Saving money on your gas bill

During the winter month’s we can hear our water heater constantly running during the night. During the summer month’s our gas bill is usually less than $15 per month, but during winter it can easily go over $50. One reason is that we turn on our heater more. Another reason is the water heater constantly running. Nights in Los Angeles can get in the 40’s during the winter months.

So this past week, I went to Home Depot to buy a insulation jacket for the water heater. There were 2 selections to choose from running from $20-25. Putting on the jacket can be a challenge because it is bulky, and we also have to deal with the water heater braces (earthquake precaution). But once you got it snugly wrapped around the water heater, you can easily tape it up together.

We are hoping this winter we can save some additional money on our gas bill because of this. I will report to on on the status of our savings.

Good skin care

The one thing I noticed about getting older is a lot more skin problems. One recent problem I have had is the skin around my eyes being dry and itchy. I also have baggy eyes and a few wrinkles around my eyes. My wife suggested I try some eye creme on it. It helps tighten the skin as well as keeps it moisturized. So even if you are a guy, you should be open to try skin care products. Good skin maintenance is important in helping you look and feel healthy and young.

Cruising with an infant/toddler

Going on a cruise with a 3 year old can be a challenge. Luckily for Brandon he is use to traveling. This past year he had already been to Malaysia and Maui. It does not hurt that he loves staying in hotels too. But in order for your trip to be smooth you have to be prepared.

Our first major decision was to bring the stroller or not. If we brought it, we could use it when we are at the airport and on the excursions. But we decided not to bring it with us. Carrying a stroller, meant having another piece of luggage. Plus with the cramp space of a cruise ship, it was not really practically to be bringing a stroller along. Brandon walks ok, he just walks a bit slow sometimes. Often times on the excursions, I just carried him which is kind of difficult since he is about 30 pounds. I just thought of it as exercise.

As for dining, cruise ships do have high chairs and booster seats. We sat at the “anytime dining” section, and we were able to get a table to ourselfs all of the time. Service at the dining area was a bit slow sometimes, which is not really good for a impatient 3 year old. So toward the end of trip, we ate more at the buffet.

Another problem is there are no tubs, so you have to make sure your infant is ok taking a shower. You can practice at home before you go. And let them know they will have to take a shower on the trip. They are smart, and you can prepare them.

With proper preparation, you can enjoy the cruise as a family. I will do some other posts on this subject matter later.

Advertise with t-shirts

One of the easiest ways to advertise for your business is with screen printing T-shirts. Give them out to customers and the public, and they will help spread the word.

Looking for an office space?

In order to run a business professionally you need to get yourself a good Office Space. There are so many in the market that you do not know where to look first. You do not want to get a space too small or too big, but something that is just right. And maybe in time, the space can grow with your business. At Office Space Rental, they can help you find that perfect office space. They will give you local expert advice, and the best part is that they are 100% commission free, so you do not have to pay them a cent.

I got the flu bug

Upon our return from Alaska, Brandon had a fever. And you all know if one person in the family gets sick, the others will soon follow. I ended up catching it on Sunday, so basically I had to spend my Memorial day in bed. I also took Tuesday off too, so I would not contaminate the office. I found out that a good way to prevent from getting sick is to take nutritional health supplements when someone in the family is sick. You are less likely to get the bug if you do.

Wedding dress discounts

Your wedding day is your special day. You want everything to be perfect including your wedding dress. You do not want to get something you do not look beautiful in. At the Best Bridal Prices, they have every kind of wedding dress you can imagine. They have been in this business for the past 30 years, so you know can shop with confidence with them. They offer beautiful wedding dresses at great online prices. They also specialize in bridesmaid dresses. Check out their website if you are planning your wedding. They will also give you a free veil and shoes.

Office Depot laptop ripoff

I was watching the news the other night on a story about an Office Depot in Southern California. Office Depot was having a sale on laptops. When customers went into that certain store in question for that laptop, the store employees where asking them if they want to purchase the extended warranty coverage. When the customers declined, the employees told them they were out of stock of that certain laptop. Meanwhile another customer who asks for that same laptop and is willing to buy the extended warranty, they will have that laptop in stock. The news station ran several tests, and the results were the same. According to the report, the store and manager was reported to the corporate office, and punishment now awaits, which most likely means the manager is going to get fired.

OD has some questionable practices especially if you are doing an online order with store pickup. You can get a confirmation receipt for your order, but they will still show available inventory until all items are actually picked up. Meaning if you pick up a good online deal at night, but you are not the first couple in the store in the morning, you can miss out on it, even if you have a legit receipt of purchase.