditors for a settlement agreement.
As we all know, Eliminating credit card debt can take a long time if you don't implement effective techniques. High balances on your credit cards can negatively affect your personal credit score, and some lenders will not approve your request for financing with high debts. If you are planning on eliminating your debt, understand techniques to help reduce the balance quicker.
Credit Card Rate
The interest rate that you're currently paying on your credit card will impact how fast you're able to pay off the debt. Credit card companies charge minimum payments, which are approximately 2 to 3 percent of the outstanding balance. Making this small payment each month pays off the interest charges from the month and a small percentage of the principal. But if you are able to negotiate a better interest rate on the card, you'll pay less in interest each month and more of your payments will be applied to the actual principal, which reduces the balance faster.
Minimum Payments
For the above method to work, it's imperative to pay more than the minimum each month. It can take years to pay off a credit card if you are only making the minimum payment each month. But once you've asked for and received an interest rate reduction, use this as the opportunity to quickly reduce your balance. Make higher payments every month to put a dent in your outstanding balances. For example, a $200 payment can pay off a $1,000 credit card balance in about five or six months -- unlike $20 monthly payments which can take more than four years to pay off the debt.
Highest Interest Rate
Tackling the balance with the highest interest rate first is a key technique to eliminating your credit card balances. The card with the highest interest rate, regardless of the balance, will cost you the most money each month. Concentrate your efforts on paying down this debt first to reduce how much you spend in interest charges each month. Once you've paid off this card, move on to the card with the next highest balance. Take the money you saved from paying off the previous card and use this money to increase your payments on the next card.
Biweekly Payments
Some credit card companies give the option of making biweekly or twice monthly payments online. With this method, you make a credit card payment every two weeks -- at least half of the minimum payments. This payment technique is beneficial because you lower the risk of missing a payment and getting charged a late fee. Plus, biweekly payments can reduce the amount you owe in interest, which results in reducing the outstanding principal quicker.
Carrying credit card debt is very costly, not only because you have to pay all of the interest charges, but also because your future income is committed to paying for your past purchases. Reducing your credit card debt allows you to keep more of your income, in addition to increasing your credit score and making it easier for you to borrow at low interest rates when you need to in the future.
Stop Using Cards
Nothing you do to pay down your credit card balances will help if you are adding more charges to the card each month than you pay off. Take your credit cards out of your wallet and commit to use only debit cards, checks and cash for purchases. If you cannot afford something right now, don't buy it.
Lower Interest Rates
Call each of your credit card companies and ask for a lower interest rate. Getting a lower rate causes more of your monthly payment to go toward actually paying down your balance instead of paying finance charges. Often companies will lower your rate by at least a percent or two if you ask, especially if you mention you're considering transferring the balance to a card with a lower rate.
Automate Minimum Payments
Late fees cost you money that you could be using to reduce your debt. To avoid getting hit with fees, set up automatic minimum payments from your checking account to each of your credit cards each month. This also saves you time because you don't have to make each of your payments individually.
Trim Your Spending
You will reduce your credit card balances faster if you pay more than the minimum each month. To do this, cut your spending in other areas of your budget. Choose a luxury item and commit to give it up and use all of that money for paying off debt. Options include unnecessary clothing purchases, lattes, eating out at restaurants, premium cable, alcohol, books, movies or going to live entertainment events.
Make Extra Payments
Every month, make an extra payment on the credit card with the highest interest rate. The larger the extra payment, the faster you will pay off that credit card. Applying the payment to the card with the highest interest rate maximizes your efforts because you are reducing the amount of interest you pay each month.
Use Windfalls
When you get a windfall, such as a bonus at work, tax refund or cash gift, apply that as an extra payment on your credit card. You probably weren't expecting the money anyway, so you aren't really losing anything. If you can't bear to part with it, keep a small percentage, maybe 10 percent, and use it to buy yourself something that will keep you motivated.
Track Your Progress
Help yourself see what you have accomplished by keeping track of your dwindling balances on the credit cards. Make a log and list your total amount of remaining debt each month or each quarter, depending on how frequently you need to see progress. This can help motivate you to continue.
Race a Friend
Trimming your budget and paying money you don't have to on your credit cards is a lot more fun when you do it with a friend. If you are competitive-minded, make it a game to see who can put more of his income toward paying off debt or who can get out of debt first. Check in regularly to report progress and maybe share some of the best strategies you have found.
By Scott O. Hoyle
An accountant's profession covers all the stages of your investment - from establishment to completion. When you are investing, a skilled and reliable accountant can be a key member of your investment strategy team. Your accountant's main role is to keep track of the financial status of your investment, to decrease your tax burden associated with your project and to minimise your financial risk.
Your accountant can offer you services such as:
- Filing either your corporate or individual tax returns, or both
- Proving you with expert advice on tax management and financial planning
- Creating a system for cash management as well as for funds handling
- Preparing and analysing financial statements
Minimising outlays such as debts and other obligations and to create additional capital is the main objective of financial planning. It is your accountant's job to assist you in streamlining financial planning and giving you all the necessary solutions by making sure that you understand all the financial moves that he has been making. Furthermore, he explains all those actions and the issues of your finances. He can also handle different tasks which includes trusts, legal issues or even management operations.
Accountants can help investors greatly on several fields of their finances. This makes their importance to financial planning undeniable. They look at both your personal and investment taxes and they also help you set up your savings plan.
How to Select and Accountant
1. Ask Around - a trusted friend or a colleague can personally endorse an excellent accounting service. This is probably the most traditional but the best way of finding an accountant.
2. Set Guidelines - Set standards and guidelines of the qualities of the accountant you are looking for and ask yourself what you really expect from him.
3. Do Not Rush - take your time and do not quickly employ the first accountant you meet. Switching accountants can be more annoying than selecting the right one from the very beginning.
As early as possible, you should start looking for an accountant so that you can he can assist you with your financial planning earlier. However, just make sure that you'll hire the best accountant who can help you with your financial planning effectively.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Yes, we ought to use our better sense when travelling, but Florence is misrepresented online.
The Best of Florence in 48 Hours
1. Slow Food
We wandered into an alley, decided to settle for this quaint tiny restaurant in front of us and discovered we hit jackpot with Imangiarino . There was one old lady taking orders and serving, 2 chefs in the kitchen and the tiny place sits about 20. I was amused with the disclaimer on the placemat 'slow food'.
It was so worth the wait. It's the best meal i ate in Florence. There are only 13 "slow food" restaurants in Florence and we actually accidentally walk into one! I later found out that "slow food" didn't mean the service but it means that the restaurant uses recipes passed down from generations and the best and possibly organic ingredients from the region.
Best to make reservations because shortly after we entered, a queue started snaking!
Address: Via dello Studio, 5/r-50122 Firenze
Tel: 055 216 208
Email: imagiarino@libero.it
Address: Via dello Studio, 5/r-50122 Firenze
Tel: 055 216 208
Email: imagiarino@libero.it
2. Aline Hotel
rated badly online. People said it was dirty, a pain to be fighting to use the common bathroom etc. I decided to take a chance with Aline because it was centrally located and cheap. For a one star hotel and costing only 64 euros a night for 2, we hit jackpot again! It was clean, cute and safe. Shower is within the room, tiny as an in-flight toilet, but if you don't mind peeing in the shower, you hardly need to use the common bathroom outside. Even if you do, it is clean, odourless and I didn't have to queue.I had to take a dump.Our room even had a cute little balcony that looked above apartment roofs into the Tuscan hills in the distance.
The superior quality of the monks' products became widely known, and in the 17th century, the pharmacy opened its doors to the public.
Address: Piazza del Mercato Centrale 26r
5. Shopping in Florence
I did all my shopping in 2 places. One was Central Market, the other was at The Mall.
I'm not lying.
It is indeed nice to walk around by foot, working off that pizza then putting it on with a gelato. Through walking, you can take in the bustling city's sights, the tourist spots and discover new areas.
Take a sandwich, hike up the Michael Angelo hill for a panoramic view of Florence.
The most photographed bridge in Florence is Ponte Veccchio, where jewellery shops are built into the bridge.
We sat on the bridge, enjoying the romantic view and listening to the groovy husky voice of an Italian busker.
Most shops are closed on Sundays but otherwise if you had gone on a weekday, Pisa is a lovely town (less crowded than Florence) to spend time in.
and start seeing things leaning!
We're not that great photographers so it hardly looks leaning. It's an amazing piece of architecture because it looks leaning but it's actually not!
We thought we were early at 10am but no, almost everyone is early.
Had to get my 2948 worth of leaning pictures.
Travelling to Pisa is really just for the tower which you can do funny things with.
2. Aline Hotel
rated badly online. People said it was dirty, a pain to be fighting to use the common bathroom etc. I decided to take a chance with Aline because it was centrally located and cheap. For a one star hotel and costing only 64 euros a night for 2, we hit jackpot again! It was clean, cute and safe. Shower is within the room, tiny as an in-flight toilet, but if you don't mind peeing in the shower, you hardly need to use the common bathroom outside. Even if you do, it is clean, odourless and I didn't have to queue.I had to take a dump.Our room even had a cute little balcony that looked above apartment roofs into the Tuscan hills in the distance.
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| That's me on the balcony with a 4kg leg of prosciutto ham. |
3. The Oldest Infirmary in the World
is not found within a church, like i expected it to be.
Behind me is the Santa Maria Novella, but the Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy, the oldest still-operating pharmacy in the world (and oldest in Italy) is found somewhere else. It is located in one of those stone buildings, obscure and undetected. Ask the Tourist Information outside and opposite of Firenze train station, that's how we found it. When you reach the street, follow the crowd because that's probably where everyone's going. The over-powering smells of sweet scent like Victoria Secrets will also be an indication.
Having read online that it was established in 1221, when the Dominican monks grew herbs to make balms and medicines, i was expecting to walk into some sort of tomb looking ancient pharmacy,
Alas, it looks very modern, fancy and like a New York departmental store.Albeit, the pharmacy itself is housed in the original building, the rooms have vaulted ceilings, marble floors, glass-stained windows with walnut cabinetry and glass-stoppered decanters full of colorful potions.
Today the pharmacy still uses the traditional preparation methods and carries products using the original recipes of the monks. AtlasObscura highlights the Aceto dei Sette Ladri, or Seven Thieves Vinegar, where these smelling salts got their unusual name from a band of seven men who robbed corpses during a plague. They were said to have doused themselves in the strong vinegar to protect themselves from the plague. However, this was nowhere to be found on the order menu. Instead, there is an extensive list of dietary supplements for the mental and physical health, herbal teas, hydroalcholic extracts, syrups or accessories. Prices are only revealed upon query.
4. Trattoria ZaZa
is also recommended on Tripadvisor. The interior design is more notable than its food. However, it is a popular favourite for whipping up delicious authentic Italian pastas. I need to get used to the Italian pastas not having much ingredients like the Japanese ramen. The oomph is all in the sauce.
However, next door is Trattoria Mario, which came highly recommended by a local friend and twice we didn't make it in time or that there was a 2 hour waiting time.
5. Shopping in Florence
Because competition is tough at Central Market where the stalls mostly hawk the same ware, the prices are the best around Florence. I found the Indian stall owners easier to negotiate prices, however, they are also probably the ones who sell leather goods that may not be authentic material. Nonetheless, i bought this Prada -inspired bag in a cheery sunshine colour for 35 euros (supposedly calf leather) bargained down from 55. There are tons of leather products to be found, some could be utterly fake, some could be the leftovers of good leather. Only an expert hand can discern the real and the fakes but i say if the price is reasonable and the design is pretty, go for it! I also bought 3 soft leather belts in dirty green, brown and fuchsia (8 euro each) as well as 3 leather cuffs (2 euro each).
I didn't quite encounter many Asians in Florence but no prizes for guessing where i saw majority of them.
In the queue waiting to go The Mall, factory outlet featuring high-end brands like Ferragamo, Prada, Christian Dior, Gucci and more.
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| It feels like i'm in Asia again! |
The Sita bus station is to the right of Firenze station and costs 5 euro one way. Buses start at 8.50 am and run every 20 mins to and 30 mins fro. The entire bus ride takes slightly more than an hour. The Mall opens at 10am, and it is a mad house particularly in the Prada store. The only brand that is two-storey with an escalator within, the brand conscious Asians (Chinese and Koreans mainly) start grabbing. Best is to visit The Mall with caution and a shopping list of what you need so you stay focused. DO NOT feel pressured when you see fellow Asians in a shopping frenzy. But who am i to give advice? I went needing a new wallet, a sling satchel and card holder but left with 3 items more that were not in the list. The Devil really wears Prada! The brands offer good discount, starting from 30%. Burberry has an extensive range of winter wear while Christian Dior had a 50% further off factory outlet price. The Mall is the ONLY place in Florence that i see so many Chinese salesgirls and there was even an Italian gent in Dior who spoke fluent Mandarin.
6. Michael Angelo Hill
Florence is small enough to go everywhere on foot.
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| Hanging out with horses. |
7. Florence at Night
When dusk falls, Florence becomes romantic.
A local culture of the clubbers at night is to also sniff out the secret bakeries of Florence. These bakeries start baking late at night for the next morning and very often will sell inconspicuously to those who seek at night. A hot bun oozing with Nutella for 1 euro, unfortunately we didn't stay out late enough to go treasure hunting. If you're gungho enough, here're some addresses you can try.
8. Day trip to Pisa
Because Florence is small enough to finish walking in a day (without too much stopping for Italian coffee which btw, is mugnificant), take a train to Pisa just an hour away!Costing 7 euros one way, the ticket machines at Firenze is simple to use and does not return change in the form of vouchers (as some websites warned).
Get drunk on Simpson's beer,
We thought we were early at 10am but no, almost everyone is early.
Florence, my first taste of Italy (ok, maybe Venice was first).
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Are you one of the many who have no or poor credit history? Maybe you suppose that your selection of credit is limited to only secured cards? Maybe there is hope for you. Total Visa is an distinctive choice for those with "less than ideal" credit history.
A major advantage of Total Visa is that the bank gives an accounting of your payments monthly to the main credit bureaus. This can help you develop an affirmative payment history and demonstrate that you are a reliable and trustworthy customer.
An additional benefit of this card is the opportunity to raise your credit limit. It could be approved if you make payments on time for 6 months and your balance is not more than the limit. You may request the bank to evaluate your account for a limit increase every three months. Furthermore, there's no fee for the assessment or for a subsequent raise in the credit line.
Total Visa makes it possible for you to make payments on-line. Hence if you enjoy making purchases online, this card will suit you perfectly. Plus, what is significant to appreciate, Total Visa is insured with fraud protection.
A further advantage of Total Visa is excellent customer service. If you have troubles with the quality of services or goods that you bought with a card and have attempted to rectify the dilemma with the business, you might have the justification not to pay the outstanding sum.
Total Visa card then handles its holders' expenses. 2 limitations exist on this: you are required have made the acquisition in your state of residence, or inside 100 miles of your present mailing address and the goods must have cost over $50.
For more information about total card visa, try visiting http://creditcardinfotoday.com/ - a popular credit card information site that features information about applying for a credit card with no credit history, handling credit card debt, instant approval cards, and more.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robin_Boddy
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Most people has a small amount of debt, which generally is manageable, however debt can very quickly get out of hand and becomes self-generating. It is not the amount of debt that is important rather the ability to manage it and pay it back. There are some basic steps that can be followed to manage money and get out of debt:
*Do some financial housekeeping – there is no point in going into denial, go through all papers, bills, accounts etc and get a clear picture of exactly how much is owed. Only when the actual figure is calculated can the debt be managed;
*Stop spending on non-essentials and ensure all essential payments such as mortgage or rent are covered;
*Draw up a budget, perhaps complete a statement of affairs looking at all incoming finances and all outgoings, this will help identify all non-essential spend that can be stopped;
>Is the debt personal debt or other liability such as business debt, separate the personal debt from the business debt and address both separately, perhaps with an accountant or advisor for the business debt;
*Unburden, if possible, share the responsibility with a partner or loved one, talk about the debt, this will help with recognising the problem and enable the debt to be addressed in a practical manner;
*When all debt has been identified speak to the individual financial institutions concerned such as bank, credit card company, finance company, it might be best to get help with this form a third party such as a debt advice charity;
*Seek advice from a debt advisory charity, but never pay for this information, there are numerous charitable organisations that can help with debt management and financial planning;
*If the debt is small and can be repaid set up a realistic payment plan and advise the respective creditor;
*Take small steps, such as get a second job, or realise some assets, perhaps shares or investments or even insurance policies; and
*Be practical and realistic, set a budget that is manageable and meaningful, allow for everyday living and the occasional treat, when things become forbidden they become more desirable.
Debt can take over an individual’s life but it must be put into perspective and can be managed through small but consistent actions. Recognising the problem and identifying the issues will help to contain and address the problem. There is no debt that cannot be managed and asking for advice and help with make things easier, get the head out of the sand and be honest and actions can be taken to manage money and reduce debt.
A raise can be a boon to your household finances. Although it is tempting to immediately spend the entire raise on a new car, handbag, laptop, or gadget, there are several considerations that should be addressed before you splurge.
The first thing you should do if you get a significant raise is check your tax situation. There are some instances when the raise pushes your income into the next tax bracket. Most employers will automatically adjust your withholding, but if you are already claiming zero exemptions, you may need to have an additional amount withheld in order to avoid penalties. This will require an updated W-4 form.
The next thing to consider is your retirement contributions. If you have access to a 401(k) account from your employer and your employer offers matching funds, you should contribute at least enough to the account to receive the full company match. Even if your fund choices are meager, the employer match is free money that is available to fund your retirement. If your 401(k) offers low-cost mutual funds or index funds, consider increasing your contribution to the federal maximum. In 2009, the maximum annual contribution is $16,500 or $22,000 if you are over 50. When considering a significant 401(k) contribution, keep in mind that every employer has slightly different limitations that may prevent you from contributing the federal maximum. One limitation is the maximum percentage limit, or the maximum percentage of your pay that you are allowed to contribute and shield from taxes. The second limitation is the highly compensated employee (HCE) income limit. Employees that have an annual income greater than the HCE limit will have their maximum contribution lowered or even reduced to $0.
If you do not have access to a 401(k) account or you are contributing the maximum amount, consider saving most or all of your raise in an IRA or a savings vehicle. The savings vehicle should be chosen based on your timeline. Money earmarked for an emergency fund should be liquid, either in a high-interest savings account or in a combination of savings and a short-term (under two years) CD ladder. Money designated for large expenses should be in a CD ladder with a timeline based on when you expect to incur the expenses.
Finally, if you are able to fully fund a 401(k) or other retirement account, an emergency fund, and a large expense fund, use some of your raise as a reward for your fiscal responsibility, but keep in mind that a permanent boost in your standard of living may put you at risk for living beyond your means in the future.
Money management is the way daily financial events are handled in step with financial goals. The reason money management is important is because if it is done properly, there are potential benefits or at least less monetary problems that may crop up. Money management is an essential ingredient to growing wealth, controlling costs, keeping cash flow under control and maintaining proper credit, debt to income ratios and so forth. A few key areas of money management are savings plans and budgets, personal money management, money management programs and money management software.
Creating a Savings Plan and Budget:
Savings plans are for money that shouldn't be used for anything other than saving. It is essentially a financial faux pas if not bad financial form to use money allocated for savings for anything other than transfer to a potentially better savings product. Savings plans could be a corporate pension, an Individual Retirement Account, a brokerage account, money market account, life insurance policy etc. In other words, there are many places to save. Choosing the right savings instrument depends on personal factors such as time-line, risk tolerance, rate of return, tax benefits and accessibility. Savings plans may also include weekly, monthly, biannual or annual contributions depending on the individual savings plan.
Budgets compliment savings plans in the sense that a good budget keeps costs under control and when adhered to, can allow one enough extra money each month to be able to save. This is often easier said than done as people often experience unexpected bills such as car repairs, medical co-pays, or higher than anticipated travel expenses. For this reason budgets should also include emergencies and unanticipated expenses. For example, 7% of one's monthly income is a reasonable amount to contribute to an emergency expense fund every month. What isn't used can be carried over to the next month.
Personal Money Management:
Personal money management is the application of money management principles to one's individual or household finances. This may involve balancing check books, filing taxes, record keeping, paying bills, juggling accounts, overseeing investments and expenses and so one. There are several ways personal money management can be achieved such as a customized money management system, pre-designed money management program or computer software money management. An important note to consider is personal money management plans should serve individual goals and be practical. Some discipline is required to effectively implement all the steps in a money plan, examples of such steps being the items listed above.
Money Management Programs:
Money management programs are plentiful and can be found high and low. Some of these programs may be better than others but one may often see a common thread of reasoning behind them all i.e. save, budget, lower costs, and invest. These are the only four words one really needs to know to manage money but putting words into action isn't always easy.
One example of a money management program attribute is the Three Account System. The three account system facilitates a money manager's intent to save, budget and invest by channeling funds. Since Income-Expenses=Profit, one must have more income than expenses to save money. For this reason establishing the three account system in the beginning is the hardest part.
The three account system uses one account for paying bills, another account for buffering and balancing cash flow and a third account for saving and growing money. Ideally all three accounts will be increased in size every month for a net growth however, if the expense account never grows that's not necessarily bad because that is its designated purpose.
While the above system helps in the allocation of funds and cash flow, it still requires additional money management techniques such as record keeping, budget balancing, debt management, asset management etc. In other words, a money management program ideally includes all the steps, tools, and information necessary to successfully manage money.
Money Management Software:
Money management software can be a very helpful tool for managing money if one has the discipline to use the software as one's financial information hub and portal. That is to say, for the software to be most effective, every transaction and piece of financial information should be entered into the software on a weekly if not daily basis. Such financial information can include expenses, investments, allowances etc. in addition to accurate entry of total assets and liabilities, creditor account information, banking information, tax deduction information such as interested expenses, capital gains and so on.
The financial software processes the information and can then create up to date spreadsheets, financial scenarios, interest rate calculators, retirement forecasts and so forth. In other words, money management software helps organize financial information through a software program. However, for that software to be effective, the software must become a primary money management tool.
Money management is fiscal discipline translated into monetary action whether such monetary action be utilization of financial software, a money management plan or an individualized money management system. The goal of money management is to keep finances under control, organized and increasing in worth to the money manager. Bad money management might include bank overcharges, bounced checks, decreasing net worth, and poorly archived financial records such as previous years tax filings. Good money management can be considered to be generally the opposite. Additionally, what makes good money management effective are fiscal discipline, savings and budget plans, and successful implementation of money management programs and/or software. Money management is more than just making sure what goes out is less than what comes in, but it is also what happens in the time between money coming in and it going out.
I tend to always ask for the same combination: Orange Carrot. Because i don't know better otherwise.
Juicing is a popular way to detoxify the body and enjoy a change from chomping on solid foods. Drinking fresh vegetable and fruit juices can help flush out the toxins from your body and thereby help you get clear, healthy skin. Here’s a list of fruit juices which you may want to try for a change:
Apple + Cucumber + Kiwi
Improves skin complexion.
Pear + Banana
Regulates sugar content.
Regulates sugar content.
Carrot + Apple + Pear + Mango
Clears body heat, counteracts toxicity, decreases blood pressure and fight oxidization.
Clears body heat, counteracts toxicity, decreases blood pressure and fight oxidization.
Honeydew + Grape + Watermelon + Milk
Rich in vitamin C & vitamin B2 that increase cell activity and strengthen body immunity.
Rich in vitamin C & vitamin B2 that increase cell activity and strengthen body immunity.
Papaya + Pineapple + Milk
Rich in vitamin C, E, Iron. Improve skin complexion and metabolism.
Rich in vitamin C, E, Iron. Improve skin complexion and metabolism.
Banana + Pineapple + Milk
Rich in vitamin with nutrients and prevent constipation.
Rich in vitamin with nutrients and prevent constipation.
The above is a repost from Porcelain's Face Spa's blog.
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