Livingston Reporting - page 280

Influence Consumers Using Your Product’s Label

A product label is an intricate part of what influences consumers to buy your product.  A label identifies your product from similar products that are selling in the marketplace.  It is crucial for business owners to have a label designed that is plentiful for marketing and promotions as well as complete product information.  The label on a product is meant to provide an accurate ingredient list as well as to highlight everything that distinguishes you from the competition.  The more attention your label is able to grab from consumers the more likely they are to make a purchase.

When you are marketing your product within foreign markets your product package design and label will separate you from others.  If the item that you are selling is edible it is important that your label clearly states all the ingredients as well as what ingredients your product is free from such as nuts, gluten, dairy or other allergy inducing things.  Allowing your customers to be knowledgeable about your product makes it easier for them to commit and make an educated purchase right away.  The label should engage the customer and allure them into committing to buy.

A label embellishes your product and is made to continually bring attention to your product.  Not only should it grab their attention but it should drive them to make a purchase.  What is the best way to do this?  Marketers work diligently to design a perfect product label.  The label design should be professional, unique and engaging.  When a product is visually interesting people tend to want what you are offering.  When consumers are stimulated, which can be done with an appealing label, they often make a purchase.

When looking to produce a label there are several different types of labels to consider that are of higher quality.  A higher quality label will speak high volumes for your product.   There are a variety of superior types of labels including cut & stack, pressure sensitive, roll-fed and shrink sleeve labels.  If you are looking for labels that are printed directly on the product consider the option of flexible packaging.  Flexible packages are good for products ranging from chemicals, beverages and nutritional supplements.

The products tag or label as it is more commonly referred to delivers information, grabs the attention of consumers and help to inspire a purchase.  With each of these features working together it is remarkably easy to persuade the buying decision of your customers.

At Anchor Printing, we take pride in offering our clients cut & stack labeling, pressure sensitive labels, roll-fed labeling, shrink sleeves as well as flexible packaging options. Contact us today at http://anchorprinting.com for all of your label design, printing and packaging needs.

The Advantages Of Shrink Sleeves

There are a number of options when it comes to choosing a label for your product.  Common options in product labeling are cut & stack, pressure sensitive, roll-fed, and shrink sleeve labels.  A main way that companies bring attention to their brands without depleting their budget is to use shrink sleeve to label their products.   At the supermarket checkout the different products that from beverages to pharmaceuticals that use shrink sleeve labeling.  Here are a few things to help you consider if shrink sleeve marketing is the right option for your product.

Shrink Sleeve Labeling and Marketing

One of the best things about shrink sleeves is their ability to fit any shape or size product your company offers for sale.  Shrink sleeves can be designed to fit your products no matter how odd the shape of the package.   If you have a lightning bolt or heart shaped package consider shrink sleeve labels as they can be designed to properly encase your product as well as to offer effective marketing that draws consumers to purchase your product.

When it comes to tamper proof packaging sleeves offer an unmatched level of protection.  When you your entire package and it conforms to the shape of the product it makes it almost impossible to interfere with product inside.  This makes sleeves one of the best options for food and beverage manufacturers.

Standard labeling allows for front packaging marketing.  Standard front labels leave a tremendous amount of wasted space on the back and sides of the package.  This space left blank is valuable promotional space and should be used wisely.  Shrink sleeve manufacturing allows for 360 degree marketing space for your products label.  No matter what direction your product sits on the shelf you will have prime advertising space that can be seen by your customers.

As a product manufacturer marketing is an incredibly costly endeavor.  Some label choices are expensive to produce and since the product label is not something that changes often it is important to choose wisely from the start of label production.  Shrink sleeve labels are created using a thin plastic film.  The thin film is relatively inexpensive in comparison to other label options and can be printed using a variety of techniques.

With all the different options to consider in product labeling it is obvious that you want to make an educated decision.  Shrink sleeves offer a variety of qualities that make them attractive including that they can be designed to fit any shape product, they are tamper proof, there is not wasted space and they are inexpensive to produce over other options in product labeling.

At Anchor Printing, we take pride in offering our clients cut & stack labeling, pressure sensitive labels, roll-fed labeling, shrink sleeves as well as flexible packaging options. Contact us today at http://anchorprinting.com for all of your label design, printing and packaging needs.

Getting To Know And Understand A Variety Of Knife Styles

Knives have been a part of our society from the very beginning of time.  Stones were made into knife blades by our early ancestors.  A knife is a tool that is diverse and that is used for a variety of functions.  Now a day’s knives are made from a variety of different metals but their uses remain the same.  A knife is a hand-held piece of equipment that serves different purposes.   What knife you choose is dependent on what you purpose the knife needs to serve.

Common All Purpose Knives

The most commonly purchased knife is one that can serve a variety of purposes.  One type of all purpose knives is a pocket knife.  Pocket knives are great all-purpose tools and store within themselves for ease of use and carrying.  It works on opening boxes, cutting ropes, slicing apples, opening letters or for a weapon if needed.

Switch blade knives or knives with retractable blades are another common option in commonly carried all purpose knives.  With retractable blades the knife blade retracts into the handle so that it is safely stored when not in use.  Most knives with retractable blades or even switch blade knives are good for any typical cutting jobs.  The knife handle can be made from an assortment of materials including plastic, wood, bone or more.

Fixed blade knives also are common for all purpose knives.  A blade that is fixed is typically more stable than a retractable or folding blade.  As with switch blades and retractable knives the handle can be made from a diverse selection of materials.

Kitchen Cutlery and Cooking Knives

All kitchen knives serve their own purpose.  Cutlery is designed to take on specific job in the kitchen.  There are knives for all different purposes such as bread knives, fillet knives, paring knives, chef knives and more.  Most cooking knives have thinner pliable, longer blades.  The blade is not nearly as strong as the blade on a utility knife.  Cutlery is thinner and allows for easier use to slice meat and work within the kitchen.

Combat Knives

Knives used for combat are larger and made from a variety of strong metal alloys.  They are suitable for cutting tough objects and are often used by the military as a general tool to carry as well as extra weaponry.   The larger, longer blade with the heavier handle is incredibly difficult for precise cutting or for cutting on small objects.  They are better used for heavy duty needs.

A knife is handy no matter what you do in life.   They are used for a variety of purposes and depending on what you need the knife for will depend on which type of knife you choose to purchase.  It is important not to limit yourself when it comes to buying a knife.

Choosing Ceramic Cutlery For Your Kitchen Knives

Top notch ceramic cutlery has become the latest obsession in kitchen accessories.  If you watch cooking shows on television you will see many professional chefs using ceramic knives.  In the culinary field ceramic knives are an essential accessory for all kitchens even novice cooks.  As with all tools there is a special purpose for each knife.  There are knives for cutting meat, dicing vegetables and slicing fruit.  Ceramic cutlery is well known for retaining a sharp edge and is made from zirconium oxide.  There are several advantages to purchasing ceramic knives as well as some disadvantages.  Continue reading for more information to help you make an educated decision before investing in knives for your kitchen.

Ceramic Knives: The Advantages Of Ceramic Kitchen Cutlery

  • In comparison to steel kitchen knives, ceramic is known for retaining a sharp edge for months especially if cared for properly and used sensibly.
  • Another advantage is how user friendly, light weight and safe ceramic knives are in comparison to steel knives.
  • If you are looking for a non-corrosive option in cutlery that is stain proof these knives are the way to go.  For chefs and cooks these two options make ceramic a no-brainer over steel for professionals throughout the industry.
  • Ceramic knives are easy to clean.  Ceramic is easy provides a non-stick surface that is non-reactive making it easy to clean up after a long day of cutting, slicing and dicing.

Ceramic Cutlery: The Disadvantages Of Ceramic Kitchen Knives

  • Zirconium oxide is an expensive material therefore ceramic knives are a pricier option over there steel counterparts.  If you are looking to buy ceramic knives purchasing a block set may be a way to cut the cost.
  • Another disadvantage of ceramic is that it tends to be a bit fragile.  They are not a good choice when it comes to cutting bones off of meat or other hard materials.  Just because ceramic knives are fragile does not mean they aren’t tough enough to do most any job you need them to do in the kitchen.  They will not shatter but again caution should be shown when cutting tough bone.
  • Ceramic blades are breakable.  This is another inconvenience of ceramic knives.  Be careful when applying pressure to knife, handle them with care and use them for cutting softer foods.
  • It is also important to note that ceramic, once dull, is not easily sharpened.  In order to sharpen ceramic knives you must send it in to the manufacturer as sharpening ceramic at home is difficult and not advisable.

When looking for cutlery, ceramic is a highly efficient, useable material for kitchen knives and accessories.  Look online for deals that can make shopping for your kitchen knives affordable.

Choosing The Right Blade For Your Next Knife Purchase

There are several types of knife blades to choose from with advantages and disadvantages to both.  There are blades for every purpose including skinning animals, opening boxes, cutting tree limbs and many more.  Below we will look at the varieties of knife blade shapes and the different uses for each to determine which blade the best is for your needs.

Clip Point

The clip point blade is incredibly popular on knives that are sold today including pocket knives, fixed blade knives and bowie knives.  The knife has one sharp side and one dull side that run from the handle of the knife down to the point.  The point can either be straight or curved and is referred to as the clip.  The advantage of a clip point blade is that the point is controllable and extremely sharp.  They are good for piercing as well as for slicing.  The one disadvantage of the clip point blade is that the pointy blade is narrow and tends to be weaker than on other types of knife blades.

Drop Point

Another all purpose knife that is popular for all types of knives including hunting knives.  The drop point is more popular for hunting because the point is easily controlled and can be maneuvered around internal organs to avoid nicking them.  The back of the knife is similar to the clip point in that the unsharpened edge runs the length of the knife with a slow curve.  The disadvantage of the drop point blade is that it is not as sharp as the clip point therefore a less suitable option for piercing.  The advantage however is that it is strong, controllable and offers a large amount of blade for slicing.

Tanto Point

A tanto point blade is comprised of a high point with a flat grind that leads into a strong point.  The front edge meets the back unsharpened edge on an angle instead of a curve.  There is no belly area on a tanto point blade which is a disadvantage but instead has a stronger tip.  It is not necessarily the best option in knife blades for a general utility knife but if looking for a strong point that is really good for piercing hard materials the tanto blade is a perfect option.

Sheepsfoot Blade

A sheepfoot blade is a great option for cutting and slicing when a point is not needed.  The sheepfoot blade shape is typical for santoku chef’s knives.  The blade has a sharp front edge with a dull spine that curves to meet the straight edge creating a false point.  For a controllable, clean slicing knife without a point the sheepsfoot is a great option.  The fact that there is no point can be seen as a disadvantage.

Trailing Point

If you are looking for a lightweight knife that is good for use skinning and filleting the trailing point blade is the best option.  The back edge of the knife curves upward and the blade has a large curved cutting area that works for slicing and skinning.  The high point is out of the way which is an advantage of the blade is but the point on the trailing point is weaker than other blade options.

There are several other different blade types to choose from depending on what you are looking for.  If none of the blades above fit the need consider looking into the spear point blade, gut hook blade or other options in knife blades.

Moving Forward After Your Divorce

It is pretty obvious; divorce is not great for your marriage.  With the obvious being stated it is important to know that women handle divorce harder than men. Don’t get me wrong divorce is hard for both men and women however truth be told men move on faster.  It is tough, but not impossible to overcome divorce.  Believe it or not it is actually possible to discover happiness after divorce.  If you are a women who is newly divorced it is time to lose the past grief and unhappiness and move towards your future of excitement and happiness.

It is important to understand that you need to move on.  I know this can be a bit intimidating but it is essential that you start viewing yourself as an independent, strong women.  Moving on does not mean committing to the next relationship that comes around.  It means that you should start viewing yourself as a strong independent woman.  It also signals that you alone are in control of your happiness.  Don’t jump into a relationship.  Give yourself the opportunity to move through your divorce and into the happiness you desire.

Think about exactly what you want after your divorce and bring that to your future.  Consider your thoughts on not only child custody, alimony and a possible change in location.  Consider everything that affects your life after the divorce before you consider updating your relationship status.

Working with your ex is probably the last thing you are considering as you are processing your divorce.  However, if you want to be happy this is one way to create it for yourself.  Maintain a relationship that allows you to be cordial with your ex.  To remain on terms that are at least social allows you to maintain a relationship with your ex that creates an environment that is good for your children and their future.  Move towards the future, stop fighting about the past and bringing up past divorce issues.

When it comes to being happy after divorce the most important focus should always be on your children.  When it comes to the children you should always focus on keeping their life completely normal.  Creating this environment allows you to take your mind off the painful past and to move forward towards a future that creates a life you desire for your children

When it comes to going through a divorce focusing on your children will allow you to see a happiness you forgot was possible.   If it takes therapy or seeking advice from a divorce expert move forward with that plan.  Do whatever is takes to create a happiness that you experience with your children.

Longton DM, a subsidiary of Longton Law Offices is a divorce attorney specializing in Women/Mom’s in divorce throughout Trenton and the surrounding Michigan areas. Find us at http://www.michigandivorcelawyerforwomen.com.

Keeping A Positive Outlook During Divorce

Men going through the divorce process, especially when children are involved, are clearly at a disadvantage. Women have been favored and continue to be throughout divorce proceedings. Society likes to view women as victims while acting like all men are scoundrels. The problem with this is that in order for a marriage to fail both parties are accountable. No one is without fault in a divorce.

Lots of men are stigmatized by the image of men in our culture being the bread winners for so long. Even though this image is no longer representative of the society we live in today it is still an issue that is facing men in divorce. Financially men are seen as the provider leaving them with the financial burden in divorce. This is a troubling matter especially with the role reversal that is common in today’s homes. More men are staying home while their wives return to work. An even more common element in homes today is the presence of two working parents. Divorce is never clear cut.

If you are a man going through a divorce it is important that you keep your head up and don’t allow yourself to get depressed. Feeling low about yourself only leads you into a situation where you are more easily taken advantage of. Keeping a positive outlook on life and a positive frame of mind allows you to focus on a better outcome to your divorce. Keep disagreements with your spouse to a minimum. This will help eliminate any more bad blood while allowing you to focus on your new optimistic approach to your life after divorce.

While you are moving through your divorce keep an eye on all assets and liabilities. Keep track of money that is being spent on credit cards and withdrawn from joint bank accounts. Your wives divorce attorney will tell her to do the same. This is not meant to be sneaky but to prevent you from being responsible for joint debt that occurs while you are in the process of divorcing. At the end of the divorce you want to remain financially stable. This will not be possible if joint accounts are wiped out and credit card debt is racked up during the dissolution of your marriage.

If you have been the stay at home care provider it is important that you determine what means you have to get back into the work force. The same should be true for your spouse as well if she has taken on the role as in home care provider to your family. Both parties should be financially responsible for bringing in a source of income after the divorce. Don’t rely on financial support from your significant other especially if you are a man. Getting spousal support is fairly uncommon for men in today’s society.

Getting a divorce is not easy. When going through a divorce seek support from friends as well as from an attorney that specializes in men’s divorce. Keep the future in your sites, keep a positive outlook, maintain your finances and work on moving forward.

Longton DM, a subsidiary of Longton Law Offices is a divorce attorney specializing in Men/Dad’s in divorce. For experienced representation throughout the divorce process in Trenton, Michigan and the surrounding area you can find more information at http://www.michigandivorcelawyerfordad.com.

Choosing Between Permanent and Temporary Wheelchair Ramps

There comes a time in all of our lives where we have to make tough decisions about the care of a relative.  Often times this window of care is relatively short but difficult.  There are a million decisions to consider when bringing a loved one into your home to be cared for.  One of the choices that may need to be consider has to do with access the home.  When a wheelchair is needed to ease movement not only throughout the house but granting access into and out of the house handicap ramps are considered.

When it comes to installing a wheelchair ramp this alone brings a myriad of decisions to consider; the first of many is whether you want to install a temporary or permanent ramp.  More often than not a temporary handicap ramp will suffice.  The need for a handicap ramp in most of our homes is just that, temporary. Most situations that require the use of a wheelchair are temporary, a child breaks a leg, or a parent comes to live out their final time.  The ramp is only needed to provide ease of movement for a short period of time and therefore doesn’t require become a permanent fixture.

There are situations in which it is necessary to install a permanent handicap ramp to a home.  This is the case when there is a long term diagnosis that will make moving in and out of the house more difficult as time progresses.  When certain illnesses or accidents occur it can leave us limited in mobility.  Permanent handicap ramps allow us to easily maneuver in and out of our home while keeping the aesthetics of the home intact.  Permanent wheelchair ramps are created to blend in to the home’s exterior creating a seamless transition between the interior and exterior of the home.

It is up to individual homeowners, dependent on their unique situation whether to install a permanent or temporary ramp.  Once this is decided upon there are several other considerations that need to be solidified before construction can be started.  One decision that needs to be made is what material to build the ramp from.  Ramps are most commonly aluminum or wooden.  Another consideration is the length of the ramp.  Think about the slope of your entrance when considering the length of a ramp.  Although shorter ramps are easier to move from one spot to another, in the case of multiple entry and exit points, they also increase the steepness of the ramp.  Longer ramps are easier to manipulate for users.  The drawback occur if the ramp needs to be moved and the expense.  Longer ramps are naturally more expensive than shorter ones.  More material is needed to make them and the installation process takes more time.

No matter what you decide; temporary or permanent, long or short, aluminum or wood the same end result is desired. Easing the mobility of entry and exit to the home for loved ones who are having an increasingly difficult time maneuvering stairways.  Handicap ramps are great not only for wheelchair users but for people needing canes and walkers to assist in walking as well as those that suffer from knee, back or hip issues.

The Home Doctor, based in Livingston County including Brighton and Howell Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from bathroom remodeling to age in place home modifications.  Contact http://glenmillerthehomedoctor.com/ today all of your home renovating needs.

Automatic Gate Considerations

When it comes to the variety of entry systems available for your home an electronic driveway gate is the safest, most secure option.  Driveway gates, especially when used in conjunction with fencing leave your home sheltered; not only does it keep people out but it helps to keep them in as well.  This is particularly useful when living with small children and pets.  Using an entry gate and fencing helps by not granting access to your home and loved ones without proper authorization.

There are several things to consider when looking to purchase and install a gate for your driveway.  One of the first things to think about is the size of the driveway and therefore the size of the gate needed.  The size of your driveway gate must not only allow for entry of your personal vehicles but must also take into consideration the size of delivery trucks and emergency vehicles.  Adding space to accommodate larger vehicles will also give extra space to help eliminate accidents and mishaps associated with the entry gate.

Consider also if you are looking to use the gate via manual entry or automatic entry.  Automatic gates are more cost effective ever with the upgrades in technology.  The ability to use solar power to control the gates operating system makes automatic gates less expensive to operate.  This in turn means more homeowners are adding gate operators and electronic entrance systems to existing and newly installed entry gates.

Automatic entry gates can be accessed using a variety of controls including wireless keypads, hard wired keypads to transmitters, cellular access, manually operated switches as well as remote entry. Access controls are chosen to best suit the client’s needs.  The most important part is that the entry program is user friendly while providing security and meeting the end users requirements.

Next is the choice of the gates operating control system, otherwise known as the gates operating design.  There are three choices; swinging gates, sliding gates and barrier gates.  All three options are designed to function a bit differently but all serve have the same basic principal.  When it comes to a gate for your driveway sliding and swinging gates are the most common.  Barrier gates are more often used for commercial purposes. Residential gates that slide or swing are more decorative and created to enhance the curb appeal of the home and become a part of the landscape.

Automatic, aluminum driveway gates are not only affordable and easy to use they are becoming a common way to create a secure barrier to your home.  Check online for local fence and gate professionals to install your new system today.

SAC Fence Michigan offers a variety of electronic entry gates, access control entry systems and fence options for homeowners to choose from.  You will find a variety of fencing options online at http://www.sacfencemi.com/.

Transitioning Your Lawn Care From Summer To Fall Maintenance

The care that your lawn needs changes from season to season.  When the bright sun starts to fade into vibrant fall leaves the needs of your landscaping change.  Superior yard care can occur even if you don’t have the time to spend every minute in the yard this article will provide you the exact information you need to maximize the time you do have.

Every job is made easier with the right tools.  This is so true when it comes to gardening.  A mower with a sharp blade is so important.  It is essential that you sharpen the blade to your lawn more at least once a year but more preferable two times.  In addition to a sharper mower blade make sure you buy a hose that is convenient to store, a quality rake, an edger, clippers and gloves.

The best tip anyone can give you is to really take care of your grass.  Lawn care is super important and can be maintained by raking your lawn before and after you mow.  Raking does not have to be difficult simply run a rake through your yard and you will be so pleased with the outcome.  Raking before and after you mow will leave your lawn looking amazing, while keeping problems away.

When it comes to mowing your lawn it is important that you know when to mow and when not to mow.  Never mow when the heat is on.  Mow your lawn during the early morning hours or late after sunset.  The same is true for trimming trees and bushes; never mow or trim in the heat of the day. Mowing in the early morning or late night will prevent shock to the lawn and landscaping.

The next step after the lawn is mowed is to trim the outer portion of the lawn. Don’t take it too close to the ground; match the edges to the length of your grass.  Blending the edging with your lawn’s length will help to blend the landscape and creating a brilliant landscape.

August is the perfect time to take care of all the hedges that have become overgrown with the abundance of rain the spring and summer have created.  Try not to cut too deep, this will leave bare patches.  Cut hedges back, traditional form for hedges is either rounded or squared.  This will help you create a lawn and landscape that is easy to maintain throughout every season.

Creating a landscape and lawn can be rewarding for any homeowner.   Often times it isn’t a matter of money but time that prevents homeowners from creating a perfect landscape.  If this describes you and your home consider hiring a local landscape company.  Local lawn care specialists are aware of what your lawn needs to flourish while you wreak the benefits.

CBA Outdoor Services is a local landscape design firm offering services throughout Livingston and Wayne Counties.  For more information on the services they offer to both commercial and residential clients look online at http://cbaoutdoors.com/.