If you are planning an upcoming wedding, then first of all, congratulations! The next order of business is solidifying all of the details, which can be quite stressful as a newly engaged couple. One of the latest trends on the market when it comes to wedding favors is using coffee to treat your guests and celebrate your love. Not only is this something completely unique, but it is also something memorable that your guests can take home and use right away. When you compare this to many of the obscure wedding favors that aren't useful for every day purposes, coffee wedding favors will be a surefire hit!
Some of the best ideas begin with purchasing freshly roasted coffee in a gourmet variety that you can give to your guests as a favor. If you and your fiance love a particular type of coffee roast, this is the perfect way to personalize your wedding favors and give this gift to your guests. You can also purchase coffee from particular regions to match the theme of your wedding. For instance, if you are getting married in Hawaii, then why not get your guests the exclusive Kona Coffee beans grown authentically in Hawaii? This is something that you can get from a local Hawaiian roaster and personalize as a wedding favor.
Regardless what type of coffee that you choose, you can get your own custom labels to celebrate your love. You can simply put your new married names and the date of your wedding, or you can even great creative and put slogans on the coffee beans, like "The Perfect Blend" or "Love is Brewing". Personalization is the best part of these coffee favors, so you can purchase professional labels or even print them yourself on your computer. If you are making the labels yourself, it's also a great idea to put the name of the guest on each favor so that it is customized and special.
Another great coffee related wedding favor is to give out coffee mugs with the name of the bride and groom, your picture, or even something relating to the theme of your wedding. This is your opportunity to get creative and customize the mugs to signify your relationship. If you are a couple that loves to travel, then you can put pictures of your favorite destinations, as well as your married name, on the coffee mugs for your guests.
Last of all, consider a gift that everyone will like - chocolate! You can marry the two ideas together, so to speak, and give your guests chocolate covered coffee beans. If you are a bride on a budget, this is something that you can easily make at home with several simple recipes found online. Otherwise, you can purchase them from a caterer or chocolatier who specializes in making expert chocolate covered coffee beans.
Regardless, the use of coffee as a wedding favor is the perfect way to perk up your nuptials and create a memorable celebration of your love!
Author Bio:
Another popular accessory for coffee is the commercial coffee maker! For a great selection, check out Mark Ramos' website, The Coffee Bump.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Coffee-Wedding-Favors-Are-the-Latest-Craze!&id=3650222
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Benefit Auction Tips to Reduce No-Shows and Ensure Guests Are Present to Bid
One of my clients had a higher-than-usual no-show rate this year. Almost 10 percent of ticketed guests didn't make an appearance at the benefit auction. Had all of those no-shows been seated together, there would have been a number of empty tables scattered around the room.
A significant number of no-shows impacts your event. First, you've likely already paid for the food so that cost is already an incurred expense. Second, fewer guests means that the auction items will have less bidding competition. Third, if it's visually apparent to other guests that there are a number of guests absent, that could have a negative affect on the guests who are present. "Where is everyone?" will be the question of the hour, "Why aren't they here?"
To reduce benefit auction no-shows, here are four tips on getting your guests to attend.
* First, communicate with your supporters regularly.
Communication should be conducted year round - not just when a fundraising auction is taking place. Let's strive to have your event date so entrenched in the minds of your supporters that they "know" your auction is the second Saturday in May. If you have a monthly newsletter, devote some space each month to writing about the auction. (For many organizations, the benefit auction is the largest fundraiser of the year, so it deserves some consistent publicity.) One month write about underwriting opportunities; another month pen a column on donations. In this manner, your guests become more well-informed and your gala date is consistently in front of your supporters, reminding them. Communication through postcards, letters, and phone calls can supplement the marketing effort.
* Promote your gala more aggressively as the date nears ... even up to the last minute.
Phone calls are critical. Starting three weeks out, get volunteers on the phone to invite guests and remind registrants. Emails can also be sent. One email I received to a recent event said, "We'll see you in three hours! Remember to wear your dancing shoes!" If you are using an autoresponder email system, use it. You can create as many emails as you want and have them automatically sent at the time and day you choose. It's a time-saver.
* Create a last-minute incentive to attend.
Announce that a sponsor has just made a wonderful donation, and you have "a special gift" for the first 50 attendees that night. If the gift is something truly worthwhile, advertise it. "The first 25 people to register will receive a Tiffany key chain (valued at $45)."
* If volunteers tend to be your no-shows, bribe them.
Offer them a meal or a (free) raffle drawing limited to volunteers. One of my clients allowed volunteers to enter a drawing (for free) for two concert tickets to a performance of their choice. The bucket was in the volunteer room with paper slips and a sign telling volunteers to enter.
No-shows cost your organization money through lost donations. It's worth it to expend some effort to get them to attend.
Author Bio:
Did you enjoy this article? Award-winning benefit auctioneer Sherry Truhlar publishes a bi-monthly e-newsletter filled with auction photos and other ideas for auction committees. Sign-up today at Red Apple Auctions and receive her popular Auction Item Guide as a gift. The Guide lists the best-selling items she's sold in benefit auctions; it's great for generating ideas for your own procurement strategy!
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Benefit-Auction-Tips-to-Reduce-No-Shows-and-Ensure-Guests-Are-Present-to-Bid&id=3168513
A significant number of no-shows impacts your event. First, you've likely already paid for the food so that cost is already an incurred expense. Second, fewer guests means that the auction items will have less bidding competition. Third, if it's visually apparent to other guests that there are a number of guests absent, that could have a negative affect on the guests who are present. "Where is everyone?" will be the question of the hour, "Why aren't they here?"
To reduce benefit auction no-shows, here are four tips on getting your guests to attend.
* First, communicate with your supporters regularly.
Communication should be conducted year round - not just when a fundraising auction is taking place. Let's strive to have your event date so entrenched in the minds of your supporters that they "know" your auction is the second Saturday in May. If you have a monthly newsletter, devote some space each month to writing about the auction. (For many organizations, the benefit auction is the largest fundraiser of the year, so it deserves some consistent publicity.) One month write about underwriting opportunities; another month pen a column on donations. In this manner, your guests become more well-informed and your gala date is consistently in front of your supporters, reminding them. Communication through postcards, letters, and phone calls can supplement the marketing effort.
* Promote your gala more aggressively as the date nears ... even up to the last minute.
Phone calls are critical. Starting three weeks out, get volunteers on the phone to invite guests and remind registrants. Emails can also be sent. One email I received to a recent event said, "We'll see you in three hours! Remember to wear your dancing shoes!" If you are using an autoresponder email system, use it. You can create as many emails as you want and have them automatically sent at the time and day you choose. It's a time-saver.
* Create a last-minute incentive to attend.
Announce that a sponsor has just made a wonderful donation, and you have "a special gift" for the first 50 attendees that night. If the gift is something truly worthwhile, advertise it. "The first 25 people to register will receive a Tiffany key chain (valued at $45)."
* If volunteers tend to be your no-shows, bribe them.
Offer them a meal or a (free) raffle drawing limited to volunteers. One of my clients allowed volunteers to enter a drawing (for free) for two concert tickets to a performance of their choice. The bucket was in the volunteer room with paper slips and a sign telling volunteers to enter.
No-shows cost your organization money through lost donations. It's worth it to expend some effort to get them to attend.
Author Bio:
Did you enjoy this article? Award-winning benefit auctioneer Sherry Truhlar publishes a bi-monthly e-newsletter filled with auction photos and other ideas for auction committees. Sign-up today at Red Apple Auctions and receive her popular Auction Item Guide as a gift. The Guide lists the best-selling items she's sold in benefit auctions; it's great for generating ideas for your own procurement strategy!
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Benefit-Auction-Tips-to-Reduce-No-Shows-and-Ensure-Guests-Are-Present-to-Bid&id=3168513
Friday, January 28, 2011
Learn How to Make Coffee Wine
If this is something that you have never heard of before, then you are in for a real treat! Coffee adds interesting characteristics to wine, and there is even a wine produced in Texas called Pecan Mocha Wine that sets a precedent. Coffee flavors within wine add interesting characteristics, and they will result in a semi-sweet taste within your vino.
One interesting thing to note is that coffee and wine are not as different as you may think. Any wine drinker already understands that wine that needs to be properly aged to bring out the best flavors and characteristics, but coffee is actually the same. Specific types of gourmet coffee can be aged for years at a time to help the flavors develop and mature more deeply. This is a more expensive and valuable type of coffee, similar to a fine wine.
For an interesting recipe, you will need 1/2 a pound of fresh coffee grounds, 2 1/2 pounds of dark brown sugar, 1 1/2 tsp. citric acid, 1/4 tsp. tannin, 7 1/2 pints of water, 1 tsp. yeast, and wine yeast. To make this a simple coffee wine recipe, all you have to do is bring the water in a large pot to a boil. Stir in the brown sugar until it dissolves completely, and then stir in the coffee grounds until the water boils. Remove this mixture from heat, and allow it to cool completely. Mix together the citric acid, yeast, and tannin. Strain the coffee mixture through cheesecloth or muslin to remove the coffee grounds, and throw them away. Add the wine yeast to the second mixture, and combine the two mixtures together. Cover with a cloth or napkin. As the mixture begins to ferment, put it in an airtight container. Allow this mixture to age for 60 days, and then bottle to your liking.
This is an interesting wine recipe to try, and it may take some practice! It will bring deep and delicious flavors into your average glass of wine, and you may be surprised at how much the coffee adds to the wine as it ferments.
Overall, coffee is a beverage that is often compared to wine because of the complexities in the flavor characteristics enjoyed by connoisseurs alike. As a coffee connoisseur, you might find yourself sniffing and sipping your Java within a cupping, reminiscent of an actual wine tasting. Likewise, coffee and wine both have similar industries as agricultural products grown within certain regions well known for their coffee and wine production.
Many wine drinkers have their own favorite wine of choice, and they will probably be able to tell you details about the year the grapes were grown, where they are from, and their growing conditions. In the same way, many coffee lovers are beginning to find out more about the cultivation of their coffee beans and the manner in which they affect their brew product. Take the time to sample more varieties of coffee beans from different regions for a greater understanding of your cup of Joe!
Author Bio:
Another popular accessory for coffee is commercial coffee makers! For a great selection, check out Mark Ramos' website, The Coffee Bump.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Learn-How-to-Make-Coffee-Wine&id=3475886
One interesting thing to note is that coffee and wine are not as different as you may think. Any wine drinker already understands that wine that needs to be properly aged to bring out the best flavors and characteristics, but coffee is actually the same. Specific types of gourmet coffee can be aged for years at a time to help the flavors develop and mature more deeply. This is a more expensive and valuable type of coffee, similar to a fine wine.
For an interesting recipe, you will need 1/2 a pound of fresh coffee grounds, 2 1/2 pounds of dark brown sugar, 1 1/2 tsp. citric acid, 1/4 tsp. tannin, 7 1/2 pints of water, 1 tsp. yeast, and wine yeast. To make this a simple coffee wine recipe, all you have to do is bring the water in a large pot to a boil. Stir in the brown sugar until it dissolves completely, and then stir in the coffee grounds until the water boils. Remove this mixture from heat, and allow it to cool completely. Mix together the citric acid, yeast, and tannin. Strain the coffee mixture through cheesecloth or muslin to remove the coffee grounds, and throw them away. Add the wine yeast to the second mixture, and combine the two mixtures together. Cover with a cloth or napkin. As the mixture begins to ferment, put it in an airtight container. Allow this mixture to age for 60 days, and then bottle to your liking.
This is an interesting wine recipe to try, and it may take some practice! It will bring deep and delicious flavors into your average glass of wine, and you may be surprised at how much the coffee adds to the wine as it ferments.
Overall, coffee is a beverage that is often compared to wine because of the complexities in the flavor characteristics enjoyed by connoisseurs alike. As a coffee connoisseur, you might find yourself sniffing and sipping your Java within a cupping, reminiscent of an actual wine tasting. Likewise, coffee and wine both have similar industries as agricultural products grown within certain regions well known for their coffee and wine production.
Many wine drinkers have their own favorite wine of choice, and they will probably be able to tell you details about the year the grapes were grown, where they are from, and their growing conditions. In the same way, many coffee lovers are beginning to find out more about the cultivation of their coffee beans and the manner in which they affect their brew product. Take the time to sample more varieties of coffee beans from different regions for a greater understanding of your cup of Joe!
Author Bio:
Another popular accessory for coffee is commercial coffee makers! For a great selection, check out Mark Ramos' website, The Coffee Bump.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Learn-How-to-Make-Coffee-Wine&id=3475886
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Foundation Relations - The Importance of Making a Phone Call Before Submitting a Grant Proposal
Several years ago, I was seeking a grant to support the creation of a revolving loan fund so that a homeless shelter would have funds available when an appropriate building came on the market. This was at a time when the housing market was really hot (unlike today) and the shelter wanted to have funds readily available for a down payment for an appropriate property when it came on the market. After doing much research, I found a local foundation that seemed to give grants for this kind of work. No one on the board had any contacts at this foundation that would make a phone call easier. My first thought was simply to submit a proposal because their application was quite simple.
Fortunately, I remembered that relationships are key to all fundraising and that any proposal would have a better chance if the foundation had some knowledge of our shelter before they received the proposal. I also knew that preparation for the call would determine its success. I had done my homework and knew what type of projects they funded, what their general funding range was, that they accepted unsolicited proposals, when their deadlines were, and what application form they required.
Since the explicit purpose for the call would be to let them know about our shelter and see if my idea for a proposal made sense to them, I prepared a one minute summary of what we were looking for. If they agreed it was a good idea, I would confirm that I understood the application process and the deadline and also ask if I could call again if any questions or concerns arose as I was preparing the proposal. Then I would thank them for their time. By speaking clearly and succinctly and being polite, I could give the foundation an implicit message that I am a credible person working for a meaningful nonprofit that they may enjoy doing business with.
After practicing what I was going to say out loud, I took a deep breath, made the call, and was prepared when the program officer herself picked up the phone. She responded that she had just a couple of minutes to talk and so I started my one minute presentation. As soon as I said "revolving loan fund", she interrupted brusquely and said that the foundation no longer gives those grants. That could have been the end of the conversation, but for the fact that I had an alternative request in mind. The shelter had recently purchased a house for homeless teens. Because of the monthly mortgage payments, we were unable to fund a staff person to provide much needed services for the homeless teens. If we could pay down all or some of the mortgage, we could fill this position.
When I proposed this idea (in less than a minute), the program officer said that the foundation had helped nonprofits reduce mortgage debt in the past and that they would be willing to consider a proposal for that purpose. Since she had clearly said she only had a few minutes, I thanked her for the time and told her we would submit that proposal.
I hung up the phone and spent a moment being grateful for having made this call. Without doing it, I would have wasted time writing a proposal that would have ended up in the wastebasket. Now I could spend time preparing the application they wanted and apply for something that they might actually fund. In addition, I had taken the first step in developing a relationship with the program officer. I had learned that she would take phone calls, that she only wanted calls that were direct and to the point, and that she responded well when I expressed myself clearly and succinctly and I respected her time.
This information served me well in future calls with her and other foundation officers. Some are like this person and want only brief calls. Others are much more talkative, want more information, and often require more time on the phone. By doing homework in advance, listening well, and responding to the different personal styles of the funders, I have been able to turn cold calls into warm relationships that often have resulted in funded proposals.
By the way, three months after that first phone call, the shelter received a check in the mail for $100,000 (the full amount requested in the proposal).
Author Bio:
ane B. Ford, M.Ed. is a speaker, author, teacher, coach and consultant who guides individuals and nonprofits on the road to prosperity. She has worked with small to mid-sized nonprofits for three decades in the roles of executive director, trainer, fundraiser and management consultant. You can learn more about Jane at http://TheJoyPath.com and http://GetGrantsNow.net.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Foundation-Relations---The-Importance-of-Making-a-Phone-Call-Before-Submitting-a-Grant-Proposal&id=3897673
Fortunately, I remembered that relationships are key to all fundraising and that any proposal would have a better chance if the foundation had some knowledge of our shelter before they received the proposal. I also knew that preparation for the call would determine its success. I had done my homework and knew what type of projects they funded, what their general funding range was, that they accepted unsolicited proposals, when their deadlines were, and what application form they required.
Since the explicit purpose for the call would be to let them know about our shelter and see if my idea for a proposal made sense to them, I prepared a one minute summary of what we were looking for. If they agreed it was a good idea, I would confirm that I understood the application process and the deadline and also ask if I could call again if any questions or concerns arose as I was preparing the proposal. Then I would thank them for their time. By speaking clearly and succinctly and being polite, I could give the foundation an implicit message that I am a credible person working for a meaningful nonprofit that they may enjoy doing business with.
After practicing what I was going to say out loud, I took a deep breath, made the call, and was prepared when the program officer herself picked up the phone. She responded that she had just a couple of minutes to talk and so I started my one minute presentation. As soon as I said "revolving loan fund", she interrupted brusquely and said that the foundation no longer gives those grants. That could have been the end of the conversation, but for the fact that I had an alternative request in mind. The shelter had recently purchased a house for homeless teens. Because of the monthly mortgage payments, we were unable to fund a staff person to provide much needed services for the homeless teens. If we could pay down all or some of the mortgage, we could fill this position.
When I proposed this idea (in less than a minute), the program officer said that the foundation had helped nonprofits reduce mortgage debt in the past and that they would be willing to consider a proposal for that purpose. Since she had clearly said she only had a few minutes, I thanked her for the time and told her we would submit that proposal.
I hung up the phone and spent a moment being grateful for having made this call. Without doing it, I would have wasted time writing a proposal that would have ended up in the wastebasket. Now I could spend time preparing the application they wanted and apply for something that they might actually fund. In addition, I had taken the first step in developing a relationship with the program officer. I had learned that she would take phone calls, that she only wanted calls that were direct and to the point, and that she responded well when I expressed myself clearly and succinctly and I respected her time.
This information served me well in future calls with her and other foundation officers. Some are like this person and want only brief calls. Others are much more talkative, want more information, and often require more time on the phone. By doing homework in advance, listening well, and responding to the different personal styles of the funders, I have been able to turn cold calls into warm relationships that often have resulted in funded proposals.
By the way, three months after that first phone call, the shelter received a check in the mail for $100,000 (the full amount requested in the proposal).
Author Bio:
ane B. Ford, M.Ed. is a speaker, author, teacher, coach and consultant who guides individuals and nonprofits on the road to prosperity. She has worked with small to mid-sized nonprofits for three decades in the roles of executive director, trainer, fundraiser and management consultant. You can learn more about Jane at http://TheJoyPath.com and http://GetGrantsNow.net.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Foundation-Relations---The-Importance-of-Making-a-Phone-Call-Before-Submitting-a-Grant-Proposal&id=3897673
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Will Coffee Raise Your Cholesterol Levels?
One thing to consider if you are a Java addict is the impact that coffee may or may not have on your health. The great news to know for any coffee lover out there is that recent studies have shown that coffee provides greater health benefits than ever before. However, there are still many people today wondering if regular coffee drinking really impacts their levels of cholesterol. The majority of American Java drinkers currently rely upon filtered drip brewed coffee, which has less impact on cholesterol than coffee that is unfiltered. It seems that regular filtered Java removes much of the components within coffee that can affect cholesterol levels.
When it comes down to it, the coffee's impact on cholesterol needs to be assessed with the use of unfiltered coffee, which is most often French Press coffee. If you use a French Press, percolator, or even espresso brewing method, then your coffee constitutes as unfiltered. This idea was researched within several studies, and the basic consensus was that coffee does not in any way contribute to heart disease. However, in unfiltered Java there are compounds called cafestol, which can potentially raise cholesterol in the body. The studies were done on unfiltered coffee, including coffee oils. For the coffee to have a negative impact on your cholesterol levels, you would have to consume up to 60 mg of cafestol, which could be found in 10 cups of unfiltered coffee. This would cause cholesterol to be raised by 20%, only affecting LDL levels of cholesterol.
The bottom line is that the affect of unfiltered Java on your health is only with an excessively large amount that would normally not be consumed on a daily basis. In fact, health professionals recommend to drink 2 to 3 cups of coffee per day for the maximum health benefits, including reducing the risk for Alzheimer's, stroke, cirrhosis of the liver, colon cancer, and Parkinson's disease. As an example, one of the main reasons that coffee reduces the risk for Alzheimer's is because it strengthens the blood-brain barrier, which often begins to deteriorate as an individual develops Alzheimer's later in life. Regular Java drinking protects this neurological barrier and prevents the onset of Alzheimer's.
The point of the matter is that if you follow these guidelines and drink 2 to 3 cups of Java per day for your health, then there is absolutely no issue with how the Java is prepared. In fact, many coffee drinkers prefer the use of the French Press brewing method because it leaves the essential oils within the coffee brew to provide a better taste and flavor. The essential oils are what are removed from the coffee when it is brewed with a filter, significantly impacting the taste. Brewing coffee through a filter does remove cafestol compounds, which would only negatively affect the health if you were drinking 10 cups of French Press coffee on a daily basis. If that is the case, then you probably have more to worry about because extreme and excessive coffee drinking can cause insomnia, anxiety, and jitteriness.
Author Bio:
Another popular accessory for coffee is the commercial coffee maker! For a great selection, check out Mark Ramos' website, The Coffee Bump.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Will-Coffee-Raise-Your-Cholesterol-Levels?&id=3770367
When it comes down to it, the coffee's impact on cholesterol needs to be assessed with the use of unfiltered coffee, which is most often French Press coffee. If you use a French Press, percolator, or even espresso brewing method, then your coffee constitutes as unfiltered. This idea was researched within several studies, and the basic consensus was that coffee does not in any way contribute to heart disease. However, in unfiltered Java there are compounds called cafestol, which can potentially raise cholesterol in the body. The studies were done on unfiltered coffee, including coffee oils. For the coffee to have a negative impact on your cholesterol levels, you would have to consume up to 60 mg of cafestol, which could be found in 10 cups of unfiltered coffee. This would cause cholesterol to be raised by 20%, only affecting LDL levels of cholesterol.
The bottom line is that the affect of unfiltered Java on your health is only with an excessively large amount that would normally not be consumed on a daily basis. In fact, health professionals recommend to drink 2 to 3 cups of coffee per day for the maximum health benefits, including reducing the risk for Alzheimer's, stroke, cirrhosis of the liver, colon cancer, and Parkinson's disease. As an example, one of the main reasons that coffee reduces the risk for Alzheimer's is because it strengthens the blood-brain barrier, which often begins to deteriorate as an individual develops Alzheimer's later in life. Regular Java drinking protects this neurological barrier and prevents the onset of Alzheimer's.
The point of the matter is that if you follow these guidelines and drink 2 to 3 cups of Java per day for your health, then there is absolutely no issue with how the Java is prepared. In fact, many coffee drinkers prefer the use of the French Press brewing method because it leaves the essential oils within the coffee brew to provide a better taste and flavor. The essential oils are what are removed from the coffee when it is brewed with a filter, significantly impacting the taste. Brewing coffee through a filter does remove cafestol compounds, which would only negatively affect the health if you were drinking 10 cups of French Press coffee on a daily basis. If that is the case, then you probably have more to worry about because extreme and excessive coffee drinking can cause insomnia, anxiety, and jitteriness.
Author Bio:
Another popular accessory for coffee is the commercial coffee maker! For a great selection, check out Mark Ramos' website, The Coffee Bump.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Will-Coffee-Raise-Your-Cholesterol-Levels?&id=3770367
Monday, January 24, 2011
Planned Giving - Four Reasons Why Small Nonprofits Should Seek Bequests
During a fundraising committee meeting, a new member asked the question "How much money did we receive last year from bequests or other forms of planned giving?" This question generated a lively discussion because this small nonprofit had never received money from any form of planned giving.
Board members had talked about it but the general thinking was that planned giving was too complicated and costly for a small nonprofit to manage and so they never pursued it. If this is the stance of your nonprofit, share with them the following reasons why all nonprofits should do some sort of planned giving program beginning with simple bequests.
Nonprofits receive enormous sums of money from bequests.
In the United States in 2008, more than $22 billion was given to charity through bequests. This fact looks even more impressive when you compare it with the fact that only $14.5 billion that was given to charities from the corporate sector.
The opportunity to get bequests is nearly unlimited.
About 80% of people in the United States give annually to charities while less than 3% leave a bequest. Your nonprofit has an untapped potential in the form of your current annual or major donors from which to solicit bequests.
Recessions can be a good time to seek bequests.
In difficult economic times, many donors feel that they cannot give as much as they have in the past. A bequest offers them the opportunity to feel that they are still helping your nonprofit without hurting themselves in financially challenging times.
Creating a bequest program is simple.
Once your board approves the establishment of a bequest program, you can begin advertising this in your newsletter, on your web site, and in every promotional piece you produce. That is all you need to do until some one dies and you actually receive the money. Then, it is up to your nonprofit to ensure that the bequest is used according to the wishes of the donor. It may take years before your nonprofit actually receives its first bequest. However, since it takes so little time and effort to establish and support a bequest program, is there any reason why your board wouldn't establish one?
Author Bio:
Jane B. Ford, M.Ed. is a speaker, author, teacher, coach and consultant who guides individuals and nonprofits on the road to prosperity. She has worked with small to mid-sized nonprofits for three decades in the roles of executive director, trainer, fundraiser and management consultant. You can learn more about Jane at http://TheJoyPath.com and http://GetGrantsNow.net.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Planned-Giving---Four-Reasons-Why-Small-Nonprofits-Should-Seek-Bequests&id=3525714
Board members had talked about it but the general thinking was that planned giving was too complicated and costly for a small nonprofit to manage and so they never pursued it. If this is the stance of your nonprofit, share with them the following reasons why all nonprofits should do some sort of planned giving program beginning with simple bequests.
Nonprofits receive enormous sums of money from bequests.
In the United States in 2008, more than $22 billion was given to charity through bequests. This fact looks even more impressive when you compare it with the fact that only $14.5 billion that was given to charities from the corporate sector.
The opportunity to get bequests is nearly unlimited.
About 80% of people in the United States give annually to charities while less than 3% leave a bequest. Your nonprofit has an untapped potential in the form of your current annual or major donors from which to solicit bequests.
Recessions can be a good time to seek bequests.
In difficult economic times, many donors feel that they cannot give as much as they have in the past. A bequest offers them the opportunity to feel that they are still helping your nonprofit without hurting themselves in financially challenging times.
Creating a bequest program is simple.
Once your board approves the establishment of a bequest program, you can begin advertising this in your newsletter, on your web site, and in every promotional piece you produce. That is all you need to do until some one dies and you actually receive the money. Then, it is up to your nonprofit to ensure that the bequest is used according to the wishes of the donor. It may take years before your nonprofit actually receives its first bequest. However, since it takes so little time and effort to establish and support a bequest program, is there any reason why your board wouldn't establish one?
Author Bio:
Jane B. Ford, M.Ed. is a speaker, author, teacher, coach and consultant who guides individuals and nonprofits on the road to prosperity. She has worked with small to mid-sized nonprofits for three decades in the roles of executive director, trainer, fundraiser and management consultant. You can learn more about Jane at http://TheJoyPath.com and http://GetGrantsNow.net.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Planned-Giving---Four-Reasons-Why-Small-Nonprofits-Should-Seek-Bequests&id=3525714
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Make Your Own Coffee Mugs For Christmas Gifts!
Christmas is a wonderful time to put your skills to the test, so why not combine the best of both worlds and make homemade coffee mugs as Christmas gifts? Everyone loves a delicious cup of Joe, and they will appreciate even more the sentiment and time than it took to make these homemade Christmas presents.
One of the biggest benefits to making homemade coffee mug Christmas gifts is that this is a present that will be used all year long. Start out by organizing a list of the people that you will be making these homemade mugs for. It is a great idea to jot down unique interests or personality traits for each individual so that you can work to perfectly customize the mugs. It is also important to remember that the gift recipient doesn't necessarily need to be a coffee drinker because these mugs can also be used for hot chocolate or tea.
Purchase plain white mugs at a discount store location, like Wal-Mart. Don't be intimidated by this homemade gift idea because you don't have to be a skilled artist to create wonderful mug gifts. After that, go to a craft store and purchase a number of supplies. It is recommended to use sponge paint, stencils, and porcelain pens or paints. Another great way to personalize these blank coffee mugs is to add a picture. You can get pictures specially printed onto the coffee mugs by a company that prints photos onto mugs. This is a fantastic idea for grandparents because they may love to have a picture of their younger grandchildren on their mug every day. You can also use this fun picture idea to capture a memory, like using a picture of your honeymoon locale to print on a mug to give as a gift to your husband.
Take the time to be creative and personalize the mugs according to each individual. If you are creating a mug for your father the sports nut, then you may want to paint an emblem or the name of his favorite team onto his mug. If your sister is someone who is into fashion and beauty, then you can decorate her mug with cosmetics or fashion icons.
To complete your homemade Christmas gift, make sure to add something into the coffee mug. You can purchase pounds of gourmet roasted coffee that are flavored for the Christmas season, like Egg Nog or Peppermint Patty. You can also fill the coffee mugs with small accessories to give to your recipient. It would be a great idea to fill them with pens, earrings, or even candy, depending on who you are giving the gift to.
Making a homemade Christmas gift like these coffee mugs is a wonderful way to personalize the Christmas season. This is also especially helpful if you are trying to save money due to the economy and want to cut back on your spending. This is an easy and fun holiday gift for any coffee lover in your life!
Author Bio:
Another popular accessory for coffee is Bunn Coffee Maker Filters! For a great selection, check out Mark Ramos' website, The Coffee Bump.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Make-Your-Own-Coffee-Mugs-For-Christmas-Gifts!&id=3374009
One of the biggest benefits to making homemade coffee mug Christmas gifts is that this is a present that will be used all year long. Start out by organizing a list of the people that you will be making these homemade mugs for. It is a great idea to jot down unique interests or personality traits for each individual so that you can work to perfectly customize the mugs. It is also important to remember that the gift recipient doesn't necessarily need to be a coffee drinker because these mugs can also be used for hot chocolate or tea.
Purchase plain white mugs at a discount store location, like Wal-Mart. Don't be intimidated by this homemade gift idea because you don't have to be a skilled artist to create wonderful mug gifts. After that, go to a craft store and purchase a number of supplies. It is recommended to use sponge paint, stencils, and porcelain pens or paints. Another great way to personalize these blank coffee mugs is to add a picture. You can get pictures specially printed onto the coffee mugs by a company that prints photos onto mugs. This is a fantastic idea for grandparents because they may love to have a picture of their younger grandchildren on their mug every day. You can also use this fun picture idea to capture a memory, like using a picture of your honeymoon locale to print on a mug to give as a gift to your husband.
Take the time to be creative and personalize the mugs according to each individual. If you are creating a mug for your father the sports nut, then you may want to paint an emblem or the name of his favorite team onto his mug. If your sister is someone who is into fashion and beauty, then you can decorate her mug with cosmetics or fashion icons.
To complete your homemade Christmas gift, make sure to add something into the coffee mug. You can purchase pounds of gourmet roasted coffee that are flavored for the Christmas season, like Egg Nog or Peppermint Patty. You can also fill the coffee mugs with small accessories to give to your recipient. It would be a great idea to fill them with pens, earrings, or even candy, depending on who you are giving the gift to.
Making a homemade Christmas gift like these coffee mugs is a wonderful way to personalize the Christmas season. This is also especially helpful if you are trying to save money due to the economy and want to cut back on your spending. This is an easy and fun holiday gift for any coffee lover in your life!
Author Bio:
Another popular accessory for coffee is Bunn Coffee Maker Filters! For a great selection, check out Mark Ramos' website, The Coffee Bump.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Make-Your-Own-Coffee-Mugs-For-Christmas-Gifts!&id=3374009
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Planned Giving - Four Reasons Why Small Nonprofits Should Seek Bequests
During a fundraising committee meeting, a new member asked the question "How much money did we receive last year from bequests or other forms of planned giving?" This question generated a lively discussion because this small nonprofit had never received money from any form of planned giving.
Board members had talked about it but the general thinking was that planned giving was too complicated and costly for a small nonprofit to manage and so they never pursued it. If this is the stance of your nonprofit, share with them the following reasons why all nonprofits should do some sort of planned giving program beginning with simple bequests.
Nonprofits receive enormous sums of money from bequests.
In the United States in 2008, more than $22 billion was given to charity through bequests. This fact looks even more impressive when you compare it with the fact that only $14.5 billion that was given to charities from the corporate sector.
The opportunity to get bequests is nearly unlimited.
About 80% of people in the United States give annually to charities while less than 3% leave a bequest. Your nonprofit has an untapped potential in the form of your current annual or major donors from which to solicit bequests.
Recessions can be a good time to seek bequests.
In difficult economic times, many donors feel that they cannot give as much as they have in the past. A bequest offers them the opportunity to feel that they are still helping your nonprofit without hurting themselves in financially challenging times.
Creating a bequest program is simple.
Once your board approves the establishment of a bequest program, you can begin advertising this in your newsletter, on your web site, and in every promotional piece you produce. That is all you need to do until some one dies and you actually receive the money. Then, it is up to your nonprofit to ensure that the bequest is used according to the wishes of the donor. It may take years before your nonprofit actually receives its first bequest. However, since it takes so little time and effort to establish and support a bequest program, is there any reason why your board wouldn't establish one?
Author Bio:
Jane B. Ford, M.Ed. is a speaker, author, teacher, coach and consultant who guides individuals and nonprofits on the road to prosperity. She has worked with small to mid-sized nonprofits for three decades in the roles of executive director, trainer, fundraiser and management consultant. You can learn more about Jane at http://TheJoyPath.com and http://GetGrantsNow.net.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Planned-Giving---Four-Reasons-Why-Small-Nonprofits-Should-Seek-Bequests&id=3525714
Board members had talked about it but the general thinking was that planned giving was too complicated and costly for a small nonprofit to manage and so they never pursued it. If this is the stance of your nonprofit, share with them the following reasons why all nonprofits should do some sort of planned giving program beginning with simple bequests.
Nonprofits receive enormous sums of money from bequests.
In the United States in 2008, more than $22 billion was given to charity through bequests. This fact looks even more impressive when you compare it with the fact that only $14.5 billion that was given to charities from the corporate sector.
The opportunity to get bequests is nearly unlimited.
About 80% of people in the United States give annually to charities while less than 3% leave a bequest. Your nonprofit has an untapped potential in the form of your current annual or major donors from which to solicit bequests.
Recessions can be a good time to seek bequests.
In difficult economic times, many donors feel that they cannot give as much as they have in the past. A bequest offers them the opportunity to feel that they are still helping your nonprofit without hurting themselves in financially challenging times.
Creating a bequest program is simple.
Once your board approves the establishment of a bequest program, you can begin advertising this in your newsletter, on your web site, and in every promotional piece you produce. That is all you need to do until some one dies and you actually receive the money. Then, it is up to your nonprofit to ensure that the bequest is used according to the wishes of the donor. It may take years before your nonprofit actually receives its first bequest. However, since it takes so little time and effort to establish and support a bequest program, is there any reason why your board wouldn't establish one?
Author Bio:
Jane B. Ford, M.Ed. is a speaker, author, teacher, coach and consultant who guides individuals and nonprofits on the road to prosperity. She has worked with small to mid-sized nonprofits for three decades in the roles of executive director, trainer, fundraiser and management consultant. You can learn more about Jane at http://TheJoyPath.com and http://GetGrantsNow.net.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Planned-Giving---Four-Reasons-Why-Small-Nonprofits-Should-Seek-Bequests&id=3525714
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Can You Have Too Much Coffee?
As an avid coffee drinker, my answer is no. There are days when it seems like I just can't get enough caffeine, however the experts have some other opinions.
According to the Mayo Clinic staff, a moderate amount of coffee isn't harmful. They define moderate as 200-300 milligrams of caffeine a day or about three to four cups.
If you're like me and drinking four to seven cups or more, it can cause problems for some people. Four to seven cups, equals 500-600 milligrams of caffeine can cause mild problems like anxiety, headaches insomnia, nervousness, restlessness and irritability. It can also create health issues like nausea or other gastrointestinal problems, fast or irregular heartbeat or muscle tremors.
It sounds scary for someone like me who drinks a lot of coffee daily, but some people are more sensitive to caffeine than others and some people build up a tolerance to caffeine.
Drinking a lot of coffee can lead to an addiction. WebMD labels it as a "mild physical dependence." So you're not going to go out and rob your neighbors to get your next caffeine fix, but it can cause some inconveniences if you don't get the necessary cup in the morning.
The most common symptom of withdrawal is the dreaded coffee headache, but it doesn't stop there. Other symptoms of withdrawal include fatigue, anxiety, irritability, feeling depressed and difficulty concentrating.
Unless you're like me and can literally drink a cup of coffee and still fall asleep, one of the most common symptoms of drinking too much coffee is insomnia.
It takes about 4-5 hours to eliminate half the caffeine from your body, 8-10 to eliminate 75 percent, so for most people, the morning cup of java shouldn't interfere with your sleep. However, if you're sensitive to caffeine, you should avoid drinking coffee for at least six hours before you plan on going to bed.
Not to sound like a television ad for the latest miracle drug, but if you're pregnant or nursing, have medical condition like high blood pressure, gastritis or ulcers, you should avoid caffeinated coffee.
Author Bio:
Mike Crimmins is a coffee fanatic. He's not your traditional coffee expert or barista. He's just your average joe, looking for that perfect cup of coffee. You can learn more about coffee at his blog http://dailyshotofcoffee.com/.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Can-You-Have-Too-Much-Coffee?&id=2593360
According to the Mayo Clinic staff, a moderate amount of coffee isn't harmful. They define moderate as 200-300 milligrams of caffeine a day or about three to four cups.
If you're like me and drinking four to seven cups or more, it can cause problems for some people. Four to seven cups, equals 500-600 milligrams of caffeine can cause mild problems like anxiety, headaches insomnia, nervousness, restlessness and irritability. It can also create health issues like nausea or other gastrointestinal problems, fast or irregular heartbeat or muscle tremors.
It sounds scary for someone like me who drinks a lot of coffee daily, but some people are more sensitive to caffeine than others and some people build up a tolerance to caffeine.
Drinking a lot of coffee can lead to an addiction. WebMD labels it as a "mild physical dependence." So you're not going to go out and rob your neighbors to get your next caffeine fix, but it can cause some inconveniences if you don't get the necessary cup in the morning.
The most common symptom of withdrawal is the dreaded coffee headache, but it doesn't stop there. Other symptoms of withdrawal include fatigue, anxiety, irritability, feeling depressed and difficulty concentrating.
Unless you're like me and can literally drink a cup of coffee and still fall asleep, one of the most common symptoms of drinking too much coffee is insomnia.
It takes about 4-5 hours to eliminate half the caffeine from your body, 8-10 to eliminate 75 percent, so for most people, the morning cup of java shouldn't interfere with your sleep. However, if you're sensitive to caffeine, you should avoid drinking coffee for at least six hours before you plan on going to bed.
Not to sound like a television ad for the latest miracle drug, but if you're pregnant or nursing, have medical condition like high blood pressure, gastritis or ulcers, you should avoid caffeinated coffee.
Author Bio:
Mike Crimmins is a coffee fanatic. He's not your traditional coffee expert or barista. He's just your average joe, looking for that perfect cup of coffee. You can learn more about coffee at his blog http://dailyshotofcoffee.com/.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Can-You-Have-Too-Much-Coffee?&id=2593360
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Donor Relations - How Asking Questions Can Expand Your Donor Base
When we talk about our relations, most people think of their family (for better or worse!). As a fundraiser, this word can have a much broader meaning for your nonprofit. Individual donors and representatives of corporate and foundation funders who have given you money in the past have a network of relations that include family, friends, and colleagues. How much do you know about them? What you don't know could limit your fundraising opportunities significantly.
Let me tell you a true story about a nonprofit community arts group. For many years, a local bank had sponsored this group's annual fundraiser with a donation $7,500.This donation was one of the nonprofit's larger gifts. When the group hired a new development director, the chairman of the board took her to meet the bank president. Being an experienced fundraiser, this new staff person knew the importance of learning what interested donors. She noticed a vibrant landscape painting behind his desk. She asked about the painting and learned that the president's wife was the artist. Pursuing this conversation, the development director learned that the president's wife had a family foundation which gave grants to arts groups in a neighboring state.
Why had this information never come up in the ten years that this bank had supported this arts organization? Because no one took the time to ask the banker questions beyond his business. This new staff person asked the question and then used what she learned. First, she made sure to extend a personal invitation to the president's wife to be a guest at their upcoming major event. The development director then sent her a thank you note and invited her to attend a small gathering of artists.
The wife attended and was so impressed that she went to the next meeting of her family foundation and convinced the trustees to expand their geographic boundaries so that they could help the arts group her husband's business had supported for years. Within six months, this foundation gave the arts group a $10,000 grant to sponsor a children's art program. The next year the arts nonprofit received a larger grant and the following year, the president's wife agreed to serve on the board of directors where she can help the nonprofit with her contacts at other family foundations.
How likely is it that a similar situation could happen in your organization? In my experience, most nonprofits have donors who could connect them with people who may be future supporters. Why doesn't this happen more often? I think it is because people don't take the time to ask questions and learn more about their donors. Fundraising is a relationship business and so it's important to make the time to get know as much as you can about your donors. A good question could lead to a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow... or at least a small donation that could be the first step in a new donor's journey to becoming a major contributor.
Author Bio:
Jane B. Ford, M.Ed. is a speaker, author, teacher, coach and consultant who guides individuals and nonprofits on the road to prosperity. She has worked with small to mid-sized nonprofits for three decades in the roles of executive director, trainer, fundraiser and management consultant. You can learn more about Jane at http://TheJoyPath.com and http://GetGrantsNow.net.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Donor-Relations---How-Asking-Questions-Can-Expand-Your-Donor-Base&id=3877576
Let me tell you a true story about a nonprofit community arts group. For many years, a local bank had sponsored this group's annual fundraiser with a donation $7,500.This donation was one of the nonprofit's larger gifts. When the group hired a new development director, the chairman of the board took her to meet the bank president. Being an experienced fundraiser, this new staff person knew the importance of learning what interested donors. She noticed a vibrant landscape painting behind his desk. She asked about the painting and learned that the president's wife was the artist. Pursuing this conversation, the development director learned that the president's wife had a family foundation which gave grants to arts groups in a neighboring state.
Why had this information never come up in the ten years that this bank had supported this arts organization? Because no one took the time to ask the banker questions beyond his business. This new staff person asked the question and then used what she learned. First, she made sure to extend a personal invitation to the president's wife to be a guest at their upcoming major event. The development director then sent her a thank you note and invited her to attend a small gathering of artists.
The wife attended and was so impressed that she went to the next meeting of her family foundation and convinced the trustees to expand their geographic boundaries so that they could help the arts group her husband's business had supported for years. Within six months, this foundation gave the arts group a $10,000 grant to sponsor a children's art program. The next year the arts nonprofit received a larger grant and the following year, the president's wife agreed to serve on the board of directors where she can help the nonprofit with her contacts at other family foundations.
How likely is it that a similar situation could happen in your organization? In my experience, most nonprofits have donors who could connect them with people who may be future supporters. Why doesn't this happen more often? I think it is because people don't take the time to ask questions and learn more about their donors. Fundraising is a relationship business and so it's important to make the time to get know as much as you can about your donors. A good question could lead to a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow... or at least a small donation that could be the first step in a new donor's journey to becoming a major contributor.
Author Bio:
Jane B. Ford, M.Ed. is a speaker, author, teacher, coach and consultant who guides individuals and nonprofits on the road to prosperity. She has worked with small to mid-sized nonprofits for three decades in the roles of executive director, trainer, fundraiser and management consultant. You can learn more about Jane at http://TheJoyPath.com and http://GetGrantsNow.net.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Donor-Relations---How-Asking-Questions-Can-Expand-Your-Donor-Base&id=3877576
Sunday, January 16, 2011
The Benefits of Tea Vs Coffee
If you are a red-blooded American, then the odds are that you probably drink coffee on a regular basis. However, there are many cultures that prefer tea, including Britain and Asia, so which drink is the best? Green tea has been on the rise in the past few years because of the many health benefits that it has to offer, but coffee is definitely catching up in the race and potentially rivaling green tea for all of the wellness properties that it contains.
There were studies done in the past that did state that coffee was bad for you, but luckily, those studies were proved false because they were conducted on coffee drinkers who were also smokers. That was the main cause of the negative health benefits found within the study relating to smoking and not to coffee. Most recently, there have been many studies done on coffee to prove that it has astounding health benefits, especially because of its antioxidant content.
Still, because of the past studies, many Americans have switched to drinking tea instead of coffee because they are more health-conscious. The good news is that coffee has now been proven to have just as many health benefits as tea, if not more. Coffee is now rivaling the health benefits given by green tea, which is one of the most popular healthy beverages to drink on a regular basis. Both of these drinks do have benefits, but recent studies have shown that the health benefits provided by coffee are more than we have estimated.
Tea is full of antioxidants, but coffee has been shown to have strong antioxidant benefits that can fight illness and premature aging. That is the primary reason that many skin care companies are starting to use coffee as an ingredient within their products because it has the ability to neutralize free radicals below the surface of the skin to protect facial cells from damage and wrinkling. Tea does have the ability to promote healthy digestion, but coffee has also been shown to be able to protect the body against cancer and cirrhosis of the liver. Drinking coffee regularly does lower blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of developing type II diabetes.
Many people rely on drinking green tea for weight loss benefits because it is claimed to have fat burning properties, but coffee also can aid in weight loss because caffeine works to boost the metabolism and suppress the appetite. It is recommended to drink coffee regularly throughout the day in small amounts to keep your metabolism revved and calories burning all day long.
Tea does have the ability to reduce cholesterol in the body, but coffee has been proven to protect against Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's. Ultimately, your preference in taste is up to you as to whether you would like coffee or tea. However, if you are a diehard coffee drinker, then it is fantastic news to know that coffee has just as many health benefits as tea, if not more!
Author Bio:
For the best way to enjoy your coffee, try the Bunn Home Coffee Maker! For a great selection, check out Chuggin McCoffee's website, The Coffee Bump.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Benefits-of-Tea-Vs-Coffee&id=3056025
There were studies done in the past that did state that coffee was bad for you, but luckily, those studies were proved false because they were conducted on coffee drinkers who were also smokers. That was the main cause of the negative health benefits found within the study relating to smoking and not to coffee. Most recently, there have been many studies done on coffee to prove that it has astounding health benefits, especially because of its antioxidant content.
Still, because of the past studies, many Americans have switched to drinking tea instead of coffee because they are more health-conscious. The good news is that coffee has now been proven to have just as many health benefits as tea, if not more. Coffee is now rivaling the health benefits given by green tea, which is one of the most popular healthy beverages to drink on a regular basis. Both of these drinks do have benefits, but recent studies have shown that the health benefits provided by coffee are more than we have estimated.
Tea is full of antioxidants, but coffee has been shown to have strong antioxidant benefits that can fight illness and premature aging. That is the primary reason that many skin care companies are starting to use coffee as an ingredient within their products because it has the ability to neutralize free radicals below the surface of the skin to protect facial cells from damage and wrinkling. Tea does have the ability to promote healthy digestion, but coffee has also been shown to be able to protect the body against cancer and cirrhosis of the liver. Drinking coffee regularly does lower blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of developing type II diabetes.
Many people rely on drinking green tea for weight loss benefits because it is claimed to have fat burning properties, but coffee also can aid in weight loss because caffeine works to boost the metabolism and suppress the appetite. It is recommended to drink coffee regularly throughout the day in small amounts to keep your metabolism revved and calories burning all day long.
Tea does have the ability to reduce cholesterol in the body, but coffee has been proven to protect against Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's. Ultimately, your preference in taste is up to you as to whether you would like coffee or tea. However, if you are a diehard coffee drinker, then it is fantastic news to know that coffee has just as many health benefits as tea, if not more!
Author Bio:
For the best way to enjoy your coffee, try the Bunn Home Coffee Maker! For a great selection, check out Chuggin McCoffee's website, The Coffee Bump.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Benefits-of-Tea-Vs-Coffee&id=3056025
Friday, January 14, 2011
How to Raise Money For Your Local Schools That Are Experiencing Financial Troubles
With constant budget cutbacks occurring in our schools across the nation, school districts are constantly trying to figure out ways they can raise money to continue certain programs or to even keep the existing staff there without losing them. School fundraising has always existed but seems to be even more important now with so many districts having large budget cuts according to a school photographer and event photographer. This article will offer some suggestions on how to raise money for your child's elementary school in some unique ways other than going door to door and selling gift wrapping or elementary school pictures. Thinking outside the box and being creative can help to raise a great amount for your child's school.
One great way to raise money for your elementary school is to host a big event surrounding a fun holiday such as Halloween and Fall for kids and their families. This event can use the school as the location and have all sorts of different areas for entertainment. In the gym, you can have a variety of games for kids to play that are done by volunteers or older high school kids from the town. Another area, can be where you can buy a meal that is donated by a local restaurant. Auction items that are made by or put together by each class in the school are great things to have at the event as well so an area for silent or live auctioning is good too.
Another great way to raise money for a school is to have a pre-paid event or party. Get some of your friends to come up with a fun party and then charge people to attend the party or event and all of that money goes to the school. For example you could host a canoe party going down the river that ends with a barbeque lunch with drinks and snacks provided in the canoes as well. People pay for a fun experience and the hosts take on the entire cost of the event. This tends to do very well in smaller towns.
Another creative idea is using the good old dollar as an incentive to raise money. A lot of people like to take a chance on their luck every once in awhile and what better way than in a school fundraiser. This is a simple one to do too. You just get a large amount of people to buy a chance for $100 to win a large sum of money. The size of the school community and town are obviously going to determine how big the pot can be. Half of the $100 ticket goes to the winner and the other half goes to the school.
The final idea is to put on a 5K run to raise money for the school. The trick is making it more unique than the other local races to bring people in. Getting sponsors along with a great theme will ensure a successful event that usually will continue on a yearly basis.
Author Bio:
Connor R. Sullivan really enjoys the photos that an event photographer took of his children at a local school carnival. He really enjoys the childhood pictures he has of his kids that were taken by all school photographer in the area.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Raise-Money-For-Your-Local-Schools-That-Are-Experiencing-Financial-Troubles&id=3851617
One great way to raise money for your elementary school is to host a big event surrounding a fun holiday such as Halloween and Fall for kids and their families. This event can use the school as the location and have all sorts of different areas for entertainment. In the gym, you can have a variety of games for kids to play that are done by volunteers or older high school kids from the town. Another area, can be where you can buy a meal that is donated by a local restaurant. Auction items that are made by or put together by each class in the school are great things to have at the event as well so an area for silent or live auctioning is good too.
Another great way to raise money for a school is to have a pre-paid event or party. Get some of your friends to come up with a fun party and then charge people to attend the party or event and all of that money goes to the school. For example you could host a canoe party going down the river that ends with a barbeque lunch with drinks and snacks provided in the canoes as well. People pay for a fun experience and the hosts take on the entire cost of the event. This tends to do very well in smaller towns.
Another creative idea is using the good old dollar as an incentive to raise money. A lot of people like to take a chance on their luck every once in awhile and what better way than in a school fundraiser. This is a simple one to do too. You just get a large amount of people to buy a chance for $100 to win a large sum of money. The size of the school community and town are obviously going to determine how big the pot can be. Half of the $100 ticket goes to the winner and the other half goes to the school.
The final idea is to put on a 5K run to raise money for the school. The trick is making it more unique than the other local races to bring people in. Getting sponsors along with a great theme will ensure a successful event that usually will continue on a yearly basis.
Author Bio:
Connor R. Sullivan really enjoys the photos that an event photographer took of his children at a local school carnival. He really enjoys the childhood pictures he has of his kids that were taken by all school photographer in the area.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Raise-Money-For-Your-Local-Schools-That-Are-Experiencing-Financial-Troubles&id=3851617
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Making Sure That Your Coffee Shop Will Be A Success
Why do some coffee shops fail? It is often a combination of small things that really add up. No one invests their time and money in such a business to see it fail, but that is the end result too often. The competition that is out there is only one possible reason why many of them don't survive. You really need to do all you can to avoid problems that can cost you the business.
You will have more flexibility for your coffee shop if you have the money you need up front. However, the reality of it is that most of us will have to approach a lender for some type of loan. They are going to take a close look at your ideas for your coffee shop. Make sure the information that you provide them will imply that you have really looked into all the scenarios of this business. The more bases you can cover the more credible you will become.
It can be scary to move forward with plans for a coffee shop with such grim pieces of information being offered to you. Yet you can use all of this information to your advantage. Too many people have found themselves suffering from poor choices with their coffee shop. The biggest problem was that they didn't realize they had a lack of knowledge before they moved forward.
Too many coffee shops spend all they have to get things in place for the business. They have nothing left to promote it though. They depend on people to just wonder in and discover it. You have to have some money available for various forms of advertising. This will make people curious about your coffee shop. It will encourage them to check it out for themselves.
The location of any business is vital to the success of it. You may find a better deal on a different location, but is it going to help you be successful? Take your time to really find a quality location. Sometimes you will have to invest in having the coffee shop built from the ground up in order to ensure it is a good place.
You don't have to spend a fortune on the decor for your coffee shop, but be creative. You want it to be someplace people really feel invited into. They should be able to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. For many people that visit coffee shops, this is a vital piece of the experience. If you don't offer it, they will get their products some place else.
The menu is often an issue that needs to be addressed for a coffee shop. You will likely have a big board to place all the products offered on. Don't give them so many that it is ridiculous to keep the supplies for them. You also don't want your employees to feel overwhelmed by all they have to learn. Make sure you provide good descriptions of the products as not everyone will recognize what they are just by the name.
You can learn a great deal about the common problems with coffee shops. Use it to eliminate such troubles for your own business. It is much easier and cost effective to learn from the mistakes of others than to make them yourself. Repeating these mistakes isn't something that needs to happen though. Do all you can to make sure your coffee shop is successful no matter how large or small it is.
Author Bio:
Karyn Lewis writes about the ups and downs of the coffee shop business. Avoid the rookie mistakes many new operators make when they buy a coffee shop and read more coffee related articles at her site.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Making-Sure-That-Your-Coffee-Shop-Will-Be-A-Success&id=991678
You will have more flexibility for your coffee shop if you have the money you need up front. However, the reality of it is that most of us will have to approach a lender for some type of loan. They are going to take a close look at your ideas for your coffee shop. Make sure the information that you provide them will imply that you have really looked into all the scenarios of this business. The more bases you can cover the more credible you will become.
It can be scary to move forward with plans for a coffee shop with such grim pieces of information being offered to you. Yet you can use all of this information to your advantage. Too many people have found themselves suffering from poor choices with their coffee shop. The biggest problem was that they didn't realize they had a lack of knowledge before they moved forward.
Too many coffee shops spend all they have to get things in place for the business. They have nothing left to promote it though. They depend on people to just wonder in and discover it. You have to have some money available for various forms of advertising. This will make people curious about your coffee shop. It will encourage them to check it out for themselves.
The location of any business is vital to the success of it. You may find a better deal on a different location, but is it going to help you be successful? Take your time to really find a quality location. Sometimes you will have to invest in having the coffee shop built from the ground up in order to ensure it is a good place.
You don't have to spend a fortune on the decor for your coffee shop, but be creative. You want it to be someplace people really feel invited into. They should be able to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. For many people that visit coffee shops, this is a vital piece of the experience. If you don't offer it, they will get their products some place else.
The menu is often an issue that needs to be addressed for a coffee shop. You will likely have a big board to place all the products offered on. Don't give them so many that it is ridiculous to keep the supplies for them. You also don't want your employees to feel overwhelmed by all they have to learn. Make sure you provide good descriptions of the products as not everyone will recognize what they are just by the name.
You can learn a great deal about the common problems with coffee shops. Use it to eliminate such troubles for your own business. It is much easier and cost effective to learn from the mistakes of others than to make them yourself. Repeating these mistakes isn't something that needs to happen though. Do all you can to make sure your coffee shop is successful no matter how large or small it is.
Author Bio:
Karyn Lewis writes about the ups and downs of the coffee shop business. Avoid the rookie mistakes many new operators make when they buy a coffee shop and read more coffee related articles at her site.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Making-Sure-That-Your-Coffee-Shop-Will-Be-A-Success&id=991678
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Holding A Fund Raising Cookout for a Good Cause
Martha was very active with the church. Being a daughter of a preacher, this individual spent a lot of time helping others in the homeless shelter after finishing up the assignments given out in school.
Unfortunately, the old place was getting dilapidated. There were leaks coming from the ceiling and the paint on the walls was already coming off. Martha knew something had to be done before the building inspector will condemn the place.
Since Martha was a member of the student council and worked on separate fundraisers, it wasn't long before this person came up with an ambitious plan to get money for the repairs.
This involved holding a fundraising cookout at the Church parking lot, which everyone will surely enjoy. After mentioning the plan to the father and then selling the idea to the churchgoers, it wasn't long before people started getting to work.
Some people put up flyers. Others talked to some companies in the city who may like to become a sponsor. Before these are distributed, someone has to check that the flyer explains what the fundraiser is all about which will increase the chances of getting others involved in the program.
Aside from selling food, part of the strategy involved selling some old cooking recipes. People could submit a copy and then someone will combine all the works, type it up and do some proofreading so this can be sent off to the printers.
When the books are out, this can be distributed to some bookstores and restaurants with the rest to be sold off during the cookout at a fair price.
Even when the cookout is over, some money can still be made when extra copies are sold off in the web. Using every resource available all contributes to a big amount that will be used to buy paint and other materials that will be used in renovating the old shelter.
Martha and everyone at Church were able to earn more than enough for a working crew to come in and fix up the place. The success of the fundraiser was just the first of many more planned in the future to help in other projects also needed by the underprivileged in the community.
It is often said that the way to anyone's heart is sometimes through the stomach. Believe it or not, the same thing can be done when raising money for a cause by holding a cookout.
Author Bio:
Low Jeremy maintains http://fund-raising.articlesforreprint.com. This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Holding-A-Fund-Raising-Cookout-for-a-Good-Cause&id=576204
Unfortunately, the old place was getting dilapidated. There were leaks coming from the ceiling and the paint on the walls was already coming off. Martha knew something had to be done before the building inspector will condemn the place.
Since Martha was a member of the student council and worked on separate fundraisers, it wasn't long before this person came up with an ambitious plan to get money for the repairs.
This involved holding a fundraising cookout at the Church parking lot, which everyone will surely enjoy. After mentioning the plan to the father and then selling the idea to the churchgoers, it wasn't long before people started getting to work.
Some people put up flyers. Others talked to some companies in the city who may like to become a sponsor. Before these are distributed, someone has to check that the flyer explains what the fundraiser is all about which will increase the chances of getting others involved in the program.
Aside from selling food, part of the strategy involved selling some old cooking recipes. People could submit a copy and then someone will combine all the works, type it up and do some proofreading so this can be sent off to the printers.
When the books are out, this can be distributed to some bookstores and restaurants with the rest to be sold off during the cookout at a fair price.
Even when the cookout is over, some money can still be made when extra copies are sold off in the web. Using every resource available all contributes to a big amount that will be used to buy paint and other materials that will be used in renovating the old shelter.
Martha and everyone at Church were able to earn more than enough for a working crew to come in and fix up the place. The success of the fundraiser was just the first of many more planned in the future to help in other projects also needed by the underprivileged in the community.
It is often said that the way to anyone's heart is sometimes through the stomach. Believe it or not, the same thing can be done when raising money for a cause by holding a cookout.
Author Bio:
Low Jeremy maintains http://fund-raising.articlesforreprint.com. This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Holding-A-Fund-Raising-Cookout-for-a-Good-Cause&id=576204
Monday, January 10, 2011
The Truth About Coffee and Cholesterol
This is a very important question for anyone who may be concerned about their cholesterol levels. In the past, coffee has been rumored to be bad for you because it can potentially cause heart disease and hypertension. Coffee also does contain caffeine, which is seen as an addicting substance. However, there is new information that has been brought to light lately showing that coffee is full of health benefits and is no longer seen as an unhealthy beverage.
It is very important to monitor your cholesterol levels to protect the health of your heart. If you do have high cholesterol, it does make you vulnerable to a heart attack. When cholesterol in the body becomes high, it will slow down blood flow going to and from the heart. It can also potentially block blood flow, which will become disastrous to the body. Blood is full of oxygen, and when your heart does not receive enough oxygen, you can experience chest pains and difficulty breathing. If this problem does continue, it will cause a heart attack that could be fatal.
In 2001, Dr. Klag reviewed different studies regarding coffee that linked coffee drinking to increasing cholesterol in the body. The research concluded that those who drank 6 cups of coffee each day were prone to having higher cholesterol directly due to unfiltered coffee. This review claimed that the increased cholesterol was supposed to be due to a component found in coffee called terpenes.
Many people also have an issue with coffee due to the caffeine content. It is important to determine whether decaf or caffeinated coffee will affect cholesterol levels in the body. In 2005, the American Heart Association did reveal that individuals who drank decaffeinated coffee were more likely to have an increase in the fatty acids in their body that would raise their LDL cholesterol. This was not the same case for those who drank caffeinated coffee, but only the decaf variety.
The overall conclusion relating to coffee and cholesterol in the body is that everyone does respond differently toward different types of coffee. Coffee is no longer the harmful beverage that it was once thought to be, and it is actually full of antioxidants that can neutralize free radical damage in the body to prevent premature aging and disease. Cholesterol levels in the body cannot be attributed to just one source, but they are affected by many different factors, including smoking, exercise, and the food that you eat.
The overall recommendation is to drink your coffee in moderation, whether it is caffeinated or decaffeinated, or filtered or unfiltered. It is recommended to drink 2 to 3 cups of coffee per day, and that will protect you and reduce your risk of developing many different diseases. Coffee does have the potential to reduce the risk for Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and even cirrhosis of the liver. Again, these cases of coffee affecting cholesterol levels in the body are inconclusive, but it is important to pair your coffee drinking with a healthy diet and exercise program!
Author Bio:
Another popular accessory for coffee is the Commercial Coffee Maker! For a great selection, check out Mark Ramos' website, The Coffee Bump.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Truth-About-Coffee-and-Cholesterol&id=3301049
It is very important to monitor your cholesterol levels to protect the health of your heart. If you do have high cholesterol, it does make you vulnerable to a heart attack. When cholesterol in the body becomes high, it will slow down blood flow going to and from the heart. It can also potentially block blood flow, which will become disastrous to the body. Blood is full of oxygen, and when your heart does not receive enough oxygen, you can experience chest pains and difficulty breathing. If this problem does continue, it will cause a heart attack that could be fatal.
In 2001, Dr. Klag reviewed different studies regarding coffee that linked coffee drinking to increasing cholesterol in the body. The research concluded that those who drank 6 cups of coffee each day were prone to having higher cholesterol directly due to unfiltered coffee. This review claimed that the increased cholesterol was supposed to be due to a component found in coffee called terpenes.
Many people also have an issue with coffee due to the caffeine content. It is important to determine whether decaf or caffeinated coffee will affect cholesterol levels in the body. In 2005, the American Heart Association did reveal that individuals who drank decaffeinated coffee were more likely to have an increase in the fatty acids in their body that would raise their LDL cholesterol. This was not the same case for those who drank caffeinated coffee, but only the decaf variety.
The overall conclusion relating to coffee and cholesterol in the body is that everyone does respond differently toward different types of coffee. Coffee is no longer the harmful beverage that it was once thought to be, and it is actually full of antioxidants that can neutralize free radical damage in the body to prevent premature aging and disease. Cholesterol levels in the body cannot be attributed to just one source, but they are affected by many different factors, including smoking, exercise, and the food that you eat.
The overall recommendation is to drink your coffee in moderation, whether it is caffeinated or decaffeinated, or filtered or unfiltered. It is recommended to drink 2 to 3 cups of coffee per day, and that will protect you and reduce your risk of developing many different diseases. Coffee does have the potential to reduce the risk for Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and even cirrhosis of the liver. Again, these cases of coffee affecting cholesterol levels in the body are inconclusive, but it is important to pair your coffee drinking with a healthy diet and exercise program!
Author Bio:
Another popular accessory for coffee is the Commercial Coffee Maker! For a great selection, check out Mark Ramos' website, The Coffee Bump.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Truth-About-Coffee-and-Cholesterol&id=3301049
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Fundraising Auction Tips For Selling Art in Your Charity Gala, Part 1
I'm going to make a bold statement: Avoid selling traditional art in your live auction, unless you are an exclusive art auction.
Traditional art pieces are items like sculptures, paintings, drawings, and mixed media which are produced by a professional artist who makes his or her living from selling artwork - are risky auction items for the standard, non-art benefit auction.
Art is too subjective. What I like, you don't. What fits my home decor, doesn't match yours. Art has limited appeal, and the goes against the most general of fundraising auction strategies which is to select auction items with broad appeal.
Are there exceptions? Of course!
Your school can sell artwork made by the children. And an arts organization whose entire focus is on art may have an art-loving and art-buying crowd (although even art auctions can be tweaked).
Despite best intentions, sometimes art is included in the live auction. Perhaps a respected donor insists that you sell her artwork, or a renegade Board member has a best friend who happens to be a "great" artist. What do you do then?
Consider these auction tips:
Well-known local artists will sell better than non-local artists.
An Orville Bulman reproduction had aggressive bidding activity in Palm Beach, FL fundraiser. A Sara Linda Poly landscape sold immediately at the highest price point available in Arlington, VA. These local-to-the-area artists enjoyed great sales, but switch these two pieces of art to the other location and watch the bidding suffer. Your guests will enjoy supporting local talented artists.
Ask for a piece with an achievable price point for your audience.
An artist might regularly sell his pieces for $10,000, but if your audience is a $2000 top-end crowd, you're going to have a lot of work ahead of you to get that piece to sell close to value. Give the artist a price range of what your audience typically spends on various items so he can select something appropriate.
Never put art in the live auction just because the artist suggests you should.
Artists want to protect their reputation. They don't want to sell a piece for less than a given price because they are afraid it will affect the value of their other artwork. Some make a donation with the stipulation that the item can't sell unless it reaches a given price.
On the flip side, your charity isn't concerned about the artist's reputation. You merely want the money to support your cause!
If you are offered a piece of art with this stipulation, you might be better off to decline the donation because the piece might never sell.
Earlier this year I worked an auction where the same piece of art has been for sale three times in a silent auction! No one would buy it for the mandated price. The print has become a ball-and-chain donation. The event manager is now the responsible agent for the item, moving it from storage to venue each year, and taking responsibility for protecting it from damage. The audience has seen that same print for three years in a row. Can we say, "BORRRRing!"
Copyright (c) 2010 Red Apple Auctions LLC
Author Bio:
Fundraising auctioneer Sherry Truhlar, CMP, BAS featured in national publications for her trend-setting work with charity auctions is more than an effective auctioneer, she teaches auction chairpersons steps for improving an auction's bottom-line. Her FREE Auction Item Guide TM gives procurement help (listing the 100 top-selling items). GET YOURS AT http://www.redappleauctions.com/.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Fundraising-Auction-Tips-For-Selling-Art-in-Your-Charity-Gala,-Part-1&id=4351054
Traditional art pieces are items like sculptures, paintings, drawings, and mixed media which are produced by a professional artist who makes his or her living from selling artwork - are risky auction items for the standard, non-art benefit auction.
Art is too subjective. What I like, you don't. What fits my home decor, doesn't match yours. Art has limited appeal, and the goes against the most general of fundraising auction strategies which is to select auction items with broad appeal.
Are there exceptions? Of course!
Your school can sell artwork made by the children. And an arts organization whose entire focus is on art may have an art-loving and art-buying crowd (although even art auctions can be tweaked).
Despite best intentions, sometimes art is included in the live auction. Perhaps a respected donor insists that you sell her artwork, or a renegade Board member has a best friend who happens to be a "great" artist. What do you do then?
Consider these auction tips:
Well-known local artists will sell better than non-local artists.
An Orville Bulman reproduction had aggressive bidding activity in Palm Beach, FL fundraiser. A Sara Linda Poly landscape sold immediately at the highest price point available in Arlington, VA. These local-to-the-area artists enjoyed great sales, but switch these two pieces of art to the other location and watch the bidding suffer. Your guests will enjoy supporting local talented artists.
Ask for a piece with an achievable price point for your audience.
An artist might regularly sell his pieces for $10,000, but if your audience is a $2000 top-end crowd, you're going to have a lot of work ahead of you to get that piece to sell close to value. Give the artist a price range of what your audience typically spends on various items so he can select something appropriate.
Never put art in the live auction just because the artist suggests you should.
Artists want to protect their reputation. They don't want to sell a piece for less than a given price because they are afraid it will affect the value of their other artwork. Some make a donation with the stipulation that the item can't sell unless it reaches a given price.
On the flip side, your charity isn't concerned about the artist's reputation. You merely want the money to support your cause!
If you are offered a piece of art with this stipulation, you might be better off to decline the donation because the piece might never sell.
Earlier this year I worked an auction where the same piece of art has been for sale three times in a silent auction! No one would buy it for the mandated price. The print has become a ball-and-chain donation. The event manager is now the responsible agent for the item, moving it from storage to venue each year, and taking responsibility for protecting it from damage. The audience has seen that same print for three years in a row. Can we say, "BORRRRing!"
Copyright (c) 2010 Red Apple Auctions LLC
Author Bio:
Fundraising auctioneer Sherry Truhlar, CMP, BAS featured in national publications for her trend-setting work with charity auctions is more than an effective auctioneer, she teaches auction chairpersons steps for improving an auction's bottom-line. Her FREE Auction Item Guide TM gives procurement help (listing the 100 top-selling items). GET YOURS AT http://www.redappleauctions.com/.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Fundraising-Auction-Tips-For-Selling-Art-in-Your-Charity-Gala,-Part-1&id=4351054
Friday, January 7, 2011
Tantalizing Desert Coffee - Best Flavored Keurig K-Cups Coffee
Discover the Wonder of Flavored Coffee
Think of when you're standing in line for a modest wake-me-up at one of your local coffee shops. You always say that you're only going to grab a latte or a cappuccino. But, once inside, the sweet aromas grab your taste buds, and then you're eyes start swaying towards the board of seasonal favorites. In the winter you might be tempted by the delights of eggnog-infused cappuccinos and nutmeg spiced lattes. In the summer, you're probably tempted by some caramel sensation. Well you can now get that same indulgence at home with a special Green Mountain Coffee K-Cups called Caramel Vanilla Cream.
The Magic of Flavored Coffee
Other coffee drinkers might scoff at your penchant for flavored coffees, but you're a gal with a refined palette. Your taste buds know how to alter recipes just by taste. And when you eat or drink, you're mind is constantly going through a list of flavors that could enhance and mingle well with your food or drink. Likewise, when it comes to coffee, you're not a puritan. Though you enjoy the flavors of a light or bold cup of coffee, you love to think outside of the box. You love to think of flavors that could enhance you're coffee drinking experience. And that's why you're a big fan of flavored coffees. Add a little cinnamon here and a little spice there, and voila! You're coffee is something completely new.
Dessert for Coffee
Coffees that are flavored with the tastes of some of your favorite desserts are some of the most widely cherished flavored-coffees. Coffee can taste great with the added enhancement of, say, peach flavors or cardamom spice. But everyone knows that coffee that is enhanced by the sumptuous flavors of dessert are sublime. Think chocolate fudge, vanilla ice cream and a bold mug of coffee. The flavors go so well together! Think vanilla panna cotta with rich caramel washed down with the structured flavors of coffee. The experience is heavenly! But instead of pairing your dessert with a great cup of coffee, you can have it all in one sip with Keurig K-Cups. Caramel Vanilla Cream K-Cups is the most popular flavored K-Cup from Green Mountain Coffee. All the richness of dessert-like notes are seamlessly infused into your cup of coffee. So whether it's morning, noon, or night, you don't have to feel guilty about indulging in a little sweet fantasy!
Buttery Caramel in Keurig K-CupsCaramel is created by heating sugar until it melts and slowly start to brown. The flavors created from this process are so much more rich than plain sugar. Caramel is often enhanced with butter to create a creamier, more intense toffee-like taste. In one bite or sip, caramel can recall the flavor of nuts, praline, cream, raisins, and butter. The complexity of caramel is a wonderful complement to the bold, bitter, and aromatic characteristics of coffee. So it's no wonder the two go so well together!
Vanilla: Perfect Complement to Coffee Bean
Vanilla, like coffee beans, are an exotic ingredient. Vanilla pods are actually stems of orchids that hail from the Mexican tropics. Vanilla pods are cultivated from these orchids and then processed and dried so that we could use them in cooking. When you open up the vanilla pod, the casing is leathery, jelly-like and oily. The richness of this ingredient is much like the deep, oily, richness of coffee beans. And this is why, these two flavors seem to complement each other so well.
So when you drink a cup of Keurig Caramel Vanilla Cream K-Cups, you get a mouthful of flavorful fusions. Rich, buttery, creamy, and intensely complex. This is a flavored coffee you just can't pass up.
Author Bio:
Marty lives for his morning cup of coffee, and now he writes about his daily caffeine fix. Lately Marty is impressed with Keurig brewers and he's loving the taste of Caramel Vanilla Cream K-Cups coffee.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Tantalizing-Desert-Coffee---Best-Flavored-Keurig-K-Cups-Coffee&id=4433975
Think of when you're standing in line for a modest wake-me-up at one of your local coffee shops. You always say that you're only going to grab a latte or a cappuccino. But, once inside, the sweet aromas grab your taste buds, and then you're eyes start swaying towards the board of seasonal favorites. In the winter you might be tempted by the delights of eggnog-infused cappuccinos and nutmeg spiced lattes. In the summer, you're probably tempted by some caramel sensation. Well you can now get that same indulgence at home with a special Green Mountain Coffee K-Cups called Caramel Vanilla Cream.
The Magic of Flavored Coffee
Other coffee drinkers might scoff at your penchant for flavored coffees, but you're a gal with a refined palette. Your taste buds know how to alter recipes just by taste. And when you eat or drink, you're mind is constantly going through a list of flavors that could enhance and mingle well with your food or drink. Likewise, when it comes to coffee, you're not a puritan. Though you enjoy the flavors of a light or bold cup of coffee, you love to think outside of the box. You love to think of flavors that could enhance you're coffee drinking experience. And that's why you're a big fan of flavored coffees. Add a little cinnamon here and a little spice there, and voila! You're coffee is something completely new.
Dessert for Coffee
Coffees that are flavored with the tastes of some of your favorite desserts are some of the most widely cherished flavored-coffees. Coffee can taste great with the added enhancement of, say, peach flavors or cardamom spice. But everyone knows that coffee that is enhanced by the sumptuous flavors of dessert are sublime. Think chocolate fudge, vanilla ice cream and a bold mug of coffee. The flavors go so well together! Think vanilla panna cotta with rich caramel washed down with the structured flavors of coffee. The experience is heavenly! But instead of pairing your dessert with a great cup of coffee, you can have it all in one sip with Keurig K-Cups. Caramel Vanilla Cream K-Cups is the most popular flavored K-Cup from Green Mountain Coffee. All the richness of dessert-like notes are seamlessly infused into your cup of coffee. So whether it's morning, noon, or night, you don't have to feel guilty about indulging in a little sweet fantasy!
Buttery Caramel in Keurig K-CupsCaramel is created by heating sugar until it melts and slowly start to brown. The flavors created from this process are so much more rich than plain sugar. Caramel is often enhanced with butter to create a creamier, more intense toffee-like taste. In one bite or sip, caramel can recall the flavor of nuts, praline, cream, raisins, and butter. The complexity of caramel is a wonderful complement to the bold, bitter, and aromatic characteristics of coffee. So it's no wonder the two go so well together!
Vanilla: Perfect Complement to Coffee Bean
Vanilla, like coffee beans, are an exotic ingredient. Vanilla pods are actually stems of orchids that hail from the Mexican tropics. Vanilla pods are cultivated from these orchids and then processed and dried so that we could use them in cooking. When you open up the vanilla pod, the casing is leathery, jelly-like and oily. The richness of this ingredient is much like the deep, oily, richness of coffee beans. And this is why, these two flavors seem to complement each other so well.
So when you drink a cup of Keurig Caramel Vanilla Cream K-Cups, you get a mouthful of flavorful fusions. Rich, buttery, creamy, and intensely complex. This is a flavored coffee you just can't pass up.
Author Bio:
Marty lives for his morning cup of coffee, and now he writes about his daily caffeine fix. Lately Marty is impressed with Keurig brewers and he's loving the taste of Caramel Vanilla Cream K-Cups coffee.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Tantalizing-Desert-Coffee---Best-Flavored-Keurig-K-Cups-Coffee&id=4433975
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Tips For Promoting a Silent Auction - What to Tweet to Promote Your Charity Auction
Got an auction for charity coming up, and wondering what to tweet? Or maybe you just want to help a charity you love by getting the word out on Twitter?
Regardless of your motive, here are some ideas to model. I see great benefit auction-related tweets all the time on Twitter and pulled a few to get your juices flowing. (As a side, does this count as a RT (retweet)? I'm not sure what a tweet-to-blog communication is called.)
1. You can tweet about donations received.
juliawun @mollyalgray I wrote a grant to Disney, asking for free tix as a fundraising effort and we got 4 to auction off at lunatique!
TPAMagazine Charity auction: Be the first to ride Intimidator at Carowinds. Starting bid: $50 @latimesfunland
2. You can tweet about donations received, while emphasizing the donor. This tweet does a nice job of announcing the donor while simultaneously promoting her business and thanking her.
LoveYourPetExpo Barbara Williams has donated a hand-drawn portrait for our charity auction. Thank you, Barbara.
3. Give a shout-out to acknowledge your sponsors.
turquoisefish Excited to have @pizzafusionwell on board as sponsor for our therapeutic riding benefit auction, dinner & dance:
4. Tweet to seek volunteers. MoState_Habitat is in need of 4 more volunteers for a fundraiser on campus THIS Saturday, starting at noon! Help us build hope by...
5. Or tweet to tell the trials and tribulations of how to manage incoming donations. This Rotary Club is writing a clever story about their experiences. I can't wait to read the next installment!
jasondcrane The adventure begins! Two guys, 400+ pounds, one tandem bike, a @Rotary fundraiser... hilarity ensues.
6. Here's a smart way to advertise the charity you support, while also advertising your business and/or hobby-for-hire.
keith_dotson New Blog Post: Help me decide which photograph I should donate to a charity auction http://keithdotson.wordpress.com
oneredapple Prepping for my next project- a child's chair to donate to the Center for Grieving Children's fundraising auction on Feb. 5!
7. You can tweet any changes in dates or meeting times.
clairbourn Hey Clairbourn Community, The date for Clairbourn's Spring Benefit & Auction, "An Evening In Shanghai," has been... http://bit.ly/5PCXS4
FreedomHouse1 After 5 Benefit Auction Committee meeting moved to Tuesday at 5 p.m. Anyone interested, call (815) 872-0087.
8. You can solicit for donations. Even from celebrities.
SpursGyal @PerezHilton Would you consider donating something signed to the @ACTforSMA Charity auction to help terminally ill babies? Thanks
paula6thlevel RT @TheIITT: Looking for donations for the IITT Charity Auction for ChildLine at the IT Training Awards. Thanks!
9. Tweet for help in scouting a location for your benefit auction
eith2miller I am looking for a space in downtown to host a benefit auction for Haiti. Anyone know any places that might work? 3-5 days...
10. Tweet to say "thank you" when the benefit has concluded. lunanola The dance benefit/auction was a great success - belly-dancing, burlesque, salsa & African dance performances w/ beautiful costumes!
Author Bio:
Called the "Queen of Benefit Auctions," fundraising auctioneer Sherry Truhlar, CMP, BAS has been featured in national publications (The Washington Post Magazine... AUCTIONEER) and on cable television programs (E! Style... TLC) for her trend-setting work with auction fundraisers. In addition to servicing clients through an elegant and playful auctioneering style, she specializes in a variety of popular online classes to teach volunteer auction chairpersons the simple steps for improving the financial bottom-line of their charity auctions. Her free or nearly free auction ideas are used by hundreds of charities, and her popular, FREE Auction Item GuideTM is downloaded by dozens each day who seek auction procurement help. GET YOUR OWN FREE GUIDE (listing the 100 top-selling items you can sell in your auction) AT http://www.RedAppleAuctions.com.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Tips-For-Promoting-a-Silent-Auction---What-to-Tweet-to-Promote-Your-Charity-Auction&id=4058287
Regardless of your motive, here are some ideas to model. I see great benefit auction-related tweets all the time on Twitter and pulled a few to get your juices flowing. (As a side, does this count as a RT (retweet)? I'm not sure what a tweet-to-blog communication is called.)
1. You can tweet about donations received.
juliawun @mollyalgray I wrote a grant to Disney, asking for free tix as a fundraising effort and we got 4 to auction off at lunatique!
TPAMagazine Charity auction: Be the first to ride Intimidator at Carowinds. Starting bid: $50 @latimesfunland
2. You can tweet about donations received, while emphasizing the donor. This tweet does a nice job of announcing the donor while simultaneously promoting her business and thanking her.
LoveYourPetExpo Barbara Williams has donated a hand-drawn portrait for our charity auction. Thank you, Barbara.
3. Give a shout-out to acknowledge your sponsors.
turquoisefish Excited to have @pizzafusionwell on board as sponsor for our therapeutic riding benefit auction, dinner & dance:
4. Tweet to seek volunteers. MoState_Habitat is in need of 4 more volunteers for a fundraiser on campus THIS Saturday, starting at noon! Help us build hope by...
5. Or tweet to tell the trials and tribulations of how to manage incoming donations. This Rotary Club is writing a clever story about their experiences. I can't wait to read the next installment!
jasondcrane The adventure begins! Two guys, 400+ pounds, one tandem bike, a @Rotary fundraiser... hilarity ensues.
6. Here's a smart way to advertise the charity you support, while also advertising your business and/or hobby-for-hire.
keith_dotson New Blog Post: Help me decide which photograph I should donate to a charity auction http://keithdotson.wordpress.com
oneredapple Prepping for my next project- a child's chair to donate to the Center for Grieving Children's fundraising auction on Feb. 5!
7. You can tweet any changes in dates or meeting times.
clairbourn Hey Clairbourn Community, The date for Clairbourn's Spring Benefit & Auction, "An Evening In Shanghai," has been... http://bit.ly/5PCXS4
FreedomHouse1 After 5 Benefit Auction Committee meeting moved to Tuesday at 5 p.m. Anyone interested, call (815) 872-0087.
8. You can solicit for donations. Even from celebrities.
SpursGyal @PerezHilton Would you consider donating something signed to the @ACTforSMA Charity auction to help terminally ill babies? Thanks
paula6thlevel RT @TheIITT: Looking for donations for the IITT Charity Auction for ChildLine at the IT Training Awards. Thanks!
9. Tweet for help in scouting a location for your benefit auction
eith2miller I am looking for a space in downtown to host a benefit auction for Haiti. Anyone know any places that might work? 3-5 days...
10. Tweet to say "thank you" when the benefit has concluded. lunanola The dance benefit/auction was a great success - belly-dancing, burlesque, salsa & African dance performances w/ beautiful costumes!
Author Bio:
Called the "Queen of Benefit Auctions," fundraising auctioneer Sherry Truhlar, CMP, BAS has been featured in national publications (The Washington Post Magazine... AUCTIONEER) and on cable television programs (E! Style... TLC) for her trend-setting work with auction fundraisers. In addition to servicing clients through an elegant and playful auctioneering style, she specializes in a variety of popular online classes to teach volunteer auction chairpersons the simple steps for improving the financial bottom-line of their charity auctions. Her free or nearly free auction ideas are used by hundreds of charities, and her popular, FREE Auction Item GuideTM is downloaded by dozens each day who seek auction procurement help. GET YOUR OWN FREE GUIDE (listing the 100 top-selling items you can sell in your auction) AT http://www.RedAppleAuctions.com.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Tips-For-Promoting-a-Silent-Auction---What-to-Tweet-to-Promote-Your-Charity-Auction&id=4058287
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Coffee Buying Tips
Oh, there is truly nothing more frustrating than buying coffee that is not as good as it seemed. It can definitely ruin your day to take a sip of a cup of Joe that doesn't live up to its reputation, so you do need to make sure that you heed these purchasing tips when buying your coffee for home use.
First of all, find out the roast date. This is something important for you to understand the freshness of the roast of your coffee since coffee should be consumed 10 to 14 days after roasting. As a rule of thumb, it is not a good idea to purchase coffee from a grocery store because it will be stale. Also, if you are someone that drinks decaf coffee, it is best to purchase from a roaster because decaf coffee can sit on the grocery store shelves for up to six months because it is less often purchased. Shocking! As a rule of thumb, it is best to enjoy your coffee a few days after it has been roasted, and make sure to seal it in an opaque, airtight container for maximum freshness.
The next tip is to grind what you will brew. You also must freshly grind your coffee beans every time that you brew because freshly ground coffee beans will go stale within 30 seconds. This is imperative to protect the essential oils within the coffee beans since they will become damaged when they are oxidized and exposed to air. Once the essential oils are damaged, there goes the flavor of your coffee along with it. As soon as you grind the coffee beans, they will start to lose their natural flavors. There are different grind consistencies necessary for various brew methods. As an example, if you are using an automatic coffee maker, the grind consistency should be medium, like granulated sugar. If you are using a French Press, the coffee grounds need to be very coarse. You will need a very fine ground for espresso or Turkish coffee that is similar to a powder.
Lastly, make sure to store your coffee beans with the right method to have a better taste in your brew. Although rumor has led many people to store their coffee beans in their freezer, do not do it! Coffee beans are porous and delicate, and they will absorb the flavors of what is around them. The coffee can begin to taste bad if you have fish or other foods in your freezer, and freezing coffee will also damage the essential oils to completely ruin the natural flavors of the coffee beans. You must store your coffee beans in a dry and cool location in an airtight and opaque container.
So there you have it! These are the best methods for storing your coffee beans so that you can protect their delicate flavors and constantly enjoy a delicious and rich cup of Joe. Even these subtle changes will make a dramatic difference in the coffee that you buy, and you will notice a much fresher flavor in your cup of Joe!
Author Bio:
Mark Ramos is a coffee geek. For a great selection in all things coffee, espresso machines and the Bunn 10 cup coffee maker, check out The Coffee Bump.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Coffee-Buying-Tips&id=4464795&opt=print
First of all, find out the roast date. This is something important for you to understand the freshness of the roast of your coffee since coffee should be consumed 10 to 14 days after roasting. As a rule of thumb, it is not a good idea to purchase coffee from a grocery store because it will be stale. Also, if you are someone that drinks decaf coffee, it is best to purchase from a roaster because decaf coffee can sit on the grocery store shelves for up to six months because it is less often purchased. Shocking! As a rule of thumb, it is best to enjoy your coffee a few days after it has been roasted, and make sure to seal it in an opaque, airtight container for maximum freshness.
The next tip is to grind what you will brew. You also must freshly grind your coffee beans every time that you brew because freshly ground coffee beans will go stale within 30 seconds. This is imperative to protect the essential oils within the coffee beans since they will become damaged when they are oxidized and exposed to air. Once the essential oils are damaged, there goes the flavor of your coffee along with it. As soon as you grind the coffee beans, they will start to lose their natural flavors. There are different grind consistencies necessary for various brew methods. As an example, if you are using an automatic coffee maker, the grind consistency should be medium, like granulated sugar. If you are using a French Press, the coffee grounds need to be very coarse. You will need a very fine ground for espresso or Turkish coffee that is similar to a powder.
Lastly, make sure to store your coffee beans with the right method to have a better taste in your brew. Although rumor has led many people to store their coffee beans in their freezer, do not do it! Coffee beans are porous and delicate, and they will absorb the flavors of what is around them. The coffee can begin to taste bad if you have fish or other foods in your freezer, and freezing coffee will also damage the essential oils to completely ruin the natural flavors of the coffee beans. You must store your coffee beans in a dry and cool location in an airtight and opaque container.
So there you have it! These are the best methods for storing your coffee beans so that you can protect their delicate flavors and constantly enjoy a delicious and rich cup of Joe. Even these subtle changes will make a dramatic difference in the coffee that you buy, and you will notice a much fresher flavor in your cup of Joe!
Author Bio:
Mark Ramos is a coffee geek. For a great selection in all things coffee, espresso machines and the Bunn 10 cup coffee maker, check out The Coffee Bump.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Coffee-Buying-Tips&id=4464795&opt=print
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Oprah's Leaving Daytime in 2011 - Time to Request Tickets For Your Auction Fundraisers
At my grocery store, I noticed Oprah's December 2009 "O Magazine" cover has a teaser in the upper right corner about winning a trip "to the Oprah Show."
I am often asked what is the best auction item to secure for an auction fundraiser. Easy answer: Tickets to The Oprah Winfrey Show
In your fundraising auction, Oprah will outsell tickets to the Superbowl, a private helicopter charter to a Relaix and Chateaux property, and even the chance for a Presidential meet-and-greet. Friends, when Oprah tickets are up against any other auction item, it is -- to borrow a WWE term -- an Oprah SmackDown.
As one auction guest told me, "Even if you aren't a huge fan of Oprah, she's so generous, you might happen to be in the audience on the day she gives everybody some fabulous gift... like a car."
Last week, Oprah announced she's leave the show in the the fall 2011, at the end of its 25th season. But she's not retiring. She'll reappear in some fashion on her new venture, The Oprah Winfrey Network, which will replace the Discovery Health channel.
So right now, I imagine that Oprah and her team are busy planning one heck of a 2-year-long going-away party. I predict that these last few months of her show will be stellar. I suspect she'll include twice as many surprises. And I know that any group which manages to secure tickets to any one of her final shows will make an awful lot of money for its fundraising auction. Wahoo! My advice: Draft your letter.
1. If you know someone affiliated with The Oprah Winfrey Show -- or even someone affiliated with similar shows -- always start by asking your contact. If you're trying to get some of the limited VIP audience tickets often set aside for talk shows, knowing somebody who knows somebody might be all it takes to them.
2. If that's not an option, draft your letter. Write to the show, explain your cause, and ask for tickets. You'll have a better shot if your cause is one that is aligned to Oprah's beliefs: helping children, living your best life, being true to yourself, etc. Save your time (and Oprah's) by directing your efforts on securing a different auction item if this doesn't sound like your charity. Always remember, it is very important to research a celebrity's interest before approaching them.
P.S. If you personally want to secure tickets to The Oprah Winfrey Show, the acquisition steps are different. I'll outline the process here, only because I suspect some readers would like to know.
A few years ago, The Oprah Winfrey Show had a call-in process. It's since been transferred to an Internet-based reservation lottery system on Oprah.com. Fans can become a (free) member on the site, and -- once inside your member profile site -- access the Show Reservations area. You will be able to submit your request when the reservation is open.
Within 24 hours of the reservation window closing, the seats are filled by a random selection process. If you are one of the chosen, you'll be sent an email. You'll have 48 hours to respond to the instructions in order to claim your tickets. (And by the way... you'll need to provide the first and last names and ages of all of your guests when you submit for a reservation! In addition to the lottery, this added level of detail is part of why it's difficult to get tickets, and why you would not follow this format if you are trying to acquire tickets to be donated to a charity.)
Finally, Oprah's site makes it clear that only tickets received through the show's reservation system are valid, and that people should not be paying for tickets. That said, I do know legitimate charities have received Oprah tickets to sell at their non-profit fundraisers. Clearly, those tickets are coming through other channels and not through the "en masse" reservation system on the Website. So although repeated entries through the show's online reservation might improve your odds of winning tickets for your personal use, those tickets are not likely eligible for sale in an auction fundraiser.
Copyright (c) 2010 Red Apple Auctions LLC
Author Bio:
Award-winning fundraising auctioneer Sherry Truhlar, CMP, BAS runs Red Apple Auctions, a firm specializing in teaching non-profits the techniques proven to grow auction profitability. She offers a number of FREE auction ideas on her website, including the popular Auction Item Guide, a meaty compilation of best-selling auction items. Sign-up for the Guide at Red Apple Auctions.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Oprahs-Leaving-Daytime-in-2011---Time-to-Request-Tickets-For-Your-Auction-Fundraisers&id=3504633
I am often asked what is the best auction item to secure for an auction fundraiser. Easy answer: Tickets to The Oprah Winfrey Show
In your fundraising auction, Oprah will outsell tickets to the Superbowl, a private helicopter charter to a Relaix and Chateaux property, and even the chance for a Presidential meet-and-greet. Friends, when Oprah tickets are up against any other auction item, it is -- to borrow a WWE term -- an Oprah SmackDown.
As one auction guest told me, "Even if you aren't a huge fan of Oprah, she's so generous, you might happen to be in the audience on the day she gives everybody some fabulous gift... like a car."
Last week, Oprah announced she's leave the show in the the fall 2011, at the end of its 25th season. But she's not retiring. She'll reappear in some fashion on her new venture, The Oprah Winfrey Network, which will replace the Discovery Health channel.
So right now, I imagine that Oprah and her team are busy planning one heck of a 2-year-long going-away party. I predict that these last few months of her show will be stellar. I suspect she'll include twice as many surprises. And I know that any group which manages to secure tickets to any one of her final shows will make an awful lot of money for its fundraising auction. Wahoo! My advice: Draft your letter.
1. If you know someone affiliated with The Oprah Winfrey Show -- or even someone affiliated with similar shows -- always start by asking your contact. If you're trying to get some of the limited VIP audience tickets often set aside for talk shows, knowing somebody who knows somebody might be all it takes to them.
2. If that's not an option, draft your letter. Write to the show, explain your cause, and ask for tickets. You'll have a better shot if your cause is one that is aligned to Oprah's beliefs: helping children, living your best life, being true to yourself, etc. Save your time (and Oprah's) by directing your efforts on securing a different auction item if this doesn't sound like your charity. Always remember, it is very important to research a celebrity's interest before approaching them.
P.S. If you personally want to secure tickets to The Oprah Winfrey Show, the acquisition steps are different. I'll outline the process here, only because I suspect some readers would like to know.
A few years ago, The Oprah Winfrey Show had a call-in process. It's since been transferred to an Internet-based reservation lottery system on Oprah.com. Fans can become a (free) member on the site, and -- once inside your member profile site -- access the Show Reservations area. You will be able to submit your request when the reservation is open.
Within 24 hours of the reservation window closing, the seats are filled by a random selection process. If you are one of the chosen, you'll be sent an email. You'll have 48 hours to respond to the instructions in order to claim your tickets. (And by the way... you'll need to provide the first and last names and ages of all of your guests when you submit for a reservation! In addition to the lottery, this added level of detail is part of why it's difficult to get tickets, and why you would not follow this format if you are trying to acquire tickets to be donated to a charity.)
Finally, Oprah's site makes it clear that only tickets received through the show's reservation system are valid, and that people should not be paying for tickets. That said, I do know legitimate charities have received Oprah tickets to sell at their non-profit fundraisers. Clearly, those tickets are coming through other channels and not through the "en masse" reservation system on the Website. So although repeated entries through the show's online reservation might improve your odds of winning tickets for your personal use, those tickets are not likely eligible for sale in an auction fundraiser.
Copyright (c) 2010 Red Apple Auctions LLC
Author Bio:
Award-winning fundraising auctioneer Sherry Truhlar, CMP, BAS runs Red Apple Auctions, a firm specializing in teaching non-profits the techniques proven to grow auction profitability. She offers a number of FREE auction ideas on her website, including the popular Auction Item Guide, a meaty compilation of best-selling auction items. Sign-up for the Guide at Red Apple Auctions.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Oprahs-Leaving-Daytime-in-2011---Time-to-Request-Tickets-For-Your-Auction-Fundraisers&id=3504633
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Surprising Little Known Coffee Facts For Trivial Pursuit
The word we use today to describe the popular black beverage, coffee, was once used to describe wine. Indeed, this drink was often interchanged with wine and sometimes used instead of wine in the religious ceremonies of the Mohammedans, because it had the result of keeping believers awake during the long night of prayers.
That's just one of many, many more amazing coffee facts.
All over the world, people drink coffee, but depending on which country you come from you may drink your coffee a little different. For example, in Italy, Italians drink coffee fast and they sweeten it with sugar. The Germans, Belgians and the Swiss, however, add hot chocolate, while Mexicans favor cinnamon. Austrians like whipped cream, and Moroccans peppercorns, while Ethiopians add salt. The Egyptians and Turks prefer strong and thick coffee with no milk at all.
The story of caffeine
Believe it or not, caffeine is a prohibited substance for the International Olympic Committee. In fact, if athletes test positive to more than around 12 micograms of caffeine per millilieter of urine, which translates to about 5 cups of coffee, they may well be banned from competition.
The human body absorbes about 300 milligrams of caffeine during intake. That translates to about four cups. After four cups, the body no longer absorbs the caffeine, so even if you drink more the body does not display any further stimulation. But the body releases about twenty percent of caffeine intake every hour.
International facts and figures
Germans are now the world's second largest consumers of coffee. Previously, a German government hired a special force to uncover illicit coffee traders.
Over 53 countries grow coffee. Costa Ricans grow a lot of coffee, but the coffee plant was imported by the Spaniard, Navarro, in 1779.
A French national invented the percolator. That was in 1827. An Italian invented the espresso machine. That was in 1903. Greeks and Turks traditionally brew coffee over a strong fire and using a tiny pot called a briki.
Before that, coffee beans were roasted over a charcoal fire. Actually, though we call them coffee beans, they are actually coffee berries. Each year over seven million beans are produced.
More coffee facts and trivia
The Japanese celebrate official coffee day on October 1st. The Japanese are the third largest consumers of coffee in the world.
Germans are more likely to sweeten their coffee than Americans.
Americans kicked off the flavored coffee trend back in the 1970s.
Dark roasted coffees have less caffeine than medium roasts. That's why espresso has less caffeine than regular coffee.
Centuries ago, coffee was thought of as a meal. Ethiopians mixed coffee beans with animal fat and rolled them into balls, to have an an energy power snack.
Author Bio:
Where to find personalized photo coffee mugs [http://www.coffeeateria.com/create-your-own-personalized-photo-coffee-mugs-online-and-give-them-as-gifts-13.html] by visiting [http://www.coffeeateria.com], a popular coffee website that specializes in coffee blends, gourmet coffee, and espresso to include coconut flavored coffee [http://www.coffeeateria.com/coconut-flavored-coffee-14.html] so you can enjoy a unique blend of coffee.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Surprising-Little-Known-Coffee-Facts-For-Trivial-Pursuit&id=1143593
That's just one of many, many more amazing coffee facts.
All over the world, people drink coffee, but depending on which country you come from you may drink your coffee a little different. For example, in Italy, Italians drink coffee fast and they sweeten it with sugar. The Germans, Belgians and the Swiss, however, add hot chocolate, while Mexicans favor cinnamon. Austrians like whipped cream, and Moroccans peppercorns, while Ethiopians add salt. The Egyptians and Turks prefer strong and thick coffee with no milk at all.
The story of caffeine
Believe it or not, caffeine is a prohibited substance for the International Olympic Committee. In fact, if athletes test positive to more than around 12 micograms of caffeine per millilieter of urine, which translates to about 5 cups of coffee, they may well be banned from competition.
The human body absorbes about 300 milligrams of caffeine during intake. That translates to about four cups. After four cups, the body no longer absorbs the caffeine, so even if you drink more the body does not display any further stimulation. But the body releases about twenty percent of caffeine intake every hour.
International facts and figures
Germans are now the world's second largest consumers of coffee. Previously, a German government hired a special force to uncover illicit coffee traders.
Over 53 countries grow coffee. Costa Ricans grow a lot of coffee, but the coffee plant was imported by the Spaniard, Navarro, in 1779.
A French national invented the percolator. That was in 1827. An Italian invented the espresso machine. That was in 1903. Greeks and Turks traditionally brew coffee over a strong fire and using a tiny pot called a briki.
Before that, coffee beans were roasted over a charcoal fire. Actually, though we call them coffee beans, they are actually coffee berries. Each year over seven million beans are produced.
More coffee facts and trivia
The Japanese celebrate official coffee day on October 1st. The Japanese are the third largest consumers of coffee in the world.
Germans are more likely to sweeten their coffee than Americans.
Americans kicked off the flavored coffee trend back in the 1970s.
Dark roasted coffees have less caffeine than medium roasts. That's why espresso has less caffeine than regular coffee.
Centuries ago, coffee was thought of as a meal. Ethiopians mixed coffee beans with animal fat and rolled them into balls, to have an an energy power snack.
Author Bio:
Where to find personalized photo coffee mugs [http://www.coffeeateria.com/create-your-own-personalized-photo-coffee-mugs-online-and-give-them-as-gifts-13.html] by visiting [http://www.coffeeateria.com], a popular coffee website that specializes in coffee blends, gourmet coffee, and espresso to include coconut flavored coffee [http://www.coffeeateria.com/coconut-flavored-coffee-14.html] so you can enjoy a unique blend of coffee.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Surprising-Little-Known-Coffee-Facts-For-Trivial-Pursuit&id=1143593
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)