Friday, July 16, 2010

Stop Arguing About Money!

When it comes to money, many things happen both positive and negative things!

As couples, most would get the chance to argue about money, and it's not good! If you seem to have the biggest money-worry nowadays, argument isn't the answer. Take time to at least sit down at least once a week for at least 45 minutes to talk about it. The purpose of the conversation is to achieve a common goal, and not pointing out the differences. Blame only creates tension.

Focus on facts, like point out the goals, then figure out ways to accomplish them. If different spending habits keep getting along the way, consider setting up separate accounts for mad money so you can have each freedom with no limits.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Smarter Ways to Dine Out

How to eat at the best restaurants in town and not feel victimized, intimidated and gouged.

Choose your place. If famous people eat there, the place is not perhaps worth going to.

Fully committed. If you don't intend to use your reservation, give it up. You may not be realizing it, but restaurants actually keep your information when you book, and you'll end up on a blacklist.

First impression lasts. If a waitress treats you like a whale shit, walk away. Good diners are democratic. If a table isn't ready, they will greet you warmly and apologize and might reward you for a free drink! ;).

Love your waiter. This is one of the golden rules in dining out :). Appreciate and acknowledge your waiter's efforts. He would be your trusted ally.

The Meal Plan. If the place is a seafood house, order seafood. If you have special dietary intakes, let them know. Don't design your own menu, though. If you do this, most restaurants will tolerate you but they won't like you.
Sharing food is okay but don't ask the kitchen to split orders. Just ask extra plates and split it yourself.

No whining about wine. Ask for appropriate suggestions when ordering wine. If you're having a multi course tasting menu, ask about pairing wines by the glass. This will let you try a few wines without committing to wines you don't like.

One last tip. Thank your servers. If your meal was good, minimum gratuity is 20%. If you're planning to come back as a regular customer, 30% tip is a lasting impression. You'll be more likely remembered.

Friday, July 9, 2010

Rules For Returning Orders to the Kitchen

Take heed of these rules!
  • If you didn't like your food as you ordered, let the waiter know. A good restaurant will correct the error.
  • If you're returning a wine which is not actually corked, the restaurant is willing to take back the cost, provided you point it out after your first sip. But don't try making this a habit.
  • Don't blame your waiter if your steak is not done right the way you like it. He didn't cook it.
  • If you didn't find something right with your food like fish smells strong, too salty, etc...inform your waiter. Usually, they won't charge you for the returned meal.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Safeguard Your Savings With Gold

It might not be as easy as you read the title of this post, but with a good and proper planning and careful considerations, it's possible.
After all, it's always the case to do when you're trying to consider an investment to protect your hard-earned wealth, don't you think?
If you buy gold bullion for example, rest assured you can still take control of your money and protect it against inflation, and at the same time you create a legacy of wealth. What more can you ask for with the United States Gold Bureau? It has been proven by many successful investors as a highly trusted gold authority all throughout US.
Whether you're a beginner investor or an experienced one, the US Gold Bureau will be helping you all throughout the steps from start to finish and guides you all the way through the ins and outs of the gold market.
You can further learn and discover the important steps to consider and what to avoid when investing in gold. Learn more all about precious metals, making yourself an expert in gold investment ;).
Continous information and monitoring are also extended to you if you subscribe for the Gold Monitor Newsletter today for a year subscription. Start calling their professional metal specialist at toll-free 1-800-775-3504.

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Simple Tricks to Avoid Summer Landscape Blues!

You don't have to pay big bucks to a landscaper to do it for you, or skipping your weekend's R & R for a DIY :). Just doing the simple tricks will work.
  • Banish the brown. Mow your lawn to at least 3 inches high, to enable the grass to retain more moisture by keeping the soil shaded and cooler in which the roots would grow deeper to find their own water.
  • Whack the weeds. If there are weeds everywhere, spray them with Roundup that kills weeds in 10 days.
  • Bring in the blooms. Plant annuals such as impatiens, verbena or zinnias which would only require digging tiny holes, or can be potted. To get colors that come back year after year, plant perennials and shrubs that blooms during the summer, like crape myrtle, irises and hydrangeas.
  • Perk up parched shrubs. Avoid your plants from wilting, curling or shrinking by placing a hose over the roots and trickle water on them for about 45 minutes.