Use Niche Marketing to Fatten Your Bank Account

As small business owners, our natural tendency is to market our products and services to as broad an audience as possible. If you sell carpeting, you may think that everyone who has a floor is your potential client. But what about those people with allergies, or people in wheelchairs, people who live in apartments or people who just bought a brand new home? They all have floors, but they probably aren't in your target market.

At its broadest, your carpeting target market consists of homeowners. You can narrow it even further to homeowners with houses of a certain age who are thinking about replacing their carpet and new homeowners who want to update or change the look of the house they just bought.

The reason you want to market to a niche is to reach those people who are ready to buy your product or service. It doesn't mean that you can't sell to people outside of your niche. It simply means that you will concentrate your marketing dollars on campaigns that specifically target your niche.

Niche marketing becomes even more important for expertise based businesses such as professional speakers, consultants, web designers and business coaches. Your services are very personalized and the goal of your marketing efforts is to attract your ideal clients.

Here are some characteristics of a profitable niche

• They a common set of issues or problems
• You have a product or service that will solve their biggest problem
• They are easy to identify and reach
• The group is large enough to provide you with an ongoing source of prospects
• They can afford your products and services and are willing to pay for solutions that meet their needs

With Niche Marketing you can showcase your expertise and cause your ideal clients to seek you out. Rather than chasing your prospects, niche marketing puts you in the position of expert so that people with a specific problem will be looking for you. Your job is to find out where they hang out and put yourself in front of them so that they know who you are and make it easy for them to purchase your products and services.

Another reason to market to a niche is that it gives you the opportunity to build a relationship with its members. When you are an expert in a specific area, you have an automatic entrée to a meaningful conversation and you can enter a dialogue with them, provide advice and gain their trust as a valued resource.

The final reason to market to a niche is that it gives you the ability to spend your marketing dollars more effectively. Some people think that if you market to a niche, you'll turn away sales, but I challenge that assumption. You can sell to anyone you choose but you are focusing your marketing efforts and targeting them to a specific group.

As small business owners, we don't have the brand recognition of a large corporation. We don't have millions of dollars to invest in global brand marketing like they do. We're vying for our prospect's attention not only with large national brands but with regional and local brands. In order to break through that chaos, we must speak directly to an individual to get their attention and the way that you do that is with niche marketing.

A magazine ad, a direct mail piece, a banner ad on a website or a pay per click campaign online costs the same whether you have a general message or a specific one.You'll get a higher response and higher return on your investment the more targeted and specific you make that campaign. Even though you may have fewer people looking at your marketing messages, percentage wise, more of them will buy.

Spend some time researching your niche and creating targeted marketing campaigns. It will pay off in more sales and higher quality customers and clients.

To find out the latest strategies and tips to transform your ability to attract new customers and clients, sign up for my free monthly print newsletter  Linda believes that every business owner can and should be a star in the eyes of their prospects and customers. She's a Marketing Strategist, Business Coach, Author and Speaker who focuses on small business marketing. She shares best practices, what works and what doesn't in the fast moving pace of today's business environment. Her mission is to prevent small businesses from closing their doors due to bad marketing. She shows them how to successfully use online and offline marketing strategies to attract new customers and keep them coming back. Linda learned how to manage a business during her 30 year career at a Fortune 100 company. She completed her coach training at Coach Training Alliance. She counts as her mentors some of the top coaching, marketing and public speaking experts in the industry, including Dan Kennedy, Bill Glazer, Ali Brown, James Malinchak and Milana Leshinsky. She is a member of The National Association of Women Business Owners, The Loudoun Chamber of Commerce, the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce and Business Networking International (BNI). Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_Griffin

You Should Consider Using Internet Marketing For Business

The information age has dawned and presently there are more people than ever online hungry for information. Many of these people will make up the ideal target market of your business. Are you online yet? Are you getting your business message out in front of them as fast and effective as possible? Are you giving them so much value that your name is the first to come to mind when they think about whatever product or service you are involved with? If not then you are leaving an awful lot of money on the table, and should consider using internet marketing for business building.

The world is full of doom and gloom about the present economic conditions, you may choose to participate in all the worry, negativity and skepticism or you can ignore it and plough on with your own efforts and invest your time a little more wisely. If you think about it there has never been a greater time to be in business due to the invention of the internet. You now have the opportunity to put your business message in front of as many people you care to imagine and you have the opportunity to separate yourself from the competition by actively building relationships. Building relationships is the key to having people come to you ready to buy, and not going out there trying to sell to them.

If you are a business person who is in doubt as to whether or not you should be using internet marketing for your own business just think bout your own habits, I bet you are starting to research more things on the internet, I bet you are even purchasing more goods and services on the internet. You can be sure that if you are doing so your target market is doing so as well. That is why you should be using internet marketing for business.

If you have the opportunity to use internet marketing for business purposes then you should really be doing so as there is absolutely no reason why you should not be doing so. Just by having a YouTube channel and a Facebook fan page you will be creating an online presence (they are free to implement as well by the way) you are exposing yourself to many people who will be interested in what you have to say.

The main benefit that you should be considering with the internet is that your whole marketing efforts are well and truly leveraged. You have the opportunity to expose your message to as many people you want to for as long as you want to. Compare that to your last direct mail campaign that you considered a success because ten people out of a thousand responded to your letter.

If you are in business, any business at all and you have a website just sitting there doing nothing like most business owners do, then you should be using internet marketing for business growth. Online marketing is nothing more than really taking your offline marketing efforts online, finding your target market and promoting your value driven message to them.

Using internet marketing for business purposes is extremely easy once you have the correct model for promotion in place and a plan for its use. To find out exactly how you could learn to market your business online check out the link below.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_J_Bright

Design Large Format Banners and More

Whether you're designing large format banners or trade show banners, this picture will be representative of your company. It's purpose is to inform people and either get people to purchase something or to get clients to use your business. It needs to be full of good information, but also eye-catching and pleasing. Custom banner printing should be a means to help your business, not hurt it so always keep that in mind when coming up with a design.

It comes as no surprise that visibility is key. Determine where you are hanging or placing this sign so that you know what size and type of sign or banner to purchase. Everything boils down to location, location, location. Ensure that there will be no obstacles in the way and that it will be visible from multiple angles. Also check to see how the design will look from different view points. The large format banners may look fabulous from far away, but terrible the closer the viewer gets to the sign. A good design will be easy to read and understandable from all distances.

Less is more is a great sentiment that applies to so many things in life, and design is one of them. Leaving space near the edges can give quite an impact. Remember that the viewer does not want to search all over the sign to figure out what it's about. The person also doesn't want to waste 10 minutes just trying to read all the information. Don't flood it with too much text or images. Be clear and to the point. Just don't forget to place contact information, such as a phone number, address, or website.

Font choice is very important because if the viewer can't read the sign, then you just wasted all that money on customer banner printing. Do not use more than two font styles on one banner. Ensure that it is legible from a distance. The fonts should also compliment each other. A similar rule applies for colors. Choose one color scheme that will compliment and not clash. Too much color will be distracting and make reading the sign difficult. Bright colors grab attention. You can use a color wheel to figure out which colors are complimentary (the color opposite is complimentary and the one next to is unfavorable).

When it comes to putting all these ideas together, use the hierarchy of information in order to garner the best results. The most important information should be the biggest and most prevalent feature. It should be what customers notice first. If you're promoting a 50% off sale, that should be the most noticeable. Your phone number or date of the sale is secondary.

Viewers want to see something creative and interesting. We are constantly bombarded with images all day, so your large format banners need to stand out above the rest. This is another representation of your company so keep it professional, yet still engaging.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Etinger

The Importance of Marketing

Learning how to market properly is without doubt the most important and profitable thing you will ever your life as a business owners and entrepreneur.

In fact, I'd go further and say not only are there almost no problems in business that can't be overcome by good marketing, but also an effective marketing system is the most valuable asset your business will ever have.

How to Market Properly - 3 tips for Determined Entrepreneurs

1. Stop the hard-sell. The importance of marketing notwithstanding, you'll still do better in the long run if you focus on the long-term value of your customers and clients rather than the short-term view of making a sale. Yes, making sales is important, but in many ways it should be the last thing you try to do, not the first (or, to be more accurate, it should be the end of the beginning, the consummation of your seduction of the prospect, and the first sale of many -- andthat's why it's worth taking your time).
2. Look after your prospects, and they'll look after your profits. This isn't to say you should roll over like an obedient dog to have your tummy tickled in the hope of a treat, but it does mean you should put your customer first. Why? Because they are puttingthemselves first, and since you want something from them, and they can easily choose to go to your competitors, you need to give them that Big Reason to choose YOU instead of them. Thus, it pays to focus on finding ways to astonish, amaze and delight them so they won't dream of going elsewhere. And you can't do that if the only thing they ever hear from you is "please buy my stuff".
3. Seth Godin called it 'permission marketing', but it really is nothing new: focus your attention on getting contact details and permission to begin a dialogue with your prospects. This is the one thing I have real trouble with getting over to my clients. Most of them seem too afraid to let go of the need to sell and begin their relationship with their future clients and customers by giving away valuable information in exchange for their details. Fact is, though, it's the most effective way to sell.

So, just how much better are the results you get likely to be if you take this "softly softly" approach?

Well, it's going to, depending on your product or service, your market, and your own personality, but, as an actual example, a blog I am involved with converts at about 1% on the sales page to cold visitors; but if we can get their contact details in exchange for a high-quality 12-part email Guide, then the conversion rate jumps to a staggering 11.34%, using some pretty basic and very low-key sales strategies in the emails we send.

Now, the choice is yours. You can take the quick, dirty and easy route... or you can put a bit more work and thought into it and increase your sales by as much as 1,134%.

If you're serious about your business, then I think the answer is obvious, don't you?

Lead generation and direct response marketing specialist and copywriter Jon McCulloch is the author of for Small Business: How to increase your Direct Mail Responses by 300% or More. This book reveals the strategies he has used with his clients to realise response rates over 300% better than traditional direct mail... and for a limited time you can download 'BIG marketing Muscle for Small Business' right now. His clients have mailed over 1 million pieces using the exact same strategies he reveals in this book - so you know they're tried, tested and proven to work in the real world. And it's free. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jon_Mcculloch

The Challenge of Feeding Teenage Boys

During their school holidays I decided to start a meal routine which they enjoy but that stops me feeling as if I am spending all my time in the kitchen!

Breakfast is simple. We always have cereals and toast. To drink the boys have a choice of fruit smoothies, orange juice and, of course, coffee. Bacon and eggs are available if the boys are enthusiastic enough to cook them. So, of course, this does not happen very often!

For lunch as everyone's schedule is different I keep a selection of food in the fridge which can be used to make up sandwiches. This generally consists of cheese, cold meats, salamis, hummus and salad items. There is fresh bread and dry biscuits available and in addition I always keep a choice of soups.

The evening meal is when we all sit down together. The boys favourite meals are meat based. Roast beef, pork or lamb is always popular with potatoes either roasted or mashed and a selection of cooked vegetables. Pasta dishes such as lasagne or spaghetti Bolognese served with a fresh salad and French bread is both economical and nutritious. Spare ribs or chilli con carne with rice is easy to prepare as are Moroccan style chicken dishes served with couscous. In the summer a large salad with a mixture of ingredients such as goat cheese, smoked fish, boiled eggs, cold meats, nuts and baby new potatoes are always popular. Steaks with sauté potatoes and salad never fail to be a success.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Persephone_Cavendish

Make Your American Pancakes Stand Out

If you want to create fun American pancakes which are totally different from anything that you have ever been served then read on as I have some great tips to make the yummiest, craziest pancakes around!

1. Try out some different topping! Maple syrup is a classic to topping, but if you have it all the time then it can get a bit boring! My personal favourites include mixing peanut butter in with the pancake mix and topping the stack with melted white chocolate. Or you can try savoury pancakes, don't add any sugar to your mix, and top your pancake with melted cheese, barbecue sauce and sausages. The possibilities are endless!

2. Make bold pancakes with food colouring! Add some food colouring to the mix and a little extra flour, cook as you normally do and you could be serving brightly coloured pancakes up for breakfast that will definitely wake you up. Food colouring doesn't have a flavour so it won't change how your pancakes taste but it will make them a little bit different from anyone else's.

3. Make crazy shapes! Once you have cooked your American pancakes, get a bit creative with cookie cutters or a sharp knife before serving them up. You can create virtually any shape that you can think of, maybe heart shaped pancakes for Valentines Day and Christmas tree shaped in December. The possibilities are endless and will definitely mean that people remember your pancakes!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bethany_Myers

Three Top Tips to Make Your Cupcakes Stand Out

When you make cupcakes you want them to be eye catching so everyone will want to eat them all up! So I have included three top tips to make your cupcakes the centre of attention.

1. Food colouring is not just for icing! You can make coloured sponge simply by adding a few drops of food colouring to the sponge mix and mixing thoroughly before separating the mix into the cases and baking. If the mixture becomes a little to runny after you add the food colouring simply add a little flour to bring the mix to the right consistency. Think red sponge with white icing for a valentines theme or blue sponge with yellow icing for a kid's party. You can mix the standard food colouring to create any colour you want, the possibilities are endless!

2. Use funky cupcake cases! The standard plain white cupcake cases can be quite boring, everyone has seen them before and they don't add much to the presentation of your cupcakes. You can find a massive range of coloured and patterned cupcake cases online and in specialist cake shops, virtually as cheap as the standard white ones that you can pick up at your local supermarket.

3. Use non edible decorations! Assuming you are not making the cupcakes for very young children, non edible decorations can really make your cupcakes stand out. The best bit is that they can be used over and over again; after the cupcakes are eaten you simply need to wash them off and save them for your next baking session. There is a huge variety of non edible decorations that are available both in specialist cake shops and online stores where you can pick decorations for virtually any theme you want.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bethany_Myers

5 Hot Tips for Better Homemade Bread

The French have a wonderful technique for working their dough, one that produces a far superior product, light with a wonderful texture and a delightfully thin crisp crust.

French Baking first got my attention when I was back in the UK visiting my family and I learned of this fantastic method of working dough from the celebrated French Baker, Richard Bertinet, coincidentally now living in my old home town of Bath, where he operates a baking school, we were almost neighbors! Richard is one of a few pioneers of this "French Technique" of working dough in the English speaking world. If you find yourself in the UK at any time I would urge you most strongly to go check out a master at work and contact Richard Bertinet.

In these last few years since catching the bug, there's a few things that I've learned that if I'd if I'd known from the start could have saved a great deal of the error from my trial and error! You really don't need any specialist equipment, or skills that take years to master, just a couple of simple tricks and techniques that can be easily learned in just a few hours! And once you've learned these tricks you'll see that anyone can produce French bread like a master baker in a normal domestic kitchen!

5 hot tips for making perfect french bread in your own kitchen.

1. Go French and Don't Look Back. So what's so great about this whole "French-Technique" hoo-hah? It's all about the method of working (kneading) the dough which allows for a much looser, (wetter) mixture, that results in a lighter, springier, more elastic and responsive dough. This dough rises beautifully with no requirement for any improvers and produces a truly excellent texture of crumb and a light crispy crust, distinctive of French bread. These results are quite unlike those produced by other kneading techniques where recipes naturally demand a greater flour content to prevent the dough from sticking to everything as it's being kneaded. Breads produced in this manner will predictably be heavier, have a denser texture and a thicker crust.

2. Find a Baking Course. Understanding what it takes to produce superior bread is an experiential phenomenon. There's no other way to learn bake bread than to roll up your sleeves and get your hands in the dough. So first of all be ready to try and fail, and learn from your mistakes, that's the joy of learning, secondly find a baking course in your area where you can see for yourself just how to work dough and bake bread the traditional French way, get an understanding of all the techniques and a feel for how wet of sticky the dough should be Believe me it will be worth it.. A picture tells a thousand words but a demonstration tells a million.

3. Get an Understanding of Hydration. Everywhere in the world I bake I have to adjust the recipe, it's knowing the consistency that's the most important issue. Recently I moved from inner Melbourne out to the forested hills 40 minutes out to the east, immediately I noticed that I needed to reduce the amount of water I was adding to my mix by over 15% to account for the higher humidity levels!!! Practice will give you the experience to get a feel of the "right" consistence, but again, a teacher will get you there much faster.

4. Weigh ALL Your Ingredients. Especially weigh the water if you want to be able to repeat a result you must know exactly what went to produce that result, measuring by volume just isn't accurate enough.

5. Take Notes. Always work to a recipe, but know that you will almost certainly need to make an adjustment. So make sure that you take notes of exactly what you've done, and then if you make an improvement you've got a new best recipe, and you know how to reproduce it. Knowing how to make adjustments is something that only experience will show you, but taking notes will speed this process along. If you don't take notes you're flying blind.

Would you like to fast track all that trial and error to get the experience you need to bake bread with confidence and producing better results than you can even imagine?

Browse through other by James Fisher detailing all you'll need to know to get the hang of the French technique. "My goal is to contribute to you my passion for baking, A passion that when combined with knowledge, experience will leave you with confidence and needing nothing else to be a self sufficient master baker in your own kitchen." Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_DD_Fisher

Ideas for Decorating Cupcakes

A cupcake straight from the oven would be too plain to serve. Even those being served would consider it bland just by looking at it. But with the addition of a little color and decoration, it transforms into real eye candy and one can assume it is delicious without actually tasting it. Cupcake decoration is an easy and fun task to do. You can use as many shapes and designs on your cupcakes as you wish. When musing over what cupcake decorating ideas to use, consider the theme of the occasion. Are the cupcakes part of birthday celebrations, baby shower, Christmas or other holiday celebration? Or are you making them for the kids to enjoy during the lovely summer weather?

There are themes to go with each celebration so base your decoration ideas on that. For example, a summer rose would be an appropriate theme during the summer. For the kids, superman is great! Snowman, Santa Claus, elf shapes and fairies would make perfect Christmas cupcake decorations. A theme makes it easy to choose the shapes and colors to work with. You will use sugar icing to make your cake decorations. Follow the given sugar icing recipe carefully in order to get the consistency right. It should be creamy and not runny, in order to stick to the cake. Alternatively, you can buy pre-made sugar icing from department stores.

Equipment you will need to make your work perfect includes a frosting spatula, icing bags, icing tips, toothpicks and foil or greaseproof paper. A frosting spatula ensures that the icing is spread evenly. Buy icing tips of different shapes - stars, leaves, shells, roses, v-shaped, round-shaped ones and any other shapes you can find.

Shape the different decorations using the sugar icing mixture on the foil. This is where the icing tips come in handy. Petal shaped tips will help you shape the flower and bows; round ones will help you write letters and numbers. Let the decorations dry then paint on any additional details you want to feature in your decorations. Toothpicks work well for this. Your cupcake decorations are now ready to use!

Spread the icing or frosting on the cakes. You can also use pre-made fondant. This does not have to be in plain color. Add food coloring to give it some color before spreading it on the cupcakes. Then take your decorations and stick them onto the icing. They stick very well on butter cream icing. Now your cupcakes are ready to show off to your friends!

As you perfect the art of cake decoration, you can slowly incorporate more complex shapes, such as fondant flowers - daffodils, mushrooms and sunflowers among others. Some more cupcake decorating ideas you can try out include falling flowers where you shape a stalk and petal and place it on the cupcake top, so that the stalk lies on the icing and the petal falls to the side. Cover the top with more petals in different colors. You can also paint the faces and names of your guests on the cupcakes. Present each guest with the corresponding cupcake that has their name and face! They will feel special.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anya_Shiela_Richards

The Cooking Mess to a Minimum

If you dread cleaning up the kitchen after preparing a meal, then these four little words, 'clean as you go' are the key to keeping that mess to a minimum.This is such a simple answer, but it works.

Whenever you have a spare moment or a lull in your cooking activities, use that time to load the dishwasher, wipe off the counter or the stove top, or put away the ingredients you just used to make a recipe. Whatever needs to be done, do it. It is just that much that you won't have to do later.

One thing I always do when I am getting ready to make a recipe is to get out all the ingredients I will be using and line them up on the counter. As I add each one to the recipe, I return it to the shelf where I got it. That way I have insured that I didn't leave anything out of the recipe, and I have everything put away when I am done mixing it up.

Another practice that makes cleanup easier is to use as few cooking utensils as possible. In other words, any time you can use something more than once without washing it in between, then use it. That goes for serving, too. The baking dish the food was cooked in can also be used as its serving dish.

When you are ready to start cooking, always make sure the kitchen is clean and the dishwasher unloaded. Run some dishwater in one side of the sink for cleanup, and clear the other side so it is available for rinsing, filling or draining. Set the trash can near where you will be working to throw away peelings, wrappers, and so forth. If you are going to use the oven, line the bottom with a piece of foil to catch any spills. Always use a spoon rest or a saucer to place stirring spoons or spatulas on. This eliminates a lot of wiping up later.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Drica_V_Lima

The Most Out Of Your Stir-Fried Dishes

The method of stir-frying, commonly associated with East Asian cooking, is similar to sauteing. The process involves cooking with a small amount of oil on high heat, usually in a large skillet, saute pan, or a wok. Though quick and easy, there are a few tricks to achieving the best results.

Since this is a fast method of cooking, it is essential to have all the ingredients measured and close at hand. Foods that need to be marinated, should be prepared prior to the time of actual cooking. To ensure even cooking, cut all meats and vegetables into small, uniform sizes.

The first step is to heat the cooking pan on high for one to two minutes. Once the pan is heated, the next step is to add the oil. Ensure that the entire cooking surface is coated, by swirling the oil around in the pan. Ingredients are now ready to be added.

Since all ingredients do not cook in the same amount of time, it is important to follow the proper sequence. To get flavors perfectly blended in, aromatic seasonings, such as onion, garlic, and ginger are added first. This is followed by meats, poultry and seafood. Lastly, the vegetables are added. The key rule in cooking vegetables is to have them tender, yet crisp. With this in mind, the harder ones are added before the softer, more delicate ones.

The food is stirred occasionally to prevent burning, distribute ingredients, and to ensure it cooks evenly on all sides. A pair of wooden chop-sticks, a spatula, or a wooden spoon is effective in achieving this. The pan should not be overcrowded, as food needs to be spread out. This allows meat to brown properly and it keeps the food crisp and tender.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Drica_V_Lima

Cooking With Fresh Herbs Elevates Ordinary Dishes

First, determine which herbs you use the most

Popular herbs like basil, oregano, parsley, thyme, garlic chives, rosemary and dill will grow well with a minimum amount of fussing. You might want to limit yourself to three or four plants for your first time. If you are a fan of many foods and drinks containing mint, plant some mint so you can make them at home.

Growing herbs is not hard

You can grow herbs from seed if you have a long growing season. For those living in northern regions, and people who want to use their herbs as soon as possible, buy established plants. Transplant them where they will get full sun. Herbs are easy to grow among other plants in the garden, in a whiskey barrel, or flowerpots. Throughout the summer, take your kitchen shears and snip off a few basil leaves for soup or stems of thyme and rosemary for pot roasts and stews. You can drop individual stems with leaves into the pot or tie them together with kitchen twine. One teaspoon of dried herbs is equal to one tablespoon of fresh.

Harvest your herbs to use throughout the year

As summer fades, harvest the herbs before they flower. Rinse them in cool water to remove insects and dirt. Damp herbs will rot so dry them carefully and thoroughly with paper towels. Tie the stems together and hang in a warm, dark place. Put the dried herbs in an airtight container - a zippered plastic bag will work - and store in a cool, dark place like a cabinet. Do not crush them until you need them.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Drica_V_Lima

Great Baby Back Pork Ribs

I prefer a "dry" rib. This doesn't mean that the ribs are dry, it just means that I don't use a wet sauce. The flavor comes from a mixture of spices that are rubbed onto the meat. This is called a dry rub. Slow, indirect cooking keeps them juicy.

I started with a rub out of a great cookbook: "Weber's Big Book of Grilling." The rub on page 163 is a great rub, but I've altered it a bit. I felt that it has a little too much in it, so I simplified it some. I eliminated the fennel, oregano, celery seeds, and thyme. So my rub is three parts kosher salt, and black pepper, two parts sugar and paprika, and one part mustard, cumin, and crushed red pepper. If you have peppercorns and whole mustard seeds, it's even better. You put it all in a clean coffee grinder and grind it down into a course powder. I suggest only making what you need at a time because the spices go stale after a while. If you really like a particular spice or flavoring, say garlic or curry, feel free to add it to the rub. Make it yours.

So we got the rub, now we need the fuel. Remember, you already have the Weber grill. Now you need charcoal. Buy a high quality name brand plain charcoal or lump charcoal. Do not buy a grocery store brand, do not buy an "easy light" brand. Do not use lighter fluid, remember, that's why you bought the chimney starter. Get a bag of wood chunks. I prefer chunks over chips, but chips will do. Get a fruit wood like cherry or apple. Hickory works well also, but I try to stay away from mesquite. If you prefer mesquite, go for it, but I think mesquite is better for heartier meats like beef and lamb.

And last, but most important: the ribs. Try to get them fresh from your butcher, but if that is not feasible, get the kryopacked three racks to a pack at your grocery store or club warehouse. I get mine at BJ's, and they're usually of high quality. Do not get a pre-seasoned pack, that will put all your rub work to waste. Try to make sure they're not frozen. I usually buy two packs for six racks total.

So in the last article you learned what equipment to buy, now you have the dry rub, the charcoal and wood chunks and the baby back pork ribs. All you need now is to BBQ the ribs. I'll tell you how I do that in the next article.

I love everything BBQ. I love to cook on the grill, over charcoal or wood. I own four weber grills: two 22" that I use for both smoking and grilling all kinds of meat, an 18" that is great for tailgating, and a 12" smokey joe, perfect for burgers and dogs. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Sedlak

Some Considerations When Cooking With Butter

When people think about cooking with butter, it's not uncommon for them to start to drool with delight! Unlike other forms of cooking fat, butter is straight forward in its goodness and in its taste. When people think of homebaked goodies that mother and grandmom used to make, they don't think of low-fat margarine. They only think about buttery treats that melt in the mouth. While butter is used as a topping, it has so many uses as a food ingredient. Here's a look at different types of butter, and it's uses.

Unsalted and salted: All it takes is a quick jaunt to the grocery store to find that there are two different varieties of butter in general. There is unsalted and salted varieties. These are both tasty and useful, but they might be used in different ways. For example, another name for unsalted butter is sweet butter. This is the type that is best used for baked goods. Obviously, a cook wouldn't want their baked treats to taste too salty. This is what can happen if the salted variety is used. Not only this, but the extra salt can make the dough tough not only to work with, but the end result might end up with a tough and rubbery texture on the palate. The only negative in buying and using the unsalted variety, is that it has no salty preservative, so it's prone to going rancid a lot faster. To head this off, it's best to either use it quickly, or keep any excess in the freezer.

The salted variety lends itself for savory cooked dishes instead of baked dishes. The only word of caution for this version, is that one should adjust their salt formula for their recipes, because salted butter will alter the salt taste. One thing that the cook could do to make sure all is well, is to wait until the salted butter and the other ingredients are mixed together. Then they can taste the salt ratio before adding in additional salt.

Baking: Again, the thought of biting into a rich pound cake, or chocolate chip cookies made from butter should make you drool and smack your lips with a smile on your face! Although many people use other fats such as margarine or shortening, there simply is no substitute for the rich, creamy, warm taste that spreads over your palate when you eat a real butter-made treat. The thing for cooks to keep in mind, is that butter in the batter can cause the mixture to brown faster than when the batter has shortening in it. Many people love it when the end product produces a rich golden brown. Again for many, it's not a home-made baked good if it's made with any other fat besides butter.

Sauteing: It's common to use this fat to saute foods such as vegetables, seafood, and even steak. Yes, it's possible thanks to the help of this fat to make even a meaty, beefy steak taste more as it should. Once you eat a steak sauteed this way, their will be no other way for you to eat this. When cooking other foods that have a high water content, make sure to pat them very dry to prevent splattering, and to protect the integrity of the saute. Finally, butter makes a scrumptious fat base for a variety of gravies and roux.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Mongiovi

Find Out More About Amethyst Heart Ring

With Valentine's Day approaching you must be anxious to buy a special gift for the special lady in your life. What can be more special than an amethyst heart ring?

Amethyst occurs as a crystal and is quite hard. On the MHO scale its hardness is measured to be 7 on a scale of 10. This hardness enables the jewelry designers to cut the stone in many shapes; the most popular being the heart shape. Amethyst comes in many colors from pale lilac to deep purple and also in different shades of green.. Sometimes there is a reddish glow to it as well. Amethyst heart rings look stunning in every shade of amethyst. Women usually opt for a medium color tone which has a soft gentle touch. The dark shade tends to be a bit loud where as the pale hue looks somewhat dull.

These rings look fabulous on their own but are a real stunner when framed in shimmering diamonds. The dazzling diamonds accentuate the cool amethyst to form an amazing ring. Amethyst heart rings are quite common but if you want something exclusive then a two tone amethyst ring with dual hearts is also available. Amethyst goes well with all types of metals. If the yellow gold brightens it, the cool white gold and sterling silver gives it a graceful touch.

Amethyst are a perfect gift material; whatever the occasion is; your anniversary or the anniversary of a loved one, birthday of a friend or graduation of your daughter. They add spark to your relationship. Amethyst rings are utterly feminine and with amethyst being a tough stone, can withstand daily wear and tear. The best part of this ring is that it goes with every outfit.

Robert Nichols is a season online marketer for well over 5 years and has been managing Rob Marketing Company for about 5 years. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Lee_Nichols_Jr.

Get Your Hands on Jewelry Armoire Today

If you are looking for a jewelry armoire, chances are you have lots of pieces of jewelry that need organizing. You also probably want to find an armoire that looks great in the room. When you initially start looking for an armoire for the sake of organizing your jewelry, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First of all it is good to know what you want the piece to look like. If you like the old antique look, then keep that in mind. There may be modern ones that look antique, but if you do not have any luck, try looking at antique stores. You can even call ahead to see if they have anything before taking the time to go there. If you want a modern-looking one, you can find many options online or at a furniture store!

Then you will need to think about the features of your jewelry armoire. There are many different types. Some have an abundance of drawers with opening panels on the side, while others have a large amount of shelves that are covered by a mirror. Some have long legs; others go flat to the ground. Some are decorated with finely painted designs or carvings while others are plain and basic, looking almost like a dresser. Your taste will determine what it will look like, but the jewelry you need to put in it will determine what features it has. If you have a collection of thousands of necklaces to organize, one with a vast amount of panel space to hang them may be ideal. If it is many rings, then lots of smaller drawers may suffice.

If you are buying a jewelry armoire as a gift for a little girl, keep in mind that many white jewelry armoires are lined with pink on the inside specifically for this purpose. She will feel like a princess when she opens the panels and drawers to find pink velvet holding all of her precious things safe and sound. If it is for a boy or a man, a black jewelry armoire may be perfect because they can look sleek and manly. They can be lined with blue or a variety of other colors, depending on what you want for the person you are buying it for or for yourself.

If you want to get a wooden jewelry armoire, keep in mind that the wood should match the other wood in the room. It does not necessarily need to be made of wood, since many are stained to look a certain way which will still match. If you are shopping for someone else, this is a good reason to go with a black or white one because you will not have to worry as much about matching different shades of wood- which can be quite difficult if you are not holding them side by side.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kostov_Konstantin

Buy the Finest Jewelry Earrings

When you are looking for jewelry earrings for a friend or for yourself, you will quickly notice that there are a virtually unlimited amount of options. Making your choice on a pair of earrings will depend on the needs of the situation. Here we will look at various kinds of earrings so you can organize your search a little better.

If you are getting jewelry earrings for a friend or loved one, there are a few things to keep in mind. Make sure they are not allergic to any sorts of metals and that they have no sensitivity to such things. Some people get allergic reactions to anything that is not sterling silver. Also, find out if they prefer dangling earrings or studs. This you can figure out by looking at what they wear already. Be aware of what colors they enjoy the most and what styles they like so that you can find a pair of jewelry earrings that fits them best.

If you are shopping for an adult or like the idea of antique looking things, then antique jewelry earrings may be the best choice for you. They can be made of metal, stone, silver or gold. They can have real diamonds or fake ones and can be made in a modern way with an antique look. The point is, they will have a certain appearance of rustic beauty gracefully imbued with the passing of time. If you are shopping for someone who only likes authentically antique earrings, then make sure to find ones that meet those criteria.

Costume jewelry earrings may be what you are looking for if you are trying to complete a costume or buy a gift for someone who likes excessively exuberant things. Earrings in this category will be generally bigger, more colorful and less expensive. You can get them to look like diamonds, stones, feathers, shells or nearly anything you can imagine. Just keep your eye out for the perfect pair because anything is possible when it comes to costume jewelry!

If you are shopping for someone who is obsessed with fashion, you may want to find fashion jewelry earrings. These will differ depending on your location and the current trends, but you will be able to tell what the most fun and fancy styles are by looking online. Pay attention to what you personally enjoy if you are shopping for yourself, but to what the other person enjoys if they are for a gift. When in doubt, the simpler the better, since classy simple styles never end up looking foolish later on.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kostov_Konstantin

Learn More About Pink Amethyst Rings

Amethyst is a semiprecious stone. Its main constituent is silica and it occurs naturally in the shape of a hexagonal crystal. The diverse chemical properties of amethyst bring out its different shades. The hues of amethyst vary from deep purple to pink, light lavender and green. This diversity of colors makes the stone unique.

Amethyst is a wonder stone. It was held in high esteem in the Greek and Indian mythology. Ancient Egyptians were also fond of this stone as were some other kingdoms. It can also be found in the English royal jewels collection.

Deeper shades of amethyst are expensive than the lighter ones. Pink shades of amethyst are also found in nature and when set in a ring; they make beautiful pink amethyst rings. Amethyst is a jewelry designer's dream as it is tough and can be given different shapes. As pink is an utterly feminine color, women especially young ones find it quite irresistible. A delicate pink amethyst ring will look lovely on a young lady's finger and it does not cost much. Amethyst is the birthstone of the people born in February and is the lucky stone for all as it is believed to bring good luck to the person who wears it.

Amethyst is also believed to be a bearer of mystical powers. People wear amethyst rings to alleviate stress and negativity. Amethysts are supposed to bring prosperity and improve health. Amethyst is also believed to cure a number of physical ailments and provide relief from psychological diseases.

Pink amethyst rings look simple yet elegant. They have an air of innocence and purity. They present a picture of perfection set in any metal; yellow gold, silver, white gold and even technibond. When accompanied with diamond or any other precious stone, they look glamorous. Pink amethyst rings have a certain glow and charm which enchants you at the very first sight.

Robert Nichols is a season online marketer for well over 5 years and has been managing Rob Marketing Company for about 5 years. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Lee_Nichols_Jr.

Buying Diamond Engagement Rings on a Budget

Marriage is an exciting time in a couple's life. However, many men stress over purchasing diamond engagement rings. Not only do they fear picking a ring she will hate, they worry about how they can afford a ring that is still beautiful. Just because you're on a budget doesn't mean you have to settle for a cheap, ugly ring. Whether you go to Jared or diamond district jewelers in New York, you can find that stunning ring without paying half your salary.

There is a saying that you should invest about two month's salary for diamond engagement rings. There is no rule to how much you should spend. You need to be realistic and come up with a budget. If the ring you want means you can't pay the electric bill next month, then don't get it. You can finance a ring, but the payments and interest still need to be affordable. If it's going to take years to pay off, you're probably way over budget. Also find out if your fiancee likes diamond engagement rings. Some women prefer gemstones, which can be a lot cheaper.

Diamond engagement rings go up in price as the carat size increases. One way to save a little money without skimping on the size is to purchase a diamond that weights slightly less than the next even weight. Want a 1 carat ring? Go for a .9 carat ring instead. The size difference won't be vast and you'll save some much needed cash. Another good idea is to buy a ring that has several smaller diamonds rather than one large one. Even if they end up weighing the same amount, the larger stone will be more expensive because it is harder to find larger diamonds.

The budget conscious should decide if the diamond or the band is more important. Some women, though they may be hard to find, aren't as concerned with the size of the diamond and would rather have a platinum band which is more scratch resistant. If your gal would rather have a larger diamond, you will spend less money on a white or yellow gold band. Purchasing a diamond band is another option for women who prefer something a little different than a solitaire or princess cut diamond.

If you go to larger chain stores, there are often sales on many of the rings so you may be able to snag a good price. However, you should also include independent jewelers in your search as well. They may be more willing to work with you on a price. Just ensure that they are reputable jewelers. Get recommendations from friends so you can ensure you won't be sold something worthless. Don't settle for only going to one store. This is an important purchase and you need to be aware of all your options and pricing. Even with a limited budget, you can still make your future bride happy with a diamond engagement ring.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Etinger

Women's Diamond Rings on a Budget

If you're a man, buying an engagement ring can be a stressful situation. You're worrying that you won't pick a ring she likes and that she'll say no. If you're a man on a budget, the shopping experience becomes about one-hundred times more unnerving. Just because you can't afford to spend $5,000 on women's diamond rings, doesn't mean you have to settle for a cheap looking ring. No matter where you shop, as long as you follow some of these tips, you can find diamond rings for sale that your future fiancee with love.

Men on a budget need to be realistic about their budget. There is a saying floating around that claims a man should spend the equivalent of two month's salary on the engagement ring. This is an unattainable goal for many people. You should only spend what you can truly afford. Unless you're Brad Pitt, you probably can't afford a pink diamond ring. If you are going to finance the ring, ensure that the monthly payments and interest rate is affordable. Your fiancee won't be thrilled if you can't pay the heating bill for the next three months. If the ring is going to take years to pay off, you are probably well over your budget.

Now that you've settled on a price range, find out if she even wants a diamond ring. Believe it or not, some women prefer gemstones to diamonds and this can be a much cheaper option. However, if you're set on women's diamond rings, then you must know that as carat size increases, so does the price. However, a good piece of advice is to buy the carat size that is slightly less than the next even number. For example, if you want to give her a 1 carat diamond, purchase a.9 carat diamond instead. The size difference will be small and the price will be much cheaper. Another option is to purchase a ring that has several smaller diamonds rather than one large diamond. The larger the diamond, the more difficult it is to find and therefore the more expensive it is. You can find a ring with several diamonds that weighs the same, but it will still be cheaper.

When looking for women's diamond rings, decide if you'd rather spend the money on a bigger diamond or on the band. A white or yellow gold band is much cheaper than a platinum band, but a platinum band is more scratch resistant. Some women are very concerned about the style of the band so it's good to find out. Another way to stay on budget is to consider buying a diamond band. It's a more unique option and your future bride may not want a solitaire diamond.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Etinger

Women's Diamond Rings on a Budget

If you're a man, buying an engagement ring can be a stressful situation. You're worrying that you won't pick a ring she likes and that she'll say no. If you're a man on a budget, the shopping experience becomes about one-hundred times more unnerving. Just because you can't afford to spend $5,000 on women's diamond rings, doesn't mean you have to settle for a cheap looking ring. No matter where you shop, as long as you follow some of these tips, you can find diamond rings for sale that your future fiancee with love.

Men on a budget need to be realistic about their budget. There is a saying floating around that claims a man should spend the equivalent of two month's salary on the engagement ring. This is an unattainable goal for many people. You should only spend what you can truly afford. Unless you're Brad Pitt, you probably can't afford a pink diamond ring. If you are going to finance the ring, ensure that the monthly payments and interest rate is affordable. Your fiancee won't be thrilled if you can't pay the heating bill for the next three months. If the ring is going to take years to pay off, you are probably well over your budget.

Now that you've settled on a price range, find out if she even wants a diamond ring. Believe it or not, some women prefer gemstones to diamonds and this can be a much cheaper option. However, if you're set on women's diamond rings, then you must know that as carat size increases, so does the price. However, a good piece of advice is to buy the carat size that is slightly less than the next even number. For example, if you want to give her a 1 carat diamond, purchase a.9 carat diamond instead. The size difference will be small and the price will be much cheaper. Another option is to purchase a ring that has several smaller diamonds rather than one large diamond. The larger the diamond, the more difficult it is to find and therefore the more expensive it is. You can find a ring with several diamonds that weighs the same, but it will still be cheaper.

When looking for women's diamond rings, decide if you'd rather spend the money on a bigger diamond or on the band. A white or yellow gold band is much cheaper than a platinum band, but a platinum band is more scratch resistant. Some women are very concerned about the style of the band so it's good to find out. Another way to stay on budget is to consider buying a diamond band. It's a more unique option and your future bride may not want a solitaire diamond.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Etinger

Facts About White Gold Jewellery

When it comes to gold many people think of the yellow pieces but there are different colors available. One of them is the white one which is becoming popular because it is fashionable. The lovers of jewellery will encounter different types of white gold jewellery such as bracelets, rings, earrings and necklaces with different designs and in different sizes. The best thing about it is that it can be used with diamond and other gemstones in order to provide other designs such as wedding rings, engagement rings and eternity rings.

White gold is created by combining it with white metals such as palladium or silver. The white appearance of the pieces of jewellery made from it is as a result of using rhodium plating. These pieces can be distinguished by their hallmarks so as to distinguish them from others made form sterling silver and platinum. To identify them, the buyers need to use a magnifying glass to check the inside of the rings as well as the clasps of the bracelets and necklaces to check for the hallmarks. The pieces will come with carat marks to indicate the percentage of the contents of each piece. Users can also check out for the 'P' mark which stands for plumb, a term used to mean that the purity level in the piece is what has been stamped on the label.

It is also important that the buyers consider the processes required to take care of the white gold jewellery before they decide on them. These pieces are usually easy to clean and look after. There are a number of cleaning agents in the market that are designed for taking care of these items and clients should select them because they will be protecting their pieces from damage. It is recommended that the buyers remove the items when they are swimming or using household chemicals as the metal is sensitive to harsh chemicals which may lead to discoloration or pitting. Although rhodium is a strong and durable material, buyers are advised to take their frequently worn pieces for plating up to 2 times a year. They should also ensure that they have stored them appropriately in cloth boxes or bags in order to reduce scratches.

The advantage is that they can shop around in both online and brick and mortar stores in order to find the design and the fit they want. Before paying the price, it is important for the clients to ask for a certificate of authenticity as well as other certificates that indicate the quality of other gemstones in the item bought.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ali_Raza

Silver Rings - A Great Fashion Accessory

Rings are one of the top fashion accessories today. They are classy, simple and look great with many different types of clothing. Wholesale silver rings are popular among men and women, and will likely remain a fashion staple for many years.

Men's silver rings can be worn by themselves, or in groups to create a unique fashion style. When they are worn in groups, they may be stacked, or simply worn on different fingers. Wearing in groupings like this is especially popular among those following a Bohemian style of dress.

There are many different types of silver rings available. Of course, plain silver bands are popular and understated. There are silver rings that are designed to favor bridal sets too. These are often worn as a pre-engagement style ring or as they are sometimes called, promise rings.

Over the past few years, another ring style that has become very popular is toe rings. These are simply slipped on a toe and can be seen when wearing sandals or flip-flops.

Many people may wonder if it is appropriate to wear these rings with gold jewelry. The answer is not a simple yes or no. It all depends on the exact pieces you choose and the type of style you are trying to portray. Sometimes pairing silver and gold can be a fashion risk that works out well. It is certainly nice to be able to wear both colors of jewelry together. However, if your pieces very bold you may find that mixing the two metals does not work out as well and you look overdone.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jum_Heafy

The Magic of Diamonds

Among different gemstones, there are none to rival the diamond for beauty and elegance. The word, "diamond," comes from the Greek and literally means "unbreakable," an appropriate name for the hardest naturally occurring substance in the world. They were probably first mined in India anywhere from 3,000 to 6,000 years ago. Today, they are mined all over the world: from Russia, South Africa, to North America and Australia. Improved technology and shaping methods have meant that diamonds are more valued than ever before; for wedding rings, earrings, pendants, and bracelets to suit every occasion.

World Famous Diamonds

• The Great Star of Africa is the largest cut diamond in the world at 530.2 carats. Is set into the Royal Scepter and part of the British Crown Jewels. The Star Africa Diamond weighs 106 grams.
• The Koh-I-Noor ("Mountain of Light"), at 105.6 carats, has a long and interesting history, steeped in legend. First mentioned in writing in 1304, it has passed from the hands of Mughal and Persian rulers to Queen Victoria during the Indian colonial era, and is now also part of the British Crown Jewels.
• The Excelsior was the second largest diamond to have been discovered at 970 carats befor being cut into 10 diamonds.
• The Regent is relatively small in comparison to other famous diamonds, weighing 140.50 carats, but is distinguished by its perfect cut and clarity. Some have called it the most beautiful diamond in the world. The Regent was discovered in India in the 17th century and is held at the Louvre museum in Paris.

Cultural Status

There's no doubt that diamonds enjoy an challenged status in many cultures when it comes to prestige, glamour, beauty and quality. They are seen as a long-term investment in some countries, but everywhere, their startling beauty expresses a distinctive sophistication. Modern film stars and those from Hollywood's golden age have had love affairs with diamonds. Marilyn Monroe, Madonna, and Elizabeth Taylor are just some of the celebrities who have made their passion for diamonds well-known, with the Taylor-Burton diamond - a gift from Richard Burton to his then-wife Elizabeth Taylor -- being one of the most famous and admired diamonds of all time.

Types of Diamonds

Only 20 per cent of diamonds are used for jewellery. The remaining 80 per cent are used for industrial purposes. Diamonds come in five natural colours: white, yellow, blue, pink and champagne, with white diamonds being the most common and often the most sought-after. The clearer the white diamond, the more valuable it is. Yellow diamonds range from pale yellow to a deep rich yellow. Blue diamonds are also popular, ranging from a pale sky blue to indigo. Champagne diamonds range from a light, almost bronze shade to deep gold.

Pink diamonds are among the rarest diamonds; the Argyle mine in Western Australia produces around 95 per cent of the world's supply. Of the Argyle mine's production, only 1 per cent qualifies as true pink. Pink diamonds from other mines in India, Africa and Brazil tend to be lighter in colour. Pink diamond rings can be 10 to 100 times the price of white diamond rings though jewellery made with other coloured diamonds are generally less expensive than white diamonds.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jessica_Reid_Louis