Monday Madness for December 4th

1. I wish people would just pay attention when they drive.
2. My biggest pet peeve where other drivers are concerned, is thinking no one else on the road matters.
3. I will probably spend about not sure, but probably too much.
4. I really hope to have some time to relax by the end of this calendar year.
5. I make about _____ resolutions each year, and keep _____ of them. I don't make resolutions because I don't think that is a strategy that works. :-)

Online Shopping Tips From Find More Facts

The holiday shopping season is upon us, ready or not, so we wanted to share some online shopping safety tips, tips to make your shopping fast and fun, as well as some great deals from some of our favorite merchants.




Online Shopping Safety Tips

We have a few great online shopping tips to make
your holiday shopping experience safe, successful,
and relatively quick (yes, you read that correctly -
quick!)

1. Always check the security of the checkout pages
   of any online merchant you are purchasing from.
   This means that when you are on the checkout page
   you should see "https" in the web address, the "s"
   indicates "secure." Also at the bottom of the page,
   you will see a graphic of a closed lock or unbroken
   key indicating the site is secure. One other way to
   check security when you are on the checkout page.
   Go to the top menu and click "File,"
   then "Properties." You will get a Properties pop-up
   screen that shows the Protocol as "HyperText
   Transfer Protocol with Privacy" and the Connection
   will state "SSL with (at least) 128 bit encryption."
   You will also see a restatement of the https web
   address. Make sure it matches the address of the
   page you are supposed to be on. If all of these
   factors are in place, you can be relatively certain
   that you are on a secure site.


2. Read the return policy before you buy. If you
   don't like the policy, buy somewhere else.


3. Be sure you can locate the contact information
   for the merchant easily on the site.


4. Print a receipt of your purchase before logging off
   of the site. Don't just rely on an e-mailed copy of a
   receipt. Sometimes even e-mails get lost.

The Fun Part - How to Make Your Shopping Quick & Easy

Follow a few simple steps and you can have
your shopping done in a flash!

1. Make a list of everyone you need to buy for and
   put an approximate amount you would like to spend
   next to each name. Budgeting now will save you a lot
   of money in the long run.
   
2. Next to the name, write down everything you
   would like to buy that person, couple, or business,
   etc.
   
3. Now here is the important part that will speed up
   your shopping. Review your list and make a
   separate list that has all of the categories of items you need
   to buy (e.g. books, toys, clothes, kitchen and
   dining items, gift baskets). Running back over your original
   list put each item into the appropriate category.
   This won't take as long as it sounds and it is going to
   save you a bundle of time.
   
4. Now that your list is complete and organized go to our site, www.findmorefacts.com. Find the appropriate category that you need, review the available merchants, visit the
   site of the merchants you choose, order all of the items you need for that category and you are done!
   
5. Repeat this process for each category and your
   shopping will be done in a fraction of the time. You
   may not even have to go to the mall or your local
   superstore at all! Doesn't that sound peaceful?
   

At Find More Facts, you will find outstanding sources
for fruit baskets, chocolates, cookies, seafood gifts,
wine gifts, gourmet appetizers, a wide variety of gift
baskets, flatware, cutlery, cookware, glassware, dinnerware and more!


And here is some more exciting news - Find More Facts now has a Kitchen Store and a Business Store on our site! So in addition to all the other great merchants we have listed you can shop for hundreds of items right on our site. Both stores are powered by Amazon, so the shopping is secure the selection is outstanding.


Feel free to drop us a line or leave a comment and let us know
what you think of our new and improved site.

Go to FindMoreFacts.com Now!



Happy Shopping!

Karen & Rick
www.findmorefacts.com
www.wowekidsmag.com

Please note - All material in this blog is copyrighted Divine Finds, Inc. & Find More Facts. Permission must be obtained for copy and use on other sites or in other media.

Monday Madness on the Holidays

Let's talk about holidays... Depending on where you live and what religion you are, you may celebrate different holidays and at different times of the year than others. But most of us do celebrate at least one holiday a year. Let's share! =)

1. Which of the holidays that you celebrate, do you feel is the most important?

Christmas and Easter

2. Which holiday do you most enjoy?

That is a tough one. Probably Christmas because I get to see all of our family and I really enjoy watching the excitement of the kids.

3. Is there one holiday that your family tries to get together every year? If so, which one?

Yes, usually Christmas. Sometimes it takes a couple of weeks for visits with people, but most of us manage to get together.

4. Share one special memory from a past holiday.

Christmas when my kids were around 2 years old. The amazement and excitement when they came down in the morning and realized Santa had been there. It was priceless.

5. Name one holiday coming up, that you're really looking forward to, and why.
I would have to say Christmas since it is just around the corner. We have plans for family to come in and stay with us for a few days, so it should be a great time.

Have a great week everyone!

Karen
www.findmorefacts.com
www.wowekids.com

Monday Madness, Find More Facts update

1. From ch'i:
If you could only read one blog every day- which one blog would be on your daily list?

You mean other than my own? LOL. I don't really have one blog that would be on my daily list as most of the blogs I read aren't updated that frequently.

2. From kat:
What do you do to de-stress from a hectic day?

I kick back with my hubby and watch a little HGTV while I have some dessert. Not the healthiest way to unwind but it feels good! :-)

3. From paxil princess:
What is your favorite piece of clothing to wear in the winter?

A soft sweater.

4. From sherle:
Do you prefer discussing problems with a sibling, a parent, a significant other, a psychologist, or a total stranger?

I talk about everything with Rick (my husband).

5. From trista:
How long have you been blogging?

Only a few months.

6. From lisa e:
Which side of the bed?

Right

7. From elton:
How often do you pig out when you eat?

Not very often, but the holidays seem to be the time of most of my "pigging out"

8. From karen:
Do you watch the space shuttle launches?

I always try to watch the launches. I still find it amazing that we are able to travel into space.

9. From dawn:
What's your favorite leisure-time activity?

It varies. I like to go to the movies with Rick and my boys. We enjoy trying new restaurants. I like to cook when I have the time and try new recipes. I like to watch my family play in the swimming pool. It really depends on the day.

10. From sherle:
When is the last time you said, 'I love you' and to whom?
What about hugs? Who is the last person you hugged?

We say I love you many times a day in our family. I told Rick before he left for work and the boys before they left for school. That's also when I gave them hugs.


If you haven't had a chance to check out our new Find More Facts website, stop on by. We'd love to hear what you think of it. You might want to check out the gourmet foods and gift baskets page. We've got some great links for holiday shopping! While your there, if you sign up for our mailing list, we'll send you some great discounts and special deals that we've found.

Have a great week everyone!

Karen
www.findmorefacts.com
www.wowekidsmag.com

Monday Madness

This is kind of a fun meme for this week from Monday Madness (and actually a bit harder than I thought it was going to be!)

Using the letters in your name (first, last, both, whatever), describe your life!
K-Knowledge seeking
A-Ambitious
R-Reliable
E-Excellent cook
N-Nice

If you need to do some holiday shopping, start your search at our gourmet food and wine page at findmorefacts.com. If you
Sign up for our Email Newsletter, I'll send you some special sales and offers not available to everyone.

Have a great week everyone!
Karen
www.findmorefacts.com
www.wowekidsmag.com

Monday Madness

1. From bev:
Small town or big city?

We live in a medium size town, about 50,000 people.

2. From turtlemoonwave:
Do you have a favorite childhood memory, and if so, would you share it?

My favorite childhood memory is going every summer to spend a week at my grandmother's house. She lived in Chicago and it was always so exciting to be in the city. She also treated us great - fresh baked cookies, spoiling us rotten - all the typical grandma stuff! :-)

3. From cat:
How do you calm down when something has really upset and/or angered you? Do you swallow it? Call a friend and rant? Go in the bathroom and cry? Punch a wall? Walk around muttering to yourself, complete with scary hand gestures?

It depends on the situation. Once again referring to my kids, if they do something that makes me really angry [which of course they never do ;-)] I usually leave the room, try to take some deep breaths to calm down and figure out how I'm going to handle it. Occasionally I call someone to talk about it; walk around muttering to yourself, complete with scary hand gestures; or have a good cry.

4. From dna princess:
What attratcs you to memes?'

It's fun to get to know other people from a lot of different places. It's like making new friends.

5. From mads:
How reliant are you on computers to get through your day?

Very, especially since my entire business is based on computers and e-mail is how I communicate with many people.

6. From tizzie:
In a crisis, are you calm or do you panic?

I'm usually the calm one who keeps everybody else under control.

Have a great week everyone and be sure to check out our last 2 posts, 1 with a yummy recipe and 1 about the launch of our new site. Thanks for your support!

Karen
www.findmorefacts.com
www.wowekidsmag.com

Filet Mignon with Peppers and Olives Recipe

Here is the recipe I promised earlier in the week :=) Enjoy and I will try to get the recipes out more often. Be sure to check out our previous post about the launching of our new website!

Filet Mignon with Peppers and Olives

¾ of a 12 oz. jar of roasted red peppers
2 tablespoon olive oil
4 1 1/4 inch thick 4-6 oz. filet mignon beef steaks
3 cloves of garlic, minced
2/3 cup low-fat chicken broth
1/3 cup pitted kalamata (greek) olives
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh oregano, or 1 teaspoon dried
2 tablespoon unsalted butter, (1/4 stick)

Remove peppers from jar and cut into thin strips. Heat oil in heavy large skillet over high heat. Season steaks with salt and pepper. Add steaks to skillet and sauté to desired doneness, about 4 minutes per side for rare. Transfer steaks to plates and tent with foil to keep warm.

Add roasted peppers and garlic to the same skillet and cook 30 seconds. Be careful not to let garlic brown or it will taste bitter. Add broth, olives and vinegar and boil until liquid is reduced to a glaze, scraping up browned bits, about 8 minutes. Mix in oregano and remove from heat. Add butter and whisk to melt. Season sauce to taste with salt and pepper. Spoon sauce over and around filets and serve.

Delicious!

Karen

http://findmorefacts.com

The new Find More Facts.com Site is Now Live!

At last! The new and improved findmorefacts.com is now up and running. You'll find loads of useful information on kitchenware, including cutlery, flatware, cookware, and appliances. We've also got some great info on selecting a web hosting provider along with information and comparisons on many different providers. You will even find more facts on running a small business and where to get the supplies you'll need.

We also have information on home remodeling, especially in the kitchen and bath, lighting, appliances and more. And don't miss our recipe section which will be getting new additions on a regular basis. You'll find all of this and more on the new site, so check it out soon!

Thanks to everyone who has sent their good wishes for our new endeavor and we hope you will all find the site useful, informative, and fun!

Feel free to send feedback on the site either here on the blog or to us at info@findmorefacts.com

Karen & Rick

http://findmorefacts.com
http://wowekidsmag.com

Monday Madness & Find More Facts Update

Hello Everyone! I hope you are all doing well today. Here are my answers to the Monday Madness questions for the week.

1. From: cassie:
Dramas or comedies?

Definitely comedies.

2. From: nutmegnine:
Your neighbor has frequent noisy parties on nights before you need to get up early. Do you confront him directly, call the police, call your landlord, join in the debauchery, or seethe quietly and do nothing?

Usually we just wait it out. Probably not the best approach. If it were waking the kids, I'd call the police.

3. From sherle:
Are you more comfortable in big crowds or small groups?

Small groups. It's too hard to have a conversation when the group is large.

4. From zeno:
Do you prefer Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox?

I use Explorer, I've actually never tried Firefox.

5. From briar:
They say you learn something new every day. What new thing did you learn today?

I learned that a boy who is almost 13 years old can be very, very cranky in the morning. Actually, I already new this, he was just extra cranky today! :-)

Sorry I never got my new recipes posted last week. I definitely will this week.

Our new Find More Facts website is almost ready to launch (Yeah!) It is a lot of work building a new site (as many of you know) so I'm really looking forward to getting this one published.

Have a great week everybody!

Karen
www.topshoppingsources.net/findmorefacts
www.wowekidsmag.com

Monday Madness

There is just one Monday Madness question this week but it's a good one:

Name 10 things you would do if you had more time.

1. I would cook more.

2. Play with my kids more

3. Spend more time relaxing with Rick

4. Learn to speak Spanish

5. Read more mystery books

6. Read any kind of books

7. Take cooking classes.

8. I would clean out all of my closets and cabinets (boring, but I would feel much more relaxed when it was done)

9. Spend more time with my friends

10. Absolutely nothing!

Have a great week everyone. Check back in a couple of days and we'll have some great new recipes posted!

Karen


www.wowekidsmag.com
www.topshoppingsources.net/findmorefacts
www.aquanovadesigns.com
Contact Us

Monday Madness; Discount for Reed A Lott Shirt

Some great questions from fellow Monday Madness bloggers:

1. From amaranth:
Name three people you would pick (and why) if you could choose who to be stranded on a deserted island with.

My husband, Rick, because I love him and you might as well be stranded with someone you love. My two boys, Collin & Alex, for the same reason. Rick is also pretty resourceful and could probably find a way off the island1 :-)

2. From julie:
What is your favorite genre of film and what is your favorite movie from that genre?

I love a good mystery. It's not really a film in the sense of a big screen movie but I loved all of the Poirot movies with David Suchet and the Sherlock Holmes with Jeremy Brett.

3. From tiffany:
Which country would you like to visit and why?

There are many, but I would probably say Ireland because it looks beautiful and my ancestors and from there.

4. From wil:
What are you driving these days? What's it's (their) good and bad points? Would you buy another one, and why or why not?

A good old Dodge Caravan Grand. With 2 boys and lots of activities, it serves us well. As long as the kids are at home, I would buy one again.

5. From cindy swanson:
"Lost," "24," or both?

Neither.

6. From lady starlight:
You've been very good this year. What should Santa bring you for Christmas? (the sky is the limit)

The end to the war. I've got a niece and nephew serving over there, and would like to see them able to be home and stay home.

Now for our discount news:

One of our websites, AquaNova Designs, carries shirts and other items with graphics I have designed to encourage kids to read, enjoy math and science and generally feel good about themselves. We have a special on our Reed A. Lott shirts right now. Enter the code october at checkout and get 10 percent off. These are the same characters that are in our free kids magazine. Check it out at www.wowekidsmag.com.



Feel free to send us questions or leave comments about the sites here on the blog.

Have a great week everyone!

Karen

www.wowekidsmag.com
www.aquanovadesigns.com
www.findmorefacts.com
Contact Us

Monday Madness & WOW! eKids Magazine Update

. From amanda f:
What do you do when somebody complements you?
a. Smile and say Thanks
b. Ignore it and change the subject
c. Complement them back
d. Turn red in embarrasment at the attention and look around to see other people's reaction
e. Take it as your due!
Mostly A, sometimes c.

2. From shelly:
What color are your eyes?
You would think this would be an easy question! I have those weird eyes that never seem to be the same color-they're hazel, green, brown, or mixed.

3. From kia:
What do you like most about yourself?
I think I am a great mom.

4. From julie:
How do you spend Christmas?
We spend Christmas Eve with lots of family. Christmas Day is often Rick and I with the kids, then we might do a bit of visiting with friends or family.

5. From wide imagination:
When do you normally blog? Day or night?
Usually day.

6. From rach:
What song can you relate to your personal life? Share a line or two of that song.
I'm terrible at this kind of thing. I can't thing of the lines to any songs right now!

7. From sherle:
What is your favorite color for a sleeping environment?
Soothing green.


Those were fun questions.

We wanted to let everyone know that the next issue of our free online children's magazine will be published in the next couple of day. It has a new look, but still has the same great features. Check it out at http://wowekidsmag.com. The current issue will only be available for a couple more days, so if the kids haven't had a chance to see that issue, check it out soon. It really is a lot fun and educational too. The next issue will have lots of great info in the parent pages. Resources for education, travel, shopping, etc. You won't want to miss it.

Rick and I thank you for your support and thanks for reading our blog!

Have a great week everyone!

Karen

Monday Madness & WOW! eKids Magazine Info

Hi, All! Here are the Monday Madness questions for this week.

1. From jstar: Holiday in Europe or Asia?
I would love to go to Ireland, Italy, & France someday.
2. From sherle: How do you try to change a behavior pattern you don't like about yourself... whether it's chewing fingernails, overeating, smoking, or picking your nose?
I just try to focus and give myself small goals with a little reward each time I meet a goal.
3. From tricia: Have you ever successfully completed a Sudoku puzzle?
No, I don't like them. Rick has done them though and one of our sons does them all the time.
4. From caylynn: What website do you visit the most often?
I hate to say it, but its our websites http://wowekidsmag.comand http://findmorefacts.com. We are always checking them to be sure everything is working okay.
5. From michael morgan: What was your favorite thing about high school or college?
My favorite thing about college was the independence.

Have a great week everyone. Check out our magazine at wowekds.com if you have kids. The magazine is now free and its lots of fun AND its educational!

Karen

www.findmorefacts.com
www.wowekidsmag.com
www.aquanovadesigns.com

Contacts us

Monday Madness

1. How do you eat an oreo cookie? (from tricia
I'm one of the odd people who eats it whole.
2. How long does it take you to eat lunch?
When there is time for lunch, 10 minutes.
3. Caffeine or decaf?
Decaf
4. Chicken or beef?
Both, even though I know I should eat (and serve) more chicken and less beef.
5. Pen or pencil?
Pen.
6. Autumn or spring?
Autumn is my favorite time of year with the crisp air and the changing leaves - gorgeous!
7. Baseball or basketball?
Baseball
8. 'Survivor' or 'The Amazing Race?'
Neither.
9. Come up with one question I can ask our Monday Madness participants in the weeks to come. Do you watch the space shuttle launches?

Have a great week!

Monday Madness & an Exciting Announcement

Here are the Q & A for Monday Madness for the week. Feel free to post a comment!

1. How long have you been blogging?
Since April of this year.

2. How many times have you taken a break from blogging?
Quite a few times. We would like to keep going this time around.

3. How long is the longest you've gone, so far, without posting on your blog?
Two Months - Yikes! We need to improve that.

4. How many fellow bloggers do you keep in touch with, through your blogs, on a regular basis?
None, so far. Does anybody else do this?

5. Have you ever met, in person, a blogger on your blogroll?
No.

6. How often do you update/change the 'extra' stuff on your blog?
Every few times we post.

7. Do you think you'll be blogging for years to come?
I hope so. It's fun and we like to talk about a variety of topics and share fun info we run across. Feel free to post comments on our blog. We'd love to hear from you!

Here is some great news if you have a child between 7 and 11 years old in your life. Our WOW! eKids magazine is now available online for FREE! We decided we wanted to make it more accessible to all kids, so we've removed the subscription fee. You can check it out at wowekidsmag.com. Let us know what you think of it!

Have a great Monday everyone!

Karen & Rick

www.wowekidsmag.com
www.findmorefacts.com
www.aquanovadesigns.com

Monday Madness on Tuesday

Well I'm posting Monday Madness on Tuesday because of course I forgot yesterday was Monday with the holiday! Sorry about that!

1. Which holidays (if any) do you consider more as a day off from work, than anything else?
Labor Day & Columbus Day definitely fall into that category.
2. Which 3 holidays are most celebrated in your family?
Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the 4th of July. Of course with the kids, Halloween is right in there too! :-)
3. Do you have an organized filing system at home?
Yes, I have a fairly organized filing system, although it could use a bit of purging about now.
4. Do you clip coupons for groceries? If so, do you remember to use them? If not, why?
I used to clip coupons all the time, but I would always leave them at home or forget they were in my purse. That's one of the reasons we started the Find More Facts website. I could come up with discounts on a lot of the items we buy and share them with others for online shopping, where the coupon is already built in!
5. How many magazines do you subscribe to?
Too many!
6. Do you play any computer games on a regular basis? If so, which is your favorite, and why?
I don't play computer games at all. Who has time?!!
7. Have you watched any movies worth recommending, lately?
I haven't seen anything worth writing about lately.


We'll be moving Find More Facts to a new web host soon with an updated look and some new features. It will still have the same great information on home remodeling, accessorizing, cooking, home office, and more along with some new merchants and discount buying information. We'll let you know when that's completed but be sure to check out our current site for some great buying information and deals. Be sure to join our mailing list if you want updates delivered right to your mailbox.


Here's a copy of the question list without the answers if you want to post them on your site. Join in on the fun.

1. Which holidays (if any) do you consider more as a day off from work, than anything else?
2. Which 3 holidays are most celebrated in your family?
3. Do you have an organized filing system at home?
4. Do you clip coupons for groceries? If so, do you remember to use them? If not, why?
5. How many magazines do you subscribe to?
6. Do you play any computer games on a regular basis? If so, which is your favorite, and why?
7. Have you watched any movies worth recommending, lately?

Have an awesome day!

Karen & Rick

http://findmorefacts.com
http://wowekids.com
http://aquanovadesigns.com

Contact Us

Introducing WOW! eKids Magazine, an online, interactive children's ezine.

Rick & I have another company, AquaNova Designs, Inc. along with our partner, Debbie. AquaNova Designs has created a variety of amusing characters which we display on shirts, bags, hats, etc. Recently we launched a children’s magazine, WOW! eKids. It is an online, interactive magazine for kids ages 7 – 11. It’s filled with stories, activities, science and math projects and loads more fun and educational items.

Meet a few of the Just have fun! characters below. You can read all about it on our site at wowekids.com. You can see the full line of merchandise at aquanovadesigns.com.

This is Sue Pernova,
our space adventurer.

Feel free to contact us or leave a post if you have any questions.

Thanks and Just have fun!

Karen & Rick

www.wowekids.com
www.findmorefacts.com
www.aquanovadesigns.com

Contact Us

Monday Madness

We've decided to add Monday Madness to the site just for some fun! Enjoy and feel free to post comments!

1. Do you do dishes by hand or do you use a dishwasher?
Dishwasher for sure!
2. How many people have your cell phone number?
Very few if I can help it.
3. Do you shower in the morning or at night?
In the morning or I would never wake up!
4. Do you ever have a song 'stuck' in your head?
Frequently. Especially when the kids sing a song over and over.
5. Do you pay your bills when they arrive, or do you wait until closer to the due date to pay them?
Unfortunately, I wait but they usually get paid on time.
6. Are you obsessive about anything in particular?
Trying to keep the kitchen counters clear of stuff. Note the word trying.
7. What one thing would you say you have a zero tolerance for?
Bad manners. Like when people let a door slam in your face rather than hold it open for 1 second. It makes me nuts!

P.S. Check out our cool new online kids magazine at wowekids.com. We'll write more about it later. It's awesome!

Have a great day!

Karen

findmorefacts.com
wowekids.com

Starting a Business - Some Things to Consider

So you think you want to start a business and you're wondering if it will be worth your time. There are, of course, many factors to consider but we'll cover just a couple of them today. First, you get to work for yourself. No more boss telling you what to do and when. This can also be the downside of having your own business, so you need to know whether or not you are a self-motivator. If you think you are disciplined enough to get the work done that needs to be done when it needs to be done, then owning your own business may be right for you. It can be an enormous pleasure to wake up in the morning and know that you are in control of your day.

Next, you need to be sure you have a feasible business idea. This is such an enormous topic that it would be impossible to fully discuss it here but suffice it to say you have a lot of research to do. You need to determine how and where you will provide your goods or services. What are the start-up costs? Will you need employees or equipment? What is the market for your business? Do you have a lot of competition and is there room for another business in your field? Should you incorporate? You can read about reasons to incorporate and how to go about it at www.inctowealth.com. Do you have the time and talent needed to succeed or will you need training? This is a lot of questions but you can figure out many of the answers by preparing a business plan. This will help you get organized both for yourself and for any potential investors or loan services.

If you get organized and stay focused you can make it through the start-up phase, so don't be discouraged. Look for resources and ask others who have been through the process for advice. Then dig in and go for it! You'll be amazed at what you can accomplish.

In our next blog we'll discuss some of the financial benefits of owning a business.

Thanks for stopping by!

Rick & Karen

www.findmorefacts.com
www.inctowealth.com
contact us

Starting a Business - Why Are We Doing This??

We have started 2 new businesses over the past 3 years and are working on our third. Starting a new business is both exciting and nerve-wracking. There are times you feel very motivated and its seems you work around the clock. Other times you wonder "Why in the world am I doing this?" and feel like chucking the whole project. I have come to realize this is a normal part of the process. Although there are times I really want to quit and just have a "normal" life, I know the excitement and challenge of starting a new business will inevitably pull me back in.

If you have ever thought about starting a business but have been afraid to take the plunge, be sure to read our upcoming blogs. We'll talk about some of the challenges and frustrations along with the excitement and opportunities. We'll also provide some great links for various resources and information to help you in your new business quest.

As always, if you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave a comment or send us an e-mail.

Stay tuned!

Karen



www.findmorefacts.com
www.inctowealth.com
contact us

Closet Organization - What Are Your Hang-Ups?

Closet organization can be a daunting task, particularly if it has been a few years since you have attempted a major reorganization. Before you invest in new shelving or a closet organization system, you will want to assess your needs. Start by removing everything from your closet (yes, everything!) and sort the items into piles. Put items you would like to keep in one pile. These items should be shoes or clothing that you have worn in the past 12 months and that are in good condition. Anything with holes, tears, snags, stains should be tossed. If you haven't worn it in the past 12 months, you are not going to wear it - get rid of it! Items that are in good condition but you do not wear any longer, consider donating to charity.

Once you have your items sorted, you can begin determining how you want to organize your closet. Take a look at your clothing and decide if you have more hanging or folded items. Do you need a lot of space for shoes? How about belts, purses, or ties. There are specialty hanging systems that can accommodate all of these items. There are shoe cubbies, shoe racks, shoe shelves and over the door shoe racks. There are some great belt and tie racks that can accommodate large numbers of these items in a small amount of space.

Next, you may want to check out sites that offer custom closet solutions. We have links to some of these below. Some of the sites even have a software program that you can use online to plan the layout of your closet and determine all of the parts you will need to install it. You can then order everything right from the site and not have to worry about running back to the store because you forgot a part or didn't plan correctly. It is a great service.

Once you have everything planned, give your closet a good cleaning and a fresh coat of paint. Install your new closet system and you will be organized for years to come.

Here are some of our favorite sites for closet and home organization:






10% off all orders $35.00 or more (Coupon Code: A9849)
This sale is only good until May 15th, so check them out now!



Free shipping offer is valid until May 31st.

Now that you know what to do, the only hang-ups you should have are in your closet. Now go get organized!

Karen & Rick


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Web Hosting Companies - How to Choose the Right One For You

Here's an excerpt from our article "CHOOSING A WEB HOSTING COMPANY ". You can read the article in its entirety on our website www.findmorefacts.com.

There are many web hosting companies available on the internet and it can be difficult to choose. You will first need to decide which features are important to you such as the number of e-mail accounts included and the type of site builder available with the program (especially if you have limited experience in building websites). Website builders often include templates of sites that you can customize. Some allow you to change colors and positions of text and graphics, others only allow you to add your text in specific locations on the preformatted site. This may or may not be a factor to you, but it is something you should decide before you sign on to a provider.

A major consideration is the availability of live support. Some sites only have FAQ pages or a searchable index. A site with at least e-mail support and preferably also phone support would certainly be more desirable. It is inevitable that you will need support at some point and there is nothing more frustrating than having no one to contact!

Watch for more information related to running a business, home businesses, and web development here and on our website. You'll also find some great sources for all these topics on our Home Office & Small Business page along with a listing of some of our favorite web hosting companies.

Thanks for stopping by!

Rick & Karen







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Spinach, Lemon, & Ricotta Pasta

Here's a terrific pasta recipe with a twist (of lemon that is). It's quick, delicious and nutritious!

Spinach, Lemon, & Ricotta Pasta

Ingredients:

16 ounces rigatoni, farfalle, or other favorite pasta shape
2 T. olive oil
¼ c. finely grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 c. chopped (chiffonade*) basil leaves or 1 T. dried basil
Salt & Pepper to taste
1 6 ounce bag or 6 cups of fresh baby spinach
8 ounces (1 cup) ricotta cheese

Directions:

Cook pasta in large pot of boiling, salted water according to package directions. Drain and return to pot.

Combine oil, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, basil, salt & pepper in a bowl. Add to pasta along with spinach. Toss well to coat.

Divide pasta into 4 bowls or plates and top each with a dollop of ricotta cheese.

Some great add-ins would be chicken breast sautéed in garlic and olive oil, kalamata or black olives, and/or cherry tomatoes.

*An easy way to slice basil is to stack the leaves and roll it up. Then slice across the roll forming thin ribbons. This technique is called chiffonade.

Enjoy!

Karen & Rick

www.findmorefacts.com

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Soaking Tubs & Whirlpool Tubs

GramDeb3 asked in response to our Vertical Spa post:
"Great information! I was wondering what would be replacing the whirlpool since you are seeing less and less of that in new construction. Soaker tubs seem to be the current remodeling craze. I am sure these Vertical Spas will be coming along fast!

Do you have any information on the best or new in bathroom lighting"

You're right, soaking tubs are the latest thing in remodeling and new construction. They take up less space than jetted tubs, are less expensive, and don't make noise. These combined with vertical spas / panel showers are considered to be the new luxury in baths. A tub like the Pearl Ballade T soaking bathtub shown below has a generous 21 inch deep soaking well that makes for pure luxury in the bath.





Thanks for your great questions, GramDeb and we'll have a post soon on the latest innovations in lighting.

Karen & Rick







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Save Money on Gas - Shop From Home!

The cost of gasoline is soaring right now. Projected prices by summer are between $3.50 and $5.00 per gallon! Save significant gas money by doing your shopping from home. You can do everything from grocery shopping at places like Peapod that allow you to shop for all your groceries online and deliver for a minimal fee to office supplies, home furnishings, kitchen ware, and remodeling supplies. Check out some of our links below for great resources to help you shop at home and save! Also check out our website @ www.findmorefacts.com for more terrific shop at home sources. If you are in need of some type of shopping source that you don't see available here or on our website, feel free to drop us a line and we'll see if we can find it for you along with any available discounts.

Peapod online grocery shopping and delivery- click here for $10 in FREE groceries

SmartBargains offers name brand items for kitchen & bath, bedding, men's and women's designer clothing and accessories, and much more. They are currently offering FREE SHIPPING through the following link. April Newsletter: Free Shipping on Orders Over $75

Homeclick offers kitchen and bath products ranging from flatware to sinks and showers. They are also currently offering Fine Outdoor Furniture at HomeClick.com - Low Prices and Free Shipping. Check out HomeClick.com this weekend and save an extra 10% on much of their outstanding merchandise.

Save some money and shop online today. Happy Shopping!

Karen & Rick






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What is 18/10 stainless steel flatware & cutlery?

Many people question the differences between the types of stainless steel when making a flatware or cutlery purchase. Here are a few facts to help sort out the differences. Stainless steel is available in two basic qualities: 18/0 or 18/10 and 18/8. The '18' refers to 18% chromium which is added to the steel mix to give it stainless properties. The '10' or '8' refers to nickel which adds to those properties and also gives a silvery sheen. So basically, it's not the weight of the silverware, but the quality that you are looking at with the numbers. 18/0 is much less expensive than 18/10 and 18/8 and most cutlery and flatware sold today is made from the higher grade stainless. 18/10 and 18/8 stainless steel gives greater protection against corrosion and has a softer shine. Most modern day flatware patterns are made from this top grade stainless steel.

A couple of our favorite sources for good quality flatware and cutlery are:

SmartBargains: Fine Dining

Cooking.com

Click here to view more info on this topic and for more of our favorite sources for beautiful flatware and cutlery at great prices. While you're on our site, you may want to join our mailing list to receive some promotional codes and coupons to these and other merchants that you won't be able to get elsewhere!

Come back soon for more great home, cooking, and business tips.

Rick & Karen







www.findmorefacts.com

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What is a Vertical Spa / Shower Tower / Shower Panel?

Vertical Spas, which incorporate multiple showerheads, water diverters and sophisticated temperature control systems, are perhaps the biggest trend in today's baths. They offer the relaxation and luxury of a whirlpool spa, but without the time required to fill a large tub. And they still function as an ordinary shower for times when functionality is all-important. Vertical Spas vary in design and some work with standard plumbing. Others require special behind-the-wall modifications to install larger water supply and drainage lines, or an extra hot water heater. These styles may be more suitable to new home construction instead of renovation where entire rooms are gutted and walls rebuilt.

But Vertical Spas are definitely catching on and many believe they are the new millennium's replacement for the whirlpool tub, which may be on the decline. "Not everyone who's had one of these whirlpools really wants one when they do another bath," said Linda Lentz, features editor at Home Magazine and an expert in modern kitchen and bath design trends. "They find they don't want the extra maintenance or that the tubs are noisier than they expected. Because of that, a lot of people are opting for Vertical Spas and taking longer showers, or installing soak tubs, or both."

In general, the trend is toward larger showers, often with stylish frameless doors and glass block walls that allow in more light while sealing off the shower stall. With the extra room in the shower stall, homeowners are not only putting in items such as Vertical Spas, they're sometimes installing oversized showerheads or even entire Vertical Spa units on opposing walls, enabling two people to shower simultaneously without having to share a showerhead. Pure luxury!

Some examples of vertical spas are:
Hansgrohe Shower Panel Model 26102881




Kohler Shower tower Model 1030-PW




Hansgrohe Shower Panel Model 26512001




Try a great new spa experience at home. Happy soaking!

Rick & Karen

www.findmorefacts.com

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Spring Asparagus Recipe & Tips

Here’s a recipe to put you in the mood for spring. Fresh Cream of Asparagus Soup. Click here for the recipe. Thin asparagus spears will be a bit tenderer and will cook more quickly than thicker spears. You may need to add another 2-3 minutes cooking time for thicker spears but they will taste just as good as thin spears when cooked in a soup. When buying fresh asparagus, look for tightly closed buds on the tips. The spear should not flop over when held straight up and down from the stem end. Serve this soup with some crusty bread and a salad for a terrific springtime meal.

If you need a new pot, try a LeCreuset soup pot. They cook beautifully and will last a lifetime. Not only that, they look great displayed in your kitchen as well. Check out the great new color from LeCreuset –Kiwi. What fun for your kitchen!


Here's a $10 off coupon for your next purchase at Cooking.com. You must go through this link to activate the discount. Get $10 Off $75 shipments!

Le Creuset Soup Pots at Sur La Table
(This pot is on sale at Sur La Table right now for only $69.95. That's a great deal for Le Creuset.)


Happy Spring!

Karen & Rick






www.findmorefacts.com

What Does It All Mean? 18/10 Stainless, Santoku Knife, Anodized Cookware & More

You hear all these terms over and over in ads, on products, in articles but what do they mean?? Our newest website will clarify many of the words you hear in relation to items for the home and small business. For example, did you know that the term cutlery actually refers to kitchen utensils and flatware? Most people think of it only as kitchen knives. And what about all those different types of kitchen knives? Do you need them all or will just a few do? In our future posts and our website we will discuss these and lots of other topics related to kitchen and bath, home organization, remodeling, and yummy gourmet foods (one of my favorite topics!).

Also, we have information on our site relating to running a small business, especially a home based business. Check out our current articles on choosing a web hosting company and what to look for when your website doesn't seem to be performing up to par. We invite you to post questions or comments here or to customer service for our website. We look forward to hearing from you!

By the way, if you're wondering who "we" are, we are Divine Finds, Inc. a small family company that has sold housewares successfully on eBay for the last couple of years. Now we are moving on to our own informational websites and want to provide info and links to great sources of merchandise offered at decent prices. Many of the sources are the same ones we used for our eBay business, so you can get some great deals! Why the change? Honestly, we really hated the packing and shipping part of the business. So we thought we'd leave that part up to other merchants and just provide the information for you to get to these sources. Talking with the customers has always been the fun part of the business anyway.

We have also written a couple of e-books on running a business and incorporation and have a great interest in the business end of things. That's why we are including small and home based business information.

We hope you enjoy our blog. Be sure to bookmark it and come back often. Feel free to ask questions. Also, if you have an article of interest related to our topics and would like to submit it for possible publication on our website, we'd love to read it. You can submit it here.

Talk with you soon!

Rick & Karen







www.findmorefacts.com

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