| How to Prepare a Relaxing Bath Posted: 08 Jan 2020 12:00 AM PST Sometimes just the thought of a luxurious bath at the end of a long day can help you power through. When it's finally time for you to relax, make the most of your experience. Light candles, play calming music, and use oils or a scented bubble bath to create a restful atmosphere. Take your time soaking in the water, close your eyes for a few minutes, or enjoy reading your favorite magazine. [Edit]Getting the Bathtub Ready - Start with a clean tub for the best experience. You won't feel very relaxed if you get into a grimy tub. Even if your tub has been cleaned recently, take a moment to wipe it down with a damp towel to clear away any dust or hair that may have accumulated.[1]
- It's a good idea to wipe down the tub after you take a bath, too, so that there isn't a build-up of soap scum over time.
- Fill the tub with hot water while you get the rest of your bath ready. Use water that is steamy and hot to the touch, but don't get it so hot that you can't hold your hand under the stream. Make sure to plug the tub's drain![2]
- You can always add more hot water while you're in the tub if it needs a warm-up. or if you get lightheaded, get out and let the water cool down before you get back in.[3]}}
- Add some bubble bath or a bath bomb for some aromatherapy. You could make your own bubble bath or bath bombs or buy some from the store. Bubble bath gives you the experience of bathing in bubbles, which can be fun and relaxing, and bath bombs are famous for creating beautiful colors for you to enjoy in the tub.[4]
- If you're using bubble bath, pour about into the tub while the water is still filling up. The stream of water will help mix and distribute the bubbles.
- Use essential oils to relax your body or clear your sinuses. Combine 6-8 drops of essential oils to of carrier oil, like coconut or jojoba oil. After the water has finishing filling, add the mixture to the tub.[5]
- Eucalyptus and peppermint are great if you have a stuffy nose.
- Lavender is a relaxing scent.
- Lemon and rosemary can boost your mood.
- Relax your muscles with epsom salts. Use 2 cups (473 grams) of epsom salts in your bath. Pour the salts in while the water is filling up to help it dissolve a little faster. You can also stir the water with your hand to dissolve whatever remains. Soak in the tub for 15-20 minutes or more for the best results.[6]
- Your body will absorb the magnesium and sulfate from the salts, which can loosen your joints and relax your muscles.
[Edit]Creating a Relaxing Atmosphere - Create a playlist filled with relaxing tunes to play during your bath. If you want to wind-down, avoid playing anything with a fast or heavy beat. Opt for instrumental or background music for a pleasant, calming effect.[7]
- Many music-streaming services have pre-made playlists or stations specifically made for relaxation. Just search for "relaxing music" and see what pops up.
- Clear away clutter so the space is visually appealing. Move dirty clothes, cosmetics, toys, and anything else that is taking up space on the bathroom counter. Put them away in drawers if needed, or set them out in the hall. The last thing you want is to look up from your bath and feel stressed about what needs to be cleaned up![8]
- If you can, take 10-15 minutes to clean your bathroom before taking a bath. It might help you relax more easily.
- Use a bath caddy to keep your things dry. With a bath caddy, you'll have space for a drink, snack, book, or anything else you'd like to have with you. Set up the caddy while the water is filling and put your things in place so that it's ready to go once the bath is done.[9]
- You can buy bath caddies that have props to hold up books or magazines, slots for the stems of wine glasses, and more.
- Dim the lights and light some candles for a relaxing aesthetic. Bright overhead lights could keep you from de-stressing, so opt to turn them down or completely off. Put candles on the countertops and around the edge of the tub if there is room.[10]
- Use unscented candles if you are using essential oils or a scented bubble bath. If not, light one of your favorite scented candles to enjoy while in the tub.
- After your bath, double-check that all the flames have been extinguished.
- Tell your family that you're not to be disturbed when you're in the bath. If you live with other people and want to guarantee that you won't be interrupted while you're trying to relax, let them know ahead of time what your expectations are. If you have little kids, ask a partner or friend to watch them for 1/2 an hour so you can have some alone time.
- If you have pets, you may want to keep the bathroom door shut during your bath. Otherwise, they might come in and beg for your attention and disturb the peace!
[Edit]Unwinding in the Bath - Give your skin some TLC with a face mask before you get in the tub. You can make your own or buy a mask from the store. If you have long hair, pull it back so it doesn't get in the way.[11]
- Avocado, honey, olive oil, coconut oil, and even egg whites can be used to make a hydrating mask right in your own home.
- Enjoy a glass of wine and an indulgent snack while you soak. Take this opportunity to savor a special treat that you've been saving. While chocolates or candies are probably the most popular bath-time indulgence, you can choose anything you'd like! It's probably best to avoid anything that might get crumbs in the bathwater, though.[12]
- If you don't drink wine, choose something else! Sparkling water can feel special and there are tons of great flavors to choose from. Even coffee or tea can be enjoyable as long as it doesn't make you too hot.
- Read a good book or magazine for some indulgent me-time. Bring along the book you've been meaning to read forever or grab a fun magazine the next time you're at the grocery store. Whatever you choose, enjoy taking some personal time to do something relaxing for yourself.[13]
- Keep a towel nearby to dry off your hands so that the pages of the book or magazine don't get wet.
- Use a body scrub to exfoliate and soften your skin after a long day. Buy a scrub from the store or make your own at home. While you're in the tub, scoop out about of the scrub and rub it over your arms and legs with a circular motion. Rinse off the scrub when you're finished.[14]
- You can use body scrub at any stage during your bath, but if you don't like the idea of bathing in the rinsed-off scrub, just wait until you're about to get out to do this.
- Dry off after your bath with a clean, fluffy towel. Before you get into the bath, take a moment to pick out a clean towel from the cupboard and set it beside the tub. That way, you won't have to use an old, damp towel from your morning's shower.[15]
- Consider having a special towel that only you use for your relaxing baths. This will keep the towel in great condition and it'll make your self-care time feel even more special.
- If you hate the feeling of cold porcelain against your skin, invest in a waterproof pillow to rest your head against in the tub.
[Edit]Warnings - If you feel dizzy while in the bath, carefully get out. It could be that your blood pressure was affected or you got too hot.
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Getting the Bathtub Ready - Clean towel
- Cleaning supplies (optional)
- Bubble bath
- Bath bomb
- Essential oils
- Carrier oil
- Epsom salts
[Edit]Creating a Relaxing Atmosphere - Music-playing device
- Bath caddy
- Candles
- Matches or lighter
[Edit]Unwinding in the Bath - Face mask
- Drink and snack
- Book or magazine
- Body scrub
- Towel
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Transfer a License Plate Posted: 07 Jan 2020 04:00 PM PST If you're planning to sell an older vehicle and replace it with a new one, you can transfer the license plates to your new vehicle. To do this, both vehicles must be registered in your name and both must have the same registration code. Under certain circumstances, you can also transfer the license plates to the individual you're selling the vehicle to. While the process for transferring plates from one vehicle to another can vary widely from one U.S. state to another, there are several basic steps that you can follow regardless of where you live. [Edit]Transferring Plates between Vehicles - Find a copy of your current vehicle registration paperwork. When you first registered the vehicle under your name (e.g., when you purchased the car or moved to a new state), a state official probably gave you a copy of the registration paperwork. This single sheet of paper contains your name, the vehicle's tag number, and the registration number. You'll need this document to transfer your plates.[1]
- If you've lost your registration paperwork, you may be able to request a new copy at the motor vehicle office.
- Gather the title to the newer vehicle you're transferring plates to. The title shows ownership of the vehicle. Since you won't have registered this vehicle in your name yet, you will have its title but not its registration. (You'll receive the registration when you transfer the plates.) So, before you transfer plates to the new vehicle, you must show ownership by presenting the title.[2]
- If you've applied to transfer the vehicle but haven't yet received the new title itself, that's okay. Just bring in the title of the copy application that you've filled out and submitted.
- Collect proof that the vehicle you're transferring the plates to is insured. Transfer your car insurance from your older vehicle (that currently has the plates on it) to the newer vehicle before visiting the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office or tag office. Before transferring the plates, a clerk will request to see proof that the vehicle is insured. Documents that prove insurance include your insurance card or a paper copy of the form you received from the insurance company upon purchasing your insurance.[3]
- This may not apply in all states. In various states, you do not to show prove that you have car insurance unless you have changed insurance companies since the last time you registered a vehicle.
- Have your new vehicle inspected if your state requires it. Some states require that vehicles (whether new or used) undergo an inspection before they are registered and plated. In this case, take the vehicle to a reputable car mechanic. Ask them to test drive the car and look under the hood (and under the chassis) to confirm that it's in good shape. Also ask for a certificate of inspection to prove that the car passed.[4]
- In some cases, you may need to get an emissions test as well to make sure that the car isn't emitting legal limits of toxic gasses.
- Not all states require a vehicle inspection prior to transferring license plates. To find out if your state requires it, visit the website for the state's motor-vehicle agency.
- Visit your local motor vehicle agency to begin the transfer process. Different states use different titles for their motor vehicle agencies. Some agencies are managed by the state's DMV, while others are referred to as "tag offices." If you're not sure where the nearest office is located, search online for "motor vehicle office near me."[5]
- Keep your name consistent across the 2 vehicles' registrations. When you complete the registration paperwork for the newer vehicle, spell your name (and include the same parts of your name) the same as you did on the older vehicle's registration. If you register the new vehicle under a different name than the old vehicle was registered under (e.g., if you were married and changed your last name), you won't be able to transfer your license plates between vehicles.[6]
- This rule may not hold in every state. If you're not sure if this applies in your state, ask a clerk at the tag office.
- Pay the mandatory fee to complete the plate-transfer process. To finalize the plate transfer, the clerk will ask you to pay a small fee. The amount that you're required to pay will differ from state to state, but is usually under $10 USD. For instance, in Arkansas it costs $10 to transfer plates, but it only costs $1 in Colorado.[7]
- Pay the fee with a credit or debit card, or by writing out a check to your state's motor vehicle division.
[Edit]Transferring Plates to Another Individual - Leave the plates on the vehicle if you're selling it to a family member. If you are selling a vehicle to a member of your immediate family (e.g., a sibling, child, or parent), you may leave the license plates on. Visit the DMV or tag office with your family member, and bring proof of your relationship (such as birth certificates or state-issued identification). Sign over both the vehicle's title and the license plates to your family member by filling out any paperwork provided by a DMV staff member.[8]
- Your family member can then register the vehicle in their name using the license plates still on the car.
- If you sell the car to a family member who isn't part of your immediate family, you must remove the plates prior to the sale.
- Likewise, if you sell the vehicle to someone you're not at all related to, remove the plates from the car before finalizing the sale.
- Give the plates to the new owner if they're a resident of the same state. In a few states (e.g., Delaware), you are legally permitted to leave the license plates on your car when you sell it as long as the vehicle's new owner is a resident of the same state. The new owner must then register the vehicle in their name. Check at your local tag office to make sure this is permitted before leaving your plates on the car when you sell it.[9]
- If you're not sure whether or not you can transfer plates in your state, check the website of your state's motor vehicle agency. Or, ask a staff member at the DMV or tag office.
- Keep in mind that this may not be advantageous to you if you're replacing an older car with a newer one. Without plates to transfer to the new vehicle, you'll have to pay for new plates during registration.
- Return the plates to the motor vehicles office in states that require it. In certain states (e.g., Arizona), license plates are owned by the state government. Vehicle owners must return the plates to the state when they sell the car that the plates had been registered to. The simplest way to do this is to surrender the plates at the tag office. If you don't live near a tag office, you could also return the plates by mail.[10]
- To find out if your state requires drivers to return their plates, check online with the state's motor vehicle agency. Or, ask a clerk at the tag office.
- Alternately, find your state in AAA's online listing and see if drivers are required to return plates to the state. Check online at: https://drivinglaws.aaa.com/tag/transfer-of-plates/.
- Some of the particularities of transferring a license plate will differ slightly from state to state. If you're ever confused or not sure what the next step should be, talk to a staff member at your local DMV or tag office.
- In most states, when you sell a vehicle to a new owner (as long as they live in the same state as you), they can keep the same plates on the vehicle. The new owner will still need register the vehicle under their name, though.[11]
- In most states (e.g., North Carolina), the plate-transfer fee will be waived if the vehicle's owner dies and the title and registration are passed to the owner's spouse.[12]
[Edit]References - ↑ https://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,4670,7-127-1585_1587_1590-25274--,00.html
- ↑ https://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,4670,7-127-1585_1587_1590-25274--,00.html
- ↑ https://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,4670,7-127-1585_1587_1590-25274--,00.html
- ↑ https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/title-registration/license-plates/Pages/transfer-plates.aspx
- ↑ https://www.state.nj.us/mvc/vehicles/aboutplates.htm
- ↑ https://www.state.nj.us/mvc/vehicles/aboutplates.htm
- ↑ https://drivinglaws.aaa.com/tag/transfer-of-plates/
- ↑ https://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,4670,7-127-1585_1587_1590-25274--,00.html
- ↑ http://doa.alaska.gov/dmv/plates/transfer.htm
- ↑ https://drivinglaws.aaa.com/tag/transfer-of-plates/
- ↑ http://doa.alaska.gov/dmv/plates/transfer.htm
- ↑ https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/title-registration/license-plates/Pages/transfer-plates.aspx
|
| How to Start a Jewelry Business Posted: 07 Jan 2020 08:00 AM PST Starting your own jewelry business can be an intimidating but also incredibly rewarding experience. Whether you're interested in making your own pieces, producing your designs with a manufacturer, or selling pre-made products, a jewelry business can be a great way to bring in some extra cash or even a full-time income. Although the jewelry market may appear crowded, you can set yourself for success by creating a strong business plan, identifying and targeting a specific audience, and cultivating a unique brand for your product. [Edit]Setting up a Plan and Legal Foundation - Create a business plan as a roadmap. A business plan is a comprehensive document that outlines what your business is and where it is going. It should also include an actionable, time-based plan for reaching those goals. To start, you can search online for templates and examples of small business plans, especially for jewelry businesses. Then, for your own business, write down your:[1]
- Vision and mission: what you want to achieve with your business.
- Products and activities: the kind of jewelry you will sell and any other activities you will participate in (such as teaching or bespoke commissions).
- Customers: types of people you hope will buy your jewelry.
- Customer Service: how you will reach and interact with your potential customers (such as email, social media, or a physical storefront).
- Suppliers and Resources: everywhere you will get your supplies, including labor.
- Income Sources: how your business will bring in money (jewelry sales, workshops, or commissions, for example).
- Pricing and Cost Structure: how you will determine prices for your jewelry and what types of payment you will accept.
- Brand and Visuals: key elements of your brand and how you will represent yourself visually in marketing materials and online.
- Marketing: how you will get the word out about your business.
- Team: everyone involved in the business and what their roles will be.
- Choose a name for your business. The name of your jewelry business may be the first thing your potential customers hear, so make sure it is unique and memorable. Consider choosing a name that relates to common industry terms so your potential customers know what you're selling: the names of materials you work with frequently ("gold" or "beads"), your method of production ("crafts" or "creations" for handmade pieces), or your style ("boho designs" or "minimalist"). If you plan to make a very specific type of jewelry, feel free to be more specific with your name ("The Pendant Boutique" or "Crochet Bracelet Creations," for example).
- To ensure your business name is not already taken by others, run a quick search to see if the website name is still available. You can also check with the Patent and Trademark Office, your local government, or an attorney, who can conduct a name search for you.[2]
- Many successful designers incorporate their own names into the titles of their jewelry businesses.
- Register your business with a government agency. Different countries and U.S. states have different regulations, but many will require that you register your business to achieve legitimate legal status. Since procedures vary from location to location, it's best to start by contacting your city's Chamber of Commerce or Small Business Development Center. They can help guide you through the steps to legally register your business.[3]
- When registering your business, be sure to clarify what records you'll be required to keep going forward. You don't want to be stuck with the wrong data when it comes time to file your taxes.[4]
- Build a basic financial model. Estimate all your costs and compare them to your expected sales to determine if your business is realistic. Make sure to include overhead costs like equipment, utilities, marketing, and labor, as well as the cost of supplies. If you overall costs are greater than your expected sales, think about how you can change your business plan to create a more sustainable venture. Consider ways to reduce your expenses as well as methods for increasing your income.[5]
- For example, if you want to use high-priced gemstones in your work, you'll need to sell your pieces for a higher cost in order to make a profit. This may determine the types of customers you'll need to target.
[Edit]Creating Your Product - Make your own pieces if you enjoy hand-crafting jewelry. Making jewelry by hand can help you create unique, personalized products. Depending on your talents and interest, there are many ways to make your own pieces including beading, metalwork, fabric or string arts, and gemstone setting. If you already enjoy jewelry making, making your own products can also be a great way to translate a hobby into a profitable business venture. If you're new to jewelry making, consider starting with free online classes to pick up some basic skills.[6]
- Whether you're an experienced crafter or entirely new to jewelry-making, you can refine your skills through YouTube tutorials, instructional books, and websites. You can also search online to see what in-person courses may be available in your area at local schools and craft stores. [7]
- Produce jewelry through a manufacturer if you prefer to focus on design. If you have an idea for the product but don't want to make each piece yourself, you can hire a manufacturer to produce your jewelry. Start with accurate sketches or 3D renderings of your design, then hire an assembly team or third-party manufacturer to create the actual pieces. Most manufacturers can ship directly to your customers.[8]
- To produce your designs, you can choose to use a simple pencil and sketch pad or invest in design software like Photoshop, Illustrator, GIMP, Pixlr, Inkscape or DrawPlus. Especially if you're working with fine jewelry, you might consider jewelry-specific design software like JewelCAD, Matrix, or Rhinojewel.[9]
- Local manufacturers can offer simpler communication and faster shipping times, while overseas manufacturers may be able to provide lower costs or more production options. Try searching https://makersrow.com, www.mfg.com, or www.alibaba.com for options.[10]
- Sell pre-made jewelry for a more large-scale approach. Consider bringing in pre-manufactured jewelry from a wholesaler like Alibaba. You can then repackage and sell these pieces individually with a markup. This pre-made jewelry can serve as your entire inventory or you can use it to supplement your own designs.[11]
- When purchasing jewelry wholesale, the price-per-item usually drops if you purchase more pieces. Consider waiting until you can place a large order to increase your profit on each piece of jewelry you sell.[12]
[Edit]Identifying and Selling to Customers - Determine your potential customers and research how to engage with them. An easy place to start is by looking at jewelry businesses similar to your own. By visiting craft fairs, searching online selling websites like Etsy, browsing social media, or scheduling friendly chats, figure out who their audience is, how they sell their products, and how they engage with their customers. [13]
- Speak with friends and family or do a poll on social media to determine what types of jewelry your potential audience is looking for and how they prefer to shop.[14]
- If you've already sold any pieces of jewelry, ask your customers why they chose to purchase from you.
- Select locations to sell your jewelry depending on your customers' preferences. Based on your customer research, make strategic decisions about where to sell your pieces. For example, if you learn that your desired customers don't use online shopping, you'll probably have more luck selling at boutiques or crafts fairs. Consider:[15]
- Setting up a booth at local and regional arts and crafts fairs.
- Selling at farmers markets.
- Placing products at local boutiques by speaking to their purchasing managers.
- Setting up a page on Etsy or Amazon.
- Selling directly through your business' website.
- Hosting jewelry parties or selling to your friends and family.
- Utilizing social media platforms like Facebook Marketplace.
- Price your jewelry so that you can make a profit. Start by determining how much it costs you to produce each piece of jewelry by adding the price of the materials, the time it took you to produce the piece (determined by an hourly market rate), the cost of the packaging, and any taxes. In order to make a profit from your jewelry, your retail price must be greater than the cost it took to produce it.[16]
- Typically, retailers will sell jewelry at 1.5-2.5 times higher than the cost to produce the piece. So, for example, if it cost you $50 to produce a necklace, you could consider selling it for $75-$125.[17]
[Edit]Building an Effective Brand - Find what makes your brand different and make it your main selling point. Understanding what makes your product stand out is the first step in defining your brand. If you already have an inventory of jewelry, examine it to see if any patterns emerge, such as a certain aesthetic or trend. Certain principles (sustainability or female empowerment, for example) may also guide your business and be part of your differentiator. Whether it's a minimalist geometric look, a commitment to using recycled materials, or a dependably fashion-forward style, a consistent and unique brand can help bring in new business as well as repeat customers.[18]
- Try searching online and saving images that inspire you to see if any trends emerge. Pinterest, Etsy, and Instagram can be great places to start.
- If you don't have a strong vision for your brand at the beginning, you can figure it out as you go. Make or purchase jewelry that what inspires you and then talk to your customers about what attracted them to your work. [19]
- Craft a logo that reflects your brand. Creating a memorable and effective logo can help make a great first impression on potential customers. When designing your logo, remember to keep your brand and target audience at the center of your decisions. Make a list of everything you want your logo to communicate about your business, as well as any aesthetic requirements, before starting your first design.[20]
- If you have the resources, you can hire a professional designer to create a logo for you. Try searching online for designers through websites like 99Designs.[21]
- If you're on a tighter budget, there are plenty of free online logo makers. Shopify, Logaster, and Canva all offer easy to use logo makers or generators.[22]
- Start a website for your business. Your website will serve as one of the most public-facing displays of your jewelry business and should help to establish your brand. Create a website that includes images of your work, details on how to purchase it, and contact information. If you want to sell your products online, you can also choose to sell your jewelry directly through your website.
- Purchase the domain name for your business through a registrar like GoDaddy, Namecheap, 1&1 Internet or Dotster.[23]
- Based on your budget and design preferences, choose a service to host your website such as Google sites, Wix, Weebly, Intuit, Yahoo, Bluehost, Ruxter, or Squarespace. Many of these web hosts will provide templates for you to create your website.
- If you want to sell your jewelry through your website, look for a web hosting service that offers built-in ecommerce software, like Shopify, Bigcommerce, Wix, Weebly or Squarespace. If you're more confident in your web development skills, you can also choose to use self-hosted open source shopping cart software, such as Magento, Word Press with WooCommerce, or Open Cart.[24]
- Take great photos of your jewelry for marketing and online sales. Since jewelry is a largely visual product, good photos are critical to your business, especially if you're selling online. Even the most beautiful piece of jewelry can look unappealing to buyers if the photographs are poorly lit or unflattering. Take high-quality photos of your work to increase online sales and create attention-grabbing marketing and online materials.[25]
- If you're not great at photography, hire a professional. Even just a handful of images can provide a strong base for marketing materials. [26]
- Be consistent with your product photography and try to use similar backgrounds for all your photos. For backdrops, consider using plain white, wood grain, marble, or slate. Also think about photographing your jewelry on a model to show scale and styling suggestions. [27]
- Develop a presence on social media for your brand. Creating accounts on social media can help to advertise your jewelry company and introduce your work to new customers. Use these accounts to share photos of your products, information about your business, and updates like sales or new lines. Include links to your social media accounts in your website, marketing pieces, and even packaging materials. Encourage your customers to post photos of themselves wearing your jewelry that you can "like" or share on your own pages.
- Instagram is a great platform for visually striking products like jewelry. Start a profile for your business and create posts featuring your most photogenic jewelry. Follow accounts for similar businesses and use hashtags like #jewelry or #instajewelry to attract new eyes. If you have the budget, try reaching your audience through Instagram ads.[28]
- Facebook is great for staying in touch with customers, posting product photos, and sharing news about your business, like sales or special deals. Encourage your friends, family, and repeat customers to share your posts with their own networks in order to reach new audiences.[29]
[Edit]References |
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