Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Safe Toys For Christmas

Last week my husband's aunt inquired about what our daughter would like for Christmas. I stood speechless, unsure how to answer her. Instead of envisioning a pile of presents under a beautifully decorated tree, I was picturing the mountain of toys (nearly a million) that have recently been recalled because of health hazards.

My knee-jerk response was to say, "Anything that is not made in China", but I resisted the urge. Instead, I went to my computer and began to research the problem that has captivated the minds of the American public: where to find toys that are safe for our children. After emerging from my computer, I realized that although China has become the scapegoat for poisonous products, US Companies may actually be at fault.

For example, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR) is a US firm under attack by parents and consumer activists because KKR is the parent company of Toys 'R' Us, Dollar General, and other companies that have manufactured or sold dangerous products. They are accused of pressuring overseas manufacturers to cut corners in order to make products at bottom line prices. While such actions may have lined their corporate pockets, it has also placed dangerous products in the hands of children and other consumers. Avoiding products manufactured in China is not going to make business practices that endanger our health go away.

So how are we, as consumers, going to handle the holidays? The first step is to seek out reputable companies to purchase toys and other gifts from. The most environmentally-sound approach is to find suppliers or stores that sell safe products in your neck of the woods. Join the local chapter of the holistic moms group, don't worry dads, you can join too (www.holisticmoms.org) and ask other members where to shop. If there are no local options, many safe products are available online.

One company I have discovered is 1888Toys.com, which has a business model that encourages sustainability and child safety. They have a wide variety of products including board games, wooden toys, kitchen sets, puzzles, and educational toys. Their products have not been affected by the recent safety recalls. The owner of the site, who is very pleasant to speak with, ensured me that all of their toys meet or exceed US and European standards for toy safety and pass regular safety and quality checks. Many of their toys are made by small companies in the USA (many are located in Montana, Minnesota and Michigan). I was also pleased to learn that the wood finishes are selected from the 'safe substances' list. (After all, lead is not the only toxic threat to children). You can purchase your gifts online at http://www.1888toys.com or call for other options. They even offer free shipping for orders over $75.

Perhaps the best alternative is to get a few extra hours of sleep on Black Friday rather than braving the crowd of holiday bargain shoppers. If you can hold off on toy shopping until after December 5th, you will have the advantage of shopping the big name stores armed with information about which of the toys found there contain toxic chemicals. Just go to http://www.HealthyToys.org on Wednesday, December 5th. That is when the results of testing performed on more than 1500 popular toys for toxic chemicals such as lead and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) will be released. Each week until Christmas more toys will be tested based upon shoppers' requests. The testing was performed by the Ecology Center in collaboration with the Washington Toxics Coalition and other leading environmental groups using technology more reliable than home lead testing kits.

Another alternative to toxic toys is to gift clothing rather than toys. If taking this approach, consider organic cotton clothing or pajamas that are inherently flame retardant so the chemical hazards of flame retardants are not absorbed through your child's skin. For babies, Under the Nile (www.underthenile.com) sells organic cotton children's clothing, stuffed toys, and a cute little crate of stuffed veggies.

As the holiday season approaches, remember that each and every dollar we spend speaks volumes about what we believe in. By refusing to support companies that endanger our health, we are paving the way for safer products and sustainable practices to thrive in the marketplace. So lets all have a happy, healthy holiday by purchasing quality products from companies that care. And remember that hand-made gifts are from the heart and equally precious. If you cannot afford to buy safer products forego the store-bought gifts and craft something yourself.

If you are looking for a gift for an adult, order the eBook "Holler for Your Health: Be the Key to a Healthy Family" at http://www.holler4health.com. This book will help the recipient preserve or reclaim their health. According to Dr. Leo Galland, author of the highly acclaimed The Fat Resistance Diet, Power Healing, and Superimmunity for Kids, "Every parent needs to read this book." Let this Christmas be the year that we provide our children with healthier gifts for themselves as well as the world they will inherit.

Monday, December 6, 2010

Selecting Toys For Your Kids

Parents do find it difficult at times so as to what toys they should choose for their kids, especially toddlers. It is a great learning period of a baby where he or she is into learning about the different things that comes their way. The toys are the most important medium where the baby can learn a lot of things such as building blocks, stacking and sorting the toys, wooden block games etc. All these toys just stimulate their senses and help to increase their learning abilities.

In specific, the toys for toddlers, who are from the ages of one to three years should focus on physical play. The toys that can be chosen for the toddlers include both the outdoors and the indoors. The outdoor toys can be the ride-on toys, the wagons, balls etc. The indoor games or toys as mentioned above including the building blocks, stacking and sorting toys allows the children to burn their high levels of energies and develop muscle control. The children also love to mimic their elders such as trying to do the things that they do.

Therefore giving them an opportunity to have the same kind of an environment, the children can be given kitchen sets, housekeeping tools, toy cars etc. that would help them open up and communicate with their parents in a much better way. Toys such as large board puzzles with absorbing colors just grabs their attention and they find it a lot amusing. The parents taking active participation with their babies can clearly see that their children is learning different things on a very fast pace and they can then plan on buying advanced toys to meet up their learning potential.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Toddler Toys Aid in a Variety of Developmental Skills

If you have ever played with or observed a toddler playing individually or with other toddlers, then you know that they have an endless supply of energy, are curious about everything, and can have a good time playing with just about any kind of toy. With so many toddler toys out there on the market today, it can be difficult to find the perfect toy to give to a toddler. However, using the tips in this article can help ensure that the next toddler toys you buy will provide hours of educational fun.

Toys geared towards kids this age can be broken down into the following categories: active play, imaginary play, educational toys, and electronic toys.

Active Play

Toddlers have a ton of energy, so giving a toy that requires using that energy is sure to be a hit. Active play toddler toys include bikes, trikes, wagons, climbing gyms, swings, and trampolines. Toddlers love anything with wheels that they can push, pull, or ride on. They also feel like one of the big kids when they are able to go out with older siblings or friends and ride around on their bike too. Climbing gyms can be used both indoors and outdoors and are age and size appropriate for kids at this age. Some climbing gyms include a swing as part of the equipment, but, if not, there are age appropriate swings that toddlers can be buckled into for safety. Finally, a trampoline with a bar to hold onto will thrill any toddler who just can't get enough jumping!

Imaginary Play

Toddlers have great imaginations. Giving toddler toys such as dress up clothes, play kitchens, doll houses, cars/trucks, cash registers, play money, etc. will let them use those imaginations and pretend to do the same things that they see their moms and dads do everyday. Little girls will love being able to dress up like a princess or create their own scenarios with a doll house. Little boys will enjoy "driving" their trucks, cars, and trains around pretending to run errands or do work. Boys and girls alike will have a good time whipping up a gourmet masterpiece in their play kitchens or set up shop and use a cash register and play money to pretend they work at a store. Whatever type of imaginary play toy you decide to give your toddler, they will have a blast using their imaginations and creativity.

Educational Toys

Educational toys include puzzles, blocks, books, shapes, colors, and animals. Playing with these toddler toys will feel less like actually learning something and more like a fun game. But, what your toddler doesn't realize is that he is learning colors, numbers, shapes, letters, and is developing his fine motor and cognitive skills.

Electronic Toys

You may think that your toddler is too young for electronic toys, but certain toddler toys from companies such as Leap Frog and V-Tech are actually geared towards kids this age. Toddlers are able to get a head start on learning numbers, letters, sounds, shapes, colors, and animals all while playing games that keep their attention and make them feel like a big kid.

Saturday, December 4, 2010

115 Ways to Be Your Own Boss

(1) HAND DECORATING

of ordinary objects pays well. Their value is often quadrupled. Prepared stencils and designs are available from hobby shops. You can work in attic or basement and need invest very little in supplies. Saleable items are initialled tumblers, stools, trays, jugs, boxes, waste-baskets, greeting cards, toys. Sell your work to gift shops on a sale or return basis.

(2) ADDRESSING AND MAILING SERVICE

This work can be obtained by writing or telephoning department stores, retail and mail order firms, addressing bureaux, and direct mail services listed in the telephone directory. You can advertise your service under "Employment" in local newspapers and in the telephone book.

(3) COLLECT AND SELL COINS

Coin collecting is booming. Supplying collectors is a profitable home business. Get to know values by reading books and catalogues. Buy carefully from reputable dealers and from private sources through classified ads in local papers. Sell through private contacts and mail order advertisments in "Coins" and other collectors' and hobby magazines, and in "Exchange & Mart " Weekly, under "Coins". See No 113 on Home Mail Order Business . Combine with No 79.

(4) CORRESPONDENCE CLUB

Your income is from fees charged for people to join the club to receive the names of others who wish to correspond. In this home mail order business you cater for some special interest: hobbyists, coin or stamp collectors, booklovers, prize contest enthusiasts, writers. (5) PROFITABLE SEWING AT HOME

There is money in a home dressmaking service. It often pays to specialise. Some do well re-modelling old dresses, or making novelties or children's wear. A sign in your window, a card on Y.W.C.A. notice boards and students' bulletins, classified ads in the local newspaper and calls on dress shops and gift stores bring business.

(6) MAKING LAMPS AND SHADES

at home pays well, as they often sell for many times the material costs. Lamp shades can be made in home workshops from linen, plastics, silk, paper and parchment. Local public libraries have manuals on the subject. Outlets are gift shops and department stores. Co-operate with interior designers.

(7) RENTAL BUSINESS

This has mushroomed into an attractive new business opportunity. People like to borrow, do-it-yourselfers rent professional equipment. Many men are doing well these days by acting as rental agents for all manner of things - power tools, trucks, cars, electric generators, etc.

(8) ANIMAL BREEDING

Pedigree dogs and other pets command high prices today. It is important to start with the right stock and keep to the instructions given in handbooks available at local public libraries. Two females mated at different times of the year could prove profitable. (9) BASKETRY AND CANE WORK

can be successful if you keep a good standard of workmanship. Use bright enamel paints for finishing and keep to standard designs and articles. Study the market and offer your products on sale or return to gift and novelty shops, stores, women's exchanges etc.

(10) LOCAL NEWSPAPER CORRESPONDENT

Suitable if you are a good 'mixer' and have good local knowledge and write plain English. Start by sending local editors specimen reports.

(11) CRITICISM OF WRITERS' MANUSCRIPTS

Profitable if you are keen, have some flair, and study writers' manuals. Advertise in "The Writer", "Writer's Review", and "Writing".

(12) RESEARCH SERVICE

Writers, lecturers, business companies and others need free-lance specialists to look up information which can be found in public and special libraries, museums and trade associations. Get work through classified ads in literary and writers' magazines. Home operators can earn oe2.50 to oe3.00 per hour. Your local reference libraries will help.

(13) BUYING AND SELLING ON COMMISSION

Start with an outbuilding or store room until you can take a small shop. No knowledge of your goods is necessary. Take a commission of 15% to 25% on everything you sell. Suppose a customer brings in a table, chair, or camera for which he asks a certain price. When you have found a buyer you notify your client, who collects the cash and pays your commission. Your only expenses are for the space, and classified ads. Furniture, T.V. sets, cameras, typewriters, prams, sell well.

(14) IDEAS FOR CARTOONISTS

Cartoonists pay well for ideas and gags that suit their style. Write to cartoonists care of the magazines in which their cartoons appear.

(15) AT-HOME BABY SITTING

is an increasing in-demand spare-time activity. Mothers bring their child to the baby-sitter's home, some taking seven or eight at once, charging by the hour, plus something extra if a meal is given. Combine with No 92.

(16) AGENCY SUPERVISORS

working from home are wanted by Buying Protection Services, 20 Gorham, Rottingdean, Brighton. BN2 7DP.

(17) INVISIBLE RE-WEAVING

This service is popular and rewarding because it salvages costly garments at considerably less cost than would be needed to replace them. There is particularly good scope in small community neighbourhoods.

(18) HANDBILL DISTRIBUTION

for business firms and other advertisers can be profitable. Door-to-door delivery can be arranged with senior school-children. Sales letters sent to department stores and other local advertisers can bring good results, also advertisements in "The Trader".

(19) RUG AND FURNITURE CLEANING

is a growing business. In America especially, more and more people own and operate an 'on location' rug and furniture cleaning franchise, such as Service-master, 2117 North Wayne Ave., Chicago 14, Illinis. In England similar firms advertise in "Exchange & Mart", "Sunday Times", and "The Observer".

(20) SELL MAGAZINES

This requires no office and it can be evening work. Write to publishers requesting the right to get subscritions. Approach schools, hospitals, offices and private people in their home and at their business. Solicit orders by telephone and direct mail advertising. Or concentrate on back numbers which can be bought and sold through advertisements in

(21) HOME MANUFACTURING

Many saleable products can easily be made at home, and sold through gift shops and other retailers.

(22) USED CRRESPONDENCE COURSES

at reasonable prices are in demand and several people in America are running this type of mail order business. They include second-hand instruction manuals and self-improvement books in their lists. Advertise under "Educational" in "Exchange & Mart". Combine with NO 114.

(23) UPHOLSTERING AND FURNITURE REMODELLING

Once you have learned the "know-how" this can pay well. Public libraries have some good books on the subject and a lot can be learned from craft and hobby magazines. Many start with just a box of hand tools and some special equipment.

(24) WINDOW DRESSING

calls for, of course, artistic ability and skill with tools, plus imagination. It is advisable to get tuition in the subject at evening classes.

(25) MAKE PLYWOOD NOVELTIES

and sell through gift shops. Popular items: weather vanes, ships, squirrels, dogs, birds, row-boats, name and address backgroungs, picture puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, jewel boxes, comic plaques, doll furniture.

(26) JUVENILE CLOTHING EXCHANGE

Many women in the suburbs of London and other cities run a children's clothing exchange, where mothers exchange children's unwanted, out-grown garments for others and pay an exchange fee. This project can be combined with the sale of boys' and youths' wear such as shorts, T-shirts etc., of your own make, or from wholesale suppliers listed in "The Trader".

(27) BOOK INDEXING Indexing books for non-fiction publishers is pleasant, profitable work. The technique can be learned from handbooks in public libraries. Work is obtained by writing to non-fiction publishers listed in the "Writers and Artists Year Book".

(28) DANCING LESSONS

Needs skill and a gift for teaching. Local classified ads bring pupils. Teach in your own home at first. Special classes for middle-aged people pay well.

(29) HANDWRITING ANALYSIS

This is a service which can be profitably advertised with classified ads in magazines and newspapers. The skill can be acquired from manuals on graphology.

(30) REMINDER BUREAU

With such a service you undertake for an annual fee to remind people of birthdays, wedding anniversaries, dates for payments, etc. You get your customers through "Personal" ads in "Sunday Times" and "Observer".

(31) RAISING RABBITS

has the advantage of three markets: selling fur, breeding stock, and meat. This project can be started in a large backyard free from local restrictions against raising animals. Get "know-how" from local library.

(32) ENTERTINING in the form of singing, recitations, magic, dancing, doing a comedy act etc., calls for skill in your particular line, and a "way" with an audience. To get bookings it is necessary to become well known in your area by giving benefit performances for charitable affairs, hospitals and orphanages. (33) EMBROIDERING

beautifully decorated cigarette cases, velvet compacts, pin cushions, baby dresses etc., is profitable. Sales are through gift shops. Get "Embroidery" magazine which advertises opportunities and a correspondence course from Embroiderers Guild, 73 Wimpole Street, London W.1.

(34) DRAW CARTOONS FOR MAGAZINES AND NEWSPAPERS

Cartoons are well paid today and there are some excellent handbooks and correspondence courses on the subject. Some cartoonists do well by specialising in supplying industrial magazines with cartoons. Markets are listed in "Writers and Artist Year Book".

(35) DECORATED CANDLES

These are good sellers to gift shops. Study craft magazines, visit gift shops, and try to turn out something different.

(36) PART-TIME PUBLICITY WORK

You supply public relations help to small businesses in your area, arranging press parties, preparing news releases, arranging interviews, etc. Know-how can be obtained from handbooks on public relations at your public library.

(37) MAKING & SELLING HANDMADE SHELL DECORATED JEWELLERY

For this home business you need artistic ability, finger dexterity and knowledge of the market. Handbooks give full information. Sell through friends, neighbours, church groups, members of women's clubs, gift and novelty shops, dress shops and beauty salons.

(38) DOG TRAINING

If you have the gift for it and the necessary know-how from books on dog training you can get this kind of profitable work with regular advertising in the local press. This can be combined with the sale of dog requisites.

(39) BOOK-KEEPING SERVICE

Local newspapers often contain part-time vacancies, or you can approach grocers, service stations, clubs, public houses and various retailers who may need a home book-keeping service, rather than a more expensive firm of accountants, to help prepare and maintain tax forms and records.

(40) MANUFACTURER'S REPRESENTATIVE AT HOME

This means calling in independent and chain retail stores of all kinds and soliciting volume orders. You handle no merchandise but send the orders to the factory which then ships the order direct to the retailer. There is no selling door-to-door to consumers. You need no office, only a telephone and some stationery.

(41) WOODWORKING

using 3/8" or 1/2" plywood, is profitable if you can make such items as attractive bedside cabinets and kitchen fixtures, and charge not more than 100% above the cost of the materials. Consult your local library for books.

(42) A MENDING SERVICE

for single men, business girls, school-teachers, professional people and over-worked housewives can pay well. Advertise at week-ends in the classified section of your local newspaper. This work can be combined with some other sewing.

(43) RAISING CANARIES, BUDGERIGARS AND PARAKEETS

You need a sunny room, starting with one or two pairs of birds. Sell the offspring to friends, neighbours and local pet stores.

(44) MAKING AND SELLING FOODS

This pays handsomely. Items in demand are cakes, jams, jellies, maple syrup, apple cider, cheese, cookies, candies, etc. Sell through gift shops, tea rooms, hotels, grocers, and by small classified advertisements in national Sunday newspapers and women's magazines. It is usual to fix prices by doubling the cost of ingredients.

(45) MODELLING

Photographers, art schools, advertising agencies, moving picture agencies, department stores, T.V. stations, want women, men and boys as models for advretising, illustrations for clothes and other products, magazine illustrations.

(46) PROFITS IN KNITTING

This is a home activity that pays well. Women buy sweaters, dresses and two and three-piece suits; men need mufflers, gloves, socks, jackets, sweaters; and children's knitted wear is also in demand at good prices. Sell privately through local babywear shops, gift shops and other suitable retail outlets; by mail order; also by approaching suitable firms.

(47) NURSERY SCHOOL

Many women with the necessary experience with children earn good money operating a nursery school simply by making their services known through local classified advertisements. :FORTYEIGHT (48) NOVELTY, TOY AND BRIC-A-BRAC SHOP

Interesting if you can make articles in demand that also sell to wholesalers, mail order houses, stores, souvenir shops, gift shops. Typical items: paperweights, desk sets, book-ends.

(49) DEMONSTRATIONS

Details of an attractive range of luxury skin care products for demonstrating from your own home at generous profits are obtainable from B & G Delaney, 18 Wellington Square, Chelsea, London SW3. Agents to sell beauty preparations are wanted by Avon Cosmetics Ltd., 84 Baker Street, London W.1.

(50) SELLING SHIRTS

to friends and workmates at actual wholesale prices is a popular spare time activity. A free starting outfit of actual shirting samples, coloured illustration, etc., is offered by K.L.Shirts, 349 Edgware Road, London W2.

(51) HOOKED AND BRAIDED RUGS

and novelties made at home sell well in local shops. Lamp and vase mats, handbags, hot dish mats, seat covers, toilet seat covers, backrests and slippers are in demand. Rugmaking kits are obtainable from Winwood Textiles, Kidderminster, Worcs.

(52) COLLECTING AND SELLING SCRAP METAL

is profitable. If you have transport you can start by collecting scrap in your locality. Your local library will have a book on metal identification that will tell you how to identify steel, lead, zinc, bronze, brass, iron, etc. Your librarian will help you to track down buyers.

(53) SELL PRINTED STATIONERY

There are many outlets, stationers, friends, and by mail order. Books giving the know-how are obtainable from your public library and new and secondhand printed machinery is advertised weekly in the "Exchange & Mart". Profits are good and reliable work much in demand. Start spare-time and develop into full-time.

(54) MUSHROOM GROWING

This can be conducted in a shed or basement. A thorough knowledge of the subject is essential. Sales can be made through a sign in your window; through local newspaper advertisements or a roadside stand; and to local greengrocers, restaurants and hotels. (55) MAKING CURTAINS AND RUGS

is a pleasant home occupation. Many people are glad of such a money-saving service. Get business through telephone and personal calls, letters and classified advertisements in local newspaper, sell privately and through gift shops. Get supplies at trade rates through wholesalers listed in the telephone book and in craft journals.

(56) A FILM DEVELOPING SERVICE

can be a very profitable occupation, especially in the summer. You can work from home and get business by offering chemists 25% commission to act as agents.

(57) CHILDREN'S PLAYROOM

Some women have developed a profitable second income by turning one of their rooms into children;s playroom, fixing it up with bright walls, games, puzzles, toys and books. (58) CURIOS AND NOVELTIES

Made at home, these items can be sold directly to the public or through retail outlets such as gift shops, novelty and curio shops.

(59) COLLECT AND SELL AUTOGRAPHS

These can be picked up, often cheaply, from estate sales and secondhand bookshops, also by writing to famous people telling them how much you appreciate something they have done or written (such letters often bring a thank you note).

(60) BABY SITTING AGENCY

A baby sitting (and invalid sitting) agency is well worthwhile. Operators advertise for baby sitters in the local newspaper and check their suitability. The agency mails postcards to parents, women's groups and church groups making known its service.

(61) BUYING AND SELLING OLD CHINA AND GLASS

It is possible to make good profits by buying certain types of old china and glass from secondhand stores, auction sales, etc., and selling them privately and to antique dealers. (62) FURNITURE AND APPLIANCE REPAIRING

If you have the ability there is good scope in this field because everywhere people like to be able to call in someone to salvage old furniture, remodel lamps, fix chairs and sofas, etc. :(63) MANAGING BLOCKS OF FLATS

Owners of apartment houses are often glad to pay 5% of the rent to someone who will collect monthly rents, place income in the bank, superintend maintenance and show people over vacant flats.

(64) FELT CRAFT

it is quite easy and often highly lucrative. Home operators obtain low-priced kits from supply houses, scraps from departent stores, milliners and mills, and make toy animals, table mats, handbags, holders, hot dish pads, slippers, hats, belts glass cases, felt flowers, purses. Sell to gift shops.

(65) OPERATE A SPARETIME AGENCY ROM HOME

Details of various agencies from Wessex First Aid Co., 6a Royal Parade, Kew Gardens, Richmond, Surrey; Progressive Insurance Brokers, 7 Judd Street, London W.C.1; Garden Estate Nurseries Ltd., 4 Station Road, Wytleaf, Surrey.

(66) WRITING FOR MONEY

Thousands of magazines pay well for articles and stories that suit their public. Many beginners get into print with the help of manuals such as "Write for Money" (from your authorised distributor). Markets are listed in "Writers and Artists Year Book".

(67) A HOME REPAIR SHOP

for toys, dolls and household items is appreciated in most towns. Such a service can be made known with announcements on notice boards, a sign in your window and with classified advertisements in local newspapers.

(68) PREPARING CURRICULUM VITAE (C.V.'s)

on your home P.C. and printing out on daisy-wheel or laser printer. Very prestigious results are achieved thus materially assisting job candidates. Fees of £25 - £50 can be collected for the finished product. Advertise your service in local/national newspapers.

(69) WORDPROCESSING SERVICE

from home using P.C. appropriate software as 'Wordstar' and a daisy-wheel printer. Reports, special letters, quotations, invoices can easily be produced using state-of-the-art peripherals. Customers will be small businesses such as builders, doctors, accountants. Demand will be regular.

(70) DRESSMAKING FOR OFF-SIZED FOLK

Because so many people cannot wear the standard-sized costumes sold in shops, this is an excellent speciality.

(71) WRITING COMPUTER SOTWARE

Children love novel computer games thus creating a constant demand for new and better arcade quality software. If you have programming skills (or these skills can be acquired through local college courses) then writing these games using computer language could prove a very profitable venture.

(72) ILLUSTRATED LECTURES

There is money in this. Build up a collection of colour slides on two or three popular subjects. Read up these subjects over a period. Then write offering to give illustrated talks to clubs, civic organisations, educational institutions and employees of business firms. Projectors can be hired.

(73) HAT RENOVATING

A number of women in small and larger towns add to their income by giving 'new life' to hats, changing the style to make them look new and different.

(74) POULTRY BREEDING

If you have the inclination and the space, plus some ability for buying and selling you could look into this possibility, studying the journals and manuals on the subject at the local library.

(75) HOME IMPORT-EXPORT BUSINESS

This field bristles with opportunities and involves only very modest expenditure to start. One operator claims to make an average of oe15,000 to oe20,000 a year and he started with very little capital. The necessary know-how is easily acquired; there are reliable manuals on world trade, showing how to start, how to get government help, how and where to buy, how to sell locally and by mail, etc. (76) PRINTING SERVICE

Selling printed items (letterheads, envelopes, forms etc.,) through local solicitation involves no equipment, no stock, no financial investment, no figuring. You find a wholesaler printer who will supply a catalogue and samples; these do the main job.

(77) PREPARING SPEECHES

If you have the ability to prepare speeches there is well paid work to be obtained from persons active in trade associations, literary clubs, political groups and social clubs. A letter, with your business card, sent to the secretaries of such associations may well lead to interesting work. Payment can be quite high according to the type of speech and the amount of research needed .

(78) PART -TIME TAXI DRIVING

It is necessary to be over 21 years of age and to possess a driver's licence. Apply to local taxicab companies.

(79) DEALING IN POSTAGE STAMPS

gives plenty of scope today with the ever-increasing interest in stamp collecting for pleasure and profit. There are over 3 million collectors of stamps in the British Isles and about 12 million throughout the world. Even if you confine yourself to supplying collectors in Great Britain, you can make a good income.

(80) PAPER HANGING

if you can do it well, is a wanted service. Insert classified ads saying you will decorate houses at low rates (get the know-how from library books). Request a discount of 20% on wallpaper supplied by retailers.

(81) PLASTIC CRAFTWORK

can be carried out on a card table at home. Manuals are readily obtainable showing how to make jewel boxes, paperweights, candleholders, pen-holders, cigarette boxes, costume jewellery and ornamental plaques for gift shop outlets.

(82) THERE IS MONEY IN CARS

first in selling used or new cars, second in running a motor insurance agency. You can buy used cars cheaply at weekly auctions and sell for excellent profits from home. Advertise in your local paper under cars for sale.

(83) PART-TIME SECRETARY

Many women do secretarial work at home for dentists, doctors and lawyers who do not require a secretary all day. They call for the client's recordings from a dictation machine and perform the work at home, at a considerable saving for the client. (84) POTTERY CRAFT PRODUCTS

can now be made at home at low expenditure on kits and clays from craft supply houses. There is a good market for gaily-decorated tiles for hanging on walls, decoration of fireplaces, etc., small pitchers and mugs, vases and flower bowls.

(85) PROFITS FROM PLASTIC LAMINATING

There is a demand for this service because so many people have documents and papers they want to preserve from deterioration by having them covered with a layer of plastic that is airtight. Business firms want photos, cards, maps, charts, clippings, etc., protected. Firms that show you how to get started advertise in "Exchange & Mart".

(86) PET OWNER SERVICE

Shampooing and boarding pets is a sought-after service in higher-income areas. Poodle clipping is also in demand. Your local public library probably has books on dogs and clipping. Cards displayed at newsagents and classified advertisements in local newspapers bring this kind of business.

(87) LOCATE OUT-OF-PRINT BOOKS

This pays well. You place two-line classified ads in literary periodicals such as "Books and Bookman", "Times Literary Supplement", "Time and Tide", offering to find scarce books a "free search service". You insert other ads indicating specific titles wanted in "The Clique".

(88) TELEPHONE ANSWERING SERVICE

Such services are used by lawyers, doctors, repair men, contractos and others who are not always able to have someone to answer 'phone calls'. Many housewives, shut-ins, married couples and others find that a telephone answering service pays well. A monthly fee is charged.

(89) COMPUTERISED BOOK-KEEPING/ACCOUNTING SERVICE

Using a home P.C. and software such as "Sage" or "Pegasus" accounting packages you are able to offer a fully computerised book-keeping and accounting service including; purchase ledger, profit and loss accounts, sales ledger, nominal ledger, profit forecasting.

(90) TOY MAKING

calls for a keen interest, market study and initiative; in demand are: tricks, games, game boards, masks, educational toys, models, puppets and any other types. Felt for soft toy-making is obtainable at low prices from Griffiiths & Co., 6 Hanover Street, Merthyr Tydfil

(91) TEACH TYPEWRITING

Many stenographers take a typing class at home in the evening, using rented typewriters and ads in local papers.

(92) A LIST BROKING SERVICE

can provide a good income, spare-time or full-time. List Broking is big business in America and is a fast growing field in the U.K. It is the use of one firm's mailing list by another non-competing firm. Operating such a Mailing List Exchange is easy and profits are high.

(93) CHINCHILLA BREEDING

is equally profitable. This can be undertaken at home since most people have a spare corner or cupboard under the stairs to keep the cages. Chinchillas are becoming extremely popular animals hence this can become a very profitable croft business.

(94) WEDDING VIDEO SERVICE

offering a personal video of this special occasion is a profitable usage of a "camcorder". Many young brides want a living momento of their wedding-day. oe20-oe30 per copy can be realised for 1-2 hours work. Up to a dozen copies can be sold from each ceremony. Advertise in your local paper. A "camcorder" can be purchased as cheaply as oe450.

(95) TYPEWRITER REPAIRS

A home typewriter repair service can pay well. Get business through office supply stores and small classified advertisements in local papers at weekends.

(96) WATCH REPAIRING

can be highly profitable. A watch repairing course is offered by Watchcraft, 121 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London S.W.15.

(97) STENCIL CUTTING

for churches, clubs and business firms pays well. It is simply typing on to a wax stencil (without the typewriter ribbon). Erasures and corrections are made with a liquid which may be bought at any office stationery shop. (98) SELLING OCCULT AND METAPHYSICAL BOOKS BY MAIL

is interesting and can be profitable. In England a reliable advertising medium for such books is "Prediction"; in America "Fate".

(99) SILK SCREEN PRINTING

can be excellent home business. The process is used for greeting cards, posters, show cards, personalised place cards, etc. This method of printing by stencils through tautly stretched silk in a frame is easy to learn and there is no scarcity of manuals.

(100) T.V. REPAIR SERVICE

is a good spare-time business. There are useful manuals on the subject.

(101) SELLING INSURANCE

This is growing enormously and the future market is very great. Most insurance companies have training facilities. Men and Women act as sole proprietor, operating their own business in their own time.

(102) SIGHT-SEEING GUIDANCE AND LECTURING

is usually seasonal work. It is necessary to be a fluent talker and know how to handle people. Become familiar with the points of interest you will talk about from handbooks at your public library. Apply to sight-seeing companies in your area.

(103) SECOND HAND BOOK SERVICE

Books can often be bought cheaply at private sales, from markets and side-street secondhand bookshops, and through classified advertisements in "Book Market" and "Exchange & Mart" (under books). They can be sold to specialist booksellers and through classified advertisement under "Books" in "Exchange & Mart".

(104) DESK TOP PUBLISHING

Armed with an Apple Macintosh computer and software such as "Pagemaker" and a laser printer (total outlay for second-hand equipment ....see 'Computer for Sale' in "Exchange & Mart"....as little as oe3500) and a few hours home training from the 'user friendly' manuals accompanying this equipment you have the basis for a ready made business. Charge oe25 - oe40 per hour for preparing the artwork for letterheads, manuals, business cards, etc. Customers will be small printers, large printers with overspill, mail-order dealers.

(105) MONEY FROM YOUR CAMERA

Sizeable incomes are being made by free-lance photographers. Clubs often want group shots of the membership. Home portraiture pays well. Local business firms buy pictures of their products. Retail stores want photographic show cards.

(106) HANDYMAN SERVICE

Profitable odd jobs for local householders include furniture repairing, patching up cement, simple plumbing, washing cars, sharpening lawn mowers, garden tidying, fixing labour-saving devices, shelves, etc. With the help of the popular manuals available anyone can give first aid for the metal fitting and utencils in the house. It is often possible to pick up commission through work obtained for paper hangers, plasterers, carpenters, etc.

(107) 'TRAINING VIDEO' MAKING

Many small and medium sized companies place much emphasis on group training. This is very time consuming in terms of staff employed on training tasks. Offering a 'training video' service will attract such customers. A training session is 'video recorded' and the company use this to impart the required skills to groups of their employees.

(108) WRITING SHORT PARAGRAPHS

Most people can write tips on household management, cookery, child care, etc. Jokes, anecdotes, children's sayings, business-building gimmicks, etc., are in demand. Many such items receive sizeable cheques from magazines. (109) MAKE AND SELL COSTUME JEWELLERY

Home-made costume jewellery sell well to jewellery outlets, gift shops, hairdressers shops, clothes boutiques, and by direct mail. It is possible to start with limited capital. Read books borrowed from the local library, study trade journals, and literature issued by manufacturers of fittings and supplies. Catalogues from Leisurecrafts Ltd., Romford Road, London E.12. Write also to Gemcraft, 96 Grove Vale, London S.E.22.

(110) HOME TYPING

pays well if the right techniques are followed. Business firms, professional people and associations in your area need typing done by free-lance typists. Authors need novels, short stories, plays, non-fiction books and articles typed and they are easily reached through classified ads in writers' and literary magazines. T

(111) COLLECTION SERVICE

Many people with the ability to write good letters have done well helping business firms with their overdue accounts. Sample collection letters given in handbooks from public libraries can be adapted to suit various types of businesses. Charge customers from 10% on all money brought in.

(112) TELEX/FAX/PHOTOCOPYING SERVICE

Communication and fast coying are vital requirements of modern businesses and executive professionals. Second-hand fascimile and photocopiers are cheaply available. You can charge 10p per photocopy, oe1.00 per minute for fax transmission and oe1.50 per min for telexing. Advertise your service in classified sections of local newsapapers.

(113) HOME MAIL ORDER BUSINESS

You can start and operate a profitable mail order business at home with limited capital if you go the right way about it. Starting with almost no capital it is possible to make oe100 a week part-time and oe700 (and much more) full time. "I've found mail order a wonderful, a proven way to make high profits in spare time, at home. I think it is the finest spare-time business of all", writes James Carr, author of a well known Mail Order Course. "You can start anywhere", he writes, "using your kitchen table for an office. You do no personal selling.

(114) SELLING SELF-HELP AN 'HOW' BOOKS BY MAIL

This is the most satisfactory type of mail order business. Easy, pleasant and profitable, it is an ideal spare-time or full-time activity, especially suitable for the beginner in mail order. We do not know of anything else that can be sold as easily and with as little capital as books. They bring continual repeat business for related books. No licence is needed to sell books.

(115) CRAFT WORK

Because good craftsmanship is scarce today home craftsmen can readily sell attractive work through gift shops, furniture stores and other retailers, also privately. Unusual bookshelves, bookracks, bookends, novelties, wireworks, marquetry, leatherwork, etc. Addresses of handicraft materials and hobby kit suppliers are usually obtainable at local public libraries.

Friday, December 3, 2010

Melissa and Doug Puzzles

One of the popular activity products are Melissa and Doug puzzles. There are several kinds of these puzzles and all designed not only to entertain your little angels with something to do but also as an aid in educating them. These puzzles can positively introduce or reinforce positive social principles and values that will be beneficial to a child's well-being.

One of the puzzles that will certainly entertain and educate the little angels in your life is the Sea Life Puzzle Set. This is a delightful set of six wooden jigsaw puzzles that feature some popular underwater friends such as the sea turtle, sea star, sea crab, and more. All it takes to assemble these bright and colorful puzzles are two to eleven pieces. Because they can easily be completed, it helps in building confidence, hand-eye coordination, and motor skills of kids 2 years and older.

Another jigsaw puzzle set that kids, especially boys, will love to play with is the Dinosaur Jigsaw Puzzles in a Box. The set includes four wooden, 12-piece dinosaur jigsaw puzzles that include a triceratops, an apatosaurus, a stegosaurus, and a T-Rex. Each is stored in separate compartments of a sturdy wooden box, with the slide-on box lid doubling as a convenient puzzle board. Each puzzle piece is shape-coded on the back for easy sorting. Perfect for kids 3 years and older, this puzzle is great to bring along when you are travelling with your little angels to keep them entertained during trips.

These are just some of the Melissa and Doug puzzles that your kids will certainly have a fun time with.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

If Your Little Girl Loves Dolls, Try Fisher Price

All sorts of toys are available for your children. Puzzles, games, make-up kits, cars, trucks, balls and dolls all come to mind when you look for toys for your children. Parents rely on toy manufacturers to safely make toys for their children. The most dependable manufacturer today is Fisher Price and they have a full array of choices for parents. And for parents with girls, dolls are particularly important.

Fisher Price's dolls are one of their best product lines. No matter what you're looking for in a doll, F. Price likely makes it. They manufacture dolls for girls of all ages, toddlers to school age, including collectible figures not intended for play. All toys carrying the Fisher Price logo are made from high quality materials and are safe for kids and durable for play. Because of this, the toys provide years of fun for your little girl.

Keeping up with market trends and fads, F. Price has continued to design and create unique, durable toys. Some of their innovations include talking dolls and dolls with moving parts. In addition, they create educational dolls. A special doll often immediately becomes your little girl's best friend. Whether the dolls are intended for pretend play or education, they bring out your daughter's imagination and creativity. Playing with dolls encourages your daughter to be a special, responsible sister, friend and future mother through loving and nurturing their dolls.

Fisher Price recognized the benefits of role-playing early and not only produce special dolls, but also sell all the accessories for dolls that parents buy for their babies. These products include car seats, strollers, cribs, bottles and more. No matter what your daughter's personality, Fisher Price likely produces a doll that fits it. And you can be assured that your little girl has a special, well-made, safe doll to love.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Jigsaw Puzzle - For Kids Only?

Jigsaw puzzles are problems in tiles that require assembling several small pieces into unusual shapes. This specifically involves putting the pieces together to form a picture. Each small part has a part of a picture that forms the puzzle to form a picture.

These images portray scenes of buildings, animals, nature and others. These puzzles that are made primarily on cardboard become more advanced nowadays. They show optical illustrations. These puzzles were made to enhance the brain capacity for thinking and memory. It has increasing levels of difficulty that gives a child confidence to solve more challenging ones.

However, these puzzles are not only available for kids. Considering the levels of difficulty that is made available, these can be also for teen and adult. The numbers of pieces that are present varied depending on the cluster of ages. The most typical number of puzzles is from 300 pieces, 750 pieces, and 1000 pieces. However, commercial puzzles have 24000 pieces.

There are also puzzles that are double sided. This means that they can also be solved in dual sides. Therefore, it adds complexity to the puzzle because it sometimes gives confusion to the player to which side is which. Nowadays, there are also computer versions of jigsaw puzzles as there are also two dimensional and three dimensional puzzles such as a puzzle globe. This computer jigsaw puzzle has the advantages of no risk of losing any pieces. Considerably, it is easier than a physical jigsaw puzzle with the same number of pieces available.

In solving the puzzles, there are also some tactics that can be performed. The most common approach is to start building a puzzle by separating the inside pieces from the edges. This makes it easier to move inward. Some people also use the picture pattern in solving the puzzle. Another thing that could be possible done is to sort out the pieces by color and work on each at a time. However, the large puzzles have a symmetrical and repetitive pattern. It is possible to identify the presence of these symmetries by the process of completing the edge frame. When it is identified, it will be possible to use already solved parts of the puzzle to identify the exact shapes of pieces required to complete other sections.

There are puzzles also that can be played online for past time. Also, playing puzzles can be a source of early education for kids. It is a substitute for some toys that can be possibly made as a hobby. It will provide not just the kids some entertainment but also to teens and adults some mental exercise.