The 5min Blog

This post is sponsored by Deluxe Corp

It’s been a difficult journey for you and your business. You had to draw up a business plan, get initial capital from investors and create the best business you could with what you had. You’ve created a great business with your ambition and enthusiasm.

What else does your business need? How about a few apps and gadgets to make your life easier?  Let’s watch BNET columnist Damon Brown show you a whole variety of gadgets and apps to help you save time running your business.

It seems the future is coming and it’s all about smartphones and apps! Cloud service apps offer a backup option and a way to share documents with your employees. The Square is one more method of payment that will see smartphones replace credit cards. The Square payment service is set to become a great marketing tool to attract early adapter clients, who should always be part of your target market.

Your business should always strive to reach new market segments and that’s where marketing comes into play. Marketing helps your business grow and reach new market segments. Without marketing, your business may still make ends meet, but not bring you profit. If you’re still unsure that you need some marketing assistance, here are three questions from Deluxe Corp that made me realize my business required promotion:

• Does your logo signify what your company is all about?

• Does your business have a proper website and does it target your clients?

• Do you exchange business cards that can be dumped in the nearest dust bin or do you give your clients and business contacts something they’ll keep and remember?

Marketing and promotion are the keys to your business success. Get the client base you deserve with help from Deluxe marketing services.

Tags: apps, Apps for your business, BNET, BNET.com, Damon Brown, Deluxe Corp, Deluxe for Business, Small Business Apps

As the beaches open and bbq’s become weekly events, there isn’t any other way to spend summers than toasting! Champagne, wine, beer, sangria, vodka, margaritas, rum punch, everything and anything feels so refreshing during summer. A lot of people have their preference for summer drinks but I’m all about my frozen margaritas. There are so many options just in that preference. Whether you like strawberry or lime, even banana, you will most likely find a margarita flavor that feels right for you.

My mother on other hand loves sangria, but rather than your average white or red wine, she loves it with champagne. She never thought to create it herself, she usually just goes to restaurants for her tasty beverage, but I recently came across a recipe that she would love of champagne sangria!

Ingredients:
• Large Jug
• 6 Strawberries
• Orange Juice
• Water
• Sugar
• Fresh Mint Leaves
• Lemon
• Lime
• Prosecco

Steps:
• Heat two cups of water, two cups of sugar, and fresh mint in a pot until it hits a boil, and let it sit. This is called a mint simple syrup.
• In a large jug, add the strawberries cut into four sections.
• Pour half a cup of orange juice over the strawberries.
• Once the mint simple syrup sets, pour this over strawberries and orange juice but do not include the mint.
• Slice one half of a lime, and one half of a lemon, also include in jar.
• Stir and top off 5 mint sprigs in the jar.
• Pop jar into the fridge and let it cool until you are ready to drink.
• Fill cup halfway and add of Prosecco, your sparkling white wine!

Enjoy!

I know I will be taking this to my next family picnic.

Let me know if you’ve mastered it as well.

Tags: alcohol, BBQ, Beach, Beverage, Champagne, Cocktail, Lemon, Lime, Mint, Party, Picnic, Prosecco, Recipe, Red Wine, Refreshing, Sangria, Strawberry, Summer, White Wine

Summertime is finally here! The weather for the past week has been beautiful with high 80s and low 90s. As the weather rises, it seems the amount of clothing people wear shrinks. Mini-skirts, floral dresses, short shorts, and sleek sandals are the go-to outfits for summer. And how do people find these summer trends you may ask? From celebrities of course.

There are magazines dedicated to the style choices of celebrities. From People StyleWatch to US Weekly, most women aim to dress like their favorite stars. My personal style favorite is that of Kourtney Kardashian. I think she mixes chic pieces without trying too hard. Yet, I, of course, could never afford the majority of pieces in her wardrobe.

But here are some tips that will help everyone keep change in their purse AND look great:

1. Accent Your Waist: Whether it is with a leather belt from the Salvation Army, or rope belts from American Apparel, carving your waist out from those cute summer dresses is a forever popular trend.
2. Embrace Your Inner Rockstar: Torn jeans and acid wash (without being too blatantly 90s) are present in all of the most fashionable clothing stores this season!
3. Add Height and Color: Heels are out, and wedges and espadrilles are in for summer. Bright colors and patterned sandals are in high demand as well. Splash some color, it’s summer, it calls for it!
4. Champagne is the hottest color this summer. Whether in dresses, high-waisted pants, or skirts, this nude color is versatile enough to create a modern work look, or a sultry and romantic exterior for your date night.
5. Finally, Put a Lid On It! Hats are the summer essential for summer festivals and concerts. And no ladies, think fedoras, not baseball caps.

We hope you can enjoy these summer style secrets. You will be dressing like Kourtney Kardashian, or any star in no time!

Tags: Belt, Celebrity, Dresses, Fashion, Inexpensive fashion, Kourtney Kardashian, Magazines, People, Skirt, SplashNews, Style, Summer, US Weekly

This past month has seen its fair share of rain and chilly weather in New York City, but finally the sun is out and shining. This weekend is Memorial Day, so I know many of you have plans for the vacation. My mother hinted at the fact that she would love to go to the beach this weekend. Beach?! I’m finally trying to wrap my head around the fact that it has been 80 plus degrees for more than one day. But alas, I might appease her and agree to go. Now the swimsuit search is on!

I’ve always had trouble searching for swimsuits. There are so many options. There is the simple one-piece, a tankini, or a two piece bathing suit with a halter or bandeau alternative. The color and pattern options are endless too. There is of course the plain suit with a solid color, but more brands are starting to offer fresh, bold patterns, and retro prints like polka dots and stripes. I always lean toward the two-piece bandeau look with a beach cover-up, but as I am getting older, I want something a little more classic.

Upon my search, I came across a tip list to help women of all shapes and sizes.

Follow the Four Cs of Swimwear:

1. Look for the perfect amount of Coverage you are more comfortable with. Find a balance between style and coverage that works well with your body type.

2. Even if you are trying on suits in a store, or you recently bought a top or bottom for the beach, always remember that you want it to be Comfortable and not ride up or slide. Make sure to try it on and move in it before you go to the beach so that you know beforehand if it is ideal for you.

3. Color is always a deal breaker with suits. Pick the right color and you will increase your confidence levels, but pick a bad color and you could look dreary or worn out. Stick to something fresh that will also complement your body.

4. Finally, and most importantly, you want a suit to give you Confidence! Don’t pick something you will be afraid to wear to the beach. Accentuate your best assets and have fun!

Hope you all enjoy a great Memorial Day Weekend!

Tags: Bandeau, Beach, bikini, Color, Fashion, memorial day, Pattern, Style, Summer, swimsuit, swimwear, Tankini

Although I never really followed news from England, except for the tragedy of the late Princess Diana of course, I have to admit, I have jumped on the Prince William and Kate bandwagon. Ever since they started dating in 2003, the paparazzi has been following the whereabouts of Kate Middleton every step of the way. I actually find it refreshing that a Prince has married an “average” girl like Kate. I read once that it has been 400 years since a “commoner” has married into the royal family. 400 years is quite a long time; years of wars, revolutions, and politican unrest. So maybe, just maybe, while Kate is among the presence of high power, she can make a difference for us average folk.

I am excited for the prospects that will emerge from this marriage. She has already made a name for her in the fashion world. Despite the wacky coverage and odd memorabilia from the wedding, her wedding dress was the most talked about topic during the whole Prince William and Kate wedding coverage. A dress. A simple, yet beautiful dress, was covered in the news as if it was an actual person. Her minimal makeup, which she did herself as to not take away from the dress, was the talk of the town. Even their edgier brother, Prince Harry, was sentimental during his best man speech—and that is saying a lot!

Kate and Prince William mean business and they wish to spark the political fuse. After their honeymoon trip, the couple met with President Obama and First Lady Michelle in Buckingham Palace as a part of the first of their royal duties since their wedding.

Hopefully the world will see that Kate is more than just a dress. In the start of the 2008 Presidential Election, even Michelle Obama mostly made news coverage due to her great fashion sense, not her brains. But like Michelle, I see Kate doing great things in the future—I hope the newspapers will take notice.

Tags: Buckingham Palace, Dress, Election, England, Fashion, Kate Middleton, Marriage, Michelle Obama, Obama, Prince Harry, Prince William, Princess Diana, Royalty, wedding, Wedding Dress

Whenever I think of luxury and internationalism, I dream of high fashion and culture, and those within areas like Europe and Spain. Those cities in the U.S., most notably New York and California, have a more street style than high couture in my opinion. This even extends to the film arena. The most high culture films can be found in Europe, especially France, but you know what I find better? When America, France, and the rest of the world gather in one location for one grand event. Although this happens many times, whether for politics or health advocacy reasons, it’s always bitter sweet when celebrities are involved. I mean, yes, politics and health care are so important for society, but what essentially sells papers is celebrity life, unfortunately. Most recently, news on the 2011 Cannes Festival could be found everywhere.

The high level of film quality, the celebrities, and the fashion, of course, made this festival one to watch. I have to admit, I am a bit of a fashion and celebrity junkie, as are most American citizens. I find pleasure in learning about who wore the latest and best dresses and suits during the most high fashion events. The Cannes Festival did not disappoint this year. Of course, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt remained the “it” couple this year, as always.

Light purples, blues and yellows sparked summertime nostalgia. Yet the number one color of the night was white, from Chanel to Jean Paul Gaultier, celebrities glowed in this neutral color. Personally, I enjoyed the look of Zoe Saldana. She is always one to make a statement with her clothing. She wore a couture candy-cane striped dress which sounds like it would be tacky, but wasn’t at all. It was simply gorgeous. Dresses from Marchesa, Stella McCartney, and Armani roamed the red carpet. Although I enjoy watching coverage on celebrity fashion, it makes me feel a little depressed myself that I cannot afford what they wear. Yet, as a fan and admirer, I can be sure to say that these celebrities truly brought their fashion A-game to this event.

Tags: Angelina Jolie, Armani, Brad Pitt, Cannes, Celebrity, Chanel, Couture, Dresses, Fashion, Festival, Film, France, Marchesa, Paul Gaultier, SplashNews, Stella McCartney, Style, Suits, White Dress, Zoe Saldana

Summer is finally around the corner. So long are the days of wearing winter coats and thick boots, and although spring has great weather days too, nothing can hold a candle to summer. Ever since I was a child, I’ve always loved summer. Going to the beach with friends as a teenager, hanging out late on the beautiful summer nights as a twenty-one year old, and having a huge break from school was the icing on the cake. If you can believe it, there are some people who hate the heat and fatigue the summer sun often brings, but there are those who want to embrace this time for all its worth.

I remember being around the steps of St. Patrick’s Cathedral one day in July. There was a gorgeous bride who was leaving the church with her new husband. I thought having a summer wedding would be great. Although I do not dream about my wedding incessantly as most women do, when I think about it, I always imagine it to be on a beach. Which raises the first question: What type of wedding dress will be perfect for the beach? Low and behold, the internet is my savior, and I can immediately search for wedding dresses anywhere I would like.

Although Kate Middleton wore a truly timeless wedding dress. that women covet internationally, this just is not for me. I am more of the non-traditional type in regards to clothing. Silk flowy fabric, white organza, I think I might have found my dress. Yet, there are so many options. How about tafetta for a more edgier look? Oscar De La Renta remains high on the list for most desirable dresses. Yet, before you or I become engulfed in the beach wedding gown search. How about we set some guidelines.

Beach Wedding Gown Advice:
• Wear something that flows. It symbolizes the beach atmosphere perfectly.
• Remember to personalize your look, whether it is with a silk sash or a unique veil.
• Don’t be afraid to take chances or be a little informal! You are outdoors, so a lot of the norms for indoor weddings can be thrown out the window.
• Wearing sandals on your beach wedding day is not a faux paus. Also, if you really want to have a minimalist look, going barefoot will work just as well.

Bottom line, silk organza is the best dress fabric for a beach wedding. It is light, fun, and elegant. As the wind blows and your dress flows with it, you will look like an angel. I think I might be sold. Beach wedding and silk organza it is.

Tags: beach wedding, beach wedding gown, FabSugarTV, Kate Middleton, Oscar De La Renta, perfect wedding dress, Royal Wedding, summer wedding, wedding dresses, Weddings

Just like most of America, I didn’t have time to sit down and file the forms for the IRS. It’s a yearly hassle that requires commitment, orderly filing and preparation and most importantly – time. February and March whooshed passed me, and now I’m stuck with a pile of receipts and possible tax deductions that may not be applicable anymore. It’s the last week before the deadline and I need some help.

Since I do not watch TV as often as I used to, I was glad to find a few helpful tips from CBS’s MoneyWatch. Here are some excellent tips in short form to help you too to prepare for your tax filing:

1. the most important thing is that your tax filing doesn’t come back to haunt you in the form of the Tax man knocking at your door. Jill Schlesinger prepared a few red flags that could alert the tax watchdog.

2. you may know of many tax deductions that are applicable to you, but you might have overlooked a few. Finance expert Farnoosh Torabi set off to find some of the commonly forgotten tax deductions that may be applicable to you. When it comes to tax deductions if you don’t use it, you usually lose it.

3. Since these are the last days before the tax deadline, CBS News asked Jill Schlesinger to prepare some tax tips for late tax submissions. Check it out before you file your forms – after all, a penny saved (from the IRS) is a penny earned.

With these great last minute tips from MoneyWatch, I hope that everyone gets to file their taxes on time. Some of you may be able to file for a tax filing extension. Watch this video to see if you qualify for an extension and what to do if you don’t know how much you owe the IRS.

Remember, if you miss the deadline, you’ll have to deal with interest and late fees. Take the time to fill your tax forms today.

Tags: April 18, April 18th, CBS, irs red flags, Jill Schlesinger, moneywatch, Ray Martin, tax advice, tax deadline, tax deductions, tax exemptions, tax tips

Even though there were a few days during this cold hard winter that I didn’t believe it would ever come – spring is once again here. Maybe I’ve seen too many romantic comedies, but for me, spring is still a season of new beginnings, bold colors and unexpected adventures. I see great logic in the fact that in the ancient world the new year was celebrated at the beginning of the spring. I mean, what is better to mark the beginning of a new cycle of life than the nature waking out of it’s long seasonal sleep?

So we might not celebrate a beginning of a new year, but we definitely celebrating a very exciting new season. PopSugarRush brings us 15 of the events we can hardly wait for in spring 2011:

With out mentioning all the exciting things this season has to offer, let us not forget the one thing most of us usually dread the most – spring cleaning. As much as I try to live my life as a Disney fairytale, no happy birds or cheerful squirrels will help me with my spring cleaning this year. However, I have to admit that I can’t wait to spring clean my flat. I love finding forgotten items in the back of the closet (it almost feels like I went shopping) and I can’t wait to throw some of the boyfriend’s old magazines, that have been laying there since January (Don’t worry, I’ll keep Sports Illustrated). I’ve already decided this year I’m keeping toxins outside, and using only organic healthy products to clean. They are easy to make, friendly for the environment and so much cheaper. If you feel like joining the green revolution – watch Howdini‘s video on how to make spring cleaning green.

Finally, the thing I look forward most than anything else if spring fashion. Take away these depressing winter colors (if I’ll see one more cashmere I’ll cry) and bring back back cheerful, bright spring colors, with flirty spring skirts and open toe shoes. Let me walk in light and easy outfits and feel the wind (not the freeze) in my hair. Let me feel like I’m living in a romantic comedy, at least until July. Then summer will be here, yet that will feel like living on the verge of a volcano. But that’s a whole different post…

Tags: Britney Spears new album, Femme Fatale, Glee, green cleaning products, green living, healthy green living, Howdini, PopSugarRush, Robert Pattinson, Sports Illustrated, spring, spring 2011, Spring Albums, spring cleaning, spring color, spring fashion, spring highlights, spring movies, The Office, Tina Fey Book, Water for Elephants

Dear 5min.com users,

As you may know, 5min Media has undergone massive and exciting changes this past year, most recently being acquired by AOL back in September. As 5min.com has evolved from a destination website focused on how-to and instructional videos to an integral part of the web’s leading syndication platform for video, it’s become clear that we need to make changes and revisions to our editorial policy in order to continue our growth and allow us to improve in what has become our main area of focus – distribution of premium content. After careful consideration, we’ve decided we will be discontinuing the upload of all user-generated video to the site. As a result, video creators and companies who are not partnered with 5min Media will no longer be able to upload or submit videos to our platform. We see this as a painful but necessary change, considering the large volume of videos submitted daily, many of which we cannot accept to be featured or distributed across our network as they do not comply with our editorial policy and standards. Your user account, studio, and previous uploads will all still be available to you until further notice, but we will not be able to accept any new video uploads as of this date.

Instead, we will continue to focus on enabling premium content producers to distribute and monetize their content, through our vast syndication network and innovative new tools we plan to roll out throughout 2011. Content producers, media companies and production houses who wish to explore partnership opportunities with us are welcome to contact us to see how we can work together and how 5min Media can help you make the most of your content.

We thank you for your understanding and for having been a part of the 5min.com experience, and apologize for any inconvenience.

If you have any questions about these changes and how they may impact you and your videos, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,
The 5min Media Team

Tags: 5min, 5min Media, 5min video, 5min.com, UGC, user generated content