Stress...No, Nope, Nah

Stress is a fact of life, but being stressed out isn't. Small changes in our lifestyle can make a big difference in the way we feel. We have all heard how we should get 30 minutes of exercise several times a week, get a good night sleep and that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but one of the hardest things for most of us to do is to prioritize and just say “No”.

Sure it's easier to say yes, but trying to do everything is a one-way ticket for disaster. Besides, yes isn't always the best answer and saying no can actually be good for you. It's really not a selfish act, it's just a simple little word and an important part of simplifying your life. In fact, it may be the most beneficial thing that you can do for your family and your other commitments.

So give yourself permission and say it out loud...No, Nope, Nah! - CT

Green Tip: Perk Up For Spring

Spring is a great time to perk up your workspace and improve your office air quality with a green plant. It can actually improve your mood by consuming all those nasty air pollutants and humidify the air for you. Since plants grow slowly in limited light, don't water, fertilized or re-pot very often. Check the soil dampness with your finger before you give it a drink. There are several varieties of plants that can survive under fluorescent lights so take a walk to your nearest nursery and pick one up and you'll perk up in

no time!-CT

Accepting "Plastic" Cash

Several studies have shown that the average size of credit card orders can be up to three times more that cash and check orders. Customers buy more when they use their credit cards. They can often get benefits for paying with credit cards such as points or cash back and it can give them more flexibility in managing their cash flow. Many vendors are hesitant to begin accepting credit cards because they feel the transaction fees and set-up fees are a deterrent, but the benefits outweigh the costs and the time involved in accepting credit cards.

So how does one start accepting credit cards on-line? First contact the bank where you have your checking account for details on opening a merchant account. Take a look at programs such as Pay Pal, Pro Pay or Google Checkout, etc., that perform credit card transactions. Comparison shop for the best services and fees. Read all the details to compare set-up fees, transaction fees, transfer fees and any annual fees. Beware of credit card fraud and scams. Do some word of mouth networking and check the companies out.

Typically, you will want to sign up with the company that provides the lowest percentage transaction fees, even if you have to pay a small set-up charge but fees vary so review the fine print! Once you decide which company you will use, fill-out all the required set-up paperwork and pay the required fees. Many companies will run a credit-check before approving your account. Then learn how to activate and process the credit card charges according to their specific instructions.

In today's market it's almost a necessity to accept credit cards payments. While it is true that you can still sell your items and customers will still buy your products with cash and checks, you will greatly increase your sales by giving your customer the option of charging their purchases. Your payments are guaranteed up front with no more trips to the bank or the cost of bounced checks and even if your customer orders just one more product as a result of paying with a credit card, you'll make more money than you would have otherwise. - CT

Green Tip: Spring Break

There's nothing like a warm break in the middle of March to get you looking at all those seed catalogs you received after the holidays or researching on-line how to plant an edible garden. You're aware of the health benefits of growing some of your own food but did you know that putting land to use is perhaps one of the most important environmental actions you can take.

First of all, if you're new to gardening think small and don't bite off more than you can chew...or hoe. We have two 8' x 4' raised gardens in our back yard with more than enough of those fresh, crispy vegetables for us to enjoy, plus extra to give to friends and family. Of course you will want to stay away from those space hogs like watermelons or pumpkins, but you'll have plenty of room for tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, green beans and peppers.

So grab a chair outside with your computer or catalogs, enjoy the fresh warm air and start planning for your new edible garden. More importantly, you'll be helping the environment and it won't be long before you'll be enjoying the experience of eating fresh, crisp vegetables you grew yourself! - CT