PalTip New Year’s Resolutions 2013

Posted on December 30, 2012 by shari

Happy New Year!

2012 for PalTip was great! We launched the PalTip website, released the first version of the PalTip system, opened the doors for beta users, and created a WordPress Plugin, which makes life as a tipping blogger, even easier. Yes, it has been a year of working hard to make it easier for you, to make money!

So what is going to happen in 2013? Lots!

PalTip New Years Resolutions:

We are dedicated to making PalTip better.
We are planning new a “bank” full of new features, options.
We are working to bring new awesome partners on board.
We are committed to listening to you! Your feedback is really important to us.
We are developing an easier and faster PalTip, which means more money for you!

Here are some of our best tips for you from the past year that will help you in the upcoming year:

What are your resolutions?

Do you have a goal that you want to meet? Is it financial or is it how many posts you are going to write a week, or how many items you are going to tip a day?
Are you going to use your time more effectively? (That’s an easy one if you use the PalTip Plugin)
Are you going to take a day off (more often) to enjoy life, your family, your friends and rejuvenate?
Are you going to focus on activities that will make you more money?
Improve your SEO?

And now on a personal level, here is my list:

Enjoy the little things in life.
Do more RAK (random acts of kindness).
Smile more (even when I don’t want to).
Send handwritten thank you notes.
Watch at least 2 TED talks a week on random subjects.

What are your New Year’s Resolutions?

Thanksgiving Is Down The Road And Christmas Is Around The Corner

Posted on November 21, 2012 by shari

As soon as the kids go back to school, I start to think about Thanksgiving that of course makes me think of Christmas and then New Years, oh those resolutions. How am I going to review, recommend, blog and blast, together with holiday preparations and activities? Every year the same question. Every year it eventually gets done but this year I want to have less white hair by January 1st.

What’s the secret?

Organization!

Quantum leap – Before we even talk about Thanksgiving let’s decide on our New Year’s Resolution NOW!

This is my list

1. Be nicer to one’s self. If you want to be super-human and take care of your family, of your home and your business, you have to take care of yourself. Eat better, sleep more and pamper regularly.
2. Be nicer and listen better to the people around me.
3. Pre organize – everything.
That’s it, those are my resolutions.
So the first and second are simple to comprehend and even to execute. The third is a little more difficult but hopefully these tips will help you.
1. Start writing your posts now for those busy weeks and here are some ideas for posts that work all the time:

The a-z guide….
Top 5, 7 10 tips for….
Down memory lane – take an old post and update it with new content linking to the original post
Use automated services like Storify or
Get personal – A day in the life of YOU
Guest blogs
Book Reviews
Events – What events are you planning on going to?
How to…..
Links – yes links your favorite links to….
Photographic essay

2. Make sure that your editorial calendar is ready for the next 4 months and not the usual month.

3. Take pictures. A new blogger recently asked me why they need a Smartphone with a good camera on it; she said that it was an expensive toy. Yes, it is an expense (and probably an expense that you can use for the company) but it is a business tool. A very good tool. No matter what niche you are in, you need images. Use your own. Snap away. You never know when you will be looking for an image of a rain puddle (recommending rubber boots?) or an image of the line in the supermarket (the love of online grocery stores).

4. Use your time wisely. Spend less time going through the back office of affiliate sites and use the PalTip plugin. Just put the partner link in the blog and the plugin will do the work for you.

5. If you are planning an email marketing campaign or even a Season’s Greeting card get it done before Thanksgiving. Write your copy and book the photographer. The earlier you get it done the better. All you will have to do is click on the send button.
(Don’t forget that many of your readers open their mail on their phones. Make sure your greeting card is mobile friendly.)

What are your tips for pre-scheduling your holiday work load? Share them with us, we love to learn from others.

PalTip Store Review: Zappos.com

Posted on September 6, 2012 by shari

We know you’ve been waiting for it, and now it’s finally happened. Zappos is now officially a PalTip Partner site.

Zappos.com is one of the best places to buy shoes online. They also have a wide range of other products from clothing and accessories to kitchen appliances and bedding. I usually write about customer service further down in the post, but with Zappos.com I am going to start with it. To quote the website,

“Customer Service Isn’t Just A Department!”

That is why Zappos.com is amazing; all they care about at Zappos is the customer. How do they do that?

1. Free Shipping – free shipping to all domestic orders with no minimum order.

2. Delivery- The website says 4-5 days, but orders often arrive early.

3. Free Returns – A lot of websites claim to accept returns, but then the fine print tells you that you’re responsible for return shipping, and some even take a restocking fee. Zappos.com states that if you are not happy with your purchase, return it in the original packaging and use the pre-paid UPS (USPS) label to send it to the warehouse. Once it is received, you will get a full refund.

A lot has changed since Nick Swinmurn opened Zappos in 1999. What hasn’t changed since then is his original vision for Zappos. His vision incorporated these three major points:

One day, 30% of all retail transactions in the US will be online.
People will buy from the company with the best service and the best selection.
Zappos.com will be that online store.

In 2009, Zappos.com was bought by Amazon. It has gone through a restructuring since then, but customer service still remains excellent.

What can you buy at Zappos?

Shoes, of course. Zappos has many different types of shoes divided into basic categories such as; Womens, Mens, Boys, and Girls. They also divide shoes into specific categories like width and other specialty classifications such as diabetic approved, orthotic friendly, eco-friendly, and vegan. They also have choices like heel height, material, style, and price.

Clothing:

Zappos has clothing for pretty much every size and shape, from newborn to plus sizes, for both men and women. They have something for everyone from name brands including:

Anne Klein
Adidas
Calvin Klein
Betsey Johnson
DKNY/DKNYC
Dockers
Elie Tahari
http://www.zappos.com/jones-new-york-collection
Kate Spade New York
Maggy London
The North Face
Rip Curl
Tommy Hilfiger
BCBGMAXAZRIA

Bags and Handbags

From your favorite backpack brand to the classy evening clutch, you will be able to find it on Zappos.com

Housewares and Décor

Would you really buy shoes and housewares in the same place? When it’s Zappos.com, you certainly would. They have top brands in every category at competitive prices.

Beauty

You no longer have to go to the fancy beauty and skin care shops to get your favorite fragrance or skin treatment. Zappos.com carries lines such as Stila, Calvin Klein, Bioelements, and Vera Wang.

Accessories

Second to shoes, accessories are my greatest weakness. How can you get a new pair of shoes without a matching bag, belt, and hat? Zappos carries all of those plus watches, scarves, gloves, ties, and jewelry. You can find a stunning tote by Cole Haan, or if you’re on a tighter budget, you can find sporty bags like this LeSportSac purse for only $48.

You can find more info about Zappos on their Facebook page or on Twitter, and be sure to take a look at their Pinterest boards, too!

Everyone Needs A Little Motivation

Posted on July 8, 2012 by shari

Sometimes you wake up in the morning and you need a little motivation. That’s ok. It happens to all of us.
I found this video a while back, and when I wake up feeling overwhelmed or stuck, I watch it again.

I get my mojo into groove and start my day with a smile.

Have a great weekend. Enjoy. Smile.

Thank God It’s Friday

Posted on June 22, 2012 by shari

This morning I woke up and all I could think about is “Thank God it’s Friday”.

Why?

Not because I didn’t have a productive week – because I did.

Not because I didn’t sleep enough during the week – because I did.

Not because I didn’t have fun during the week – because I did.

Here is some of my favorite TGIF fun:

A TGIF Book:

Keeping TGIF Clean

This, I like to use on Wednesdays

So why Thank God it’s Friday?

Just because. Have a great weekend everyone, summer is here!

Top Father’s Day Gifts | PalTip’s Favorites

Posted on June 10, 2012 by shari

Father’s Day is just around the corner. However, you still have time to order online a great Father’s Day gift and have it delivered to your dad just in time.

PalTip’s Top Father’s Day Gifts:

The Griller

Dads always seem to know how to throw a steak onto the grill and cook it to perfection. Now is the time to let him discover some new exciting and delicious grilled food with this great cookbook. Hasty-Bake Born to Grill Cookbook
Order today and you will receive a 5% Father’s Day Discount.

The Golfer

The latest trend in golfing gadgets is a Golf GPS Watch. This watch “the neo+” is preloaded with 25,000 courses, so it’s ready to use right from the box and is legal for tournament play.

The Stylist

There are some fathers that have a perfect sense of style and some that don’t. Either way this polo shirt is the perfect summer addition to their wardrobe.

The Biker

Whether he rides a chopper or a city scooter, a biker always appreciates a good pair of gloves. These Scorpion EXO CoolHand Motorcycle Gloves will keep his hands protected without having them overheat. Great for summer riding.

The Runner

If your dad is a runner he will appreciate a great pair of new shoes. Brooks has a new line of shoes with summer weather in mind. PureFlow is a lightweight, mesh runner that comes in great summer colors.

For the Love of Coffee

Is your dad always running out of the house in the morning complaining that he didn’t have time to make himself a cup of coffee? This Father’s Day surprise him with his own personal coffee maker. With the Comocup Single Serve Espresso Capsule System he will be leaving the house with a smile on his face.

Father's Day Gift - Coffee maker

The Football Fan

It is always great to wear a team jersey while kicking back and watching the game. Choose his favorite team and player and surprise him with an officially licensed NFL shirt for Father’s Day.

The Geek

A geek dad is always on the lookout for a new gadget or accessory to add to his collection. Zagg has a huge selection of Father’s Day Gifts with the geeky dad in mind. Always running out of juice? This is the solution, a Portable Battery Back Up & Charger.

For the Father who has everything

Finally, there are father’s who have everything and don’t ask or expect anything. For those dads making a donation to their favorite charity in their name is the perfect Father’s Day Gift.

Last but not least, on Father’s Day, if you can spend time with your dad. That is an amazing gift.
Have a great idea for the perfect Father’s Day gift? Please share it with us.

Capitol Lighting – 1800lighting.com | PalTip Store Review

Posted on April 1, 2012 by shari

Your one-stop shop for all your lighting needs, Capitol Lighting has been around long enough to see almost 100 years of lighting trends and technology. Today, with 9 locations and a well-developed website, they offer an amazing selection of lighting at prices to fit all budgets.

Lighting in your home either makes or breaks the ambiance that you wish to create in your dream home. How do you want people to feel when they walk in the door? Lighting can create a beautiful background for your home, highlighting the accents and your beautiful furnishings.

Lighting Tips:

Before you start thinking of what lighting you want in your home, make sure you take a good look at how natural light enters your home during different times throughout the day. Depending on which way the room is facing, natural light will be filtered through windows differently. For example if you have a north-facing bedroom, the room will be dark, especially during the winter months. Remember this when you are planning which lighting you are going to implement.

For more tips check out the Capitol Lighting Blog.

Capitol Lighting Wizard

If you are starting from scratch and building a new home, it would be wise to make sure that your interior designer is an expert on lighting or to bring in a lighting designer to help you with the placement and types of lighting so that wiring can be done during the construction stage. It would be a shame to have to dig into those walls after you’re finished!

Capitol Lighting has an amazing free service on their website, an “expert wizard.” If you are planning to invest in lighting in your home, this is the place to start. The wizard will help you find a lighting expert in your area.

“Welcome to the FREE Capitol Lighting Designer Directory! Capitol Lighting has recruited hundreds of professional decorators and interior designers from all over the country ready to assist you with your latest and greatest decorating job. Whether you’re beginning a rustic kitchen remodel for your home in the hills or are looking to perfect that mid-century modern style for your new apartment in the big city, our network of designers and decorators are ready to help.”

Different Lighting Needs

Each room in your home serves a different function and the lighting should be designed to reflect this, for example:

A kitchen needs light. You need to be able to see what you are doing on the countertop, digging into the cupboards, and cooking over your range top.
Your dining room should have enough light to enjoy and see your food; however for coffee and after dinner drinks the lighting should be flexible to provide a softer, warmer ambience.

Green Lighting

As the world is trying to go eco-friendly. Your lighting designs should, too. Today, low energy bulbs are designed in various shapes and sizes. They are energy-efficient and use up to 80% less electricity than regular light bulbs. Capitol Lighting has a dedicated section on Green Living. (Save the planet – save on your electricity bill!)

Shipping, Returns, and Customer service

Lead times for shipping are only estimated, so if you are pressured for time, I would suggest giving them a call.

They ship using either their own drivers (close to locations) or a courier company.

Capitol Lighting believes in their service and the merchandise that they sell, and they have a 30 day return policy. However to avoid restocking fees, make sure you contact them prior to shipping the item back to the store – all returns must be pre-authorized!

Have you made a purchase from Capitol Lighting – 1800lighting.com ? We would love to hear what you think.

GigaGolf | PalTip Store Review

Posted on March 4, 2012 by shari

And the Oscar goes to….

Posted on February 26, 2012 by shari

Have you ever thought what happens to brands with Oscar winning brand ambassadors? Or brands that advertise during the Oscars? Maybe it should be “And the Oscar goes to… Coke, Revlon, L’Oréal, Hyundai, Samsung…” Now is the time to start tipping Oscar winning brands using PalTip.

NASCAR – Daytona 500

Posted on February 20, 2012 by shari

Where are you going to be on Sunday February 26^th?

I can tell you where over 30 million people are going to be, watching TV, watching the Daytona 500, NASCAR kickoff event for 2012.

I can’t believe I am writing this, but for those who don’t know, NASCAR is an acronym which stands for “National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing.”

So what is the big deal about NASCAR?

I love how the Ticket Liquidator puts it “… actually seeing, hearing, smelling, and feeling the breeze from this classic event in the flesh, is an incomparable experience.” My guess is that it is one of the greatest spectator sport events to be at!

If you already know a bit about NASCAR and are reading this – skip down a bit and check out where you can purchase tickets online and NASCAR extras. If not well here is some information about the event.

All about NASCAR

NASCAR was founded on February 21^stת 1948.
The cars used in the races are based on regular American made sedans; but have been rebuilt entirely, except for 3 parts that have to remain as originally produced by the manufacturer. Those parts are the hood, roof and trunk lid.
The first Daytona 500 was held on February 22^nd, 1959 (Daytona Beach, Florida). Today the Daytona 500 is the biggest NASCAR event of the year.
NASCAR is a huge, well greased, machine (excuse the pun). From ticket sales to merchandising, to car sponsorship’s and TV ads, NASCAR is a money maker.

Speaking of sponsorship, do you know that one of those company logo stickers on the doors of a race car can cost the sponsor up to 1.5 million dollars. That is a hefty price to pay. Consider how many times you will see it on TV during the race. #winning

Get Ready for Daytona 500

If you want to be present at the race, you can still buy great Daytona tickets here, (just don’t forget to bring your ear plugs).

If you are not going to the race, why not race yourself with the Wii NASCAR game, fun for the whole family!

And, of course, while you watch the race on TV, make sure you have your favorite driver’s hat on.

Who is your favorite to win the Daytona 500 2012?