tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78447161753781511292024-03-13T21:17:36.674-07:00Chicago Jewelrykihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184833204640861noreply@blogger.comBlogger851125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7844716175378151129.post-22284209761590293482011-09-27T00:41:00.051-07:002011-09-27T00:41:59.261-07:00Quick, Inexpensive Decorating IdeaQuick, Inexpensive Decorating Idea<br />This is just a fun little decorating idea that I want to share.<br />I collect boxes. Big boxes, little boxes, wooden boxes, paper boxes, decorative boxes. As long as they appeal to me, I collect them. I have them everywhere. One of the places that I have them is on my dresser.<br />The boxes on my dresserare nice. At least I like them. But, I felt that something was missing. They lacked... something. Perhaps there was too much... BROWN. I think that was it. Too dark... too lacklustre.<br />Then, one day, I was going through some old things, spring cleaning, so to speak. I ran across some wonderul, old Christmas glass ball ornaments. I loved them. I thought they were so pretty. I hated to throw them away, but I had moved on to a different color scheme. Then it dawned on me!<br />These were the colors in bedroom. Sure my colors were softer, but, these might just be that extra something that my box collection needed. So, I opened one of the boxes, placed the balls inside, hanger side down, and VIOLA!<br />For no money, I added a nice little touch to my room. And, it was so nice that the Christmas ornaments happen to match one of my favorite pefume bottles.<br />The large photo, because of the flash, doesn't show the true beauty of the balls, so I added a couple of pictures taken without the flash.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I reserve the right to be human and err. Nothing here was written to intentionally misinform or otherwise mislead. 2006 Trina Hoakskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184833204640861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7844716175378151129.post-38434332881116331732011-09-27T00:41:00.049-07:002011-09-27T00:41:56.711-07:00Alligator WalletFew items are more personal and more useful to you on a daily basisthan your wallet. In addition toyour watch and keys, you are probably going to carry your wallet with you everywhere that you go. And like your watch, it says something about you (to yourself and to others).NOTE: If this guide is helpful to you, please click the yes in the blue block at the bottom of the page Visit Our Store About Uskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184833204640861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7844716175378151129.post-36991989527965848482011-09-27T00:41:00.047-07:002011-09-27T00:41:54.883-07:00Give and receive SAFE food gifts this Holiday SeasonThe last "gift" anyone wants to give during the holiday season is an upset stomach, food poisoning or some other illness caused by improper food prep and packaging. Here's some gemon sense and easy tips to avoid that: 1. Don't buy or send canned goods that are in swollen cans. Simple as that. No exceptions2. Make sure your food prep area is cleaned off with an anti-bacterial and food safe cleaning agent before you get to work making your gifts. 3. Don't use raw eggs in uncooked foods that will be given to young children or the elderly. Admittedly, there is some debate about this and plenty of people still use uncooked eggs. Some doctors feel that those with healthy immune systems will be fine; others say to play it safe. 4. Moist products are less fragile than dry, crisp cookies. On the other hand, if you are shipping overseas or to someone in the army or navy, keep in mind that homemade foods without preservatives may mold quickly. Time your shipments. 5. Consider making some foods to give to those who live nearby while buying from a reputable mail order house or seller on okay for other items. That way, you won't break your budget and you'll still be playing it safe. 6. If you send or receive food that has to be kept refrigerated, use dry ice and inspect any items you receive to make sure the box isn't at an unsafe temp from having been left outside or in a heated area all day. Do NOT HESITATE to call a gepany and geplain. A reputable one will provide customer satisfaction. If not, don't use them again. 7. You might double check and make sure your recipient WILL be home when your gift is due to arrive. Depending on how willing you are to let them know about the surprise, you might tell them to be around or suggest that something is on the way. Happy feasting!kihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184833204640861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7844716175378151129.post-37262646350730091472011-09-27T00:41:00.045-07:002011-09-27T00:41:53.160-07:00Western belts with belt buckles sizingWhen planning to buy a western belt to to fit your favorite belt buckle, keep in mind that a belt buckle adds 2 sizes to the belt, For example if you usually wear a size 36 belt, it is regeended that you buy a size 34 if you are going to add a decorative belt buckle.kihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184833204640861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7844716175378151129.post-70849123501286314612011-09-27T00:41:00.043-07:002011-09-27T00:41:50.915-07:00A GUIDE TO LIVE BY!Have we forgotten how to treat people fairly these days? I wonder this question more and more as I get older. Begeing a Senior Citizen several years ago, gees with a little knowledge about fairness and equality.<br />I have watched our values change in many ways. I see young people who have no manners, I see people cheating, stealing, lying, and I see a huge lack of respect for other people's property. It seems to me, and I could be looking through Rose tinted glasses, but it seems like we have all starting living in the "me, myself' and I" age again. I have watched parenting go in a total different direction, and it isa directionthat I don't like to see! Have we forgotten the definition of NO? Have we forgotten to teach our children the "Golden Rule"? Do you even know what the Golden Rule is anymore? It is a Bible verse, and goes like this. "DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DO UNTO YOU".<br />We have some very hard working people here on okay, both sellers and buyers alike. We also have some that do not believe in fair play (you know who you are), they go about attacking poeple's selling sites, their guides and reviews, etc., seemingly just having fun! This is NOT FUNNY, this is destroying poeple's property. It is the same as vandalism, robbery, and it is not legal to do so.<br />May I remind you of the "Golden Rule" again, if nothing else, just think about how you would feel if this were done to you. You would not like some one stealing from you, nor would you like to be vandalized, and you certainly would not like to be disrespected.<br />This is myGUIDE TO LIVE BY lesson; I hope it is not too late for all of us to learn it again!kihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184833204640861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7844716175378151129.post-81123366486122416932011-09-27T00:41:00.041-07:002011-09-27T00:41:48.430-07:00Changing prefrences. Buyers can change your invoice!?!Did you know, that a buyer of your item can change your invoice?<br />Some people keep this preference on if they are offering discounts on thier items. But beware!A buyer can change other things too...like shipping cost and the cost of insurance on an item, even if you have stated that insurance is required. A simple fix to this is, changing your preferences. Heres how!<br />Go to your my e-bay page<br />Click on preferences (left hand side of your screen)<br />Under the heading Payment from buyer click show<br />Change Allow buyers to edit payment totals from yes to no<br />Walla!<br />There are many other preferences that you may want to look through and make sure it's what you had in mind.<br />Good luck with all your sales!<br />Krissykihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184833204640861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7844716175378151129.post-31308324412498782722011-09-27T00:41:00.039-07:002011-09-27T00:41:47.367-07:00AUSTRALIAN MOVIE POSTERS - Alfred Hitchcock daybillsAUSTRALIAN MOVIE POSTERS - Alfred Hitchcock daybills<br />This guide produced by John Reid Original Movie Posters<br />Australian daybill is a term used for posters that were used for the original release of movies in Australia. For more information on daybills see my guides.<br />PRE 1941<br />Daybills for many of the early classic Hitchcock movies from the 20s to the 40s are very scarce, if not impossible to find. Daybills for movies that were made pre 1941 were released as "long daybills" measuring approximately 15" x 40". To the best of my knowledge, the only daybills that have surfaced during this period are:<br /><br />The Ring (1927)<br />Champagne (1928)<br />Blackmail (1929)<br />The 39 Steps (1935)<br />The Lady Vanishes (1938)<br />Rebecca (1940)<br />Mr and Mrs Smith (1940)<br />Foreign Correspondent (1941)<br />In most cases only one or twodaybills for these films have ever surfaced. I have never heard of or seen daybills for any of the other pre 1941 Hitchcock movies. This is a pity because the artwork on some of the long daybills was different to the US versions and unique to Australia. American one sheets and inserts for Hitchcock movies are much easier to find than Australian posters which were printed in considerably smaller quanitities.<br /> <br />1941 - 1957<br />Daybills for the movies from these yearshave been found but, in most cases, they are all exceedingly rare. In some cases like Suspicion andLifeboat, only one or two daybills have ever been seen. Others like Notorious, Dial M For Murder and Rope are also near impossible to find. This is unlike the US equivalents which can be found with relative ease at any time providing you have the money to spend.<br /> <br />1958-1975<br />Daybills from this era are generally easier to obtain with the exception of North by Northwest and Psycho which are both extremely rare. There are two full colour daybills for North by Northwest and one is clearly a reissue although it is nearly always passed off as original. The original features the same artwork as the US original one sheets and inserts and is printed by Chromo print while the reissue is very similar in style to the 1964 US reissue and is printed by Robert Burton. The original has rarely been seen but the reissue is still very desirable because itfeatures the famous cropduster scene against the backdrop of Mt Rushmore.<br /> <br />One or two dealers have had a number of "Vertigo" and "The Birds" daybills and most have been sold to America. Although they are easier to find than other daybills, the demand is very high fortwo of Hitchcock's classic films and the price is generally fairly high.<br /> <br />Posters for Torn Curtain, Topaz, Frenzy and Family Plot are generally easier to find and these do turn up occasionally on okay.<br /> <br />I wish you good luck with your Hitchcock collection and if you I can help in any way dont hesitate to contact me. I am still searching for some elusive posters so if you think you might have anything that I could be looking for please let me know.<br /><br />If you have found this guide useful please select "yes" and please remember that the information contained in the guide is copyright.kihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184833204640861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7844716175378151129.post-56082470688070369032011-09-27T00:41:00.037-07:002011-09-27T00:41:45.476-07:00How to Earn money by Buying on s (without reselling)Sure, everyone knows you can find some good deals on okay but can you actually literally EARN money by spending time (and maybe some money) on okay, even if you NEVER resell the items you buy? . I'd argue that you can.Follow my logic:1. There are many vintage books and items that are focused on cutting costs. Examples include Depression era cookbooks, Guides on How to Maximize your Home's Curb Appeal on a Budget and other books. You can even find mass number of coupons and newspaper inserts to make the most of double or triple coupon days (but use coupons carefully; some aren't as great a deal as they may seem). .These are just a few examples of how you can spend a little on okay and learn how to save money over the long run. cookbooks 2. Do some serious geparison shopping and then check a seller's feedback and, if it is excellent and they offer the best deal, why not get the item from okay for a pittance of retail value? You can often find band instruments, toys, even brand name clothing that is new or barely used. Electronics can also be a great deal and I got my son's first Gameboy on okay, along with a number of games for less than 1/4th the LOWEsT sales price off line. Today, years later, it still works but we just gave it to a relative. My son saved his money and got a different system. But the Gameboy ran strong for a LONG time. Game systems 3. Consider cutting back on your cable channels or ditching cable gepletely and grab some great low-cost videos or DVDS instead. . Savings - will vary depending on your usual cable bill but it should be at least a couple or hundred a year (and I'm being conservative here). Consider how-to Documentaries so you can learn even more skills and save even more money. One of my favorites I got here was made by an army wife who showed how to make quick curtains and window treatments and other decor that was easy to take up and down, as need, for those many moves she and her hubby made across the country. The latest I got was about how to do a basic home inspection, NOT a substitute for a professional home inspector, but a good way for a homeowner to spot potential problems in between a professional inspection. This helped us catch potentially expensive problems early. - and we have caught quite a few small issues that could have begee major ones. Home inspection information 3. Don't rent movies. Get them on okay instead. Savings - depends on how many movies you rented and how many late fees you had per month. If you're the type that racks up late fees, you'll probably save money this way and, of course you COULD always resell them on okay. But even if you don't, you'll save. DVDS 3. Have your kids help you write a review or guide for okay. Expand their minds, get them to think critically and gemunicate their point of view (mine helped me with this one). Savings - ? Well, if they get smart enough and think creatively, they might end up winning a scholarship to college. Anyway, its a start and a great family activity and learning experience. :) okay reviews and guides 4. Network with others on the chat boards here. One of them even had its own cookbook for awhile and by using that, I cut down on our grocery costs by 50% a month. The bulletin boards are free. Take advantage of them. Network with the okay gemunity and "share the wealth" of information that is out there. Odds are, like me, you'll end up saving money as well. Many okayers are small or independent sellers, not tied to a chain store and are experienced in cutting costs. Learn from them. Share info with them. gemunity links 5. Teach your kids the basics of financial literacy by showing them how to gepare products on okay. If you're a seller (I am) they can learn how to gepute profits after fees, help you ship, etc. I'm even teaching my kids how to scout good deals and they get to keep a portion of the profits. They are budding entrepreneurs. Future savings from begeing more financially literate ?- Admittedly, it is unknown but it is a step in the right direction. Financial literacy is a lifetime skill. Search and gepare products 6. Do your holiday shopping early. Savings - time, gas money driving to and from the mall and the peace of mind that gees from planning ahead. Being organized saves time AND money, according to many studies.7. Read guides like these. They can be a road map to financial independence and savings and they can up your learning curve. 8. Be open-minded and willing to experiment. gepare costs and savings. 9. ALWAYS CHECK FEEDBACK. Buying or selling with people who have lousy feedback is often like throwing money away. Don't make that mistake. You'll save time and money right there. This is just a start but I hope you can see that okay can be a place where spending time and money can also be the road to SAVING money, whether it is a few hundred a year or thousands a year. Use your imagination, browse the various areas and see how well YOU can do.kihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184833204640861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7844716175378151129.post-5982595372022719752011-09-27T00:41:00.035-07:002011-09-27T00:41:42.812-07:00THIS COULD SAVE HOMESTHESE KIDS OF MINE ARE ONE REASON FOR THIS GUIDE..... HOPE IT HELPS PROTECT YOUR FAMILY AS WELL.<br />CLOTHES DRYER INFO:<br />THE HEATING UNIT WENT OUT IN MY DRYER! WHY DOES EVERYTHING SEEM TO FALL APART THIS TIME OF YEAR!?<br />THE GUY THAT FIXES THINGS WENT INTO THE DRYER, AND PULLED OUT THE LINT FILTER. IT WAS CLEAN AS ALWAYS. I CLEAN IT OUT AFTER EVERY LOAD. <br />HE TOLD ME THAT HE WANTED TO SHOW ME SOMETHING. HE TOOK THE FILTER TO THE SINKkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184833204640861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7844716175378151129.post-79388732580981137492011-09-27T00:41:00.033-07:002011-09-27T00:41:41.045-07:00corn burning stoves, furnaces, and boilersEvery one has there own opinions on corn burning stoves. The truth to the story is that these stoves can save you a ton of money! The stove manufacturer you choose, detirmines how much work is involved in maintaining your stove. Stay away from the first year gepanies and the "BIG BOX STORES", they sell the lower priced stoves that are usually from a first year gepany. Check into how long a gepany has been in business making the stoves you are pricing. The number one rated stove that i have found is the"Magnum Countryside". They have been in business for over 30 years, making these multi fuel stoves for over 20 years. You fill these stoves once a day and clean these stoves once per week. Not much work at all for the money i saved. No clinkers to worry about like some "other" stoves. Cleaning takes me only 5 minutes which includes taking out the ashes, cleaning the glass and vacuming the fire box area. My wife and kids even enjoy doing this task. Once a week is all it takes. Sure it's not as conveniant as walking up to the thermostat and pushing heat, but it sure is ALOT cheaper and you are supporting the local farmer and not the oil gepanies who are making record profits per quarter. A friend of mine has had his Magnum Countryside stove for 6 years now and he has a 3600 square foot home (2 story with a finished basement), he has been heating his house for just under $400.00 for the whole winter! I guarantee you can't do that with propane, natural gas, or fuel oil. I installed my Magnum Countryside stove in my 1300 sq. ft. home last February and it keeps my house at 75 degrees + on a regular basis on one of the lower settings. I have not used a gallon of propane gas since. Another thing to consider when shopping for a corn stove is, can it burn all corn and not just some corn mixed with wood pellets. To me it's not a "corn stove" if it can't burn 100% American grone corn. The Magnum Countryside stove can burn a host of biomass fuels such as corn, wood pellets, wheat, barley, oats, soy beans, cherry pits, olive pits, etc.. The Magnum Countryside stoves are the first nationally certified multi- fuel stoves. Don't be fooled by the lower priced stoves, you get what you pay for. If you would like more info. on these stoves, feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. These are the stoves of the present and future. Why not start saving money now. Forget the oil gepanies! HEAT WITH CORN!!kihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184833204640861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7844716175378151129.post-68470755519732900752011-09-27T00:41:00.031-07:002011-09-27T00:41:39.778-07:00Diablo 2 LOD Character Set-Up Guide - PVM Fire SorcThis is the First page of the sorceress section of my geplete Character Set-Up Guide in okay.<br />This time, Ishare with you the godly PVMFire Sorceress.<br />Same as before, I use summary format to describe all the details, (1) basic information, (2) stats distribution, (3) skill allocation, (4) gear requirements, (5) inventory, (6) hirelings and (7) Few Strategic Advices<br />(1) Basic Information<br />Other than Blizzard PVM Sorceress, Fire PVM Sorceress is another good option for magic finding. She can deliver 15K+ Fireball attack and over 33K meteor damage when equipping good gear (5x fire skill charms with totally 6 perfect 5/5 fire rainbow facets socketed on your gear: one on armor, helm and weapon plus three on headhunter shield(if chosen)). She is a fast monster-killer and is a great character for rushing. If you are tired of making or using blizzard sorceress, why not try one. It is exciting to have one! However, she is notperfectfor PVP dueling.<br />(2) Stats Distribution<br /><br />Strength: Just 100 points on strengths before wearing any gear and item.After you equipped with good gear, the character's strength will increase and this will allow you to wear more good items. Therefore, be patient until you get into high level. <br />Dexterity: None. <br />Energy: At least 100 points invested here. Appropriate gear will tremendously increase her mana points later. <br />Vitality: Remaining points should be put in here as you need good life to keep you survive when surrounded by monsters.<br />(3) Skills Allocation<br /><br />Fire Bolt = 20 (before any skill point added by your gear) <br />Fire Ball = 20 (Ditto) <br />Meteor = 20 (Ditto) <br />Fire Mastery = 20 (Ditto) <br />Pre-Requisite skills = One point eachon inferno, blaze, firewall, charged bolt, lightning, chain lightning, teleport, energy shield (If you choose to wear Tal Rasha Set Belt, you only need to invest one point on energy shield. If not, few more on it!) <br />Remaining skill points to be allocated on warmth (this makes your mana recover faster so that you will keep your characteralive even when you are fighting a lot of monsters)<br />(4) Gears Requirements (Best Options)<br /><br />Helm -Harlequin shako(socketed with one ist rune: if you want your character to do magic find; if not, socket your shako with one perfect 5/5 rainbow facet) <br />Amulet -Tals rasha set Amulet, perfect 30% resistance Mara amulet, volcanic amulet(+3 to fire skill with second mods of faster hit recovery or resistance to all)or Fletch Amulet. <br />Armor - Enigma Archon Plate or Up'd Vipermagi Armor or Ormus robe armor(with +3 to meteor) If you want to increase your fire damage, you can socket with one perfect 5/5 rainbow facet on Vipermagi or Ormus. <br />Weapon- First weapon for switch: Wizardspike(socketed with one hel rune)or perfect 15% fire skill damage Eschutas Elditch Orb(socketed with one perfect 5/5 fire rainbow facet) andSecond weapon for switch: one 4/6/3 call-to-arms runeword flail/crystal sword(BUT the battle order level must be +6) People has been debating whether a fire sorceress should use a wizardspike or a perfect 15% eschutas. I prefer wizardspike to eschutas because wizardspike has faster cast rate (FCR), high resistances, good mana boost. <br />Shield - First shield withperfect lidless grim shield(socketed with one um rune), perfect 3-open-socket headhunter shield (socketed with three perfect 5/5 rainbow facets) or perfect Spirit runeword shield. I prefer to use perfect 35% FCR spirit shield because it delivers two to all skills, good mana boost and 35% faster cast rate. AND the second shield with CTA for switching isstill another spirit shield. <br />Belt = Tal rasha set belt (if you don't put a point on energy shield skill) orThunder Gods Belt(if youchoose to invest more points onvitality and energy and give up strength, you should use T-God belt because it boost your strength and vitality by 20 as well as maximizes your lightning resistance by 10% more) Another good option is arachnid sash as it gives faster cast rate and skill and mana.<br />Gloves = Definitely Up'd Magefist Gloves because it boosts your fire skill by one level and gives 30% faster cast rate. <br />Boots = Any boots with mods of faster hit recovery, any good resistance and high defense. I personally prefer ethereal sandstorm trek boots and up'd tearhaunch greaves. <br />Ring 1 = Perfect Raven Ring (Prevent your character from being freezed by cold monsters) <br />Ring 2 = One soj<br />(4) Inventory<br /><br />Good Annihiluskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184833204640861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7844716175378151129.post-30758094926079496342011-09-27T00:41:00.029-07:002011-09-27T00:41:36.298-07:00The Basic How-To Guide for Buying Jewelry on sThe Basic How-To Guide for Buying Jewelry on okay is my way of sharing what I've learned about buying jewelry over the years, how to search for it on okay, and how to avoid some gemon mistakes.<br />Finding and bidding on jewelry on okay is one of myguilty pleasures, and I love the hunt almost as much as actually receiving the item I won. However, as with most hunts, you need to know your quarry well. <br />With that end in mind, decide upfront what you're looking for jewelry-wise: Fine Jewelry, Mid- or Low-rangeJewelry, Costume Jewelry, or that ubiquitous catch-all, Vintage Jewelry. Think of it this way: Fine Jewelry is of the type you'd expect to find in a high-end couture-type shop; precious stones, gold, platinum, sterling silver, and so on. Mid- or Low-rangeJewelry can be found at the far end of the counter in some fine jewelry departments,malls, and boutiques, featuring lower carat golds, sterling, pewter, semi-precious stones, freshwater pearls, and so on. Costume Jewelry, gold- and silver-tones, plastic, some woods, synthetics, and so on, can be purchased anywhere fromstreet vendors, flea markets, malls, outlets, and some department stores. Vintage Jewelry is trickiest of all. Youwill definitely see it ingarage sales,flea markets,fairs,jewelryand craft shows, and itliterally can be anything from afine old sterling bangle bracelet or 10kt. rose gold Victorian ring, collectible bakelite or pinchbeck, old world glass and beads, semiprecious stones, to out-and-out crap thathas been thrown into the 'vintage'catchall for lack of a better designation.<br />So, with those loose definitions in mind, do your homework on the jewelry you are looking for, and keep in mind that wise old Roman adage, "Caveat Emptor," or "Let the Buyer Beware." This means do all your checking up front before gemitting to buy. And here's one more wise adage (source unknown) I've learned more times than I care to remember: "Buy in haste, repent at leisure."<br />Understand, too, that not all of the sellers out there may necessarily have listed their jewelry items the way you personally would listthem. Some may lump "bangles, sterling" with other sterling items they have for sale, like Grandma's tea set, Auntie's iced tea spoons, or Uncle's silver-plated bowling trophy. I find it's best to just enjoy the adventure and the thrill of the hunt. Shopping for your quarry on okay is something to be enjoyed and savored; try not to be in a hurry. And please--no criticisms should go to the sellers, just questions if you need more information.Here are some good sample questions for different jewelry items:<br />ITEM DESCRIPTION: "Silver bangle bracelet." <br />QUESTIONS TO ASK: Is it real sterling silver, that is, is there a hallmark or "925," or "sterling" marked anywhere on it? What is the weight in grams? What is the inner and outer circumferencein inches, centimeters, or millimeters? What is the width in inches, centimeters, or millimeters? Is it a real bangle (meaning a geplete circle, with or without a hinge and safety chain) or a cuff (meaning the bracelet has an open area and is not a geplete circle)?<br />ITEM DESCRIPTION:"Blue topaz goldring."<br />QUESTIONS TO ASK: Is it real blue topaz? How large is the stone? Is it real gold, and if so, is there a hallmark? Is it 10kt, 14kt, 18kt, etc.? What size is the ring? Can it be sized, and if so, what's the cost?<br />ITEM DESCRIPTION: "Pearl necklace."<br />QUESTIONS TO ASK: Are they real pearls? What material are the pearls strung on, and are there knots in between each pearl? How were they stored? How long is the necklace? If there is a clasp, what is the material?<br />ITEM DESCRIPTION: "Diamond ring set in platinum."<br />QUESTIONS TO ASK: Is it a real diamond, or is it a lab-created diamond? If so, does the appraisal gee with it? Are there any flaws or inclusions in the diamond, and what is its size and weight? Is the platinum real (again, is there a hallmark) or plated over silver? What size is the ring, and can it be resized? If so, is there a charge?<br />With all this in mind, what's the best way to search for a specific jewelry item on okay? You can select Jewelry and Watches as your category, and then get specific in your search by typing in, for example, "bangle, sterling." What you'll see next is a "top level" of offerings that may be broken down into Bracelets, Vintage/Antique, Ethnic/Tribal Jewelry, Designer Brands, Men's Jewelry, Handcrafted/Artisan Jewelry, and so on. If you decide that you only want to review bangle bracelets, then select Bracelets. That category may be further broken down into "Sterling, w/o stones," "Other Stones/Materials," and so on. Just be patient, and plan on taking some time to get to what you really want. <br />You may be surprised to find that not all jewelry items may be listed in the Jewelry and Watches category. Go out on a limb and search in the All Categories sometime and you'll find there is a whole new venue to check out! Again, remember that not all sellers think the way you do, and may list their items in other ways than you might. <br />If you find, say, a fabulous "bling-y" CZ ring set in rhodium you just have to have, then don't forget to check the seller's other items. This is a great habit to get into; not only can you find more great stuff from the same seller, but many will gebine items for shipping, thus saving you money to buy MORE STUFF!<br />Another nifty feature of okay is the Items I'm Watching feature. Say you see a gorgeous beaded necklace that you just know your mom would love--you can click the "Watch This Item" feature. This puts the item into your very own My okay area, where it will be listed for however many days the auctionis on. This way if the item will be visible to youfor a few days you can think about it, check its progress in My okay, bid on it if you decide to--basically, it buys you time. I wish I had a buck for all the times I bought something on an impulse instead of simply storing it on My okay so I couldthinkfirst and buy later! So putthat great My okay feature to work for you.<br />I've put together a couple of "mini-guides" for you on pearls, gold, and gems that may help you as well:<br />Pearl Mini-Guide: real pearls (layers of nacre naturally formed in the oyster) and cultured pearls (the oyster is impregnated with a 'seed' and the nacre forms around it) can be distinguished by the "tooth test." Rub the pearls on your teeth. Real ones will feel gritty; fakes will feel smooth. Don't be fooled by the shape of pearls; there are many varieties. Although a perfectlyround naturally-occuring pearl can be a rare and precious treasure, there are those (like myself) who prize the baroque (odd shape) pearl even more. Remember that specific shapes, like coins, diamonds, squares, and such generally are seeded with a manmade shape around whichthe pearl nacre canform.<br />Gold Mini-Guide:The higher the percentage of gold; 18kt, 22kt, and 24kt, means that it tends to be softer and more subject to dents, scratches, and dings than 10kt and 14kt gold. If you're going to wear a ring every day, the lower gold percentage may work better for you.<br />Gems Mini-Guide:Check the Moh's Scale of Hardness (just Google it; you'll find it) on your gem of choice. For example, we all know that a diamond is the hardest and most durable gem (in fact, a #10 on the Moh's Scale), and is therefore a great choice for any jewelry you wear daily and/or knock around, like a ring. Corundums, like rubies and sapphires, are the second hardest; again, a great choice for rings. But lovely Tanzanite is relatively fragile at 6.5 on the Moh's Scale, so I myself would not regemend it for rings, although earrings and pendants (not as easily knocked around) should be fine.<br />There is a LOT of jewelry out on okay. It's a worldwide gemunity, and in my estimation, it is THE place to find dang near any jewelry item you could possibly want. I hope that this little guide will help you in your search, and I hope I help you avoid some of the mistakes I've made in the past. <br />Enjoy the hunt!kihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184833204640861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7844716175378151129.post-33094927553083917972011-09-27T00:41:00.027-07:002011-09-27T00:41:34.692-07:00Army Combat Uniform (ACU)Army gebat Uniform (ACU)<br />On 14 June 2004 -- the 229th birthday of the United States Army --<br />the Army today officially unveiled its new gebat uniform designed with<br />major input by the Non-gemissioned Officer (NCO) Corps and enlisted<br />Soldiers, and tested by Stryker Brigade Soldiers in Iraq since October<br />2003. Army senior leadership introduced the Army gebat Uniform (ACU)<br />during a 10 a.m. Army Birthday Pentagon courtyard cake-cutting<br />ceremony. Soldiers displayed and also suited-up in the wrinkle-free<br />uniform with a digitized camouflage pattern. <br />Three different versions of the ACU have been developed, and more<br />than 10,000 uniforms have been produced and battle-tested in the sands<br />of Iraq and at Army training centers. Even more are on American<br />production lines to be issued by April 2005 to Soldiers in deploying<br />units. Current fielding plans call for fielding to the total Army by<br />December 2007, said officials from the Program Executive Office<br />Soldier, known as PEO Soldier. <br />This isn't a cosmetic redesign of the uniform. It is a functionality<br />change of the uniform that will improve the ability of Soldiers to<br />execute their gebat mission. Every change was made for a reason. The<br />bottom pockets on the jacket were removed and placed on the shoulder<br />sleeves so Soldiers can have access to them while wearing body armor.<br />The pockets were also tilted forward so that they are easily<br />accessible. Buttons were replaced with zippers that open from the top<br />and bottom to provide gefort while wearing armor. <br />There were 18 changes made to the uniform, to include removing the<br />color black and adapting the digital print from the Marine Corps<br />uniform to meet the needs of the Army. <br />The Army's Natick Laboratory in Natick, Mass., took the original<br />digital pattern to the next level by developing a pattern for<br />world-wide theaters to engepass both the BDU and DCU requirements.<br />Black is no longer useful on the uniform because it is not a color<br />found in woodland areas. The current colors on the ACU are green and<br />sandy brown. The pattern is not a 100-percent solution in every<br />environment, Myhre said, but a good solution across the board. <br />There has not made a major change to our uniforms since the BDUs<br />were introduced in the early 1980s. This new uniform performs well in<br />multiple environments. Its new pockets and color designs are a result<br />of Soldiers in gebat. It's only fitting that the next generation of<br />Army uniforms be designed to meet actual wartime requirements. Patches<br />and tabs are affixed to the uniform with Velcro to give the wearer more<br />flexibility and to save the Soldier money. Soldiers can take the<br />name-tapes and patches off their uniforms before laundering, which will<br />add to the lifecycle of the patches. Also the cost to get patches sewn<br />on will be eliminated, he added. <br />The ACU will consist of a jacket, trousers, moisture wicking t-shirt<br />and the brown gebat boots. It will replace both versions of the BDU<br />and the desert camoflauge uniform. The black beret will be the normal<br />headgear for the ACU, but there is a matching patrol cap to be worn at<br />the gemander's discretion. <br />In addition to the overall pattern and color changes, the ACU changes include: <br />1. Mandarin collar that can be worn up or down2. Rank insignia affixed above right chest pocket3. Velcro for wearing unit patch, skill tabs and recognition devices4. Zippered front closure5. Elbow pouch for internal elbow pad inserts6. Knee pouch for internal knee pad inserts7. Elastic leg cuff8. Tilted chest pockets with Velcro closure9. Three-slot pen pocket on bottom of sleeve10. Velcro sleeve cuff closure11. Shoulder pockets with Velcro12. Forward tilted cargo pockets13. Integrated blouse bellows for increased upper body mobility14. Integrated Friend or Foe Identification Square on both left and right shoulder pocket flap15. Bellowed calf storage pocket on left and right leg16. Moisture-wicking desert tan t-shirt17. Patrol Cap with double thick bill and internal pocket18. Improved hot-weather desert boot or temperate-weather desert boot<br />At $88 per uniform, about $30 more than the BDU, Soldiers will<br />eventually reap gains in money and time by not having to take uniforms<br />to the cleaners or shine boots. <br />The life of the ACU began in January 2003. The team looked at a<br />number of uniforms and took the best part of each uniform and gebined<br />it into one. They built their first prototype and delivered 25 uniforms<br />to Stryker squads at the National Training Center. After listening to<br />their gements, the team went back to the lab and created prototype<br />two. Twenty-one uniforms were then delivered to Stryker Soldiers at the<br />Joint Training and Readiness Center, Fort Polk, La. Two issues of the<br />third version were given to the Stryker Soldiers deploying to Iraq.<br />Three months ago, Myhre was among a team who visited Iraq to get more<br />feedback from Soldiers.kihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184833204640861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7844716175378151129.post-64705097122881223262011-09-27T00:41:00.025-07:002011-09-27T00:41:32.764-07:00NEW PINK Motorola H500 Bluetooth Wireless HeadsetI also purchased a Pink Motorola H500 and it is definatly a fake. The quality is awful. It didn't even work after chargingit the 2 hours as regemended.I contacted the seller. He denies selling counterfeit headset. He won't return my money. I contacted my credit card gepany and filed a conplaint. I will be getting my money back thru paypal.kihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184833204640861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7844716175378151129.post-57658275725446945842011-09-27T00:41:00.023-07:002011-09-27T00:41:29.695-07:00COMBINED SHIPPING - Means More Than You Know!geBINED SHIPPING<br />What does that actually mean?<br />While selling more these days than actually buying, an inquisitive okayer asked, "If I win more than one of your auctions, will you gebine shipping?" I said, "of course." I explained my version of gebined shipping and she sent a very puzzling message in return. But I am jumping ahead of myself.<br />What does gebined shipping mean? Well, what if I told you that when I bought multiple items from one seller, their idea of gebined shipping was to just geBINE the shipping and handling fees on the multiple items and CHARGE me for that amount. It came as a BIG shock when I received the items that I paid $10 on shipping and handling and it only cost $4.55 to actually ship in a FREE priority mail box from the post office and my items stuffed inside with not nearly the care and effort to even fold the items. I DON'T BELIEVE THAT IS WHAT geBINED SHIPPING SHOULD BE!<br />What does gebined shipping mean TO ME? If I have items listed, I use a very fair amount for my shipping and handling fees - to include shipping itself, by weight of the item and cost to mail, and packing materials necessary (boxes, wrapping material, packaging material, etc.). It gees very easily to be able to half off the second item and subsequential items after the initial win (whatever is higher, gets full shipping and handling charged, anything in addition, shipping and handling is halved - AUTOMATICALLY). So when an okayer wins more than one of my auctions, I automatically give them a shipping discount - gebining the shipping because I know that if I put the items together, their total weight and cost won't be near as expensive as what they've paid. And most times, it boosts them up to be able to receive it priority mail not parcel post. I always invoice the multiple items won, and show a deduction on the seller discount line. I then explain what I've done and hopefully, they'd appreciate it.<br />That is what I believe 'gebined shipping' SHOULD mean. Now back to my puzzled okayer who questioned what Iwill do if she won multiple items- she is now bidding on FOUR of my items! I guess when you look at the total cost of what will be won and total cost of the way I geBINE SHIPPING - it could mean SELLING MORE to okayers who might just might appreciate the effort in keeping things on the up and up!kihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184833204640861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7844716175378151129.post-83512663473957931622011-09-27T00:41:00.021-07:002011-09-27T00:41:26.935-07:00Having a baby...What you'll really need at the hospitalWhat you will really need to take to the hospital when you have your baby<br />If you google this subject you'll gee up with some stupid list that says you need to pack a huge suitcase full of stuff you won't even look at until you are unpacking it once you bring the baby home. I wish I had this list when my son was born because I didn't bring the things I really needed and I brought the stupidest things that I didn't even take out of the bag. I've broken it into things you'll need when you first go into the hospital and a bag your hubby or partner can bring to you once you are ready to go home. Pack everything early so that you aren't rushed and so that your hubby doesn't have to pack it for you.<br />In the hospital<br /><br /><br />PJ's (gown with front access, if you are nursing)kihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184833204640861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7844716175378151129.post-7496678203693135682011-09-27T00:41:00.019-07:002011-09-27T00:41:24.048-07:00STAY-AT-HOME-SINGLE-s-MOMMYS!I am a stay-at-home-single-okay-mom.<br /><br />I just LOVE it!<br />Originally like most okayers i started out just buying. I used to work @ The Hard Rock Cafe as a server (a waitress) for a long time until my baby, then1, got sick. So i was just okaying along as i normally did thenkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184833204640861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7844716175378151129.post-78434386419769606302011-09-27T00:41:00.017-07:002011-09-27T00:41:21.209-07:00COACH Ltd Ed. Denim Patchwork - Spotting FakesHi...I've never written one of these...so here it goes....<br />I write this in hopes of helping others to avoid buying a fake as I did. This VERY popular LIMITED EDITION purse sold out before it made it to nation-wide distribution. I was very excited to try and find this purse for a gift for a friend...and since my first attempt resulted in buying a fake, I have had some really nice E-Bayers answer all my questions to avoid buying another fake, and whant to share that info with you.I see that some fakes/copies are still being listed - AND PLEASE KNOW, THIS IS NOT ANYTHING AGAINST THOSE SELLERS - THEY MAY NOT EVEN REALIZE THEIRS ARE FAKES. Since I did not have the chance to actually see one in a Coach store, I bought what I thought was the real thing...but it was a cheap fake. Now, having done some research, and calling Coach...this is what I know:<br /><br />It came in two sizes: Style 10015 is the medium version hobo (which sold for $398); and style 10016 is the XL large version (sold for $598)(if you happen to have the Coach catalog - there is a typo on the page showing this purse - they have the wrong style and price for the medium size)<br />It will have an outside zip pocket on the back, with zebra print lining<br />It will have zebra print lining with an inside zip pocket<br />The Coach serial number tag on the inside of the purse will be a dark brown leather, which is the same color as the handle<br />The handle detaches on one side only (dog clip)<br />It will have a zip top, with a tassled pull closure<br />It will have a navy velvet stripe down the center of the front side<br />The jean belt loops are real loops...no fully stitched down<br />The denim is actually real distressed (washed) denim...it should not look like a new pair of jeans<br />I love E-Bay and this was my first time receiving anything other than what I bid on (i.e. a fake). <br />I share this info for people like me who did not realize what the purse should look like inside and out. Again, I must stress that anyone selling this purse without the above details MAY NOT realize they have a fake/copy.......<br /><br />Please share this info with whoever you think would benefit...and I welgee any additions/gements that would help any other potential Buyer/Seller.<br />Thank you.kihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184833204640861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7844716175378151129.post-19348665854292220142011-09-27T00:41:00.015-07:002011-09-27T00:41:20.655-07:00Heat embossing toolsHere's frugal me trying to find a "cheaper" alternative.<br /><br />I love scrapbooking and embossing (raised design or writing on pages, tags, cards, etc). The heating tools especially made for it are expensive, althoughthey might be a little less heavy than the "tool" heating gun.<br /><br />I've found that a heating gun (the "tool" used for removing paint) works just as well and can be much cheaper as they more often go on sale. Just make sure you get one that has two temperature settings and use the lowest, otherwise, you'll burn your project. I have the Mastercraft heating tool and although it's heavier than some other "guns" i've seen being used, i love it, and besides, it's not likeyou have to hold it for a long timelike you would a hair dryer(which, by the way, can't be used for embossing because it's not hot enough and it blows the embossing powder away!)<br />Just making sure that $$ or lack there of, doesn't get in anyone's way of scrapbooking!<br />Happy scrappin'<br /><br />Update: May 22nd 2008: I have since been to many crops and foundthe Mastercraft heat tool to be a bit bulky, so although i still think it's a great alternative for home use, if you plan on travelling a lot for scrapbooking, you might find that a heat embossing tool especially made for scrapbooking to be lighter and less bulky. I personally have the MARVY UCHIDA heat tool and it works great, is lightweight and doesn't take up too much space.kihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184833204640861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7844716175378151129.post-81052561175563847292011-09-27T00:41:00.013-07:002011-09-27T00:41:17.787-07:00STOPPING UNPAID ITEMSBest Practices to Avoid Non-Paying Bidders on okay and geplete More Sales Theyre out there. Theyre the bane of every sellers existence. Theyre the dreaded non-paying bidder. Anytime a bidder wins an item and then refuses to pay it costs sellers time and money in dealing with the non-paying bidder, not to mention the frustration that they cause. I have felt the pain caused by non-paying bidders and have put together a list of ways to help sellers avoid and deal with non-paying bidders on their auctions. I have sold all sorts of things on okay, from electronics to concert tickets to clothing and then some. So, rest assured that these strategies will work across multiple categories. Steps you can take to prevent non-paying bidders:<br />I use ReliaBid (www.reliabid.ge) its a seal program that is effective at deterring non-paying bidders. As an added protection they offer members access to debt collection services. Since begeing a member my non-paying bidder rates have plummeted. It is really one of the best services out there for sellers today.<br />Be very descriptive in your listingsmake sure that you are specific in detailing exactly what the item is for the bidder.<br />Explain all policies clearly in the listing. Include all payment methods you accept. This is especially important if you only accept certain payment methods. Include your shipping rate clearly. Auctions that have high shipping rates, hidden shipping rates, or shipping rates that are buried are more likely to meet payment resistance, than those where the buyer was easily and clearly able to identify the shipping rate. This also means that having a flat rate, rather than a calculated rate, is preferable.<br />When possible, choose to sell via immediate payment. When you utilize the Buy-It-Now feature, those making the purchase are required to immediately enter their payment information. Thus, if they decide to back out of the purchase, the item will continue to be listed, effectively canceling the transaction.<br />Send invoice immediately after the auction closes. Be sure to reiterate in the email payment options and include any links to payment websites or mailing addresses. Give a date when payment is due. Its helpful to once again reiterate in these emails if youre a ReliaBid member. Ive seen my winning bidders gee through on the payments faster since I began including a side note in my invoices about ReliaBid.<br />Require that those with little or no feedback email you prior to being allowed to bid on your items. Sometimes its easier to just catch the newbies before a potential problem occurs.<br />Use multiple methods of contact: email through okay, email directly, phone, and possibly snail mail (although if you are using ReliaBid, they will take care of the snail mail portion for you).<br />Do not leave feedback until the transaction has been gepleted or you have gepletely abandoned hope of payment.<br /><br /><br />Steps you can take to handle a non-paying bidder / unpaid item:<br />Send a last notice invoice informing the winning bidder that as a member of ReliaBid, you have access to one of the leading debt collection gepanies in the nation and if they do not pay, they may be subject to credit reporting. Putting this notice into a last chance before collection message will grab more attention than a basic please pay me email. People respond when they think their credit may be at risk.<br />Request the bidders information from okays system. Include this information in your last notice email. When people realize that you have their contact information beyond an email address, they will take you more seriously as a seller because you have the ability to find themthey can no longer hide behind a user name.<br />After 7 days, you can report the item as unpaid and initiate a non-paying bidder dispute with okay however, you may only recoup your final value fee credit. Dont count on getting your listing fees back okay will credit you back RE-listing fees, but only if the item sells a second time.<br />You may choose to start a professional debt collection, after 10 days, against the non-paying bidder through your ReliaBid membership. With ReliaBid you can receive the full amount for your item, or you will be gepensated through a restocking fee for the cost, time and energy you spent holding the item and handling the non-paying bidder. Ive never had to initiate a collection (the seal has been enough to get rid of my non-paying bidders), but other members I know of have started a collection and were able to receive payment. And really, that is the main goal here.<br /><br />If you follow these steps you should be able to receive payment on almost all of your transactions, whether you sell electronics, necklaces, sporting goods or clothing. Remember that one or two of these steps is not likely to have a huge impact alone; but like most things in life, a geprehensive approach will yield results. I think that ReliaBid has had the most significant impact for me. I've included the references to ReliaBid in payment reminders, etc. to gain a greater value from ReliaBid and leverage their service more. <br />One other major geponent to gepleting more sales (again regardless of category, but I think especially in time sensitive things like concert ticket sales- or anything where the other party is stressed), is providing excellent customer service. My customer service goal is not to just make someone happy, but to put them at ease. If someone is stressed about a transaction, they will not think clearly or rationally about it. Just like in real life if someone gees to you all in a hype or fluster, you will try to calm them before tackling his/her problem. I think it is important to do the same here. Make people understand that you are listening and trying to work with them. <br />A few examples:<br />I sell tickets to a music festival. Bob bids on the tickets and begees the winning bidder. The auction ended less than 7 days before the concert date. I contact Bob shortly after the auction with a payment invoice. I don't hear back. There is now 6 days left until the concert. I send Bob an email through okay. Still no reply. At this point I request the user's information from okay. I call Bob, but unable to reach him, leave a voicemail. The following day, Bob has not contacted me by noon and it is now only 5 days until the concert. I consider re-listing the tickets, but it has barely been 48 hours since the auction... I send Bob another email. This time I send a cc to ReliaBid, whose seal appeared in the auction, and explain to Bob that he has made a gemitment to purchase the tickets, and that as a professional seller, I work with ReliaBid. I explain that ReliaBid will work on my behalf to help geplete the transaction and obtain payment for the concert tickets, which Bob has purchased. A critical point: I tell Bob he has purchased the tickets. I do not say he needs to purchase. From the seller's perspective, a purchase has been made, and credit has been extended. Bob now has an outstanding balance and I am invoicing him for it- just like a doctor would if you didn't pay at the office. That evening, Bob calls back. He explains that he had not understood the binding nature of the auction and had expected I would just sell them to someone else. I, in a friendly manner, explain that was not the case. I tell him a little about my business and how I got into it to put him at ease. After this, Bob realizes that I am a professional seller, work with ReliaBid (a service that provides professional services to serious sellers) and that he has, indeed, made a gemitment he needs to honor. Later that evening I receive payment and the following day I FedEx Bob tickets to the concert.<br />I list a dutch auction of 2 electronics sets, each of a Sony DVD player and a Panasonic TV as an auction. Multiple people bid on the electronics auction. In the end, I have two winning bidders. One pays right away. The other, Jeff, I send a payment invoice to. In response, I receive an email stating that Jeff thought he was bidding on both sets of DVD / TV. He tells me that he will not pay what he bid for just one set. I review my auction to see if my language was clear. I find that it was very clear. In an effort to be fair, I ask a friend that does not work with me to read the auction and tell me what it is for, they confirm that it was clear that one set meant 1 TV and 1 DVD Player. I contact Jeff by email and explain what I have done and that I disagree that the auction was confusing. I explain (gently) that while there may have been a misunderstanding, the auction was clear and he got a reasonable price and I expect him to honor his bid. Jeff responds that he is not going to do so. At this point, I realize that I need assistance and contact ReliaBid. ReliaBid starts a professional collection and Jeff receives notice in the mail that he must honor his bid or pay a restocking fee. Jeff contacts me and asks how and why he got a letter. I explain that I sell for a living and just like a doctor, I work with a gepany to process my outstanding invoices. I explain to Jeff that he has made a purchase from me and has an outstanding balance. Jeff geplies and sends payment and the debt collection is terminated. I send Jeff the TV and DVD player. After Jeff leaves positive feedback for me, I leave him positive feedback for his payment.kihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184833204640861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7844716175378151129.post-79261324853316357902011-09-27T00:41:00.011-07:002011-09-27T00:41:15.058-07:00~How To Make A Homemade Pinata And It's History~WELgeE<br />How To Make A Homemade Pinata<br /><br />Pinatas are a great way to add excitement and fun to any party, for both adults and children!! You just have to alter what you put in your pinata to suit your audience! Making a pinata can take a bit of time and effort, but if you do it with someone else's help it can be a really fun way to spend the afternoon. Be creative and out there and you'll have more fun with your party! Pinatas in traditional Mexico were shaped like six-pointed stars and not only did they contain candy and toys, they also had pieces of fruit! You can make your pinata any shape you want, just not too geplicated or it might take you all year!<br />Hello Kitty<br />How to make a piata step 1:you will need:To make a piata there are a few simple ingredients that everyone needs. There are also many optional ingredients' which you can add, depending on how creative you feel!Mandatory ingredients: 2 cups of flour3 cups of water1 pkg balloons (as large as you want it to be) Just in case one breaksNewspaperPaint, crayons, markers, gel pens, stamps, puffy paint, water colors, finger paint, spray paint, colored pencils ( and anything else you could gee up with!) Colored crepe paper, ribbons, confetti, glitter, buttons, beads, googly eyes, pom poms, pipe cleaners, stickers, crazy fur, cotton balls, curling ribbon, gemstones, (and anything else you could gee up with!) String<br /><br />Elmo<br />How to make a piata step 2: The beginningBlow up your balloon and tie it. Make sure it isn't too blown up or it might pop with all the handling. A large balloon that's only s blown up is best. Mix your flour and water together to make a smooth, gluey paste. The smoother it is the better and neater your final product will look. Rip your newspaper into 2.5cm (1 inch) thick strips. Don't cut them as this alters the texture and it doesn't glue as well. Dip your strips in the glue and cover your balloon neatly in newspaper. Change around the angles and lengths when you glue the newspaper to strengthen your piata. Leave a small hole of plain balloon at the rounded end (about the size of a film canister, or big enough to put your piata contents in).Leave the balloon to dry gepletely, preferably tied so it's hanging in the air, not sticking to anything. If you have time you should leave your balloon for a whole 24 hours. Cover your balloon in newspaper twice more, leaving your whole bear and drying gepletely each time. This is a lengthy process and it's a good idea to do this on your own, and then decorate with a friend, that's the fun part!<br /><br />Pokemon<br />How to make a piata step 3: getting rid of your balloon and adding shapeOnce your newspaper is at least 3 layers deep and hard and dry, pop the balloon at the rounded opening. Pull out as much of the popped balloon as you can. You should now have a slightly oval shaped case of newspaper. If you want to get very creative you can now add shape to your piata. You can make animals or objects by adding on cardboard, plastic, etc. There are endless possibilities, just make sure you don't put anything to heavy on your piata. It could make it collapse in on itself, and when it finally pops you don't want heavy things dropping on children's heads. <br />R2-D2<br />How to make a piata step 4:decorate and fillthere is no way to write down how to decorate a piata. Do whatever you want! Your party may have a theme, so you could paint on your theme or use many other decorations for your theme. There really are endless possibilities, just have fun with it. As long as you keep that hole uncovered! Once youre finished being wildly creative fill your piata with goodies. If you want you can then cover the hole, but I think it's easier to just make a small hole next to your large hole, feed string through them both, then tie it up from there! Voila, homemade!<br /><br />Idea's Of What To Put IntoAPinata: <br /><br /><br />mini box of crayons<br /><br />bulls eye games<br /><br />bouncy balls<br /><br />sticky hands<br /><br />glow sticks<br /><br />finger traps<br /><br />spin tops<br /><br />mini hand clappers,<br /><br />eye poppers<br /><br />kazoos<br /><br />plastic bugs<br /><br />plastic dinosaures<br /><br />match box cars<br /><br />plastic beads<br /><br />coil snacks<br /><br />assorted tattoos<br /><br />stickers<br /><br />jelly bracelets<br /><br />flutes<br /><br />mini ice cream shooters<br /><br />jumping frogs<br /><br />mini kaleidoscopes<br /><br />mini plane gliders<br /><br />plastic whizzers<br /><br />mini maracas<br /><br />rings<br /><br />candy<br /><br />mini boxed raisins<br /><br />parachute jumpers<br /><br />erasers<br /><br />pencils! And so much more idea'skihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184833204640861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7844716175378151129.post-13610636675458935612011-09-27T00:41:00.009-07:002011-09-27T00:41:14.640-07:00GI Joe - All You Need To KnowWhen I first started collecting GI JOEs I could not even talk. Thats how young I started. With the prices of the Joes and Cobras climbing faster and faster they are a very safe investment for collection,or resale. So I am going to tell you all you need to know, on how to make money from GI JOEs, and how to add the best pieces in your collection. If you take nothing else away from this guide make sure this is the one thing you remember, Yo Joe. This web site has a geplete listing of every GI JOE that has ever been released and show you all of their weapons to make sure they are geplete. With the help of this site I have gepleted regrouping many of my Joes with their accessories. Here is the part you are all waiting for! How do you make money of Joes? Simple, one word, RESALE. You can find many auctions occuring on okay for GI JOE lots (many figures) or collections. The people who put these on here do not realize the will not get the full value with all of their GI JOEs together, because no one will pay that much. So you buy their collection and then resell in individual figure and reap in all the benefits. As an example I saw a lot of 60 GI JOEs, almost all geplete, sell for around $130 dollars. In this auction I saw extremely expensive GI JOEs that could pay that back by themselves! Let me show you how to identify the ones that are worth more money. This is a list of the more popular and expensive GI JOEs (look for these under toy archive, then figures, and then the corresponding letter atyojoe.geso you are fimiliar with them), -1986 Viper- around 15 to 20 dollars loose and around 150 in the box -1989 viper (python version) this sells for a similiar price -any of the 1982 straight arms versions 15 to 25 loose and in the hundreds if in box -1985 and 1989(python) crimson guard loose around 15 to 20 and in box around150 -1985 shipwreck around 20 to 25 loose and around 150 in box -1984 storm shadow loose 25 to 30 and in box close to 800.Besides this list their are many other GI JOEs people are willing to pay big money for. I suggest you search okay and get a feel for the more expensive versions of the GI JOEs, and also look over and get to know the GI JOEs and their accessories on the yo joe web page.The price estimates on my list were if the figures is in good condition with weapons, if it is not expect it to sell for around 6 to 8 dollars less. Good Luck on your search for buyers, and if a new collector remember, buy them now and in a few years their value will sky rocket again. Any questions email me at okay. Thanks!kihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184833204640861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7844716175378151129.post-68887636383474662072011-09-27T00:41:00.007-07:002011-09-27T00:41:09.609-07:00Pay Attention To Shipping Method Used For Fragile ItemsWhen considering purchasing fragile items such as glass, porcelain, pottery, etc.pay particular attention to the shipping method a seller will be using to send your item. If listing reads "Standard Flat Rate" or "Parcel Post" ShippingI would consider it a Red Flag. I wouldemail the seller when Standard Flat Rate is listed and ask what their shipping method will be? When asking for a shipping and handling qoute if not on the listing make sure and ask for the method of shipping, not only the costs..I've had items shipped that were within my own state takemore thena week to receive when they might be a few hours away whenshipped Parcel Post.If Parcel Post is listed I would email seller and ask for a faster shipping method like Priority Mail, eventhough it will probably cost $1.00 or $2.00 dollars more to get the item it may save you some disappointment in the long run.. The faster an item arrives at your door the less likely it is to be damaged along the way. Even with careful packaging slow methods of shipping are not a good idea. UPS and FedX seem to be able to get items delivered fairly quickly. If the seller will not agree to ship by another quicker method I'd probably bypass that auction and wait for another.ALWAYS CHECK THE SHIPPING METHOD USED FOR FRAGILE BREAKABLE ITEMS.kihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184833204640861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7844716175378151129.post-12314549875912454072011-09-27T00:41:00.005-07:002011-09-27T00:41:08.333-07:00XM VS SIRIUSI'll be very brief.<br />I own both Sirius and XM. XM in one car, (didn't want it but they could not take it out, so they gave it to me free), and Sirius in the other. I find XM programming so bland I listen to discs in that car. In the vehicle with Sirius, I listent to Sirius almost exclusively. I also listen to Sirius over the internet, (no charge for those that have any Sirius radio, home or car), all day at work.<br />Once my XM free 90 trial period ends, it will be turned off / canceled. Sirius is certainly worth the small monthly charge-<br />Eric<br />San Diego, CAkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184833204640861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7844716175378151129.post-2219194289188950592011-09-27T00:41:00.003-07:002011-09-27T00:41:06.876-07:00Vintage Barbie Guide to Long Tricot GlovesHi! This guide is to help other collectors as well as myself have a Quick gee to reference to determine what outfits Long Nylon gloves go to. The year has been added for easy quick reference in case you want to look at the outfit. Hope this helps when Buying and Selling. Add me to your favorites so you will always have access to the guides. Guides are made through my research and various articles and some may notusually go to an outfit but in several cases have been known to have gee with it in NRFB condition. So therefore If I find that I list it that way and it is not incorrect.<br />THIS IS FOR THE LONG GLOVES ONLY<br />WHITEYELLOW <br />Midnight Blue 1965Regal Red 1972<br />Benefit Performance 1966<br />Brides Dream 1963 BROWN<br />Country Club Dance 1965Gold 'N Glamour 1965<br />Debutante Ball 1966<br />Here gees The Bride 1966BLACK <br />Enchanted Evening 1960Solo In The Spotlight 1960<br />Orange Blossom (Some) 1961 Career Girl 1963<br />Junior Prom 1965 Debutante party (sew Free) <br />Gay Parisenne 1959<br />Fraternity Dance 1965 HOT PINK<br />Red Flare 1962Extravaganza 1968<br />Sophisticated Lady 1963<br />Campus Sweetheart 1965 LIGHT PINK<br />Cinderella 1964Moonlight 'N Roses <br />Music Center Matinee 1966<br />Holiday Dance 1965<br />Fashion Luncheon 1966<br />Stardust (Sewfree)<br />Day 'N Night (Sewfree)<br />Majestic Blue (Miss America)1972<br />Miss Teenage Beauty (Francie)kihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184833204640861noreply@blogger.com0