1. Dream – It all begins by daring to dream. Everything ever created first started as a dream. At first, our dreams are just insubstantial bits of imagination, delicate and easily lost, but as we continue to focus on our dreams, they become more and more solid, until they eventually become clear goals, and finally become intentions.

Here’s a simple way to discover that dream and get started with the process of creation: Take a sheet of paper, and write “Ideal Scene” at the top. Imagine five years have passed, and everything has gone as well as you can possibly envision and imagine. What does your life look like?

Take another sheet of paper and write “Goals” at the top, and list every goal you can think of for the next few years. If you could do, be, or have anything, what would it be? Then take another sheet of paper, and rewrite each goal as an affirmation, as if it is now coming into being. Begin (or end) each affirmation with the words “In an easy and relaxed manner, in a healthy and positive way…,” then state your goal: “I am now becoming successful doing what I love to do.”

Sometimes add the words “in its own perfect time, for the highest good of all.” These are powerful words to repeat. Keep repeating your affirmations, especially whenever doubts, fears, or anxieties arise.

2. Imagine – Now just imagine how every one of your goals could possibly come into being. Take a sheet of paper and write “What Ifs” at the top. Then write your goal and start listing different possibilities that come to mind: What if I did this? What if I did that? What if this happened? What if that happened?

Simply explore possibilities at this point. Let your creative mind wander free. Try to list several different “what ifs” for each goal. There are so many possibilities to imagine!

3. Believe – As soon as we dare to dream, as soon as we have the courage (and it takes courage) to imagine how we could possibly achieve those dreams, doubts and fears inevitably arise. How do we best deal with them? Just express them as clearly as possible to yourself, in simple words: “It’s so hard to succeed.” Then repeat an affirmation that directly counteracts those limiting doubts and fears: “In an easy and relaxed manner, in a healthy and positive way, I am now creating total artistic and financial success.” (You can add, “in its own perfect time, for the highest good of all.”)

Every time you affirm something like this, you’re creating a powerful new belief that will over time overcome those old, limiting beliefs that are underlying your doubts and fears.

4. Create – Now we’re ready to bring our dreams into reality: For every major goal you have, write a plan, on just one or two sheets of paper. It doesn’t have to be a perfect plan; you don’t need to know all the steps necessary to reach your goal. Put on paper the steps you need to take to begin to reach your goal.

Then take the next obvious steps in front of you to keep moving forward with your plan. Keep focused on your goal. Be persistent. A one-page plan is powerful, because it sets your powerful subconscious mind in motion.

There is nothing new in any of this, of course. It’s all summed up in two of my all-time favorite quotes:

“Of course we need to build our castles in the air. That’s where they should be. Then we put the foundations under them.” — Henry David Thoreau

“If you think you can, or if you think you can’t, you’re right.” — Henry Ford

Copyright © 2011 Marc Allen. All Rights Reserved.

Resource: http://edgemagazine.net/2011/01/four-simple-steps-to-success-with-ease/

Think Small-Biz: Give the gift that keeps on giving. This year, make a concerted effort to purchase from the little guys. Now more than ever, small businesses need your support. A few dollars either way could be the difference between make or break. Check out some of those small-town boutiques and niche shops that you always drive past. You’ll be amazed at the freshness of selection when you get away from the big-box stores and cookie-cutter malls. When you shop small, you’re gifting not only your Secret Santa recipient, but the economy, too!

Think One-of-a-Kind: What is more fabulous than receiving a unique handmade item? Not only is it a one-of-a-kind, but it’s been made with special care. You can feel the love that’s gone into it. Yes, a handmade scarf may cost a few dollars more than that acrylic scarf made in a factory in China, but you truly do get what you pay for. This holiday season stuff your stockings with handmade treasures that are sure to delight!

Think Artsy: So many great artists in the Twin Cities are creating incredible pieces. Many studios have open houses before the holiday season. Take advantage! Check out what the phenomenal local art community has to offer. You will be inspired by their creativity and amazed by the artists’ stories. Spread some holiday cheer by cheering on our local artists.

Think Experience: We all have that person in our life who simply has it all; the last thing they want this holiday season is another thing. Instead, why not offer them a new experience. Tickets to an intriguing museum exhibit or powerful play or maybe a gift certificate that buys an exquisite dining experience — there are certainly enough choices and price ranges to suit your needs. It’s the thought that counts, so think outside the gift box.

Think Self-Help: People are always interested in self-development and growth. Give a truly profound gift to someone on your list this year. There are terrific classes out there – whether it’s a Tae Bo lesson, a meditation class, or a resume-writing seminar, give the gift of growth!

Think Close to Home: Retailers and manufactures are being hit just as hard by this economy as the rest of us. This year make an effort to support some of the terrific local companies founded and headquartered here in Minnesota, such as Best Buy, Target and 3M.

Think Personalization: Personalized gifts are sure to win over any Scrooge on your list. Professional photos of your family given as gifts will capture cherished memories. You can even put them in a calendar, on a coffee mug, or emblazoned on a T-shirt. To further maximize your money, you could use these photos as personalized holiday greeting cards, too.

Think Ahead of Time: Nothing is harder on your wallet or your stress level than waiting until the very last minute to find the perfect gifts. Your procrastination is often evident. If you begin earlier in the year, you will choose gems that really speak to the recipient – and save yourself from last-minute mayhem.

Think Sensible: If your finances are plummeting, don’t run up credit card debt just to have presents under the tree. Those you’re buying for, your beloved friends and family, would likely prefer you be sensible and save your money. They’d be much happier knowing that you’re able to sleep soundly at night, rather than lying awake worrying about credit card payments. Give only what you can afford to give; and you will be giving your loved ones peace of mind.

Copyright © 2010 Lauri Flaquer – http://soulofthecities.net/2010/12/conscientious-christmas/

To make sure that your home is a healthy one throughout the season, start taking action against allergens as you winterize your house. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), some of the most common indoor allergens are mold spores, dust mites and pet dander – so pay special attention to preventing those. As the weeks pass, keep to a schedule of cleaning that will maintain a lower level of allergens. Here are some tips to help you make your home a haven where allergy sufferers will feel comfortable.

Don’t let towels pile up – Whether in the kitchen or the bathroom, it’s important that damp towels aren’t left to sit in a pile. The moisture they retain can create perfect conditions for growing mold or provide an ideal home for mites. Hang towels so that they can dry fully and launder them in your washing machine at least once a week to get rid of mold spores.

Stop the fur from flying – AAFA notes that cat dander is the most common pet allergy. But whether you have a dog, cat or other furry critter, they can cause discomfort for any members of your household with allergies, as well for any guests who come to town for holiday celebrations. To cut down on allergens from both dander and saliva, be sure to wash your pets’ toys and beds regularly. Vacuuming up pet hair is also an essential step. A vacuum cleaner like LG’s LuV300B Kompressor is a good option because its HEPA filter captures 99.97 percent of common household allergens. It has also been certified “asthma & allergy friendly” by AAFA. Giving your pet’s regular baths and brushings can also help to cut down on the amount of hair and dander that they shed.

Make your bed and sleep in it – If your sleep is being disrupted by allergy symptoms, you need to make sure that your bedding isn’t part of the problem. Mite-proof bedding and mattress or pillow cases can help cut allergens, but you should also remember that washing, cleaning and replacement are important. Some washing machines from LG feature the Allergiene cycle, a specialized steam cycle that helps to kill dust mites and their eggs; it’s the only such cycle that has also been certified by AAFA. While you’re washing your sheets and comforters, take time to vacuum your mattress with a HEPA-filter equipped vacuum. Pillows should be replaced every two years and it’s suggested that mattresses be replaced every 10 years.

Don’t forget décor – Vacuuming your floors is a given, but to really make an impact on the allergens in your home, you need to pay attention the rest of your decor as well. Area rugs in the living room or bedrooms, as well as kitchen and bath floor mats need to be vacuumed often and, if possible, laundered regularly. Cleaning the upholstery on your couches and chairs is another essential step – pet hair and dust mites can settle there and irritate people with allergies. Large capacity washing machines that are certified “asthma & allergy friendly” are ideal for large items like throw rugs and slip covers from your couch or easy chair. If they can’t go in the washing machine, have them professionally cleaned. And while they beautifully frame your views, your window treatments might be making your life uncomfortable. Make sure that you vacuum and launder them as well.

“It’s important to remember that even in cold weather, allergies don’t go away,” says Mike Tringale, vice president of external affairs for AAFA. “And while cleaning your house to remove allergens won’t eliminate your allergies, it will have a significant impact on your health, during the winter and throughout the year.”

Resource: http://www.jsonline.com/sponsoredarticles/articles/?categoryId=86&id=8045870305

We hear more and more about the risk of identity theft these days, so what can you do to protect yourself? Who better to tell you than former identity thieves themselves.

Readers Digest spoke with people who used to be in the scamming business who confessed about how they did it.

1. Watch your back. In line at the grocery store, I’ll hold my phone like I’m looking at the screen and snap your card as you’re using it. Next thing you know, I’m ordering things online–on your dime.

2. That red flag tells the mail carrier–and me–that you have outgoing mail. And that can mean credit card numbers and checks I can reproduce.

3. Check your bank and credit card balances at least once a week. I can do a lot of damage in the 30 days between statements.

4. In Europe, credit cards have an embedded chip and require a PIN, which makes them a lot harder to hack. Here, I can duplicate the magnetic stripe technology with a $50 machine.

5. If a bill doesn’t show up when it’s supposed to, don’t breathe a sigh of relief. Start to wonder if your mail has been stolen.

6. That’s me driving through your neighborhood at 3 a.m. on trash day. I fill my trunk with bags of garbage from different houses, then sort later.

7. You throw away the darnedest things–preapproved credit card applications, old bills, expired credit cards, checking account deposit slips, and crumpled-up job or loan applications with all your personal information.

8. If you see something that looks like it doesn’t belong on the ATM or sticks out from the card slot, walk away. That’s the skimmer I attached to capture your card information and PIN.

9. Why don’t more of you call 888-5-OPTOUT to stop banks from sending you preapproved credit offers? You’re making it way too easy for me.

10. I use your credit cards all the time, and I never get asked for ID. A helpful hint: I’d never use a credit card with a picture on it.

11. I can call the electric company, pose as you, and say, “Hey, I thought I paid this bill. I can’t remember–did I use my Visa or MasterCard? Can you read me back that number?” I have to be in character, but it’s unbelievable what they’ll tell me.

12. Thanks for using your debit card instead of your credit card. Hackers are constantly breaking into retail databases, and debit cards give me direct access to your banking account.

13. Love that new credit card that showed up in your mailbox. If I can’t talk someone at your bank into activating it (and I usually can), I write down the number and put it back. After you’ve activated the card, I start using it.

Resource: http://www.rd.com/your-america-inspiring-people-and-stories/13-things-an-identity-thief-wont-tell-you/article184109.html

Contact information: www.bumblebeepa.com; 612-532-6152

Location: Twin Cities metro area

Owner: Mary Pokluda

Originally featured in Open for Business on: July 13, 2008

What does your business do? We help people who don’t have time to take care of everyday tasks. We give you your free time back. Make a list and consider it done. Our goal is to make your life easier by dong the simple things for you — from grocery shopping to event planning, anywhere in the Twin Cities and surrounding suburbs.

How’s business? Amazing! I am in the process of hiring my third and fourth employees and am looking into franchising throughout the United States.

What have been the biggest changes? Finding the specific markets we service on a weekly basis. When you offer so many services, narrowing it down can be tough, but since doing that, business has exploded.

Do you have any advice for others launching a business? Do it right from the start. Naming and branding are huge — and the biggest expense. I honestly feel that if I hadn’t worked with Pollywog Inc., who created my name and logo with me, I would not have as strong a presence in the Twin Cities or the ability to franchise.

Resource: http://www.twincities.com/business/ci_16044403?nclick_check=1

The event coordinator spends all her time making arrangements for people to have a good time or host an important event. One day she may be organizing a fundraiser event, the next day a wedding reception. Banquets, meetings, conferences and convention planning are also part of her expertise.

Get the Clients

A big part of the event planner’s time has to be spent promoting her business. She may attract clients by advertising, by giveaways at office sites or with a brochure she leaves at bridal stores. Bridal fairs are an important way for event coordinators to become known. At fairs and events, the coordinator will bring pictures, favors, and maybe even run a contest to give away a free appetizer at a party, or a discount. It’s also imperative that she or her company have a web site people can find. Her biggest source of business will be word of mouth and referrals. If her events are successful, everyone there will want to know who is responsible.

Meet the Clients

On a typical day, the event coordinator may have one or two consultations scheduled. Prospective brides and grooms, business people planning conferences, fundraiser chairmen and more will come to her. During the consultation, she will need to find out the purpose of the event, the day and time if known, the size of the guest list, if a meal or other refreshments will be included, and most crucial of all, the budget. Many clients experienced in hosting such events will come to her with a fairly clear idea of what they want and need and will require her to do a cost analysis and negotiations for the best venue and vendors. Others may have no idea what they want or how much it might cost. They will need her guidance and assistance every step of the way.

Be Creative

The initial consultation is for fact finding. Then the follow-up occurs, and the event planner can show off her creativity and expertise. Being an idea person will be her best trait.

Work With Vendors

Once the event is scheduled, themed and generally planned, the event planner gets down to business. She has access to hundreds of vendors who specialize in everything from catering to floral arrangements, from scenery to performing artists. She will begin contacting them, finding out about their availability on the date needed, their fees and their capabilities. She has to be an expert at everything, from knowing how much table rental should be, to visualizing the flowers and other displays, to planning music and lighting. This is the most complicated phase of the planning process, and the reason people need event planners. Not everyone can be organized, disciplined and wildly creative all at once. Event coordinators must be.

Inspect the Site and Be There

Of course, the clients must say “yea” or “nay” every step along the way, and that will include approving the location for the event. The event planner will spend a lot of time there, checking out lighting and placement of tables and stages, and be present for deliveries. On event day, she is the one who will be on her cell phone making sure the flowers are on the way, overseeing the caterers and proper refrigeration of the food to be prepared, and tweaking all the decorations. This final phase is the one that makes most people panic, but a good event coordinator knows how to stay calm, in control and flexible. Something will go wrong, and she will always have a Plan B.

Resource: http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4608978_event-coordinator-spend-workday.html

Remember that tipping is discretionary. If you don’t think tipping is necessary in a particular circumstance, then don’t tip. This is a guide for people who are planning to tip and want to know the customary amount. If you think tipping in general is stupid, then don’t tip. But don’t complain that the minimum wage is too low. Don’t complain that the only new jobs being created are low income.

This is a guide. It is not implying a moral obligation to tip. That said if you are using a service that is widely-known to be a tipped service, such as restaurants, bars, hair salons, valet parking, etc., then I believe there is a moral obligation to tip for good service. Here is why – a waiter at a restaurant provides you service with the expectation of being compensated a minimum of 15% for quality service. If you don’t intend to tip, then you should tell the waiter up front so that he can decide whether or not to provide you the service.

Have mercy!

Have you had a hard day traveling or at work? Do you feel a little grumpy? Were you sharp with someone?

Well, guess what! People in service industries don’t always have great days either. Show them a little mercy and assume the best about them. Maybe your waiter is a little absent-minded because his mother is sick in the hospital.

Instead of skipping the tip, talk to the manager about poor service.

Pre-tax or post-tax?

Custom says that tips are calculated pre-tax, but many people just use the total bill either for the sake of simplicity or to be more generous. In other words, either way is fine. If you are in a situation where the tip is automatically added in, it should be pre-tax.

Coupons and gift certificates

If you received a coupon or gift certificate, how do you calculate the tip? Tipping is always based upon the normal price of the good or service. If you get a coupon for 20% off, then tip on the original price. The amount of work done by the server is not less because you paid less. If you have a coupon for a free entree, then tip based upon the regular price of the entree.

Many gift certificates today act more like a debit card. A $50 card is the equivalent to $50 cash, but it can only be used at the named store or restaurant. In that case, you can use the card to pay for the tip as well as the food or service. If you have a gift certificate for a free meal or spa treatment, call the manager before you go and ask if the gratuity is included. If it is not, ask for the estimated value of the gift certificate, and then tip in cash based upon that amount.

But the service is already so expensive!!

With proper tipping etiquette, the percentages of your tips do not change because of the cost of the service. Let’s take a hair salon, for example. Of course, you can always tip on the lower end of 10-20%. But if you are going to go to a more expensive salon, then it is assumed that you can afford $120 plus tip. If it is really a big crunch for you, then I would recommend going less often or finding a salon that is more within your budget.

Tipping the Owner

Do you tip the owner of a company when he or she provides your service. The answer used to be no. Now it is yes.

Christmas Holiday Tipping Etiquette

Christmas is a great time of year to remember those people who serve you regularly. Since it only occurs once a year, holiday tipping can be a source of holiday stress, but it need not be so. I recommend a gift or a tasteful Christmas card with a tip inside. Delivery should occur in the month of December prior to Christmas day. Tip those who serve you all year long and with whom you have a personal relationship.

• Maid – one week’s pay. This is for maids you employ whom you pay directly. If you use a service and never know who is coming out, don’t tip at all.
• Gardener – $20 – $50.
• USPS Mail carrier – Non-cash gifts with value up to $20. This is for mail carriers that you know and see regularly. Read more below.
• UPS – Regular driver – $15.
• FedEx – Not allowed to accept cash gifts, but a gift up to $25 in value is permissible.
• Apartment building superintendent – $50 – %200. Tip less if you tip throughout the year.
• Apartment Doorman/concierge – $10 – $80 or more each, depending upon building. The fewer doormen the building has, the more you tip each one. Those who serve you more should get a bigger tip.
• Apartment building handyman – $15 – $40 each.
• Apartment building elevator operators – $15 – $40 each.
• Shampoo – $10
• Manicurist/pedicurist – $15 or more
• Hairdresser/stylist – $15 or more
• Massage therapist – $15 or more
• Newspaper carrier – Daily – $25 – $50, weekend – $10
• Regular overnight delivery person – $10 – $30
• Teacher – $25 – $100. Give a gift certificate to a bookstore or office supply store. If you know the teacher’s hobbies or interests, then a gift certificate would be nice from the local movie theater, hobby shop, mall, fine restaurant or day spa. Some teachers might feel uncomfortable receiving gifts around grade time. If you are unsure, ask your principal first.
• Coaches, tutors, ballet instructors, music teachers – A small gift from your child.
• Garbage collector(s) – $15 – $30 each. Nowadays, most garbage collectors are really truck drivers. The truck has an arm that does all the work. If this is your situation, there is no need to tip.
• Baby sitter – One night’s pay, plus a small gift from your child.
• Full-time nanny – One week’s to one month’s pay based on tenure, plus a small gift from your child.
• Au pair – One week’s pay, plus a small gift from your child.
• Day care service – $25 – $70, plus a small gift from your child.
• Parking attendants – $10 – $20 each
• Personal trainer – $60 – $100 upon reaching goal.
• Country Club – tipping at Christmas regardless of the club’s tipping policy. A minimum of $50 for your waiters, locker-room personnel, front-desk employees, and golf professionals. For head waiters or special service, make it $100.
• Dog groomer – 1/4 – 1/2 cost of a session.
• Dog walker or sitter – 1-2 week’s pay.

Gifts for USPS Mail Carriers

There are rules regarding gifts for USPS mail carriers. I’ll quote them from a USPS article.

At the airport

The first opportunity to tip during travel is usually upon arriving at the airport or train station. Here are some tipping guidelines:

• Porter or skycap – $2 per bag or more if the bags are heavy. $2 extra for curbside check-in is optional. If you arrive late and he helps you get to your flight on time, tip an extra $5-20.
• Electric cart driver – $2-$3 a person.
• Wheelchair pusher – If they are just pushing you down the ramp from the gate to the plane (or in reverse), then nothing. If it is from the ticket counter to the gate/plane or from the gate/plane to the luggage carousel, then $5 is appropriate. Tip more if they help you with your luggage ($1-2 per bag) or if they help you to your car. If they are pushing you from one terminal to another (long distances), then $10-20 would be appropriate plus extra for luggage. Tip less if they are unpleasant or rude.
• Flight attendant or other in-flight personnel – Nothing.
• Charter pilot – Nothing. It is not necessary to tip pilots unless they provide extra services. Then it is whatever you deem appropriate for the service.

Tipping on Amtrak

Tipping on trains can be very confusing because most people don’t travel by train often and the situations can be confusing. For instance, sometimes the meal is included, sometimes it isn’t.

• Dining car waiters, stewards and bar car waiters: 15 percent of bill (or estimated cost of meal when included)
• Red caps, or porters: $1 per bag
• Sleeping car attendant: $5 per passenger per day

Ground transportation

• Taxi, limo, paid shuttle, or van driver – 15% of the total fare. Up to 20% if the driver helps with the bags or makes extra stops. No less than $1. If someone else is picking up the tab, they are responsible for tipping also. Be careful, the rate quoted for limos often includes gratuity.
• Driver of courtesy shuttle – $1 – $2 per bag if he helps with the bags.
• Auto dealership shuttle driver – Nothing.

At the hotel

Before you arrive at a nicer hotel or resort, inquire as to whether gratuities are included in the price of the room. Some hotels are now charging a daily fee that covers all tipping for hotel services. If there is not a daily fee, these rates are appropriate:

• Valet or parking attendant – $1-3 is appropriate for parking or returning the car. It is not necessary to tip for parking, but always for returning the car.
• Doorman – If he hails you a cab, $1-2. If he helps you with your bags in or out of the car, $1 a bag. Use $1-2 per bag if he carries them all the way to the room. If he just opens the door, nothing. If he is helpful with directions or restaurant recommendations, $5.
• Bellman – When he helps you with your bags, tip $1-2 per bag. Give him the tip when he shows you your room. If he just carries the bags to the front desk and then disappears, save it for the person who carries the bags to your room. Upon checkout, tip a bellman that helps with your bags. Tip more for additional services.
• Front Desk – Typically there is no tip for the front desk, but if they help you with early check-in or late check-out, tip $1-2.
• Concierge – $5-10 for help with hard-to-get dinner reservations or theater tickets. Tipping is optional for just plain advice, but $5 is the minimum. Tipping can be done at the end of the trip or at the time of service, just keep is straight so that you are fair.
• Butler – $5-10 per service or $50-100 per night. Very special services like meals when the restaurant is closed are more like $50.
• Room Service – If gratuity is included, add nothing or $1. Otherwise add 15-20% to the total charge.
• Delivery of special items – If you request extra pillows or an iron, tip $1 per item received, minimum $2.
• Maid service – $3-5 per day typically, up to $10 per day depending upon how much mess you make. Tip daily because there might be a different maid each day. Leave the tip on your pillow. Err on the side of being generous, and tip on the last day also. If they change out your linens by request, give $1-2 each time.
• Bath Butler – 15-20%. Bath butlers are not very common. They draw a luxurious bath for you with your choice of available options such as champagne, candles, chocolates, aromatic salts, rose petals, music, etc.
• Swimming pool or gym attendant – Nothing, unless you require special services such as extra seating or inflating pool toys; then it is $2-5. If you want the same deck chairs every day, then tip $2-3 per chair beginning the first day.
• Tanning Butler – $5-10 per lotion application.
• Ski Valet – $2-5 per person, per day. A ski valet helps with rentals, stores shoes and provides dry boots each day, and stores your gear at the end of the day. They also provide trail maps, ski lift times, rides to the lift, etc. If he serves as a guide on special trails, tip an extra $50.
• Hotel maintenance staff or Technology Engineer – Nothing to replace a light bulb, fix the air conditioning, internet access, etc. If they teach you how to do something on your computer that is not a responsibility of the hotel like burning a CD, then tip $10-20.
• Personal Shopper – Personal shoppers don’t typically work for the hotel. 10% of the total purchases is appropriate. You can also have the hotel send them a gift of jewelry or wine. Recommending their services to others is a great tip.
• Spa Technician – Most hotels automatically include an 18% service charge in the bill. If it is not included, tip 18%. If the service is provided in your room, the hotel will typically add a separate fee of $25-40 to your treatment – the 18% tip is on the new total.

Tipping at a Bed and Breakfast (B&B)

Many, if not most B&B’s have a no-tipping policy in the US and Canada. In other countries it varies. It never hurts to tip, but it is definitely not expected, and many B&B’s specifically ask that you do not. Most are family owned and the price they charge covers everything.

The safest bet is to inquire at the specific Bed and Breakfast where you plan to stay before you arrive.

If there is hired housekeeping staff, then tip the same as at a hotel.

Tour guides

Check ahead. If the tip is not already included, give 10-15% of the tour price. No less than $1-2 for a half-day tour, $3-4 for a full-day tour, and $5-10 for a week-long tour. This is a per-person rate. Tip private tour guides more. If the bus driver is particularly helpful with bags, then tip $1-2 per bag.

• Boat trip – If the trip is over 3 hours, tip $10-$75 depending upon the cost of the excursion and the quality of service.
• Outdoor guides (fly fishing, horseback riding, river rafting, etc.) – 15% of the cost of the service. Some companies have a no-tipping policy. Check when you book the trip.
• Private Yacht Charter – Tip the crew 10-20% of the charter fee based upon the quality of service. Hand the gratuity to the Captain for distribution to the crew.

Cruise ships

Many cruise ships have a no-tipping policy. Find out in advance. If you are supposed to tip, find out if it is done at the end of the trip or at the time of service. Oftentimes, at the end of the cruise you are provided envelopes with suggested tip amounts. If you are supposed to tip, budget about $20 per day.

• Waiter – $3 per day per person.
• Cabin steward – $3 per day per person.
• Bus boy – $1.5 per day per person.
• maitre d’ – Not necessary unless special services provided.
• Bar steward – Usually, 15% is automatically added to bill.

Restaurants or bars

If you get awful service, talk to the manager. The manager cannot correct the situation if he doesn’t know about it. Skipping the tip will not accomplish anything, and the next poor customer who gets that server will get the same service you did.

If you are buying the meal and someone offers to get the tip, tell them they can buy next time, and you pay the whole thing. This prevents any uneasiness about them seeing the amount of the bill or worrying that they will be stingy on the tip.

Restaurants report a percentage (around 12%) of the gross sales for food and beverage to the IRS for their staff. This means that if you have a $200 food bill and $200 wine bill, the restaurant will report 12% of $400 or $48 as income to the server. In other words, the server has to pay tax on it whether you tip it or not. If the restaurants do not report it accurately, the restaurant and the wait staff get audited by the IRS.

Please don’t get hung up on the 12%. It is just a reasonable example. Tipping 10-15% on the alcohol and 15-20% on the food. 10% on the wine is perfectly acceptable. Whether to tip 10 or 15 percent would depend in large part on how helpful the server was in choosing the wine and serving it.

• Food server – 15-20%.
• Self-service restaurant or buffet – Nothing unless there is some service. Tip 10% if the server delivers all or part of your meal or keeps your drinks refilled.
• Takeout – If you get good service, in other words, the waiter gets and packages the food, then at your choice you can tip $1-2 or up to 10%. Nothing is really necessary.
• Drive through – Nothing.
• When breakfast is included in the price of the hotel room – Estimate the value of the meal by looking at a menu. If there is no breakfast menu, consider the quality of the hotel and the price of an evening meal, then make your best estimate. Your tip is 15-20% of your estimate.
• Teppanyaki chef – 15-20% of the total bill. The gratuity will be split among the wait staff and the chef.
• Counter service – 15-20%.
• Cocktail server – 15-20%. For free drinks in Vegas, tip $1-2 per round.
• Bartender – 15-20% or $1 per drink. If at the bar before a meal, settle up with the bartender before you go to your table.
• Wine steward or sommelier – 10% of wine bill.
• If a bar has a cover charge, you do not tip on it.
• Busboys – Nothing, unless he did something extra special like cleaning up a huge mess. Then give him $1-2.
• Maitre d’ – Nothing, unless he gets you a special table or the restaurant is full and you had no reservation. Then give $5-10 or more.
• Coat check – $1
• Restroom attendant – $1
• Separate checks – If you want separate checks, ask the server to go ahead and add 18% gratuity to each check.
• Musician that visits table – $2-3 if you make a special request. Optional if he just stops by and plays.
• Musician in lounge – $1-5

Double time

If you hold a table for two serving periods, make sure that you tip double. In other words, if you spend enough time at a table that a waiter could have typically gotten two parties seated and served, then compensate him for his time by tipping him twice and ease his mind by telling him this about half-way through.

Barbers, salons, spas

• Barber – $2 – $3
• Hair Stylist or Color Specialist – 10 – 20%. $3 – 5 extra for last-minute service.
• Hair extensions – 10 – 20%, regardless of the cost of the service.
• Shampoo or other assistant – $2 – $5 for each person. Hand the tip directly to the person providing the service.
• Manicure or Facial- 15%
• Massage therapist – No tip if at doctor’s office. 10-15% otherwise. If they come to your home or hotel room, find out in advance whether a tip is included in the price.
• Electrologist, laser hair removal – Nothing.
• Salon or spa package – Determine in advance whether a service charge is included. If none is included, then 15 – 20% split among the service providers. You can ask for it to be divided, pay each person at the time of service, or leave it in envelopes available at the front desk.
• If the salon messed up your service, and you return for a re-do, do not tip again.
• Owner who provides any of the above services – Follow the rules above.
• The location of the service provider is irrelevant in determining the tip. It doesn’t matter if they work in a salon, rent their space, or work out of their home.

Country club

At many golf or country clubs, tips are included in your monthly bill. 57% of country clubs have a no tipping policy. It is worthwhile to look it up or check with your club first.

• Shoe shine – $2 per pair.
• Golf cart girls – 15%, minimum of $1 – $2. Round it.
• Small errands – $5. What’s a small errand? Running to the store, sending a fax, calling a cab.
• Bag guy – $1 – $2 per bag.
• Large errands – $10 – $20. For concierge-type services of ordering flowers, obtaining hard-to-get theater tickets, etc.
• Golf caddies – $15 – $25 per person above any fee for the caddy.
• Golf or tennis pro lessons – Nothing.
• Restaurants – same as at any other restaurant. See above.

Weddings

Many contracted services for weddings include tips in the final bill. Make sure you read your contract carefully so that you are not double tipping. As always, if you receive service above and beyond what you expected, extra tipping is recommended.

• Civil ceremony officials – $50 – $75, more if travel involved
• Wedding planner – Nothing.
• Minister, priest, rabbi – Minimum of $100, more if travel involved. Give the gratuity to the best man who will in turn give it to the officiate following the ceremony.
• Coat check – 50 cents per guest.
• Limo driver – 15% of the total fare. Make sure the tip is not included already in the bill.
• Florists – Only necessary when service is beyond expectations, up to 15%
• Photographers – Only necessary when service is beyond expectations, up to 15%
• Bakers – Only necessary when service is beyond expectations, up to 15%
• Reception Musicians or DJs – Only necessary when service is beyond expectations, up to 15% or $25-50 per person.
• Open bar at receptions – There are two views on this. Some say tip $1 for each visit to the bar. Others contend that the tax and tip are included in the cost of the open bar, and that the guest should only tip if it is a cash bar. I lean toward the latter view, but it never hurts to be generous. If you are the host of the event, make sure it is not included. If it is not included, the tip is 15-20%.
• Catering hall wedding coordinator – $50 for the coordinator, and something less for the assistant ($25). Make sure it is not included in the price of the event.
• Banquet captain – $20-100.
• Wedding organist, musician or soloist – First check whether or not the gratuity is included in the rental of the church. If not, $50 per person or $75 per person for close friends.

Funeral Etiquette

The tip or gratuity for the clergyman who performs a funeral service is called the honorarium. The amount of the honorarium is typically $50-200. The amount is personal and varies based upon many factors:

• How much of the service does the clergyman perform, and does it include a graveside service?
• How many ministers are speaking at the service?
• How well do you know the minister?
• How good of a job does he do?
• What is customary for the area?
• How much can you afford?

If you are still not sure how much to give, then ask for some help from the funeral director. He will know what is customary. You do not tip a funeral director.

Tipping Caterers

Tipping Caterers can be a real mystery. The best thing to do is to talk to the caterer in advance. Most caterers have a service charge that is included in the bill and is distributed to the cooks, driver and wait staff. If there is no service charge or it is not for the people doing the work, then tipping 15% of the entire bill is appropriate. This amount should be divided among the servers by the on-site manager. If it is included, you don’t need to tip any more. Of course, if someone really goes out of his way for you, then feel free to tip that individual extra, remembering that it will be extra.

Tipping Movers

There are many things to consider in a move. A professional mover is going to be careful to protect your floors, walls, doorways, and belongings. That said, it is unlikely that your move will go perfectly, whether you are moving yourself or paying someone else to do it. Something will get broken. The question that matters is, was they being careless, or was it a genuine accident? Every time I have moved furniture myself, I have caused more damage to my home than movers ever had. I take this into consideration when I look at accidents.

Tipping occurs at the completion of the job. Consider providing lunch if the move extends over lunch, and always provide beverages for the movers.

• One mover – limited move – 1-10 items and nothing over 20 pounds – $10 – $20
• One mover – difficult move – The degree of difficulty changes based upon stairs, narrow passages, small elevators, large or heavy items, appliances, etc. – $20 – $50.
• Multiple movers – Basically tip each mover the same as above, but lower it by $5- $10 for each mover. Feel free to pool the tip and give it to the supervisor for distribution, but don’t lower the amount because you combined it. The problem with combining the tip is that you cannot reward people based upon their individual performances.
• Car Shipping – There is not much information available about tipping the truck drivers. $20 – $25 is probably appropriate.

Emergency roadside service

Consider the level of danger. Tip an additional amount if it is roadside service versus in a parking lot.

• Towing service – $5 – $20 depending upon circumstances and your desperation.
• Jump start – $3 – $5
• Tire change – $4 – $5
• Locked out of car – $5 – $10

Miscellaneous services

• Accountants – Nothing.
• Appliance repairman – Nothing.
• Auto mechanic – Not necessary. If you insist, tip about $10-20 for bills up to $500, and $50 for bills over $500.
• Bagger at grocery store – Check in advance to see if the store has a no tipping policy. Most have one. If it doesn’t, then $1-3 for the bagger and $1-5 for the person who loads your car.
• Baptism – Nothing.
• Car detailing – 15%
• Car salesman – Nothing.
• Car wash – $2-3 for a car; $3-5 for an SUV or large vehicle. If there is a tip jar, leave your tip there. It will be split among the workers. Otherwise, tip the person(s) who did the cleanup after the wash.
• Carpet cleaners – Nothing.
• Clown at children’s party – $15-25 depending upon the quality of the performance and the heat level of the day. Others say 15-20% of the performer’s fee.
• Contractors, installers, and home remodelers – Nothing. Offer a cool drink instead.
• Cosmetologist at makeup counter – Nothing. Makeover specialist at department store – Nothing unless you used over 15 minutes of her time and then bought nothing.
• Electricians and plumbers – Nothing. Offer a cool drink instead.
• Exotic club – Nothing. Shame on you. I can’t believe you would even ask.
• Farriers or horse haulers- Nothing.
• Financial planners – Nothing.
• Graphic designer – Nothing.
• Interior designer – Nothing.
• Maids – Nothing, except at Christmastime. See above.
• Mary Kay representative – Nothing.
• Mortgage loan officer – Nothing.
• Nurses – Nothing.
• Painters (house) – Nothing. Offer them a cool drink instead.
• Personal shopper or salesperson at department store – Nothing.
• Pet groomers – Most pet groomers are paid based upon a commission, not a regular salary or hourly wage. Typically your tip is 15% of the bill or $2 per dog, whichever is greater. If your dog is difficult, then tip more. Obviously, don’t tip if the quality is poor.
• Pet sitters – Tipping is not required, but most pet sitters will appreciate a tip. 15% is appropriate if you want to tip.
• Physical therapist – Nothing.
• Piano tuner – Nothing.
• Realtors® or real estate agents – Nothing. The best way to say thanks is to refer people to them.
• Sports arena in-seat food service – This one is tricky. At most arenas you tip the person who takes the order 15%. You tip at the time of payment, not delivery. The best thing to do is to ask before you order. You definitely do not need to tip both the order taker and the deliverer unless you split it.
• Shoeshine – $1-2.
• Swimming lesson instructor – Nothing.
• Tailor or seamstress – Nothing.
• Tattoo or piercing artist – 10-20% or whatever you can afford. It isn’t necessary, but it is appreciated.
• Telephone, security, cable, satellite, internet installers or repairmen – Nothing.
• Title company closing agents – Nothing.
• Travel agents – Nothing.
• Tree removal service – Nothing.
• Weekly lawn or landscaping service – Nothing.
• Window tinting service – Nothing.
• Window washer – Nothing.

Tipping for Deliveries

• Furniture or appliance deliveries – $5-10 per person. If the delivery is huge, then $20 per person.
• Grocery delivery – Usually included in the fee.
• Pharmacy deliveries – Nothing. If you insist, $2-3 per delivery, not per prescription.
• Flower deliveries – $2-5 for normal deliveries and $5-10 for large ones.
• UPS/Fed Ex – None.
• Dry Cleaning or Laundry Delivery – Nothing. Most services instruct drivers not to accept gratuities.
• Liquor delivery – 10-15%.
• Newspaper – Nothing except at Christmastime. See above.
• Pizza deliveries or other food deliveries – 15%, but not less than $2.
• Delivering a big box like a TV to your car – Nothing. Most stores prohibit employees from receiving tips, and the employee may be subject to discipline for doing so.

Full-Service Gas Stations

If you receive service (clean windshield, check fluid levels, etc.), the tip varies from $1 – $5 depending upon how much they do, $1 – $2 for a good job on the windshield, and $3 – $5 for windshield and fluid check. There is one big exception. If the price of gas at the self-service pumps is $1.70 and the price for full-service is $2.50, then they are already charging you for the service.

Casino Tipping

Before we talk about casino tipping, let’s discuss a budget. Before you go to a casino, you should determine how much you are willing to lose before you call it quits. Gambling is fine for entertainment, but it is not a good means of wealth accumulation. If the odds weren’t in the house’s favor, casinos would not make as much money as they do. Gambling without a budget is poor stewardship of your money. I personally recommend against gambling. I know too many people who didn’t expect to have a problem but are now addicted to gambling. It can ruin families and finances.

Casino workers are a part of the service industry and make 2/3 of their income from tips. Without tips, they are grossly underpaid.

One general rule for tipping at a table is that you tip when you are winning, not losing.

• Craps or blackjack dealer – $5+ chip per session. If you prefer, you can place a side bet for the dealer up to 10%. The size depends upon the table’s minimum bet; however, it need not ever exceed $25. At a $5 table, the tip would be a $1 chip. At a $25 table, use a $5 chip.
• Poker dealers – $5+ chip per session. You may tip 10% of your winnings, but not to exceed $25.
• Roulette dealers – $5+ chip per session.
• Keno writers/runners – $1+ for first ticket. If you play a lot, tip more. 5% if you win.
• Drinks waiter – $1+ chip per drink. Remember that you are getting free drinks because alcohol lowers your inhibitions and you will gamble more.
• Slot machine changers – These guys are pretty much obsolete because most machines today spit out paper receipts of winnings. If you do have a machine that pays in coins, tip $1+ chip per change, plus 5% on a jackpot, not to exceed $25.
• Slot machine attendants – $1-2 chip when they repair your machine.

Tip Jars

They’re showing up everywhere — tip jars. Most people hate them. Where is it appropriate to leave a tip in a tip jar? We’ll cover some of the basics.

• Starbucks – Nothing.
• Any fast-food restaurant – Nothing.
• Buffet-lines or cafeterias – Nothing. If there is a person who comes around and keeps your tea glass full, tip him personally $1-2.
• Donut, bagel or coffee shop – Nothing.
• Sports arena concession stands – Nothing.
• If you get the idea that tip jars are out of place at any food-service establishment that does not actually bring the food to your table and keep your drinks refilled, then you are correct.
• Laundry service – Nothing.
• Car wash – $2 – $3 for a car; $3 – $5 for an SUV or large vehicle. If there is a tip jar, leave your tip there. It will be split among the workers. Otherwise, tip the person(s) who did the cleanup after the wash.

Resource: http://www.findalink.net/tippingetiquette.php

1. Group your errands. This is a golden rule: never run a single errand at a time. You’ll save time, gas, energy and stress hormones by grouping your errands into batches. If you have to drop a child at a piano lesson, you can also go via the bank and deposit a check, pop into the supermarket for milk and bread or pick up the dry-cleaning.

2. Run your errands at quiet times. In other words, not at the weekend (when the vast majority of people run their errands). Instead, make sure your dry cleaner, bank, doctor, supermarket, etc., are near work so you can take care of these mundane tasks on your way into or out of work, or during your lunch hour. You’ll avoid the packed shops and heavy traffic at the weekends, and have those two days just for you and your family. One of the best times to grocery shop? After dinner, when the children are in bed. One parent stays at home and one goes to the supermarket. You’ll be in and out in half the time it takes with children in tow.

3. Create an errand center in your house. This is where library books that need to be returned, the dry-cleaning that needs to be dropped off, or the packages that need to be mailed, all live. Everything in one place (ideally near the door you use most often) will make it easier to run “bulk” errands. Another option: keep these things in your car, in the passenger seat. They’ll be a visual reminder of all you need to do.

4. Keep an errand list with you at all times. This includes both the ordinary errands that must be done (dry-cleaning, library, post office), but also those little things you keep forgetting (pick up socks for the six year old, make vet appointment for the dog, find organic potting compost). Use a sturdy notebook that you carry with you at all times, and make sure the rest of your family knows where it is so they can add things to the list.

5. Buy in bulk. The less often you have to go shopping for mundane items such as toilet paper, paper towels, dog food, cat litter, toothpaste, deodorant, tampons, etc., the less time you’ll spend running errands. Storage space tight? Most of these items will fit under the bed quite nicely.

6. Always include a little fun. List all the things you find joyful. Maybe it’s reading a novel, writing in your diary or hitting a few golf balls on a spring afternoon. Now, plan to include one of these items in any extended errand run. Take a novel with you as you head to the post office; you can read it waiting in line. Carry your diary in your glove compartment – jot down a few lines as you’re waiting for the car to be washed. Or ride your bike to the shops, then take a spin around a local park or nearby countryside.

7. Keep your grocery list on the computer. Most weeks, you’re buying the same things anyway; having a master list on your computer makes it easy to add and subtract items. Organize the list in the same order as the shop you usually use. So, for instance, if the produce section is the first area you see, fruit and vegetables should be first on your list. Hit the print button and off you go!

8. Use the internet for as many errands as possible. These days, you can bank online, order office supplies, buy garden perennials, shop for shoes and do your grocery shopping online. The internet, used sensibly, can save you hours of time and immeasurable stress. Worried about giving a credit card number over the internet? If the website uses a secured server, then it is safer than giving your credit card over the phone and, in some cases, using it at a shop.

9. Keep an “errand bag” in the car at all times. This includes such things as bills that need to be paid, stationery and envelopes for writing letters (yes, letters!), pens, an envelope of coupons, your calendar, magazines that you haven’t read and a good book. Then whenever you’re sitting in a waiting room, stuck in traffic, waiting for a child’s over-long football practice to end, you can also be completing other tasks on your list and/or catching up on your reading.

10. Keep a cooler and a basket in your trunk. The cooler is to keep frozen and cold foods cold while you run errands; the basket is so you can carry bags into the house without making umpteen trips.

11. Buy yourself a treat. Your children aren’t the only ones who need a little motivation during errand running. So make sure you add one more item to your list – something nice for you. It could be flowers, a scented bath soap, an imported brand of beer or a fancy cheese.

12. Alternate tasks with your neighbors. For instance, one week you do the grocery shopping for your neighbor; the next week, she does it for you. Or she watches your children while you do the errands for both families (or vice versa). Another option: do errands with a friend. Not only will you benefit from the social support, but your children might just be better behaved if there’s another adult there.

13. If you’re a dad, run errands with your child. An American study has found that children who clean, cook and do household errands with their fathers are better behaved and have more friends. An added bonus: the wives of these men find them more sexually attractive.

Resource: http://www.rd.com/13-things-you-need-to-know/

Summer is the season for celebrations, from Bridal Showers & Graduations to Weddings & Family Reunions. Here are 10 Simple Ways to Go Green for your summer celebration:

• Provide recycling containers for cans, bottles & other recyclables that may be produced at your party.

• Put out containers for food waste recycling.  Compost any food waste from your party in your backyard compost bin. If you do not have a bin, consider asking a friend or neighbor with a bin if they would be willing to compost food waste from your party.  If you think you might have leftover food, contact local shelters or food kitchens to learn about food donation opportunities.

• Provide reusable plates, cups, silverware and linens.  If you do not have enough reusable items, consider asking to borrow some from a friend or renting items.

• Provide information on bike and transit routes to your home, or encourage your guests to carpool when possible.  Consider offering to shuttle guests from transit stops to your home.

• Consider distributing invitations electronically to reduce paper waste.  If you prefer paper invitations, purchase invitations made from a minimum of 30% post-consumer content recycled paper.

• If you are making your own food, consider using local food, such as from a farmer’s market or your own backyard garden.  Many local farmers can provide local food items in the wintertime.  If food for your event is being catered, talk to your catering company about how they can incorporate local food into the menu.

• Provide condiments in bulk instead of individually wrapped servings.  For example, provide a sugar bowl instead of individually wrapped packets.

• Use decorations that can be reused in future years or consider borrowing decorations from a friend that has thrown a similar party.  Consider using alternatives to balloons, such as fresh-cut  flowers from your garden, or look for biodegradable balloons.

• If you are providing party favors consider providing sustainable favors, such as a potted plant, or gifts made from recycled or reused materials.  If gift giving is involved, encourage attendees to give an “experience”, such as concert tickets, instead of “stuff”.

• Encourage reuse by setting up a “collection corner” at your party for unwanted items to be swapped or donated.  Tie it into the theme of your party (e.g. for a movie night, collect unwanted DVDs).

Resource: http://www.mngreengatherings.org/

People in corporate situations often fall into this over-commitment trap. It’s easy to see why. If you like what you do and you’re good at it, it shows. Everyone wants you to be at their meeting; they seek out your opinion; they ask you to run a project for them. Busy people find no shortage of opportunities. And, this happens at all levels. It’s how junior employees advance more rapidly than some of their cohorts. Their ambition and enthusiasm is contagious. Their bosses pile on the work – the employees don’t cry uncle (until it’s too late). And that’s when their work quality deteriorates and they begin to falter. It’s a predictable and vicious circle.

Self-employed people really fall for this happiness killer. That’s because without the cushion of a steady paycheck, every opportunity could be the last. So, you take on everything even though it’s impossible to do it all. I do this. As a speaker, I show up for the day, share my knowledge and get paid for my time. It’s a straightforward pay-for-work opportunity. If I show up, I get paid. If I don’t, I don’t get paid. I look at unbooked periods as valuable time during which I can catch up on my reading and writing, or simply relax with my family.

Then someone will want to hire me for the day. I’ll say no at first, because I’ve planned to do these important things. But often they’ll persist and I soon find myself saying yes to a gig a few months away, rationalizing that who knows what the economy or my future bookings will look like, I’d better take what comes. Really, though, I might be better served to say no and write my next book! I’m lucky to have this problem. And, I know that if I say yes too many times when I should be saying no, the feeling will compound to dangerous levels and will turn into burnout.

That’s the lesson of the #1 Happiness Killer. For those of us who tend to over-commit, we have to watch out. Over-commitment is liable to make our spirit sag on the inside and soon will become obvious on the outside to everyone else. Our great job will turn rote, our execution sloppy and apathetic. It will make us appear under-committed, and this is rarely appreciated by our customers or colleagues.

Practically everyone feels over-committed on occasion. It’s a hard thing to admit for lots of reasons. Maybe we don’t want to look like we can’t handle the challenge. Maybe we want the validation of being told we’re doing a good job. Maybe we think that taking on too much is no excuse for dropping the ball.

The key is before you reply with another enthusiastic “yes” to that request, think of the long-term impact it will have on you. Is it right for you in the long-term? Are you just saying what will make others happy in the short-term? And, is what you are about to commit to going to increase the long-term happiness and meaning that you experience in life? Or not? The answers will help you avoid the #1 Happiness Killer – over-commitment.

Resource:  http://soulofthecities.net/2010/06/the-1-happiness-killer/