Before You Buy Your Dirt Bike – Where to Start

www.gateway-ps.com

Recently, my son met some friends that weren’t involved in hockey OR soccer (imagine that!). We instantly wanted to know what sports they were interested in: taekwon-do (already in that), rugby (not our kids’ style), and dirt-biking. “Dirt biking?” I asked. “Yep – they love it,” came the response. My kids ride bikes – they’re actually really great at it and already trying little tricks – no hands, one hand, bunny hops – but dirt biking takes those tricks to a whole new level. My kids were instantly intrigued which meant I had to do some digging and researching about this rough and tumble sport. What type of dirt bike to get and how to ride one.

How to pick your dirt bike:

Choosing your dirt bike is pretty simple – if you know what to look for. The size of bike you purchase depends on your size. For smaller kids, a mini bike is usually the way to go; for larger teens, their weight is the biggest factor. Kids and teens are always growing so keep that in mind when purchasing (an expensive kids’ dirt bike will be on eBay once they outgrow it so don’t go crazy with the budget!)

The purpose of your bike is important too: will it be used for racing, casual riding, or both? There are specific types of bikes meant for racing and casual riding so be sure to tell the sales-person your ultimate goal or agenda with the bike. (You can modify most bikes for dual purposes.)

What is your budget for the bike? You don’t have to spend a lot to get a good starter dirt bike. Another budget factor is the maintenance – will you be maintaining the bike or having someone else do it for you? Some more expensive bikes require expensive fixes (just like cars) so keep that in mind as well.

As for accessories, here are a few you can’t bike without:

• Helmet
• Eye protection
• Knee, elbow pads and chest protector

I believe dirt biking boots are optional but I’ve read that they are great for ankle protection.

Are you ready (to give your poor old Mom a heart attack) to start dirt biking?

I am definitely no expert, but I have quizzed parents and researched other dirt biking sites to get some basic rising tips.

• MOVE FORWARD!!! As far as I can tell this is one of the most important pieces of advice out there. Move forward on your seat – conjuring up an image of “Easy Rider” is not the way to go apparently! Concentrate on your proper body position as much as possible while still being able to operate the brakes.
• For your first ride ever, find a wide open space with no obstacles. This is very important as first time riders may be more prone to running into things.
• Spend some time getting to know the controls of your kids’ dirt bike or your own. Definitely make sure you know where the brakes are! Also, sit on the bike for while to see how it feels.
• When you decide to go for it, look ahead and don’t panic!  If you feel uncomfortable or scared, simply disengage the clutch and press on the brakes. Many people tend to panic and get injured, so try to keep yourself calm, cool and collected.

And after all that, I’ll tell you what I told my kids: Practice makes perfect! If you want to be a great rider then practice and become a great dirt bike rider. Just be careful, wear the proper gear (it’s not just for MOM- it’s important!) and ride smart.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and Mom to two active boys. She is currently learning about dirt bikes in Edmonton and mortorsports.

Creating the Perfect Study Space: Office Furniture Systems and Study Methods That Work

When September rolls around, one thing is clear: it’s time to hit the books! Students everywhere are scrambling to absorb as much material as humanly possible. Books are being cracked, pencils are being sharpened and all-nighters may be soon to follow. But all the preparation in the world won’t help your budding student have to quality study time he or she needs without the perfect study space. Choosing the right space, vibe and office furniture system could make the difference between a successful or mediocre year at school.

Step 1: Choose Your Space
Choosing the right room, corner, nook or cranny for your study space is essential to form good study habits. The place that you pick should be:

• large enough for a computer desk for a home office, computer armoire, or desk accompanied by storage space.
• well lit.
• free of distractions

A space you can associate with work and studying. (Many students shouldn’t choose a bedroom or rec room as those spaces are associated with sleeping and relaxing, rather than focusing.)

Your ideal space shouldn’t be in the hub of the house as the constant activity will most likely distract you, as will the television. At the same time, take into account the way you study the best: do you need music to focus? Wall space for posters or family pictures? A large bookcase for textbooks? Figure out what you need to create a great study space and then choose furniture that fits.

www.createhomeenvy.com

Step 2: Office Furniture Systems and Desks
The best tip for an effective work space is to choose a desk large enough to spread all of your papers, books, materials and resources out without everything spilling off the top. You’ll probably need space for a laptop as well (at the very least). Try to predict your storage needs as well; you may be better off with an office furniture system than buying separate pieces that don’t offer the storage space that you require. Take a trip to the furniture stores in your area and really try to envision what the desk or furniture will look like in the space you have created. Look at the quality as well- solid wood furniture is generally the best choice as it tends to stand the test of time; some furniture stores will even create custom furniture at a low price that will suit your every need. 

You will most likely need enough space for:

• Computer
• Office or study supplies
• Printer
• Books and study materials
• Personal touches: lamps, pictures, speakers, etc.

Sometimes a little, thin computer desk just won’t cut it!

Choosing your seating is very important as well; don’t get the first cheap chair with wheels that you come across; test them out. You may find that you’d rather sit in a wood chair that a padded one, or have a chair with wheels rather than a one that doesn’t move.

Also, make sure to personalize the desk and area with items that make you feel comfortable (but not distracted.)

Step 3: Work Towards Excellent Study Habits
Forming good study habits can be tough – not many of us are excited to sit down and do extra work. But there are ways of making the study time easier and more productive.

1. Make a study schedule: set aside a regular study time.
2. Get rid of distractions: hide posters, toys, electronic devices, etc. that may distract you.
3. Keep your space organized: make sure that 5 minutes at the end of every session is left for tidying and organizing.
4. Only use your space for studying and study materials: if you start to store other items at your desk, or goof around at your space, you will start getting distracted much more easily.
5. Have your space well lit: working in lighting that is too dim can lead to headaches and eye strain.

Forming good study habits and having a successful year is just on the horizon! Whether you’re the student or the parent of a budding scholar, be sure to make the right choices for your perfect study space.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is an avid home decorating fan and loves to frequent furniture stores in Edmonton and area.

How to Organize Your Self Storage Unit

Whether you’re renting a self storage unit for a short term or a long period of time, proper organization is the key to keeping your sanity when trying to access your goods. Many people also don’t realize that a logical organized approach to self storage can mean the difference between keeping your items safe, undamaged, and ending up with the scattered remains of the good china on the cold cement floor. Here are some tips to plan and organize your self storage unit and keep your belongings safe and secure.

www.gatekeeperselfstorage.ca

Before you start to pack, organize!
Throwing your possessions willy-nilly into boxes is not a good idea. First, plan your attack. Make an itemized list of everything going into storage. Sort those items into categories (i.e. kitchen / dinnerware; kitchen/ utensils) and then group together for easier storage.

Never seal a box without labeling it clearly on all sides. And be sure to indicate whether or not the contents are fragile. 

Number your boxes and add the numbers to your inventory list. If you need to access any boxes, you’ll know that the good kitchen knives are in Box 59. It doesn’t take long to do this and it can save you loads of time searching and when unpacking time rolls along.

Get consistently sized, good quality boxes. Whether you’re using cardboard or plastic, consistently sized boxes make stacking a lot easier. See through plastic boxes protect items from not only crushing, but also water damage. If you are using the less expensive option of cardboard, try and procure new packing boxes so the cardboard isn’t broken down and ripped.

Packing Tips
Pack your small valuables in drawers of larger furniture. They can be packed in peanuts, towels, bubble wrap or blankets but be sure to have those items included on your inventory list (i.e. large oak dresser / costume jewelry (top), china figures (middle), candlesticks and candles (bottom). Just be wary of the total weight of your furniture piece after it’s packed!

Don’t over pack OR underpack your boxes. Over packing can lead to too much wear and tear on the boxes and item damage; under packing can lead to immediate crushing of the boxes.

Filling the Storage Space
Clean your unit before filling. No matter which storage facility you choose, there is most likely going to be dirt, dust, spider webs and remnants of the last owner in your new unit so it is advisable to sweep it out at the very least. If the unit has really seen better days, a basic dilution of water and some environmentally friendly bleach or cleaning solution should do the trick.

Fill your unit wisely. 

• Packing your storage space is a lot like packing a grocery bag: the heaviest items should be on the bottom (furniture, books, etc.)
• Put the items you will need access to in the interim near the front so you can have easy access.
• Don’t stack the boxes too high. This can lead to not only item damage, but also personal injury when you’re in the unit.

Unpacking will be a breeze if you take the time to organize, plan and prepare before you pack and fill your unit.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is currently researching self storage in Stony Plain and organizational tactics.

Keeping Kids Safe: Halloween Tips for Toddlers and Preschoolers

www.babyandbeyond.ca

The spooky season is approaching and parents are starting to ask the big question: “What do you want to be for Halloween?” This spook-tacular time of year is a blast for toddlers and preschoolers who are just starting to trick-or-treat on their own, and a blast for parent picking out their kids’ costumes. When it comes to all Hallow’s Eve however, trick-or-treating can be scarier for the parents than the children; there are a lot of safety hazards to think about. Many Moms and Dads are turning to malls for candy, but we think the traditional neighbourhood pilgrimage is still the most fun if you follow some basic Halloween Safety tips!

1.       The Perfect Fit. Find a costume that fits your little one properly and doesn’t drag or have too many flowing pieces. Thos little legs have a hard enough time navigating bumpy sidewalks in the dark and can get caught up in long dresses or dragging capes; make sure to hem costumes that are too long.

2.       Dress for the Weather.  Halloween night can be downright cold so make sure your child has the proper clothing on to beat the chill. Be sure to leave a little extra wiggle room in the girth of the costume so sweaters and maybe even long johns can fit underneath. Most children’s stores, Canadian baby Boutiques and even supermarkets are now selling cute gloves and hats that can easily be worn as an accessory to a ghastly outfit.

3.       Don’t hide that face! It has been said before but we’ll say it again: instead of masks, wear makeup! Masks may look cool, but unfortunately they can seriously hamper a child’s ability to breath and see properly. If your kid’s costume simply just won’t work without the mask try these tips to make them safer:

·         Cut off the bottom portion of the mask and leave the mouth free to breathe. Simply use makeup to accentuate the bottom portion of the face.

·         Cut the eyeholes a bit bigger. Again, you can use cheap, store-bought makeup to fill in the gaps a bit (be careful not to get the makeup too close to those precious peepers!)

·         Situate the mask properly. Make sure the mask is in the right place and tightened enough so it will stay where it is supposed to be.

4.       Lighten the load. Little legs can only go so far, so fast without any help carrying the load and a tuckered toddler is no fun. Candy gets heavy Mom & Dad! Don’t load your tot down with weapons, bags and accessories: take the bare minimum. If your little one is REALLY little, think about taking a wagon for rides if they get too tired (or to carry all their Halloween booty!)

5.       Be Seen. Even though it’s dark for little boys and ghouls on Halloween night and they still need to make themselves be seen. If you can’t choose a bright costume (Dracula wears all black!) then try and incorporate some reflective tape on pillowcases, jack o’ lanterns, shoes, etc. Or, consider glowsticks and glowstick bracelet and necklaces (available at a ‘dollar store” near you.) The brighter your child is, the more likely it is they will be seen by passing drivers.

6.       Learn the rules of the road. Even if your kids are accompanied by an adult, they still need to recognize the dangers of the road. Caution them not to run out across the road, but instead to always cross at sidewalk corners where possible. If you are with a group of kids, form a hand-holding chain before you cross.

7.       House Rules. Before you venture out, chat with your kids about the Halloween house rules.

·         Step off of the porch after yelling your “Trick-or-treat” to avoid getting knocked down by the door.

·         Only go to houses with their porch light on and watch for pumpkins lit with candles –they can be a fire hazard.

·         Never go inside to get candy – make the candy come to you!

·         Don’t dip into treats before you get home – always have them checked by an adult first.

Have fun this Halloween and be safe. Make sure that the only thing that’s terrifying this year are your little monsters!

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is a Mom of two boys and loves writing about holiday tips for kids and infants and kids costumes for Halloween.

7 Tools for Better Internal Communication: Intranet Software Solutions - just the tip of the iceberg

Companies, organizations, school systems; no matter the size or purpose of the organization, it is more important now that ever in the global workforce to focus on proper internal communications. The most successful organizations are those with happy employees and employee satisfaction starts internally. Effective internal communication requires a well-thought out plan; one that encompasses the mission and values of the company or group.  Many executives, business owners and supervisors make the mistake of thinking that people can read their minds or that the memo sent out last week was not filtered directly into the “Trash” folder of employee inboxes. Effective internal relations involve modern intranet software solutions, actual face-to-face time and a willingness to listen.

1.       Intranet Software Solutions: Recognizing the effect that good internal communication has on the success of businesses, many software companies have come out with their versions of intranet software or document sharing software. Some software is even specifically designed for certain industries. Intranets are like internal bulletin boards that employees or members can use to access all of the current company information, news, events, celebrations, reports, etc. without paper copies and internal happenings away from the public eye. Intranet postings replace paper memos and company-wide emails. Instead of printing out copies of documents that get lost in the “In-Box”, unfinished documents and reports are shared via the intranet. As well, group discussions can happen in a fraction of the time it would take to have a lengthy phone conference.  Employees can make more informed decisions and make more time-effective choices when checking an organization’s intranet.

2.       Creating Company Policies: Many companies have very steadfast policies , visions and missions but due to lack of communication they fail to convey the importance of the rules, regulations, tone and culture of the office. If a company or organizational policy handbook or statement is made available to all employees, less time will be wasted by supervisors gently enforcing or explaining the employer’s vision and direction.

3.       Detailed Job Descriptions: Accompanying every employee’s copy to the company Policy should be a detailed job description. If every employee has a complete description of their overall duties, there shouldn’t be much overlap in people’s tasks; this will make everyone’s job more time effective and efficient.

4.       Performance Reviews: All personnel have one question: How am I doing? And even if they don’t want to know, it’s an employer’s responsibility to tell them on at least a yearly basis. Employees generally want feedback and can then know that they are on the right track and what area’s need improvement (if any.) If also gives people a chance to personally and privately communicate any ideas, or concerns. As an employer, having a a “Job Well Done” chat (whether formal or informal) is essential  to employee well-being and confidence. It is also a great opportunity to review goals and job direction.

5.       Have Regular Meetings: Scheduling weekly or monthly meetings with the whole department is crucial for effective internal communications. Employees need to feel as though they are being heard; conversely this is the perfect time for management to hear feedback and new ideas from ther employees or team of employees.  If the department is too large for a sit-down meeting, consider other resources or communication tools like Skype.

6.       Make Procedures a Priority: Every company should have a set of procedures for every situation. Also, desk references and templates are a must. Posting them on the company intranet will give all employees another way to be time efficient when creating reports, filing, contacting customers or sending proposals. This will reduce frustration over producing original documents, etc.

7.       Celebrate Accomplishments: Whether people are retiring, starting a family or reaching their goals, they deserve a chance to be recognized for their hard work and team efforts. They also deserve a chance to see employers publicly recognize and congratulate them.

Internal communications can most definitely make or break an organization and should be a priority for all business owners, CEOs and management. Not only can they retain employees and reduce costs, they can also learn a thing or two along the way.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is currently researching internal communications and Sharepoint Alternatives.