July 1, 2010: Sales Tax Changes in Ontario, British Columbia and Nova Scotia

July 1st, 2010

Happy Canada Day!

Don’t forget to change your sales tax (if you have an account to charge GST / HST in Canada)!

Here are the changes you have to make today:  July 1, 2010

Ontario:  13% HST

British Columbia: 12% HST

Nova Scotia: 15% HST

GST is still 5%. Read the rest of this entry »

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How to Hang an Unframed Canvas Painting – The Easy Peasy Way

March 20th, 2010

If you’re interested in properly hanging your unframed canvas art on your walls, then please go to my other blog post: Tips on How to Hang an Unframed Painting (Stretched Canvas without Wires)

If you don’t live in earthquake city and your art won’t get bumped by kids or drunk people…. then continue reading. Read the rest of this entry »

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How to be at Peace Around Negative People

March 7th, 2010

Last December I wrote a blog post called Don’t Lose Your Mind Because of a Bad eBay Buyer.  I used to have a talent for soaking up angry people’s energy and turning it into anxiety.  Of course, I wouldn’t show these feelings to anyone.  I would keep all my feelings pent up inside.

Yeah… I know… such a healthy way of being. Read the rest of this entry »

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What Does Kanpai Mean?

March 4th, 2010

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Oishii and Mā-mā: How to Say the Food is Delicious or Just OK in Japanese

March 4th, 2010

Free Japanese Lessons – #8

Oishii
While eating great tasting food, oishii is one of the most popular ways to say delicious in Japanese.  Remember to stretch out the “i” sound.

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Mā-mā
If the food you’re eating is not to your liking, a polite term to use is mā-mā.  This means so-so.  Remember to stretch out both “a” sounds.

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To say oishii and mā-mā in a more polite and formal way, you would add desu at the end.  If you’re meeting close friends or family, you wouldn’t use desu as it sounds too formal. Read the rest of this entry »

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#8. What Does Itadakimasu Mean?

March 3rd, 2010

Free Japanese Lessons – #8

Itadakimasu!

Itadakimasu is a very popular expression in Japanese culture.  It’s very common to hear Japanese people say “Itadakimasu!” as a group before they eat.

Itadakimasu simply means “Let’s eat!” but can be translated as “I’m about to receive (something)”. Read the rest of this entry »

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Where to Find ‘Step by Step’ Information on Starting a Small Business

February 24th, 2010

I wanted to become an artist. Great. Now what?

I wanted to start my own small business at home so that I could be my own boss, make the paintings I was inspired to create, be in charge of my own schedule and live a fulfilling life.

Sounds good. But…. now what? Read the rest of this entry »

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Owning a Small Business… and the Stress and Anxiety that May Overwhelm You

February 24th, 2010

My entire life, I’ve heard people say to me, “You worry too much.”

So, my journey of being an artist and owning a small business in these economic times comes to no surprise that it can push me over the edge with stress and anxiety.  The biggest fear I’ve had since September 2008 (when the economy collapse was heard all over the world) is, “How am I going to pay my rent?  My bills?  My student loans?”  I went from making $2000-$7000 a month from 2006-2008, to making only $9000 in 2009.  Yup!  $9000 in ONE WHOLE YEAR…  and with that comes the nagging fear of the future. Read the rest of this entry »

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My Journey as an Artist in This Economic Crisis – Interview by Laura Hollick

February 16th, 2010

Laura Hollick – soul artist, model, dancer, radio personality, writer, owner of the Soul Art Studio, spiritual teacher, featured on the cover of magazines, vibrant soul, inspirational… and so much more!  This is why when she asked to interview me, I was so excited, honored… AND NERVOUS!!! Read the rest of this entry »

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Don’t Lose Your Mind Because of a Bad eBay Buyer

December 26th, 2009

I sell original paintings on eBay, and every once in awhile  I get an eBay buyer who sends me an email saying how disappointed they are in my services; and every time, I feel horrible.

I care about my customers.  However, at times, I think I care TOO much. Read the rest of this entry »

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