The Benefits of Using a Courier Service

When you own a small business, your list of responsibilities can seem endless. From maintaining an inventory of supplies to marketing, you've got better things to do than stand in line at the post office or wait for important packages to ship. Whether you need to transport essential business documents or delicate goods, courier services have a bevy of benefits over the postal system and other traditional methods of shipment.

Speed
There are days when you don't have the time for a trip to the post office or the UPS store. Although most delivery services offer options for expedited shipping, local couriers offer same-day delivery. This can be particularly important when you are setting up your business, as time is of the essence when it comes to returning signed legal documents. A courier can be especially convenient when it comes to sending sample products to important clients, as well. Rather than waiting days to receive a package, you can discuss design options with a client first thing in the morning and have them looking at samples and mockups that afternoon! With traditional shipping services, it can be difficult to know where your packages actually are. When you employ couriers, you'll never have to wonder if your package is sitting on a warehouse floor somewhere--your important mail goes from your hands straight to its destination.

Reliability
Unlike national services such as USPS or FedEx, most courier services have a small base of customers they regularly serve, resulting in more personal delivery service. Most large delivery services have absolutely no connection to the customers they serve. A local courier handles the delivery of documents and packages from start to finish, so there is personal accountability for the safe delivery of materials. With a courier, you'll never have to worry about your package being lost or damaged in delivery.

Affordability
If you need something to ship quickly, or you are shipping materials of a sensitive nature, most traditional shipping methods require additional fees for expedited services or additional package insurance. When you enlist a delivery courier, you can typically avoid package regulations and mounting fees. Most courier services utilize per-mile or flat-rate payment options, in order to keep prices low.

As a business owner, you need a way to transport documents, correspondence, and goods. Rather than spending time and risking the integrity of your shipments with a large, impersonal company or spending thousands of dollars establishing and staffing an in-house shipping service, give your local courier service a call.

Maria Allen is an Internet marketer for Prospect Genius, a leader in online local advertising.

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How to Build a Squirrel Corn Feeder

Squirrels may destroy bird feeders in an attempt to reach the seed.

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Squirrels love to eat nuts, seeds and corn. Setting up a feeder for squirrels allows you to enjoy watching the critters scamper about and feed. It also helps keep them from destroying any bird feeders you might have in your yard and gobbling up all the bird seed. Building a squirrel corn feeder is easy enough that youngsters can do it with some adult supervision and assistance. In no time, you will be watching squirrels at dinner.

Related Searches:Difficulty:EasyInstructions Things You'll NeedTwo pieces of woodHammerNailsCorn on the cobSuggest Edits1

Collect two pieces of wood. They can be any size, but ideally one would be 1-by-5-by-9 inches and the second 1-by-5-by-5 inches. One piece needs to be large enough to hold the end of an ear of corn and allow a squirrel to sit next to it, and the other end needs to be large enough to attach it to the surface you have in mind, such as a tree.

2

Nail the two pieces of wood together so they create an L-shape. The smaller piece forms the base of the holder.

3

Turn the feeder upside down and tap a long nail through the middle of the short board. The nail must be long enough that it pokes through the wood on the other side by at least 1/4 inch.

4

Attach the holder to a tree by nailing through the long piece and into the tree. Add enough nails that the holder is secure.

5

Push an ear of corn onto the nail that sticks up through the base. The corn cob stands straight up so the squirrels can get to it on all sides. Replace the corn cob when needed.

Tips & Warnings

Squirrels like corn more than birdseed, so creating a corn feeder and keeping it stocked should help keep the squirrels out of your bird feeders.

Avoid putting paint, stain or grease on the feeder since such chemicals may be toxic to wildlife. Leave the wood in its natural state.

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ReferencesCornell University Lab of Ornithology: Bird Notes from Sapsucker Woods: What Can You Do About Squirrels?Photo Credit Thinkstock Images/Comstock/Getty ImagesRead Next:

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Best Way To Store Jeans

The perfect pair of jeans can be hard to come by. Once you do find that treasured pair, you most certainly want to care for them properly to insure that they will last you a good long time. The way that you wash and store your jeans can make quite a difference in how long they last, and how true their color stays.

Really, there isn't just one specific way that works for storing all of your jeans. Depending on the style of your denim, you should store them differently. So first, separate your jeans out by style. All of your nice trouser-like jeans should go in one pile. All of your distressed, very casual, or light wash jeans should go in a separate pile. Any jeans that are too large or too small for you, just put those in a box marked "Goodwill." There's no sense in hanging on to pants that don't fit, or that are dated.

For your jeans that are designated Saturday afternoon casual wear, these can simply be folded and kept either in a bureau drawer or on a shelf in your closet. Some creases from being folded will really not affect the way the fabric lays when you wear them. If you have ones that are honeycombed or distressed, a few extra folds in the fabric will not hinder the style at all. So feel free to fold these however they best fit in your drawer or on your shelf.

For your jeans that are a darker wash, and/or trouser cut, these should be hung in your closet. Your "dressier" jeans should be treated with care, just as you would your favorite tie stylesand wool sweaters, to prevent creasing, stretching and fading. It is wise to invest in several good quality wood trouser hangers, the kind that clip at the top, to hang your nice denim. Look for hangers without abrasive clips or serrated teeth and instead opt for ones with padded clips. Serrated teeth are much more likely to snag on the fabric, whereas those with a smooth, round edge or padding will prevent snagging and tearing.

When you hang your jeans, simply clamp them from the top over the waistband of the pants. This is preferable to hanging your jeans upside down from the hem because denim is such a heavy fabric. If you hang your jeans upside down by the hem, it will cause the fabric to stretch, therefore placing unneeded wear and tear on the fabric fibers. Although you may not notice a visible difference when you put the jeans on, it will cause them to more easily develop rips and runs while in the washing machine.

Speaking of washing, this is the second crucial element to insuring that your jeans have a long life. If you have a habit of dumping all of your jeans into the washing machine and washing them together, try to break this habit. Only wash your jeans when they start to look whiskery around the thighs, or when they are truly dirty (such as if you spill something on them). Oftentimes pants can just be hung in your closet and allowed to "breathe" for a bit rather than washed. So for your nicest jeans, try to wash them only after you have worn them a few times. When you do wash them, turn them inside out first. Use a gentle and high quality detergent to help care for the fabric, along with cold water. If you have very dark denim that you would like to prevent from fading, add a cup of white vinegar in along with your detergent. (Don't worry, the vinegar smell will wash right out.) It's okay to put them in the dryer on low heat, or hang them on a clothesline outside to dry.

Author: Michael Taylor is a Marketing Manager at TIE SNUG. TIE SNUG eliminates continuous adjusting and makes wearing a tie more comfortable. The right necktie accessories can ensure you look professional and help you stand out for the right reasons. Now you can be confident knowing your tie knot looks great. For more information, please visit http://www.tiesnug.com/blog/.

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How to Make a Reptile Background With Grout

Make your own background for a reptile cage.

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If you are a reptile enthusiast, you probably would like to provide a natural-looking habitat for your pet. Although you can buy plastic or resin backgrounds for your reptile tank, commercial ones can be expensive, and you may not be able to find exactly the look you want or the size you need. You can construct your own custom background for your reptile habitat out of craft materials and tile grout from a craft store or home improvement center.

Related Searches:Difficulty:ModerateInstructions Things You'll NeedPolystyreneKnifeIndustrial adhesiveGroutPlastic bowl or bucketAcrylic craft paintLarge paintbrushSpoonNon-toxic acrylic sealerSuggest Edits1

Sculpt the base for your background out of polystyrene blocks and sheets. Reptiles like to hide, so make deep pockets and holes for them to lie in. Layer polystyrene pieces of different widths and thicknesses together to create a rock-like terrain. Build it up to the height and width of your reptile habitat so it covers the entire background. Shave off the sharp corners and edges of the polystyrene pieces with a knife to create a natural rock shelf appearance. You also may elect elect to make a theme background, such as ancient ruins.

2

Glue the polystyrene pieces together using industrial adhesive, such as the glue used for wood paneling installation. Let the glue dry.

3

Mix water with dry grout mix in a plastic bowl or bucket to a thin syrup consistency. You can use sanded or non-sanded grout. Tint the grout with a small amount of acrylic craft paint so it is a different color than the polystyrene.

4

Paint the thin grout mixture onto the polystyrene with a large paintbrush to coat the entire surface. Coat all the cracks and inner surfaces of the hiding places. Because you tinted the grout, you can tell if you have covered the whole thing. Coat all the surfaces, even the sides, bottom and back. Let the grout dry and cover the whole thing with another coat of thin grout mix without color. Let this coat dry. Mix a third coat of thin grout mix with some color and apply another layer of grout to the sculpture. Let it dry.

5

Mix a batch of thick grout, adding only enough water to make it the consistency of soft-serve ice cream. Spoon dabs of this grout in any areas on the background that you want to build up or close, such as seams. Let the grout dry. Sand any sharp edges of grout with fine-grit sandpaper.

6

Paint the background with acrylic craft paint in any way you like. Use spray paint or a paint brush. Paint rocks gray and brown, then and add green, mossy areas. If you have a theme, paint it according to your theme. Build up layers of paint and let each layer dry before applying the next. Let the paint dry completely.

7

Spray all the surfaces of the background with a non-toxic acrylic sealer. Coat it well and get all the nooks and crannies. It is important that you seal it thoroughly because of the damp nature of a reptile cage and the fact that you do not want your pet scratching into an unsealed surface. Apply four coats in all, waiting until the previous coat has dried completely before applying the next one. When the final coat is dry, your background is ready to install.

Tips & Warnings

Brush on some acrylic sealant in areas of the background that reptiles will walk on, and sprinkle with a little clean sand. This gives the animals traction.

If your background will come into contact with water, seal the parts that will be exposed to water with aquarium-grade silicon sealant before installing the background. Wear gloves, safety glasses and a mask when handling the silicon sealant.

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ReferencesLizard-Landscapes.com: How to Make a WaterfallPhoto Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty ImagesRead Next:

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The Proper Way to Greet a Dog

Approach dogs from the front or side, so they can see you.

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Like humans, dogs are social animals with an understanding of body language and status. However, canine rules are different from human rules. Behaviors you consider to be friendly and welcoming might be threatening or challenging to a dog, and you might prompt reactions you don't expect. Before approaching a strange dog, ask its owner for permission; if the owner isn't present, you are safest leaving the dog alone. When you do greet a dog, it is least likely to bite you or startle if you approach it with an attitude dogs perceive as respectful and nonthreatening.

Related Searches:Difficulty:Moderately EasyInstructions 1

Relax your body and your breath. Tension conveys aggression or fear to a dog, so make sure you are at ease before you enter the animal's space.

2

Approach the dog from the front or the side, not from the back. Come close to it silently, and squat down so you are not standing over it. Let the dog come the rest of the way to you.

3

Look away from the dog and close your lips. Making eye contact and smiling are signs of friendly openness between Americans, but eye contact and baring your teeth are signs of warning or aggression to dogs.

4

Offer the back of your wrist to the dog to smell. According to Gregg Flowers, a dog trainer and behavioral consultant in Shreveport, Louisiana, showing a strange dog an open palm can be risky.

5

Pet the dog slowly. Touch it under its chin or on the side of its face or body. Do not reach over its head to pet its back or ears. It might snap at you if it cannot see where you are putting your hand.

6

Speak softly and in a low register. Let the dog leave when it wants to.

Tips & Warnings

Do not approach a dog quickly or with high energy. Tell children to avoid making sudden movements or loud sounds. Never hug a strange dog, because dogs perceive this kind of contact as a sign of dominance.

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ReferencesCave Canis Dog Training: Dog Etiquette -- How to Greet a DogByron Pet Clinic: Safe introductions of Kids and New PetsShreveportTimes.com: Take It Slow When Greeting New DogResourcesGood Dog Behavior and Training: Your New "Pack Member" -- Introducing Your Dog to a New BabyPhoto Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty ImagesRead Next:

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Company Party Etiquette

The holiday season brings with it an occurrence that happens rarely throughout the year: the meeting of work life with your social life. Sure, office parties have plenty of similarities to other parties you may attend: food, socializing, booze. But it is imperative to remember that company parties, while they are fun and relaxing events, are also a test of your interpersonal skills and a way for the higher ups to see how you fit in with the company.

One of the most important things to remember at a company party is that you do not have to be an absolute paparazzi-worthy social sensation. You do not want to be that guy who ends up dancing on a table with a lampshade on his head at the end of the night. Turn on your best manners and your charm. Be polite to everyone (including wait staff), and ready to shake everyone's hand. Bring up pleasant conversation topics as you would at any networking event, such as sports and interesting current events. But don't gossip or spread rumors, or bring up controversial topics. It is important to find the right balance between that carefree spirit of the holidays and appropriate conversation and behavior.

Secondly, even if there is an open bar, limit the number of alcoholic drinks you consume. Limit yourself to one drink per hour (at the very most), and drink a glass of water for every alcoholic beverage you have. If you are uncomfortable drinking plain water, order a non-alcoholic drink to maintain the party feel. If you mistakenly drink too much, be sure to call a cab or get someone to pick you up. If you spot a coworker who has had to much, help him or her act in a responsible manner. Hail a cab, or offer your coworker a ride home.

A very effective way to immediately communicate a positive image of yourself is to dress appropriately. As we discussed in my recent blog "Christmas Party Fashion For Men", your outfit should be a step above what you would normally wear to the office. Aim for a professional but still festive appearance. An easy way to do this is with some nice, dressy accessories, such as cuff links, a pocket square, or a pair of wing tipped oxford shoes. Even if you would not normally wear a tie to work, wear one to your company party. Select a tie in a holiday-inspired color, such as bright red, gold, or silver. Tie it in one of the most eye-catching tie knots, the Full Windsor, which is traditionally reserved for special occasions.

How about when it's time to leave? If it is a large party, and you have been talking with dozens of different people, there is nothing wrong with quietly and discreetly slipping away. If it is a smaller party, take a few minutes to shake the hands of the people with whom you've been speaking, and say goodbye. If the party was hosted by a coworker, it is basic good manners to sincerely thank him or her before you leave. Take a moment to make sure you did not leave any empty plates or cups sitting around the host's house. A couple days thereafter, take the time to send a short, hand-written thank you note to the host's house. This is a practice that is commonly overlooked nowadays, however it is one that should be faithfully practiced. People always remember you when you take the time to send a thank you note.

Author: Michael Taylor is a Marketing Manager at TIE SNUG. TIE SNUG eliminates continuous adjusting and makes wearing a tie more comfortable. Knowing the current tie styles is an important step when deciding what to wear to an interview. Feel confident that you look your best with TIE SNUG. For more information or to make a purchase, please visit http://www.tiesnug.com/blog/.

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How to Identify What Kind of Hamster You Own

Children often find hamsters to be entertaining.

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Hamsters have a widespread reputation as a good first pet for children to help them learn the responsibilities involved in animal care before taking on a larger pet. They're small and relatively inexpensive to house and feed, and quickly grow accustomed to being handled by humans. The various hamster breeds have different characters and needs, so it's helpful to know what variety you own.

Related Searches: Hamster Breeds

Although there are many hamster species in the wild, only five are commonly kept as pets. The most common pet hamster in the United States is the Syrian hamster. The remaining four breeds are all dwarf varieties. The most popular in U.S. pet stores is the Campbell's Russian. It is closely related to a second variety, the Dwarf White Russian. The two are difficult for novices to distinguish. The Roborovksi is the smallest of the dwarf varieties and the Chinese hamster is more rat-like in appearance.

Syrian

The Syrian hamster is the easiest of the five common hamster species to identify. It's the largest of the breeds sold as pets, growing up to six inches in length. Its fur tends to various shades of red and gold, often varied with a pattern of white or pale fur. Often labeled in pet stores as a golden hamster due to the color of its fur, long-haired varieties are sometimes called teddy bear hamsters. Some stores describe them as "fancy" hamsters. Syrian hamsters are solitary creatures in the wild and don't take well to sharing a cage with other hamsters.

Dwarf Cambell's and White Russian

The Campbell's and White Russian varieties are the most problematic for novices to distinguish because they are closely related and have a strong physical resemblance. Both are sometimes sold as Siberian or Djungarian hamsters, which only adds to the confusion. Campbell's will grow up to four inches in length, while White Russians are typically shorter by a half-inch to one inch on average. Campbell's also grow fatter in captivity, making them look bulkier. The Winter White, as its name suggests, grows white fur in winter but won't always do so in captivity. However, its fur is lighter in color than the Campbell's.

Roborovski and Chinese

The Roborovski is the smallest of the commonly sold dwarf species, with adults averaging approximately two inches in length. They are an especially active breed and can quickly escape if let out of their cage. Unlike the Syrian, they're highly social and flourish in groups as long as they're raised together. The Chinese hamster is a representative of an entirely different species, collectively referred to as "rat-like" hamsters. As the name suggests, they have a somewhat rat-like appearance with a more prominent tail and a slender, elongated body. Like Syrian hamsters, Chinese hamsters are best raised without cage mates.

ReferencesPet Web Site: Hamster SpeciesHamsterific.com: Dwarf Hamsters! Siberian, Russian or Djungarian?Hamster Club: Hamster VarietiesPhoto Credit Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty ImagesRead Next:

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