A Well-Equipped Kitchen

When it come to setting up a well-equipped kitchen, it is often a good idea to start from the very beginning. You may have more kitchen stuff than you use regularly with lots of tools that are no longer up to the task or have been forgotten. If you’re in your first apartment or recently married, you’re probably already at the very beginning and need to start from scratch… Either way, what follows is an overview of the necessities with some important notes on considerations you should make as you browse the housewares department. Let’s take a look at the essential building blocks of truly functional kitchen workspace.

Cutting boards

You’ll need at least two cutting boards, one for meat and one for veggies. There are myriad types on the market and you should take stock of your available storage and lifestyle before choosing. There are beautiful, functional (and very expensive) butcher-block-type cutting boards you can buy, but remember these must be meticulously cared for to avoid the cultivation of dangerous germs and NEVER soaked in water. Larger versions can take up lots of counter and storage space, so keep these things in mind before making a big investment. Plastic and silicone versions are perfectly functional for average jobs and can be easily cleaned in the dishwasher, but don’t provide the surface area of the larger wooden boards.

Cookware

It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the choices out there when it comes to cookware. It’s also very easy to spend your kids’ college money on pots if you’re not careful! Besides what you like the look of and what feels good in your hand, there are a few things to think about before choosing cookware. For instance, what kind of heat source does your stove-top utilize? Gas stoves work well with all kinds of cookware, but electric stoves can take longer to adjust the amount of heat being used, so you want to avoid cookware that is overly heavy, as this will delay heat adjustments even further. Finally, if you have an induction cooktop, make sure you acquaint yourself with the manufacturer’s recommendations as some cookware will not allow the magnetic currents responsible for heat. If you’re reassessing your current tools, inspect your non-stick pieces for scratches and other damage to the non-stick surfaces. Cookware with this damage should be replaced.

10″ inch skillet
8″ inch skillet
1 qt saucepan
3 qt saucepan
6 qt stock or soup pot
Roasting Pan

Bakeware

Another category with lots of choices, today’s bakeware includes some pieces that would leave our grandmothers stumped. some of the newest stuff–like flexible silicone muffin and loaf pans–can take some getting used to and aren’t necessarily good replacements for tried and true earthware, pyrex or metal pieces.

Shallow baking Pan and or “cookie” sheets (they are good for more than cookies!)
9 x 13 inch casserole
9 x 9 inch casserole

Knives

Skip the $800 knife set and get quality versions of the following essential blades to get your kitchen running:

8″ chef’s knife
Paring Knife
Bread Knife
Steak Knives (4-8)

Sundry Tools

Measuring Cups (dry)
Measuring Cup (wet)
Measuring Spoons
Graduated Mixing Bowls (set 3-5)
Strainer or colander
Can Opener
Pepper Grinder (If you’re not already, get in the fresh-ground pepper habit!)

Utensils

Whisk
Tongs (1-2)
Silicon Spatulas (2-3)
Wooden Spoons (2-3)
Large Spoon
Large Slotted Spoon
Vegetable Peeler
Cheese Grater
Wine opener

History of Trade Shows & Exhibitions

It is believed that exhibitions or trade fairs began almost 600 years before the birth of Christ. While no precise record is available, The book of Ezekiel (in the Bible) written in 588 BC, contains many references to merchants trading in a “multitude of the kinds of riches with silver, iron, tin and lead”. Ezekiel also talks about the city of Tyre which was an important center of trade and commerce.

There is also a close connection between fairs and religious celebrations and holy days. The word “feria” comes from the Latin meaning “holy day” and the term is still commonly used to describe what we might otherwise refer to as an exhibition or trade fair.

Today, Trade Shows & exhibitions provide a forum for companies to display and demonstrate their products to potential buyers who have a special interest in buying these products. The compacted time frame and concentrated location of trade shows are cost-effective for exhibiting companies and convenient for buyers.

Since the 1960s, Trade shows and exhibitions are extensively used as prominent part of marketing strategy. Their relative importance is reflected in their promotional expenditures. Larger amounts are spent each year on trade exhibitions than on magazine, radio, and out-door advertising.

The primary role of trade shows in the marketing strategy is that of a selling medium. Depending on the type of product being exhibited, selling activities can involve booking orders or developing leads for future sales. If show regulations permit, they can even involve selling products directly at the exhibit.

Exhibitions provide a natural and nearly perfect platform for the delivery of solutions to the buyers. More and more exhibition organizers are providing learning content, demonstration theaters, and consultative opportunities as important features of their events. More and more exhibiting companies are taking full advantage of these opportunities.

Trade shows also serve as vehicles for advertising and publicity. Exhibits can be very effective three-dimensional ads as well as collection points for names for direct-mail lists. They can also command the attention of the news media, which regularly cover shows in search of stories on new products and new approaches.

Participating companies can also accomplish non promotional marketing objectives at trade shows. Market research data can be collected from show visitors. Competitors’ offerings can be evaluated. And contacts can be made with potential suppliers and sales representatives.

Business-to-business trade shows – exhibitions in the areas of health care, computer products, electronics, advertising specialties, heavy equipment, agriculture, fashions, furniture, and toys -focus on goods and services within an industry or a specialized part of an industry. They are targeted to wholesalers and retailers with the intent of pushing products through the channel of distribution. Most attendees at these shows are actively looking for products and have the authority to buy. Consumer trade shows, like business-to-business expositions, also have an industry focus. They are different that they target the general public and, accordingly, are designed to stimulate end-user demand. The kinds of products exhibited at these open shows include autos, housewares, boats, antiques, and crafts.

Several trade show organizations provide information and assistance to exhibitors and those considering exhibiting. The Center for Exhibition Industry Research is an umbrella organization that represents the entire exhibition and convention field. It sponsors research on the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of trade shows and has a resource center and serves as a referral point for more specialized groups. The International Association of Exhibit Managers is the association of individuals within companies who are responsible for exhibit arrangements. Others, like the Healthcare Convention and Exhibitors Association, concentrate on the organization and promotion of shows for specific industries.

Mother’s Day Jewelry

Of the 84.2 percent of consumers celebrating Mother’s Day with freshwater pearl bracelets or tin cup pearl necklaces, the majority will invest in one major gift for mom, instead of several smaller gifts, according to a National Retail Federation survey. This is largely apparent in the pearls jewelry category: while the percentage of those buying jewelry decreased from last year, those planning on buying mom something shiny will spend a total of $2.7 billion, compared to $2.1 billion last year.

Overall, consumers will spend an average of $138.63 this year for Mother’s Day, compared to $139.14 last year, according to NRF’s 2008 Mother’s Day Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, conducted by BIGresearch. Total consumer spending is expected to reach $15.8 billion.

“Mom has been saying for decades that it’s the thought that counts on Mother’s Day, and this year, kids might actually be listening,” said Tracy Mullin, NRF president and chief executive officer. “Wholesale pearls suppliers will offer specials on popular items such as digital cameras and gardening tools to make it easy for those who want to surprise mom with a gift.”

When it comes to popular gifts, consumers will shell out nearly $3 billion on a special dinner or brunch, $1.2 billion on consumer electronics like digital cameras, digital photo frames and video cameras, $2 billion on flowers, $1.4 on clothing and accessories and $1.1 billion on personal service gifts like a trip to a favorite spa or salon, NRF says. Shoppers will also spend $1.6 billion on gift cards/gift certificates, $696 million on housewares and gardening tools and $672 million on greeting cards.

The majority of consumers shopping for Mother’s Day gifts will head to specialty stores of freshwater pearl pendants, discount stores (25.7 percent) and department stores (28.8 percent). Others will shop at specialty clothing stores (6.6 percent), online (18.3 percent) and through catalogs (3.4 percent).

Young adults aged 18-24, many of whom have wives, mothers, grandmothers, and sisters, will spend the most at an average of $170.71. The 25-34 year-old age group will spend an average of $153.17, followed by 35-44 year-olds who will spend an average of $145.86, according to the survey.

Mother’s Day Jewelry

Of the 84.2 percent of consumers celebrating Mother’s Day with freshwater pearl bracelets or tin cup pearl necklaces, the majority will invest in one major gift for mom, instead of several smaller gifts, according to a National Retail Federation survey. This is largely apparent in the pearls jewelry category: while the percentage of those buying jewelry decreased from last year, those planning on buying mom something shiny will spend a total of $2.7 billion, compared to $2.1 billion last year.

Overall, consumers will spend an average of $138.63 this year for Mother’s Day, compared to $139.14 last year, according to NRF’s 2008 Mother’s Day Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, conducted by BIGresearch. Total consumer spending is expected to reach $15.8 billion.

“Mom has been saying for decades that it’s the thought that counts on Mother’s Day, and this year, kids might actually be listening,” said Tracy Mullin, NRF president and chief executive officer. “Wholesale pearls suppliers will offer specials on popular items such as digital cameras and gardening tools to make it easy for those who want to surprise mom with a gift.”

When it comes to popular gifts, consumers will shell out nearly $3 billion on a special dinner or brunch, $1.2 billion on consumer electronics like digital cameras, digital photo frames and video cameras, $2 billion on flowers, $1.4 on clothing and accessories and $1.1 billion on personal service gifts like a trip to a favorite spa or salon, NRF says. Shoppers will also spend $1.6 billion on gift cards/gift certificates, $696 million on housewares and gardening tools and $672 million on greeting cards.

The majority of consumers shopping for Mother’s Day gifts will head to specialty stores of freshwater pearl pendants, discount stores (25.7 percent) and department stores (28.8 percent). Others will shop at specialty clothing stores (6.6 percent), online (18.3 percent) and through catalogs (3.4 percent).

Young adults aged 18-24, many of whom have wives, mothers, grandmothers, and sisters, will spend the most at an average of $170.71. The 25-34 year-old age group will spend an average of $153.17, followed by 35-44 year-olds who will spend an average of $145.86, according to the survey.

E-commerce and the Little Guy

It’s tough out there, being the little guy in the wide world web, trying to sell your products among the big guys of retail. Everyone expects your products to be priced as those of the retail. This isn’t so, Doesn’t your time and effort matter? Doesn’t your creativity matter?

E-commerce among the little guy have left a lot of shops left wondering where the buyers are at. They are at the large retail stores buying cheap products and getting nothing for their monies.

To be a little guy myself, it’s a tough world out there. Marketing is a key, articles, site submission among search engines and trying to keep up with everyone else. What do we do? Do we add to our shops different items just to keep up with the economy? Does adding items to our shops cheapen our shops? Diversity among my shop seems to do well, such as jewelry, vintage, material, audio books, and housewares. Is this wrong? http://www.shannonsaylor.silkfair.com

Ah, today’s economy, another issue. Is that making it tough on today’s little guy in the WWW? Yes, it is. Everyone is hording and no one is shopping. We are heading into a depression and everyone is scared to shop. They are afraid to spend. It’s not like it was last year. But, alas, I will still list, I will venture out into this e-commerce, and keep fighting the hard fight.

It’s e-commerce v/s the retail stores. It’s e-commerce v/s the depression. It’s e-commerce v/s the world. I am prepared, are you?