5-financial-lessons-from-harry-potter

When looking for financial tips, I rarely look to fictional books, much less ones about witches and wizards. Yet, the "Harry Potter" series from author J.K. Rowling might be the exception. Though the series is more about good versus evil, than it is about sounds financial decisions there are still a few lessons to be learned. Here are 5 lessons I picked up from the series:

• You cannot always rely on your financial institutions: I cannot imagine Gringotts Bank is insured by the Magical Deposit Insurance Corporation since they, you know, had a dragon in the basement, but that goes to prove that even the most secure institutions can be breached. In the real world, this can happen literally, or in the sense of a banking collapse, metaphorically.

• Inherited wealth doesn't benefit society: The Malfoy family might be known as "old money" in our world. Instead of doing something that contributes to society, Lucius Malfoy simply buys his way in. His wealth allows him to purchase status, rather than obtain it by merit, a trait sure to be passed on to his son, Draco.

• Look to friends and family for small business financing: The Weasely twins, Fred and George, had dreamed of starting their own joke shop, but lacked the required funds. When Harry loans them his Tri-Wizard earning, their dreams are realized. Without his loan, they never would have had the opportunity. Plus, I doubt Harry Potter charges as much interest as Gringotts, or Bank of America for that matter.

• Proper market research can make a business: The Weasely twins spent endless hours in school testing their products on their peers and potential customers. While Hermione Granger may have called the time spent a waste, I think the Weasely twins may beg to differ. Their research turned their ideas into profit almost overnight.

• No marketing tool is better than word of mouth advertising: Olivander had a reputation for being the best wandmaker in all the land, so naturally witches and wizards seeking their first wand purchased one from Olivander. It was the word of mouth advertising he received that drove his business, and, of course, the exceptional wands.

The "Harry Potter" series may not be regarded as an authoritative source for financial information, but hopefully these tips can help you hang on to a few more knuts and sickles.

5-educational-shows-for-pteens

Television shows these days for preteens are lacking. You can turn on Baby Einstein when your child is a toddler or Dora the Explorer when your child turns five. However, what happens when your child grows out of the fives and turns nine with a curious mind?
Network Television shows like The Suite Life of Zack and Cody may teach your child about future life situations, like peer pressure, but as for teaching them about the world around them in educational and scientific concepts, these Nickelodeon shows don't cut it.

Here are five educational shows that I allow my children to watch that keep their growing minds interested in science and their imaginations thinking outside the box. We always discuss the show afterwards and sometimes try to see if we can do some debunking. 

Through the Wormhole with Morgan Freeman

Can we live forever? Is it possible to travel through space? Is there a sixth sense? Through the Wormhole is hosted by the iconic Morgan Freeman as he seeks to answer the theoretical questions of the universe. The show incorporates commentary from leading scientist and scholars from renowned universities. I cannot speak for how much this show captivates my children or how afterward they never seem to fail to want to pick up a science book or yahoo words like black holes or quasars. You never know if you raising the next theoretical physicist. It airs Wednesdays on the Science Channel.

Jurassic CSI

This is a new show which the National Geographic Channel has recently started airing. The show is hosted by Dr. Phil Manning and questions long held beliefs about dinosaurs through the use of modern technology. What I love about this show is that helps reinforce geographical locations, paleontological terminology, and a lot of cool new tech gadgets.

Mutant Planet

Mutant Plant is another Science Channel show that tries to illustrate how nature and evolution have shaped our world. It is full of stunning and exotic locations and brilliant CGI's that help support the current scientific view of the world we have today.

Monster Bug Wars

This show can be a little graphic, from a bug's point of view. However, if your child is interested in why bugs think and act the way they do, he or she will love this show. It gets up close and personal with some of the weirdest, oddest bugs that you have probably never heard of, as they hunt for their next meal and defend their homes.

Ancient Aliens

Now I must say that aliens are curious things, simply, because of the conspiracy theorist and the Roswell controversy. We all want to believe, right? Well, the ancient astronaut theorists on this show believe that they have proof. However, this show is mainly based on a theory that is probably nothing short of junk science. Yet the historical accuracies of this show, from culture to history, are fairly accurate and aliens are great for holding my children's attention and imagination while learning a little. This show airs on the History Channel.

5-educational-but-entertaining-cartoons

As a parent of a 4 and 5 year old, I am no stranger to the world of cartoons. On one side lurk the types of cartoons that literally can make a parent cringe: crude, obnoxious humor and little to no true redeeming qualities. On the other, though, lie diamonds in disguise, cartoons that offer kid-friendly entertainment, sound values, and real educational value. The following 5 cartoons are shows my family watches several times a week. They are among my children's favorites, as well as my own, since all offer wonderful entertainment while teaching children valuable knowledge and life lessons.

Dora the Explorer.

 Probably the most famous cartoon character in my household is Dora. Not a day goes by without my son or daughter asking to watch this show or the two of them running off to have little Dora adventures of their own. Dora has given them both an interest in Spanish and has broadened their imagination and problem-solving skills.

Go, Diego, Go! 

And who could forget Dora's animal rescuer cousin Diego? This spin-off of Dora the Explorer has reinforced my kids' new love of Spanish and has introduced them to a whole new exciting world of knowledge: the natural sciences. Through Diego's daring rescues, my children are now familiar with the different global climates and some of the animals that call these various regions home.

Sesame Street. 

Growing up with Sesame Street myself, I took great joy in sharing my favorite Muppets and monsters with my own children. Over the years, this show has taught my kids everything from counting to shapes to letters to sharing, and they still can't get enough. They can watch the same episodes over and over and still find new things to learn since this show is so full of educational and moral gems.

Blue's Clues. 

From infants, my kids have always been intrigued by the cute little cartoon dog, Blue. This show offers so much from singing to art to reading to basic educational concepts. It also sends children off on imaginative adventures that put their thinking and problem-solving skills to the test.

VeggieTales. 

My favorite out of these 5 shows, VeggieTales entertains kids with humorous twists on famous tales and with extremely silly songs. Yet, hidden amongst all the side-splitting antics are solid moral and Christian teachings that focus on treating others well and living a life of love and forgiveness.

5 classical albums that make great background music When studying

Need to finish that assignment but finding it hard to focus? Playing carefully chosen music in the background can help create the perfect mood when you are trying to concentrate, be creative or get inspired to write that new novel or short story.
There are a couple of things to consider when picking your perfect background music.

First, it is wise to consider Instrumental music. This way there will be no vocals or lyrics to distract from the task at hand. Secondly, the music should not be overly dynamic. It is distracting to constantly have wide variations in volume or intensity. Many great symphonic pieces tend to be wildly dynamic. This is exciting when you are sitting in the concert hall; but if you want to maintain focus on your work, you should choose more soothing options like chamber music or solo instrumental recordings.

Following are 5 classical albums that make great background music for reading, writing or studying.

1. J.S Bach. The Goldberg Variations-Glenn Gould Plays Bach (1981) Sony BMG Music Entertainment

This album is among the best selling classical albums of all-time. It is Glenn Gould's first piano recording and features 32 solo piano works. They were composed by Bach in 1741 for a Russian Count who suffered from Insomnia and wished his private pianist, Goldberg, to have something to play to keep him entertained during those sleepless nights. We can all benefit from the genius inherent in these compositions. Put it on and let it work on you subconsciously.

2. Amsterdam Loeki Stardust Quartet. Nocturne (2009) Channel Classics Records

This quartet plays a variety of recorder music from the Renaissance, Baroque, and twentieth century. The recorder is a wind instrument similar to a flute but different in that it has seven holes instead of 8 and the player blows into the end of the instrument rather than from the side. It also has a more round and mellow tone. The Loeki Stardust quartet has many other albums that could easily be added to this list, as they are all excellent. Put this album on repeat and you can go an entire evening with perfect background music.

3. Alrio Diaz. Four Centuries of Music for the Spanish Guitar (1965) Vanguard Records

Fredric Chopin, the famous pianist once remarked: "Nothing is more beautiful than a guitar, save perhaps two." Classical guitar music is a great choice as background music while reading or writing. This collection as recorded by Alrio Diaz is the perfect choice. The tunes include works from composers such as Bach, Albeniz, Sor, Scarlatti, Tarrega and Haydn. There are 18 tracks total and they flow evenly from one to the next creating a soothing and introspective atmosphere.

4. Yo-Yo Ma. Bach: The Cello Suites. (1997) Sony BMG Music Entertainment

What can be said about Yo-Yo Ma? He is regarded worldwide as one of the most inspirational cello players ever to approach the instrument. This album sings out soulfully, complementing Bach's great melodies with all of the sonorous tones and colors the instrument is known for. These timeless compositions as interpreted by Ma can turn any surroundings into a place of beauty. When this album is playing, you'll be transported - even the room will look different.

5. Rolf Lislevand: Nuove Musiche. 2005 ECM Records

Rolf Lislevand is unique among many classical guitarists. He has resurrected the art of improvisation around a theme as it was done in the 17th century. Most classical musicians will reproduce note for note the composition as it was written down. Lislevand approaches the music more like a jazz artist and weaves his own interpretation around the written themes. This album has a timeless quality to it and features many authentic stringed instruments from the period including the theorbo (a 14 string instrument similar to but with a longer than neck than a lute). There are a couple songs on the album that feature some beautiful female vocals, but they are mixed much like an instrument and do not distract much from the instrumental nature of the work.

Another great idea is to create a special playlist designed just for reading or writing. You might even create several playlists where each one corresponds to a mood you want to create in your story.

five budget-friendly Halloween costume ideas.

Halloween is a fun time of year. You get to dress up, go to parties, Trick-or-Treat with the kids and just have fun being somebody else for the night. If you're a little short on funds this year, you can still put together a great costume. Check out these five budget-friendly Halloween costume ideas.

The Devil

The devil is a versatile, budget-friendly Halloween costume. Guys, all you need to pull off this easy look are a suit and tie or a nice pair of slacks and a sport coat. Complete the look with a little red makeup, horns and a tail. Accent the costume further with a red silk tie and your costume is sure to be a hit.

Ladies, wear your favorite red club top, a skirt and a pair of high heels. Skip the full red make-up and pick out your prettiest cherry lipstick. Add horns and a tail and you've got a sexy (and cheap) Halloween costume.

The Ghost

The only thing you'll need to buy for his budget-friendly Halloween costume is a white robe and make-up. For the makeup, smear your whole face and the backs of your hands with white and dust with powder to give it some staying power. Next, darken your under eyes with black lipstick or eyeliner. Blend with white on your lips to further add to the ghostly effect.

The Princess

For the ladies, the princess costume is both an easy and budget-friendly Halloween costume. Secondhand shops and consignment stores often sell inexpensive, outdated gowns that can be paired with a store-bought tiara. Viola! Instant princess!

The Ninja

The ninja costume is a versatile costume for men, women, teenagers and children. All you need to pull it off is a pair of loose-fitting black pants, a black turtleneck and a black T-shirt for the mask.

Making a ninja mask is easy. Do it using the following steps:

Pull the T-shirt over your head, letting it rest on top of your nose.
Pull the back half of the shirt over your head like a hood.
Gather all loose parts of the shirt and tie them.
Any remaining folds should be tucked into your turtleneck.
Pair this costume with a katana blade, throwing stars or sai knives and you're set to go!

The Zombie

With the popularity of AMC's, "The Walking Dead" zombies are in style. They're also an easy costume. You can use your own clothes. The only thing you'll need to purchase is the make-up kit. The clothing you decide to wear will be up to your imagination. Where were you and what were you doing when you were "turned"?

Get into those clothes and rumple them up. Then, add the make-up and blood and you're dressed to scare.

No matter what budget-friendly Halloween costume you choose, you can have fun without breaking the bank.

5-best-halloween-costumes

Halloween is my favorite time of year and as a plus size woman, I know that my weight isn't going to stop me from dressing up. There are several costumes that you can wear that can flatter your figure. This article will give you details on the five best costumes to consider buying for a plus size woman this year. They are all available online so you don't have to go store to store to find the perfect costume to wear this year.

#1: Viking Princess

You'll be a stunner in the Viking Halloween costume from Woman Within.com. The costume is made to flatter and it comes with a gown, headpiece, necklace, cape and fingerless gloves. The corset part of the gown comes in a beautiful orange color with the skirt piece in ivory. The cape is in gold. The Viking Princess costume comes in 2X and 3X. It retails for $136.99.

#2: Witch

Witches are in this Halloween. Halloween Costumes 4 U.com offers buyers a plus size witch costume that will fit sizes 16 through 20. The costume is knee length and is black and orange with gold accents. It comes with a dress and hat. You will need to buy your own shoes and witches broom. The hat matches the dress and has a buckle. It sells for $24.30.

#3: Buccaneer Beauty

Be a Buccaneer beauty this Halloween. Pirate costumes are one of my personal favorites so you'll be sure to have a lot of fun wearing a pirate themed costume. Woman Within has a Buccaneer Beauty costume that is available in sizes 2X and 3X. The costume comes with a dress in black, cream and brown that falls just below your knees, a waist sash, scarf and belt. Boots are not included so you'll want to pick up a pair and perhaps a neat faux sword. You can buy the costume for $79.99.

#4: Snow White

Every woman should get to be a Disney princess at least one point in their life. Anytime Costumes.com has a plus size Snow White costume that comes in XL (18-20) and XXL (20-24). You get the familiar Snow White gown that is ankle length and also a detachable cape and red headband. Shoes are not included so you'll want to pick up a pair that will go with the dress, a wig if your hair color isn't the same as Snow White's and an apple to carry around all night. It retails for $67.99.

#5: Tina the Target

Want a costume with a more humorous approach? Plus Size Costume Super Center.com offers buyers a Tina the Target costume. The costume consists of a short white dress that has knifes sticking out of it. You'll receive a head piece that has two feathers with an apple right in the middle. It will look like someone was trying to get the apple on your head but got you instead! Shoes and stockings do not come with the costume so you'll want to pick up your own. Tina the Target will fit women's sizes 16 through 22. You can buy it for $47.99.

4-types-hmong-costumes

Of all of Asian cultures, Hmong may be one of the most often overlooked. With tribes located in China, Thailand, Vietnam and Laos, there are as many as 5 million Hmong people in the world, including over 200,000 in the United States. Like many cultures, the Hmong people have their own unique background, style, and traditions.

One of the more fun aspects of Hmong culture are Hmong costumes, although the name "costume" may be misleading. Hmong costumes are really a traditional dress/fashion that is most often worn on special events or during Hmong dances. Hmong culture also allows for the integration of more modern style over time, so many of these costumes have been updated and advanced as time has passed. Hmong costumes come in four different types:

White Hmong

White Hmong (Hmoob Dawb) style of dress is a type of Hmong costume that integrates an apron with a white pleated skirt. The sleeves, belt, and apron are all decorated with traditional Hmong artistic pieces. White Hmong is the name of the people, but the colours of the fabric can vary, and many of the costumes come in bright green and black, with many pinks and yellows. In all of these costumes, including white Hmong, the women wear a head covering that resembles a small turban. In the case of White Hmong, this small turban is more of a ribbon.

Green Hmong

The Green Hmong costumes (Hmoob Ntsuab) are slightly more complex, but resemble the White Hmong costume style. While they tend to come in black more often, they are highly pleated with a considerable amount of color, especially in the women's skirts, which have artistic stitching involving many pinks, peaches, greens, whites, oranges and purples. The men use the same colours on their vests. The Green Hmong dress also uses a ribbon as the women's' turban.

Striped Hmong

Hmoob Txaij (Striped Hmong) costumes differ from other costumes because the arms of the costumes are striped. Interestingly, this is one of the only differences between Striped Hmong and other Hmong costumes. They also wear much more of a turban than both Green and White Hmong, and have slightly different designs in the dress.

Hmong Chinese

Hmong Chinese (Hmoob Suav) style clothing is perhaps the most distinct of the group. Their costumes tend to be one colour from head to toe, usually in a style similar to Chinese traditional dresses, but still decorated with the Hmong artistic decoration that makes these costumes unique. The headdress is also much larger for women, with strings filled with beads that come down from the sides of the hat.

Styles of Hmong Dress

Hmong costumes are some of the more distinctive traditional clothes in Asia. While the differences between them may be less obvious at first, analysing Hmong costumes can allow you to pick up on many key differences that give them all their own personality.

4-tips-practicing-ukulele

The ukulele is one of the most fun instruments to play, and it's not just a toy, either--serious musicians like George Harrison have championed the small Hawaiian string instrument, and as it's extremely inexpensive, many hobbyists have picked it up.
Here's a look at a few tips that can help you practice the ukulele correctly to take your playing to the next level.

1. Make sure you know the basics. 

Before you sit down to practice with your ukulele, you should make sure that you know the basics of what you're doing. Hold the ukulele at an angle, so that the neck is pointing past the side of your head, and strum with your fingers, not a pick, for the most authentic ukulele sound possible. Learn the basic major and minor chords before anything else, as they're the building blocks for everything that you'll learn on the uke.

2. Work with groups of chords.

 Many ukulele songs are based on old-time chord progressions, American Songbook standards and things of the like, so rather than practice a chord at a time to get your chops up, work with clusters of 4 to 5 chords that you'll find in those songs, trying to move through them quickly. When you hear a very good ukulele player, this is often what they're doing to get that complex but simple sound out of the instrument. There are plenty of websites available that can give you songs and chord clusters to play on your ukulele; search Google for "ukulele songs" to find them.

3. Always use a metronome. 

Any time that you practice anything with a rhythm, you should be using a metronome. Metronomes enforce your own sense of time and build it up, and allow you to build speed on the ukulele reliably without sacrificing accuracy. You can buy a decent metronome for around $20, or go online to find free metronomes that can accomplish what you need for a practice session. Start a metronome at a slow tempo when practicing a difficult section in a ukulele song, then gradually increase the tempo until you can play it quickly, then slow the metronome back down to enforce the technique and avoid building mistakes into your playing style.

4. Be consistent.

 You won't get good at the ukulele or any other instrument if you don't set aside a regular amount of time every day to practice. It could be as little as twenty minutes a day, but that twenty minutes will do more than marathon 4 hour practice sessions once a month, because you're ingraining skills, speed, and technique into your ukulele playing by providing consistency to your practice schedule.

Do you have any other tips for practicing the ukulele? Post in our comments section below.

4-techniques-that-military-interrogators-uses

Under wartime conditions, terror suspects or known terrorists may be interrogated by the military. An interrogator will put the person held in question through both psychological and physical punishment. The reasoning for the disturbing treatment is to pressure the detainee into confessing or reporting information that the officials need for their investigation.

Sleep Deprivation

Sleep deprivation is a technique where a detainee is forced to go without sleep for an extended amount of time, usually over 48 hours. The detainee is shackled in a standing position and it is not unusual for them to be nude or wearing an adult diaper if clothed. Their available space is limited and they are not allowed to lay down during this time period. The sleep deprivation technique wears the detainee down, which lowers their resistance during interrogation.

Waterboarding

During waterboarding, the detainee is bound, gagged and strapped down to a board with his feet raised and head lowered. Cold water is continuously poured over the face of the detainee using a hose without a nozzle or a container. While this technique mimics the sensation of drowning, it does not cause permanent physical damage. The method is intimidate the detainee to release information or a confession. Flicking water onto the detainee is another water method that belittles and frightens.

Forced Nudity

Forced nudity is a method where the detainees are stripped down in front of each other and restrained for an extended amount of time. The detainee will be left need during and in between various interrogations. The nudity is used to cause psychological discomfort for the detainee and depending on their cultural background, it can also induce great shame. Clothing is used in many instances as a reward to the detainee for giving up information during the interrogation.

Stress Positions

There are three main stress positions used during interrogations to produce muscle fatigue and other physical discomfort. The first position is to have the detainee sitting with their legs extended forward and their arms straight above their head. The second is kneeling on the floor while leaning back in a 45 degree angle. The third position is for the restrained detainee to lean against a wall, feet approximately 3 feet away, with only their head touching the wall.

4-myths-about-joining-cigar-club

Just the other day I got asked to be a part of a cigar club and since I don't smoke I came up with many reasons why I shouldn't join but I decided to sit down with someone who could tell me a little bit about being in a Cigar Club. I sat down with Big Tex who is the founding smoker of the largest African American Cigar club in Texas and asked him a few questions about some of the myths associated about being a part of his "SiKar BoYz cLuB."

We met up at Up in Smoke off McKinney in Uptown, which according to manager John Barton, is one of the premier places for cigar smokers in Dallas. According to Barton, the shops owners spend a lot of time ensuring that it can meet the special needs of every individual smoker and utilizes the expertise of its five locations to ensure that every smoker is greeted with their favorite brand.

Big Tex helped me dispel 4 myths about joining a cigar club.

You have to be a smoker to join a cigar club -

 I was shocked to find out that 30% of the members of the SiKar BoYz cLuB do not smoke. "It's a social club" claims Big Tex. "Sometimes people just join for the lifestyle". Bi-weekly this group of high fashion, good spirited people will meet at random cigar bars across the city sharing a good cigar, good spirits and good conversation. Some people just come for the spirits and the conversation. In fact, for some, the thrill of just being in the lifestyle makes them feel like a celebrity. It's a totally different atmosphere than being in a club or even going to a bar because the cigar lifestyle revolves around great conversations. People don't network at cigar events, they connect and that connection is what makes the biggest difference with these events.

Women are not allowed in a cigar club -

 I was under the impression that women did not join cigar clubs and especially with the name of this club being the SiKar BoYz cLuB I assumed that it was a boys club. But there has always been and will always be women cigar aficionados. Women love the conversation, the smell, the drinks in fact one young lady that I spoke to stated that if her man was not intelligent enough to stay in a conversation at a cigar club that he could not be her man. For others that I spoke to, a meeting of friends at the cigar bar gave them the feel of what they assumed the good old days were. You have your gentlemen and your bad boys but they are both intelligent and could both sweep you off your feet.

You have to be rich to join a cigar club -

 According to Big Tex, the average smoker in his club spends about $30 per week on "sticks", which is the term he continued to use for cigars. Hey even I can afford that. Cigar clubs are not necessarily about the money but instead about just having a good time talking to good people.

It's impossible for people without status to get in - Cigar clubs are not always about the status but instead about good people. Being a part of a cigar club is about being with like minded people. Since a large part of the club is about good conversations, it is important that you have like minded people in the club. Economic status is not as important as the ability to hold a good conversation. Every two weeks the club comes together, some millionaires and some living paycheck to paycheck. "We don't ask questions about how much money a person has and honestly could care less what the cost of your stick is as long as we can have good conversation" stated Big Tex.

Well I guess that settles it. Ill be at the next SiKar BoYz cLuB looking to be with like minded people and starting great new relationships. if you are looking for a social experience outside of your local club maybe a cigar club should be where you look as well.

Halloween costume ideas for Dogs

Halloween happens to be one of my favorite holidays because it allows me to express my creativity. Every year I try to show off my festive side by sporting some sort of costume, and for the last six years my beagle, Daisy has joined in on the celebrations. Granted, she doesn't enjoy wearing the costumes as much as I like seeing her in them, but she likes to please me, so she gives in most of the time. This year I was having a hard time deciding what theme our family was going with, so I ended up with a few costume ideas for dogs. Here are the three easy, do-it-yourself dog costume ideas.

Hunting dog

The fact that my dog, Daisy is a beagle means this costume is a bit of a cop-out because beagles are known as hunting dogs, but in my defense not many people have seen her in her hunting attire. In order to pull this costume off Daisy would wear a camouflage collar and leash along with a hunter's orange safety vest. She already owns these items, but you can get then for your dog at any sporting good store or at most franchise pet stores.

You could also do this costume with a basic black leash and collar, a child's size camouflage t-shirt, and a small piece of bright orange fabric from a fabric store or cut from an old piece of clothing.

Skeleton

This costume really only requires a shirt that fits your dog with a skeleton design on it. I was able to find a set of child size pajamas with a skeleton pattern already on them at a local thrift store, and all it took was a little sewing to make it a perfect fit. However, you could also create this look will with a plain black shirt and some fabric paint. All you would have to do is fit the shirt to your dog, paint on your design, and you are all set.

Flower

I'm actually shocked I haven't dressed Daisy as a flower before, but I've really never considered it until this year. What's more surprising is that dressing a dog as a flower seems to be quite simple. All I needed was some colored felt - I decided on pink for the flower petals, and green from the leaves - and a pattern for both.

To assemble, I cut the leaves and petals out a long with a piece of felt as long as Daisy's collar and a little more than twice as wide. Then, I arranged and pin the petals and leaves on one edge of the length of long piece of felt. Once I had everything in place, I folded the felt in half creating a tube or pocket and sew along the seam. After sewing the piece, I slid Daisy's collar into the sleeve, and was all set.

In the end, I decided that Daisy will be a skeleton this year for Halloween. All of the costumes we cute on her, but the skeleton closely match the "day of the dead" theme my husband are going with.

proper Cartoon and size

If you choose to do your own packing, try to use moving cartons as opposed to "behind the grocery store boxes." The reason is that not only are the moving cartons going to be sturdier and of the right sizes but they will be of a roughly uniform size (18" deep). Movers load the truck by stacking furniture and cartons in tiers or rows that stretch from wall-to-wall and floor-to-top. These rows are like brick walls in that they work much better when all the bricks are the same size/depth. Moving cartons are generally sturdy enough to use wall-to-wall as a base of a tier to stack lighter items of the same size on.

***Always mark your cartons on their sides, not just the tops. Look at the stacks of cartons in these pictures and then visualize trying to figure out what is in the ones on the bottom. This can save you a lot of work. If you are using used moving cartons, be sure to cross out the old markings so there is no confusion for you or your movers.

If new cartons are too expensive, check your area for used carton sellers. The cartons are generally in good condition and may sell for half the price of new ones. An even cheaper way to get perfectly good moving boxes is to drive around your neighborhood and look for moving vans delivering furniture. Ask your new (soon-to-be-ex) neighbors what they plan to do with their used boxes and offer to haul them off. Bear in mind that movers call this a debris haul and charge for it.

If this all seems like it's a bit much, try and consider the fact that a sturdy, well-packed carton is the best insurance for handling your stuff.

Use the Right Size Carton 

There are eight basic sizes o f moving cartons that are all designed for certain types of goods and a certain weight. Common sense tells you that the heavier the item the smaller the carton should be to make moving that weight more manageable.

• 1.5 Cube Small Carton 16.75" x 12.5" x 12.5"

The smallest carton is best for the heaviest items: books, tools, canned goods, etc. A 1.5 cube carton packed with books averages 40-50 lbs. Loading some of these boxes with lighter items will also provide you with a good size item to 'fill' in spots in your load nearer the top of the truck

• 3.0 Cube Medium Carton 18" x 18" x 16"

Anything too large for the book carton-notebooks, manuals or larger books as well as heavier pots and pans is a good fit for this size box.

• 4.5 Cube Med/Large Carton 18" x 18" x 24"

The 4.5 and 3.0 cube cartons are the general purpose workhorse cartons.

• Dish pack Carton 18" x 18" x 28"

The dish pack is a double-walled (double-thick) 5.0 cu.ft carton that is your best bet for packing anything fragile. These boxes are immortal- they never die. Movers stack furniture on them, walk on them and pack tools and equipment with sharp, pointy edges in them and they can still be re-used. This is the box with the most bang for your buck.

• 6.0 Cube Large Carton 22" x 22" x 21.5"

This is a lampshade carton. Pull the metal harps from your shades and stack them on top of each other, layering packing paper in between them to get mult ple shades in one box. It can also hold bulky comforters or large children's toys. It is notdesigned to hold heavier items. Many civilians buy 6.0 cubes because they are big and cheap but don't take into consideration their limitations. A 6.0 cube is equivalent to four 1.5 cartons or two 3.0 cubes. A 6.0 cube filled with books (yes I have seen it done and yes I have moved them and yes I have also refused to move them- especially upstairs) can easily weigh 200 lbs. Even if you think you or your crew can handle it-the box probably can't and will likely break at the bottom.

• 24" Wardrobe Carton 24" x 19.75" x 45"

The garment box or wardrobe carton is also double-walled and is the safest way to pack and haul your hanging clothes. Cartons average $10-$15.00 but compare that to the cost of re-pressing or dry cleaning the clothes in 24" of rod space in your closet. Longer items like coats and dresses will generally hang to the bottom of the box, while shorter ones will leave room in the bottom for shoes, purses and hats. The wardrobe carton also serves as a 24" deep tier base in the truck to load wider chairs and end tables on top of for a perfect fit.

• Lamp Base Carton 14" x 14" x 40"

Larger lamps and taller decorative pieces like sculpture are good uses for the lamp carton box. Fireplace tools, loose golf clubs, canes and garage items like hand saws and hedge trimmers are also handy to stow away in the lamp carton.

Mirror/Glass/Picture Packs 

•Small 2-Piece Mirror Carton 37 5/16" x 4 3/8" x 25 5/8" Extends to 37 5/16" x 4 3/8" x 54"

•Large 2-Piece Mirror Carton 48" x 4.5" x 33" Extends to 48" x 4.5" x 68"

The mirror pack is the safest way to handle pictures and smaller glass or stone table tops. Using crumpled packing paper on the bottom, top and sides-just like with the dish pack-cushions the glass from shock.