Tag: tips

Post author By Laura Weers
Post date August 22, 2022
No Comments on How To Close A Business Deal

Negotiate Your Price

Know what other cars or houses, etc., are selling for. Research the item that you are negotiating carefully. Check several car dealers out and find out what they are asking. Check out consumer reports to determine if your purchased item has been recalled or has safety hazards. Now that you have researched the thing you wish to buy, you know what they are selling for. Talk to the store owner if possible, as they are easier to negotiate with than the salespeople are. Tell them the price you are willing to pay and know what others have sold for. You can save a lot of money by knowing your product and negotiating on a figure you can both live with. Have every little thing in writing, so you will buy what you think you will be purchasing, and then there will be no hidden surprises. I hope you seal the deal on the item you genuinely want and will enjoy for many years.

Buying A Home

Always remember the number one thing is location, location. Have it in writing that everything in the home is working, and if it is not, the owner will have to repair it before you even think about negotiating a deal. Have a qualified inspector inspect the home for termites, the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical, etc. See what other homes that are similar to the one that you want to purchase are selling for. Ask if they will throw in the appliances or any furniture you may like on the deal. The roof and the foundation are the main components of any home because a house will not stand for long with a bad roof or no solid foundation. Make a lower offer on the home than you are willing to pay, as the owner has padded their asking price. You can always raise your request, but you can never lower it. Make your offer, and you will receive a counter offer most likely, and then you can make another offer and see what happens. I hope you can buy and be happy with your dream home for years.

Buying Items For Your Home

You can negotiate on appliances, furniture, new carpet, your new roof, etc. It never hurts to negotiate on prices because the worst thing that can happen is that they will say no. The money you save by negotiating can help you buy groceries and gas into a trip fund.

Buying Anything From A To Z

You can negotiate on tools, lawnmowers, large ticket items, and items purchased in large quantities. Antique dealers will generally lower their prices by 10 percent. If you go to the same paint store and paint a lot, you can get a contractor discount. Negotiating is fun, and you save money for things that you will need down the road, such as an unexpected repair bill or medical bills that may come up. Always negotiate within reason, so everyone is treated fairly.

Tags business, tips

The Power Of A Positive Outlook

Post author By Laura Weers
Post date August 12, 2022
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Mind Over Matter

Think you can win, and you probably will win. If you believe you will not win, most likely, you will not. A negative attitude will drown you with negative thoughts, and you will have lost what could have been a productive and fulfilling day. I refuse to live with negative thoughts. I look at life and see the light in the day, not the darkness. Look at the sunrise and remember this is the day the lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. God wants us to embrace life and be productive, helpful, and kind to others. Being around people who never see positivity in anything is difficult. You try to help them by talking to them and cheering them up, but you seem to get nowhere. Never stop trying to help people that are down for they need your help desperately. Try to put a smile on someone’s face today and help them try to see the sunshine in their life.

If One Thing Does Not Work Move On

Some people get stuck on something that went wrong, keep dwelling on it, and miss out on life. Everyone will have some setbacks, but we must learn from them and advance to a better tomorrow. If you fail at one job, move on to another position where you may excel. Life has many bumps, but you can overcome them by talking to people and having faith in yourself. If you do not have confidence in yourself, no one else will either. Life is challenging, so be up for a good challenge and tell yourself I got this and can move onward.

People Want Positive Leaders

We will not follow someone that brings no positive vibes to the table. We want a strong and decisive leader who will not bow down when the going gets tough. A general will know the moves and maneuvers he has to have to win the war. He will know which men will be the ones that can help him accomplish his goal. A general with a positive outlook can and will bet the enemy in its tracks.

You Can Accomplish Much With A Positive Attitude

People do not want to be around others with a negative attitude. If you are around people like that, they also tend to bring you down; set a goal for yourself, and you will finally accomplish it if you tell yourself you can. Do not let anyone bring you down or try to suck your life out. Tell yourself I think I can and never say that I cannot do that when you know if you put your heart and soul into it, you can do it. You can be your own worst enemy sometimes, and you need to listen to your friends and ask God for guidance. Keep up the positive vibes.

Tags Inspirations with Laura, positivity, tips

Flavor Of The Day

What Kind Of Flavor Do You Leave Behind

What kind of impression do you make when you visit and talk to people? Do you leave a good flavor in their mouth like a beautiful sundae, or do you leave them with a horrible cough syrup flavor? Try to make a good impression on people. You are hired by your first impression of someone hiring to fill the vacant position. Come dressed appropriately and have a positive and outgoing attitude. You will not be hired if you come in dressed with holes in your pants and look sloppy. Do not make demands on your future boss, such as you need to have three days a week off. Leave a pleasant flavor behind, and you will likely be hired if you are qualified for the job opening.

Being Around Friends

Visit and treat your friends with the utmost respect and other people. Take turns doing what the other person likes to do. Take your friend out to eat. Go on a day trip, discover new foods, and go shopping in the towns that you stop at and see the local attractions in the area. Listen to friends’ cares and concerns and help them when needed. Never be jealous of your friend’s accomplishments, and be glad for them. Treat your friends right, for an excellent friend is hard to find. Take your friend out for a surprise outing or shopping trip. Leave a wonderful flavor behind for your friends and loved ones.

Flavor Of The Day

There are all kinds of flavors of different ice creams because all of us like different flavors, which is a good thing. It would not be interesting if we all wanted vanilla ice cream or a steak dinner. Everyone has a distinct flavor that sets well on his palette. Thank goodness we all look different and are interested in other things, as all of us can add a little flavor to life. We need everyone to add their taste and their unique piece of the pie to the total to make the equation of life fit together perfectly and orderly. Without diversity, we would not function correctly and be out of sync with what needs to be accomplished on earth.

Getting Along With People

If someone gives you an inch, give them a mile, as the old saying goes. It is necessary to compromise sometimes for a fair and even outcome. Arguing with people only escalates a situation that is bad already. Talk out a solution that both parties can live with. Do not be quiet if you have a problem with someone or a business; they cannot read your mind. Most people want you to be happy with their product or service, and they will let you return it or fix it as they do not want to leave the cough syrup flavor in your mouth. Put your best foot forward in all your relationships with others, and everyone will feel like they are eating their favorite ice cream sundae.

Tags impressions, Inspirations with Laura, tips

Be A Savvy Consumer

Know What Prices Are

Someone wanted to buy something from me at once for a meager price. I called my neighbors to see what the company offered them for their items. They were offering them $1000.00 more than what they provided me. They thought she was just a woman, and she would take that price. Do your research before you sell something of great value at a giveaway price. I have had repairers try to offer me a terrible price to fix something, and I told them that is two times the going rate for that kind of repair work. Always have a written contract with the agreed price, the brand of materials, and what repairs will be made so you will not get taken to the cleaners when it comes time to pay the bill.

Buying Big Ticket Items

Go to several car dealers and check out what is available online before you pay $5000.00 too much for your new car. Include everything in writing, including the vehicle’s year, color, motor size, and VIN. By following these steps, they cannot switch cars on you. Before buying a home, inspect everything and buy appliance maintenance protection insurance. Have the roof and foundation inspected since they are the most critical parts of your new home? If your roof or foundation is wrong, you will not have a home for long. A house needs a solid foundation and an excellent roof. Ask people what stores they shop at and read the reviews online before you get taken to the cleaners. Let the buyer beware.

Auctions

Do not get wrapped up in an auction and keep bidding away, for you will pay much more than the item is usually worth. Know your prices for the items you are bidding on and set limits for each item. If the article looks terrible, most likely, it will malfunction too. Ensure the item has all the functional parts, or you will be out of luck. Make sure you look over everything very carefully for cracks or breakage. I do not want to buy something on online auctions far away as I do not know what you are bidding on, as it could be gold or lead.

Know Your Grades Of Items

When purchasing items, there are different grades, such as mint, excellent, reasonable, and fair condition. The better the quality, the longer the thing should last or look. You can buy firm, medium, or soft pillow tops with beds. You can purchase entry-level beds, couches, chairs, or medium or top-of-the-line. I like to purchase medium-priced items. I never want to buy the lowest-priced one as I figure it will have more repairs in the long run. Be a savvy consumer when dealing with people so you do not get taken to the cleaners or get stuck with low-quality repairs or merchandise. Have fun shopping and do all your homework before writing out that check, as you do not want buyer’s remorse.

Tags dealing with the public, tips

Cleaning In The Summer Months

Post author By Laura Weers
Post date June 27, 2022
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Garden and Power Tools

I take the trimmers into the house and place them on a piece of newspaper to sharpen and lubricate the blades. I have taken my chainsaws in the house to clean them and to replace the dull chainsaw blade with a nice sharp one. Change the oil in your mowers in the early hours before the heat gets the best of you.

Cleaning Your Basement

Cleaning your basement in the summer is the perfect place to clean since the basement is nice and cool. I burn old boxes and things I do not use that have seen better days. You can sell stuff in your basement that is clean and useable. If you have not used an item in ten years, you might as well sell it. Take old paint to a recycling center. Wash and mop your basement floor and clean your rafters and don’t forget to clean out the dryer vent and replace your furnace filter.

Cleaning Up Outdoor Buildings

I have sold or taken almost all my items from my outdoor building. I have burned many of the items in a burn pile. In the summer, I burn any old cardboard and debris that I might find in a building. I like clean and orderly facilities. I have donated good usable items to charity or sold them to get the unneeded item out of the way.

Cleaning Up Your Home In The Summer

If you have a painting project, working on it in an air-conditioned house is lovely. It is an excellent time to replace your carpet, as you can set items outdoors to get them out of the way while the carpet installers are at work. I have stained or painted my deck and outdoor buildings in the early morning hours. Mowing your yard and weed whacking is necessary for the early morning or late hours. I like cleaning the refrigerator and stove and defrosting the freezer. I wipe down the sleeves in the fridge, clean up the oven and racks, defrost the freezer, and put the food with ice in coolers. I like clean appliances as they can harbor germs if left unattended and not thoroughly cleaned.

Gardening

Put wood chips around your garden plants so you will not have to weed much in the summer. Sprinkle natural pest control powder on your squash and potato plants. You may need to water your plants with a mixture to prevent blight. Work in the garden before the mosquitoes commence to eat you alive. Do not be afraid to spray Off or Cutter on yourself to prevent mosquito bites.

Clean Up Your Pets Beds, Dishes, Bird Baths, and More

I like to scrub out my bird bath with a Brillo pad, rinse it thoroughly, and put nice fresh water in it. It is also a good idea to clean out your bird feeders. Clean or replace pet dishes and bowls. I wash my cat’s bedding, toys, and towels in a washing machine just for my cats. Clean up your automatic and other litterboxes to prevent fleas and sickness in your cats. I have burned most of my old plastic litterboxes, bowls, and other pet dishes and replaced them with stainless steel or Pyrex containers. I buy new litterboxes when the old ones get, so you cannot clean them anymore. Clean early or later in the day to beat the dog days of summer if you must work outdoors cleaning. Cleanliness is next to Godliness.

Tags litter boxes, summer cleaning, tips

Favorite Summertime Foods

Post author By Laura Weers
Post date June 20, 2022
No Comments on Favorite Summertime Foods

Grilling Out

I love corn on the cob and potatoes with oil, olive, and seasonings wrapped in aluminum foil on the grill. I like black Angus grass-fed burgers, grilled chicken, fish, Iowa pork chops, hot dogs with no nitrates, and salmon cooked on a grill. I season everything I put on the grill and place aluminum foil on the grill for easier cleanup. I have a grill with lava rocks and a propane burner on the side that comes in handy to warm up things or boil some extra vegetables with. I prefer to grill on a day with a gentle breeze and when bugs are not flying around. I have meat-flipping tools and all of the other necessary grill tools. I have a plate for the uncooked meat and a clean plate for the cooked meat. The grilled or boiled vegetables have bowls of their own; I love grilling out on warm days as you do not have to heat your kitchen. Years ago, people had outdoor kitchens for the summer months, which made perfect sense as their houses stayed cooler. I hope you have a fun and fabulous summer grilling out in the great outdoors, enjoying your grilled steaks, and more.

Ice Cream

We all enjoy a big dish or large cone of ice cream on the dog days of summer. I love twist cones and raspberry yogurt cones. I love a black cherry yogurt ice cream that comes in a big container. The yogurt ice creams do not have as many calories as regular ice cream does. I love homemade peach or pumpkin ice cream. Ice cream continually cools one down and puts one in a reasonable mind on those hot summer days. Ice cream bars are an excellent way to have a fantastic snack on the go. I found one that has root beer and natural cream in it. I love chocolate-wrapped ice cream and one that has caramel in the middle of it. I like shakes, malts, banana splits, and sundaes. I hope you have many beautiful cones or dishes of ice cream this summer.

Various Foods That Are Summertime Favorites Of Mine

I love homemade potato salad. I remember my Mothers potato salad, and no one can top that potato salad. I love deviled eggs as I consider them a delicacy. Angle food cake is my favorite, and I eat a lot of it in the summer. A strawberry shortcake is always a winner, especially if made with fresh strawberries. I love banana cream pie; it has an excellent flavor and remarkable consistency. I love cold coffee drinks such as iced coffee and frappes. I like peach mango smoothies and Gatorade. I enjoy deli tuna sandwiches and cold turkey sandwiches. I love fresh pears, garden vegetables, rhubarb, apple crisps, and cream cheese mints. I want foods that are quick and easy to make in the summertime. I hope you enjoy your favorite summertime foods.

Tags foods, summertime, tips, Travel

Fall Out Of Favor

Something New

An old item in your home could fall out of favor when you bring its replacement into your home. If you buy a new TV with a large screen and much better resolution, the old TV will fall out of favor. You may keep it in case the new TV stops working, put it in the workshop, or toss it in the garbage. Computers fall out of favor quickly as the new ones can do more things faster. Cell phones fall out of turn about every two years anymore as the new ones are warp speed ahead and have better cameras and more storage space. Even your favorite old jacket falls out of favor when you find the perfect new one that gives more protection from the elements. A new one may replace an old house if it costs way too much to repair the old house.

Do Not Fall Out Of Favor With God

If you repeat the same sin repeatedly, you will fall out of favor with God. God forgives you for your sins if you genuinely repent. By repeating the same sin over and over, you have not genuinely repented from your sin. If you promise God something, keep your promise and promptly fulfill your commitment to God. Falling out of favor with God is an original sin. Eve was told not to eat the Apple from the tree and ate it anyway, so women suffer in childbirth today. Do not break Gods commandment’s as it is not called the ten suggestions. God is a loving and caring God but does not test God by being wrong as you know better. Praise God every day for the many blessings he has given you.

Sports And Players

If a player on a sports team starts performing poorly, he will fall out of favor quickly. If he listens to his coach and does what he wants him to do in the warmups and drills, he may regain his turn again. If a player tries to stand on his laurels and is not a team player, he will not be playing in the game as he will be sitting on the sidelines. If you disappoint your followers and teammates, you will be replaced by someone that wants to help the team win. The new man-up will have the team spirit, and he will not fall out of favor anytime soon. You cannot expect things to be handed to you on a silver platter as you have to work for them, benefit your team, and keep up the team spirit.

Try Not To Fall Out Of Favor With Anyone

You do not want to be avoided by people, detested, despised, disliked, or disfavored by all you know. Keep your promises to people and be kind, compassionate, and considerate of other people’s feelings. Always put your best foot forward and smile on someone’s face every day. The energy you put out is the energy that you will attract. Be a go-to person for people and support them in their endeavors. Do not put out negativity, as there is already enough of that in the world. Be yourself and do not put on Aires; you will not lose favor with people.

Tags Inspirations with Laura, tips

How To Buy Something Used

Post author By Laura Weers
Post date May 26, 2022
No Comments on How To Buy Something Used

Power Tools

I have found excellent used power tools at pawn shops. They generally have pretested them, and they are ready to go. You can buy a 30-day warranty on the devices at a reasonable price which I think is well worth the money. I found a Stihl gas-powered leaf blower, a brand-new saw, and various other tools over the years. You can negotiate a lower price or buy several items for a better deal. My friend found a practically new snow blower that works wonderfully. You can find well-used tools at yard sales. Make sure you try them out to make sure it works fine.

Appliances

I have found many used appliances at rummage sales over the years. I have also purchased used machines with a 90-day warranty from an appliance repair shop. Some appliance stores still take trade-ins, and you can ask them if they went through it to make all of the necessary repairs before you negotiate a deal. Ask them to deliver it free of charge and take your old one away.

Furniture

Rummage sales often have good used furniture. I have purchased wonderfully made furniture from antique stores. Look for a used furniture store in your town and keep looking; you will eventually find what you are looking for. Never buy a used recliner, as the mechanism is generally worn out. Check the springs and material to make sure it is in good shape.

Vehicles

Never pay the total price for any vehicle you buy, as they have wiggle room built into their price. Before you buy any used vehicle, drive it and take it to your local mechanic. I was told once that a car was accident-free, and my mechanic could see a different paint color under the hood, which was a dead giveaway that it had been in an accident and had been repainted. Always check the oil dipstick; if it is not on the line, the car uses motor oil. Also, check the radiator to ensure you do not see any motor oil in there, as you may have a cracked engine block, and the car could be junk momentarily.

Social Media Platforms

I have purchased a vast array of used items on social media platforms. Everything I bought worked fine, and I got my money back in full. Try to buy from reputable dealers that have a high rating. I will not buy from them if they do not have at least 4.5 stars,

Be Careful Buying Anything Used

Ask many questions about what you are about to buy that is used. Ask them why they are selling it, and if they come up with some strange answer, tell them you have another one to look at before you decide. When buying anything used, let the buyer beware of devious people that want to make money on their worn-out junk. Never buy any used electronics unless they have been fixed. Buy certified repair people and have them throw in a 90-day warranty. When purchasing a used mower, ask the dealer to let you try it out for at least ten days before you decide to buy it, as a malfunction should appear in that time frame. If you can, purchase an extended warranty on your used items; play it extra safe, as you do not want to be stuck with a lemon or sour grapes, as the old saying goes. Good luck with all of the used items that you buy.

Tags buyer beware, tips, used items

Outdoor Lawn And Garden Equipment

Post author By Laura Weers
Post date April 25, 2022
No Comments on Outdoor Lawn And Garden Equipment

Lawn Mowers

I have had many lawnmowers over the years and wish to share my experience with them. I had push mowers, self-propelled mowers, and garden tractors. The first walk-behind mowers had the old pull-string around the top of the motor, and they were tough to start. Later, we had a two-cycle engine mower that lost its compression and became worthless. We had a self-propelled mower that had its power from the wheels, and when the grass was a little damp, you had no control. The cheaper brands never stood up to the test of time. Some of my favorite mowers are Cooper with a cast aluminum frame, Snapper, and Toro self-propelled with a cast aluminum frame. My riding mowers over the years were Cub Cadet, Ariens, Toro, and John Deere. The old Cub Cadet was built to last, and it lasted for many years. We had several Ariens over the years. The Toro mowers mow nicely. My favorite riding mower is the John Deere 425, which I still have, and the new 700 series mowers. John Deere mowers are easy to change the oil and filters on, and most are low maintenance. I always buy the commercial deck as the steel decks rust out on all mowers, and without a deck, you have no lawn mower. The run-of-the-mill riding mower will not last over two years if you live on an acreage, as the deck will fall apart.

Garden Tillers

We had a front tine tiller, a rear tine, a small tiller, and a counter-rotating tiller. The front tine tiller lasted, but you had a workout going over the ground as maneuvering the tiller was hard and bumpy. The rear tine tiller was better, but the soil was still not lovely and finely ground. I had a tiny tiller that lasted about ten years and was excellent for weeding between the rows. I have a Craftsman counter-rotating tine tiller that I have had for 26 years, and it does an excellent job and still starts with at least the third pull of the rope. It is on its third spark plug. It does not use a drop of extra oil.

Weed Whackers

My favorite gas-powered weed whackers would be Stihl or Echo. I once had a small Homelite that did an excellent job. I had an Echo weed whacker that was twenty years old and still going strong. I now like my Worxs battery-operated weed whackers. I have a walk-behind weed whacker that is 24 years old, and it works and runs great.

Chain Saws

We had a large Jonsered commercial chain saw that never wore out. I had to sell it as it was too heavy to lift anymore. We had a small Homelite chain saw for a while. I now have a commercial Stihl chain saw I have had for at least 20 years, and she still cuts like butter. I have a small battery-operated Stihl chain saw that is excellent for small branches and trimming. I once had a Stihl pole trimmer, but I had to sell it as it was too heavy to lift high enough. I loved using the pole trimmer as it was handy and quick.

Tags equipment, garden, lawn, tips

Storms

We Feel On Edge As Storms Approach

We have a feeling of helplessness when storms approach. We may feel nervous or tired as a storm comes into our area. We cannot control the weather, so we pray that God will help us. I read an article one day about a man praying that God would help him as a flood approached his area. He prayed and prayed that God would save him. First, a man came and said I would help you leave your home, and he said no, God would save me. The water kept rising, and a man in a boat said he would rescue him, and again, he said no, God would save him. The flood was so bad by now that he was on top of the roof of his house, and a helicopter came along and told him to get it in, and again, he said no, God would save him. The flood swallowed him up in the water, and he drowned. He asked God why he didn’t keep him, and God told him that he had tried three times to keep him when the men came to help him. Remember, you must always use common sense, as God works to protect you from disaster or harm in many ways.

Have A Safety Plan If A Storm Approaches Your Area

Have a safe spot in your basement or a closet that you might be safe in if you do not have a basement. Have a food supply in your secure area, and tell others where you will be hiding if something lands on you, so they know where to look for you. Have a flashlight, cell phone, medicine, extra clothing, and something to cover you so you will not get hurt as badly by flying glass or other items. Have a chair, pillow, and blanket if you intend to sleep in your basement. Train your pets to come to the basement when you call them, as you will not have time to gather them.

Storms At Night Are Especially Scary

When you cannot see an approaching storm, it is scary indeed. I always try to listen to the wind and thunder and see if I can see lightning bolts. The air has a different smell when a tornado is in the vicinity. The stand can smell like fresh dirt worked up in the field. I also know the distinct sound of a tornado. It does sound like a freight train coming down the tracks full speed ahead. If I hear the train noise, I am in the basement ASAP. Listen to a radio or listen to the alerts on your cell phone.

A Tornado Did Hit Our Farm Once

My father was in the machine shed and got in the tractor with a cab. Luckily he had the shed doors open on both ends, or it would have sucked him out of the shed. I saw a chisel plow lifted up and down, and its wings were never 100 % tight afterward. Luckily, we had a few windows open in the house, or it could have taken one side out of the upstairs of our home. The tornado removed the open doors from the machine shed, caused tree and roof damage, and sucked in the sides of our old barn. We had it taken down after that. My Mother and I took cover under a heavy table. Pray to God without ceasing and have an excellent safety plan. God bless us and help us in nature’s storms in life.

Tags Inspirations with Laura, tips, Whats Upsetting My Cat ?