Thursday, September 13, 2012

What do you do, Mommy Iris?

I always get asked this question whenever I tell them that I am a Virtual Assistant or VA.
A virtual assistant (typically abbreviated to VA, also called a virtual office assistant)[1] is generally self-employed and provides professional administrative, technical, or creative (social) assistance to clients remotely from a home office.[2][3] Because virtual assistants are independent contractors rather than employees, clients are not responsible for any employee-related taxes, insurance or benefits, except in the context that those indirect expenses are included in the VAs fees. Clients also avoid the logistical problem of providing extra office space, equipment or supplies. Clients pay for 100% productive work, and can work with Virtual Assistants, individually, or in multi-VA firms to meet their exact needs. Virtual Assistants usually work for other small businesses.[4] It is estimated that there are as few as 5,000-8,000 or as many as 25,000 virtual assistants worldwide; the profession is growing in centralized economies with "fly-in, fly-out" staffing practices.[5][6][7]
source: wikipedia 
My tasks depend on my boss' line of business. If he is into internet marketing, then my tasks are focused on affiliate marketing and SEO. Right now, I work for an SEO company from Utah, so everyday, I do a lot of SEO stuff for Utah-based companies like Utah floor services, St. George real estate, and Utah veterinary clinics among others.

I also do a lot of administrative work like communicating with prospective clients.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

How Do You Clean Pearls?


My pearls are so precious to me, that's why I take care of them. The tips below will show how to take good care of your pearls.
Even cultured pearl with thicker coatings are more fragile than most other gemstones, so you must handle them carefully to keep them in the best condition.
  • Your pearls will stay cleaner if you put them on after you've applied your makeup and perfume.
  • Be sure to take off your pearl rings before you apply hand and body creams.
  • Wipe your pearls with a soft, lint-free cloth as soon as you take them off. The cloth can be dampened with water or it can be dry. If damp, allow the pearls to air dry before putting them away.
  • Dirty pearls can be cleaned with a mild soap and water solution (try Ivory flakes).
  • Never clean your pearls with solutions that contain ammonia or harsh detergents.
  • Don't put pearl jewelry in an ultrasonic cleaner.
  • Don't use abrasive cleaners or rub pearls with abrasive cloth. Both can wear away the nacre coating, leaving you with a plain looking bead.

Storing PearlsDon't store your pearls with other jewelry, because they can be scratched easily when metal or gemstones rub against them. Find a special slot in your jewelry box for the pearls, or keep them in a soft bag made from chamois or another non-abrasive material.
Your fine pearl necklaces should be restrung periodically so that you're sure the silk or nylon cord holding them is in good shape.