I was running on the treadmill at my local gym when a new mother hopped onto the treadmill next to me. Much to my surprise she was holding her baby. I asked her why she was carrying that new baby on a treadmill. She said she couldn’t bear to part with her little one, yet still wanted to get a workout in. After about ten minutes she was extremely tired and her baby was crying. Now what? Well within a few days I saw her again. This time she wasn’t at the gym. She was running outside the gym. She was jogging behind her nice, new jogging stroller. Mom was happier and her baby was happy too.

I have had several moms e-mail and ask “Is a jogging stroller right for me?” Well there are a few factors to consider.

First, if you prefer to run on the treadmill at the gym then you probably won’t need a jogging stroller. However, if you are like me and enjoy running outside and spending time with your baby then a jogging stroller is the best way to go.

When you choose to buy a jogging stroller don’t forget important safety features like a hand brake and wheel locks for easy stopping, safety belts and the five point harness. Your child’s safety should always come first. The five point harness is great for toddlers and small children.

Also consider your child’s comfort. You may want to look into a reclining seat and a canopy. It is also a good idea to wait until your child is holding his or her head up and sitting independently before using the jogging stroller. However, there are safety products you can buy if you would like to use your jogging stroller sooner.

When we’re running in cool or cold weather, we may be hot or comfortable in minimal clothing, but a child is not doing the exercise. Don’t forget to dress your little one in warm clothes, especially if you’re running or walking in the wind. Short runs are best with your child. Competing while pushing your running stroller is not recommended.

I prefer a jogging stroller versus a regular stroller because I enjoy being outside. I have found that my jogging stroller makes it a lot easier to push on non-paved roads and it moves at a faster pace

Natalia Bonner, Owner-mystrollerstore.com. For jogging strollers and other baby products I reccomend mystrollerstore.com.

For more information on jogging stroller, visit our web site.

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Soho – district in Manhattan noted for its old warehouses converted into restaurants, galleries and theaters.

Why would Coach name this line Soho? Simply put, it’s a classic design brought back to life in a way that only Coach could produce. These amazing vintage mini bags, wallets, and purses are perfect for fine dining, art gazing and for placing in your lap at a theater.

The Coach Soho Hanbags is the hallmark of a woman’s delicate elegance and fortitude. That is why the Soho is so special. This line is the best of the best. As in vintage, it comes from the finest line of Coach Purses. It is the best of the past complimenting the trends of today. It represents the quality of past techniques and designs coupled with the diversity of today.

Soho’s are perfect for any occasion. I use my black patent leather Soho with silver buckles daily because it compliments everything in my wardrobe. I absolutely adore this bag. I use it for just about anything from shopping to throwing it around when I am feeling a little less than graceful. You really cannot go wrong with Black Coach Soho Signature Purse.

Let’s talk about durability. The Soho is also so incredibly durable that it can withstand my toddler’s destructive little fingers. This bag did not become a classic because it was crafted from cheap materials put together sparingly. It is classic because of Coach’s signature materials and vintage hobo design that are guaranteed to outlast any trend, style or fad.

Now the Soho that I have has a zip top and is a little more sophisticated than the flap design. Needless to say, the Soho with the flip top, made with tweed especially in brown, black or blue, is more modern day vintage because it really captures the characteristic styles of the late 70′s and early 80′s. The strap on my particular Soho is small enough to be held in your hand without looking unkempt.

Coach is no dummy, old trends always come back. Today the 80′s are hot, but Coach has put a classic spin on the Boom era. Today we know that hot pink is not a color that should be worn, it is a highlighter. The Coach Soho also comes in twill. In other words, tweed was originally called twill because it was an unfinished woolen fabric woven into a twill pattern instead of a plain pattern. Why would you want plain? While the Soho line and hobo design is simple, it is defiantly not plain. Who else can design a mini purse in tweed blue and make it look hot?

Have you ever noticed that a couch made with tweed has outlasted the ones made of other fabrics? Coach knows that quality is better than quantity. So it produces products that will last. Tweed use to be customary because it is moisture-resistant and durable but became obsolete because of the rate at which the economy was booming. Therefore most companies switched to more cost effective goods such as cotton and polyester.

Coach’s are a little more expensive but you can be assured it will last. Whatever you personality happens to be: red, black, brown, orange, green, multi colored, small, large, mini purses, or wallets, Coach has something to fit your individuality. You can be assured that the Soho line and hobo design will last throughout the years, making the trends of today the classics of tomorrow.

The Black Coach Soho Signature Purse reminds me of Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Like Audrey Hepburn, her beauty, style and grace live forever as a vintage icon of what it means to be an individualized woman. The same can be said for the Soho. The varieties, quality and style will continue to dominate the accessory world making it ideal for just about any girl.

Introduction

There are people who have some worries about the impact of promotional balloons on the environment and safety issues of printed promotional items and around the effects of working with latex. However fear is often a derivative of ignorance so becoming knowledgeable enables people to make informed choices. Where there is understanding and information, the mind does not need to fill in the empty spaces with fearful conjecture and catastrophising.

The idea of balloon safety is not really about balloons so much as the materials from which they are made. The mass of balloons are made from latex or natural rubber which is actually a very environmentally friendly product and has been around for decades. More recently foil balloons have been produced that are made from thin non-stretch fabric which is basically metalized plastic film which does not bio-degrade like latex. This type of balloon is invariably filled with helium so that it rises up and is secured with a ribbon so that it doesn’t float away.

So what is Latex?

Balloons have been around for many years and the latex from which modern balloons are made come from the Hevea Brasiliensis tree or as many people know it, the rubber tree. These trees which grow in tropical climes, such as South East Asia, do not need to be cut down to obtain the rubber. The mature trees are tapped regularly by making a Y cut in the bark and placing a small container at the bottom of the Y to collect the milky sap which oozes from the tree. This is the basic latex from which so many different|variable|diverse} goods are made. Latex is a highly sustainable product providing work and income for people in some of the poorest countries in the world.

The management and maintenance of the rubber plantations means there is no deforestation, which helps in the issue of global warming. The trees use carbon dioxide and release oxygen back into the atmosphere, which is the opposite process to industrial pollution which contributes to the significant increase in greenhouse gases. So as a basic resource it is an environmentally friendly, regenerating product.

Uses of Natural Rubber latex (NRL)

Natural Rubber latex (NRL) is used in thousands of everyday items we take for granted in our modern lifestyle. A balloon is just one of many commercial products we recognise as obviously being made from rubber. Some of the more essential items made from NRL are car, lorry, plane and bus tyres which carry us and the essential consumer products we use daily, around the world. necessary items such as underwear elastic and elastic used in fashion day wear, shoe soles, carpets, rubber bands and erasers have been in use for many decades. More recent consumer necessities come in the form of buttons in calculators and remote controls.

Balloon Publicity

Balloons races or balloon releases are a way of generating publicity at major fund raising events. A message or company logo is printed onto the balloons and then released into the sky in large numbers. This is a dramatic sight when thousands of helium filled balloons of different colours rise up into the atmosphere all together.

Balloon gas is the component used to make balloons rise and become airborne.

Rubber balloons inflated with Helium normally only stay afloat for a few hours days if they are not punctured by birds, trees or other sharp objects that they might encounter. To retain the buoyancy and increase the float time of a gas filled balloon the inside can be coated with a special polymer solution which reduces leakage.

Safety and Environmental Concerns

The concerns over the years from the general public have been about the impact of large numbers of balloons being released into the atmosphere. Naturally some people believe that massed balloons may be harmful to wild, farm and domestic animals and that on landing they may pose a serious hazard through ingestion or entanglement.

However all latex balloons are completely natural coming from the Hevea tree and they break down at about the same rate as oak leaves. Oxidation starts to occur within an hour of a balloon being inflated and during the process of decay, by natural exposure, nutrients are released into the soil. The oxidation is sometimes visible as a cloudy appearance when balloons are exposed to outdoor conditions, direct sunlight and heat. However research shows that latex balloons under varying conditions take about 6 months to decompose so they are even suitable for composting.

Reputable balloon companies should only use bio-degradable latex these days. For example, all balloons produced by B-loony, the UK’s largest manufacturer of printed promotional balloons, are made from bio-degradable latex.

It is estimated that 90/95% of balloons released rise to an altitude of approximately 5 miles at which height the cold will cause the balloon to become brittle and shatter in to miniscule pieces. Balloon remains are unlikely to cause harm on landing, even if ingested, as the latex and the dyes used in latex colouring are non-toxic and completely bio-degradable.

Regulations on Balloon Releases

The UK’s Balloon Trade Association NABAS, is very aware of its responsibilities to the environment and has released a Code of Conduct for balloon releases giving advice to ensure the protection of the environment. Only natural rubber latex may be used for balloon releases. Balloons must be hand tied and labels attached are required to be recycle-able paper. Plastic valves or wire should not be used.

Any Large balloon event of more than 5,000 balloons requires permission from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) which has to be applied for in writing at least 28 days before the event. The CAA like to be informed also for balloon releases of up to 5,000 balloons.
Source: NABAS The Balloon Association and The European Balloon Council

Printed Balloons

Recently I was looking for a balloon which had a 90 printed on it because my grandmother is ninety this week and we are giving her a big celebratory party. However there were no balloons in the store where I was looking, that had any number above 60. Maybe the suppliers of printed balloons don’t think people over 60 want to be reminded of their age. I did think it would be a good idea to have a balloon which could have the number you want attached once it is inflated. They do it with some birthday cards where you buy a separate number and stick it onto the card of your choice.

Where you want to make an impact on the high street printed balloons can serve as focal point for a promotion.

There are a great number of possibilities for the use of helium and printed balloons. They can be used as a marketing tool to deliver a message about a company or event, or to highlight a product launch or marketing campaign. The logo or message is specially printed onto the balloons by the company supplying the service and they will also deliver the balloons to the customer. It is obviously more economical to order large quantities and for balloon releases or races this would not be a problem.

Health and Safety for People Working with Latex

People who work with Latex on a habitual basis have to be concerned about the long term effects of exposure to the material. Natural rubber latex is a plant product and as such contains proteins to which some individuals may become allergic. The proteins naturally present in latex may cause allergies either through direct contact with skin or by inhalation of a powder. Latex gloves may be powdered with cornstarch which attach to NRL allergens causing them to be airborne and possibly inhaled when the gloves are used. Those most at risk are health care workers who use latex gloves on a daily basis and those undergoing multiple surgical procedures.

Some people experience irritation to the skin on contact with NRL but it is not a true allergy but rather an irritant contact dermatitis. Sensitised people however may find they have an allergic reaction when in direct contact with balloons. Other individuals who may have an allergic reaction are people who already suffer with atopic allergic diseases such as hay fever, asthma and some irritant skin conditions or a history of certain food allergies of banana, avocado, kiwi and chestnuts.

If you are prone to any of the above conditions then it is probably not wise to work in a company producing items made from NRL. However cornstarch is not used as a de-tack powder in the manufacture of toy balloons. Instead they are lightly coated with an inorganic filler such as calcium carbonate diatomaceous earth and clays which do not bind to latex proteins. Natural Rubber Latex is a very cost effective material that is widely used throughout the world and for the majority of the population there is no form of clinical risk.

Source: Health & Safety Executive Guidelines 2008 (see www.hse.gov.uk/latex ) TARRC Rubber Consultants Report 2005

Another great low cost advertising give away are hand-held flags, or hand waivers as they are also known. These are very cost effective and will provide a colourful impact to your event. Because they are made of paper they are bio-degradable and can be made of recycled materials. It is easy to have messages printed on them and you can create your own scheme and effect.

Hand held flags are small rectangles of paper, which can be printed on one or both sides, and mounted on a plastic or biodegradable stick. These paper flags have become particularly popular over recent years because they are colourful, attractive, and can be purchased at unbelievably low prices. Paper flags are more often used today to advertise and promote fund raising projects, special occasions or sporting events. Small children particularly enjoy waving flags as part of the crowd during a special event.

To help give the launch of your new product something special promotional flags can be used to mark the occasion and use as promotional giveaways.

Obviously paper flags are a great way to get your promotional message across. They can be printed on one or both sides with the company logo and they can also be used as very economical promotional gifts.

Because paper flags are made from paper and the print area is flat and a set size, it is possible to choose almost any artwork you can think of to customise your event. The quality and finish of the flags is exceptionally high because they are digitally printed. The printing firm will probably have an impressive range of paper flags designs as samples because they usually hold back a few from each print run.

All samples will be from real events ranging from world promotions, product launches, sports teams events or fund raising campaigns and there will be no limit to the number that can be printed. Paper flags are a popular choice for other promotional events such as VIP visits, sales events and advertising. Many football fans carry paper flags with their club logos or colours to advertise their support for their favourite club whether it’s the Premier League, the World Championship, or a local cup final.

Foil Balloons

Foil balloons are very attractive with shiny reflective surfaces and can be printed with full colour pictures and patterns to a customer’s specification. Foil balloons have the advantage of being lightweight, longer-lasting, with increased buoyancy. They are perfect for eye catching promotions, special celebrations and for product launches.

There are further environmental concerns about the safety of the foil balloon because they don’t biodegrade or shred like rubber balloons. However they are not allowed to be used in balloon releases or races, and need to be carefully disposed of after use. The most important property of metalized nylon or foil balloons is its ability to keep the helium gas from escaping for several weeks.

Balloons for Work

Latex balloons are an environmentally friendly product. Not only do they provide entertainment and recreational use bringing pleasure to thousands of children, they are valuable in a work setting for research, medicine, promotion and education.

Balloons are frequently used for meteorological work and in more recent years they are used in some medical procedures for a variety of conditions such as angioplasty, catheters for weight loss, and sinus procedures. Also balloons are a widely used teaching device to demonstrate Newton’s third law of physics and the functioning of a rocket. Once the balloon is inflated, the mouth of the balloon is released and the greater pressure of air inside, forces its way out so that the elasticity of the balloon contracts and the balloon is propelled forward making a rude noise. This is fundamentally how a rocket works.

Without balloons valuable services could not be performed and the public would be the losers in the long run. Professional quality balloons are made from 100% biodegradable latex.

Conclusion

The concerns about balloon safety primarily arise from the materials of which they are made. Although Latex is a natural substance and has been used for many years without harm, people who work in the arena of manufacture are exposed to some degree of risk and employers will conduct thorough risk assessments . Latex balloons are considered very safe and environmentally friendly, but problems will arise when a balloon is inflated using a plastic valve or with a ribbon attached which are not biodegradable.

There are a number of industry bodies which control and monitor balloon activities on a large scale and health and safety regulations in place for those working in industries manufacturing or using latex. The advantages of having and using latex products, certainly outweighs any perceived dangers of such an environmentally safe material.

 

 

There is nothing like the summer time in the Rocky mountains.  An area that is well known for the winter time activities is actually more appealing in the summer time. Activities such as hunting, golfing, hiking, biking, fishing, and shopping are enjoyed by millions of people each year.  The ability to enjoy concerts, picnics, bbqs, etc… outside is just something you cannot do in the winter.  The lack of humidity and bugs is also agreat releif for people coming from the midwest or east coast.

Golfing in Colorado is a great experience.  Many courses are embedded in the mountains and offer views you will never get anywere else.  Most likely you will also see spectacular mountain real estate and wildlife.  Don’t be suprised either when your ball goes 10% – 15% farther due to the high altitude.

Hunting in Colorado is usually a fall activity however there are places in Colorado where the hunting is truly amazing.  There are hunting ranches that allow you to rent the cabins and hunt the private property.  Outfitters are also in abundance but charge quite a fee.

The fishing is also incredible for avid fisherman.  You can expect to catch a variety of Rainbow, Brook, and Brown trout in the streams of the Rocky Mountains.

Shopping in Colorado is not too much different than anywhere else except when it comes the mountain real estate.  Great real estate investments in Colorado are available these days.  The prices have adjusted to a point where it makes great sense to get property that has a world class location.

 

Of course as a professional organizer I am called in when people have reached the point where they are disorganized, stressed and feeling overwhelmed by their belongings, they are calling for “help!”  People are so busy with life in general that they often don’t have the time to deal with the belongings that have taken over.  They look at the piles and they just don’t know where to start which makes them feel overwhelmed.  Their belongings have officially crossed the line from being a source of enjoyment to a source of stress; that’s not good and it feels even worse. Feeling overwhelmed will create a perpetual cycle of frustration. Let’s figure out how to eliminate that right now.

Here are a few tips to get you started in the right direction if you are feeling overwhelmed:

1)    Don’t let your belongings rule you, you’re the boss!
2)    Focus on one small area; don’t try to tackle everything at once.  Slow & steady wins the race.
3)    You don’t have to get rid of everything, part with what you don’t use, love or can’t fix.
4)    Let go of guilt and let go of the excess baggage-it’s bringing you down, take back your space.
5)    Enlist the help of your family to pitch in on decluttering and then celebrate with a fun outing-not shopping though!
6)    Write down what you want your end result to be, it will keep you motivated during the decluttering process.

Declutter your home and enjoy the results of being organized, relaxed and in control!

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