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Showing posts with label 2014 at 08:00AM. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2014 at 08:00AM. Show all posts

Friday, 21 February 2014

How to Set up Indoor Photography Lights


If you are creating an indoor studio, whether temporary or permanent, you will need to have a good and consistent setup so that you know what you will be getting when you take the photographs. Read here to get an understanding of what you need to do.


Edit Steps



  1. Have the recommended minimum of 3 three lights. You will get the best effect, if you do. Having said that, if you don’t, make adjustments, such as your lights and the window, and you can use your wall and ceiling as a reflectors for the light you do have. The lights are the

  2. To start with, set the key light behind or beside the camera, to the right (subject’s left). This is assuming that the key light will be off camera. If it is on its own tripod. The main light adds definition and highlight to the subject


  3. Add the fill light. The fill light is a less powerful light that helps fill in some of the shadows without blowing out parts of the photograph. Set it up directly in front of the subject. Make sure that:


    • It is aimed lower than the main light.

    • It is positioned lower than the main light.

    • Use less fill light if you want more shadows.

    • Make sure that it is less powerful than the main light.



  4. Set up the hair light. The hair light (also called backlighting or rim lighting), separates the background from the subject and helps bring it out. If you have a light background or want the subject to blend in with the background, don’t use it.


    • You can set up the rim lighting above or below the subject, depending on how you want the effect.



  5. Once all the lights are set up, start moving them around. Move them closer and further away from the subject to see which result you get.


  6. Experiment with how much power your flash is using. Full power, versus 1/4 power, etc.


  7. As well as changing the distance of the lights, work on the angles. Try them lower and higher.



Edit Video


Edit Things You’ll Need



  • Tripods

  • Off camera light sources

  • Modifiers

    • Reflectors

    • Diffusers

    • Soft box (optional)



  • Triggers for your remote flashes


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Thursday, 20 February 2014

How to Freeze Your Credit


If you suspect theft or have lost an item of personal identification, such as driver’s license, Social Security card, or credit card, you are at risk of having your identity stolen. Once a thief has this information, it is easy for him or her to get credit in your name. For this reason, you need to know how to freeze your credit with all three credit reporting agencies. Freezing your credit prevents new credit or new loans from being given out in your name.


Edit Steps


Edit Part One: Placing the Freeze



  1. Contact the three main credit bureaus (links provided below) to begin the process. There are three main credit bureaus which are charged with maintaining a kind of status report on your credit. They are Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian. In order to assure that all possible lines or credit or credit reports are frozen, you’ll need to reach out to all three bureaus — not just one. When contacting the three bureaus, expect to provide your name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number.


  2. Be prepared to pay a fee in some states. In some states but not all, placing a freeze on your credit will cost a nominal fee of $5-$10. If you are victim of identity theft, placing a credit freeze is almost always free[2]


  3. Wait for each credit bureau to send you a PIN. Within 5 days, the credit reporting agency should place the freeze. Within 10 days, they should send you written confirmation of the freeze, along with a personal identification number (PIN) which will allow you to either thaw or remove the freeze entirely.


    • Thawing the credit freeze simply means temporarily lifting the freeze for a specified amount of time. You might use your PIN to thaw the freeze so that a reporting agency can issue a credit report for you to use or examine.

    • Removing the credit freeze means permanently lifting the injunction against issuing a new line of credit or a credit report.



  4. Continue to safeguard your credit and identity after placing the freeze. Continue to be vigilant about your credit and identity, especially if you were a victim of identity theft. Report all lost of stolen items of personal identification to the relevant authorities and try to mend any inaccurate or damaging information that may be affecting your credit score.




Edit Part Two: Understanding What the Freeze Does and Doesn’t Do



  1. Understand that freezing your credit merely prevents access to your credit report. What this means is that new credit or new loans cannot be given out, since lenders need access to credit reports in order to determine the creditworthiness of an applicant. Freezing your credit, then, is like putting a bandaid on a wound: It will prevent future bleeding, but it won’t heal the cut.


  2. Know that freezing your credit has no impact on your existing lines of credit. You can continue to use your old credit cards as usual after placing the freeze; freezing credit applies only to future, not current, lines of credit.[3]


    • Freezing your credit does not mean that you do not need to pay your credit card bills. Just as you are able to use existing credit cards, you are also expected to pay existing credit cards. Placing a freeze on your credit does not exempt you from needing to pay your bills.



  3. Know that placing and/or keeping a credit freeze will affect timely approval of certain financial requests. It almost goes without saying, but having your credit frozen could affect approval of new loans, as well as:


    • Credit, mortgage, and insurance applications, as well as certain government services

    • Rental housing, employment, and investment approval

    • Cell phone and utility bills

    • Your digital signature

    • Various credit card transactions over the internet



  4. Remember to lift a credit freeze before shopping for a new line of credit. If you’re in the market for a new line or credit, you can thaw your frozen credit for a specific creditor, or remove it completely if you’re in the process of shopping around.[4] Remember to do this a few days before you apply in order to be completely sure your application won’t bounce.



Edit Tips



  • If you are able to prove that you are the victim of identity theft, security freeze fees are waived by all 3 credit bureaus.


Edit Warnings



  • If you need to apply for credit, or if you are applying for new employment, you need to temporarily lift the security freeze so you are able to complete both processes.


Edit Things You’ll Need



  • Police report

  • Personal information

  • Computer with Internet access


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How to Become a Tailor


Tailors typically repair and alter existing clothes, but they may also create new garments from patterns or designs. You will need to know how to sew, join, reinforce, and finish clothing in order to be successful in this field. While the prerequisites to becoming a tailor are not especially demanding, establishing a successful career as a tailor can be difficult. Keep reading for more information.


Edit Steps


Edit Part One: Education



  1. Earn a high school diploma. There are no official educational requirements for becoming a tailor. As a general rule, though, you should at least have a high school diploma or GED, especially if you intend to work as a tailor for a larger fashion company.

    • Check with your high school to see if there are any classes that might prove relevant to the field. At the very least, you should try to take a home economics course. Some high schools may even have more in-depth sewing courses that can teach you about fashion design, hand sewing, and industrial power sewing.[1]

    • Take art electives to help you develop a better aesthetic taste so that you will be more prepared to work with color and style.

    • Make sure that your classes also help you maintain basic math skills so that you will have no problem working with measurements.

    • A business class or two can also help if you plan on becoming a self-employed tailor.

    • Work-study courses can be beneficial, too, since the instructor might be able to help you land work with someone in the fashion industry.



  2. Take college level courses. Even though you do not need to have a college degree, you can benefit from taking college classes about fashion and design.


    • In addition to being beneficial for your own improvement, having college coursework or a college degree might make your employer more likely to consider you for higher level jobs. You may even work your way up the chain and be placed in charge of other tailors as a supervisor.

    • Check with local community colleges and technical schools since they are more likely to have sewing, design, and fashion courses than four-year liberal arts colleges. The classes at a community college or technical school will also be cheaper.

    • Look for schools that offer a variety of courses at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.

    • Study matters related to clothing construction, patterns, textiles or fabrics, finishes, detailing, and fit.

    • Ideally, your classes should provide you with textbook information and plenty of practice sewing exercises.



  3. Consider taking business classes. Many tailors end up being self-employed. While it is not strictly necessary, you might find it beneficial to take a few business and business finance courses at the college level to prepare you for the responsibilities and duties involved in running your own business.

    • Look for business classes at community colleges in your area. Pay close attention to general business classes, business finance classes, entrepreneurship classes, marketing classes, and any other class dealing with small business topics.




Edit Part Two: Experience



  1. Work as an apprentice. One of the best things you can do to prepare yourself for work as a professional tailor is to take an apprenticeship under a tailor who is already established in the business. An apprenticeship will train you in the skills you need to enter the business, and the experience will look good on your resume or CV.


    • You might be able to find an apprenticeship program working with an alteration tailor, custom tailor, or shop tailor. An official alteration tailor apprenticeship will consist of roughly 4000 hours of work, while apprentices to custom tailors and shop tailors will complete roughly 8000 hours.

    • The tailor you apprentice under will start you with simple tasks related to sewing, mending, and altering garments. As you demonstrate skill and understanding, you will be given more complex tasks.



  2. Opt for informal training, if necessary. Since actual apprenticeships can be difficult to come by, you can also obtain a little training simply by working with a tailor or in an alterations department doing tasks that are not directly related to the work of the tailor.

    • If you cannot land an official apprenticeship, try to get hired part-time in an alterations department at a clothing store or other similar workplace. Even if you do nothing but answer phones, tidy up, and schedule appointments, you will at least gain knowledge about the atmosphere you can expect to work in as well as any essential terminology or concepts.



  3. Practice retail work. A tailor will need to work with the public, so practicing your salesmanship and customer service will be beneficial to you in the long-run. Moreover, having retail work experience could actually look good on your resume or CV if you decide to apply for a job with a professional tailor or alterations department.

    • You need to develop communication and interpersonal skills so that customers will feel comfortable with you as you take measurements and discuss the best ways to improve their garments.

    • While all retail work will give you some experience working with the public, some jobs are better than others. Part-time jobs in department stores, clothing stores, shoe stores, stores specializing in accessories are preferable to fast food or sit-down restaurant work. Store jobs, especially those just mentioned, will get you accustomed to the fashion retail setting instead of any generic retail setting. On the other hand, jobs at pet stores, convenient stores, and grocery stores have nothing to do with the industry and therefore are not as ideal.



  4. Refine your skills on your own. Official, professional training helps, but if you want to become an excellent tailor, you will need to practice on your own time, as well. If you plan on being self-employed, self-training might even be enough to get you started.


    • You can browse around at a book store for manuals that can teach you new sewing techniques or more information about fabric types, fashion design, and other topics related to the field.

    • You can also look for video demonstrations online to learn about different sewing techniques if you need more precise, step-by-step examples to follow.



  5. Train with the tools of the trade. No matter how you choose to get your training and work experience in before you start your career as a tailor, you should make sure that you have plenty experience with the actual tools used in that line of work.[2]


    • You must be proficient in using a standard cloth measuring tape as well as other measuring instruments. Measuring tape is usually used for body measurements, but a short ruler is usually used for buttonhole spacing and hem lengths. French curve rulers help tailors work with angled seam lines.

    • You also need to work with professional level sewing machines and sergers. Learning when use different settings on these machines, different needle types, and different thread types should also be done.

    • Use a range of cutting tools, including sewing scissors, trimming shears, and rotary cutters. Know when to use each one and for what purpose.




Edit Part Three: Finding Work



  1. Determine whether to work for yourself or for someone else. There are pros and cons for both options, of course, so you will need to review those before making your decision. Prepare for both paths to give your career more versatility, but focus your efforts on the path you desire.

    • Working for someone else limits the amount of responsibility and worry you need to have over the management or marketing of the business. The downside, however, is that you have less freedom over the work you take and will not reap the full earnings of your work.

    • If you are self-employed as a tailor, you will need to spend time on marketing and administrative tasks. You can set your own hours and conditions, though, and you can also keep more of your earnings.

    • It is estimated that 44 percent of tailors are self-employed while 26 percent are employed in retail trade. The remaining 30 percent work for other services and industries.[3]



  2. Find work with a professional tailor. Professional tailors are often hired by department stores, bridal boutiques, and other clothing stores and manufacturers who need someone to make alterations on clothes.

    • If you do plan to work for someone else, look for job openings with textile and apparel manufacturers, department stores, and dry-cleaners. Any store or manufacturer that works in the fashion industry might be a possibility. You can also check with existing tailor shops to see if they need any additional help.



  3. Start your own business. Starting your own business as a tailor can be a difficult task, but doing so can give you more control over the work you accept, and you can begin right away without needing to be screened or interviewed by potential employers.

    • Review the legal and financial requirements for starting up your own business. Make sure that your business is registered and that you can secure financing.



  4. Develop a portfolio. Your portfolio should include photographs and samples of tailoring-related work you have done, including any work you have done in alterations or design. This portfolio can be a valuable asset when applying for jobs or finding clients.


    • A portfolio should include sample photographs of clothing you have altered and clothing you have designed. You can also include any design sketches you have, as well.

    • Try to include samples in a range of clothing styles, from casual to formal, and from men’s to women’s. Doing so will make you appear more versatile, making your talents more appealing.



  5. Join a professional organization. Professional organizations that consist of tailors and those in the clothing industry can provide you with support and additional educational resources. This can benefit you no matter which career path you take, but it is especially helpful if you decide to go into business for yourself.

    • Professional organizations worth checking out include the Custom Tailors and Designers Association, the American Sewing Guild, and the Embroidery Trade Association.

    • Professional organizations can make it easier for members to take continuing education courses. They might also provide tailors with the opportunity to join professional listings, and many organizations also provide marketing resources and networking opportunities.



  6. Attract clients. Unless you work for a department store that only allows you to do work for its clients, knowing how to attract your own clients is an important piece of knowledge to have if you want your career to thrive.

    • Make use of traditional advertisements, like newspaper ads, and digital advertisements, like social media accounts and business websites. Additionally, you should never underestimate the power of “word of mouth” advertisements. Happy clients will tell others, thereby spreading the word about your business.



  7. Know what to expect. If you have the passion and talent necessary for the job, working as a tailor can be very rewarding. This field has relatively poor job growth, however, and you should not expect to become too rich doing it.

    • As of May 2010, the median hourly wage for tailors was $12.77, while the median annual income usually comes to about $25,850.

    • In 2010, there were an estimated 57,500 tailoring jobs in the United States.

    • The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics only anticipates a 1 percent growth in employment opportunities for tailors from 2010 to 2020.[4]

    • Aspects affecting the lack of demand for tailors include the fact that most clothes are now produced cheaply in other countries, as well as the fact that the demand for more expensive custom clothing continues to decline.




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How to Ask for a Pay Raise



If you feel like you have been doing an excellent job at work, don't be afraid to approach your employer for a raise. Many people are afraid to ask for raises even though they know they deserve them, making excuses like, "The economy is so down right now" or "I'll never find a good time." If this sounds like you, then it's time to stop getting in your own way and to start making a game plan for getting the higher salary you deserve. If you want to know how to ask for a pay raise, just follow these steps.

Edit Steps


Edit Part One: Gathering Information



  1. Make sure you have leverage. Getting a pay raise in most industries is hard to achieve unless you have leverage. Leverage can consist of such things as getting another job offer or doing above and beyond your job description consistently, effectively, and regularly.

    • If you are a “star employee,” a good company will often be able to find a bit extra to keep you satisfied. Be aware that it is a fairly standard tactic to tell you that the business is already over its annual budget, to try and deter you from asking.[2] This means that you need to know your worth as assessed against objective criteria (see below) and be persistent.

    • If you’ve already negotiated a pay deal with your boss, it may be harder to ask for more. Your boss assumes you’re happy with the amount you’re getting and isn’t going to be favorably disposed to adding more financial burden to the company without good reason.

    • Be careful about using another job offer as leverage. Your boss may call you on it; it’s important to really have such a job offer and be willing to take it if you’re rebuffed by your boss. Be ready to walk that plank!



  2. Have realistic expectations. If your company is already “over budget” and suffering as a result of the recession, cut-backs, or any other reasons, you might be better off waiting until later. During a recession period, some companies will not be able to provide pay raises without also endangering your job. However, this doesn’t mean that you should use this as an excuse to delay asking for a raise indefinitely.


  3. Know your company’s policies. Read the employee handbook (and company intranet, if you have one), or better yet, talk to someone in Human Resources. Here are some things you should figure out:

    • Does your company require annual performance reviews to determine your salary?

    • Do salaries advance according to a fixed schedule or rank?

    • Who can make the decision (or ask for it to be made)?



  4. Know what you’re worth – objectively. It’s easy to believe you’re worth more, especially if you feel as if you’re giving 110 percent every day, but you need to demonstrate this objectively by assessing your worth against that of others in the same industry. Many employers say they don’t give a raise until the employer does 20% more work than he did when he was initially hired. Here are some things you can take into account when you consider your worth:


    • Your job description

    • Your responsibilities, including any management or leadership tasks

    • Years of experience and seniority in the company’s line of work

    • Your level of education

    • Your location



  5. Gather some market data for similar positions. While this may be something you took into account when you first negotiated your salary, your role and responsibilities may have changed. Look to similar levels in the industry to see what others are being paid for similar work. Find out the usual salary range for those who do what you do in your region or area. Getting market data for comparable positions can help you feel more knowledgeable when you talk to your boss. You can check out comparable positions at Salary.com, GenderGapApp, or Getraised.com.[3]


    • While these things will be helpful when you build your case, they should not be used as the principal argument for getting a pay raise; they inform you about your worth, not your boss.[4]




Edit Part Two: Building a Case



  1. Prepare a list of your accomplishments. This list reminds you of your own worth and provides an objective basis for your demands. While some people believe it’s helpful to write down accomplishments to present to your boss, others believe your accomplishments should already be evident and you should only need to remind your boss verbally.[5] It depends on what you know about your boss’s preferences, your relationship dynamics with your boss, and your own level of comfort with reciting your accomplishments verbatim.


    • If you choose to convince your boss verbally, memorize the list.

    • If you choose to present a written copy to your boss for his or her reference, have somebody proofread it for you first.



  2. Review your work history. Pay particular attention to projects you’ve worked on, problems you’ve helped solve, and how business operations and profits have improved since you started. This is about more than just doing your job well, which you’re already expected to do, but about going above and beyond the duties of your job. Some questions to consider when developing your case include:


    • Did you complete or help to complete a tough project? And get positive results from it?

    • Did you work extra hours or meet an urgent deadline? Are you continuing to demonstrate this type of commitment?

    • Did you take initiative? In what ways?

    • Did you go beyond the call of duty? In what ways?

    • Did you save the company time or money?

    • Did you improve any systems or processes?

    • Did you support or train others? As Carolyn Kepcher says, “A rising tide lifts all boats,”[6] and a boss wants to hear that you’ve helped others.



  3. Consider your future value to the company. This tells your boss that you’re always one step ahead in thinking about where the company is headed.[7]

    • Be sure you have long-term goals and objectives that will benefit the company in the future.

    • Keeping an existing employee happy is also less of a hassle than conducting interviews and hiring a new one. While you don’t want to say this outright, emphasizing your future with the company will definitely resonate with your boss.



  4. Decide what level of pay raise you’re looking for. It’s important not to be greedy and to remain realistic.


    • The usual tactic of negotiating from a much higher point isn’t as good an idea with salary increase requests because your boss might think you’re being ridiculous.

    • Break it down so that it doesn’t seem too huge; for example, explain it as been an extra $40 a week rather than $2,080 per year.[8]

    • You can also negotiate for more than just a pay raise. Maybe you’re happy to take other things in lieu of money, such as stocks or shares in the company, a wardrobe allowance, rental assistance, or even a promotion in your title. Ask for a company car, or a better one. If appropriate, talk about benefits, titles, and modifications to your responsibilities, management, or assignments.

    • Be prepared to compromise and haggle. Even though you haven’t given your boss an unrealistic figure, still expect some bargaining to go on if your boss is receptive to the request.



  5. Don’t be afraid to ask. Though it can be hard to get a pay rise, it’s worse to fall into the mindset of not asking for a pay rise, ever.


    • In particular, women are often afraid to ask for a pay rise due to pressure not to appear demanding or pushy.[9] See this as an opportunity to show that you care enough to develop a career trajectory that favors your workplace as well as yourself.

    • Negotiation is a learned skill. If you are afraid of this aspect, take some time out to learn it and practice implementing it in a variety of contexts before approaching your boss.



  6. Choose the right time. Successful requests are all about good timing. What have you done within a demonstrable time period that has made you more valuable to the firm or organization? It doesn’t make sense to ask for a pay rise when you’ve not yet demonstrated anything amazing for the firm — regardless of long you’ve been there.

    • The time is right when your value to the organization is clearly high.[10] This means seizing the iron while it’s hot and asking for a pay raise off the back of excellent successes such as holding a highly successful conference, getting fantastic feedback, getting a big client signed on, producing outstanding work that outsiders have praised, etc.

    • Don’t choose a time when the company has just posted major losses.[11]

    • Asking for a pay rise based purely on “time done” is dangerous because it makes you appear like a timekeeper rather than someone interested in the company’s progression. Never say to your boss: “I’ve been here for a year and I deserve a pay rise.”[12] Your boss will be likely to respond, “And so what?”




Edit Part Three: Asking for a Raise



  1. Make an appointment to talk to your boss. Set time aside. If you just walk up and ask for a raise, you’ll seem unprepared — and come across like you don’t deserve one. You don’t have to give too much advance notice, but do seek privacy and a time you know you won’t be interrupted. For example, when you walk in to work in the morning, say: “Before you leave, I’d like to speak with you.”


    • Remember, a face-to-face request is far harder to turn down than a letter or email.

    • Try to avoid Monday, when there will be a million things to do, or Friday, when your boss may already have other things on his mind.



  2. Present yourself well. Be confident, not arrogant, and stay positive. Speak politely and clearly to better maintain your composure. And finally, keep in mind that it probably won’t be half as bad to ask as it did to work up the nerve! When you talk to your boss, lean in a bit if you’re sitting down. This will help project confidence.


    • Start by saying how much you enjoy your job. Being personable will help make that human connection with your boss.

    • Follow up by discussing your achievements. This will show your boss why a pay rise matters to you.



  3. Ask for the raise in specific terms and then wait for your boss’s response. Don’t just say, “I want a raise.” Tell your boss how much more money you want to make in percentage terms, such as wanting to make 10% more money. You can also talk in terms of how much you would like your yearly salary to increase. Whatever you say, be as specific as possible, so your boss sees that you’ve really thought it through. Here are the things that can happen:


    • If it’s an outright “no,” see the next section.

    • If it’s “I need time to think about this,” try to pinpoint a future time for reopening the discussion.

    • If your boss agrees immediately, say something like, “Don’t say yes unless you mean it” as a means of reinforcing it in his or her mind and then proceed to “hold your boss” to it (see below).[13]



  4. Thank your boss for his or her time. This is important regardless of the answer you’ve been given.You can even go “over and above” by giving your boss more than they’re expecting from you, such as a thank-you card or lunch invitation to say thanks. Consider sending a follow up email as well even if you’ve said thank you person multiple times.[14]


  5. Hold your boss to the promise. If the answer was yes, the final hurdle may be actually receiving the raise. Back-pedaling – or even simple forgetfulness — are always possibilities. Don’t jump to conclusions if the raise doesn’t go into effect right away. Things do go wrong: your boss might encounter resistance from the higher-ups or face budgetary problems, etc.


    • Making your boss feel bad about reneging (for example, mentioning someone you know who asked for a pay rise only to have a boss take it back and how staff morale plummeted). This will have to be done subtly and with tact.

    • Ask when your boss will implement the pay rise. A subtle way of doing this might be to ask if there is anything you need to sign to put it into effect.

    • Go one step further and tell your boss: “I guess that you’ll have this arranged by the end of the month after you’ve approved the paperwork,” etc.; this puts a plan into action so that he or she doesn’t have to.




Edit Part Four: Dealing with a Refusal



  1. Don’t take it personally. If you allow the rejection to sour your attitude or affect your work, your boss will probably feel like (s)he made the right decision. If you develop a reputation for having a bad attitude or for not accepting feedback, then your boss will be even more likely to give you a raise. Once your boss gives his final verdict, be as gracious as possible. Don’t walk out of the room and slam the door.


  2. Ask your boss what you can do differently. This demonstrates your willingness to take your boss’s opinions into account. It may be that both of you can agree on increased responsibilities and activities over a certain time period that gradually leads to a new role and a pay increase. This will also demonstrate your commitment to your job and your ability to work hard. Your boss will see you as a go-getter and you’ll be on his radar the next time raise season rolls around.


    • If you are a star employee, keep performing excellently and ask again in a few months time.



  3. Send a follow-up email saying thank you.[15] This provides a dated, written record that you can remind your boss of in future negotiations. It will also remind your boss that you’re grateful for the conversation that you had and shows him that you have follow-through.


  4. Be persistent. Your desire for a pay rise is now out in the open and your boss should be concerned about the possibility that you are looking for work elsewhere. Set a date for when you will ask again. Until that time, be sure to kick your work into high gear. Don’t slack off just because you’re disappointed that you won’t be getting a raise yet.


  5. Consider looking elsewhere if the situation doesn’t change. You should never have to settle for less than you deserve. If you’re shooting higher than your company is willing to pay, maybe it’s better to apply for a different position that has a higher salary — either with your company or another one. Think this possibility through carefully; there’s no need to burn bridges just because your conversation with your boss didn’t go well.


    • It’s better to stick with it for a little while longer to try to work for that raise. But if months have passed and you haven’t gotten the recognition you deserve in spite of your hard work, then don’t feel bad about seeing what other companies have to offer.




Edit Video


Edit Tips



  • It’s not a good idea to justify asking for a pay raise by simply stating, “I need the money.” It’s a much better idea to prove that you deserve a pay raise, by emphasizing your value to the company. Documenting your accomplishments is a good way to do that. For example, you might include your accomplishments in a “presentation” to show your boss, a “cheat sheet” to refer to while negotiating your pay raise, or a letter asking for an appointment to discuss it. Be specific, use examples.

  • Have a reasonable figure in mind (e.g., from salary surveys) and prepare to negotiate. Be nice but firm when negotiating, and don’t get emotional. (Remember, it’s business, not personal.) If your employer doesn’t grant you a satisfactory pay raise, try negotiating concessions such as performance-based bonuses, or extra paid time off, perks or benefits. Whatever you succeed at negotiating, ask for it in writing with authorizing signatures.

  • Prior to asking for any raise or increase in compensation, be sure that you’ve handled any and all projects, jobs, and issues on your plate. Asking for a raise in the middle of something you’re currently working seldom works. Remember that timing matters!

  • Command a pay raise, don’t demand it. For example, you might tell your boss that you’d like to know what you can do to increase your salary or hourly wage in the near future, instead of insisting on a pay raise for your past accomplishments.

  • Look at your current job responsibilities and expectations. Ensure that you’re doing all of these fully and without reminder or having others cover your back. From there, try to identify areas that could be done more effectively with modifications, systematization or changes to procedures. Remember that managers view a pay raise as a reward for excelling not for time put in doing the minimum standard.

  • Follow the chain of command when asking for a pay raise. For example, if your immediate boss is a supervisor, don’t go over your boss’s head to the department manager. Instead, approach your immediate boss first and let him or her tell you the next step.

  • Improve your qualifications, if you can. You don’t have to wait around or make your case on seniority alone. Better qualifications mean that you can offer more to your employer. Take a class, get a certification or license, or take the initiative to learn new skills on your own. Then, use these achievements to demonstrate that you’re worth more than you used to be.

  • Check your employee policy manual (or similar document) for information related to asking for a pay raise. For example, if a policy states how to go about it, then follow it to the letter. But if a policy unconditionally states that your employer will not grant an out-of-cycle pay raise, it might be a good idea to stick it out until your next review and request a better-than-usual pay raise. Asking for such a pay raise will probably go over better than trying to buck the system.

  • Consider asking for more responsibilities to justify your pay raise. That will go over better than simply asking for more money, especially if your current responsibilities don’t require you to do much above the call of duty and your employer thinks that you’re adequately paid.

  • Many companies subscribe to industry salary surveys. Ask your boss to consult that information when determining your new compensation, especially if you think your pay has lagged behind that of your peers. It will lend credence to your well-researched comparisons.


Edit Warnings



  • Keep the discussion focused on your work, and your value. Never use personal issues, including financial shortfalls or other problems, as the reason for needing a raise. This is business and that demonstrates personal weakness, not something you want your boss to know. Talk in terms of the value of your services.

  • Stay positive. Do not use this time to gripe about management, coworkers, conditions, or anything else. And do not drag other co-workers into the equation for comparison. This will seem like sour grapes even if you’re praising them. If you must raise a concern for some reason, present it politely and come equipped with remedies and suggestions at a time different from asking for a pay rise.

  • The fact is that employers have much more experience in the field of negotiations. This is the reason why the biggest mistake an employee can make is being unprepared for the negotiation.

  • Think twice about threatening to quit if you don’t get a pay raise. It rarely works. No matter how valuable you think you are to the company, don’t make the mistake of thinking that you’re indispensable. Eager beavers willing to learn your job for less pay are almost always waiting in the wings. If you do quit later for lack of a raise, be careful what you say in your resignation letter so it doesn’t bite you down the road.

  • Recognize that your boss has deadlines and budgets to contend with.


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Friday, 14 February 2014

How to Do Winged Eyeliner

Winged eyeliner can be an alluring, sultry style when done right, but for makeup novices, it can be a tricky skill to master. If you have never tried winged eyeliner or have never managed to get the technique down, read on to learn how to create the look the right way.


Edit Steps


Edit Part One: Sketching the Outline Free Hand



  1. Apply pencil eyeliner to your upper lash line. Use a light pencil eyeliner to draw a thin line as close to your upper lash line as possible. The line should be as thin as possible, as well.[1]

    • Start from the inner corner of your eye and work toward the outer corner.

    • The line does not need to be especially neat at this point, even though it should be thin. You will end up going over the line again, so a little roughness will not make much difference at this point.

    • Keep your eyelid as flat as possible while doing this. If necessary, tilt your head back and just barely keep your eye cracked open as you apply the liner.



  2. Measure how far out the wing should go. Hold your eyeliner pencil at the end point of your bottom lash line. Point it upward diagonally so that it practically looks like a continuation of your lower lash line.

    • The line will extend diagonally up and out.

    • Note, however, that if you have a hooded eyelid, you may need to angle the wing more outward than upward to avoid the hooded part of the lid.



  3. Draw a thin diagonal line out to the end of the wing. This line should roughly match the guideline you visualized when holding the liner pencil against your eyelid. In other words, it should almost look like an extension of your lower lash line.

    • Begin at the very tip of the eyeliner line drawn above your upper lash line.

    • Draw a diagonal line roughly 45 degrees out and up.[2] The line should be heading in the general direction of the end of your eyebrow.

    • The length of the wing is up to you. A more subtle winged eyeliner look should have a short line at this point, but a more dramatic one can extend up to just below your brow bone. Never extend it all the way up to the eyebrow itself, though.



  4. Make a straight line from the tip to the middle of your eyelid. With your eyelid as flat and taut as possible, draw a straight diagonal line from the very tip o the wing down to the middle of your upper lash line

    • Keep the eye closed as you do this. Watch with the eye you are not currently working on.

    • Put the pointer finger of your non-dominant hand on your brow bone. Pull the upper lid slightly upward to keep it taut.

    • Draw the wing lines using your dominant hand.



  5. Fill in the outline. Use your pencil eyeliner to fill in the winged outline you just created until all the skin between the line is covered.

    • This does not have to be especially thorough if you plan on tracing over the pencil eyeliner with liquid liner later on.

    • Fill in the eyeliner as close to the eyelashes as possible to avoid gaps of skin peeking through. The idea is to blend your eyelashes into the eyeliner.



  6. Thicken the line at the inner eyelid. To make it appear as though the wing is getting thinner naturally as it goes into the eye, you should use short strokes of your eyeliner pencil to smooth out the corner between the end of your wing and the liner on the upper lash line.

    • The eyeliner should be its thinnest at the innermost corner, but it should appear as though it is gradually getting thinner in this direction.




Edit Part Two: Sketching the Outline with a Guide (Alternate Method)



  1. Place a small piece of tape at the corner of your eye. The piece of tape should extend from the corner of your eye toward the end of your eyebrow.[3]

    • For further guidance, the tape should line up from the nose to the outside corner of your eye, finally ending toward the tip of your brow. You should only have the tape extend from the corner of your eye to the brow, though, if possible.

    • If you want a more subtle, less angled wing, apply the tape at a slightly more outward angle instead of such an upright angle.

    • Make sure that the tape is pressed against your skin well so that no liner bleeds through as you apply it.

    • If your skin is too sensitive to use tape on, hold a credit card or other small, straight edged object against your skin at the same angle, instead.



  2. Apply liner along the upper lash line. Using a light eyeliner pencil, draw a thin line above your upper lash line. This line should be as thin as possible and as close to your upper lash line as possible. Extend the line all the way to the edge of the tape.

    • Start from the inner corner of your eye and work toward the outer corner.

    • The line does not need to be especially neat at this point since you will go over the line again. While a little roughness will not make much difference at this point, though, you should avoid making the line too thick since doing so will only make the end result look chunkier and unpleasantly thick.

    • Keep your eyelid as flat as possible while doing this. If you have trouble doing this with your face forward, tilt your head back and just barely keep your eye cracked open as you apply the liner.



  3. Trace the edge of the tape with your liner.[4] Starting at the end of the liner above your lash line, draw an angled line along the edge of the tape, stopping the line just below the brow bone.

    • Do not be afraid to get a little eyeliner on the tape. If you stuck it on securely enough, the liner should not bleed through. This is especially true if you are using a light pencil liner.

    • Carefully remove the tape when done.



  4. Go back over the line, making the outer edge thicker than the inner edge. Go back over the line of the wing and upper lash line with your eyeliner pencil. The outer edge should look thicker than the inner corner.

    • Do not start at the top tip of the wing. For aesthetic purposes, this part should be left as a fine point.

    • The outer part of the wing should come in at a curve. Most of the eyeliner should follow the natural shape of your eye, but the liner should be a little thicker toward the outer corner of the upper lash line and as thin as possible toward the inner corner.




Edit Part Three: Finalizing the Look



  1. Take a step back. Blink, walk around for a couple of minutes, and chase the look of your face from the freshest place in your mind before examining how your eyeliner looks. Make a judgment on your success or failure only after stepping away to give yourself fresh perspective.

    • As you examine the way the eyes look, you should also compare the way that both eyes look in relation to one another. The wings should be fairly even.



  2. Clean uneven edges or mistakes. If the pencil liner appears jagged or uneven at certain places, you can carefully clean it up by dipping an angled eyeliner or eye shadow brush into a bit of makeup remover and tracing over those edges.[5]

    • In a pinch, you could also use a cotton swab to erase mistakes. This will work even better if the cotton swab is pointed, but a round swab will work, as well.

    • Similarly, if you do not have any makeup remover, you could dip the tool into a small amount of concealer and gently apply the concealer over the mistake to mask it.



  3. Trace the pencil liner with liquid liner.[6] Darken the winged eyeliner outline by tracing over it with liquid eyeliner. Fill in the entire outline with this liquid liner.

    • By double-layering the eyeliner like this, you allow yourself more control over the shape and give yourself the ability to create a darker, more convincing wing shape.

    • Rest the elbow of your working hand on the table or counter. Doing this will help steady your hands as you apply the liner.

    • Make sure that you press the eyeliner wand or pen as close to the lash line as absolutely possible to prevent gaps between the eyelashes and eyeliner.



  4. Clean any additional edges or mistakes. If you made a mistake with the liquid liner, you can “erase” it using the same trick you used on pencil liner. Dip an angled eyeliner brush into makeup remover and trace over the offending edge or imperfection.

    • If you do not have an angled brush, you could use a cotton swab to erase mistakes, instead. A pointed, angled cotton swab will work best, but a round swab will work, as well.

    • If you do not have any makeup remover, the brush into a small amount of your best concealer and gently apply the concealer over the mistake to mask it.



  5. Let dry for 10 to 15 seconds. After applying the liquid liner, you need to let it dry briefly before you should blink. If you blink immediately after applying it, the eyeliner could smear.

    • If you do accidentally smudge a little of the liner, however, you can simply clean up the smear with a cotton swap soaked in makeup remover.



  6. Finished.


Edit Tips



  • If you want to skip the pencil eyeliner, you could apply the liquid liner directly by using a very thin brush.

  • Use a hands-free mirror to so that you have both hands to work with as you apply the winged eyeliner.

  • In general, the best time to apply eyeliner is after you have applied eye shadow but before you apply mascara. If you apply eye shadow after the liner, you may cover the liner by accident. If you apply mascara before you apply liner, your eyelashes might get in the way as you try to put the liner on.

  • Follow the natural shape of your eye as much as possible. Trying the change the shape of your eye can make your eye look smaller.[7]


Edit Things You’ll Need



  • Hands-free mirror

  • Light pencil eyeliner

  • Black liquid eyeliner

  • Thin eyeliner brush or cotton swab

  • Makeup remover or concealer

  • Tape


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Thursday, 13 February 2014

How to Make a Tutu Skirt


Tutus are the skirts used by ballet dancers when they perform, and by little children when they play dress up or pretend. Tutus must fit well, and be beautiful as well as durable. The sizes are basic, with an elastic waist and full tulle materials, and they can be made in any color or pattern desired. We’ll show you how easy it is to make one!


Edit Steps



  1. Take measurements. Have the tutu-wearer-to-be stand still, with their back straight.

    • With a measuring tape, measure around the waist with a measuring tape.

    • Measure from the waist to the part of the leg where the tutu skirt should end. Most tutus fall between 11 in. (28 cm) and 23 in. (58 cm) from the waist.




  2. Make the elastic waistband. Cut a piece of 1/2 inches (1.27 cm) elastic about 4 inches (10 cm) shorter than the waist measured.


    • Sew the ends of the elastic together with a sewing machine.


    • Use a variety of stitches to sew over the area 2 or 3 times to ensure the elastic will not come apart.


    • The end result will be a wide elastic circle. Have the person who will wear the tutu skirt try on the elastic, and make sure it is tight enough around the waist.




  3. Choose the tulle to be used in the homemade tutu skirt. Tulle comes in many different colors, and can be found in fabric stores, or arts and crafts stores.


    • Most tutus are a solid color, but different colors of tulle can also be used together.



  4. Cut the tulle to size. Take the desired finished length of the tutu and multiply it by 2. Add 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) to that number to get the length. Make each strip 3 inches (7.6 cm).


    • For example, if the length of the finished tutu will be 20 inches (50 cm), cut the tulle into strips 41.5 inches (105 cm) and 3 inches wide.



  5. Attach the tulle to the elastic band. Fold the tulle strips over the elastic. Stitch the front of the strip to the back piece with a sewing machine. Do this for all of the tulle strips, until the circle is complete.


  6. Check the fit. Have the recipient try on the tutu to make sure the length is correct and it is easy to dance in. Tutu skirts are often worn with a leotard or bodice on top, tights and ballet shoes.


  7. Finished.



Edit Video


Edit Tips



  • A sewing machine will be helpful, but not absolutely necessary. The elastic and the tulle can be stitched by hand, with a needle and thread. It will just take longer.

  • Buy more tulle than would seem to be necessary. For a tutu skirt for a small child, purchase at least 10 yards (9 m). For an adult, purchase at least 15 yards (13.7 m) for the ballet skirt. It is better to have extra on hand in case of mistakes, or corrections.


Edit Things You’ll Need



  • Elastic strip 1/2 inches (1.27 cm) wide

  • Tulle

  • Sewing machine


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Wednesday, 12 February 2014

How to Make Valentine’s Day Extra Special


The pressure that comes every February 14th should not overwhelm you from showing your loved ones just how much you care about them. Whether you’re in a relationship or single, there are simple ways to make Valentine’s Day extra special for the ones you love, not to mention yourself. Soon your loved ones will be thinking you were struck by Cupid’s arrow!


Edit Steps


Edit For your significant other



  1. Don’t forget! Mark your calendars, because the worst thing is to be caught off guard, struggling at the last minute to make Valentine’s Day special for your partner.

  2. Plan ahead. Procrastination leads to sloppiness. Start thinking about plans, reservations and gift ideas a week in advance to make sure everything plays out smoothly.


  3. Anything is better than nothing! Whatever you do, do not leave your partner empty-handed. A card, flowers and candy are all cliché, but clichés become that way for a reason; they’re effective.


  4. Make them feel loved. Valentine’s Day is all about expressing your love for someone. Give your partner your undivided attention, and go the extra mile to prove there’s no one you’d rather share this day with.


  5. Do something specific to your relationship. Whether it’s revisiting the site of your first date or surprising them with plans you’ve been talking about doing forever but kept putting off, showing your partner that you listen and hold reverence for moments in your relationship is the best way to go.


  6. Celebrate your love and relationship. Reflect on your relationship; relive the laughs, the romance and all the other little things that have made it so special. A photo scrapbook or slideshow, as well as mementos from dates are a great way to show nostalgia and sentimentality for your partner.



Edit For your family members



  1. Send them cards. Buy a pack of Valentine’s Day cards, right a quick loving message in them and mail them off to your family. It’s simple, but shows forethought and caring.


  2. Call them. Even if it’s just for a brief 5 minutes, calling up your parents to tell them you love them isn’t going to kill you. They’ll truly appreciate it and you’ll get an “I love you” back indefinitely.


  3. A simple sign of affection: If you’re around your family members, drop in for a visit and leave them with a hug or kiss. Take mom out to lunch or dad out to the golf course to hit a few balls.



Edit For your friends



  1. Celebrate with each other. Go out for a night on the town with your friends if you’re single. What better way to try to find love then going out with your friends and playing matchmaker for the night?


  2. Express how much your friendship means. Something as simple as a text wishing them a Happy Valentine’s Day or a Facebook post with heart emojis is a nice way to show that you may not share romantic love, but it’s still love all the same.


  3. Gift ideas for friends. Give each other silly gifts like a giant pink gorilla, or buy those giant heart-shaped boxes of chocolate and a bottle of wine and share amongst each other.



Edit For your crushes



  1. Go the extra mile. If you’re crushing on Valentine’s Day, a good way to really show that person your feelings is to do something they might not expect. Being there for them in any way could go a long way.


  2. Give them or make them something. This shows a lot of thought on your part and solidifies you as someone who cares about them. Whether it’s baking them a cupcake or slipping them a card, it’s the gesture that will resonate the most.


  3. Tell them you like them. If they’re single too and you’ve been flirting with the idea for a while, just go for it.



Edit For yourself



  1. Treat yourself. You love yourself (hopefully) so why not treat yourself to the same kind of love and affection you’re giving to others. Buy something for yourself or take an hour for some “me” time. You deserve it.


  2. Don’t beat yourself up for being single. Valentine’s Day is notorious for being a couples’ holiday. Don’t let the social stigma of this holiday knock you down if you happen to be single on this one day. It’s better to be single than to have a partner you choose to love out of convenience to satisfy the expectations of this holiday.


  3. Celebrate love in general. Love is universal, so celebrate this natural, all-encompassing human emotion. Celebrate your accomplishments, party with your friends or surround yourself with family. Love comes in all forms beyond just romance. Allow yourself to feel it in some way.


  4. Be the best you can be for your loved ones. It’s the one day of the year where everyone should take an extra minute and acknowledge the loved ones that you value, whoever they may be. It truly is the little things, and you’ll end up making someone’s day by expressing your love for them.



Edit Tips



  • If you truly love someone, use this day as an excuse to express that feeling. Finally. Anything, even a simple hug or an “I love you” can go a long way.

  • You don’t have to spend a lot of money to show your love and affection.

  • Don’t let the stress of the day get to you. Don’t overthink gifts or plans. Do what comes naturally in your relationships with your loved ones while actually taking the time to show and celebrate your love on this day.

  • You don’t need grand gestures to make Valentine’s Day truly special. Simply going out of your way to do something nice or thoughtful can make a huge difference.

  • Making something shows more thought and affection. Anyone can go out and buy something, but to actually put your own time and effort into making something, or setting up a marvelous date, shows serious commitment.

  • Make this day about your loved one. Do the things they like to do, or that you know they’ll respond well to. Remember to always keep their feelings and tastes in mind. Knowing these details and accommodating to them will make for a truly special Valentine’s Day they will always cherish.

  • Be conscious of when Valentine’s Day falls. You really only get one shot at making sure your cards, flowers or other gifts arrive for your loved ones on February 14th. Nothing is worse than a belated Valentine’s Day gift. Plan ahead, and plan accordingly.

  • Decorating with cut-out hearts or rose petals is a quick, easy way to show someone you care without having to put too much time or money into the sentiment.


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