How To Build a Website

There are many methods you can choose when you decide to build a website. The method you select will depend on your knowledge of coding and/or programming. If you are a total novice to the web designer industry then there are programs that allow you to drag and drop items, place text via text boxes and change the colors with a click of a button. These are known as WYSIWYG editors (what you see is what you get), they are very helpful in order to get a nice looking website up and running in a short amount of time if you have no html (hyper text markup language, the coding used to build websites) knowledge. The main downside to using a WYSIWYG editor is that the coding will be full of rubbish and useless variables which will give you the disadvantage in the search engines as messy code will confuse the bots and penalize you for it. You could go through each page after it has been made and take out unnecessary bits of code making the page clean and user friendly, but by doing this you will have to have a good knowledge of html so you would be better starting from scratch in the first place.

If you are fairly comfortable with the way html works, you can make a website by just using notepad and saving the file with the .html extension at the end. This method is not used as often in today’s world as you can get programs such as Microsoft Front Page and Macromedia Dreamweaver. These both allow you to see a WYSIWYG view, a core code view and a split view in which you can make something and then tidy the code up straight after saving you a lot of hassle in the end. My favorite out of these two (and probably the most popular) is Macromedia Dreamweaver as it has inbuilt FTP access so you can manage a whole website from the one interface. By using the remote view, you’re able to see what’s on the server. This allows you to make adjustments and update your revisions directly to your server. Once complete, you can view the changes immediately in through the domain name the site is linked to.

The main benefit of this is being able to see what your website looks like in different browsers as they interpret the code in different ways which can make your site look absolutely fine in Windows Internet Explorer but completely messed up in Mozilla Firefox. While the majority of users use Internet Explorer you still have to make it compatible with Firefox as a small percentage use it and you would be loosing vital traffic if your site is not compatible with it. You are best downloading the main browsers (explorer, firefox, opera and any other you are willing to) and checking your site on a regular basis in each making it look the same in each one. Another way around it is to complete your site and then pick the next browser and adjust the code until it matches and then move onto the next one.

If you are not using a WYSIWYG editor then I always find it best to design each page in a program such as Adobe Photoshop so you can get the feel of the layout and color scheme before you actually start making the site in a code editor. The benefit of this is you may start coding your website and decide you want to change bits around, this is a lot harder once you have integrated the code into your website so by making the final layout in Photoshop and moving bits around with ease, it will make your life easier in the long run. Also it’s always easier to follow a template then thinking from scratch making it up as you go along.

Once you have mastered the basic html code and getting a website how you want it to look you can then move onto the more advanced coding which will make your website stand out from the rest of the competition in your niche. There are other variations of code such a PHP and JavaScript which you can learn in order to add more advanced features into your website.

Another common method of making websites in today’s world is using a CMS (content management system) which will make it easier to update and maintain your website once you have made a basic template adding ‘PHP includes’ where you want the data to appear. There are many free CMS templates available in which you can download for free and use to give a professional look to your website.

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How to Add a Contact Form to a Website

If you’re not a coding genius, but want to put a clever contact form on your website, you have few options. Contact forms are almost always a good idea as they allow visitors to communicate with you and send you files and information as you please. A contact form doesn’t require the user to send a separate email or to pick up the phone and call – practically unheard of in this day of online usage.

Pay Someone

If you don’t know how to code a website to add a contact page or the template you’re using doesn’t have one, you can always pay someone to do a site redesign or to create a simple form to use on an existing page. Anytime you require a full-fledged custom service, however, you can expect to pay a pretty penny – especially if you want it done correctly the first time.

Make One Yourself

You might be able to get by with a standard template and a few modifications. If your original site had some sort of contact form or contact information, modifications might be simple to make. You’ll need to dig into your files and pull out a “Coding for Dummies” book or online tutorial to see what changes you need to make, but you might be surprised at how quickly you can piece something together.

Download a Contact Form

A third option is to let someone else do the work for you for far less than you’d have to pay for a custom design. A flash contact form is a simple image that pops up on a particular page of your website after you download it and get it set up correctly. You pay the asking price, get the files and get the form set up. Then it’s ready to go.

If you use this option, you can expand upon the basics, but trying out different kinds of contact forms. If you’re not sure what the best options are for your site, you can start with a basic form and then offer users a place to upload multiple attachments if it seems more practical down the road. You can also upgrade your contact form to the latest style time and time again without much of an additional expense.

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How To Meet a Guy Online

Let’s face it!  Today’s dating world is completely different than it was in the old 1960’s drive-in movie with stale popcorn and your dad’s convertible.  Between working longer and longer hours, after work routines, and family activities, it can be hard to find someone who fits the mold you are looking for.  That is where online dating comes into play and meeting a guy online is the newest and best way to do it.

First, let me tell you that it is time to let go of any stigma you might have about dating online. It’s the 21rst century and it’s time for you to climb aboard and enjoy the ride. Plus, meeting someone online can be much safer for you, if done smartly, than traditional dating.

Here is how you can find a guy online and get your first date. It’s fast, it’s easy and you will be surprised  how effective it is. Start by realizing that you have to go to a dating site to fill out some very basic and non intrusive information about yourself. 

After you have established your own profile:

• Check your profile for any errors. It sounds odd, however, there are many men/women alike who say that a poorly spelled or grammatically incorrect profile is definitely a turn off.  90% of online profiles contain errors, make sure yours does not!
• You also need to make sure that you have a great photo posted with those pearly whites showing.  Everybody loves a good smile and profiles that do not have a picture are usually ignored.
• Don’t be shy. The internet is taking away that first awkward introduction.  You can forget about the communication barriers that have held you back before and let people know who you really are.  In other words, BE OPEN and BE HONEST.

After you have your profile:

• Make sure that you have a great attitude towards those who try to meet you, as well as those you try to meet.  You will have more fun and you’ll meet more people by showing the great attitude that you have. Besides, nobody likes a bore.
• You also need to make sure that you are ready for this type of fun.  Meeting someone online is definitely an easy way for you to find someone who shares your same likes/dislikes in many areas. Be prepared and open to meet someone.
• Like they say, "Good things come to those who wait." Don’t expect to find “The one and only” right away.  Get to know people and go on some fun dates. The more experience you have with meeting people online, the more you will understand what works for you.
• Make yourself a goal to date 100 men. With this goal (which is easy to meet in a year) you avoid setting yourself up for failure and increase the chance of meeting Mr. Right and not just a Mr. Right Now.

Make first contact:

• When you go to search for men, keep your initial search to your town only (you can always increase it later) Try and introduce yourself to at least 5-10 new men per week. Once you have exhausted options in your town you can increase the radius of your search.
• After you have found 5-10 men in your area, you can then try to contact them. Send them and e mail, send them an instant message, send them whatever!  The point here, is to make contact.
• Make a personal email template that you send out to the men you chose.  Honestly, it’s not to hard. Just write up a quick intro email, cut and copy it, then save it to your desktop. This email will help you to save a lot of time when introducing yourself to every guy you might be interested in.
• As soon as you get a response, you need to be on the ball and respond back. Men love women who show that they are interested.  Don’t respond within the first five minutes (you are not desperate, and if you are, you don’t want them to know that) but respond back within a day or two. Ensure that your reply is at least three paragraphs long!
• When you do find someone that you share a great interest in, make sure to set up a phone call and then a date. Do not even think about an online relationship until at least three dates.  Plan to set something up and go on that DATE!  Remember to be you and to have fun.

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How To Meet a Girl Online

Let’s face it!  Today’s dating world is completely different than it was in the old 1960’s drive-in movie with stale popcorn and your dad’s convertible.  Between working longer and longer hours, after work routines, and family activities, it can be hard to find someone who fits the mold you are looking for.  That is where online dating comes into play!

First, let me tell you that it is time to let go of any stigma you might have about dating online. It’s the 21rst century and it’s time for you to climb aboard and enjoy the ride. Plus, meeting someone online can be much safer for you, if done smartly, than traditional dating.

Here is how you can find a Girl online and get your first date. It’s fast, it’s easy and you will be surprised  how effective it is. Start by realizing that you have to go to a dating site to fill out some very basic and non intrusive information about yourself. 

After you have established your own profile:

• Check your profile for any errors. It sounds odd, however, there are many men/women alike who say that a poorly spelled or grammatically incorrect profile is definitely a turn off.  90% of online profiles contain errors, make sure yours does not!
• You also need to make sure that you have a great photo posted with those pearly whites showing.  Everybody loves a good smile and profiles that do not have a picture are usually ignored.
• Don’t be shy. The internet is taking away that first awkward introduction.  You can forget about the communication barriers that have held you back before and let people know who you really are.  In other words, BE OPEN and BE HONEST.

After you have your profile:

• Make sure that you have a great attitude towards those who try to meet you, as well as those you try to meet.  You will have more fun and you’ll meet more people by showing the great attitude that you have. Besides, nobody likes a bore.
• You also need to make sure that you are ready for this type of fun.  Meeting someone online is definitely an easy way for you to find someone who shares your same likes/dislikes in many areas. Be prepared and open to meet someone.
• Like they say, “Good things come to those who wait.”  Don’t expect to find “The one and only” right away.  Get to know people and go on some fun dates. The more experience you have with meeting people online, the more you will understand what works for you.
• Make yourself a goal to date 100 men. With this goal (which is easy to meet in a year) you avoid setting yourself up for failure and increase the chance of meeting Mr. Right and not just a Mr. Right Now.

Make first contact:

• When you go to search for men, keep your initial search to your town only (you can always increase it later) Try and introduce yourself to at least 5-10 new men per week. Once you have exhausted options in your town you can increase the radius of your search.
• After you have found 5-10 men in your area, you can then try to contact them. Send them and e mail, send them an instant message, send them whatever!  The point here, is to make contact.
• Make a personal email template that you send out to the men you chose. Honestly, it’s not to hard. Just write up a quick intro email, cut and copy it, then save it to your desktop. This email will help you to save a lot of time when introducing yourself to every Girl you might be interested in.
• As soon as you get a response, you need to be on the ball and respond back. Men love women who show that they are interested.  Don’t respond within the first five minutes (you are not desperate, and if you are, you don’t want them to know that) but respond back within a day or two. Ensure that your reply is at least three paragraphs long!
• When you do find someone that you share a great interest in, make sure to set up a phone call and then a date. Do not even think about an online relationship until at least three dates.  Plan to set something up and go on that DATE!  Remember to be you and to have fun.

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How to Organize Your Computer Desk

If you’re like most computer owners, the computer desk or work station is an unsightly mess of cables, wires, loose CDs and other computer related paraphernalia. Organizing your computer desk can be done in a single afternoon, and the results will be extremely satisfying and possibly even productive. Here’s how to organize your computer desk.

Remove the Clutter

To begin organizing your computer desk, you must first remove much of the clutter that seems to litter the area. Throw trash in the trashcan and remove old plates and cups to the kitchen. Small items that belong in anther room should be taken to their true home. The clutter of CDs, wires, and flash drives that accompany computers today can also be removed, but keep those items handy as you don’t want to lose anything important.

Arrange the Wires and Cables

Crawl around behind your computer table to organize the wires. You can organize computer cables by wrapping up the excess with tie-tabs from garbage bags or you can use a cable organizer to help keep wires from tangling and getting shorted by other wires.

Everything in Its Place

The actual computer is easy to clean with a can of spray air and a soft rag. Now that the clutter is removed, dust the table itself as well. Before you go and put the clutter back onto the desk in neat stacks the way you’re prone to do, consider finding a home for every item that is not on the top of the desk.

All of the CD-ROMs that lay around can be organized into a CD holder along with their covers. This eliminates the need for the many cases and keep CDs in a handy, yet organized location. A desk organizer fitted into a desk drawer can keep pens, spare change, USB drives and extra cables in one place, again out of sight. Instruction manuals and other information sheets can be kept in a file box at the top of a closet.

Find a place to store all of the items that usually make the desk messy. Then, you’ll be able to clean your computer desk in a matter of minutes in the future. Plus you’ll be able to find anything you need without having to riffle through the stacks of who-knows-what on your desk.

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How to Decorate Wall Space

There is nothing more intimidating than a blank wall staring you in the face when you enter a room. A large expanse of wall space cries out for decoration, but a wall can be the hardest place to decorate. There is so much space and so many options; it’s hard to narrow down your choices. Here are a few ideas for how to decorate a wall.

Give it Some Color

The first step to cheerful wall decoration is to give your wall some color. Paint it or put on some wall paper. Even if you only paint the single wall, you will have provided an accent wall which may be enough decoration on its own to brighten up your room.

Find a Large Piece

The next step for a large wall is to find a large decorative piece to grace it. The large piece may be something as simple as a framed poster, or it may be quirky colorful collection such as your framed montage of outhouse décor. If you’re on a budget, two sconces and a valance can frame smaller pieces of artwork, or find a mirror and repaint the frame to match your current furnishing.

Add Accents

Your next step is to add accents to the wall. These might be smaller pieces of framed artwork, sconces and candles, wall mounted light fixtures or decorative iron work. Plates on a plate rack also make an interesting wall decoration as does a well draped tapestry or rug.

Window Décor

If your wall includes a window, be sure to spend some time considering window treatments. You might hang a simple curtain or sheers. Plantation shutters might have the right feel for the room or you could add molding around the window as the only source of decoration and leave the window uncovered. Decorate your walls to coordinate with your furniture and existing décor, but be sure to throw in enough of your own personality to make it especially yours.

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How to Throw a Garden Party

What better way to enjoy a beautiful day or the changing of the seasons than by throwing a garden party! Not only will your guests enjoy getting to spend time outside, they will also appreciate the novelty of a garden party and you will be able to showcase your patio or backyard that you have taken great pains to make perfect.

Furnish the Party

A party in your backyard will only succeed if furnished properly. Be sure you provide your guests with places to sit and a table or two to serve food and place plates and drinks. You can use patio furniture with matching chairs, or just pull out a folding table and cover it with a decorative tablecloth and invite guests to bring their own lawn chairs. Whether formal or casual, your party will center around the furniture.

Choose Your Decorations

To differentiate between a casual backyard gathering and a marvelous garden party, decorate! You can select a theme, such as a Victorian gala with frilly lace and tea and scones to a Chinese celebration with paper lanterns hanging from your trees. Cover your table with a festive tablecloth, use garden flags to add some color, fill terra cotta pots with brilliantly colored flowers, or set candles afloat in a pool. When your guests arrive, the stage will be set for a fantastic time!

Send the Invitations

Without guests, your party wouldn’t be a party at all. You can incorporate your theme into your invitations, but be sure it is clear to your guests that the party will be outside so they can dress accordingly. If there is a dress code or a theme you want your guests to participate in, be sure to let them know that information as well. To ensure you have a good idea of how many guests to prepare for, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to include an RSVP request.

Prepare the Food

For a garden party, your cuisine can match the theme, or you can assemble your favorite finger foods. Be sure you have plenty of cold drinks, especially if your party is on a warm day. Since your guests will be enjoying the outdoors, incorporate fresh food into your banquet, offering an assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Have a Back-Up Plan

As with any out-of-doors event, you can’t control everything, and bad weather could send you scurrying. Be sure you have a back-up plan in case it rains on your parade. Be ready to move inside, to a covered porch or gazebo, or provide awnings or tents to keep your guests dry and comfortable. If the weather doesn’t cooperate with your plan, don’t despair! Your party will be a success if you keep a positive attitude and are flexible.

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How to Serve Gelato

The sweet frozen dessert hailing from Italy is similar to Ice Cream, but with a bolder flavor and fewer calories. Gelato is a wonderful dessert to serve at garden parties, showers, or birthday parties as it is festive, unusual and delicious. Here’s how to serve gelato.

Buy Gelato and Accessories

Wholesale gelato and accessories can be purchased over the internet. Many gelato retailers sell sorbets as well if you’re interested in a lighter frozen treat for your party. Purchase the amount of gelato you need along with the proper serving utensils. If you’d rather, you can also rent or buy a home gelato machine to make your own dessert the day of the party.

Keep the Gelato Frozen

Gelato is lighter than traditional ice cream, so it might melt more rapidly if not kept completely frozen. Store the gelato in a freezer around 30 degrees, just below freezing level to be sure it stays soft and fluffy rather than hard.

Arrange Festive Bowls

You can serve gelato in thin cones commonly found throughout Italy, or if you’d appreciate a more formal presentation, you can arrange any sort of bowl you’d like. Use champagne glasses, ice cream bowls, or even salad plates to serve the gelato to your guests.

Serve the Gelato

Gelato is beautifully textured in its container, especially if you freeze your own in an attractive serving pan. You might consider displaying and serving the ice cream in front of your guests rather than in the kitchen as the very confection itself can add to the festivities and decorations.

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How to Make Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry shortcake is a delicious summer treat that uses fresh strawberries and angel food cake to make your taste buds tingle. Here’s how to make your own strawberry shortcake sure to make your family thrilled.

Gather Ingredients

To make strawberry shortcake, you’ll need the following:

• Gather Ingredients
• To make strawberry shortcake, you’ll need the following:
• Mixing Bowls
• Whisk
• Shortbread or Angel Food Cake
• 10-15 cups strawberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 pint chilled heavy whipping cream
• 2 to 3 drops vanilla extract

Prepare Ingredients

Remove the stems from the strawberries and cut them into slices. Put a handful of slices aside as garnish, but put the rest into the mixing bowl. Sprinkle sugar over the strawberry slices and stir. Repeat until the strawberries are covered evenly with sugar. (For a sugar free dessert, you can use Splenda ™ rather than sugar.) Put the strawberries into the refrigerator where the sugar will draw out the strawberry juice making syrup.

In separate mixing bowl, combine the whipping cream and vanilla. Whisk the mixture briskly until the cream begins to fluff. Then place the cream into the refrigerator as well.

Combine Ingredients

Strawberry shortcake must be served immediately to avoid the cake portion becoming soggy. When you’re ready to serve dessert, slice the short bread, or angel food cake for a lighter version, and place on a plate. Scoop out a generous amount of strawberries and syrup and place over the shortbread. Place a dollop of whip cream on top and finish with a garish of a fresh strawberry slice. Serve immediately.

Store the leftover strawberries in an airtight container or even greenbags to help keep the fruit fresh as long as possible. Likewise store the cake in an airtight container and refrigerate both.

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How to Decide How Many Kids to Have

Before you have your first child, it’s easy to plan your future family. Once the first child comes your plans might change. And if you’re completely enamored with your first and can’t image your life without another three or four angels, a second child might make you examine your feelings again. Kids are the absolute best reward for a lot of hard work, but only you can decide how many kids to have.

Your Temperament

Your temperament can make a huge impact on the number of children you have. Parents must be patient and able to deal with the daily stress of children making demands of their time and energy as well as the constant issues that will arise throughout the day. Granted this work is paid off grandly with hugs and kisses, but if hugs and kisses won’t keep your emotions in check on a very stressful day, fewer kids might be the answer.

Your Age

Your age obviously impacts your future family. If you have your first child at thirty-nine, you’re already limited on the number of children you can have. Many mothers over thirty-five have one or two children as thirty-five is considered a higher risk age for child bearing. On the other hand, if you have your first child very young, you may decide to have an only child to give you an opportunity to reclaim your own passions and pursuits as soon as possible.

Your Spouse

Your spouse will have a huge impact on the number of children you have. If he wants an only child and you want four, unless he is willing to be convinced a house full of children is really okay, you’re likely stuck at one.

Your Finances

Numbers matter, especially with children. Diapers and formula can add up to hundreds per month and clothes, shoes and food for older children are not cheap either. Every child you have will be expensive even without adding in college costs. Granted the first child will be the biggest budget buster. After that each child represents a few more diapers and another plate at the table.

Your Other Children

If you have a child with special needs, you may decide to have only one child so that you can devote your time and attention to his needs. Some parents have additional children to build a caring family, but every child requires a huge portion of your time and attention. You can’t short one child for the sake of another.

Your Marriage

If your marriage is solid and your partner is a partner in parenting and pregnancy, multiple children are natural additions to the family. But if your marriage is not quite this ideal or your spouse works long hours or isn’t as involved in parenting as you are, fewer children will be easier to manage.

Your Time

Time is a finite resource. There are only twenty-four hours in the day and you likely spend close to eight of them sleeping. The remaining sixteen hours are divided between everything you must do in a day as well as meaningful time with each member of your family. The fewer family members there are, the more individual time each is able to enjoy. If your time is already stretched due to the requirements of your career or your lifestyle, fewer children will allow you to devote more time and attention to each.

Your Instincts

Sometimes you just know you’re meant to be the mother of many children and you love the idea of a loud, noisy home. If your instincts are telling you to have many children and your spouse is willing, there is absolutely no reason to not indulge yourself. Fill up your home with racing children and bouncing babies. Each child brings so much magic to a home, a home filled with kids is a home brimming with love.

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