Tuesday, June 29, 2010

HB Magazine: Dream Dinners - Vacation Meals Made Easy

Dream Dinners "travels well" for vacations – be it by boat, RV, auto or airplane. Co-owners Beverly Wurth and Duffy Humbert’s customers have even taken Dream Dinners along on vacation to Hawaii, which saved them from having to run to the grocery store and shell out exorbitant Island food prices at the market or dining out. One customer fed 35 members of her extended family “Dream Dinners” all week, which meant that instead of spending time at the store and in the kitchen, meal prep was already taken care of and dinner was ready in no time! Pack Dream Dinners in a cooler bag and check it as a piece of luggage. he undercarriage of an airplane is VERY cold, so there's no risk of the meals thawing out on the plane ride.

Because Dream Dinners includes all the ingredients pre-prepped, it takes up hardly any space at all. This makes it ideal for small space refrigerators like those found on most boats and RVs. Dream Dinners enables moms to enjoy the family vacation too - instead of spending time in the kitchen cutting and prepping and cleaning.

The Dream Dinners summer menu is chock-full of great grillable dinners such as Italian Pomodoro Burgers, Swiss Bacon Burger w/ Tangy BBQ Sauce, Firecracker Beef Sliders, Sonoma Grilled Steaks, Garlic & Balsamic Flank Steak, All American Beef Kabobs, St. Louis Smokehouse Ribs, Savory Grilled Pork Chops, Savory grilled Chicken with Sesame Honey Butter.

Dream Dinners is located at 8760 Warner Avenue in Fountain Valley. For more info, call (714) 375-9525 or visit www.dreamdinners.com

HB Magazine Summer Feature: Hardy Window Company

Replacing old shabby windows and doors can not only update the look of your home, but can also reduce noise, improve your comfort and security, and save you money on your heating and air conditioning costs. Hardy Window Company carries every major brand of windows and doors, so you’re sure to find the perfect style for your home.

Owner Chance Hardy credits his employees for making Hardy Windows one of the largest sellers of top-quality window and door products in Southern California.

“When everyone in the company takes pride in their work, customers can feel the difference as soon as they walk in the door,” Chance said. “I guarantee that you’ll be satisfied with the results when you work with us, because we’re not happy until you’re happy.”

At every point of contact with Hardy Window Company, you’ll receive added value. Request a free estimate, and you’ll find it detailed and easy to understand with testimonials from scores of recent satisfied customers. The installation professionals who come to your home are all highly skilled Hardy employees, not subcontracted workers. The full-time service department staff strives to schedule maintenance requests on weekends, so you don’t have to miss work.

If you think this level of service sounds expensive, it’s not! Hardy Window Company carries such a wide variety of products that they’re able to accommodate any budget, guarantee they’ll beat competitors’ prices and reward clients who refer new customers. The purchase of certain home energy saving windows and doors may even qualify you for a tax credit of up to $1,500.

In business since 1989, this family-owned company has a proven track record of success, boasts an impeccable customer service record, and is one of the only window companies in Southern California with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

The Hardy Window Company is located at 3425 La Palma Avenue in Anaheim. For more info, call (714) 996-1807 or visit www.hardywindows.com

HB Magazine Editorial: Choosing the Right IT Partner for Your Business by Malachi Clark

As a business owner you wear many hats. You have to manage employees, finances, and the general day-to-day operations. Among these hats you wear is one for choosing vendors and suppliers. Choose a great vendor and you have a partnership that can last for decades, choose the wrong one and it could take decades to recover. The IT needs of your business are no less important. A question I often receive is, “Why should I hire people to manage my IT needs?” It is a valid question. Can one of your hats be IT? Can you do it yourself? It seems that everyone has a 'cousin' that can 'fix computers'. Here are a few points to consider about why your business needs much more than just computers that are 'fixed.'

Partnership - A great IT partner, should be just that, a partner, not a nameless vendor that comes in and always does it their way. A good IT partner is interested in a long-term relationship that benefits both parties, not just to make a quick dollar. Every business is different and has unique needs. Your IT partner should listen and take the time to get to know you and how your business operates. The right IT partner will work with your business to determine what to upgrade and when. Should you upgrade the old computers that work just fine? Should you get the latest smartphone? Will that new software make your business run more smoothly? Are your current systems holding your business back? Will that new upgrade work with my existing systems? What about Facebook or Twitter? These are all questions that can only be answered if your IT partner understands you and the way your business operates.

Inform - The right IT partner should take the time to make sure you understand your existing and future technology needs. It is vital that you understand why you need certain technology solutions and how they will reduce your costs or help to make your business grow. Knowing this information allows you to easily adapt to changing market conditions including, if necessary, changing IT partners. The right IT partner will not force you to be locked into a long term contract, instead their work should encourage you to want to work with them. While a long-term contract can provide some benefits, it can also lock you into a bad situation for longer than you want.

Planning - Beyond answering the questions you have, the right IT partner will know the questions you should be asking. IT professionals stay informed of the latest trends, what is new and useful to your business, while keeping in mind that a new trend that is correct for other businesses may be just 'trendy' for yours. The right IT partner should work with you to help you budget and plan for the future and to help grow your business through technology.

Availability - Your IT partner needs to be ready to work when you are. Emergency or run-of-the-mill, 9 to 5 or after-hours, your business shouldn't have to wait on IT.

Proactive - The right IT partner does more than 'fix' your computers. Proactive maintenance and updates reduce the need for repairs. Businesses of all sizes benefit greatly from IT partners that perform regular preventative maintenance. These regular planned cycles can minimize unexpected IT expenditures and save you money and downtime. Your IT partner should help your business move from a "break-fix" mentality to proactive IT approach.

Price - Obviously price is a concern for any business. While cost cannot be the only factor in deciding on an IT partner, if they are too expensive, it doesn't matter how good they are. The opposite side of that is summed up beautifully by a quote from Red Adair, "If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur." An experienced IT professional will not only cost your business less long term, but will help your business grow faster.

Perform - Ultimately, the right IT partner will be able to get the job done. A great IT partner will combine all the elements above and do what needs to be done to help your business.

Malachi Clark is the President of Techglia, Inc., which provides managed services, custom application development, outsourced IT, Online Backup, and Help Desk support to Orange County businesses. For more info, visit www.techglia.com/hb or call (714) 545-3284.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

HB Magazine Summer Feature: With Prince Charters, It’s Smooth Sailing

Special occasions, such as a marriage proposal, intimate wedding ceremony, birthday celebration, or anniversary are the times of your life when memories are made. With Prince Charters, Ltd., of Huntington Beach, you can turn these celebrations from “special” into breathtaking, magical moments. Imagine a romantic dinner for two in the moonlight on the deck of a moored yacht…or the exhilaration of slicing through sunlit water with the ocean breeze in your face. Prince Charters has been in the business of turning memories into magic since 1965.

Current Prince Charters Captain Doug Misterly learned to sail as a young boy with his grandfather, Dr. Gilbert Prince, completing his first solo sail at age 10. Dr. Prince was an ordained minister who took small groups sailing—sometimes for pleasure, to perform a shipboard wedding, or scatter the ashes of a loved one at sea. When he was 12, Doug helped his grandfather crew a sea burial, and decided then and there to continue the family legacy of Prince Charters.

Captain Doug’s vessel is a 34-foot Catalina sloop, fully equipped with the latest safety technology (including GPS and radar), a roomy cockpit, galley with refrigerator/freezer and microwave, stove, oven, an enclosed bathroom with a push-button electric toilet, shower, and two private cabins that sleep seven. You can charter the yacht for a minimum of two hours, an overnight trip to Catalina Island, or anything in between. Choose your adventure and customize your trip so that friends, family, or clients have the most fun and enjoyment.

“You can relax with friends on a coastal tour, entertain clients, stop at ocean-front restaurants before continuing your trip - the possibilities are endless,” Captain Doug said. “We can do a sunset dinner service on white linen, where just the two of you are alone on deck. You can participate in one of Southern California’s famous holiday boat parades. We can even arrange for a yacht race with other sailboats as a corporate team-building event. Whatever you can dream up, we can make it happen.”

A former first officer for Hornblower Yachts, Captain Doug has more than thirty years of sailing experience. He holds a U.S. Coast Guard Master Mariner’s License for sailing in ocean and bay waters. Captain Doug is licensed to perform shipboard weddings or a customized memorial service before the scattering of a loved one’s ashes (either people or pets) at sea. A signed certificate with the exact GPS coordinates is included.

“Your safety and comfort always come first,” Captain Doug said. “Whether you’re a first-time or experienced sailor, we do everything we can to make your trip enjoyable.”

Prince Charters also provides private sailing lessons. For those who prefer smoother sailing, Captain Doug can sail within the harbor behind the breakwater.

The departure point for Prince Charters is Alamitos Bay, located in Long Beach. Charters are available seven days a week. Summer weekends are being booked now, so plan in advance. Contact Prince Charters at (714) 642-9711 or online at www.princechartersltd.com.

AnnMarie Librescu is a freelance writer and public relations consultant in Irvine. She can be reached at alibrescu@cox.net

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

HB Magazine Business Showcase: EyeStyles for Lifestyles Reinvents Eye Care

At EyeStyles for Lifestyles, the name says it all. The two Orange County EyeStyles locations (in Costa Mesa/Newport Beach and Huntington Beach/Westminster) provide all the vision services you need under one roof. Whether you’re looking for new glasses or contacts, considering laser vision correction, or need treatment for an eye condition, you’ll find it at EyeStyles for Lifestyles.

Since 1986, EyeStyles for Lifestyles co-founder and optometrist Dr. Robert Glass has been revolutionizing the delivery of eye care. At Eyestyles, there are no doctors in white coats and ties. Instead, it feels like a great retail store where you can choose from thousands of contemporary European and American designer frames. EyeStyles is also your sunglass and sports eyewear headquarters, and they carry all the top brands of contact lenses. If it’s not in stock, they’ll order it for you.

“EyeStyles is a unique place, where fashion, function, and eye health are inseparable,” Dr. Glass says. “We’ve created a casual, friendly atmosphere that’s designed to make you feel comfortable. Our focus is on providing a fun, pleasurable visit for everyone, from children to adults of all ages.”

At EyeStyles, the doctors and knowledgeable staff members help you make the best choices for your unique needs and lifestyle. If you play sports or engage in activities that require certain specific types of visual acuity and function, the EyeStyles professionals know how to assist you in finding the right choice in eyewear and contact lenses. As a licensed pilot, Dr. Glass also specializes in the vision needs of private and commercial airline pilots.

You can schedule an exam with a doctor six days a week, including evenings and weekends, and walk-ins are welcome. Doctors are board certified to diagnose and treat diseases and conditions of the eyes and lids, such as allergies, dryness, minor injuries, and “pink eye.” If Laser Vision Correction is the right option, EyeStyles is a TLC Affiliate, and offers complimentary consultations. EyeStyles also features the newest technologies, including Optomap retinal exams, which provide an ultra-wide view of your retina without dilation, and Izon wavefront correcting lenses that improve visual acuity and quality to high definition.

If you have a prescription from another doctor for glasses or contact lenses, bring it to EyeStyles’ complete optical lab with full-time staff. Most prescriptions can be filled within the hour, and they have an extensive selection of contact lenses in stock.

“At EyeStyles, we provide state-of-the-art eye care that’s convenient and affordable,” Dr. Glass said. “We’re dedicated to giving you an unbeatable selection of frames and lenses, the most vision correction options, and personalized service. You won’t find better quality, value or service anywhere else!”

Call or stop by to schedule your appointment today. Most major vision plans are accepted. EyeStyles Costa Mesa/Newport Beach is located at 1696 Newport Blvd (at Newport and 17th). For more info, call (949) 574-0200 or visit www.eyestylescostamesa.com. EyeStyles Huntington Beach/Westminster is located at 16498 Beach Blvd. (at Beach and Heil). For more information, call (714) 848-3937 or visit www.eyestyleswestminster.com.

HB Magazine Summer Feature: CD Maturing? Tired of Low Interest Rates? By Ken Earwood

Bank CD rates are at all time lows. Most of my clients are tired of receiving such low rates. This is why your bank is not eager to call and notify you that your CD is maturing. Did you know there are other options for CD owners like yourself. These other options are currently paying on average 3-4% as a fixed guaranteed rate. They are safe, principled guaranteed, and have more liquidity than a typical CD. Sometimes people put funds into CDs instead of fixed annuities because they think their money is more liquid in the bank’s product. But have you ever thought about what happens when your CD is ready to mature? Most banks will send a notice in the mail giving you five to seven days to decide what to do with your CD. If you don’t move quickly, they’ll roll your money into a new CD, sometimes at a lower interest rate, and the withdraw penalty starts all over again.

Fixed CD-annuities have penalties for early surrender, too. But they don’t continually punish you for the privilege of holding your money. Once an annuity’s surrender penalty period is over, it is never re-established. And, unlike CDs that only allow “interest only” withdrawals, you can withdrawal 10% of the account value from an annuity each year without paying a surrender charge. Furthermore, some annuity companies will let you spread out the withdrawals on a monthly, quarterly, or semi-annual basis.

And since we’re talking about CDs, let’s spend a moment on taxes. The earnings on your CDs are taxable every year. And it doesn’t matter whether you have used the income or allowed it to accumulate in the account, you will still get a 1099 tax bill. On the other hand, the interest that you reinvest in your fixed CD annuity grows tax-deferred. In addition, the IRS will give you a tax break by not requiring you to include tax-deferred earnings in the provisional income calculations against your Social Security benefits. This could lead to more tax savings.

Don’t wait for that notice to come in the mail. Before your next CDs matures, call to set an appointment so we can meet and discuss how a fixed CD-annuity can possibly offer the liquidity you may need, earn a higher interest rate, provide a source of income, and save you money on taxes.

Ken Earwood is a professional financial advisor with more than 17 years of experience serving clients in the financial service industry. For free information covering the topic in the article above or if your would like to review your current retirement investment plan, please contact his office located at 16531 Bolsa Chica St. Ste. 304 Huntington Beach, Ca 92649. CA License #: OC44710. E-mail: kearwood@socal.rr.com. Phone: 800-250-3029, ext. 2#

HB Magazine Summer Feature: Parents & Teens: Practicing Proper Nutrition by Paul and Carolyn Fetters

In case you haven’t noticed, teenagers and even younger children are becoming obese. No matter what part of the country you live in the problem is epidemic. Celebrity Chef Jamie Oliver has started a campaign in what is considered the fattest state/county in America to educate our children on proper nutrition. That’s a great start, but education should begin at home. His campaign is aimed at the schools, which again, is a good start, but it really needs to include the entire family.

The education of proper nutrition is vital to not only our children, but the parents after whom children are modeling their behavior. If parents realize that they can make a huge impact on their child’s life by helping them make better choices with what is available in the home, it’s a great beginning. Parents should not be expected to know about nutrition, but if you’re buying the groceries, I bet you know enough about making good or poor choices available for your child.

If you’ve been reading our editorials, you might recall our most recent article was about proper portions of food when eating meals/snacks. This editorial is about helping your child make better choices by you, the adult, modeling good behavior. Do you skip breakfast? If you do, it’s a sure bet that your child often does as well. Starting the day on an empty stomach leads to zero energy and inability to concentrate in class, or in your case, work. Consider that you haven’t eaten in about 12 - 14 hours and now you are asking your brain to perform. Not a good plan.

The focus of this article isn’t to beat up parents, it’s to let you off the hook. We often speak to middle/high school students in a seminar format and in the past 20 years, we have witnessed students become heavier and heavier, even with all of the fabulous “diet foods” that have become available. Unless you have a background in nutrition, how do you know how to feed yourself, let alone your family? That’s where we come in. For some reason, children/teens always seem to be receptive to outside “expertise,” even if we’re saying the same thing as you are. Since we have four teenagers ourselves, we can say with total authority that this is normal!

During our Spring 2010 TakeDown Challenge, we had a young lady (17 yrs. old), not only participate, but win! This was her third attempt at the TD Challenge, but it seems the third time was a charm for her! The life of a teenager has become one of total self-sufficiency when it comes to food. Skip breakfast at home, run to Starbucks for a Frappaccunio, drive to Del Taco for lunch, hit Roebuck’s for an afternoon smoothie, then eat whatever is available for them at home for dinner. Next day, repeat this pattern. Being a teenager is all about “grab and go.” Asking a teenager to take a few minutes and prepare their food is tantamount to pulling teeth, especially if they don’t have the tools at home to accomplish this task.

What our TD Challenge winner learned was how social food has become for teens. It’s not that much different for us adults, and perhaps that’s the pattern that we set before them. Now when I see this young lady preparing her breakfast BEFORE “zero period,” grabbing a nutrition bar for her mid-morning snack, going home for lunch, the eating a portion-controlled sensible dinner, I get it! She finally gets it! It may have taken her a few attempts to understand how to make better choices and how to live in “her world” as a teenager, but she did and she’s still doing it.

How can you help your child get a handle on this epidemic of poor eating habits? The first step is to ask for help. Your child deserves to live a healthy life and now is the time to teach them. We don’t expect them to be perfect, but we hope that they can learn to make better choices and recognize the importance of how food affects them throughout the day.

Paul and Carolyn Fetters own two Training Spot Gyms and AMS Nutrition both located in Huntington Beach. The Training Spot 16942 Gothard St. and The Training Spot 440 Main St. Paul is certified through the State of CA to speak in Nutrition, Fitness and Wellness. He regularly speaks to several Police and City Agencies throughout OC. For more info, please call (714) 841-9294 or (714) 374-7448 or visit www.tspot.org