Tips to Improve Your Home's Chances of Selling

Want to sell your home fast and at top dollar? Try enhancing the garage! Garage? Before you think I have completely lost my mind, let me explain. Women love kitchens, men love garages. Yet, most people completely ignore and destroy their garages to the point that they can?t even get one car in there. I can never understand that. There is so much value to having a clean, organized garage whether your home is on the market or you plan on staying there until the kids grow up.

When people plan to put their home on the market their thoughts sometimes turn to ?What can I do to make my home wow someone on a limited budget?? Renovating the kitchen or the bathroom can cost upwards of $15,000. Cleaning, organizing and making over the garage could cost under $3,000 and can provide a huge bang for the buck especially if you are trying to sell your home in a competitive market. Every family has one neat freak and sometimes it?s the man of the house. And, remember what I said earlier ? men love garages. Many times when I am showing homes, the women migrate to the kitchen and the men go right for the garage.

Here?s some easy and cost effective ideas for your garage:

?Do a thorough sorting of the items in your garage. Make separate piles of keep, toss, and donate. Follow through on the toss and donate before you move on to the next step.

?Paint the walls in a taupe or grey color using satin or gloss paint finish. This way when you need to wipe up, it will be easy to do. Plus this finish will last you years longer than the builder?s flat white paint you started with.

?Buy some inexpensive fully finished, full back cabinets with easy clean melamine interiors and exteriors. Make sure that they hold a load of at least 100 pounds per shelf. Things we store in the garage are heavy. Mount some top cabinets for seasonal storage and some lower cabinets for items used more frequently. Be sure to mount the lower cabinets off the floor a few inches to prevent water damage.

?Look into some of the new finishes for the garage floor. There are some good ?do it yourself? finishes and some professional chemical and stain resistant floor coatings that will really wow the family or the prospective buyer. If you go for the ?DIY?, don?t fail to fully follow the instructions of the product you choose ? you could end up with a peeling mess. It?s best to consult a professional for floor coatings.

One of the biggest benefits to you as a homeowner when you put the time and effort into organizing your garage is the expanded living area and ease of finding all the necessary tools and utility items quickly when you need them, not to mention a home for your precious cars. The other advantage is the added and increased dollar value the extra, usable space has just brought to your home. When you are trying to sell your home quickly and at top dollar in a competitive market, focus on the garage, it will bring you some good results.

Bob Lipply is a top Real Estate Broker Associate in the Tampa Florida Real Estate area.? He and his team have been helping families relocate to Florida and on the selling end get top dollar for their homes with great success.? Lipply Real Estate also specializes in Clearwater Florida Real Estate visit his website where you can search the MLS for up to date available homes for sale.

Educational Toys And Games For Early Learning Among Children

Strategies Learned From a Board Game That Apply to Work From Home Businesses

Can you really learn work from home business strategies from a board game? Robert Kiyosaki thinks so. He created the game Cashflow. I've heard it described as an MBA version of Monopoly.

In the game, you start out on the inner track called the rat race. Sound familiar? Isn't that where most of us spend our lives? Each player is assigned a certain occupation with corresponding income, expenses, and debts. As you roll the dice and move around the track, you can land on opportunities and have the chance to buy investments that help you build up passive income (money that comes in consistently over time whether you work or not.)

The object is for your passive income to exceed your expenses. When that occurs, you move to the outer track which is called the fast track. And isn't that were we want to be in life?

Looking strictly from a money perspective, I see that we have two choices in life.

Choice One: Live paycheck to paycheck and hope when you retire there's enough to live on.

Choice Two: Have enough passive income to cover your expenses so you can work because you choose to, not because you have to. And this goes hand in hand with not having to make other life choices based on what you can afford.

So, if you choose number 2, the next question is, How do you get there? Here is what I've learned from playing the game.

* Begin with the end in mind. Know what you end game is, your goals, and create a strategy that will get you there.
* Keep focused on that strategy. Every decision you make needs to propel you toward your end goal.
* Start small and continually build. I find that looking for automated businesses is a great way to create passive income, not only in the game, but also in the game of life. Online businesses that can basically run on autopilot (like information product based businesses) are a great investment for creating passive income.
* Realize Cashflow is a game, but so is life. The principles that work in the game, also work in real life.

Is it possible to learn real life lessons from this engaging game? I find the answer to be yes. Not only is it a lot of fun and a great way to spend an evening, it's also a great way to train your mind to think like an entrepreneur and an investor.

And if you want to start an information based online business, check out the free videos at http://8weeks2profits.com/

By Becky Best

About a Career in Real Estate Field

To become a real estate agent is very easy. About schools, that is one question to ask the brokers. You may be sure in every area there are several private real estate schools, and many community colleges offering courses. To find private real estate schools search the yellow pages after the Real Estate - General section. Most schools let you sample their program or classes.

It generally takes two months of classes and then you should take the exam. When you pass you need to activate your license under a broker from your area. At that moment you need sales training classes, unless you was born a sales person. I think you realize that you will wait 3-4 months in the real estate field before to see an income stream flowing. What I want to say is you need some financial resources to live on while getting your shoes on the ground.

To be a successful real estate agent is the highly competitive Acting in Real Estate field you will work hard and it will take time to build your own successful business. As a compensation of your hard work, the payoffs is great. Real Estate is one of the highest paying sales professions in the United States of America.

You will enjoy working out of your home office, work flexible hours, and set your own schedule. In addition there are few, if any, businesses you can start up for the investment you will make in becoming a professional Real Estate Agent.

Larry is a freelance writer interested in items such as travel real estate career

A Party in Oakland

Style Yourself like a Celebrity: Gorgeous Prom Jewelry for Every Dress

A dress without accessories is like a Christmas tree without ornaments: beautiful but oddly naked. Celebrities and their stylists know that carefully selected accessories can make or break an outfit. Coordinated accoutrements can tie your look together, creating a pleasing package, while clashing pieces can distract the eye and throw off your entire look.

While it's difficult to decide which of the myriad wonderful accessories to wear, you don't need a celebrity stylist to get it right, as long as you keep the following time-tested tips in mind. And remember: less is more. Wear too many accessories and nothing will get noticed, except the fact that you piled too much on.

Prom Jewelry
The most obvious prom accessory, jewelry, is easy to get right if you consider two things: your hairstyle and your dress. (Personal style counts, too, but only you know what suits you. Choose pieces you'd wear after prom and you won't go wrong.) Think also of color. Try not to match your dress exactly, but rather choose colors that compliment your ensemble. For example, a green dress will look great with deep blue or black gemstone jewelry. When in doubt, wear diamonds or pearls--they look great with everything! My personal favorites are freshwater pearls. In addition to white, freshwater pearls come in many beautiful pastel colors, like lavender, peach, pink and yellow that complement a variety of fabrics. Freshwater pearls are also surprisingly affordable.

Jewelry and Prom Hairstyle
Your prom hairstyle plays a major role in the type of earrings that work. If your hair is short or will be in an updo, you have tons of great earring options. Pearl, diamond and gemstone studs are always elegant, and have the added bonus of allowing you to choose a bolder necklace. Drop earrings look great too, and are sweetly feminine. If you choose a bolder earring, like a stiletto or chandelier style, keep other jewelry simple. The same goes for hair ornaments.

If your hair is long and you're wearing it down, you need an earring that can make a statement. Consider big bold gemstones or dangling hoops or a chandelier or stiletto style. (Think Reese Witherspoon, Queen Latifah and Jessica Alba at the Oscars.) Just don't overdo it by wearing a bold necklace or bracelet. One standout piece of jewelry is sufficient.

Jewelry and Prom Dress...
* Spaghetti straps: You have tons of great jewelry options here, but again, you want to pick subtle jewelry or one standout piece. Consider a wide pearl cuff bracelet and a pearl ring, or pearl, diamond, or gemstone dangle earrings and a diamond or pearl pendant. A bezel set diamond--or CZ--works well with a spaghetti-strapped dress. Just make sure, if you're wearing a great bracelet, that your date doesn't get you a wrist corsage.

* Strapless: The majority of prom 2006 dress styles are strapless. That's good news for jewelry lovers, as your prom necklace can really stand out. Choose something short to accent your collarbones like a princess length pearl strand or a diamond or pearl pendant. Don't wear a necklace that comes to the top of the bodice; you don't want the fabric and the jewelry to compete. If the necklace you choose is simple, consider adding bold earrings or a bracelet for added pizzazz.

* Cap- or short-sleeved: Play up your arms and balance out the dress' sleeves with tons of thin stackable bracelets (I love wood, shell and enamel, but not all together, of course). Pick a simple necklace and earrings, or go without. If bangles drive you nuts while you dance, skip them and choose a wide cuff instead.

* High-necked: Lose the necklace (it'll compete) and instead pair a high necked dress with a simple pair of earrings and an elegant bracelet in the same stone. Or stack several bracelets in lieu of a wrist corsage. Remember to choose a piece that won't compete with the bold neckline of this dress. Shoulder-grazing earrings are an option here if they suit the dress's style. They'll be dramatic and sophisticated for sure!

* Square-necked: A square-necked dress is the best setting to show off a beautiful necklace. Borrow Mom's pearls or Grandma's diamond pendant, buy freshwater pearls in a color that complements your dress, or choose a bold gemstone piece if the dress is jewel toned. Play it up here, but keep other prom accessories simple.

* V-necked: Matching necklace and earrings can pull your look together very well, as the V draws attention to your face and collarbones. For no-brainer options, choose a pearl set or a simple bezel-set diamond pendant and stud earrings.

* Plunging: Consider pinning a vintage brooch at the bottom of the plunge, or adorning yourself with a pearl choker, diamond collar or a plain ribbon. Don't wear a longer necklace as it'll detract from the plunge. Keep earrings simple.

* Simple: Lucky you! A simple prom dress such as a sheath, allows you to get a lot funkier with your accessories. The layered look is still hot, so consider piling on a few long gold chains with shorter pearl necklaces, or pearl-and-chain combos. A sparkly diamond cuff, a la Hilary Swank at the Oscars, (go faux!) always looks chic. Remember that you'll be dancing, so no extra long pearl ropes as you'll risk whipping your fellow prom goers.

* Ornate: An ornate dress is a work of art. Depending on the style and level of detail, you may want to choose a simple piece of jewelry, such as a diamond pendant, pearl necklace, simple gold chain or pearl, diamond or gold studs. Stay away from glittery jewelry that will compete with the dress. If the neckline is high and bejeweled, opt out of jewelry entirely and consider pinning something sparkly in your hair instead. A bold, chunky cocktail ring can work wonders here too.

* Vintage: Make it modern with multiple strands or stacks of bangle bracelets or layered necklaces. I like a few shorter gold pieces layered with gold and pearl chains. But don't go overboard: a dress that makes a statement should not be overwhelmed with jewelry. Depending on the dress, a beautiful pearl strand tied with ribbon or a simple pair of diamond studs can work too.

Remember, all top stylists worth their salt know that, when it comes to accessories, it's best to stick with pieces that won't overwhelm your look. The most important tip? Have a blast and keep in mind that getting ready for prom is almost always the best part, so savor every moment!
About the Author

Amy Drescher is a fashion writer and accessories buyer for Moon River Pearls, www.moonriverpearls.com. She welcomes your questions. Reach her at adrescher@moonriverpearls.com. Visit her blog at http://cafe.moonriverpearls.com/amy.

Wynn Las Vegas

Wynn Las Vegas, the new mega resort. Steve Wynn originally named the resort Le Reve after the renowned painting by Picasso that he owns, but he then decided it was not nearly as exciting as the name Wynn Las Vegas. Think of the implications - you can win Las Vegas at WYNN!

Wynn Las Vegas, the new mega resort. Steve Wynn originally named the resort Le Reve after the renowned painting by Picasso that he owns, but he then decided it was not nearly as exciting as the name Wynn Las Vegas. Think of the implications - you can win Las Vegas at WYNN!

Having stayed at The Desert Inn many times in the past I know that I'm excited about Wynn Las Vegas being on the site of the old Desert Inn, their will be ghosts I'm sure. Steve Wynn is such a magician when it comes to bringing the best to Las Vegas, and he's certainly on the site of where the best once was! The Desert Inn built in 1950 was the first hotel or resort to use water features in the desert. They had the original Dancing Waters Show and a fountain at their entrance. The Tournament of Champions (first Las Vegas golf tournament) was broadcast by NBC. It also boasted an observation tower, The Skyroom, the new Strip's best views. You would overlook Sunrise Mountain and the twinkling lights that were beginning to show on the desert floor, but Wilbur Clark with all his imagination could not envision this bronzed glass spectacle that is Wynn Las Vegas.

Everyone in the travel industry is certainly excited to stay and enjoy this new thrill, several years in the making. I watched the cranes and the earth being moved around and am now ready to experience the phoenix rising from the ashes. The water-themed $1.85 billion megaresort has 42-story hotel tower, a three-acre man-made lake, Wynn's private art collection in an on-site museum, golf course and several private gambling areas.

Wynn megaresort has 2,701 rooms, an average esort room is 640 square feet, with special bedding, a sitting area with couch and ottoman, floor to ceiling windows with views of Las Vegas skyline and electronic controls to control the window treatments to shut-out or bring-in the views. The price tag for middle of the week is around $249.00, not exorbitant for the luxury you will enjoy. There is also a selection of suites, including a Tower Suite, Salon, Parlor or Executive Suite. All with the appropriate amenities...and even though the accommodations are out of this world, you'll be spending more time doing other things.

If you want to shop till you drop, you can break the bank in the shops just as easily as at the casino. Just one item from each shop could do it. A bracelet from Cartier, shoes from Manolo Blahnik, a cute little purse from Judith Lieber. Don't forget Gizmos, where you can buy a wild toy for your boy! Pick up some Estee Lauder sunscreen, a silk shirt at Brioni for the man in your life, a watch at Wynn & Co., so you know when it's time to eat, a fancy pen to sign your checks or new sunglasses at W. Ink. A classy jacket from Chanel, some designer fragrance from John Paul Gaultier, an exciting outfit to lounge around the pool from Oscar de la Renta and you're all set to stay at Wynn Las Vegas for another couple of days...oh oh, we forgot to mention you can pick up a gull-wing Ferrari at Penske-Wynn showroom to drive home.

You can take a day to relax in the sumptuous spa, get a facial, body treatments (my personal favorite, Fresh Brown Sugar Body Treatment) what a way to get a sugar shock...and it wont go to the hips either. Massage, try a Good Luck Ritual a fung shui experience based on health, wealth, prosperity, happiness and harmony, how can you miss with this under your belt or on your body or where ever. You might need a special foot treatment after all the shopping; the spa can take care of this as well!

If you plan to play golf, be prepared to experience one of the greatest golf courses in the world, with elevation changes not seen in anywhere else in Vegas. Designed by Tom Fazio along with Steve Wynn, you find 18 holes to take your breath away. Eleven water holes, with a waterfall on 18, 2 marshland areas that use underground water, Pennlinks Bentgrass greens and the best part of all, many old trees, some over 50 years old, that were salvages from the old Desert Inn golf course and replanted to once overlook play on the course...and all of this right our side your hotel room! To play this 7,042 yard, par 70 course, you must be a guest at Wynn Las Vegas.

After doing all this shopping and putting or gambling which is really what Vegas is all about, you'll be ready for dinner and a show. Remember the name Le Reve, it now is the name of a water show extravaganza, directed by Franco Dragone, a show like no other, which truly refects on it's name The Dream, theater in the round, so no seat is more than 40 feet away from the action. You merge with the actors in this one.

Food, an assortment of restaurants to keep you busy for a week at least. Red 8 for Hong Kong dim sum and barbecue. SW Steakhouse, good old American steak with flavors of Alsace, does this mean the best entrecote you ever ate. Okada, where you will enjoy authentic robata cooking and shushi prepared by Chef Takashi Yagahaski, voted Best New Chef by Food & Wine. Alex with flavors of the Riviera, this one gets 2 Mobil 5 Star awards and the AAA 5 Diamond designation. Corsa Cucina, a delightful cafe and excellent selection of wood-fired pizzas. Tableau with fine American cuisine open for dinner to all guests, breakfast and loch for Tower Suite guests only. Another winner is Daniel Boulurd Brasserie, James Beard award, Four AAA 5 Diamond awards, and three Mobil 5 Star awards. Bartolotta Ristorante de Mare, fresh fish flown in daily plus excellent pasta dishes and enjoy Jimmy Sneed's over at the Country Club.

The casino offers every table game including Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, and all your favorite poker games, including Let-It-Ride, over 1900 slots and the most exciting a chance to win megabucks jackpot for 1 cent. This is Steve Wynn's brainchild a $10,000,000.00 penny slot machine. Watch out for the stampede to Wynn Las Vegas.

I do hope you enjoyed these observations on the new Wynn Las Vegas, and if you liked what you read here, wait until you jump over to my website www.lasvegas-wow.com. You'll love it for the bargains you'll find for your next trip to Las Vegas, including discount hotel rooms and discount show tickets. Thanks for reading.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
An artist, a writer and world travler, devotes many hours to authoring and maintaining major travel web sites. Publishes many articles on travel spots around the world. You'll find this and much more Las Vegas Information at www.lasvegas-wow.com