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You want to send flowers to Aunt Sally in Newark or your sister Susan in San Antonio. You decide to look up a local florist there, hoping to get more personal service or even save a few bucks by avoiding the “middleman.” Normally, a simple call to directory information or an online search would be all it takes, but in the case of florists, the results could be deceiving.
flowers,flowers delivery,flower delivery,local florist,florist,floral,online florist,flowers online,florist delivery,florist scam,good florist,direct ship flowers,roses,roses online
You want to send flowers to Aunt Sally in Newark or your sister Susan in San Antonio. You decide to look up a local florist there, hoping to get more personal service or even save a few bucks by avoiding the “middleman.” Normally, a simple call to directory information or an online search would be all it takes, but in the case of florists, the results could be deceiving.

Many of the online resources are overcrowded with national marketers and wire services rather than the real local florists you’re seeking. Some companies have built hundreds or even thousands of web pages referencing various cities across the country just to show up in so-called “local” searches across the country. Others are simply paying to be on top. This makes life difficult, as it is very hard to tell the difference between a genuine family flower shop and a national fictitious “florist” with local phone numbers which are actually forwarded out of state.

While these deceptive phone listings have officially been banned in many states as intentionally misleading, the laws are all too often not enforced. As a result, fictitious florist phone listings have become commonplace, especially with the growth of online yellow pages. Flowers With Gifted Elegance of Randolph, NJ and All American Flowers of Mount Laurel, NJ are two of several telemarketing companies employing this tactic to make money while providing a disservice to unsuspecting consumers. By purchasing local phone listings under many different names, they hope to lead customers into using their services.

The strategy first surfaced in the mid-nineties. States such as Virginia and Delaware recognized the threat and took action. Other states have followed, but the practice continues today relatively unhindered. Companies in New Jersey, Wisconsin, and the state of Washington purchase phone numbers all over the country, and place those numbers in local white and yellow pages. The listings usually have the name ‘Flowers Of (Town or City)’ or ‘Flowers in (Town/City)’, with a local area code and phone number but either no address or a bogus address. Consumer groups agree it’s misleading at best and usually a ploy to con people into ordering. In the end, customers may face unnecessary extra charges, poor quality, or both. Here’s how it works and what you can do to avoid it.

The Phone Listing Scam

Take a quick trip over to whitepages.com. Do a search for business type “florist springfield,” and don’t even both entering any city or state. You’ll see that about five of the first listings are for “Florist in Springfield” or “Florist of Springfield” in Massachusetts, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Missouri. They all display local phone numbers, but none of them list an address, a common indication of a deceptive listing. To find out more, we called each of the numbers. Four were answered by a recording referring to “Our Flowers with Gifted Elegance.” The fifth was answered by a similar operation which refused to provide a physical address and claimed it didn’t allow ‘walk-in’ customers. In short, all five were bogus. The problem isn’t limited to Springfield. One florist we interviewed knew of at least seventeen misleading florist listings in its local yellow pages.

According to customers, the real disservice isn’t the false listing; it’s the poor service. These companies often charge between $8.99 and $14.99 for taking each order and redirecting it to a real local florist. The service fee is on top of the flowers and local delivery, or worse yet is deducted from them without the customer’s knowledge. The Better Business Bureau report on Flowers with Gifted Elegance, at bbb.org, notes an unsatisfactory record due to unanswered complaints. A search at RipOffReport.com reveals the number of complaints, including reports by people who’s flowers were never delivered.

Avoid Being a Victim

There may be no easy way to recover from being a victim of this kind of advertising deception, but avoiding it is fairly easy.

- Trust your hometown florist. Most are seasoned professionals who can deliver your gift almost anywhere, know the better flower shops in other areas, stand behind their service, and guarantee your satisfaction. In the unlikely event any problem does arise, you’ll be glad you’re working with a reputable local business that wants your continued patronage.

- If you shop online, choose a nationwide florist that proudly displays a toll-free phone number, contact address, customer satisfaction policy, and industry credentials. Check for a secure order form with “https” in the address, and consider placing your first order by phone to ensure customer service people are easy to reach.

- Get advice from friends, neighbors, or business associates. They’re often the best source for choosing the right florist.

- If you do search for local florists online or in phone books, be sure to avoid those with generic names that include the town or that can’t give you the address and directions to their local store.

The vast majority of florists are hard-working, family-owned businesses dedicated to serving you. So, you can send flowers with confidence when you turn to the local florists you know and nationwide florists you trust. Most can deliver your bouquet around the corner or across the country, within 24 hours or less. No wonder, flower delivery is still one of the most reliable and popular ways to show you care. Still, like any industry, the flower business has its share of ‘bad apples.’ So, think twice before you play Russian Roulette with the phone book. Count on your local hometown florist and the established nationwide florists online.

Courtesy of Flowers Delivery Florists, an online guide for fresh flowers, florists online, and floral information resources.

Permission is granted to republish this article in its entirety on the Internet, as long as the link and credit above are included.

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Proper amounts of sleep are important for everyone, especially children. Unfortunately, in today’s busy world, many parents do not think to explain the importance of sleep to their kids.
Free Poster Takes Kids Into The Wacky World of Dreams
Proper amounts of sleep are important for everyone, especially children. Unfortunately, in today’s busy world, many parents do not think to explain the importance of sleep to their kids.

But now, American Innerspring Manufacturers, a national nonprofit group, is underwriting the free distribution of an out-of-the-ordinary youth poster to teachers and parents.

Designed to appeal to 12- to 15-year-olds, the poster, called Underwear, Zombies & Monkey Kung Fu, takes a look at the weird world of dreams, while it subtly reinforces the importance – and “coolness” – of a full night’s sleep.

“So much is going on with kids in this age group, and many parents don’t realize how important sleep is for success in numerous areas,” said Arthur Grehan, executive director of AIM.

The poster is written in an unconventional style designed to engage the target age group.

“We thought the idea of doing a funky and engaging poster on dreams would be a great way to promote deep sleep to this skeptical audience without sounding like a textbook or a filmstrip,” Grehan said.

The poster offers information about deep sleep, delves into the possible symbolism of dream topics and even suggests keeping a dream journal.

For the development of Underwear, Zombies & Monkey Kung-Fu, AIM turned to Red Deluxe, a Memphis-based firm with numerous award-winning posters under its belt.

AIM is making copies of the poster available free of charge to any teacher or parent.

The group is making the offer in hopes that parents will take a break from their hectic schedules and give some real thought to the important role of sleep for children in this age group.

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Nombreux sont les franchisés qui utilisent aujourd’hui Internet pour communiquer avec leurs franchiseurs. Cette dernière s’effectue essentiellement via Intranet, ordinateur priv?fonctionnant en réseau. Voici comment cela fonctionne.
business,marketing,vente,networking,image de marque,gestion,marketing de reseau,business opportunities,online business,computers,franchise network
Cette communication entre franchiseurs et franchisés peut donc se faire aujourd’hui via Internet ou câbles de d’interconnexion reliant les franchises via leur réseau et permet de rentabiliser le travail des franchisés par le gain de temps en recherche d’informations si ce dernier est correctement utilis?

Les franchisés peuvent alors passer leurs commandes en ligne et contrôler les dates de livraisons. La plus part des grandes franchises utilisent le système “?la minute”, qui permet de connaître au moment précis l’état des stocks ou encore les livraisons effectuées ?leur franchisés. Cela a donc réellement permis d’activer le processus et signifie également que le franchis?peut mieux réorganiser ses stocks sans être ?court au moment X.

Les systèmes les plus pointus permettent également aux franchisés de s’approvisionner auprès d’un autre franchis?si le franchiseur est ?cours de stock.

Les demandes peuvent être connectées au réseau et toutes les ventes peuvent être relayées auprès des franchiseurs. Cela implique donc que la plus part des cas des demandes d’ordres peuvent être retirées directement par le franchis?

Pour le franchiseur, cela est fantastique car il n’est alors plus nécessaire de perdre du temps ?rechercher le franchis?disposant de la quantit?adéquate désirée qui pourrait répondre urgemment ?la demande.

Les franchisés en tire un avantage certain car ils voient leur travail diminu?et leur permet de passer plus de temps sur les problèmes marketings et la gestion de la relation clientèle.

Par ailleurs, les franchisés peuvent maintenant payer en même temps en ligne le franchiseur et les fournisseurs sans avoir recours aux carnets de chèques, enveloppes et postage. Une solution simple de payement en ligne donne de nombreux avantages que ne peuvent procurer les méthodes de payements classiques. En plus d’augmenter leur facilit?de caisse, ce système leur permet également de réduire les risques de fraude.

Par exemple, une grande sociét?de jeux carte possédant bon nombre de franchises. L’une d’entre elle se retrouve ?cours de jeux que l’on vient de lui demander. Un simple passage sur Intranet et elle peut alors renseigner exactement son client quant aux délais de livraison du produit.

D’autres systèmes encore plus perfectionnés permettent de voir leurs comptes, rendant alors leur travail plus ais?grâce ?une analyse plus objective. Le comptable est ainsi capable de voir en temps et en heure toute transaction effectuée et de récupérer les données des autres franchises.

Mais l’Intranet permet aussi ?l’entreprise d’y déposer ses brochures, de visionner les dernières vidéos publicitaires de la sociét?et éventuellement aider les franchiseurs en leur adressant un feedback sur la manière d’améliorer leur politique marketing pour le futur. Ils peuvent également tenir leurs opérateurs informés de façon régulière de manière manuelle.

Pour cela, un accès Internet haut débit est obligatoire, les franchisés développant habituellement leur business depuis leur ordinateur. Cela implique au franchiseur de devoir former son franchis?quant ?l’utilisation et la maintenance de leur outil informatique.

es franchiseurs aiment adopter ce système afin de renforcer l’image de marque de la compagnie et faire participer activement leurs franchisés au cœur de cette dernière.

Toutefois, les dangers de l’utilisation d’Internet (ou intranet) sont nombreux. Si le serveur principal des franchiseurs tombe en panne et ne dispose pas de back up adéquate ou une facilit?d’accès d’autres serveurs, tous les réseaux des franchisés peut être pénalis?

504
Si buscas jugar y divertirte en el Casino, el juego Bacar?es la elección adecuada en donde podrás apostar, ganar y seguir jugando.
bacar?juego de casino,ganar,casino,juego,entretenimiento,ocio,game,baccarat,casinos,leisure,entertainment,hobby,casinos
El clásico juego de casino Bacar?es conocido por ser el juego preferido del famoso agente secreto 007 James Bond. Las versiones del Bacar?son Punto Banca, Las Vegas y Chemin de Fer (el de James Bond). El juego fue originado a fines de 1400 y principios de 1500 ya era conocido en Europa, especialmente en Italia y Francia, luego Inglaterra continuando con Estados Unidos.

La gran particularidad del juego es que los participantes ganan altas sumas de dinero y por otro lado, el casino no presenta alto porcentaje de ventaja lo cual es ideal para los jugadores. En el resto de los juegos de casino pasa lo opuesto, ganas pequeñinas sumas y el casino se lleva un alto porcentaje.

Las reglas básicas del Bacar?son bastante simples y fáciles para cualquiera que desee aprender. Los jugadores deberán apostar en aquel que su mano de naipes sea lo mas cercano a 9 en su suma. Si por ejemplo el primer naipe es de nueve, se llaman nueve natural, o si suma ocho la petite ocho en francés.

Los dos jugadores son la “banca” y el “jugador” y el que en su mano es mas cercano a 9 ganara la jugada. Si por ejemplo el jugador obtiene el puntaje mas alto en sus dos primeros naipes, la banca no podr?tirar un tercer naipe.

Es una gran ventaja que no se necesita tener experiencia para jugar, apostar y llegar en el Bacara es por eso que es fácil e importante aprender para luego practicar en línea o en el casino y divertirse.

La particularidad del juego es su estilo glamoroso y elegante, el cual lo ha hecho popular en su personaje de James Bond, el cual suele apostar con excelencia en sus películas desde los 50. Primero con John Connery, y luego con Pierce Brosnan siempre el juego estuvo presente.

Los valores de los naipes en Bacar? son bastante particulares ya que el 10 y las figuras suman cero o Bacar? Claro que el 9 es el valor deseado a obtener, luego el 8 y los demás números valen según sus números. Es decir si tienes un 7 y un 4 suman 11 y como el primer digito desaparece, vale 1. El naipe de As tiene un valor de 1, es as?como un As y el 9 suman 10 convirtiéndose en cero.

La Banca y Jugador son los denominadores de las apuestas del juego. El estilo lujoso que presenta el Bacar? es único y lo puedes hacer en línea o desde los casinos clásicos, ganado grandes montos y con un poco de experiencia puedes convertirte en un gran jugador de estilo.

El clásico juego de James Bond es sin duda muy simple y entretenido para jugar con amigos en el casino, en línea y divertirse un buen rato. Si tienes tiempo de dedicar para practicar veras que este juego es un gran descubrimiento en donde podrás quien sabe ganar altas sumas de dinero que nunca creías que iba a pasar.

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Sunglasses have been considered a fashion statement for decades, worn by celebrities and other famous folks in either a desperate attempt to conceal their identity or to play the movie star role, all while looking fabulous.
Oakley sunglasses, Sunglasses
Sunglasses have been considered a fashion statement for decades, worn by celebrities and other famous folks in either a desperate attempt to conceal their identity or to play the movie star role, all while looking fabulous. Even though this usage still exists, more and more average people are realizing the importance of wearing them to protect their invaluable eyesight.

Even though the sun is over 93 million miles away, its harmful rays can be the sole cause of an assortment of health problems. Ultra violet radiation (also known as UV radiation or UV rays) is probably the largest solar-based contributor to such health problems. UV-A, UV-B and UV-C are the categories of UV radiation known to us at this time. With the exception of UV-C (which is believed to be absorbed by the ozone layer around the earth), these rays can have both short and long term effects to your eyes and your vision.

Now that you’re a bit more aware of why, you need to know more about when. For instance, UV rays reflect off of snow, sand, pavement and water, causing a greater risk for damage than in a “greener?environment, like a park or field. The rays in a reflective situation will be coming at you from two angles instead of the one in a greener environment, as the rays will bounce off of the reflective surface in addition to coming at you straight on. Wearing sunglasses that offer you UV protection will help to protect your eyes when in this type of circumstance.

High altitude is another situation for which sunglasses should be worn. UV rays are filtered out through the earth’s atmosphere, resulting in lesser amounts of the harmful rays converging with the earth’s surface. Simply put, high altitudes yield a greater amount of the rays because they haven’t had the chance to be filtered yet.

Between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm is the time of day when the UV rays are their most powerful, so protective eyewear is crucial during this timeframe, whether or not the sun is bright and beaming in the sky or hidden behind large amounts of clouds (both white and fluffy and dark and gloomy). UV rays can easily leak through the cloud cover and rain to wreak its irreversible damage on your eyes.

Since you now are aware of the situations that necessitate proper eyewear protection, you need a brief list of what to look for when shopping for your ideal pair of sunglasses. Typically, lenses that are green, brown or grey work the best, combined with a feature that filters out of at least 99% of UV-A and UV-B radiation and 75% – 90% of visible light. Taking care of your baby blues, browns and greens now will ensure you a lifetime of beautiful visions.

558
Most people grow up with the assumption that they will eventually meet someone, fall in love, get married and have a family. But this does not just happen. If this is what you want in life then you are going to have to work to find it.
love, marriage, weddings, anniversary, romance, society, dating,
Chances are unless you are very lucky you will go thru many different relationships before you find your special someone. Finding your sole mate is like gambling. In poker and blackjack you may have to play dozens of hands until you get a winning hand, and it is the same with relationships.

During your life you will probably meet some people who seem like they may be the one, or that they are close, but still have the feeling that something else is missing. My advice is that if you are not happy, because something seems like it is missing, then it usually is not right.

Before I found my special someone, I was in a relationship for over 10 years, and I thought everything was great, until I started to seriously consider getting married. Then I noticed that we had so little in common and in reality wanted so many different things out of life and one day we both realized there was much about each of us that we both wanted from someone, but it was not us that we wanted.

Then one day I decided I had enough of trying to go to clubs and bars to meet people. I was sick and tired of trying to find someone in the time it takes to finish a drink. It always seemed the ladies I would meet were all wrong for me, or they seemed great after talking to them for 5 minutes but they seemed to have no interest in me.

Then one day I had an idea, it was not an original idea but I decided to use the internet to try to find the right person for me. So I proceeded to make a myspace profile. On this page I tried to put the real me and not the funny guy trying to be charming that was looking for love at the bar.

And as I would at the poker rooms I went all in, I poured my heart and sole into this. I wrote what I wanted and wrote down who I truly think I am and not who I want to be, and I was rewarded by 1 email responding to my site.

It was amazing; the response I got was like a dream. Imagine you are sitting in a Las Vegas casino playing poker. You are down to your last few dollars, you go all in and you wind up being dealt a Royal Flush, and suddenly the sky is bluer, the grass is greener, and all your worries seem to just fade away.

At first things were a little awkward for the both of us. We decided to hold of on actually meeting until we got to know each other first. We spent a month just talking everyday on the internet. You can really open up to someone and show them the real you and not have to worry about rejection on the internet, after all you are just a faceless ghost, and if things don’t work out you could be sitting next to her on the bus one day without ever knowing it.

The key to finding happiness is realizing you are going to bust more then you are going to get blackjack, but you must keep trying, trying to remember you only need to find the real thing once.

534
We show you how to count cards at your local casino without getting caught.
Casino,casinos,gambling,games,Blackjack,cards,sports,recreation,hobbies
It is not a secret for anyone that casinos do not like blackjack counters and frequently ask them to leave or to play another game. Here, we will describe how casino management detects counters and how to act when caught. We also describe the countermeasures that casinos use against skilled players but most of all we show you how to count cards while not getting caught.

Do Casinos Object?
Most casinos have strict policies that ban any player from counting cards when playing blackjack, but some like those in New Jersey do not pay any attention to such players.

How Do You Know Whether A Casino Minds?
You do not. But you had better act as if they all do and thus save yourself the embarressment of being shoved out if they do mind and if they catch you red-handed.

How to Count Without Getting Detected?
Always keep in mind that since card counting is something that one does silently, the only method to detect it is through observing you and the manner you play. Thus, look out for the following:
1) Do not stare at the cards of other players. Glance once, count, and then move on.
2) Do not stare at the cards that have been discarded. Look quickly and then slowly move away by shifting your gaze nonchalantly from player to player.
3) Change your pattern of betting occassionaly.
4) Change the amount of betting money each round.
5) Even though you know it, loose a round or two. Do not bet big on those rounds. But likewise do not bet too small too. If the casino notices that you are always winning big and losing small, they might get suspicious.
6) Buy chips of different colours and then mix them around while playing to confuse the dealer.
7) Talk to the other players while playing, but this is especially difficult so practice this at home before trying it at a casino.
Pick your seat carefully: either the first chair or the third one so that you won’t have to twist your head around as the cards are dealt.
9) Dress casually because smart and elegant clothes cause the dealers to think you are intelligent and they might watch you more closely.
10) Order an alcoholic drink and pretend to sip it because they are looking for those non-drinkers who are staying sober to count the cards.

The common denominator of all these is that you must never forget that the casino si watching you and how you play. Act accordingly!

Supposing that the Casino Catches On, What Should you Do?
Stay calm if the casino catches you counting cards and abide by their wishes quietely. Do not make a fuss. If they ask you to leave, do so. The faster you leave, the easier it will be for you to return later. Remember that if you make a fuss, they will all remember you, so desist from any unfriendly behaviour. Note that after shifts change, the new personnel won’t know you so all you have to do is wait for that and then you can start playing again. You could also just enter the next casino and start earning money there instead of risking casino personnel from recognizing you.

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Aqu?te presento una serie de consejos para tratar a un ser querido que es adicto a las apuestas de una forma efectiva.
health,games,addictions,gambling
Dicen que el primer paso para detener una adicción es admitir que tienes un problema. Aqu?te presento una serie de consejos para tratar a un ser querido que es adicto a las apuestas de una forma efectiva.

Tratar con alguien que tiene una adicción a las apuestas puede ser doloroso. Tienen una tendencia a desconectarse de la familia y de los seres queridos, entonces a continuación te explicare lo que debes hacer en el caso que alguien que quieres es adicto a las apuestas.

Algunos de los pasos son difíciles, sin embargo tienen un muy buen resultado y son importantes tener en cuenta la hora de actuar.

La primer cosa que debes hacer es esconder tus objetos de valor, y si esta persona vive contigo, deberás mantenerlos bajo llaves y si eso no es posible entonces llevarlos a un banco bajo una caja de seguridad.

Si esta persona es tu hijo o pareja, entonces deberás limitar su acceso a tu dinero. En muchas circunstancias gente ha gastado los ahorros familiares y ahorros para la universidad de sus hijos. Entonces si puedes obtener el número de cuentas de la persona indicada, si no es demasiado tarde, y cancelar todas sus tarjetas de crédito.

En algún momento deberás confrontarlo. Cuado lo hagas, es importante no gritarle y no enojarse; sino diles como te afecta lo que están haciendo. Asegurate de que la gente cercana a ellos estén ah?para ayudarte y apoyarte (sin contradecirte).

Es importante que todos tomen turnos y le digan a la persona como su adicción a las apuestas ha afectado sus relaciones, sin hacerlo agresivamente, sino tranquilamente. Esto ayudara a la persona a darse cuenta que la gente que lo quiere esta viendo algo que el no ve, y comenzara a mirar a sus acciones con otros ojos.

Recuerda, el objetivo de confrontarlo no es de hacerlos dejar de apostar completamente, pero ayudarlos a reconocer que tienen un problema. Y buscar ayuda profesional.

Algunas personas recomiendan que lleves a la persona a Encuentros de Adictos Anónimos a las Apuestas, pero yo no creo que sea buena idea. Aunque esta sea una organización que ayuda a aquellos con problemas de apuestas a alejarse de ellas, creo que algunos necesitan una sesión o dos con un psicólogo o un consejero entrenado para tratar con adictos al juego.

Luego de que todo este dicho y hecho, deberás estar listo ya que la mayor parte del tiempo el apostador seguir?apostando, quizás lo intenten hacer en secreto pero no se detendr?completamente.

En la mayoría de las adicciones, la persona con el problema necesita tocar el fondo, y luego cuando haya perdido todo lo que significa para el importante (familia, amigos, trabajo), comenzaran a ver el problema y buscar ayuda. Si conoces a alguien que no admite tener el problema de ser adicto, te recomiendo que si ya has intentado tu mejor esfuerzo, deberás estar listo a alejarte, y recuerda que en algún punto debes abandonar a un barco hundido antes de ir abajo a buscarlo.

Para encontrar más información sobre el tema puedes buscar en Apostadores Anónimos.

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If there is such a thing as a gift you cant go wrong with, birthstone jewelry
would probably be it. Birthstone jewelry makes a personal, thoughtful and reasonable priced gift suitable for women, young and old.
jewelry, gemstones, birthstone jewelry, birthstone
What is birthstone jewelry? Each month of the year has a specific gemstone associated with it that is considered the “birthstone” for that month. Your birthstone is the gemstone that the month you are born is assigned to.

Since the custom of wearing birthstone jewelry began, it has been thought to provide the wearer with luck and other virtues specific to their month of birth. It also was rumored to provide the wearer with protection from evil forces. In modern times,birthstone jewelry makes a perfect gift for any occasion – Holidays, Birthdays, Anniversaries and any other time you need a thoughtful, yet cost effective gift.

Birthstone jewelry is not hard to find at any department store, or online. Due to its popularity, merchants usually have a decent selection of birthstone rings, pedants, earrings and other birthstone jewelry. You can often find coupons and discounts on birthstone jewelry, especially around the Holidays, Valentines Day, and Mothers Day when it is a popular gift item.

Here is a handy list of months and their birthstones:
January – Garnet
February – Amethyst
March – Aquamarine, Bloodstone
April – White Topaz
May – Emerald
June – Pearl, Moonstone
July – Ruby
August – Peridot
September – Sapphire
October – Opal, Tourmaline
November – Yellow Topaz, Citrine
December – Turquoise, Blue Topaz

Birthstone jewelry makes a great gift for young girls. There is inexpensive quality costume birthstone jewelry that is made specifically for 5 – 12 yr old girls. Kids will find it neat that they are wearing “their” birthstone, not to mention that they will enjoy dressing up in their jewelry just like mom.

Speaking of Mom, birthstone jewelry makes an excellent gift for women as well. There are many varieties of gold, silver and platinum birthstone jewelry. Some of them can be pricey, but are often coupled with diamonds and/or other precious stones. Your recipient will be touched at the personal thought that went into their gift. Or, as a twist, you can even find custom jewelry that has several birthstones, one for each child or grandchild.

818
Despite very strict toy safety regulations in the United States and the United Kingdom, some unsafe toys still do slip through the net. It is essential that all consumers are familiar with regulations and remain vigilant when buying toys for kids.
toy safety
Despite very strict toy safety regulations in the United States and the United Kingdom, some unsafe toys still do slip through the net. It is essential that all consumers are familiar with regulations and remain vigilant when buying toys for kids.

For the most part, toy safety regulations have been very successful. Very few household accidents involve toys, and when accidents do involve toys it is very rare that the accident is caused by a defect in the toy itself. Accidents involving toys usually involve people tripping over them or using them inappropriately.

In addition, where defective or dangerous toys have made it onto the market they have been recalled quickly and publicly. However, this is no reason for parents to leave their guard down when buying toys.

Safety labels

First of all you need to check that the toy you are buying bears the appropriate safety labels. In the United States the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) mark and in Europe the CE marking signifies that the toy meets the minimum required safety standards.

After these markings, probably the next most important labels for toy shoppers to watch out for are age labels. These are an essential part of toy safety and you should always follow their guidance.

The vast majority of toys bear age labels whether they are legally required or not. All toys that are not suitable for children under 36 months must bear a prominent label stating so.

However, in general toys give guidance as to what age group they are intended for. These serve as a guide as to what age group will benefit from the toy the most, in terms of fun and development. Here is a brief guide of what kinds of toys suit different age groups:

Under three years – The biggest threat that toys pose to children of this age is choking hazard. Babies and toddlers tend to put almost everything they lay their hands on in their mouths. Because of this, very small toys or toys with small parts are particularly unsuitable. In addition, keep marbles and small balls out of their reach; be careful with inflatable toys and balloons; and avoid toys with sharp or pointy edges.

Three to five years – Children really come into their own at this age and are able for much more sophisticated toys. However, you should remain vigilant as certain toys could pose a risk to them. Avoid toys with thin plastic that might break and cause injury.

Ages six to twelve – By this age children will be able to safely play with almost any toy you give them. However, always read the instruction leaflets for maintenance guides and hazard warnings. For example, if you buy a skateboard or a bike for your child, you should also buy protective equipment. If you buy a trampoline, you will need to carry out maintenance on it regularly.

If you have children of different ages things can become a little complicated. When you have lots of different toys that are suitable for different ages you have to be super-vigilant. For a start, you should teach older children to keep their toys out of the reach of younger children.

Also, do not simply put all of the toys into one box. Have a separate toy box for each child and make sure they do not swap toys. Age labels on toys will help you to keep organized in this way.

In general, it is a good idea to be neat and tidy with toys. Having toys laying around the house is a common cause of accidents. Also, remember that children are intended to play with toys. All maintenance such as the changing of batteries should be carried out by an adult.

While toy safety labels offer a very important safeguard against dangerous toys reaching our children, it is also very important to use your own common sense. Before you buy a toy examine it yourself to make sure that it is sturdy and well constructed. Also check to see if it has any sharp edges or pointy corners. Be extra careful when buying toys for very young children. For example, if you are buying a cuddly toy make sure that all the stitching is secure and that small items such as eyes or the nose are not loose.

If your child has an accident with a toy or you suspect that a toy is dangerous, you should take immediate action. The first step is to take the toy out of the reach of all children. You should then report the toy to the relevant authorities. You will need to keep the toy for examination and you should also try to provide details of when and where you bought the toy.

The regulations go along way towards ensuring the toys in or shops are safe. However, consumer vigilance is also a vital part of the battle against dangerous toys.