INPUT ARTICLE: Article: You will definitely need a permit or a license to open your business.  However, the requirements will differ depending on what state you live in.  The SBA website maintains a list of business license offices to help you find the information. In addition to a business license, you will need a federal tax identification number and possibly a sales tax license, income tax withholding, and unemployment insurance tax.  Ask your state business office about the insurance requirements for your car wash business. Once you get all of the necessary permits and licenses, keep track of your renewal dates and make a copy for your business records.  You will also need to display your license in your car wash so that customers can see it. The equipment you buy will depend on the type of car wash you have decided to open and the services you offer.  Full service car wash, self-service car wash, and an automated car wash will all have different needs.  You will typically need to buy a washing system (e.g. pressure washer, conveyor, self-service equipment, mobile wash systems), chemicals (e.g. cleaning solutions, wax, spot free rinses, protectants, presoaks, etc.), dryers, blowers, vacuums, brushes, towels, compressors, pumps, and a water system (e.g. boilers, water heater, water filtration, extractor, etc.), and billing system.  If you buy the cheapest version of everything, you might be able to get started for about $2000. If you want a nicer setup, it will probably run you about $5000 or more.  The International Carwash Association has a supplier guide to help you find reputable manufacturers.  Look in trade magazines like Auto Laundry News and Modern Car Care to buy your chemicals.  It is best to buy from big manufacturers.  Make sure the distributor of your equipment is available to service your equipment when needed. Find out how they handle equipment servicing before you buy from them. Use a multifaceted approach to advertise your business that includes flyers, posters, and an online presence. The signage for your car wash should be colorful with clear messaging.  Make sure that people can easily see it from the road.  A popular way to get new customers is by distributing coupons or discounts for car washes. Also, develop relationships with other small businesses located near your car wash.  Social media is an important aspect of marketing these days. Set up a website and establish a presence on Twitter and Facebook.  Make sure any of the paper items that you have include links to your website and social media accounts. Use your website to share information about taking care of your car and other relevant tips. Schedule a visit to your local radio station to discuss your new business. Consider starting a loyalty program. This will encourage repeat customers instead of people who use the coupon one time and never return. A car wash business is very customer-focused.  Your employees should be punctual, efficient, skilled, and have excellent communication skills. As you conduct interviews, pay attention to body language and communication skills to get an idea of how the person will interact with customers and coworkers. Always check the references of potential employees as well. Have a soft opening of your car wash before you have a big grand opening.  Wait at least 30 days before you have the big event. You want to work out some of the kinks and feel comfortable with the car wash before you make a big deal. Think of a grand opening as a party and social event to generate publicity.  Invite friends, neighboring businesses, your supplies, and the media Give away free car washes and promotional items.

SUMMARY: Get the necessary permits and licenses. Buy equipment. Market your business. Hire employees. Open your car wash.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Water-based and silicone-based lubricants are good for most women as they are not as irritating to your vagina as oil-based lubricants. You should avoid oil-based lubricants if you use latex condoms as a form of birth control, as the lubricant can cause the condoms to break.  Look for water-based lubricants at your local drugstore or online, such as Astroglide, FemGlide, Just Like Me, K-Y Jelly, Pre-Seed, Slippery Stuff, and Summer’s Eve. You can also buy silicone-based lubricants, such as D Millennium, Pink, Pjur, and Pure Pleasure. Vaseline jelly, mineral oil, and Elegance Woman’s lubricant are all good oil-based lubricant options. Some women may use oil-based lubricants in a pinch or if they are not able to access water-based and silicone-based lubricants. But be aware that oil-based lubricants can be irritating for some women. Most lubricants are made for use before any sexual activity, as vaginal dryness can make sexual activity uncomfortable and painful. You can use lubricants on a daily basis to deal with vaginal dryness but they are short-lasting so you may need to apply it several times throughout the day.  Keep the lubricant somewhere convenient, like on your nightstand or in your bathroom drawer. To apply the lubricant, squirt a few drops onto your hands and rub them together to warm up the lubricant so it is not cold to the touch. You can then apply it in your vagina using clean fingers.  Another option is to warm the lubricant by placing the tube in a mug of warm water and letting it warm up. Do not let the lubricant get too hot, as you do not want to burn your skin when you apply it. If you looking for a daily solution to vaginal dryness, you may want to try a vaginal moisturizer. Though lubricants can help to reduce irritating friction, moisturizers will be absorbed by your vaginal tissues and mimic the natural secretions in your vagina more effectively. Moisturizer are also good for maintaining a normal pH in your vagina and prevent the development of bacterial or fungal infections.  You can also apply vaginal moisturizer two hours before you have sexual intercourse to avoid irritating friction during sex. Warm up the moisturizer with your hands or by placing the package in warm water. Use clean fingers to carefully apply the moisturizer to your vagina. Look for vaginal moisturizers such as Fresh Start, K-Y Silk-E, Moist Again, Replens, and K-Y Liquibeads. You can also use a small amount of A & D ointment to help moisturize the area around your vulva. Natural oils like grapeseed, olive, sweet almond, sunflower, or coconut oil can be effective for vaginal dryness. You can apply these oils directly to your vulva and vaginal area throughout the day and/or before sexual intercourse as natural lubricants. Put one teaspoon of the natural oil onto a piece of clean toilet paper and apply it to your vagina, or use a quarter-sized amount of oil on the palm of your hand. Vitamin E is a good option if you are trying to avoid using prescription products. You can insert Vitamin E into your vagina in the form of a suppository or by opening up a Vitamin E caplet and applying the contents onto your vulva and vagina. Make sure you only use naturally sourced Vitamin E products. Check the label on the product to ensure it contains only natural ingredients.

SUMMARY: Look for water-based or silicone-based lubricants. Apply a vaginal lubricant before sexual activity. Use a vaginal moisturizer on a daily basis. Try using natural oils. Use Vitamin E vaginal suppositories.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: NutriSystem does not limit the amount of carbs that you can eat. You are simply expected to eat mostly low-GI carbs. Atkins, on the other hand, restricts the quantity of carbs that you can consume. Both diets will require you to change your eating habits for life, but Atkins will require you to more strictly restrict your carb intake. NutriSystem provides you with prepared meals, while Atkins will require you to plan your own menus and cook your own meals.

SUMMARY:
Compare each diet’s philosophy about carbohydrates. Decide which foods you would rather eat. Decide how much you want to cook.