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How to Use Business Card Effectively

Business Cards Keep Your Business Professional

Make a Statement with Your Business Card If you are a professional who wants to get your product, brand, or service out to the public, then you do well to have professional business card. A professional business card is something that shows that you are a reputable individual and that you represent a professional business. This card proves that you are always ready and willing to network and get new business. A business card shows your credentials; it will also direct potential clients or partners to your business. Often, an individual who is interested in the service or product that you offer will ask you for your business card. If you do not have one, then you come off as unprofessional and unprepared.What You Need on Your Business Card Your business card should have your name, contact information, and the service, brand, or product that you represent. In this way, when an individual looks at your card, she will remember who you are; she will also also quickly remember your product or service. You want your business card to be professional. There are different websites where you can get business card printing, or you can go to a company that will do all of the printing for you. Right when you are in the beginning stages of starting your business, you want to be able to have a business card ready for handing out.Direct People To Your website A business card is like a professional introduction. When potential clients or network partners see your business card, they will want to learn about your business. In order for them to find in depth information about what your business represents, your business card should direct them to your website. You must have a professional website; any reputable and trustworthy company will have a website. A website can be easy to design yourself, or you can go with a professional website designer. Anyone who is investigating your business will want to be able to see that your company is on the Internet.

Leave your Business Card for others to find Another great thing about a business card is that it is something small that you can be in places where people might pick it up and contact you. A business card is great to leave at places like coffee shops, stores, offices, or any venues that may have individuals who are interested in your business. There are places that may even have an area where business owners can put business cards. When you always have your business cards on hand, you can distribute them so that others can easily find your business.

Never Leave Home Without It If you are a business professional, you do well to always have a business card on you. You never know what circumstances may arise. By being alert to potential business opportunities, you can help your business to thrive. In reality, even when you have an amazing service or product, if you are not able to network with others, your business will not grow. Since that is the case, you do well to always keep your business card on hand so that you can take advantage of any opportunity that may present itself.

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#Small Business #Uncategorized

10 Things to Consider When Hiring an Accountant

The two traits that everyone looks for in an accountant is a high level of organizational skills and precision in their work. These are great qualities to have if you are working in the field. However, there is more to being a competent and even exceptional accountant, than these two qualities. When looking to hire one, think about these ten other qualities that are a must-have.

1. Excellence at organizing: the person that you hire to handle your finances will be handling the very aspects which determines whether the business grows or tanks. It is therefore important to consider hiring people with a high level of organization as it will help determine where costs need to be cut and how to improve the bottom line.

2. Excellence in time management: if your business is a startup, you probably do not have a lot of capital to hire more than one accountant. The accountant may also have to take up all other financial management roles. Their schedules will be full to the brim, and they need to be excellent time managers to handle the work well.

3. Attention to small details: another quality that you will need to think about when getting an accountant is how much attention they pay to the fine details of their job. They need to be keen enough to figure out when the numbers are working and when something is amiss.

4. Able to focus on clients: accountants normally spend a lot of their time dealing with the numbers. However, they also deal with clients on a day to day basis. They should at least be inclined towards listening to client needs and meeting them as it is best for your bottom line.

5. Passion for their career: Accountants take long hours to ensure that everything is working as it should. Anyone who takes the job or gets into the career because it pays the bills will not last long before burnout. It is better to get people who have actual passion for the job to work in it.

6. Tech Savvy: a lot is changing in the way that work is handled in the office. There is software that handles CRM, accounting and all other aspects or ERM. A good accountant is learning to work with technology to make their work easier.

7. Trustworthiness: You are trusting this person to make sure your business is operating legally, that all taxes are being paid as they should and that no fraud is taking place. You therefore need a tax accountant who can actually be trusted.

8. Communication skills: money matters are sensitive. An accountant will be talking to employees and clients about money. They need to know how to express it competently and precisely.

9. Ability to collaborate: accounting is not a standalone part of the business. It is the engine that runs the entire business. It is therefore advisable to have someone who understands collaboration and teamwork for smooth operations.

10. Flexibility: accounting is challenging. Each day brings a new curve ball, there will be financial ups and downs. A good accountant should adapt to these changes gracefully and solve them creatively.

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#Small Business

10 Kitchen Design Tips

For many, the kitchen is the heart of your home, so when it comes to designing your kitchen, you want it to be as appealing and cozy as possible for ease of entertaining, family gathering, and of course, preparing your favorite meals. Fortunately, there are various tips to design the kitchen of your dreams, and they can be applied to just about any space, no matter the size or shape.

1. Consider Your Kitchen’s Function

When designing your kitchen, interior designers stress that it is important to consider its function first. And though there is no best or ideal kitchen shape, there is an ideal design, which should feature the stovetop, refrigerator, and sink in a triangle with no more than 6 feet between them to allow an easy flow.

2. Create a Floor Plan

Once you have a general idea of your kitchen’s function, next plan your kitchen layout and design, which will enable you to see what works with your space. There are many online floor plans and homeware software available to plan your kitchen and preview how it looks in 3 dimensions.

3. Consider the Space and Finish

No matter how much counter space you have, you should choose a surface for the counters that is easy to care for and maintain. For instance, stainless steel tends to scuff easy, so keep this in mind when choosing it as a finish.

4. Invest in New Appliances

Keeping your current appliances may seem like a sure money saver; however, interior designers maintain that worn or outdated appliances will stand out in your newly designed kitchen like an eyesore. Instead, they suggest finding other ways to save money, such as incorporating cheaper countertops, which will still look great but is cost-effective.

5. Do Include a Range Hood

Cooking odors can build up in your home, which can give your home a stale scent. However, a range hood in your kitchen will allow air circulation as you cook. Therefore, appliance consultants recommend installing a range hood that is efficient, quiet, and vented to the outside to help keep your home cozy and fresh.

6. Don’t Forget the Storage

According to interior designers, making use of your entire kitchen is key to enjoying a well-designed space. Therefore, they recommend incorporating ample storage, such as lots of countertop space for storing appliances, deep drawers for storing pots and pans, and built-in recycling and garbage bins behind the cabinets or doors, for easy access and to help keep your kitchen clutter-free. They also recommend installing overhead cabinets all the way up to the ceiling to prevent gaps for dust to collect.

7. Planning the Island

When planning the island, safety experts warn that protection is important. Therefore, you should consider protection conscious elements, such as a rounded island to prevent injuries and make them more comfortable to lean. Other safety elements to consider include rounded countertops and ovens located above child height to help decrease the risk of accidental burns.

8. Shopping Flooring

When selecting flooring, there are various things to consider, including ease of care, slip resistance, and pores. For instance, if you are selecting hardwood floors, beware that they tend to wear faster in high traffic areas, such as by the sink, stove, and refrigerator. Meanwhile, stone floors contain pores, or small openings where liquids, gases, and other particles can get in, which means they may need to be sealed from time to time.

9. Incorporate the Right Lighting

Under cabinet lighting is necessary for the kitchen because it allows the light to shine right in front of you unlike overhead lighting, which shines the light behind you and casts a shadow on your working space. Therefore, consider both for maximum effect.

10. Don’t be Afraid to go White

A white kitchen adds class and timelessness and also makes the space look bigger. You could also use white as the main color theme and then add perky colours to give your kitchen more personality.

In the end, the best kitchen design tips, brought to you by Brisbane Company, can really transform your space into the perfect oasis no matter the layout or space, so be sure to incorporate them wherever you’re short on ideas.

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#Home Living

10 Tips for Choosing the Best School for your Child

One of the most important decisions you’ll make for your child is what school is best for him or her. So it’s no wonder that many parents have a significant amount of anxiety when it comes to making this decision. While the variety of schooling options available today make it easier than ever to help you make sure your child is getting exactly what he or she needs, it can also lead to a lot of stress, worry, and even self-doubt.

Fortunately, there are a number of ways you can be strategic about this choice for your child, whether you’re enrolling him in preschool or sending her to a new school in the middle of fourth grade. Understanding your options and following a few important steps will help you feel confident in your choice and positive that your child is getting the best instruction possible.

Understand Your Options

Knowing what options you and your child have for education is an important first step in making the right schooling choice. The typical options available to most students include:

• Local public schools – a local school supported by public funds that must adhere to local and state guidelines • Charter schools – public schools sponsored by local, state, or other organizations that operate with freedom from local and state regulations • Magnet schools – schools that are designed to attract students from different backgrounds focused on a specific subject matter • Online public schools – tuition-free, virtual schooling options that adhere to state requirements and have state-certified teachers who provide instruction and support • Private schools – independent schools based on a particular educational philosophy, approach to learning, or religious affiliation • Homeschool – schooling taught and/or managed by one or both parents and monitored by state accountability • Alternative school – other schooling options available to students based on need and/or ability

Choose the Right School for Your Child

With a thorough understanding of your options, you can determine what school will provide the best learning experience for your child. Use these tips to help you consider each aspect of your child’s education:

1. Decide what constitutes the “best fit” for your child.

No two children learn in exactly the same way. This is important to consider as you are selecting a school for your child. According to research, a parent needs to be able to answer these 4 questions to select the best schooling option for his or her child:

• What does my child need to learn? • How does my child learn best? • What social needs does my child have? • What practical do I need to consider?

2. Determine what specific content matters most for your child.

Certain schools have a broader curriculum than others. You’ll need to determine if it is important to you for your child to focus on a specific subject area – such as science and math – and if you want your child to participate in a school with a particular religious affiliation, educational approach, etc.

3. Look at performance ratings.

While test scores and other performance ratings won’t necessarily tell you everything about a school, it will give you a better idea of how the school and its students are performing. This can be an important determining factor for many families.

4. Create your list of must-haves.

Much like you would if you were shopping for a new home or vehicle, create a list of must-have components you’re looking for in a school for your child. This will obviously vary person to person; however, the U.S. Department of Education suggests that at the very least, a high-performing school should have:

• Challenging expectations • Capable teachers and staff • Engaged, active students • Demanding curriculum • Thriving parent-teacher organization • Present and welcomed parents

5. Visit your top picks.

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, plan visits to the different schools at the top of your list. You should be able to get a better feel for the school environment, teachers and staff, and even parent involvement by visiting a school.

6. Take a list of questions.

When you do go to different schools to visit, take a list of questions along with you. You may want to assess how teachers are trained, how behavior is handled, how important homework is, or if Cert III in education support is provided.

7. Ask for input for non-biased sources.

Obviously the principal and teachers will try to point out all of the positives of the school when you visit. However, students and parents that you happen to run into in the hall, parking lot, or even neighborhood are more likely to tell you how it is. Be sure to talk to students and parents who aren’t a part of the planned tour when you visit the school.

8. Schedule a one-on-one with the principal.

Meeting with the principal should give you the opportunity to get any of your remaining questions answered. If not on the day of your visit, plan a one-on-one with the principal at some point to get a better feel for how forthcoming he or she is with information.

9. Compare your experiences.

Don’t just settle for one school that feels right. Be sure to visit at least 2 or 3 schools that made it to the top of your consideration list and then compare your experience at each.

10. Ask your child for input.

While this is obviously an important decision about which you likely have the last say, asking your child’s opinion can help you better understand how he or she feels about the school as well. Your child may have important insight on the matter that you didn’t even pick up on.

Keep these tips in mind as you consider schooling options for your child. If you consider all of your options and follow these suggestions, you can rest assured that your child is getting the best education that is specifically designed for him or her.

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#Home Living #education #school

How to get your Floor Tile Sparkle

Weekly cleaning routines are designed to keep your house looking beautiful as well as keep it a healthy environment. Aside from sweeping the floors and vacuuming, are you looking for some ways that you can get your floor tiles to sparkle like they did when they were first installed? It might seem like a hopeless task, but there are ways that you can achieve a sparkling look with little effort.

Using Vinegar and Warm Water

This is a very old fashioned way to clean any part of your home but it is really effective. Vinegar helps to disinfect any surface that you use it on and it typically won’t harm the surface (avoid using it on hardwood flooring). It also works well to remove stains. Mix together equal parts of vinegar and warm water. Use a cloth to wipe down the tiles and the grout. Rinse with cold water after you are done.

Polishing Products

You have to be careful about what products you choose to use on your tile flooring, because polishing products can sometimes make your flooring very slippery. Use your product minimally until you are sure it is safe on your tile. Spray a clean dust cloth with your product and wipe down your tile flooring. Sometimes the product will leave behind a slippery surface but this will go away after a few hours of being left alone.

Toothpaste

It’s not just for cleaning your teeth anymore. Toothpaste actually does a great job of cleaning tile flooring. It is especially effective on the grout that is in between the tiles. Toothpaste has a bit of grit to it which helps really get a surface clean without scratching it. You can even use a toothbrush as your cleaning tool. Once you are done with the scrubbing portion you should wipe down the area with clean water and dry.

Mop and Bucket

While this might seem like an obvious option to help get your floor tiles to sparkle, the mop and bucket are often overlooked as an effective cleaning method. Make sure that you have a mop that is only for your tiled flooring. This will prevent any damage from being done to your tile. You don’t necessarily have to use a cleaning product with your mop. Hot water is more than enough. Just make sure you are careful not to slip before the floor dries. Tile can get pretty slick when it is wet.

Baking Soda Mixture

There is a lot of dirt and bacteria that can accumulate on your tile floor. It also grows very rapidly in the grout area of your floor. Baking soda mixed with some water will create a paste that can be used for cleaning. You can use the product to clean your tile but you can also leave it on your grout for approximately 45 minutes. When you come back and wipe it off, your floors will look brand new and sparkle.

Lemon Juice

If you have a lemon in the house that is a bit over ripe and can’t be eaten, slice it in half and use the juice to wipe down your tile flooring. Lemons have an antibacterial quality to them but they also smell lovely. You will have a clean smelling home without having to use any harmful chemical-laden cleaning products on your floors. When you are done cleaning with the lemon you will want to wipe the surfaces down with warm water. If you leave an acidic substance on your floors or countertops you could end up with an etched or damaged surface.

If you would like to utilize the services of a professional periodically to get your floors looking brand new again then you can inquire about polishing prices in your area. There are a number of different contractors that will provide this type of service. Ask around for recommendations regarding the best company that will get you the results you are looking for at the price you have requested. This process will save you a lot of time. You won’t have to get down on your hands and knees to scrub your floors to perfection.

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#Home Living

Maintenance Tips for Solar Panels

A good source of energy is a necessary component in business as well as running the affairs of your homestead. Solar energy has become an alternative source of power that is cheap and readily available in areas that are not connected to electrical grids. Some people have even gone further to replace their electricity supply with solar panels for convenience and low cost. However, for your solar panels to be efficient, you need to ensure that they receive continuous maintenance. These are some of the strategies that can you can use to maintain your solar panels.

1. Check Frames and Wiring Solar panel installer should ensure that frames and the wirings are continuously checked to ensure that there are no hitches that may prevent electric transmission to the storage batteries. Frames are essential in ensuring that dust particles and water do not damage the fuses that regulate the current passing to the batteries and other electrical connectors. In case of such a situation, you can ensure that frames are put in place so that your panels can be long-lasting. All the wires should be fully covered by use of insulators so that they cannot damage the handler or contact moisture which could cause electrical shocks.

2. Energy Monitoring This is one of the primary methods of maintaining your solar panels and keeping a close eye to any changes that can help you to increase their performance. You should buy energy monitors that are available in retail outlets in various models. The monitors will help you to determine slight or drastic changes in performance of your solar panels without changes in sunlight. If such changes are noted, you can formulate a strategy to troubleshoot your panels and bring them back to the expected levels. Continuous monitoring will also help you to determine the total energy produced by your panels which will inform you of the best methods to save or use your energy.

3. Continuous Cleaning Solar panels are exposed to dust particles and other debris out there in the environment. The more the dust in your environment the more the dust particles and other debris will accumulate on your panels. Bird droppings will also be noticed spreading on the panels hence blocking the sun to reach your panels efficiently. You can use a spongy material that is tied on a pole so that you can effectively clean your solar panels which are on the roof of the building. It is essential to wash your solar panels with a soap solution so that you can remove other materials such as bird droppings which cannot be cleaned easily. You can as well opt to use automatic cleaners that are programmed to clean your solar panels at various intervals.

4. Ensure Direct Sunlight The best method of maintaining your solar panels is ensuring that they are exposed to direct sunlight. Many people install solar panels with the principal of direct sunlight in mind. However, as days pass, your homestead may change such that the trees become tall and start casting shade to your panels. Moreover, the overgrown trees might even start blocking your solar panels from the sun rays. This reduces the overall effectiveness of your panels while at the same time lowering their electricity output. To eradicate this problem, you will be required to trim or prune all the overgrown tree branches that are casting shade on your solar panels. You can also consider changing the position of the panels and installing them in another place where they will access maximum sunlight.

5. Repair Your Panels after Extreme Weather Conditions Sometimes your solar panels will have to face extreme weather conditions such as hailstorms and tree branches that are brought down by strong winds. You need to continually repair the panel from these damages to ensure that they are always performing at optimum levels. People think that solar panels are immune to extreme weather conditions which are not true. Sometimes your panels might get some rust after the winter period when snow falls on your panels. It is your responsibility to ensure that it is removed and greased, especially on the iron frames to prevent rusting.

Maintaining solar panels is not an expensive and a complicated process as compared to maintaining other sources of electricity such as generators. To achieve maximum energy and make your panels durable, you will need to implement the above maintenance strategies.

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#Home Living #Sales & Marketing

10 Exercise for Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain can go from a little bit annoying to being highly disruptive in your life. Millions of people are suffering with back pain although some will try to pretend it isn’t so bad.

You might feel a stiffness and begin to find it more difficult to bend or reach for things. Some people feel a numbness in their lower back or other parts of their bodies. When friends complained that they had difficulty breathing due to back pain, I was very skeptical. However, when the same thing happened to me, my skepticism flew out the window.

Every year, Americans spend billions of dollars seeing doctors, trying to find a level of comfort and relief from their pain. Physiotherapy prices can cause some people to be left suffering without any hope in sight.

While it is necessary to consult with a medical professional before you begin doing these or any exercises, strengthening your muscles and getting your body moving is one thing that will make a big difference in your daily life and help you to lessen your lower back pain.

Here are 10 exercises that can help to alleviate lower back pain.

Bird Dog On your hands and knees and keeping your stomach tight, stretch one leg out and hold for 5 seconds. Then do this on the other leg. Complete a set of 8-12 reps per leg. Increase the time from 5 seconds as your muscles get stronger.

Pelvic Tilt While lying on the floor, knees bent and feet flat on the ground, clench your stomach muscles. Press the small of you back against the floor and stay in that position for 10 seconds. Do this 8-12 times.

Knee to Chest Lie on your back, both knees bent with your feet flat. Raise your knee toward your chest while keeping the lower back pressed toward the floor and the other foot on the ground. Hold your knee to your chest 15-30 seconds. Return that leg to the floor and do this with your other leg. Repeat 2-4 times.

Abdominal Crunches Lie down with your knees bent, feel firmly on the ground and hands behind your head, supporting your neck. Make sure your lower back is pressed down to keep your spine from arching. Raise your shoulders off the ground a few inches and don’t bend your neck. Exhale as you come up and return to the ground. Repeat 8-12 times.

Oblique Crunches These are also called ‘twisted’ crunches. Begin as with abdominal crunches with lying down, knees bent and feet on the floor. The difference with oblique crunches, twist one elbow toward the opposite knee. Then switch sides. Complete these crunches between 8-12 times.

Lengthen Your Hamstrings Lying on the floor, both knees bent, raise one leg vertically. Wrap a towel over the ball of the vertical foot and straighten that leg, using the towel to create a slight resistance. You should feel the muscle at the back of your thigh (your hamstring) being stretched. Hold for 15-30 seconds, then repeat with your other leg 2-3 times.

Single Leg Lifts Lying on your back with bent knees, place your hands under your bottom. Raise both legs straight up and point your toes. Lower one leg to the ground and immediately bring it back up. Then raise and lower the other leg and alternate between the two for 8-12 reps.

Wall Sits Stand with your back about 10-12 inches from a wall. Lean back until you touch the wall, then slide down until your bent knees are at a 90-degree angle. Remain there for 10 seconds then slowly move up to a stand position. Do this 10 times.

Press-up Back Extensions

This is the only exercise in this group of ten that is done on your stomach. Place your hands under your shoulders. Using your hands, begin to push your body up so your shoulders start to come up from the floor. Then, if you are able, put your elbows down on the ground under your should. Remain like this for 15-30 seconds.

Swimming This might be one of the best ways to reduce back pain – because it’s fun. The water makes you buoyant and makes any exercise zero impact. As you swim, you are strengthening muscles without putting strain on them. You will also be strengthening your lungs and your heart. Enjoy your time in the water.

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#Home Living

What to Look for When Choosing a House Sitter

When it comes time to travel some people don’t bother getting a house sitter. This, however, can lead to unnecessary anxiety on your trip. This is especially true if bad weather blows through while you’re out of town or if you will be travelling for long periods of time.

If you have pets you will likely need to spend money anyways to board them in a kennel. Why not put that money towards hiring someone to look after your home as well? Not only will this give you added peace of mind, but remaining in a familiar home environment will be less stressful for your pets as well.

Here are 4 things to look for in a good house sitter:

1. Responsibility and Trustworthiness

These are the two most important things to look for in a potential sitter. This person will have access to your home, all of your belongings, and any pets you may have. The best way to make sure your hire a trustworthy person is to look at house sitting websites. Most host sites will require background checks to be run on their sitters and will tell you if they are insured or not. Reading over profiles can also be helpful. Be sure to look not just for previous experience but also to see if the sitter has held positions of responsibility. This can include job positions, owning their own home, being responsible for kids or pets, etc.

2. Timing

It is important to make sure your sitter is available to spend the desired amount of time at your home. Some sitters will agree to stop by once or twice a day to check on the place and feed pets, take in the mail, etc. Others will be available to stay in your home 24/7 to guard against any unexpected issues and cut down on the likelihood of a burglary. Determine beforehand what kind of time investment you want from your sitter and make sure they are willing to meet your requirements.

3. Willingness to Work

If you’re going to be gone for a long period of time (a week or longer) you may need your sitter to do certain tasks around the house. This can include cutting the lawn, caring for livestock, cleaning litter boxes, watering house plants, etc. Be sure to discuss ahead of time any tasks you will expect your sitter to do.

4. Pet Compatibility

If you have pets you will want to ensure the pet sitter you select gets along with them and is equipped to care for them properly. Some sitters may be able to watch small dogs but not large or energetic ones. Some may be allergic to dogs but know how to care for a cat. It may be a good idea to introduce the sitter and pets before you leave to ensure compatibility. Also make sure your sitter is equipped to handle any special needs your pet may have such as medical issues, mobility concerns, or behavioral quirks.

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#Travel

How to Properly Clean Your Driveway

Your driveway takes up a large portion of your front yard, which makes it a focal point for visitors. If you park or play in the driveway on a regular basis, stains and unsightly marks will appear. Cleaning the concrete takes some time and attention to detail. Read over these basic tips to properly clean your driveway so that it can positively reflect on your property and overall value.

Absorb Spills

Bob Vila suggests that simplicity should be your first task during a cleaning project. Take a critical look at the driveway. Examine any areas that are fresh spills. Oil, gasoline and other liquids must be absorbed before you can continue with the cleaning process. Add cat litter, newspaper or other absorbent substance to the spill. Give the material a few days to soak up the liquid. Trying to wash away the liquid will only result in smearing it across the driveway with stains as inevitable results.

Sweep Up the Dust

Grab your largest broom, and sweep up the dust. The driveway will never be spotless because of its exterior location, but removing debris gives you a chance to see the concrete as it was poured many years ago. This process might reveal minute cracks that require attention. Stains that were thought to be dust swirls can pop up too. Use this cleaning task to evaluate the concrete for further repairs. Most cracks should be filled before you apply any other cleaning strategies to the driveway.

Scrub Problem Areas

Networx suggests the use of scouring powder and a stiff brush to complete the next step. Scrub any discolored areas with the powder and brush. In most cases, the stains are merely topical types that can be physically removed. The scouring powder works its way into the concrete as it pulls tiny particles from it. Be sure to take your time with this step so that the rest of the cleaning process is easier.

Pressure Wash the Concrete

Grab the pressure washer, fill it with water and carefully apply it to the driveway. The high-pressure water forces the driveway to look cleaner than ever. Those minute particles fly away and into the drain as water works its eroding process. The driveway should have a noticeable change to its hue. With a lighter and more even color, your property will look nearly brand-new after this step.

Turn to Chemicals

You might have a stain that’s incredibly stubborn to remove. If everything fails to remove it at this point, try muriatic acid. A mild, five-percent solution should be enough to remove most stains. Chemicals should always be the last resource in your cleaning arsenal because they can discolor the concrete if you don’t properly apply them.

If you aren’t comfortable with the pressure cleaning process, hiring professionals is always a viable option. Homeowners can describe the issues that they’re having with the driveway, and then the experts provide a solid estimate. A small investment in your driveway will make a big difference in your property value over time.

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#Home Living #home hacks #pressure cleaning

5 Darwin Tours For Seniors On a Budget

If you are a senior and are planning a cost-effective tour to Darwin then you have landed the best place to get all the info you need to achieve your tour. Read on to quickly learn how to see the entire Darwin in 5 places on a budget.

Feed jumping crocodiles on Adelaide River

Darwin Tours For Seniors are not complete without cruising on the Adelaide River. Seniors will enjoy the waving river as it flows but man’s worst water enemy-crocodiles will jump in and out of the water to give tourists a splashy surprise. Don’t worry it’s not dangerous. Tourist sailing on the Adelaide River has been feeding jumping crocodiles for years. The crocodiles jump not to eat you but to get the food you will throw to them. For your safety, boat cruising companies provide shaded boats to cruise on. Even kids are safe aboard. Some companies even own crocodiles which they have name tagged and once you book with them, they allow you to safely get a closer look of the crocodiles. It’s fun especially for the adventurous seniors yet it can be achieved on a budget lower than $50.

Shop handmade crafts at Mindil Beach Market

When you’re a senior, you want whatever you shop to last a lifetime so that your grandchildren and other loved ones may inherit and remember you through these things when you’re gone. Hundreds of tourists flock the Mindil market at sunset Thursdays and Sunday’s to shop for cheap yet beautiful handmade crafts. The market is located on the seashore of the Arafura Sea where you get to enjoy the beautiful breeze and watch the sunset as you shop. The crafts are mostly made and inspired by the culture of the Larrakia people, the proud natives of Darwin and also some crafts are from Asia. The crafts are assembled on hundreds of stalls and include things like home furnishings, jewelry, clothes, shoes and several others.

Take a day trip to Litchfield National Park

Get up early morning and set off for a day tour to Litchfield National park where you will be amazed by the natural wonders this park holds. Using a bus is the cheapest way to go on this tour. You will part with about AUS $25 which is way too little for what Litchfield will offer for your day. First, the bus will stop by artistic termite mounds built by busy termites. The termite hills are so architectural; you would think they were designed by humans. Once you’re done gazing at the mounds, hop back into the bus and head to the double waterfalls of Wangi, Florence and Tolmer parked with spectacular cascades. If you love to swim, there are several water holes in the monsoon forest to soak in. Don’t forget to enjoy the various authentic foods cooked by the best chefs and for shoestring prices.

Watch wildlife at Berry Springs

At Berry springs wildlife park, visitors are taken through a number of attractions riding on a train. There is an amazing bird flight deck show that happens daily. There are dingo’s to see, a goose pond, an amazing aquarium and a further walk through the monsoon and Billabong forests. This is a trip you make to one destination with one transport fare to view several incredible wildlife.

Rewind history at the Darwin Military Museum

If you are in your 60’s or 70’s then your parents saw the World war and have probably told you stories of the World’s biggest first war. Almost part of the World war happened in Australia and this is the time to use to see what really happened. Darwin has 9 World War II heritage centers but the Darwin Military Museum is a highlight because it is stocked with lots of World War II info. Besides the entire storytelling of the war, there is a theatre where you can see the bombing of Darwin that happened in 1942.

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#Travel #Darwin #mindil beach #Senior Tours #Senior Travel

How Do I Subdivide My Property?

Subdividing your property may seem like a daunting task. Although it can in many cases increase the value of property, it can also require a lot of legwork, due diligence, time, and money. Although there are no universal standards or rules when it comes to subdivision, each state may have its own rules and regulations in place. You should research and understand your state’s rules for subdivision before you take the time to extensively develop your plan.

First on the list is to check the status of your property. Each state has eligibility guidelines. You should check these first to see if your property is even eligible for subdivision. This is crucial. You don’t want to invest time and money on subdividing a property that won’t even pass the eligibility test.

Once you’re confident that your property will be eligible, you’ll want to research your title. Are you certain it doesn’t have any liens on it? Is it restricted by local statutes or ordinances? It’s best to know the status of your title with certainty, as well as to know and understand local restrictions. By contacting a reputable title company, you can enlist their professionals to answer these and other questions for you.

Consider the cost. To subdivide your property is to possibly increase its value, which, in turn, increases your financial burden. It’s best to understand the needs in your area before you commit to subdividing your property. If your town or city can’t support or sustain a market for multiple units in single lots, then you might want to reconsider subdivision. Increased tax bills and rental uncertainties might lead to devastating financial results.

After gaining a better understanding of your local market, you should develop an understanding of your area’s zoning laws. These vary from county to county, so it’s best to know your country’s laws and restrictions early on. Doing so can prevent headaches and save money in the long run. You’ll also want to look into your property’s access to local utilities and roads before committing to a subdivision. These are crucial elements to any property, especially for commercial and residential properties.

Now that you’re certain that subdividing your property won’t run afoul of local ordinances and has access to the necessary utilities, you’ll want to hire a professional civil engineer to do the design work. Even if you have an idea in mind as to how to divide your property, a professional civil engineer will possess the experience to properly and efficiently divide your property. In many cases, they might also possess knowledge about local building codes.

After you’ve completed the initial design and legwork, your next step is to submit the required paperwork to the necessary offices. These often involve application fees and, in many cases, you might have to pay a surveyor to survey your property. The county will probably require extensive inspections. These inspections might yield a need for certain upgrades or improvements, so you should factor these possible costs as well.

Subdividing your property can be a long and grueling process. Knowing the rules and procedures will help you start on the right footing. Subdividing your property can pay off handsomely, and taking the proper steps could help to ensure your success.

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#Innovation #Money & Markets #property investment #subdividing #wealth creation

How To Structure a Startup Ownership

Structuring a startup company properly is one of the most vital decisions a founder and entrepreneur can make. Mistakes at the inception of a new enterprise can be costly, time-consuming and destructive to unravel, and they often hinder your company at a time when you can least afford delay or confusion.

The best course of business, naturally, is to make a plan ahead of time. Most often, your company structure and choice of business entity will be a part of your overall business plan. If you are on your own, you can make this plan as arbitrarily as you wish. If you have investors, other founders, licensors, shareholders or other kinds of stakeholders in your company, you will need to form a consensus, as all the stakeholders will get a vote and will need to pledge 100% support for the new company if you have any plans for success.

Here are some options to consider when you research how to structure a startup ownership.

Choose an Entity Early

If there is more than one founder or shareholder in your company, under no circumstances should you conduct any operations until you form some kind of entity. The reason for this precaution is to avoid being classified as a de facto partnership and then finding out you or the others are obligated by the actions of one of the partners.

Kitchen table companies are particularly vulnerable to jumping the gun like this. Because of the nature of a partnership, you and the other founders may find you have no protection for your personal assets either.

Forming some kind of entity when beginning a company is absolutely imperative.

One Person Show

If you are starting a company where you are either the principal owner or the person who will be tasked with all the decision-making, your best option in most states is likely a limited liability company. The reason for this is an LLC gives you the good parts of both a partnership and a corporation without the burdensome filing requirements and complex tax treatments.

An LLC (in most states) gives you the option to add owners, sell shares, form subsidiaries and bypass many of the restrictions of a subchapter ‘S’ corporation, for example, which can end up limiting growth at inconvenient times.

Courts and various government agencies treat single-member LLCs like the “alter ego” of the individual member. For all intents and purposes, that’s largely what the LLC was invented to be.

Party of Twelve

If you have many shareholders and/or many investors, especially if your plan is to grow your company beyond closely-held status, your best bet is likely a ‘C’ corporation. With such a structure, you will have no restrictions on shareholders, no restrictions on share classes and a clear path from your founding to going public. Getting from other entity types to an IPO can be problematic, especially if you are looking for outside investment.

As with any major business decision, you should retain the services of a qualified attorney as early in the process as possible. This kind of planning will save you significant time and money.

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#Innovation #Small Business #How To Setup a Startup #Startups

Self Inking Vs Normal Stamps – Which is Right For Your Needs?

Rubber stamps are used by hobbyists and businesses every day on things from scrapbooks to official documents. Most people are familiar with stamps that already have the ink built in, and stamps that have to use a separate ink paid. Making the right choice of stamp type for your stamping needs will make your hobby, or job, much easier.

Self Inking Stamps are the kind that is used by many businesses when they have many items to stamp and want to do so quickly and efficiently. When you use these stamps there is no need to have an additional ink pad which can often time be messy. Nobody wants to produce an important document with extra ink smudges on it from inky fingertips. These stamps work just as their name sounds, the ink is actually in the rubber so to make an impression all you need to do is hold your stamp in the right place in the right direction and gently push down on it. It’s a simple, one-handed job, making it very quick, neat and easy to do. They’re also very durable and will last a long time giving you the ability to make thousands of clear impressions with each stamp. Clarity is a must for stamping business papers whether using them for a logo or for a signature. The stamps can be re-inked when the ink stops flowing. They can come in different colors, basic shapes and different sizes and different fonts so they can be customized to your needs. This type of stamp is also ideal for an individual when they are wanting to make many copies of the same impression, such as when return addressing envelopes or stamping an announcement. They make a professional looking result.

Normal rubber stamps are most often used by hobbyists when they want to create special designs or graphics. They are used often in scrapbooking, card making and other crafts. These stamps come in an endless amount of fun designs and you can pair them with any ink pad making it easy to change up the colors when you want to. They can also be custom made. With careful alignment, so the stamp is at the proper angle when you press it down and lift it back up, and with careful pressure, they result in beautiful imprints. One downside is it is a much messier way of stamping. Due to the separate ink pad, it’s very easy to get ink where you don’t want if you’re not careful. These stamps also don’t tend to be quite as durable as the other kind and the rubber may wear down making for a blurry or fuzzy image instead of the crisp one you had intended. These stamps are only ideal when you don’t plan on quick and repetitive stamping. You could use this type of stamp for business needs, but expect possibly inconsistent results, and to take more time and effort with them compared to a stamp that is already inked.

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#Small Business #business stationery #self-Inking Stamps

What Stationery Do You Need For Business in 2017

One of the keys to keeping any business organized and running smoothly is a complete set of office stationery. While some stationery is a given and will be in any business’ inventory, there are also key items that businesses may not realize they need. Here is a list of essential stationery for modern businesses in 2017.

Business Cards:

This is perhaps the most obvious stationery item, but business cards are a must. When having them printed, consider how you want your business logo to be designed if you haven’t already, and whether you want to include a quote or slogan that conveys your business’ mission. For many people, your business cards will be their first interaction with your business, so plan them carefully! (Complete Business Stationery List)

Letterheads/Envelopes:

While a lot of business is conducted primarily via e-mail in the modern age, printed letters are still necessary, especially for important correspondences that you don’t want to conduct online. Letterheads customized for your brand, complete with sets of envelopes, are a necessary addition to your business stationery and are a great way to make your correspondences look professional.

Stamps:

On the topic of sending printed letters, your business will also need a set of stamps. They can be bought in bulk, which is a good practice to ensure that you don’t run out when a letter needs to be sent.

Notepads:

Notepads are always great to have around in offices when you need to jot something down quickly. In addition, branded notepads make great free gifts for loyal customers, and will increase your brand visibility.

Labels:

Labels are still the best way to keep your business organized. Use them to organize folders or filing cabinets, which will ensure that your employees know where to find supplies. In addition, your employees will get into the practice of labeling things themselves, strengthening organizational habits.

Presentation Folders:

No business would be complete without presentation folders. They are invaluable for organizing important documents that you don’t want to throw into a filing cabinet, and providing them for your employees will help keep things organized. You can also opt for branded or customized folders to give as gifts and increase brand visibility.

Correspondence Cards:

One often-overlooked bit of stationery is correspondence cards, which is ideal for sending personal messages sand thank-you notes to clients or suppliers. They should be small (usually 4 1/2 X 6 1/2 inches) and you should be sure to have both correspondence cards for thank-you notes as well as blank ones (aside from your company information) for other personal messages. (Examining Business Stationery Needs)

Paper:

Last but not least, your business will need a variety of paper types for different purposes. Standard 8 1/2 X 11-inch paper is useful both for your printers and for writing notes, plus you’ll also want high-quality gloss paper for important documents. Monarch paper, which should contain your business name and address, is another key item, used for writing personal business letters.

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#Small Business #business stationery #office essectials #small business

One Simple Investment Strategy That Will Pay For Your Kids

Solid, cost-effective and time-tested stock market strategies are not numerous. In my opinion, there are only a few that are sufficiently robust and sufficiently tested by serious academic research to be worthy of interest. I recommend this strategy because it is the investment method that I know works, that I personally chose and it is relatively simple to implement.

You will learn in this article a very simple strategy that allows you to beat the returns seen by the major players on the stock market. That said, this method is not the only way to earn long-term returns above the average on the stock market. Without further ado, here is a guide to the best simple strategy to invest on the stock market.

This is the best passive strategy to invest in on the stock market. You’ll also learn the difference between an active strategy and a passive strategy and the advantages, disadvantages and detailed performance of the strategy. A share registry may also be helpful for this strategy

This strategy has the advantage of not being very time-consuming, and you will not need a high level of knowledge of how the stock market functions to be effective. Passive strategies consist of simply investing in stock indices, such as the Dow Jones. They are called “passive” because they do not seek to do better than the indices, only to replicate them more accurately.

This revolutionary strategy is simply buying a stock index. What if I told you I know an extremely simple strategy to achieve a better performance than many professional fund managers, which can be set up in minutes, and at low cost…would you be interested? A large percentage of funds perform worse than their benchmark stock index over a 10 year period.

The MSCI World and the S&P 500 are two good vehicles to implement this strategy. To do better than the majority of the professional players in the markets, all you have to do is buy a global equity index or a US equity index. The stock market can sometimes seem complex, and your banker may have already tried to sell you incomprehensible financial products. However, as you can see, simplicity beats complexity the majority of the time.

Interestingly, if funds manage to achieve superior performance over short periods of time, over a 10-year period, the majority of investment funds are beaten by global equity index that includes all of the global equities you can buy very simply via a tracker. And, 95% of investment funds are beaten by a US equity index.

The advantages of the strategy are that it has long-term returns historically of around 10% per annum for the US stock index, it is simple to implement, and the time spent managing the portfolio as a ratio to the yield obtained is unbeatable.

The disadvantages of the strategy are that there is a possibility of obtaining better returns or identical returns, but with less volatility, with more advanced strategies and that period of stock market crashes are sometimes psychologically difficult to live through.

I hope that this quick overview of the main simple strategy that works for long-term stock market trading has been helpful. If you found this article useful, do not hesitate to share it.

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#Money & Markets #Share Registry #Stock Indices

A Detailed Checklist For Moving Into a New House

So, you’re moving to a new house. Let’s avoid the fluff and get right down to the Checklist for Moving into a New House:

1) Collect free cardboard boxes. Contact local restaurants, grocery stores, and furniture establishments. These places are absolutely riddled with extra cardboard. Some might even have some spare bubble wrap.

2) Sort and purge. Go through your stuff room by room and determine what to keep and what to give to Salvation Army or Goodwill. As you’re sorting your chosen items be sure to make a list of all those that will need special packing or delicate care (i.e. heirlooms, china, vases, etc…)

3) Research and compare moving companies. Look at services, prices, and moving insurance. Read the local and national reviews so you have a well-rounded idea of the company’s policies, ethics, and overall quality.

4) Create a Moving Binder. This holds all your receipts from your moving company, the paperwork from changing your address, your new internet, energy, and the phone contracts, the registration information for your children’s new school, this checklist, and your items inventory.

5) Pack an “unpacking” box filled with scissors, allen wrenches, screwdrivers, and anything else required to construct furniture, labeled ziplock bags, tape, dust cloths, and definitely three types of glue.

6) Start Using up the things you don’t want to bring with you. Food, cleaning supplies, cosmetics, etc…

7) Defrost and clean your freezer and refrigerator the night before leaving.

8) Take measurements. Take measurements of your space when you’re considering buying. Measure your furniture and compare it to your new home’s dimensions to make sure everything fits.

9) Label all your boxes. Just do it. Organize them by room so there is minimal moving once the boxes are inside. The only exception? Separate your valuables to a “safe box” that you transport yourself.

10) Be sure to forward your medical records to your new physician as well as getting all your prescriptions filled before you go.

11) Clear your schedule. Make sure there is nothing going on in your life other than moving on your moving day.

12) Pack your suitcases. As you get closer to your moving date, make sure your suitcases are packed with all the immediate things you’ll need, such as clothing, blankets, medications, snacks, children’s favorite toys, etc…

13) Set up your internet. (Especially if you have kids). Having the kids help with unpacking is necessary, however, sometimes you’ll want to tackle an area just you and your spouse. Keeping entertained, whether it’s background Netflix or another round of Angry Birds, is essential for maintaining a sunny mood during the multifaceted unpacking endeavor.

14) Fill out your change of address forms. Also, remember to send your address to any family or friends you want to remain in contact with. Social media is a great thing, but actual physical contact is better.

15) Set up your energy. Unpacking takes more than a week in most cases. You’re going to want lights and heat.

16) On moving day, be sure to go over your inventory of boxes with the movers while the truck is being packed and unloaded for optimum efficiency

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#Home Living #DIY #Moving Checklist #Moving homes

9 Ways To Keep Pests Away From Your Home

The humid and hot climate in most parts of the country provides one of the best environments for pests to multiply. From ants to cockroaches to flies, there is a wide range of pests in the world. If you don’t give them proper care, your interiors can be completely ruined by these pests. Moreover, they can cause irritation and allergies to most kids and elders. While there are some pesticides or pest control chemicals available in the market, it is always best to do this the natural way for you to combat these chemicals. Here are the simple ways to keep these pests at bay.

1. White Vinegar

One of the best natural products to combat ants and other pests is white vinegar. Fill the spray bottle with water and the white vinegar. Spray it where the ants occupy. Ants will be kept away by the smell of white vinegar.

2. Herbs

Another natural way to keep pests at bay is to plant herbs along with your balcony and or at the skirting of your house. Pests don’t bypass herbs to get to your home. Herbs like basil, mint, and bay leaves are best for this purpose.

3. Cinnamon Powder

Cinnamon powder is a significant natural pesticide. Sprinkle some small amounts of cinnamon powder in spaces you expect to have bugs especially the crawlspaces of your home. This action prevents these pests from getting into your home as long as it is present.

4. Cucumber and Onion

At all time, ensure that your kitchen counter is kept with a piece of onion or cucumber. It has been proven that the smell of kitchen ingredients, especially those that are fresh from the farm, keep pests away from your home and kitchen.

5. Citrus Peels

If spiders infest your home, then this is your home remedy. Ensure you make proper use of the citrus peels to keep the spiders at bay. Areas that are infested by spiders should be rubbed with the citrus peels like the cabinets and walls.

6. Mint

Pests such as ants don’t like the smell of mint. Mix equal amounts of water and peppermint oil and spray the areas infested by ants. You can, alternatively, plant mint in the garden or balcony and leave the leaves where ants dwell. Mint-based creams send ants away.

7. Ground Coffee

The coffee smell can dissipate the trail ants follow moving around your home. Sprinkle ground coffee at the point where they enter hour home. Ants will be prevented from entering further.

8. Neem Oil

Neem oil repels mosquitoes. The harsh smell of this oil helps keep mosquitoes away. Combine coconut oil and neem oil to apply them to your body to keep mosquitoes at bay.

9. Cleanliness

Above all, keeping your home clean and neat prevents pest attacks up to 99 percent. Clean food crumbs from cabinets and kitchen countertops regularly. Keep the surrounding areas neat and clean and dispose of the garbage regularly. Ensure that all windows and doors are closed seal all gaps using a sealant in your home.

All these natural methods will keep pests away from your house.

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#Home Living #Home Life #Pest Control

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